Liver into a martial arts legend: starting with Embroidered Spring Blade

Chapter 66: Witch, don't ruin my practice! [Five more]

Jiang Xuan practiced until late at night before returning to his room to rest.

At this moment, Qiu Moyan and others had already gone to bed.

The layout of the renovated house has not changed, it faces north and south.

In the middle is a large living room with a bedroom at the back. To the east of the living room is the kitchen, with a small wing room next to it. The west side is divided into two small firewood rooms and a toilet.

As the host, Jiang Xuan could not possibly give the master bedroom to them.

Therefore, Jin Xiangyu and Qiu Moyan were arranged to sleep in the side room, while Diao Buyu and the other two had to squeeze on the floor in the woodshed for the time being. After all, they were not very comfortable letting them rent a house outside now.

Jin Xiangyu originally wanted to occupy the master bedroom and sleep with Jiang Xuan, but was sternly rejected by Jiang Xuan.

I had to do it at Longmen Inn because I had no choice.

Now that I have returned to the capital, how can I continue to be so dissolute?
Witch, don’t even think about ruining my practice!
Jiang Xuan originally thought that Jin Xiangyu had already fallen asleep in the side room.

Unexpectedly, as soon as I walked into the bedroom, a figure came up to me like a poisonous snake.

Then, Jin Xiangyu's voice came to my ears: "Master, you finally finished practicing. I have been waiting for a long time!"

Jiang Xuan's body stiffened.

What a sin!

A moment later, there was a noise in the bedroom...

In the east wing, a low curse tinged with shame and anger rang out: "Slut!"

-

the next day.

As soon as the sky was getting light, Jiang Xuan got up, holding his sore waist.

He looked down at Jin Xiangyu, who looked contented even in her sleep.

The corner of Jiang Xuan's mouth twitched, and he secretly made up his mind.

We must not indulge in such extravagant behavior tonight.

Walk out of the living room.

Then the clear sound of a flute came from outside.

Jiang Xuan opened the door and looked out.

I saw a thin figure sitting on the wall, and the sound of the flute came from the wall.

"Miss Qiu, it's so early?"

Jiang Xuan was a little surprised.

The sound of the flute paused slightly, and Qiu Moyan looked back. His face seemed a little haggard, with two dark circles under his eyes, obviously he did not sleep well.

Seeing Jiang Xuan's refreshed face, she became more indignant. She snorted coldly, climbed down the wall and returned to the room.

"This is--"

Jiang Xuan was a little stunned.

But when he recalled Jin Xiangyu's wanton screams last night, he vaguely understood something and couldn't help feeling a little embarrassed.

"Boss, are you up? I'll go make breakfast for you."

At this time, Diao Buyu also walked out of the woodshed rubbing his eyes. After seeing Jiang Xuan, he hurried forward to greet him, and then prepared to go to the kitchen to make breakfast.

"No need."

Jiang Xuan waved his hand and said, "I still have to go to the government office to work. You guys can eat slowly."

"Oh, then take care, boss." Diao Buyu waved his hand naively.

Jiang Xuan nodded, picked up his sword and went out.

In recent days, due to the incident of "Rama's body", all the major government offices have been very busy. Everyone wants to solve the case first, get back Rama's body, and use this to come into the sight of Eunuch Wei of the East Factory and rise to fame overnight.

The same is true for the Northern Pacification Office.

As we walked along, most people around us were talking about this.

Jiang Xuan ignored him and after checking in, he went to the yamen of the pacification commissioner to meet Xu Xianchun.

Wei Zhongxian was so obsessed with Rama's body that he ordered that it should be searched for at all costs. Therefore, Xu Xianchun did not dare to go to the East Factory to flatter him in the past few days, and was now processing official documents in the yamen.

After hearing the noise, Xu Xianchun looked up and glanced at them, then casually said, "Are you here? Sit down."

"Thank you, sir."

Jiang Xuan bowed and then walked to a chair nearby and sat down.

Xu Xianchun put down the document in his hand, looked at Jiang Xuan, and said with a smile: "I knew you would come. Tell me, what do you want to know?"

"Your Excellency has a keen eye. I have come here precisely to discuss the case of 'Rama's remains'. I hope you will be able to enlighten me."

Jiang Xuan spoke frankly.

Xu Xianchun asked him to investigate the case, but at this time, seven or eight days had passed since Zhang Haiduan's family was wiped out.

He had just returned to Beijing and knew nothing about the case.

Although there are files, the records in them are definitely not as detailed as those known by the people in the Northern Division.

