Zhao Mian was surprised that he was actually a little moved by Wei Zhenfeng's invitation.
He never had to investigate anything himself, there were always people at his disposal. As long as he gave an order, he would get the result he wanted.
He pursued foolproofness in everything he did, and rarely tried to be brave. For example, when he was looking for the antidote, even if he was 70% to 80% sure that he could get the antidote on his own, he would still report it to his family in advance. In case he accidentally failed, things would not end up in the worst possible outcome that he could not accept.
It was obviously not a wise move to wander around Wanhuameng's territory alone with Wei Zhenfeng late at night. It was not in line with his usual style of doing things. But even if he didn't go, Wei Zhenfeng would go alone. If Wei Zhenfeng really found out some crucial information, he might not tell him in order to take the initiative. The offensive and defensive situation would be different by then, and Wei Zhenfeng would definitely not be as humble as he is now.
And there is... Maybe it was because the moonlight was too good tonight and that man's eyes were too bright, he seemed to be infected, and the nature that had been suppressed for many years was stirring up his nerves.
It's okay to be less cautious sometimes, just do it for once tonight. He has confidence in himself, he won't cause any trouble.
By the bed, Wei Zhenfeng was still waiting for his answer.
After weighing the pros and cons, Zhao Mian said, "Clothes."
Wei Zhenfeng was confused: "Huh?"
Zhao Mian got off the bed and ordered, "Hand me the clothes." He raised his chin towards the screen where his coat was hanging. "Or do you want me to go with you dressed like this?"
Wei Zhenfeng was slightly startled, his eyes lowered, and his eyelashes also drooped.
He stood and talked to Zhao Mian for a long time, and only then realized that the other person was wearing pajamas, which were pure white and loose, with a belt hanging around the waist, giving a sense of elegance and grace.
He was not wearing a crown, and his long hair hung down on both sides of his chest. He was not wearing any of the gold and jade ornaments that he usually wore, and he didn't even have a hairband on. He looked simple and good.
In fact, it is difficult to say which is more outstanding, Zhao Mian's temperament or appearance. He originally thought that Zhao Mian only had a stunning appearance, but now he realizes that his temperament is also good. Even without those gold, jade and treasures that symbolize wealth, it does not affect his appearance at all.
"Master Xiao is used to ordering people around." Wei Zhenfeng walked to the screen, picked up his coat and threw it on the bed. "By the way, did those people ask you to try on their horribly ugly wedding dresses?"
"Yes," Zhao Mian bit the hairband in her mouth, fiddling with her long hair with her hands, "They also asked me to gain some weight."
Wei Zhenfeng said expressionlessly: "You are lucky. They told me to eat shorter. Are you sick?"
Zhao Mian tried hard not to laugh, and put on a cold face and tied his hair into a high ponytail. He put on his clothes and said simply, "Let's go."
Wei Zhenfeng opened the door, and the two of them walked into the night one after the other.
When Wei Zhenfeng came over, he did something to lead away everyone he could see along the way. The two of them successfully left the yard, and Wei Zhenfeng whispered, "Do you know where we should go?"
"Do you think I'm stupid?" Zhao Mian wanted to roll his eyes to show his contempt, but he felt that this action would damage his dignity and beauty, so he gave up. "Of course, I'll go to the warehouse."
If one wants to investigate the relationship between the three weddings and Wan Huameng, the easiest way is to find the gift list recorded at that time. The gift list will clearly record who attended the ceremony and the banquet and who gave what gifts.
It is not difficult to see that Xuyuan has remained in its original state from more than ten years ago, and the gift list from that year is likely to be stored in the warehouse together with the gifts.
Wei Zhenfeng smiled and said, "Smart. I explored the route roughly during the day, and if I'm not mistaken, the warehouse should be in the south. Just follow me closely and don't run around."
Zhao Mian said “hmm”.
This scene reminded him of his brother, who was not compatible with him and loved to play pranks since childhood. Until this year, he would occasionally catch his 16-year-old brother skipping school with his study partner and sneaking around the palace. After being caught by him, he knelt down without saying a word, hugged his thighs and howled: "Brother, I am so miserable!"
Zhao Mian had never skipped school before, so he didn't know what it felt like. Now he was following Wei Zhenfeng stealthily, and he had an inexplicable illusion that Wei Zhenfeng was taking him to skip school.
