Soon, the maid from Xuyuan brought Wan Huameng's summons.
When Wei Zhenfeng saw the maid coming, he didn't even try to hide, but sat beside Zhao Mian and drank and ate. The maid frowned and asked, "Why are you here? Who told you to come out?"
Wei Zhenfeng answered as a matter of course: "He and I both don't like men. We are about to be forced to get married by you. If we don't cultivate our relationship more, what will happen if we both die on our wedding night?"
The Imperial Master was in a hurry to get someone, so the maid didn't have time to argue with him: "Change your clothes and follow me out of the garden."
After an incense stick of time, several people left Xu Garden and were escorted to Nan Palace.
Kyoto implemented a curfew. Just after the hour of Xu, shops closed and pedestrians returned home. The streets were deserted. There were three people escorting them, two women and one man, leaving room for three helpers.
When the group passed through a remote place, Shen Buci and others who had been lying in ambush for a long time quickly dealt with the three people, and then Bai Yu disguised them.
On this trip to Nangong, Wei Zhenfeng planned to bring Yun Yong and Hua Ju, while Zhao Mian brought Shen Buci and Bai Yu. Although everything had been arranged, the place they were going to was Wan Huameng's lair after all. Shen Buci once again advised that His Highness would return to Zhu Mansion and wait, and he would retrieve the antidote for His Highness.
"No, you can't disguise the red line on your hand." Zhao Mian said, "Besides, I have a backup plan, so I'm not afraid."
His backups are the Prime Minister and Nan Jing, what about Wei Zhenfeng
Given Wei Zhenfeng's style of doing things, would he have prepared a way out for himself in case of failure
Thinking of this, Zhao Mian looked towards Wei Zhenfeng.
Wei Zhenfeng felt his gaze and looked up at him: "What's wrong?"
Zhao Mian asked: "Do your parents love you?"
Wei Zhenfeng was puzzled for a moment: "Huh?"
Zhao Mian said calmly, "As the second son in the family... your parents wouldn't think that having a brother to inherit the family business is enough and they don't need to worry about your life or death, right?"
Wei Zhenfeng understood what Zhao Mian meant and said with a smile, "I don't know, let's see when the time comes."
The journey from Xuyuan to Nangong crossed the entire capital city. When daybreak approached, they arrived at the gate of Nangong Mountain.
Looking up from the foot of the mountain, Nangong Mountain stands like a giant between heaven and earth. The countless lights are its eyes overlooking the world, coldly watching their every move.
Faced with such a stunning night view of Nangong Mountain, Zhao Mian's comment was that it was not as good as Nanjing Qianjiyuan.
Wei Zhenfeng looked at Nangong Mountain, thought for a moment, and asked Bai Yu: "What does Wanhua Meng look like?"
Bai Yu looked embarrassed: "Wan Huameng can change his appearance at any time. No one knows which one is his real face. But he is just like the rumors say, very short."
"How short?"
Bai Yu compared himself with her own body: "A little shorter than me, probably up to the bridge of my nose."
Wei Zhenfeng nodded: "I understand. Thank you for leading the way, young lady."
The guards of Nangong had been informed in advance that the national master had summoned the newcomers from Xuyuan. After checking the red lines on Zhao Mian and Wei Zhenfeng's hands, they let them pass. In addition, Bai Yu was familiar with the terrain of Nangong, so Zhao Mian and others arrived at the main hall of Nangong - Chiyuetai - without any obstruction.
This place was located halfway up the mountain in Nangong, and was still some distance away from the Yanyue Residence they were going to. A young man in white stood at the gate of the Chiyue Platform, seemingly waiting for them.
The boy seems to have not yet grown up, with thin bones and skinny body, and is born fragile. When his pair of clear and pure black eyes look at you, there is a sense of pity in them.
Bai Yu had never seen this young man in Nangong before. He thought he must be Wan Huameng's new favorite. He had just arrived in Nangong not long ago and spoke timidly: "You... are you from Xuyuan?"
Yun Yong, who was disguised as a maid, said, "That's right."
"The Imperial Master is waiting for you inside." The young man said softly, "Please follow me."
Zhao Mian followed the young man into the main hall, observing the surrounding situation calmly. Suddenly, he felt his sleeve being gently pulled.
Zhao Mian glanced at the instigator, only to see Wei Zhenfeng raising his chin towards the young man who was leading the way. He followed Wei Zhenfeng's line of sight and saw a thin, bright red line on the young man's wrist as it swung with his steps.
Hmm? Another victim of the male and female Gu
Before Zhao Mian had time to think, they were brought in front of Wan Huameng.
The empty hall was solemn and dignified, with rows of neatly placed candlesticks on the layers of green steps. The candles on the candlesticks flickered with light, and they climbed up the steps, crawling from low to high, all the way to Wan Hua Meng's feet.
The man sat at the top of the stairs, with a huge stone wall behind him, on which were carved two lifelike snakes with human faces and jackal bodies, wings, and their tails tightly intertwined.
These two transformed snakes seem to be mating.
Perhaps it was because the candlelight was too dazzling, or the fog in the mountains at night was too thick. They were also far away, and the man's face seemed to be covered with a layer of mist. Zhao Mian tried hard to see his appearance clearly, but he couldn't.