But now the competition in the government office is fierce, and even if he asks other colleagues for advice, they may not tell him.

So it would be better to go directly to Xu Xianchun and see if you can get any clues.

Xu Xianchun nodded slightly and began to narrate the case:

"The case happened eight nights ago. Captain Xue's men were on duty that night. Around midnight, they received a report that Zhang Haiduan's house was on fire. When our men from the Northern Division arrived at the scene, they discovered a murder had occurred."

"No one in the entire Zhang Mansion, including Zhang Haiduan, survived. Only Zhang Haiduan's second son, Zhang Renfeng, disappeared."

"After this incident occurred, I immediately opened a case for investigation. However, within two days, rumors began to circulate that the crime was committed by a killer organization called 'Black Stone', whose purpose was to seize 'Rama's body.'"

"In the following days, a steady stream of outsiders and guileless individuals entered the capital, further confirming the authenticity of the story. This alerted the factory owner."

"After learning about this, the factory owner offered a reward, urging everyone to solve the case and retrieve Rama's body at any cost."

"Whoever can retrieve the body will be rewarded handsomely."

"Right now, the entire East Factory, including our Jinyiwei and the Five Cities Military Commission, are all focused on this case. As long as we can get the body back, we'll be able to enter the Factory Master's sight, and promotion and wealth will definitely be a problem."

Xu Xianchun said, looking at Jiang Xuan with a smile, "That's roughly the situation."

"Captain Jiang, to be honest, among the several captains in our Northern Division, I have the highest hopes for you. If you can solve this case and recover the body, your career will be a meteoric rise in no time."

"Thank you for your consideration, my lord. I will do my best."

Jiang Xuan nodded and then asked, "Then according to you, sir, the key to this case now lies with this assassin organization called 'Black Stone'?"

"Yes, as long as we find the Black Stone people, there will definitely be clues."

Xu Xianchun nodded and added, "In addition, there is Zhang Haiduan's second son, Zhang Renfeng. He has not been seen alive or dead, so he is probably still alive. If we can find him, we might find some clues."

"Thank you sir for informing me."

Jiang Xuan nodded, but he didn't care much about this Zhang Renfeng.

If the plot remains unchanged, this person is most likely not dead, and is eventually saved by the miracle doctor Li Guishou. He then changes his appearance and becomes a servant named Jiang Asheng who runs errands and delivers messages. He has been waiting for an opportunity to destroy Black Stone and take revenge.

Thinking of this, Jiang Xuan couldn't help but think of Black Stone's number one killer, Xiyu.

In the original drama of "Sword Rain", after Heishi destroyed Zhang Mansion and obtained Rama's body, Xiyu betrayed Heishi and escaped with half of Rama's body and Heishi's 800,000 taels of silver.

Afterwards, he also asked the miracle doctor Li Guishou to change his face, and happened to marry Zhang Renfeng, who had also changed his appearance.

This is why there is the later plot of "the plastic surgery couple versus the old man who is looking for his roots".

If the plot had remained unchanged, Xiyu would have probably escaped with half of the body and was being hunted by Black Stone's men.

Thinking of this, Jiang Xuan couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency.

If we wait until Xiyu successfully changes her face, it will not be easy to find her again.

Tread-tap-

At this time, several more people came in from outside. They were the other centurions of the Northern Division, and Xue Gui, whom Xu Xianchun had just mentioned, was among them.

Seeing this, Jiang Xuan stood up, clasped his fists, and said, "Sir, I will take my leave now."

"Well, let's go."

Xu Xianchun waved his hand, then looked at Xue Gui and the others with a smile, still saying the same thing: "Are you here? How was the investigation yesterday?"

Everyone who passed by Jiang Xuan naturally knew why Jiang Xuan came. They all snorted inwardly, and then stepped forward to report the progress of the case.

Xu Xianchun saw it, but didn't care.

For him, competition among his subordinates is actually a good thing.

Anyway, no matter who solves the case in the end, it will be through his hands, so he is naturally happy to see it happen.

Jiang Xuan also ignored these colleagues who regarded him as a competitor.

After leaving the yamen, he found his subordinates Xu Longqing, Lu Jianxing and others, and told them the information provided by Xu Xianchun, preparing to listen to their opinions first.

After listening to Jiang Xuan's story, everyone fell into deep thought. Then, Xu Longqing took the lead and spoke, "Sir, according to what Lord Xu said, there has been a continuous influx of people from the Jianghu into the capital these past few days. If that's the case, then I suspect that most of the people from Black Stone are still hiding in the capital."

