Three punches shattered the demonic soul, young hero, I'm an honest man!

Chapter 87 You're asking for it, aren't you? (6K)

Pei Yun returned to the Hundred Households Hall.

On the table were all the clues related to the Su Wenruo case.

Like a tangled mess, seemingly chaotic, yet subtly revealing a certain pattern.

Pei Yun rubbed his temples and carefully combed his hair.

The eight characters engraved on the stone slab of Canghuai Academy, "Entrusted with the aspirations of a young scholar, Li Jun Qingzhu," are like a blurry fuse.

This led him to Li Qingzhu, who had died under mysterious circumstances.

Zhou Yusheng, the seemingly useless playboy from the Zhou family, became the only visible knot in this broken thread.

Just then, the system notification sounded in Pei Yun's mind again.

[The remnants of the previous dynasty's Xiao family have identified Zhou Yusheng of the Zhou family as a potential contact for the relics left by Li Qingzhu, and will soon launch a probing operation.]

Pei Yun's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

Something is wrong!

Previously, the remnants of the Xiao family had only expressed suspicion and observation towards Zhou Yusheng.

That's why they chose the safe method of secretly keeping watch.

At that time, they were more like casting a wide net, trying to find traces of Li Qingzhu's belongings from any possible clues.

But why are people so certain now that Zhou Yusheng is connected to the relics?

Previously, he and Li Xuanping had been observing Zhou Yusheng in the embroidery workshop and teahouse.

What the spies of the remnants of the Xiao family saw should be no different from what he saw.

Could it be that he overlooked some crucial detail?

Pei Yun tapped the table lightly with her fingertips.

Every scene of her interactions with Zhou Yusheng flashed through her mind, every subtle expression, every seemingly casual remark.

Trying to find the overlooked clues in those seemingly ordinary words and actions.

However, after careful analysis, Pei Yun found that Zhou Yusheng did not have any flaws worth investigating.

At least on the surface, Zhou Yusheng appeared to have no flaws.

An indescribable sense of stagnation lingered in Pei Yun's heart.

From the swift and clean elimination of Li Qingzhu to the current precise targeting of Zhou Yusheng by the remnants of the Xiao family.

The other party always seemed to be one step ahead of him in action.

Even with the secret assistance of the Candle Shadow Sect, they shouldn't be able to move so freely in the capital city, right under the noses of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Could it be that the remnants of the previous dynasty are sending messages?

Or perhaps—the enemy has mastered some kind of cunning method that he has not yet figured out.

Pei Yun took a deep breath, and his eyes regained their clarity.

"Zhang Quan!"

Zhang Quan entered in response, his posture ramrod straight.

"Boss, what are your orders?"

"You personally go and keep an eye on Zhou Yusheng of the Zhou family," Pei Yun said calmly.

"Remember, the main focus is on covert protection and surveillance. Never alert the enemy, and never let anyone discover the intentions of the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

"His every move, who he met, and where he went."

"Even if you glance at a stray dog ​​on the street, report it to me immediately!"

Zhang Quan's expression hardened; he knew this was no small matter, and he solemnly accepted the order.

"Understood, sir!"

Pei Yun nodded slightly and continued, "Also, please find out Li Qingzhu's detailed biography for me."

"Especially his relationship with Su Wenruo, and their past at Canghuai Academy."

"And Zhou Yusheng's daily trivialities and interpersonal relationships, leaving no stone unturned!"

"yes!"

Zhang Quan accepted the order and left.

The next day.

Pei Yun, holding the preliminary case file that Zhang Quan had compiled and sent overnight, met with Li Xuanping in the agreed-upon private room of the teahouse.

Li Xuanping has also been busy these past two days, gathering information about Li Qingzhu through his own channels.

Pei Yun, combining the findings of the two, discovered that Li Qingzhu came from a humble background but gained admission to Canghuai Academy through his exceptional talent.

He was a classmate of Su Wenruo and considered him a close friend.

He was a man of noble character and solid scholarship, and was well-known in Langya Academy.

However, he himself seems to dislike scheming.

