Chapter 15: Wangyue Pavilion
At Wangyue Pavilion, one of the most luxurious establishments in Wei City. Only the wealthy and powerful could afford to dine here; common folk wouldn't even dare step inside. Li Yanchu could tell that Head Constable Wang was genuinely being considerate; just from the venue alone, it was clear that the invitation was sincere.
Led by the attendant, Li Yanchu was brought to private room number thirteen, a secluded single-room suite with excellent privacy, which was ideal for private discussions.
Wang Chongshan had arrived early, dressed in the elegant garb of a wealthy gentleman. Though still imposing, he now carried a hint of refined nobility.
“Daoist Master Yanchu, please, come in and have a seat!” Wang Chongshan greeted him warmly, a far cry from his usual stern demeanor in the yamen.
“You’re too generous, Head Constable,” Li Yanchu replied politely as he took his seat.
Once seated, Wang Chongshan raised a cup of wine. “Daoist Master Yanchu, this is Wangyue Pavilion’s Deer Fetus Wine. It invigorates the blood and replenishes qi.”
Li Yanchu drained it in one go. The wine was rich and mellow, and the moment it hit his throat, a wave of heat surged into his belly. His dantian warmed, and a pleasant qi spread through him.
“Excellent wine!” Li Yanchu praised.
“Come, eat! The chefs here at Wangyue Pavilion are top-notch. Their steamed live carp and Baihua chicken[1], in particular, are absolutely exquisite,” Wang said, making no mention of any business matters, simply introducing the dishes with enthusiasm.
Li Yanchu didn’t stand on ceremony and began eating heartily.
The two of them got along surprisingly well. When it came to socializing over drinks, Li Yanchu had already reached a masterful level. He effortlessly broke the ice with Wang Chongshan, and soon the two were talking like old friends.
Wang Chongshan hadn’t expected this quiet, otherworldly-looking young Daoist to be so socially adept. It made him realize that when Li Yanchu had dined earlier with Magistrate Xu and the city’s major merchants, he had likely been holding back on purpose.
Wang Chongshan, though originally a martial man of the jianghu, had grown increasingly composed since entering officialdom. But now he saw clearly that this Daoist Master Yanchu was no ordinary person. He was calm, composed, and never once asked what this invitation was really for. He uttered not a single word, nor the slightest hint about it.
After they finished the meal and drinks, Head Constable Wang finally said, “Daoist Master Yanchu, I invited you here tonight because… there’s something I need to ask of you.”
“Please speak freely, Head Constable,” Li Yanchu replied. “As long as it’s within my ability, I won’t refuse.”
“You’re straightforward, just like I expected!” Wang Chongshan said sincerely. “With your temperament, if you ever wandered the jianghu, you’d thrive without a doubt.”
This Daoist Li Yanchu, just in terms of temperament alone, is already far beyond most young people. He’s neither arrogant nor impatient, and he’s thoughtful yet straightforward, Wang Chongshan thought.
“You flatter me,” Li Yanchu said modestly.
“To be honest,” Wang continued, “that day I saw with my own eyes how you could perceive things that ordinary mortals could not, things beyond the physical world. I was truly impressed. You must be a Daoist master of genuine cultivation and real ability. Recently, something strange has happened in the county yamen. I was hoping you might assist us.”
His expression turned solemn.
“What kind of strange event?” Li Yanchu asked, slightly puzzled.
What’s going on in Wei City lately? One thing after another…
“Do you recall,” Wang said, “the two fake merchants you apprehended at the inn? One of them was the escaped bandit, Liang Qi.”
Li Yanchu nodded.
Wang Chongshan went on, “Those two were crippled by your strikes and left completely incapacitated. They were locked up in the county jail under heavy guard. But last night, both of them were found dead in their cells. They were brutally murdered and torn limb from limb.”
His words shocked Li Yanchu. First, he was astonished that those two vicious criminals had actually died inside the supposedly secure prison. Second, he couldn’t help but feel a bit exasperated. How can the heavily guarded Wei City prison be riddled with so many loopholes?
Wang Chongshan continued gravely, “The incident has already been kept under tight wraps, with strict orders that no one is to leak any information. Now, many are saying that the Wei City prison is haunted, that something unclean lurks within. I’d like to ask you to go to the jail… and see what’s really going on.”
Li Yanchu frowned and asked cautiously, “The guards on duty that night...?”
Wang Chongshan was a seasoned investigator. He immediately understood what Li Yanchu was implying and replied, “All guards have already been questioned. Nothing unusual was found.”
In truth, ancient law enforcement might have lacked modern forensic tools, but experienced officers, especially those hardened by years of dealing with violent crimes, could usually sniff out foul play at a glance. They were not to be underestimated.
Li Yanchu nodded and didn’t question Wang Chongshan’s conclusion. Instead, a puzzled look crossed his face.
“This whole matter feels off. If something unclean is behind this… why was it saving people before, but killing them now? And why target Liang Qi and the other man? Is there some secret they were hiding?”
This Daoist Master Yanchu is no fool… Wang Chongshan, a veteran of subtle dealings, immediately played along, “Yes, I’ve had the same suspicions. Daoist Master Yanchu, you’re sharp indeed. You’ve hit the nail on the head.”
Li Yanchu merely smiled and said nothing.
Since Wang Chongshan was clearly hiding something, Li Yanchu didn’t press further. After all, he was simply assisting with an official investigation. He had no personal stake, and no reason to feel burdened.
Still, it was obvious to him that Wang Chongshan knew more than he was letting on.
“Very well,” Li Yanchu said. “I’ll accompany you to the prison tomorrow and see if any clues remain.”
Wang Chongshan’s eyes lit up, and he cupped his fists respectfully. “For the people of Wei City, I thank you, Daoist Master Yanchu.”
Two criminals died, and somehow this is about the people of Wei City?
Li Yanchu observed and judged that Wang Chongshan wasn’t the type to exaggerate or spew empty official jargon, so if he said this, there must be a deeper reason behind it.
If Head Constable Wang ever found out what Li Yanchu was thinking, he’d be utterly shocked. He’d be left wondering just what on earth was going on inside Li Yanchu’s mind!
“I’ll send someone to escort you tomorrow night,” Wang Chongshan said.
Li Yanchu nodded, then he gave Wang Chongshan a calm look and said, “Head Constable Wang, is there something you haven’t told me yet?”
Wang Chongshan’s eyes lit up in surprise. “Daoist Master Yanchu, how did you know?”
He instinctively glanced toward the door. Could it be that brat Wang Tie leaked something on the way over?
Li Yanchu smiled faintly. “That’s simple. If it were just about the prison, you could’ve sent someone to fetch me. There’d be no need for such a formal banquet at Wangyue Pavilion, especially at night.”
Wang Chongshan fell silent. After a moment, he looked up and laughed heartily. “Daoist Master Yanchu, you're truly sharp, composed, and meticulous in thought. You’re truly a standout among men. I’m impressed.”
He hadn’t expected Li Yanchu to be this perceptive.
“You’re right,” Wang admitted seriously. “Asking you to investigate the prison is only part of it. There’s something else I hoped you’d assist with tonight.”
“Speak freely, Head Constable,” Li Yanchu said evenly. “As I said, I won’t stand idly by.”
Wang looked at Li Yanchu with growing admiration.
“Lately, strange incidents have been occurring one after another in Wei City,” he began. “I used to believe only in the sword at my side, but case after case has forced me to reconsider. And this matter… involves our other county constable, Head Constable Zhao.”
1. Baihua chicken is a traditional local dish from Zhejiang Province ☜
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