Lu Jianxing nodded and said, "That's what I meant. There's no other way right now. I can only expand the search to the capital like everyone else."

Jiang Xuan pondered for a moment and asked, "How much do you know about this 'Black Stone'?"

Lu Jianxing said in a deep voice, "Sir, I inquired about this matter yesterday."

"This assassin organization called 'Black Stone' is said to have existed in the underworld for many years, but they have always been very low-key and mysterious, and no one knows their details."

"However, there have been rumors that the word 'Black Stone' symbolizes the foundation of darkness in the imperial court. It is said that over the years, the appointment of officials has required the approval of Black Stone."

"Officials who disobeyed would be assassinated, and the incidents were often left unresolved, with no one seeking justice for those assassinated by Blackstone."

"As time went on, officials across the Ming Dynasty became increasingly fearful of Black Stone. In contrast, Black Stone became less well-known in the martial arts world, not as well-known as top assassin organizations like the Azure Dragon Society, the Azure Clothes Tower, and the Heavenly Lord."

"So, I suspect this 'Black Stone' is related to the imperial court."

Jiang Xuan chuckled when he heard this, and became more certain of his guess.

Although it is a world of comprehensive martial arts, the details of this "Black Stone" remain unchanged.

The leader of the "Black Stone" group, King Chakravartin, took advantage of the convenience of sending and receiving letters in the palace to seize the handles of officials from all over the country and use them to threaten and profit.

When their secrets become known, most of these officials will naturally go bankrupt to avoid disaster in order to keep the secrets secret.

Those who disobeyed naturally became the victims of Black Stone's sword, which led to Black Stone's notoriety among officials from all over the country.

As for the appointment of officials in the world, does it all have to be approved by Black Stone?

Jiang Xuan said he didn't quite believe it.

In the era when Wei Zhongxian is in power, a mere Black Stone probably does not have such great power.

Otherwise, with Wei Zhongxian's tyranny, how could he tolerate the existence of Black Stone until now?
"Which department in the palace is responsible for receiving and sending letters?"

After confirming that the information was correct with what he knew, Jiang Xuan looked at everyone and asked.

Lu Jianxing was stunned for a moment, then responded, "Your Excellency, are you referring to the Tongzhengshisi? This department is responsible for receiving and sending internal and external memorials, as well as sealed appeals from subjects."

Jiang Xuan asked, "Are there any eunuchs in this department?"

Lu Jianxing nodded. "It wasn't like that before, but since the Wanli Emperor, eunuchs have been in power, interfering with all the power inside and outside the country, including the Tongzhengsi. They've also sent many eunuchs to be in charge of sending and receiving letters. Many important letters now have to be sent to the East Factory for review before deciding whether to report them."

Jiang Xuan nodded, pondered for a moment, and ordered, "Find a way to check the information of these eunuchs in the Ministry of Public Administration."

"Your Excellency means that this case may be related to the Ministry of Public Security?"

Lu Jianxing was stunned for a moment, then looked embarrassed: "The files of these eunuchs are under the responsibility of the Imperial Household Department. I'm afraid we don't have the authority to investigate."

Jiang Xuan remained noncommittal. "If anyone tries to stop you, you can claim you're trying to retrieve Rama's body for Eunuch Wei. And you don't need to investigate everyone; you only need to investigate the lowest-ranking ninth-rank eunuchs."

"If we only investigate ninth-rank eunuchs, this shouldn't be a big problem."

Lu Jianxing's expression relaxed slightly.

Jiang Xuan nodded: "Go check it out, and come back to report when you're done."

"Yes."

Lu Jianxing left.

----

After sending Lu Jianxing and others to check the files of the ninth-rank eunuch of the Tongzhengshi, Jiang Xuan waited quietly in the yamen.

Taking advantage of this free time, he went to the training ground in the yard to continue practicing with the sword.

Now the entire Northern Division is busy with the case of Rama's body, and the yamen is a busy scene.

Seeing that Jiang Xuan still had the leisure to practice martial arts in the training ground, many Jinyiwei passing by were a little surprised and talked about it.

After Xue Gui and several other centurions finished reporting on the progress of the case, they walked out of the yamen and saw this scene. They looked at each other and couldn't help but show sarcasm on their faces.

"What's the use of practicing martial arts well?"

"Investigating a case isn't something you can do simply by relying on your martial arts skills."

"Haha, I think Lord Jiang has given up on himself because he knows that the investigation is hopeless."