For many years, he only served as a tutor in the Zhou family and was not well-known.

Zhou Yusheng was the most "unruly" of all the disciples he had taught.

"It seems that to unravel the mystery surrounding Li Qingzhu, we need to delve deeper into his past through his old friends," Pei Yun mused.

"What suggestions does Commander Pei have?" Li Xuanping asked curiously.

Professional tasks should naturally be left to professionals, and besides, he had personally witnessed the abilities of this Commander Pei.

Pei Yun flipped through the files in his hand, his gaze finally settling on the intelligence report brought by Li Xuanping.

Sun Jingxiu, courtesy name Mingde, was known as Master Sun.

He graduated from Canghuai Academy and was a classmate and old friend of Li Qingzhu and Su Wenruo.

This man was a learned scholar, especially skilled in classical texts, and once served as a professor at the Imperial Academy.

Later, he offended a powerful official by speaking frankly in his memorial to the throne, and was dismissed from his post.

After retiring from public life, he set up a school in the capital to teach students.

Because of his profound knowledge and outstanding character, he was highly respected among scholars.

Many of his disciples went on to become officials, and even members of the imperial family came to him seeking instruction because of his reputation.

Pei Yun pointed to Sun Jingxiu's name on the dossier and smiled at Li Xuanping, "Let's go, let's meet this renowned scholar from the capital."

The Sun residence was not luxurious, but it was elegant and tranquil.

When Pei Yun and his companion arrived, they found a constant stream of carriages and horses outside the mansion, all of whom were people coming to visit or seek an audience with Master Sun.

Among them were well-dressed sons of officials, whose distinguished backgrounds were immediately apparent.

There were also young students who were learned and respectful.

These people all wished to pay their respects to Master Sun.

At this moment, in front of the Sun residence, a middle-aged official dressed in brocade robes and with an extraordinary demeanor was holding an exquisite gift box in his hands.

He stood there respectfully, led inside by an arrogant-looking butler.

-

Pei Yun and Li Xuanping stopped a short distance away, only to hear someone whispering nearby: "Look, isn't that Vice Minister Wang from the Ministry of Personnel? I heard he wants to ask Master Sun to tutor his young son; this is his third visit."

"Master Sun has very high standards; he might not even look down on ordinary powerful and wealthy people."

"Although Vice Minister Wang holds the official rank of Vice Minister, he would probably have to show some respect to Master Sun and would not dare to be negligent in the slightest."

Li Xuanping looked surprised after hearing this.

He never imagined that it would be so difficult to meet this Master Sun.

Before long, Vice Minister Wang, with an undisguised look of disappointment on his face, slowly walked out of the mansion.

He thanked the butler who saw him out repeatedly, but kept the gift box unopened in his hands.

It was clear that their wish had not been fulfilled.

The butler's expression grew even more arrogant as he raised his voice.

"My master is not feeling well today and has closed the door to visitors."

"If you have nothing urgent to attend to, please come another day."

Upon hearing this, the people waiting around shook their heads and sighed.

Witnessing this scene, Pei Yun immediately understood that this Master Sun was indeed putting on quite a show.

Pei Yun's lips curled into a cold smile.

He was very familiar with this kind of pretentious scene.

Li Xuanping noticed the impatience in Pei Yun's eyes and said in a low voice, "Commander Pei, please calm down."

"Master Sun has a past relationship with an elder of my Xuan Shu Sect, so I will negotiate this matter first."

"If that doesn't work, how about we have Commander Pei step in?"

Pei Yun glanced at Li Xuanping.

He knew that old Confucian scholars like Master Sun valued reputation and face the most.

Li Xuanping's move may not be easy to achieve.

However, he also had some intention of observing Li Xuanping's methods, so he nodded.

"Alright."

"However, Master Li, let me make this clear from the start: if you can't get a clear answer from me later, then don't blame me for not giving you face."

Li Xuanping agreed with a wry smile.

He knew that Pei Yun was always straightforward, so this was already giving him some face.

Li Xuanping stepped forward and stopped the steward who was about to close the door to guests.

