Chapter 45: Full Drink

At the forefront of the grand banquet, the esteemed Heir and the Princess of White Carp County sat regally behind their tables, their ears open to the clamor of conversation, yet refraining from interjecting. Instead, they exchanged hushed whispers, their topic of discussion shrouded in mystery.

Chen Ji, observing the diverse gathering of literati and scholars, felt a distinct sense of detachment. He wondered when Lady Jing Fei would seek him out for their private discourse.

Just then, a figure materialized beside him. It was Chun Hua, who, with a graceful bend of the waist and a lowered voice, murmured, "My mistress requests your presence."

Chen Ji scanned the literary gathering, his gaze sweeping over the assembled figures. He confirmed that Yun Fei was conspicuously absent, and a subtle sigh of relief escaped his lips.

Presently, before Jing Fei, he walked a precarious tightrope. He was a operative of the Secret Spy Agency to her, yet to Yun Fei, he served the Military Intelligence Agency of the Jing Dynasty. This duality created a constant, high-wire tension, akin to navigating a chasm ten thousand feet deep.

He rose and followed Chun Hua to a nearby pavilion. Peering through the delicate bamboo curtain, he could discern only the indistinct outline of Jing Fei within.

Chun Hua withdrew, leaving only Chen Ji and Jing Fei, separated by the fragile barrier of the curtain. A prolonged silence hung between them. Jing Fei remained unspoken, and Chen Ji stood motionless, both seemingly lost in contemplation of the surrounding literary gathering.

After an immeasurable span of time, Jing Fei's voice, calm and measured, finally broke the silence. "They say Liu Shi Yu was forced to his death by the Secret Spy Agency. Why do you claim he was silenced?"

Chen Ji's voice was equally slow and deliberate. "I examined the body myself. Someone colluded with the inner prison guards, staging his death to resemble a self-inflicted hanging. In truth, he was strangled. The Secret Spy Agency possesses records that corroborate this."

Jing Fei's brow furrowed. "How am I to access the Secret Spy Agency's files? And how can I be certain you aren't deceiving me?"

Standing outside the pavilion, Chen Ji paused, collecting his thoughts. "You know, deep down, that what I speak is the truth. The Liu family, capable of delivering that cup to you, would not hesitate to sacrifice Liu Shi Yu's life. I am but a minor figure, a pawn of the Secret Spy Agency. Lady Jing Fei, your vengeance should not be directed at me."

Jing Fei's voice sharpened, laced with a chilling intensity. "Do not think you can evade responsibility! Someone informed me that without your words, the Secret Spy Agency could not have unearthed Liu Shi Yu's vulnerability! Since you sent Chun Hua with your message, tell me how to exact my revenge. Otherwise, you too shall meet your end!"

Chen Ji's gaze drifted over the literati and scholars before him. While they discussed the aesthetics of wind, flowers, snow, and the ideals of governance, he found himself in a separate realm, conversing about life and death. "Lady, who currently holds sway within the Liu family in Luocheng? Is it Liu Xian Ming?"

The mention of the name caused a noticeable shift in Jing Fei's tone, a bitter resentment seeping into her voice. "It is he!"

Jing Fei's suppressed voice carried a hint of madness. The loss of her son, followed the next day by the death of her cherished nephew, had pushed her to the brink of emotional collapse.

Chen Ji silently commended Liu Xian Ming's performance. On the night of the Zhou family's encirclement, he had appeared in mourning clothes, his eyes red, his expression weary – the very image of a devoted son. "How do you intend to seek your vengeance?"

"I want him to die a horrifying death!"

Chen Ji exhaled, a sense of relief washing over him. The focus of her hatred had shifted to Liu Xian Ming. "When did he give you that cup?"

"In early spring!"

Chen Ji pressed further. "At that time, he must have sought your assistance with something you refused, leading him to send that cup in retaliation. Tell me, what precisely did he entrust you to handle?"

"Why do you ask these questions?"

Chen Ji's reply was direct. "Without understanding his intentions, how can one effectively seek vengeance?"

Jing Fei pondered for a moment. "At that time, an old subordinate general of the Prince was promoted to Commander, leading two thousand soldiers stationed at the Luocheng Craft Bureau. Liu Xian Ming desired me to use the Prince's name to contact this old subordinate..."

Chen Ji was momentarily stunned.

Zhou Cheng Yi had orchestrated the approach of the thin horse, Cui Huan, towards the Craft Bureau. Liu Xian Ming's request to Jing Fei also aimed to gain access to the commander of the Craft Bureau garrison.

Why was the Craft Bureau of such paramount importance? Why did it necessitate such elaborate maneuvers from both the Military Intelligence Agency and the Liu family? And why did this Craft Bureau of the Ning Dynasty require a garrison of two thousand elite soldiers?!

Wait.

Earlier, a literatus had mentioned that if the Jing Dynasty cavalry approached Chong Li Pass, the Ning Dynasty's defending general could utilize cannons and firearms to repel the assault.

