The Azure Mountain

Chapter 137: Study Tour

In the night of Luo City, the distant and aged voice of a night watchman drifted over: "The weather is freezing cold, be careful of slippery roads."

The hour of Yin [3-5 AM]; it was exactly the time to wake up.

If this were the Capital City, the important officials of the royal court would have already gathered before the Wenyuan Cabinet inside the East Brilliance Gate, exhaling white mist as they waited outside for the Grand Secretaries' dispatch.

Lifting the curtain, Chen Ji looked out the carriage window at the hazy dawn light and thin mist. He thought to himself that he had to hurry back to Anxi Street as fast as possible, otherwise he would be late for school again today.

He gently lowered the carriage curtain. Inside the swaying carriage, Jin Zhu was slowly recalling, "That year, the assassination case of the Ministry of Revenue's Minister caused a massive sensation. His Majesty gave the Court of Judicial Review seven days to apprehend the true culprit. If they couldn't solve the case, all officials in the Court of Judicial Review ranked exactly or above upper-fifth grade would be demoted by three grades, while all those below would be stripped of their positions, sent home, and never employed again."

"At that time, the Capital City felt like it was submerged in an icy river. Everyone walking on the streets didn't even dare to breathe heavily, afraid that the moment they opened their mouths, cold air would pour into their bodies. Unfortunately, in the end, they still couldn't crack the case. It wasn't until the news of Lu Jin receiving a promotion in official position and noble title in the Jing Dynasty traveled back that everyone realized exactly what had happened. It truly was an agonizing winter."

As he spoke, he looked at Shopkeeper Yuan, his gaze profound: "Back then, so many Vice Directors and Evaluators of the Court of Judicial Review, as well as the City-Patrolling Imperial Censors, couldn't find a single clue. Now, after so many years have passed, it would be as difficult as ascending the heavens for us to try and investigate anything."

Shopkeeper Yuan said, "Lord Jin Zhu, if I am lucky enough to become a Gyrfalcon of the Secret Spy Division, I will definitely uncover the identity of Lu Jin's younger sister. I firmly believe she absolutely did not return to the Jing Dynasty; otherwise, given Lu Jin's status and position, she wouldn't need to hide her head and show her tail at all."

Jin Zhu chuckled merrily, "Then why do you think she didn't return to the Jing Dynasty? Perhaps she's dead!"

Shopkeeper Yuan replied, "If she died, with Lu Jin's methods, he would naturally be able to find her remains and take them back. If she didn't die, then there are only two things that can keep a woman from leaving: one is love, and the other is a child."Jin Zhu clapped with keen interest: "Makes sense. However, based on what you're saying, you currently have no clues or ideas either?"

Shopkeeper Yuan nodded: "Indeed."

Chen Ji sighed slightly in relief and spoke up, "Lord, if there are no further matters here..."

But before he could finish, Jin Zhu abruptly switched topics and asked Shopkeeper Yuan, "Setting aside the matter of Lu Jin's younger sister for a moment, let's talk about tonight. I feel that Shopkeeper Yuan is still holding back somewhat, no?"

Shopkeeper Yuan's expression froze: "What does Milord mean? I have already said everything I should."

Jin Zhu said with a smiling face, "It's true that you sold out your colleagues in Luo City. However, among the officials you confessed to bribing, the highest official position is nothing more than a minor county clerk. Looking at the account books of the Hundred Deer Pavilion in Luo City, there is currently still eighteen thousand taels missing. May I ask, where did this silver go?"

Shopkeeper Yuan lamented, "Lord Jin Zhu is formidable to have audited the Hundred Deer Pavilion's accounts so clearly and quickly."

Jin Zhu waved his hand dismissively: "I am not the formidable one. It is that my Directorate of Ceremonial possesses the most formidable accountant in the entire Ning Dynasty."

Shopkeeper Yuan pondered for a moment: "Lord, change course. Go to Tongji Street."

Jin Zhu patted the carriage wall. "Xi Feng, to Tongji Street."

He then heard Shopkeeper Yuan say, "Lord, the inner account book of the Military Intelligence Division is the trump card I saved for after joining the Secret Spy Division. It contains all the evidence and accounts of the Hundred Deer Pavilion, Red Sleeve Brothel, and Mingquan Courtyard bribing officials all over Yuzhou, not even lacking numerous high-ranking officials of Luo City. Now, I surrender it all to Milord. I only hope Milord will generously support and promote me in the future."

Jin Zhu laughed: "Easy to say, easy to say. Oh right, Chen Ji, what were you about to say just now?"

Chen Ji, who had originally intended to take his leave, sat back securely in the carriage. He shook his head, "Nothing..."

High-ranking officials of Luo City? The number of people in Luo City who could be considered high-ranking officials didn't exceed the fingers of one hand: Zhang Zhuo, Chen Liqin, and Liu Mingxian.

He couldn't leave at a time like this.

The carriage quietly drove into Tongji Street, where wealthy merchants congregated. Even at this hour when dawn was fast approaching, faint sounds of raucous laughter and bawdy songs still drifted from the homes of certain merchants.

