Wind Jiu and Liu Liu led the servants of the Wind Manor, bringing two small children, to the guest courtyard in a grand procession.
The guest courtyard and the separate courtyards were far from the back courtyard where the women resided. Conversely, they were closer to the main house, making it convenient to receive guests. The back courtyard was self-contained, and the women’s daily needs were met within it, completely isolated from other areas.
The guest courtyard was not far from Liu Liu’s separate courtyard, and they soon arrived. However, such a large entourage attracted the attention of many servants in the manor.
Seeing the manor lord and the Qiye Tower Master stride angrily towards the guest courtyard, they didn’t know what had happened. They could only observe cautiously, then quickly lower their heads to tend to their duties. In times like these, it was crucial to work carefully and avoid bringing trouble upon oneself.
The servants guarding the guest courtyard saw the manor lord arriving with a large group of people and, not knowing what had happened, quickly paid their respects.
“Your servant greets the Manor Lord.”
“Is Miss Bu in the courtyard?” Wind Jiu asked coldly, his body radiating anger. The servant, unaware of what had happened, respectfully replied, “She returned just now and is in her room.”
Upon hearing this, Wind Jiu led his people inside. Zhan Yun and Feng Xie, among others, walked out. Feng Xie’s expression darkened, and Zhan Yun quickly spoke up, “Manor Lord Feng, what is this about?”
Wind Jiu didn’t beat around the bush. His expression was grim as he said in a deep voice, “I heard from my son that Miss Bu killed Xiao Hong, the maid who served her. Therefore, I intend to search her room.”
Feng Xie’s jade-like face became frosty upon hearing Wind Jiu’s words. His brows furrowed, a fleeting dark glint in his eyes, and a cold smile touched his lips. “Manor Lord Feng, if you do not wish to host us, you could have simply said so. Why create such a ridiculous excuse?”
“If that Miss Bu were skilled in martial arts, would she still be staying in a brothel? She could leave on her own accord.”
“Young Master Liu, what are you saying? Everyone in the world knows how hospitable I, Wind Jiu, am. But since such an incident has occurred, it must be investigated. One matter at a time. If I have disturbed Young Master Liu, I will naturally apologize to you and Alliance Leader Zhan. However, a search must still be conducted.”
Wind Jiu did not back down. It didn’t matter if this Young Master Liu was royalty; this was the Wind Manor, and he wouldn't allow anyone to kill people so carelessly within it.
Feng Xie’s expression darkened immediately when he heard Wind Jiu’s insistence on searching. He snapped his folding fan shut and was about to act when a clear, cold voice came from the easternmost room.
“What is going on?” It was Bu Xiangyin’s voice. Following Bu Xiangyin’s words, another voice rang out, “Miss Bu, please be careful.”
“Thank you, Xiao Hong,” Bu Xiangyin’s distant words carried a hint of gentleness. She slowly walked out, looking at the crowd in the courtyard. Standing beside her was the maid Xiao Hong from the Wind Manor. Both of them looked at everyone with confusion.
“What happened?” Bu Xiangyin asked curiously, seeing everyone staring at her.
At that moment, Liu Liu lowered his head and looked at his son. Mu Xing immediately shook his head, indicating that he had not lied. He and Abu had truly seen this woman kill the young maid, but then the young maid had come back to life.
Had they seen a ghost? Mu Xing rubbed his eyes and looked up at Abu. Abu was clearly also troubled. Zhan Yun and Feng Xie, standing beside Wind Jiu, had stern and cold expressions.
“Manor Lord Feng, it seems we have offended you. We will take our leave immediately. Please excuse our disturbance.”
After speaking, the two turned and prepared to pack their belongings and leave the Wind Manor. Wind Jiu had always been on good terms with friends from all walks of life and was known among his martial arts acquaintances as a generous gentleman.
He never expected to offend important figures like the Martial Alliance Leader and Young Master Liu today. Would this not make him a laughingstock among the martial artists in the future?