"I trouble you to inform Master Sun that Li Xuanping, a disciple of the Xuan Shu sect, has come to visit on behalf of an old friend."

The butler, who was about to reprimand them, softened his arrogant expression upon hearing the words "Xuan Shu Sect".

Not daring to be negligent in the slightest, he quickly turned around and went inside to report.

After a while.

An elderly man with white hair and beard, dressed in a plain scholar's robe, slowly walked out from the inner hall.

The old man had a weary face, but his eyes were still clear; it was none other than Master Sun.

Master Sun's eyes swept over the crowd.

Upon seeing Li Xuanping's otherworldly demeanor, a smile appeared on his face, and he cupped his hands, saying, "So it is a venerable scholar from the Xuan Shu Sect who has graced us with his presence. I have failed to greet you properly; please forgive me."

Those around who had been waiting anxiously for an audience all looked surprised upon seeing this.

He thought to himself, "This young Taoist has quite the clout, that Master Sun would personally come out to greet him!"

The three entered the hall and took their seats, where a young servant served them tea.

Li Xuanping spoke up and started chatting with Master Sun.

"Li Qingzhu was also the key to my investigation of my old friend."

"I have come here today to pay my respects, and I hope that you, Master, can do me a favor. I would be eternally grateful."

Li Xuanping didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point asking about Li Qingzhu's past.

Upon hearing the name "Li Qingzhu," a barely perceptible glint of surprise flashed in Master Sun's aged eyes, which then turned into a long, soft sigh.

"Brother Qingzhu—he is indeed a role model for us, with unyielding integrity, worthy of our respect."

Master Sun stroked his sparse beard, his words full of praise for Li Qingzhu: "It's a pity he died young, a truly regrettable loss."

Li Xuanping nodded slightly.

Following up on the conversation, I wanted to ask more about Su Wenruo and the details of their past relationship.

Especially those hidden matters that might be related to the old case from eighteen years ago.

Unexpectedly, as soon as he finished speaking, the warm expression on Master Sun's face vanished.

His eyes became somewhat unfocused, and his tone of voice changed accordingly.

"Su Wenruo————"

Master Sun's eyelids drooped slightly.

"I have heard of this man before; he seems to be a classmate and old friend of Brother Qingzhu."

"However, the events of that year were complex and the details were difficult to ascertain."

"I am old and my memory is fading. I don't know much anymore."

39

"Why must you, Taoist priest, relentlessly pursue these long-buried, ancient matters?"

Master Sun picked up his teacup again, this time with an undisguised intention to see him off.

Li Xuanping frowned slightly.

He realized that although Master Sun had given him some face because of his Xuan Shu Sect reputation, he clearly did not take this young disciple seriously.

When key issues are touched upon, they immediately evade and avoid the topic, unwilling to reveal even a single detail.

Master Sun put down his teacup, already implying that he was seeing his guest off.

Li Xuanping felt slightly dissatisfied.

But it is also known that once such a stubborn old scholar makes up his mind, it is difficult to persuade him with ordinary words.

Although he was a disciple of the Xuan Shu Sect, he could not force a learned scholar to speak.

Just as Li Xuanping was pondering how to persuade him again.

Seeing that Li Xuanping had run into a snag, he was truly frustrated and annoyed.

Pei Yun, who had been silently observing from the sidelines as if lost in thought, curled up a playful smile at the corner of his mouth.

"Master Li, you have spent many years cultivating in seclusion within the sect, devoting yourself to the Daoist arts."

"This Master Sun didn't even recognize your identity as a true disciple of the Xuan Shu Sect."

Pei Yun looked at Li Xuanping and teased him with a hint of sarcasm.

"It seems that the title of Taoist priest is not well-known enough in the capital."

Faced with Pei Yun's blunt teasing, Li Xuanping gave a helpless, bitter smile.

"I'm sorry to have made you laugh, Commander Pei."

Master Sun had not initially taken this young man, dressed in an ordinary blue robe and with a reserved demeanor, seriously.

They assumed they were just entourage members brought by Li Xuanping.

