Volume One: Menial Servant of Changshui County Chapter Twenty-Three: The Sage’s State

Some things are destined to have no conclusion. At least, not for now.

Could Lu Jiuzhang openly say it was because someone wanted to kill him? Was his elder brother Lu Huaigu’s death merely a coincidence? He could not. Even if he spoke out, no one would believe him; it would be utterly meaningless.

After leaving Yuan Wufeng’s office, Lu Jiuzhang returned to the guardhouse. As soon as he entered, Wang Yunshan sidled over. “Brother Lu, we’ve got some free time tonight. How about a visit to the House of Blossoms?”

Wang Yunshan spoke in a low voice, his lips close to Lu Jiuzhang’s ear. He didn’t dare say it aloud—otherwise, it wouldn’t be just the two of them he’d have to invite.

“I was thinking, today’s the perfect opportunity. We could even use your brother’s death as an excuse. I’ll say you have family matters to attend to, and I’m going along to help. Your elder brother’s just passed, and you’re left alone. Me helping you out makes for a flawless pretext.” Wang Yunshan grinned mischievously.

“Not interested,” Lu Jiuzhang replied, shaking his head. His mood was foul today; he truly had no desire for the pleasures of the House of Blossoms. Besides, Li Muyun had already left. If Li Muyun were still around, Lu Jiuzhang might have gone to ask some questions—perhaps uncover another clue.

“Uh…” Wang Yunshan was taken aback. “Brother Lu, it’s nothing. You’re probably in your pensive mood right now. I’ll ask again when we’re off duty.”

“We’ll see,” Lu Jiuzhang said, making his way to a corner, where he lay alone on a chair. Wang Yunshan couldn’t help but think something was wrong with his friend. Just last night, he’d been eager to go, but today he showed no interest at all.

...

The Thousand Mechanisms Pavilion.

As the wealthiest shop in all of Changshui County, it saw a constant stream of visitors.

A hidden door creaked open in the pavilion’s secret chamber. In walked a figure cloaked in a conical hat. Removing it, the person revealed themselves—strikingly handsome, with an air of boldness. She was a woman, yet dressed in a man’s white robe.

Her face radiated strength, with not a trace of girlish coyness or affectation between her brows.

“Steward Zhao!” The elderly man who had earlier received Lu Jiuzhang at the pavilion cupped his hands in greeting to the woman.

“Manager Chen, I’ve been sent from Anxi Prefecture to audit this year’s accounts,” she said calmly. She was not alone; several martial artists and two accountants had accompanied her, though only she entered the chamber. This place was the most secretive in the whole pavilion, holding vast sums of money and treasures.

The steward from Anxi Prefecture stood on equal footing with the old man, but being from the prefecture lent her an inherent superiority in status. Besides, she was so young—surely backed by powerful patrons. The old man dared not offend her.

“Steward Zhao, there’s no need for such formality—just call me Old Chen,” he said with a friendly smile.

“Please have all this year’s account books delivered to my accountants for inspection. Also, the shop’s performance here in Changshui has been decent these past two years. If the accounts are in order, I can recommend you for a position in Anxi Prefecture when I return,” she offered, sweetening the deal to ensure the audit proceeded smoothly.

Manager Chen grew instantly excited. “Thank you, Steward Zhao!” A position in Anxi Prefecture would be a most enviable post!

“Steward Zhao, there’s something I need to report. I’ve heard that the lord in North Lu Prefecture is seeking a large number of corpse pearls, and as it happens, someone in Changshui has one. If we can obtain it, the lord there will surely be pleased.”

Originally, Manager Chen had not intended to mention this, but after thinking it over, North Lu Prefecture was far too distant. Immediate benefit was more practical. If he handed this merit to Steward Zhao, she might well transfer him to Anxi Prefecture upon her return.

“Corpse pearls?” Steward Zhao pondered briefly. “Bring me that person’s information.”

Though they were equals by rank, Steward Zhao spoke with the authority of a superior. Manager Chen immediately adopted a subservient posture, bowed his head, and hurried out.

...

Changshui County was a small place; it was easy to gather information about Lu Jiuzhang. When she saw that his record listed him as a menial in the Demon-Slaying Bureau, Steward Zhao frowned. Even a menial was still an official constable; no matter how insignificant, such officials were not to be robbed or bullied.

The Thousand Mechanisms Pavilion, despite its deep background, was only a business after all. It would be best to see what terms the other party wanted before deciding on a course of action. If they could not reach an agreement, other options could be considered.

With that, Steward Zhao strode out of the secret chamber. The guards at the door quickly moved to follow, but she waved them off. “No need. Changshui is remote, there’s little danger, and besides, I’m accomplished enough in martial arts to protect myself.”

With these words, she departed.

...

As the end of the workday approached, Wang Yunshan grew restless. He trotted over to Lu Jiuzhang. “Brother Lu, have you thought it over? A night at the pleasure house is a rare delight. If you don’t go, there might not be another chance for a while!”

Wang Yunshan’s heart itched with anticipation. He very much wanted to go, but dared not go alone. Bringing Lu Jiuzhang along would provide a ready excuse if his wife asked.

Normally, Lu Jiuzhang might have want