In Chen Ji's mind, a flash of insight connected all the disparate clues: The Jing Dynasty Military Intelligence Agency coveted the Ning Dynasty's secret formula for manufacturing firearms!

This was the very token of sincerity the Military Intelligence Agency chief had demanded from the Liu family!

And the Liu family had already colluded with Yun Fei, obtaining the firearms. That cup was not merely intended to harm the child...

Yun Fei's condition for cooperation was likely the Liu family's elimination of the disobedient Jing Fei, clearing the path for herself to become the principal wife, a gesture of submission.

Otherwise, why would Yun Fei align herself with the Liu family?

...

...

Lost in his thoughts, Chen Ji was roused by a loud voice from a nearby seat. "May I inquire of Brother Zong? The Chen family boasts a double distinction, with both brothers appearing poised for the top scholar position in this year's provincial examination. However, I recall hearing you had another younger brother. Why is he never seen?"

"That's not right," another voice interjected. "I remember Father once asked Uncle Chen about the number of children in his family. Uncle explicitly stated two sons and one daughter!"

Chen Ji raised his eyes, observing his two legitimate brothers, who, like dragons and phoenixes among men, were the focal point of the assembled literati. Naturally, their family affairs also attracted considerable attention.

The individual who had initially raised the question expressed doubt. "Brother Zong, could I have misheard?"

The nearby Chen Wen Xiao interjected. "That younger brother of ours is of ill repute. Our father considers him disowned."

A portly, round-faced man, his interest piqued, leaned forward. "How so? Are there hidden tales?"

Chen Wen Zong shot a disapproving glare at Chen Wen Xiao. "This is a family scandal. Let us not speak of it further."

However, Chen Wen Xiao remained unperturbed, continuing his narrative. "That younger brother of mine, Chen Ji, frequented houses of ill repute from a young age. He was also a regular at the gambling den in Red Clothes Alley. Three years ago, Father intended for him to study at East Forest Academy. Yet, unexpectedly, the gambling den presented a debt note, demanding six hundred taels!"

"What?"

"Six hundred taels!"

Chen Wen Zong frowned at Chen Wen Xiao. "Say no more. You defile the family's reputation and invite ridicule!"

Chen Wen Xiao boldly raised his wine cup and took a deep draught. "That boy's transgressions are manifold. How can they be concealed? Elder Brother, do not deceive yourself."

He turned his gaze to the crowd. "Father, upon learning of this matter, intended to beat him to death. It was Mother, in her kindness, who intervened, suggesting he be found a means to support himself. Mother first secured him a position as a clerk at a pharmacy. Later, deeming the work too arduous, he again implored Mother to donate some silver, sending him to the Imperial Medical Bureau as an apprentice. Where he is now, I know not."

From a nearby seat, someone sighed, "Tsk tsk, a gambler among them. Truly a misfortune for the family."

However, the sound of a table overturning shattered the atmosphere. She Deng Ke had risen abruptly, his voice filled with indignation. "Nonsense! Chen Ji is not that kind of person! He is no gambler, nor is he idle and lazy!"

Food scattered across the ground, wine splashing onto the literati at the front tables.

The crowd turned to stare at She Deng Ke. Chen Wen Xiao looked questioningly at the Heir. "Heir, this is?"

The Heir appeared somewhat bewildered. *This is not one of my invited guests.*

She Deng Ke declared his identity. "I am She Deng Ke, an apprentice at the Imperial Medical Bureau. Chen Ji and I were in the same class for two years. He is absolutely not the person you claim him to be!"

Chen Wen Xiao narrowed his eyes. "Chen Ji is my younger brother. Of course, I understand him better."

She Deng Ke's face flushed with anger. "You understand a..."

"Deng Ke? As in, 'advancing to official position,' 'top scholar,' and 'first place'? Ha ha ha!" A sudden burst of laughter erupted. "Bearing such an ambitious name, why not partake in the imperial examination? Why instead apprentice at the medical bureau?"

"And those coarse clothes! How dare you attend a literary gathering?"

Liu Qu Xing could no longer remain silent. He rose angrily. "What clothes one wears has no bearing on a literary gathering! We have known Chen Ji for two years. He is absolutely not the person you describe!"

"Oh, he appears somewhat presentable, but I observe that cherry-tiled hat is not from Li Ji's workshop. It appears to be an imitation from a small workshop."

Liu Qu Xing was rendered speechless. He had indeed purchased an imitation to save money.

However, at that moment, the Princess of White Carp County rose and spoke with a clear voice. "Are your academy teachers instructing you to judge people by appearances in such a manner? What he wears and what he does is irrelevant to the truth of his character. None of you have likely met this 'Chen Ji,' and neither have I. But these two individuals, who bravely speak in his defense, do not seem ill-intentioned in my estimation."

The Heir chuckled heartily. "White Carp speaks wisely! Let me ask you all, if someone were to slander you externally, would anyone speak in your defense? Do you possess such friends among you?"

With that, the Heir raised his cup towards She Deng Ke and Liu Qu Xing in a gesture of respect. "I admire you. Drink your fill!"