But upon hearing Pei Yun's words, especially the phrase "true disciple of the Xuan Shu Sect,"...

An expression of disbelief and astonishment immediately appeared on his aged face.

His gaze suddenly shifted to Li Xuanping, scrutinizing him from head to toe with astonishment and curiosity in his eyes.

The true teachings of Xuan Shu!?

He hadn't noticed it at all before!

They assumed the young Taoist was just an ordinary disciple sent by the Xuan Shu Sect on an errand.

If he were an ordinary disciple, it wouldn't be a problem for him to put on airs of a learned scholar, relying on his meager reputation.

However, if one is a true disciple of the Xuan Shu Sect, their status and position are incomparable!

His mere reputation is far beyond what he can achieve!

For a moment, Master Sun's expression shifted rapidly.

The previous composure and calmness vanished without a trace, replaced by a hint of barely concealed panic and embarrassment.

Master Sun chuckled twice and hurriedly tried to salvage the situation.

"My eyesight is failing me! I truly am blind! I never imagined that a true disciple of the Xuan Shu Sect would grace us with his presence! My apologies for my overconfidence!"

"Master Dao, your demeanor is exceptional and your bearing extraordinary. I was rather negligent just now, and I hope you will forgive me and not take offense!"

This arrogant attitude followed by obsequiousness seemed rather comical to Pei Yun and the other man.

Li Xuanping's expression was calm and serene.

He had seen through the old scholar's snobbish face and was too lazy to say anything more to him or pay him any more attention.

Master Sun was rebuffed, his smile froze, and he became increasingly uneasy.

He turned to Pei Yun for help.

Thinking that the young man who had revealed Li Xuanping's identity might also be a disciple of the Xuan Shu Sect, he quickly forced a smile.

"Young friend, you must also be a esteemed disciple of the Xuan Shu Sect, right? This old man—"

"Master Sun, you've guessed wrong."

Pei Yun chuckled lightly, interrupting him.

Under the increasingly perplexed and uneasy gaze of Master Sun.

Pei Yun slowly took out the jet-black iron waist token from his sleeve and waved it lightly in front of Master Sun.

The cold metallic luster of the waist tag reflected in Master Sun's suddenly contracted pupils.

"Pei Yun, Commander of the Northern Garrison."

Pei Yun's voice was not loud, but it was like a thunderclap that exploded in Master Sun's ears!

Master Sun's face turned deathly pale in an instant!

A fine layer of cold sweat instantly appeared on his forehead, and his hand holding the teacup trembled uncontrollably.

The tea spilled out, wetting his clothes, but he didn't even notice.

Embroidered Uniform Guard!

Pei Yun!

Either of these two names is renowned throughout the capital, infamous for their ruthlessness!

The former represents the most ruthless henchmen of the Immortal Dynasty, while the latter is secretly known as "King Pei the Yama"!

He never expected that the seemingly harmless young man in the blue robe who had been smiling and silent would turn out to be so different.

It turned out to be Pei Yun, the legendary ruthless and unscrupulous commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard!

Master Sun took a deep breath, forced a smile, and tried to hide the barely perceptible tremor in his hands.

"So it was Commander Pei in person. I am so sorry for my poor eyesight."

The aged voice carried a forced composure.

"I wonder what the purpose is for Commander Pei and this Taoist priest Li to inquire about the past between Brother Qingzhu and Su Wenruo?"

"I will speak freely, no matter what I know."

Master Sun still clung to a last glimmer of hope, speaking with utmost care to try and gloss over the matter.

After all, as long as he had not violated the laws of Da Ying, Sun Jingxiu was a prominent figure among the scholars in the capital, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard could not arrest him without cause.

Pei Yun's lips curled into a playful smile.

"Master Sun, it seems you haven't grasped the current situation yet."

Pei Yun reached into his robes and took out a small notebook, about the size of a palm, with a black cover and no writing on it.

When that little notebook appeared, Master Sun's heart skipped a beat!

He had overheard the unruly students in the school talking about Pei, the newly appointed commander of the Northern Garrison, more than once. Pei was young, but his methods were extremely shrewd and ruthless.