He quickly stepped forward and cupped his fists. “Wind Jiu apologizes to both of you. It was my son’s impulsiveness. If there was any impropriety, please be magnanimous. Wind Jiu sincerely invites you and Miss Bu to stay at the main estate of Wanfeng Mountain for a period. Otherwise, it would truly be my fault.”
Feng Xie had initially not intended to bother with him. In normal circumstances, he would have already stormed off in a huff. However, he thought that after leaving Wanfeng Tea Manor, he wouldn’t be able to see little Mu Xing.
Even though Mu Xing was not his child, seeing him was like seeing Liu Er’s child. He wished to stay a while longer, so he stopped and said coldly without turning his head.
“Since the Manor Lord sincerely invites us, we shall stay. However, please do not casually listen to children’s words in the future. They are only five years old, after all.”
With that, he and Zhan Yun, along with a few subordinates, walked into the house, ignoring Wind Jiu and Liu Liu in the courtyard. Bu Xiangyin, on the side, said with a hint of unease, “Perhaps the two children are upset with me because of what happened during the day. I hope Manor Lord Feng can forgive them.”
Wind Jiu truly felt like he was eating a bitter melon with no way to spit it out, suffering for no reason and having to humble himself. “It’s nothing, Miss Bu. Please go inside and rest.”
“Thank you for your concern, Manor Lord Feng.” Bu Xiangyin lightly nodded, smiled charmingly, and gracefully walked up the stone steps. Wind Jiu glanced at Xiao Hong beside her and gave an instruction, “Xiao Hong, take good care of Miss Bu.”
“Yes, Manor Lord.” Xiao Hong nodded. Wind Jiu looked up and down, left and right. It was indeed Xiao Hong. Could it be that the children Mu Xing and Abu were mistaken?
The group walked out of the guest courtyard. They had arrived with arrogance, but they left like a defeated, drenched chicken.
Wind Jiu glared fiercely at his son in Steward Lu’s arms. It was this fellow who had caused all the trouble. Of course, he couldn’t reprimand his son loudly.
Because Mu Xing had mentioned it, and to save the face of his sworn brother, Liu Liu understood Wind Jiu’s thoughts. However, she had a different idea.
“Brother Feng, I actually believe Mu Xing wouldn’t say such a thing without reason. So, there are only two possibilities. One is that Bu Xiangyin didn’t truly kill Xiao Hong, but only injured her, and she woke up. But why didn’t Xiao Hong say anything? Another possibility is that Bu Xiangyin killed Xiao Hong, and the current Xiao Hong is a substitute. If either of these situations is true, then Bu Xiangyin is a formidable character, and we must be even more cautious. I fear your Wanfeng Tea Manor will no longer have peace. If this woman is truly a ruthless character, what do you think she will do next?”
Wind Jiu had always believed Liu Liu’s words and broke out in a cold sweat. He hadn’t expected Bu Xiangyin to be so capable. If she was so capable, why was she stuck in a brothel and not leave?
“If she possesses such great ability, why doesn’t she leave and stay in the brothel?”
“Perhaps she has ulterior motives. She’s waiting for someone and then will make her move,” Liu Liu smiled mysteriously. Although Wind Jiu couldn’t clearly discern her expression, he saw a cold smile curve her lips.
Did his sworn brother know all of this? Wind Jiu secretly wondered. If he knew, why didn’t he expose the matter?
“Since my sworn brother knows the hidden details, why doesn’t he expose it?”
Liu Liu stopped and looked back at Wind Jiu. Wind Jiu was a person with a sense of chivalry and a generous nature.
But sometimes his thoughts were too superficial. Such a person was not a disadvantage as a friend, but he was easily taken advantage of. Liu Liu smiled as she thought, “Do you think they would believe me if I said something? Besides, he’s not an idiot; he’ll figure it out eventually.”
“Oh,” Wind Jiu nodded and followed Liu Liu forward. They parted at the end of the long corridor, one group heading to the separate courtyard and the other to the back courtyard.
xxs壹贰