Chapter 31: Go Woo Her!
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation
“Why are you also here at the Office of Affairs?”
“I was investigating another missing persons case on the day you were ambushed.”
“Another one?”
On the way down from the Office of Affairs, Ji You brought Kuang Cheng along. The question caught him off guard—why did missing persons cases seem to be popping up everywhere lately?
Seeing the curiosity in Ji You’s eyes, Kuang Cheng explained, “After the Immortal Overseer Office was established, His Majesty intended to use tax corruption as a breakthrough point to investigate the collusion between Wei Li and Prince Chong. This led us to uncover a missing persons case.”
“Aren’t you a scholar? Aren’t you supposed to focus on writing? Why are you personally investigating cases?”
“The others in the office believe that even if this issue is fully investigated, it won’t affect Minister Wei much, so they are reluctant to dig deeper. I could only use my personal time to look for clues.”
Ji You gave him a sharp look. “What’s the case about?”
Lowering his voice, Kuang Cheng replied, “Do you remember the orphanage in the western part of the city that I mentioned before?”
“I remember. Didn’t you donate all my money there?”
“That was my money!” Kuang Cheng retorted before continuing, “Before we arrived in the capital, a large number of children from that orphanage disappeared overnight. Most were abandoned infants. I was asking around when the Heavenly Script Academy summoned me for questioning.”
Hearing this, Ji You furrowed his brow deeply. He couldn’t tell if it was because of Yuyang County’s isolation or if the recent series of events was truly stirring up a cloud of suspicion.
First, the academy’s students vanished. Then Old Qiu wrote about missing livestock at the Thirty-League Inn. Now Kuang Cheng had brought news of many missing children in the capital.
These incidents didn’t seem related at first glance—people, cattle, and horses couldn’t be lumped together. Yet the timing was suspiciously convenient, as if everything had been orchestrated to converge, stirring one’s imagination.
After pondering for a long time, Ji You snapped back to the present. “Have you found any clues?”
“Because I’d donated blankets to the orphanage before, some children weren’t wary of me. They told me in private that, on certain nights, they’d hear people coming and going and the sound of a grand carriage’s wheels from beyond the doors.”
Kuang Cheng rolled up his sleeves. “Grand carriages are only used by relay stations or large merchant firms. Merchants are harder to investigate, so I plan to start with the relay stations.”
Ji You’s frown deepened. “You’re going at this alone, without support. The risks are too high.”
“Which is why I need you to quickly become the Headmaster of the Heavenly Script Academy.”
“I’ve told you—I’m no match for him.”
Ji You thought for a while, then asked, “Does Prince Chong have a daughter?”
Kuang Cheng was momentarily stunned. “The Prince’s residence does have a titled princess, but she’s said to be highly talented in cultivation and has studied under the Spirit Sword Mountain lineage.”
“Wait, wait,” Ji You interrupted. “The Heavenly Script Academy is under the Great Xia Divine Sect. How is it that Prince Chong’s daughter is following the Spirit Sword Mountain’s lineage?”
“It’s said His Majesty forbade royal family members from practicing cultivation, but Prince Chong circumvented this by inviting a highly skilled Daoist from Spirit Sword Mountain to reside in his mansion.”
Prince Chong was already an ally of the pro-immortal faction and had ambitions for the throne. It seemed the Emperor wasn’t naive, forbidding cultivation in the prince’s household to limit his power.
Ji You deliberated for a while before looking up. “Then the princess isn’t suitable. What about Wei Li? Does he have a daughter?”
“He does. She’s as old as my mother and married an official from the Ministry of Revenue in her youth. We’re already investigating her as part of our case.”
“Would you mind… an older one? Older women can be more nurturing,” Ji You said before giving up on the thought. Society’s feudal values couldn’t accommodate such ideas.
Kuang Cheng was equally baffled, unable to comprehend what Ji You meant by “older” or how Wei Li’s daughter was relevant to him.
After a pause, Ji You asked again, “Then surely Wei Li has a granddaughter?”
Kuang Cheng thought about it. “Yes, he has a granddaughter who is said to be well-read and gentle.”
Ji You nodded and looked at Kuang Cheng. “Has anyone ever told you that we, as handsome men, can move even a dog to tears?”
Kuang Cheng blinked. “What do you mean by that?”
Ji You dragged him into a grassy area at the foot of the mountain. “Find a chance to run into her accidentally. Kick her leg if you have to. Or drop something and ask if it’s hers. Whatever you do, make a connection.”
Kuang Cheng crouched in the grass, utterly confused. “And then?”
“Once you’ve met her, show your charm. Recite poetry, share romantic moments under the moon, stay just out of reach. Make her fall in love with you.”
Blushing, Kuang Cheng retorted, “I haven’t achieved anything yet. How can I indulge in matters of love?”
Ji You sighed. “There are only three ways power spreads: through emotion, blood, or lineage. You’re alone. Even if you uncover something, will you live to see justice done? You must give Wei Li a reason to hold back. This is your best option.”
After a long moment of contemplation, Kuang Cheng asked, “Ji Brother, do you like older women? Does your Headmaster have a daughter?”
“Ha! You learn fast. Looks like you’ve grasped the essence of it. Now get lost!” Ji You waved him off.
Watching Kuang Cheng head down the mountain, Ji You planned to return to the Elegant Garden by Azure Lake. Suddenly, a group of people approached him. They were the same spectators who had gathered during the street fight. Each held their swords, bowing as they reached him, a group of over twenty.
“Young Master Ji, I am Bai Xi of Spirit Sword Mountain, an Outer Disciple.”
“I am Chen Bu Wang of the Chen Clan Immortals. Greetings, Brother Ji.”
“Qiu Ni of the Mountain and Sea Pavilion.”
…
Ji You glanced at them. “What business do you have with me?”
Bai Xi spoke respectfully. “Having witnessed your swordsmanship on the street, we have been deeply impressed. May I ask the names of the three strikes you performed?”
After some thought, Ji You replied, “Three Swords Returning to the Sect.”
The group exchanged glances, nodding in admiration. “What a powerful name.”
Bai Xi continued, “May I ask who taught you such exceptional swordsmanship?”
Realizing they wanted to learn his techniques, Ji You said, “I was taught by Wang Xin An, a master of the Sword Dao who loves to clock in for work. If you wish to learn, I can accept fees on his behalf—one tael per person.”
At first, the group was taken aback. Then, one by one, they reached into their sleeves and waist pouches, producing silver coins.
Meanwhile, Wang Xin An had been living leisurely, drinking tea and relaxing in the Sword Testing Forest. But the following day, a group of disciples from other sects marched toward the forest with great vigor.
The clamor of their footsteps interrupted Wang Xin An’s peaceful tea session. Rising from his reclining chair, he saw the group approaching, each kneeling on one knee to request his instruction in the Sword Dao.
At that moment, Wang Xin An understood. Ji You’s remarkable display had astounded them, and upon learning he was Wang’s disciple, they had come seeking tutelage.
Wang Xin An laughed heartily. “Although I do enjoy teaching the Sword Dao tirelessly every day, you are not disciples of the Heavenly Script Academy. How can I teach you within its grounds?”
“But… Brother Ji already collected our fees.”
“???”