He also carried a small black notebook with him at all times, which was filled with detailed records of the secrets of countless high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital.

Anyone whose name is recorded in this little book will suffer a terrible fate, ranging from disgrace and ruin to the destruction of their family and death.

At this moment, the black book that was rumored to be able to determine life and death was casually spread out between Pei Yun's fingers.

Although it was just ordinary paper and ink stains, it seemed to exude a chilling and unsettling aura.

It weighed heavily on Master Sun's heart, making it almost impossible for him to breathe.

Li Xuanping, standing to the side, clearly had no intention of interfering in what was about to happen.

Pei Yungu casually flipped through the small notebook.

The faint rustling sound was exceptionally clear in the quiet hall.

Pei Yun looked up at Master Sun with a slight smile.

"Master Sun is highly respected and has taught countless students. I have always admired him."

"The Master dedicated his life to education and can be regarded as a role model for the scholars of our Great Ying."

Master Sun's forehead was beaded with sweat, and he forced a smile, saying, "Commander Pei is too kind; this old man is unworthy of such praise."

Pei Yun's smile vanished abruptly, and her tone abruptly changed.

The voice was not loud, but every word clearly reached Master Sun's ears.

"But no one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes."

"Three months ago, when Master Sun first took office as an instructor at Chengnan Academy, he misappropriated a sum of money intended for the repair of the school buildings due to a moment of confusion."

"Although the amount was small, and the Master quickly made up the deficit, it seems this matter was not told to outsiders?"

"boom!"

Master Sun felt a loud bang in his head, and his face turned deathly pale instantly!

Large beads of cold sweat rolled down his forehead!

This was a very disgraceful old matter of his, which he thought he had done without anyone noticing, but he never expected that it would be clearly recorded in this deadly black book!

Pei Yun seemed oblivious to his odd behavior, turned another page, and continued speaking calmly.

"And this—a letter of recommendation from Master Sun last month for Wang Mian, a Grand Secretary of the Hanlin Academy."

"He once anonymously wrote an article attacking Lord Wang's academic rivals."

"His words were quite harsh, which seems somewhat different from the Master's usual image of gentleness, kindness, humility, and modesty?"

Pei Yun read them aloud one by one, each one a secret that Master Sun kept hidden deep in his heart and did not want others to know.

These matters, taken individually, might not seem that serious, far from warranting the intervention of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

But for a scholar like Master Sun who valued his reputation more than his life, this was a different story.

Once this is made public, he will be disgraced, despised by students all over the world, and will have no face to stand in the academic community!

Master Sun trembled violently, his face turning ashen.

His lips trembled, but he couldn't utter a single word.

Cold sweat had already soaked through his back, making him feel as if he had fallen into an ice cave.

Pei Yun gently closed the notebook, casually waving it in his hand, and said meaningfully, "Some things are not something that Master Sun can forget just because he wants to."

"The events of eighteen years ago are like this, and so are the secrets that Master Sun wants to forget."

The atmosphere in the hall became so heavy that it was almost palpable.

Pei Yun waited patiently.

Master Sun's mind was in complete confusion.

The black booklet felt like a death warrant, sending chills down his spine.

The "things from eighteen years ago" that Pei Yun mentioned touched upon his deepest fear.

He, Su Wenruo, and Li Qingzhu were classmates at Canghuai Academy.

He witnessed firsthand the youthful exuberance of the two.

Su Wenruo was exceptionally talented in his youth and often shared his insights on poetry and prose with his classmates.

Master Sun admired his talent and scholarship, and chose to collect some of his manuscripts.

After Su Wenruo's death, Li Qingzhu was heartbroken and sought him out.

At that time, Li Qingzhu said that his future was uncertain, and he only hoped that Master Sun could take care of their friendship as classmates and preserve some of the old ink for him.

After a brief hesitation, Master Sun agreed to Li Qingzhu's request.

They accepted those ordinary old files from the academy.

Although Master Sun was unaware of the details at the time.