This person must be Wan Huameng, one of the four great masters in the world, the great master of Dongling, who is blind and loves to act as a matchmaker. He is indeed very short, and is estimated to be about the same height as his fifteen or sixteen years old. No wonder he has to stand so high to talk to them.
The young man in white stood in front of the steps, and his clear voice echoed in the hall: "Kneel—"
Zhao Mian's eyes shone. He was just thinking about how to get around the formalities when he heard Wan Huameng say, "I will exempt you from the formalities."
Wan Huameng's voice was low and hoarse, which reminded Zhao Mian of the transformed snake on the stone wall behind him. It gave people a weird, sticky and unpleasant feeling, which was very uncomfortable to the ears.
The young man in white was a little surprised, then he pursed his lips and stepped aside.
Wan Huameng glanced at everyone one by one and asked condescendingly: "Who presented the painting?"
painting
Wei Zhenfeng looked in the direction of Zhao Mian. Just as Zhao Mian was about to speak, Bai Yu stepped forward before him and walked forward cautiously: "Yes, it's a commoner girl."
Wan Huameng fixed his eyes on Bai Yu and asked, "How did you get the painting?"
Bai Yu brought out the pre-prepared explanation: "Your Excellency, I am a student of the Imperial Academy and can read a few words. The painting was given to me by a benefactor."
Wan Huameng's tone became anxious, and he even couldn't wait to ask: "What's your benefactor's name and where is he now?"
Bai Yu gritted her teeth and mustered up her courage to say, "Sir, I have an unreasonable request..."
Zhao Mian, who was watching nearby, discovered for the first time that Bai Yu was such a good actress. She played the fear and trepidation of ordinary people facing a country's imperial master to perfection. She was completely different from her usual gentle and lovely appearance in the East Palace.
It was right to let her speak, but changing someone else would not have had the same effect.
There was no sound from Wan Huameng's end.
Without waiting for Wan Huameng's response, Bai Yu dared not look up and continued, "My brother is already engaged, so it is inconvenient for me to marry Brother Li. I wonder if the State Master can revoke his order, let my brother go, and find another good match for Brother Li."
The hall was completely quiet. Zhao Mian glanced at the sky outside, and it was almost time for the Dongling morning court.
A gust of cold wind blew by, causing the candle flame to flicker even more violently, and the coldness in the hall seemed to grow thicker.
Shen Buci clenched his fists, ready to attack at any time to prevent Wan Huameng from attacking them in anger.
After a long while, Wan Huameng slowly spoke: "You mean, I agree to your 'unwelcome request', then you will tell me the whole story of this painting?"
Bai Yu hurriedly said, "I dare not."
"I have been a matchmaker for so many people, including ladies from famous families and villains from the market, talented scholars from the capital and widowed peasant women, and even the son of a powerful official and his father's concubine," Wan Huameng sneered, "They don't dare to object. Who are you to negotiate terms with me?"
Bai Yu's forehead was covered with cold sweat: "Commoner, commoner..."
Can cold sweat be faked? Bai Yu seemed to be really scared.
Speaking while standing on a staircase half a floor high, Wan Huameng gave off a very intimidating look.
Wan Huameng's attention was drawn to Zhao Mian. He looked at him for a moment, then looked at Wei Zhenfeng beside him, and said with interest: "Interesting. In terms of appearance, you two are the most well-matched couple I have seen in all these years."
Zhao Mian: “…”
He couldn't find any other explanation for why Wan Huameng could say such a thing, except that he was blind.
At this time, there was a sound of hurried footsteps outside the palace. A maid came in and knelt down and said, "Master Imperial Master, the Queen Mother has ordered you to come to the palace immediately."
Wan Huameng couldn't hide her impatience: "What happened again?"
The maid said in panic, "I heard that the former Dongge Grand Secretary Jia Huai led the Duke of Ying and others to make a group remonstrance in the palace, and the Queen Mother seems to be unable to control it..."
Wan Huameng snorted coldly: "The old guy is looking for trouble with me again."
The young man in white who had been silent all this time suddenly spoke up: "Sir, the Queen Mother has summoned you, you should still go."
Wan Huameng was silent for a moment, then said, "Press them into the ebony platform first and keep them under good guard. I will come back to investigate."
Yun Yong said: "Yes."
The map of Nangong Mountain was well remembered by everyone, and Yun Yong led them towards Wumu Terrace with ease. At present, everything seemed to be going according to their plan.
"There's one thing I forgot to ask you." Wei Zhenfeng, who had been silent, suddenly asked, "When Wan Hua Meng bewitched you, did you wear any disguise on your face? A veil or a disguise."
Zhao Mian said: "No. But I don't know exactly when he put the poison in me."
Wei Zhenfeng thought for a moment: "That's it."
Zhao Mian knew what Wei Zhenfeng was thinking of by looking at his expression, and asked, "Why?"
Wei Zhenfeng shook his head: "Things went too smoothly."
"Isn't it good that things are going smoothly?" Hua Ju asked puzzledly, "It means we planned it carefully."