"There's nothing we can do. He came back so late. With the little information the pacification envoy gave him, he probably wouldn't have any idea where to start, right?"

"Let's go. It's better to have fewer competitors. You really think that just because you are good at martial arts, you can impress the governor. You have no idea what you are talking about!"

Several people left chatting and laughing.

In the yamen of the pacification envoy, Xu Xianchun couldn't help but frown after hearing about this.

"I've already told him about the case, but this guy isn't in a hurry to investigate. He even has the leisure to practice swordplay?"

The reason why he valued Jiang Xuan and transferred him to the Northern Division was because he valued Jiang Xuan's ability to solve cases.

In his eyes, Jiang Xuan shouldn't be such a fool, but why is he now——

At this time, a lieutenant nearby whispered, "Sir, I heard that General Lu, one of Lord Jiang's men, has brought people into the palace. It seems that he is going to the Imperial Household Department to check some files."

"Ok?"

Xu Xianchun's eyes flickered. "The Imperial Household Department? Could it be that this guy got a clue so quickly?"

After pondering for a moment and still unable to figure it out, Xu Xianchun waved his hand and said, "Forget it, let him be."

Although I don’t understand Jiang Xuan’s intention, since Jiang Xuan has already taken action, he must have a clue.

Let's wait and see.

I hope this guy can give me a surprise.

Xu Xianchun shook his head and continued to deal with official documents.

----

Time flies and it is soon lunch time.

On the training ground, Jiang Xuan stopped after putting away his sword and looked at the system panel with sweat dripping down his face.

[Martial Arts: Wild Wind Sword Technique (Minor Success)]

【Progress: 1120/1500】

“Huh! Almost there!”

Jiang Xuan let out a long sigh, nodded with satisfaction, put away the panel, picked up the clothes beside him, and prepared to wash and eat.

But just as they left the training ground, Lu Jianxing and his men came quickly over: "Sir!"

Jiang Xuan was a little surprised and stopped to ask, "Have you finished checking?"

Lu Jianxing nodded and presented a stack of books: "Sir, the files of all the ninth-rank eunuchs in the Tongzhengsi are here."

Half an hour later.

Beisi dining room.

Jiang Xuan chewed a steamed bun while looking through the eunuch files brought back by Lu Jianxing.

Lu Jianxing and others sat aside, eating and waiting.

Suddenly, Jiang Xuan paused, staring at a page of files, his eyes narrowed slightly: "Cao Feng?"

Lu Jianxing leaned over to take a look and asked, "Sir, is there anything wrong with this person?"

Jiang Xuan smiled faintly and said, "What do you think?"

Lu Jianxing looked at it carefully again and shook his head, saying, "Please forgive my ignorance. I don't see any problem with this person."

Jiang Xuan looked at Cao Feng's file and said calmly, "This man entered the palace as a castrated eunuch at the age of twelve, and was promoted to the ninth rank eunuch at the age of seventeen. He is now sixty-two years old, a full forty-five years later, and yet he is still a ninth rank eunuch."

"Furthermore, ever since the eunuchs took power during the Wanli reign and began meddling in the affairs of the Tongzhengsi, this person has been in charge of receiving and sending correspondence for over thirty years, and his position has never been transferred. Doesn't this speak volumes?"

"this--"

Lu Jianxing frowned and said, "Perhaps it's just that this person's ability is low and he failed to get promoted?"

"Maybe."

Jiang Xuan didn't comment. He pulled out Cao Feng's file, handed it to Lu Jianxing, and said, "Go and investigate carefully. Keep a close eye on him, but be careful not to alert the enemy."

"Also, send someone to inquire about a miraculous doctor named Li Guishou. He's proficient in the art of disguise and face-changing. He should be well-known in the martial arts world."

"Yes."

Seeing Jiang Xuan's firm attitude, although Lu Jianxing still had doubts, he stopped asking questions, took the file and said yes.

After lunch, Lu Jianxing and others began to investigate Cao Feng according to Jiang Xuan's instructions.

Jiang Xuan returned to the training ground and continued practicing swordsmanship.

The key to solving this case now lies in Xiyu.

But the world is so big, it’s not easy to find someone. Who knows where the drizzle will hide?
Instead of searching for a needle in a haystack like others, it is better to keep an eye on where the drizzle may go.

As for Black Stone, if the plot remained unchanged, the people in Black Stone would probably want to find Xiyu more than they did.

Directly targeting Black Stone leader Cao Feng is a multi-layered insurance.

(End of this chapter)