However, he also noticed that Li Qingzhu's expression was unusual, as if she had something difficult to say.

He knew that there might be something fishy about Su Wenruo's death.

Li Qingzhu's strange behavior afterwards made him feel that the matter between the two must be extremely dangerous.

It was far beyond what a minor official like him could have been involved with.

Therefore, those old items are not only a memento of the friendship between classmates, but also a hot potato that could get you into trouble at any time.

He dared not destroy it easily, for fear of losing the scholar's duty of reverence for the lost writings;

They dared not easily show themselves to others, for fear of attracting unwarranted disaster and ruining their hard-earned reputation and peaceful life of decades.

That's why he was so reluctant to mention the two of them when Pei Yun and Li Xuanping brought them up.

Seeing that the time was almost right, Pei Yun let the pressure subside slightly.

"Actually, I am only here today to ask questions, not to listen to your reminiscences or to discuss principles with you."

Pei Yun's gaze swept calmly over Master Sun.

His gaze was as deep and unfathomable as an abyss, making Master Sun feel as if he were being watched intently by a giant beast lurking in the shadows.

Every hair on his body stood on end.

"Su Wenruo, Li Qingzhu."

"I need to know everything about them: who they associated with, what they said, and what they did."

"Master is a wise man; he should understand that the Embroidered Uniform Guard has never had much patience."

The chilling aura emanating from Pei Yun's words sent a shiver down Sun Fuzi's spine.

He had no doubt that if he dared to conceal anything further, shackles would be put around his neck the next moment.

They dragged him into that perpetually dark prison, where he suffered endless torture.

Master Sun broke out in a cold sweat, his lips twitching as if he wanted to say something, but he found his throat terribly dry.

His usually reserved and arrogant old face was now filled with fear and despair.

"Lord Pei, please calm down—"

His voice was hoarse, and his body trembled slightly.

Gone was all his previous arrogance and stubbornness; as if all his energy had been drained in an instant, he said dejectedly, "How dare this old man conceal anything—"

He stood up shakily from the armchair.

I almost fell because my legs were weak.

He quickly grabbed the table next to him for support, barely managing to stand up.

He bowed deeply, his posture extremely humble. "Please follow me to my study, gentlemen."

"Some old items might be useful for adults investigating cases."

Li Xuanping, who was watching from the side, saw this clearly. A complex look flashed in his eyes, and he sighed inwardly.

He knew that the Embroidered Uniform Guard was powerful and wielded immense authority.

But no one expected that Pei Yun could solve the mystery with just a few words and that mysterious black booklet.

This allowed him to suppress a respected old scholar, a man of integrity in the literary world who always prided himself on his lofty ideals, to this extent.

Even their spine was broken.

Li Xuanping looked at Pei Yun.

The young commander of the Imperial Guard remained as calm and composed as ever.

It was as if the overwhelming pressure from just moments ago had nothing to do with him; he merely brushed away a speck of dust from the corner of his clothes.

Pei Yun nodded slightly to Li Xuanping, a faint smile playing on her lips.

A voice transmission reached Li Xuanping's ears.

"Master Li, it seems that sometimes, reasoning is not as effective as following the rules."

Master Sun's study was filled with the scent of old books and ink.

Unlike the tense atmosphere in the hall just now, this place has a certain tranquility reminiscent of a scholar's retreat.

However, Master Sun no longer possessed the composure of a seasoned scholar.

His forehead was damp with sweat, and he looked dejected.

He shakily took out several old items carefully wrapped in oil paper from a hidden compartment in the bookshelf.

A stack of yellowed letters, several tattered diaries, and a copy of the "Old Archives of Canghuai Academy".

"Lord Pei, Daoist Li, these are the old items I have collected that are related to Qingzhu and Wenruo."

Master Sun's voice was hoarse, carrying a hint of resigned desolation.

Pei Yun took the old items and casually picked up a fragment of Li Qingzhu's diary to read.

Li Xuanping then picked up the "Old Archives of Canghuai Academy" and examined it carefully.

As fragmented memories are pieced together, a story buried for eighteen years gradually comes into focus.

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