Jin Zhu sneered coldly: "We fight to the death just to protect a bunch of rubbish like this."

The carriage arrived before an elegant residence.

Shopkeeper Yuan said, "This is the place. The account books are hidden inside."

Jin Zhu shot him a silent glance. Reaching out and giving a casual push, he completely shattered the door latch inside.

However, he didn't walk in through the main door. Instead, he stepped to the side, leaped lightly upward, and crouched securely on the eaves of the wall to survey the inside.

There were no hidden attacks and no ambushes; the residence was completely empty.

Shopkeeper Yuan chuckled, "Lord Jin Zhu, since I have already made up my mind to abandon the dark and join the light, I won't do useless things."

With a fake smile masking his true feelings, Jin Zhu said, "Careful sailing allows a ship to voyage for ten thousand years. It's not that I suspect you, it's just a force of habit."

"Understood!"

Jin Zhu escorted Shopkeeper Yuan into the courtyard. The courtyard was not considered large, but it possessed everything it should have, including a rockery and a fish pond. Over a dozen koi fish were swimming in the pond.

Limping over, Shopkeeper Yuan found an iron pickaxe and viciously smashed it into the rockery.

With a loud clang, the rockery shattered, revealing a box hidden inside. The box was half the height of a person. When Xi Feng opened it to look, inside were, shockingly, stacks of account books.

Shopkeeper Yuan explained from the side, "Prefect of Luo City Zhang Zhuo, four thousand taels of silver; Assistant Prefect of Luo City Liu Mingxian, two thousand taels of silver; Vice-Prefect of Luo City Chen Liqin, two thousand taels of silver. Aside from them, there's also the Prefect of Kaifeng, and the County Magistrate of Zheng County."

Jin Zhu subconsciously cast a glance at Chen Ji before turning to Shopkeeper Yuan with a frown: "Vice-Prefect of Luo City Chen Liqin is upright, unyielding, and completely impartial. How could he accept your bribes? You're not falsely accusing someone, are you?"

Shopkeeper Yuan gave a hearty laugh: "Lord must be joking. Crows everywhere in the world are equally black. Looking across the Ning Dynasty and the Jing Dynasty, where is there an official who doesn't accept bribes? However, this Lord Chen has always stayed behind the scenes; he always has his young male servants step forward to collect it. On this account book, the exact time, place, and person involved in the bribe are all labeled crystal clearly, and the box has markings as well."

Jin Zhu shot a meaningful glance at Xi Feng. Xi Feng immediately lit a brazier in the courtyard.

Just as Shopkeeper Yuan was feeling puzzled, Jin Zhu tore off Chen Liqin's page and casually tossed it toward the brazier, saying calmly: "Chen Liqin is upright and possessed of a clean reputation. He has never accepted bribes from the likes of you. Understood?"

Shopkeeper Yuan froze for a moment, then laughed: "Understood, understood."

But before that yellowed piece of paper could fall into the brazier, a thin and lean hand steadily caught it, folded it, and tucked it into his robes.

Chen Ji looked at Jin Zhu: "Lord, I am keeping this page."

Jin Zhu pondered for a moment before offering a beaming smile: "Alright. You're actually far more ruthless than I thought. For others, it's the old man manipulating the son, but you, as the son, want to reverse it and handle the old man."

Chen Ji then looked at the account book in Jin Zhu's hand: "Lord, Zhang Zhuo's page."

Jin Zhu laughed heartily and clearly: "Previously at the Yingxian Restaurant, when I heard about the matter between you and the Zhang family's Second Miss, I truly thought it was just a false rumor. Only later, when I dispatched informants to heavily investigate, did I discover that Lord Zhang Zhuo was merely employing a delaying tactic. With this kind of relationship, of course I have to do you a favor and help cover things up a little."

As he spoke, he actually tore out Zhang Zhuo's page as well.

Without offering any explanation or defense, Chen Ji was just about to reach out and take it when Jin Zhu suddenly retracted his hand and solemnly instructed: "Now that we are all brothers of the same family, I can naturally cover up some things for you. However, I only have one demand."

"Lord, please speak."

"Cultivate properly."

Jin Zhu said earnestly: "Only by becoming a practitioner as early as possible will you be able to do more things for me sooner."

Chen Ji cupped his hands in greeting: "Lord, rest easy. Once I return, I will definitely cultivate diligently and painstakingly."

Jin Zhu coughed: "Rest well first, then cultivate properly."

Chen Ji nodded: "Understood."

Jin Zhu slapped the page into Chen Ji's hand. Chen Ji, however, calmly tossed the paper page toward the brazier.

The firelight reflected against his cheek, casting a touch of a warm hue.

He remembered Zhang Zhuo saying under the city gate archway: "I harbor a grand ambition. Could you assist me?"

This could be considered as having assisted, right?

Just then, the sound of the night watchman's gong drifted from outside the courtyard: "The morning rooster announces the dawn, sleep early and rise early."

The hour of Mao [5-7 AM]; sunrise.

At the distant horizon, a touch of white just started to appear, dispersing the layers of clouds.

