Chapter 39: Yan Shuzhu Comes Knocking Again

Shi Sheng has always hated evil like poison.

The thing he can least stand is this kind of person who abuses power just because of their background—even a minor background is still a background.

"Let’s go!"

Seeing that the matter had been settled, Ye Liuyun directly left with Si Nan and Shi Sheng.

He didn’t even have the thought to help bury the dead.

...

When Ye Liuyun returned home, there was little effect on the residence.

That’s as expected—after all, as a former Third Grade official, suddenly dying like this, the news would surely be locked down immediately.

Sheng Lanzhi probably will have to wait some time before receiving news of her father’s death.

Should I go give her a hint?

"Master, are you troubled by something?"

As Ye Liuyun pondered, Xing’Er’s curious voice sounded from the side.

"It’s nothing." Ye Liuyun snapped out of it and shook his head.

Forget it. Ever since I replaced Ye Liufeng’s identity and came to this residence, I haven’t seen that eldest sister-in-law even once.

Better keep it that way.

Anyway, it won’t take long for her to learn the news herself.

"Go have someone prepare a tub of hot water. I need a bath!"

"Yes, Master!"

Hearing Ye Liuyun’s order, Xing’Er, of course, had nothing to say and obediently nodded.

...

The next day arrived.

Lu Quan didn’t report for duty, but it didn’t cause much of a stir inside the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

At the rank of Centurion, even missing several days of roll call at the Embroidered Uniform Guard, no one would say anything.

But—

When I made my move, I didn’t hide the body, so it probably won’t be long before someone discovers it.

But that’s fine.

When he acted, Ye Liuyun was already mentally prepared for this.

In the afternoon, Ye Liuyun took Shi Sheng and Si Nan to patrol inside the Imperial City. Basically, when there are no cases in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, someone is assigned to patrol the Imperial City.

To keep the Imperial City secure.

"You again?"

They had only just set off when Ye Liuyun saw Lv Lan waiting from afar.

Judging by the posture, she was clearly waiting just for him.

"Don’t misunderstand, Centurion Ye!"

Compared to the past occasions, Lv Lan’s attitude this time was surprisingly cordial.

Maybe she thinks Ye Liuyun is quite a decent person, thus her attitude has shifted drastically.

Worried that Ye Liuyun might misunderstand, Lv Lan hurriedly explained.

"My young master has no other intentions—he just wishes to invite Centurion Ye for a drink. But please rest assured, if Centurion Ye is busy, we won’t intrude at all!"

Yan Shuzhu really knows how to show respect and patience to people of talent.

"..."

Even Ye Liuyun was a bit surprised. Have they been talked into submission?

Whatever. Since I’ve nothing else to do, and there’s a free meal, why not go?

"Since you’ve put it like that, it would be rude of me to keep refusing. Don’t worry, I’ll accept the invitation this evening."

Seeing Ye Liuyun agree, Lv Lan broke into a smile as well.

After a bit of polite chatter, Lv Lan left.

"Are we getting free drinks again tonight?"

Shi Sheng had held his tongue just now, but once Lv Lan left, he looked over with excitement.

After spending lots of time together, their relationship had gotten quite familiar; now, whenever Shi Sheng says anything, Si Nan habitually replies.

"They invited our lord, not you. What’s it got to do with you?"

"Don’t tell me you don’t want to go."

He shot Si Nan a glance, full of mock annoyance.

Saying all that justification—just admit you want to go.

"Hehe!"

With a goofy laugh, he decisively looked at Ye Liuyun.

Whether they can go depends on Ye Liuyun’s attitude.

"If you want to go, then all of you can come along."

After all, it’s someone else footing the bill. Besides, Ye Liuyun really didn’t see what the fuss was.

"Hehe, thank you, sir!"

Getting Ye Liuyun’s confirmation, Si Nan and Shi Sheng both beamed with delight.

...

At night, after changing out of his official uniform, Ye Liuyun got ready to head to the Imperial Music Bureau.

No matter the day, the Imperial Music Bureau is always bustling.

"Brother Ye!"

Just upon entering, Ye Liuyun heard a voice calling from the second floor.

Yan Shuzhu was currently seated in a private room upstairs, waving at the newly arrived Ye Liuyun and company—still in that cross-dressing-as-a-man getup.

But since the other party likes dressing as a man, Ye Liuyun wouldn’t bother to expose her.

"This wine really is something."

Soon after sitting down, Shi Sheng poured himself a cup.

Expensive for a reason—the liquor here at the Imperial Music Bureau is nothing like what you get outside.

"Don’t be so stingy. Pour me one too."

Si Nan immediately handed over her cup.

Halfway through pouring, Shi Sheng realized something and simply set the jug down in front of Si Nan.

"Pour it yourself. What, you expect me to serve you drinks?"

You’d think he was Si Nan’s lackey or something.

"Tsk!"

Rolling her eyes, Si Nan didn’t bother arguing and took the chance to pour Ye Liuyun a cup as well.

After a few drinks, Yan Shuzhu struck up a more intimate conversation with Ye Liuyun.

"After so long apart, Brother Ye is as dashing as ever."

"You flatter me, Young Master Yan."

Holding his cup, Ye Liuyun smiled it off. These pleasantries are just to be heard, nothing more.

"Young Master Yan, you’ve invited me again and again; why not get to the point? Otherwise, I really can’t guess your intentions."

He could tell the other party was intent on recruiting him.

But honestly, Ye Liuyun wasn’t about to pledge loyalty on a whim to someone who can’t even reveal their real identity, even if Yan Shuzhu didn’t seem like some great villain.

"Brother Ye, you’re as frank as ever. Very well, I won’t keep you in suspense—I want your help!"

Hearing these words—

Si Nan and Shi Sheng paused mid-drink, exchanged glances, then put down their cups in unison, all eyes on Ye Liuyun.

Just as expected, Ye Liuyun wasn’t surprised, but found it a bit funny.

"Help who?"

"Naturally, help me." Yan Shuzhu looked puzzled; did she not make herself clear enough?

"But who are you?"

As he said this, Ye Liuyun’s lips curled into a meaningful smile.

He put down his cup, leaned forward, and looked right at Yan Shuzhu.

"To be frank, I was born with a keen sense of smell—a natural Perception for scents. You disguise yourself well, but the difference between a man’s and a woman’s scent is something you can’t hide."

"I don’t even know who you are, yet you want my help. How do I know you’re not asking me to help you rebel or seize the throne?"

Right now, all Ye Liuyun knows is that Yan Shuzhu is part of the royal family.

Nothing else.

You expect me to help on just your word?

...