It’s not that it’s bad, it’s just that it’s so smooth that it doesn’t live up to the name of Wanhuameng.
Wei Zhenfeng pondered and said, "Wan Huameng just said that we are the most suitable couple he has ever seen?"
Zhao Mian said indifferently: "You believe the words of a person with eye disease."
Hua Ju couldn't help but speak up for his master: "Mr. Xiao, you can't say that. I also think that if we only look at appearance, you..."
Zhao Mian said bluntly: "Then you also have eye disease."
Although Wei Zhenfeng is a talkative person, he rarely talks to Zhao Mian when he is thinking about serious matters: "Wan Huameng's words seem to have some substance."
Shen Buci said: "Sir, now that things have come to this, we should still act according to the plan."
Zhao Mian and Wei Zhenfeng both agreed with Shen Buci's statement that things will work out when the time comes, and the best strategy is to remain unchanged in the face of ever-changing circumstances.
Bai Yu led them all the way to Nangong, and at a fork in the road, they walked in the opposite direction of Wumutai. In front of them was the place where Wan Huameng placed the antidote for the poison, Yanyueju.
As expected, there were heavy guards outside Yanyue Residence, which was a barrier that could not be passed by disguise alone. No one, no matter who it was, was allowed to enter without the order of the Imperial Master.
If there were only two or three guards, they could easily assassinate them and be done with it, but there were dozens of them in total, so they had to use some simple strategies.
Yun Yong and Hua Ju said frankly that they were ordered to enter Yan Yue Ju to take samples for the Imperial Master, but because the Imperial Master left in a hurry, he did not leave any proof for them.
The guards of Yanyueju naturally did not believe this. When the two sides were arguing, Hua Ju deliberately exposed his flaws to lure the guards into action. Then he used his excellent lightness skills to lure the tiger away from the mountain.
Less than half of the guards left in Yanyueju were quietly assassinated by Shen Buci and Wei Zhenfeng who were hiding in the dark. Zhao Mian and four others successfully sneaked into Yanyueju.
The map that Bai Yu had drawn before did not include the interior appearance of Yanyueju. After they came in, they found that this place was just a courtyard of neither size. In stark contrast to the creepy grandeur of the main hall and the Chiyue Terrace, Yanyueju could even be described as elegant.
The grass was lush, insects were chirping, birds were singing, and in the yard stood a chessboard that was halfway through and had not yet been completed. This was totally unlike the style of Wanhuameng.
Time was limited, and there was no time to think too much. Bai Yu said, "Sir, shall we split up and search?"
"Wait." Wei Zhenfeng stared at the half-open door of the main house, "There's someone inside."
Shen Buci also noticed the breathing sounds inside the door and said, "Sir, please step back. I will go and find out what's going on first."
Zhao Mian nodded: "Be careful."
Shen Buci held the sword tightly and approached the door step by step. Everyone watched with bated breath. Just before Shen Buci pushed the door open with the sword, a white figure suddenly rushed out from inside.
Bai Yu couldn't help but shout, "Be careful!"
Shen Buci didn't need her to remind him, his reaction was faster than anyone else's. In the blink of an eye, his sword was already aimed at the uninvited guest's forehead.
—It was the young man in white who had just led them the way.
The boy's face was pale, and he seemed to be very frightened. He was holding a porcelain bottle in his hand, and there was a thin line on his wrist that was glaringly red.
Bai Yu frowned: "It's you."
The boy unconsciously took a step back, and Shen Buci's sword followed him. The boy knew he had nowhere to hide, so he clenched the porcelain bottle in his hand and asked tentatively: "Are you guys... also here to steal the antidote for the male and female poison?"
also
Zhao Mian subconsciously looked at Wei Zhenfeng.
The young man raised the porcelain bottle and walked towards Zhao Mian in fear and trepidation: "I will give you the antidote, please don't kill me."
Shen Buci said in a deep voice: "Stop, don't move."
The boy stopped walking obediently: "I'm sorry, I just took one." The boy looked at them fearfully and apologetically, "I didn't mean to do that, but I will die if I don't take it... Now there is only one antidote left, what should I do?"
No, this boy is not simple.
Not to mention the fact that he was able to sneak into Yanyueju alone and safely to steal the antidote, he witnessed the whole process at Chiyuetai just now, and it was only after his "reminder" that Wan Huameng agreed to enter the palace to meet the Queen Mother.
Wei Zhenfeng was right. So far, everything has been going too smoothly.
Just as Zhao Mian was about to speak, Wei Zhenfeng suddenly grabbed his wrist, pulled him behind him, and stood opposite the young man in white.
"What should we do... You ask us, and we want to ask you." Wei Zhenfeng smiled, "Master Imperial Master."
The young man was shocked, his eyes wide open: "Master Imperial Master... Didn't he go to the palace? Is he back?!"
Wei Zhenfeng was too lazy to talk too much nonsense, and said with a smile: "What a coincidence, I just learned a conspiracy not long ago, and I have always wanted to try it. Since you are not Wan Huameng," Wei Zhenfeng turned to Shen Buci and said straightforwardly, "Silence him."
(End of this chapter)