Chapter 681: Something Happened

Chapter 681: Chapter 681: Something Happened

In most cases, when people say "they look very much alike," what they actually mean is, "it’s a pity they’re not the same person." But this time, both Wang Jian and the scout did not overlook this detail, because it was too irregular: not only did he resemble him, he also bore a Nine-pointed Star Emblem on him.

Wang Jian produced a portrait, precisely that of Prince Jin. Even within the painting, the one black and one white eye sent a shiver of oppressive dread to the viewer.

"Is it possible that, for the sake of convenient travel, he used some method to disguise these eyes and make them appear less distinctive?"

"Sir, I believe there’s a high possibility of that."

"Where did this person go?"

"Went here, Bu’er Tea House." He pointed to the map as he spoke.

"Did you see him yourself?"

"Yes, sir. We tracked that carriage, set constables at both the front and back doors. At early 9 p.m., he left, exited the city—most likely returning to Wu Village. Didn’t dare to get too close."

"Mm, good. Not tailing closely was the right call. If the target was using concealment, his cultivation would be at Profound Sea, and our people would be easily exposed. Keep your distance, but do not let up—watch Wu Village and Bu’er Tea House. Especially that tea house, investigate its background."

"Yes, sir."

"Good, you may go. Above all, be careful, do not expose yourselves. If anything goes wrong, sever contact immediately. Under no circumstances can we be implicated."

"Understood."

The next day at noon, a detailed report from a Black Water Secret Agent along with findings from covert investigation reached Wang Jian. These materials had bypassed the Four Divisions, delivered directly from Black Water’s secret agent within the Imperial City to Wang Jian.

The contents were mainly in three parts. First, concerning the suspected individual: it was already confirmed that he had indeed returned to Wu Village last night, continuing to reside in Yang Yansi’s compound.

Second, yesterday afternoon into the evening, the person did not meet anyone of note at Bu’er Tea House; it appeared he went specifically to listen to a performance—specifically, one by Fujiko the Lute Player, a celebrated Zither Master in the Imperial City.

Third, the background of Bu’er Tea House was extremely mysterious. For now, all that’s known is its actual Master is highly likely connected to "Tea", one of the Five Great Imperial Merchants, but the precise individual could not yet be identified.

This information gave Wang Jian plenty to deduce. While ordering his subordinates to remain vigilant, he began organizing what he had, recording it into the Thousand-Mile Sound and splitting it into two parts to send to Shen Hao, far off in Barbarian Territory.

It wasn’t long before Shen Hao’s reply arrived. The higher-ups expressed agreement with Wang Jian’s assessments. Those one-black, one-white eyes were simply too distinctive—using some method to cover them up when in unfamiliar or unsafe places was only logical, so they also consented that Wang Jian’s target was indeed Prince Jin, Yang Wenguang, who had infiltrated the Imperial City.

Moreover, if that person was truly Yang Wenguang, then Yang Yansi’s behavior didn’t add up. The two of them were definitely connected, perhaps even scheming together; otherwise, he’d never have entered and exited Yang Yansi’s estate.

Lastly, the man suspected to be Yang Wenguang meeting with Fujiko the Lute Player in the Bu’er Tea House was not simple; she was top brass of Moon Shadow Tower and allegedly had vague ties to the Seventh Prince. With that, matters grew even more complicated.

Shen Hao’s order to Wang Jian was to immediately formalize the report in writing and personally deliver it to Jiang Cheng, with the classification remaining at top secret. Meanwhile, Wang Jian might as well consult Jiang Cheng on Bu’er Tea House’s background; Black Water’s foundation was too shallow, and for probing into deeper secrets, Xuanqing Guard’s assistance would be needed.

Receiving these instructions, Wang Jian had a clear sense of things. He promptly drafted an official document and rushed overnight to Jiang Cheng’s residence.

"Sir, due to this case, may I boldly ask if the Governor’s Office might provide intelligence support?" Only after Jiang Cheng had read through the report did Wang Jian quietly and cautiously probe.

"What do you want to know?"

Jiang Cheng was quite unsettled by now. But with Wang Jian before him, he had to steady himself. Truth be told, this was his first time giving the young Flag Officer, personally installed by Shen Hao and in charge of Black Water, a proper look—so young, yet clearly highly capable.

"Sir, I wish to investigate background information regarding Bu’er Tea House. Black Water is truly too thinly rooted in the city—I wondered if you might have relevant intelligence?"

Jiang Cheng pointed to a nearby chair, gesturing for Wang Jian to sit, then began, "Bu’er Tea House is one of the most elite tea houses in the Imperial City—its décor and atmosphere are unique, and its clientele are all either wealthy or powerful. Indeed, the best tea of the Dynasty, ’Bihai Tide’, is served exclusively here.

A tea house of this level is not something common people could investigate; its patron is ’Tea’, one of the Five Great Imperial Merchants, and the actual controller of this ’Tea’ at present is the Seventh Prince—Prince Ling, Shu."

Wang Jian hadn’t expected Jiang Cheng to know so much. He immediately bowed in gratitude and, with hands cupped, withdrew from Jiang Cheng’s mansion, not daring to disturb further. In fact, even when Jiang Cheng offered him a seat earlier, he hadn’t dared sit. In haste, he hurried back to adjust his investigation strategy.

In Wang Jian’s view, they could not observe Wu Village too closely—it was far too dangerous, with two Profound Sea Realm experts present: the secret agents would be crushed with a single finger.

So the main direction for investigation would be the Bu’er Tea House.

As for Prince Jin himself, Wang Jian believed it best to observe from a distance; once the report was filed, the Governor’s Office or the Commander’s Office would devise a new plan. There was no need for him to worry about the handling. But by following the lead of Bu’er Tea House, perhaps they could figure out what exactly Prince Jin planned after entering the Imperial City?

Was he truly there just to listen to music at a tea house? For two whole hours at that? And as for Fujiko the Lute Player’s identity—maybe the Governor’s Office was unclear, but Black Water’s dossier spelled it out precisely: she was a high-ranking member of Moon Shadow Tower and a Sound Cultivator of profound skill.

Thus, Wang Jian speculated boldly: did Prince Jin seek out Fujiko to gain contact with Moon Shadow Tower?

And did Prince Ling know or not? Should this be investigated too?

...

After Wang Jian departed, Jiang Cheng did not remain at home either—he changed clothes and summoned his guards, then proceeded to Pang Ban’s residence nearby, relaying Wang Jian’s latest intelligence in full and without alteration.

The same intelligence, owing to differences in their information base, had merely surprised Wang Jian, but left Jiang Cheng and Pang Ban deeply unsettled—a sense of disbelief laced with dread. And their focus was vastly different, too.

"Wu Village? Yang Yansi?" Even Pang Ban couldn’t force a smile now; his face was dark and terrifying.

Wasn’t Yang Yansi already suppressed by the Emperor? By His Majesty’s disposition, Yang Yansi surviving last time was merely a stopgap measure—how could he now have the chance to interact with Prince Jin? Did the Emperor not have eyes on Yang Yansi? Or had Yang Yansi slipped free of royal surveillance and control?

Pang Ban would never doubt Black Water’s intelligence; anything brought to their attention was fully reliable. Given what they had, it seemed a true disaster was brewing.