Wei Zhenfeng was leading the way in front. He felt the aura of the young man behind him gradually moving away from him. He stopped and saw Zhao Mian walking slowly and thoughtfully. He asked, "Is there anything wrong?"
Zhao Mian said slowly: "I remembered a strange story my father once told me and my brother."
"Hmm? Tell me about it."
There was a young lady who was trapped in the boudoir and could only see men outside her family during weddings and funerals. At her father's funeral, she fell in love with a distant cousin at first sight and thought about him day and night. Later, in order to relieve the pain of lovesickness, she killed her mother and sister with her own hands, just so that she could see this cousin again during the funeral at home.
After briefly telling the story, Zhao Mian asked, "Do you think this strange story is similar to Wan Huameng's obsession with wedding banquets?"
Wei Zhenfeng nodded: "Yes, there are some." He pulled out a dagger from his boot and handed it to Zhao Mian, "Take this for self-defense, just in case."
Zhao Mian took the dagger and weighed it in his hand. The blade was light and smooth, and it was surprisingly easy to use. He recalled some past events and said inexplicably, "I vaguely remember that you used a gun, but why do you use swords more now?"
"You are really stupid now." Wei Zhenfeng mocked him unceremoniously, "I use a gun here? I might as well just yell at the top of my lungs 'there is an assassin'. Guns are for use on the battlefield and on horses, don't you understand, Master Xiao?"
Zhao Mian admitted that his problem was a bit stupid, but he was in the wrong and couldn't lose momentum: "I understand, shut up and lead your way."
No matter how special Xuyuan is, it is, after all, just an official residence in terms of configuration and size. The people patrolling at night are only a few or three, and they are not the masters of the inner court and the Nan Palace, so there is nothing to be afraid of.
The two of them had a smooth journey and quietly sneaked into the warehouse in the South Courtyard. The warehouse was unattended and the door was locked. Zhao Mian watched Wei Zhenfeng take out a key from his arms, pointed it at the keyhole, and after a click, the lock opened.
Zhao Mian asked curiously, "How did you get the key to the Xuyuan warehouse?"
Wei Zhenfeng said: "I stole it from a steward when I had the chance."
During the day, Wei Zhenfeng was separated from Zhao Mian and taken to another room. Like Zhao Mian, he also noticed that the furnishings in the room were too old. He deliberately broke a porcelain vase that looked valuable. The maid scolded him and then said to a little maid, "Go find Wang the steward and ask him to get a similar porcelain vase from the storeroom."
Wei Zhenfeng remembered this Steward Wang, and then he took some time to find the right moment to secretly "borrow" the key from Steward Wang.
Zhao Mian would not miss any opportunity to speak ill of another country: "You guys in Fuxue Tower are good at these sneaky things."
Wei Zhenfeng turned his head and glanced at Zhao Mian's profile. He didn't want to pay attention to this guy who got the advantage but couldn't help but retort when he pushed the door open: "Don't worry, you guys in Qianji Academy also learn it."
The warehouse was relatively clean. At least there were no spider webs or dust flying towards it, and there was no strange smell either. It seemed that someone was taking good care of it.
There were no windows inside, so the moonlight could not penetrate. It was pitch black. Wei Zhenfeng used the tinder he carried with him to light an oil lamp. The light was dim and flickered, illuminating only a small area around it. Zhao Mian had to follow Wei Zhenfeng closely to see the scene clearly.
Boxes of gifts were piled on the floor. Zhao Mian opened two boxes at random and took a look. One box was filled with silk and satin, and the other was filled with antique calligraphy and paintings. There were also many gift boxes on the wooden cabinet, most of which were filled with jewelry, jade, and gold hairpins.
The light was too dim, and Zhao Mian accidentally bumped into a stool hidden in the dark. The corner of the stool scraped across the ground, making a creaking sound. Although the sound was not loud, if someone happened to pass by the warehouse in the dead of night, it would be enough to attract his attention.
Wei Zhenfeng stopped and looked back at Zhao Mian. He waited for a while, and after making sure that no one was outside, he said, "Stupid."
Zhao Mian: “…?”
He has always been the one to call others stupid, so when did others dare to call him stupid
"It was indeed my fault just now," Zhao Mian said coldly, "but have I been too polite to you recently?"
Wei Zhenfeng spoke frankly, "Since you decided not to bother with me first, and put the detoxification first, you really gave me face. You are worthy of being Mr. Xiao who puts the overall situation first."