Chen Ji asked, "Lord, are there any further matters that require me today?"

Jin Zhu said with a smiling face: "None, none. Go back and get a good sleep. Wait until you wake up to think of a way to step into a cultivation pathway. If nothing major happens over the next few days, I won't seek you out."

"This humble subordinate takes his leave."

Chen Ji walked outward. The moment he exited the courtyard, he suddenly broke into a frantic sprint.

...

An ox cart was parked in front of the Zhixing Academy on Anxi Street. A coachman wearing a bamboo hat had his head lowered as he grabbed a handful of forage and fed it into the old yellow ox's mouth.

Some luggage was laid out on the long flatbed cart, looking like they were preparing for a long journey.

Beside the ox cart, Bai Li stood on her tiptoes, looking toward the end of the long street in search of a familiar figure.

Leaning against the doorframe, the Prince Heir said languidly, "This Anxi Street can be seen from end to end at a single glance. Even standing on your tiptoes won't let you see any further."

Bai Li said angrily, "Liu Quxing said Chen Ji went out yesterday afternoon, yet he still hasn't returned even now. Aren't you worried that something happened to him?"

The Prince Heir yawned: "This kid acts mysterious all day long; I'm completely used to it. With those skills of his, even the secret spies can't do anything about him. What could possibly happen to him? Don't worry, he'll definitely make it here in a bit."

Bai Li said, "The key point is that he didn't receive the news that Mister Wang is taking us on a study tour to Luhun Villa, so his luggage isn't even prepared yet."

As the two spoke, Zhang Xia walked out of the academy and asked curiously, "Is Chen Ji late again?"

Bai Li cast her a sidelong glance: "He definitely got delayed by something."

Chen Wenxiao also walked out the door: "He had matters yesterday, and matters again today. He's a medical clinic apprentice, what important matters could he possibly have day in and day out? As his friends, you should properly advise him. Since he has the opportunity to study with Mister Wang, he appropriately ought to cherish it."

Wearing an azure scholar's robe, Mister Wang slowly walked out from the door and asked calmly, "Has Chen Ji not arrived yet?"

Bai Li felt a bit awkward: "Reporting to Mister, Chen Ji has definitely been delayed by something. He is absolutely not deliberately arriving late."

Chen Wenxiao cupped his hands and bowed: "Mister, how about we don't wait for him? With the speed of an ox cart, if we delay for too long, we might not make it to Yichuan County Town to rest our feet before sunset. Moreover, this boy is stubbornly insensitive. Mister need not waste time on him."

Chen Wenzong frowned: "Shut your mouth."

Mister Wang's facial expression didn't change as he merely said plainly: "To serve as a paragon of virtue and learning, to teach without ever tiring — how can I give up on a disciple just because he is momentarily naughty and mischievous? Let us wait a while longer."

Having said that, he placed his hands behind his back and waited quietly just like that.

The sound of running footsteps echoed from afar. As everyone turned to look, they saw Chen Ji appear at the end of the long street, sprinting wildly.

When Chen Ji finally arrived before the academy gates, he bent over, rested his hands on his knees, and panted violently: "Mister, my apologies, I've arrived late."

Mister Wang didn't question or reprimand him immediately. Instead, he said to Bai Li: "Go fetch him a cup of water."

Bai Li ran into the back courtyard like the wind. When she reemerged, she held up a wooden cup to Chen Ji's face: "Hurry and drink some water."

Mister Wang said casually, "After running so urgently just now, do not drink it down directly. Just rinse your mouth and you will be fine. In my early years, when quelling the rebellion in Jiangzhou, some soldiers under my command drank water during a forced march and died from it."

Chen Ji stood up straight and rinsed his mouth.

This time, Mister Wang didn't ask anything at all. He merely ordered: "The rest of you sit on the cart. You bring up the rear by walking."

With that, he boarded the ox cart without looking back.

Looking at Bai Li, Chen Ji asked in astonishment: "Where are we going?"

Bai Li explained: "Luhun Villa in Song County is hosting a literary gathering. At that time, eminent monks from Tuoluo Temple, Daoist priests from the Mount Laojun Daoist Court, as well as some scholars from the south will all participate. Mister Wang is taking us there to broaden our horizons and gain some experience."

She took a small cloth bundle out of her luggage and handed it to Chen Ji: "You haven't eaten breakfast yet, right? Inside are the traditional snacks I brought, hurry up and pad your stomach. Today we have to walk more than forty miles to Yichuan County Town to rest our feet; going hungry won't do."

Chen Ji thought for a moment and said, "I have to speak with Mister Wang. I might not be able to follow him to study."

Bai Li froze for a moment: "That's fine too. If you truly don't like studying the classics, then don't learn them."

As Chen Ji walked toward the ox cart, the coachman suddenly stepped forward rapidly and pulled him aside: "Kid, hold on for a little longer. The Ministry of Revenue's silver will be approved very soon. Wait until the border army has cotton gloves, then it won't be too late for you to withdraw from school."

Only then did Chen Ji and Bai Li see clearly the face under the coachman's bamboo hat. They were shocked: "Dad."

"His Highness?"