"I hope you cherish this time," Zhao Mian snatched the oil lamp from Wei Zhenfeng's hand with a sneer, walked around in front of him to lead the way, "I'm afraid your life will not be so good in the future."
The two searched in the dark for half an hour, and Zhao Mian found what they were looking for among a pile of ancient books - the gift lists of three weddings held in Xuyuan in the eighth year of Tianwu, the tenth year of Tianwu, and the first year of Zaixi.
Wei Zhenfeng stood behind Zhao Mian, leaned forward slightly, and looked through Zhao Mian's shoulder: "Shall we watch it together?"
Zhao Mian handed the gift list of the eighth year of Tianwu to Wei Zhenfeng: "Take a look at this first."
Wei Zhenfeng did not move, but stared at the list of gifts for Zai Xi for the past year which Zhao Mian was holding tightly in his hand.
The two knew that if there was an important clue in the gift list, it would most likely be at the wedding of the first year of Zaixi. Because when Wanhua dreamed of asking the Queen Mother Dongling to give him the Yuyuan Garden, it was also the first year of Zaixi.
Wei Zhenfeng saw through Zhao Mian's little thoughts. Zhao Mian wanted to be the one who knew the clues first, and then decide whether to share the information with him based on the content of the clues. But the two were so close, and Zhao Mian's every move was under his eyes. Is it necessary
Zhao Mian said impatiently: "Are you going to watch it or not? I'm tired of holding my hand up all the time."
Zhao Mian had something on his mind, so he automatically ignored Wei Zhenfeng's disrespect for him. He was opening Zai Xi's gift list for the year in front of Wei Zhenfeng, and quickly reading it in the dim light from the edge of the aperture.
At that time, Jia Huai held a high position and was a famous scholar throughout the country. When his son got married, eight out of ten officials in Donglingjing came to his house to present generous gifts, as well as his disciples who had not yet entered officialdom. There was a thick stack of gift lists, with names written on every page.
Zhao Mian saw many names that were familiar to him. Sixteen years ago, they were still students of Jia Huai, and sixteen years later, they had become important officials in the Dongling court.
Jia Huai's disciples are spread all over Kyoto. If they are all willing to follow Jia Huai in impeaching Wan Hua Meng, the storm on October 12 will probably be greater than he imagined.
Suddenly, a name unexpectedly appeared in Zhao Mian's field of vision. His pupils dilated slightly, and then returned to normal in a very short time, as if he had seen nothing.
But in the darkness without the illumination of the oil lamp, the corners of the boy's lips couldn't help but curl up little by little.
Zhao Mian glanced at Wei Zhenfeng calmly, and seeing that he was concentrating on the gift list, he decisively kicked the stool under his feet.
As the spring stool made a sound, he quickly tore off a page from the gift list.
Wei Zhenfeng looked up from the gift list of the eighth year of Tianwu: "Why?"
Zhao Mian calmly hid the paper in his sleeve: "It's okay, I just accidentally knocked it."
Wei Zhenfeng seemed to believe it and lowered his head to continue looking at the gift list.
Zhao Mian thought he had deceived Wei Zhenfeng, and was about to breathe a sigh of relief, but he heard Wei Zhenfeng say: "So, you just pretended to be clumsy on purpose? You touched me once, and I won't care if you touch me a second time?"
Zhao Mian was stunned for a moment, pretending to be calm: "I don't know what you are talking about."
Wei Zhenfeng closed the gift list in his hand and threw it casually on the table: "Don't pretend, your face has already betrayed you." He approached Zhao Mian step by step, walking into the faint and narrow light circle, like a wild animal looking for food late at night, "You must have discovered something."
It was pitch black all around, with only the small area between the two people lit, reflecting their completely different faces.
Zhao Mian was shrouded in the tall figure of Wei Zhenfeng. He could only see Wei Zhenfeng's protruding Adam's apple. He threw Zai Xi's gift list for the past year at Wei Zhenfeng's chest and said, "If you don't believe me, just look for yourself."
Wei Zhenfeng didn't reach out, letting the gift list hit his chest and fall to the ground. He looked down at Zhao Mian and said with a smile, "No, how can you be so unkind? We agreed to find clues together, and I invited you. How can you keep your discovery to yourself? I don't want to quarrel with you, Master Xiao."
Wei Zhenfeng seemed to be speaking in a good-tempered manner, but there was no smile in his eyes, which made Zhao Mian instinctively sense the danger. His left hand could not help but reach towards his waist, where was stuck the dagger that Wei Zhenfeng gave him for self-defense.
"I don't want to search your body either." Wei Zhenfeng's eyes swept over indifferently, "If I asked you to kneel once, you would want to die. If an ugly black man like me really touched you anywhere, you would really hunt me down for the rest of my life."
Zhao Mian's eyebrows were as cold as ice. Even though he was surrounded and threatened, he was still arrogant and said, "It's good that you know it."
"Stop messing around," Wei Zhenfeng stretched out his hand in front of Zhao Mian, "Take it."
Zhao Mian lowered his eyes and looked at Wei Zhenfeng's open palm, his long eyelashes trembling slightly.
Wei Zhenfeng did not rush and waited patiently.
After a long silence, Zhao Mian closed his eyes and reluctantly took out a torn piece of paper from his sleeve, but he said something irrelevant: "You Beiyuan people really like to speak in inverted sentences."
The paper was crumpled into a ball by Zhao Mian. When Wei Zhenfeng went to take it, he accidentally touched Zhao Mian's hand and unexpectedly discovered that Zhao Mian's fingertips were wet.
How could the young master be so nervous? On the surface, he seemed calm and composed, with no sign of abnormality.
What a good actor.
Wei Zhenfeng unfolded the paper in front of Zhao Mian. Each page of the gift list had three columns, which were the guest's identity, name, and the gift they gave.
Scanning down from the first row, almost all of them are officials from Dongling, except for the last one whose official position begins with the word "Nan": Prince Nanjing's Tutor, Rong Tang, who was gifted with several ancient books.
The Prince's Tutor is the Prince's teacher.
The next line of Nanjing Prince's tutor's words clearly read Wan Huameng's name:
The national teacher, Wan Hua Meng, gave me a bottle of thousand-year-old heart-protecting pills.
As expected, Wan Huameng had come to Xuyuan to watch the ceremony in Zaixi’s first year. As for the other person…
Wei Zhenfeng looked at Zhao Mian and asked, "Did your teacher come to Dongling sixteen years ago?"
Zhao Mian remained silent.
Wei Zhenfeng asked: "What is he doing in Dongling?"
"How should I know?" Zhao Mian said calmly, "The teacher was a top scholar in the imperial examination, with brilliant literary talent and extraordinary talent. And Jia Huai is a master of Dongling literature. It is reasonable for the two to have some academic personal relationship."
This explanation makes sense. Nanjing values literature, and students often travel to study in all directions, so it is not surprising that the prince's tutor was sent to Dongling as an envoy.
But Wei Zhenfeng still felt something was wrong: "If that's the case, why did you hide it from me?"
Zhao Mian asked confidently, "Why should I tell you, an outsider, about my Nan Jing affairs?"
Wei Zhenfeng was speechless and couldn't find the right words to refute for a while.
Zhao Mian gave him a way out: "If you are curious, I can write a letter and ask the teacher what happened that year."
Wei Zhenfeng compromised: "Okay."
The two continued to explore, but they did not find any other clues even after the lamp oil ran out. It was already past midnight, and if they did not leave, daybreak would soon arrive.
Wei Zhenfeng yawned and walked out: "That's all for today, goodbye."
Zhao Mian called out, "Wait a minute."
"Why, you want me to take you there? I'm very sleepy."
"No need, I remember the way." Zhao Mian paused for a moment, and said absentmindedly, "I just suddenly remembered that I don't think I have ever asked you why you, Fuxue Tower, ran all the way from Beiyuan to Dongling."
Wei Zhenfeng stopped and wondered why Zhao Mian asked him this at this time. He didn't hide it, and he didn't need to hide it: "I'm here to find something."
Zhao Mian asked: "What is it?"
Wei Zhenfeng smiled and said, "You came to Dongling to find something, and I came to Dongling to find something." Then he opened the door and said, "Let's go."
Zhao Mian watched Wei Zhenfeng leave until his back was engulfed in darkness, then he heaved a long sigh of relief as if exhausted.
He slowly spread out his palm, on which lay quietly the clue that Wei Zhenfeng had just forced him to give.
At that time, he tore off two gift lists, and Wei Zhenfeng only took one of them.
The one remaining in his hand is the truly useful information.
(End of this chapter)