Chapter 55: 055.1 am at
Translator: 549690339
[I’m here]
Today, there’s a market in Feiyan Town.
Yesterday, when Granny Bai went to deliver shoes to Su Liang, she asked and found out that they would not be going to the market, so she didn’t call them.
The town was bustling, two soldiers shouted “make way” and galloped past, causing a brief panic, which soon returned to normal.
In the county government, there were a stack of case files in front of Mai Fei related to several cases of missing girls that had occurred in Bei’an County in recent years.
Last night after sending Chang’an to find Su Liang, he went through the case files again. He was originally looking for something he could use against the Wu father and son, and the more he looked, the more he felt that these cases were related to Gai Yun and Gai Huai’an.
“At that time, Ning Jing said that Miss Su had gone to bed, and I dared not barge in. It’s a big deal, so he wouldn’t keep it from Miss Su, would he?” Chang’an frowned.
Mai Fei thought for a moment, “During the day, Gai Yun sent someone to ask Su Liang to treat his son, and then Su Liang disappeared. Ning Jing reported the case, and I went to the Wu Family with my men to search…”
Chang’an was startled, “Miss Su disappeared? When did this happen?”
Mai Fei shook his head, “She’s fine. This is my new plan. She just needs to hide for now and not show up. With all these real cases of missing girls, I think she
won’t refuse.”
Chang’an understood, “Master means to make Miss Su disappear, and have Ning Jing report the case saying that Wu father and son have major suspicions, so we can go search for her at the Wu Family?”
“That’s right.” Mai Fei nodded.
“But wouldn’t this alert the snake in the grass?” Chang’an asked.
Mai Fei snorted softly, “Hiding something like the account book is too easy. I originally planned to have Su Liang sneak into the Wu Family while treating
Gai Huai’an, but that method would be risky and almost impossible to succeed. She was right to refuse. There must be something more than just iron mine smuggling hidden in the Wu Family, and it will be extremely difficult to find evidence before acting. It’s better to arrest them first. The account book is used by them to control the conspirators, and they wouldn’t easily destroy it.”
After saying that, Mai Fei wrote a letter and gave it to Chang’an to deliver to Su
Liang’s hands. “Don’t show your face, find someone else.”
Chang’an had just gone out with the letter when a guard came to report that the veteran General Wu had sent someone.
Mai Fei had a feeling something was wrong, otherwise Gai Yun wouldn’t take the initiative to contact him.
“This is an urgent matter, please Master Mai to go to the Wu Family immediately! ”
Mai Fei’s eyes flashed slightly, “Since General Wu invites me, I dare not neglect my duty. But due to my busy schedule, I cannot leave just yet. If I don’t know what the matter is, it’s not good to rush there.”
The two men who came looked at each other before one of them said,
“Someone has kidnapped our young master.”
Mai Fei looked surprised, “In broad daylight, such a thing has happened? Who did it? Too audacious!”
“Master Mai will know when you get there.”
Mai Fei heard the ambiguity of the visitor and was even less in a hurry, “Is it a man or a woman? Maybe it’s the suspect in an old case I’m investigating.”
“A woman.”
A thought crossed Mai Fei’s mind, but he pretended to be indignant, “How dare she even kidnap General Wu’s son? What is her intention? I’ll take my men and go with you right away!”
The sun had climbed to its zenith.
In late autumn and early winter, the cool breeze blew, and the sunlight had little warmth.
Gai Yun and Su Liang had been in a standoff for nearly four hours.
The wound on Gai Huai’an’s neck was not deep, but the thin blood kept seeping out. His body was not in good shape, and he was now as pale as paper, barely able to stand.
Gai Yun had someone bring Gai Huai’an’s wheelchair, prepare medicine to stop the bleeding, and provide water and food.
Su Liang refused everything, not allowing anyone to approach her.
Poison techniques were Su Liang’s weakness, but she wasn’t afraid when it came to endurance and willpower.
Gai Yun kept his eyes on Su Liang, waiting for her to become tired and lose her focus so he could seize the opportunity to counterattack and save Gai Huai’an.
However, as time went by, Gai Yun was increasingly shocked because he found Su Liang’s eyes becoming clearer.
As a veteran, he knew how difficult this was.
This woman was not an ordinary person!
If time could go back, they would not have provoked Su Liang yesterday. Unfortunately, there was no such thing as a regret medicine in this world.
“Master Mai is here!”
Hearing the shout, Su Liang didn’t immediately turn to look. She knew that slipping for just a moment could get her killed by one of Gai Yun’s hidden masters.
Mai Fei rode up and saw from a distance a slender figure that was not unfamiliar to him.
Although the person sent by Gai Yun had been vague and didn’t mention the identity of the person who kidnapped Gau Huai’an, Mai Fei had already guessed.
At this moment, as he saw her, his guess was confirmed.
Even more coincidentally, the situation that had arisen was exactly what Mu Fei hoped for.
Chang’an couldn’t hide the astonishment on his face. Ning Jing had said last night that Su Liang was asleep, so how could she have come to the Wu Family on her own and captured Gai Huai’an? Mu Fei had said that the Wu Family was like an iron fortress with strict defenses, so how did Su Liang manage it? And why would she do such a thing?
“Miss Su Liang?” Mu Fei, after seeing Su Liang’s face, called out in surprise, “How could it be you?”
Su Liang coldly said, “It’s about time General Mu has arrived. Last night, I was doing well at home, but suddenly I lost consciousness, and when I opened my eyes, I was in the Wu Family.”
Mu Fei frowned and looked at Gai Yun, “General Wu, what’s going on?”
On the surface, the relationship between the old general and the small county magistrate was uneven, but Gai Yun knew that Mu Fei was the fourth prince, Duanmu Chen, and Mu Fei also knew that Gai Yun was aware of his identity.
Mu Fei’s identity couldn’t be revealed in public, but there was no need to pretend either.
As such, there was not an ounce of humility before Gai Yun from Mu Fei’s lower status, only some superficial politeness.
And, naturally, Gai Yun didn’t dare be arrogant in the face of Mu Fei, even being very cautious to avoid the situation spiraling out of control.
Gai Yun deeply sighed, “General Mu, this is all a misunderstanding. When I learned that there was a talented doctor in the Su Family Village, I wanted her to treat my son, Huai’an’s leg ailment, but when our people asked, she refused to come. For the sake of my son, I impulsively decided to bring her here first and apologize to her afterwards, believing her kind heart would understand my love for my son. However, I never expected her to take it so badly that she would not listen to any explanations… ‘
Chang’an was simply dumbfounded. The events Mu Fei had planned for had happened ahead of schedule.
Mu Fei looked serious, “General Wu, are you saying that without Su Liang’s consent, you drugged her and abducted her from her home?”
Gai Yun sighed repeatedly, “I had no ill intentions and did not hurt her in any way. I just wanted her to treat my son. General Mu, please persuade her to let my son go.”
Hearing this, Su Liang sneered, “General Wu speaks so self-righteously, making it sound as if I am ungrateful and overreacting. You sent someone to ask for my medical services, and I never refused, but I simply said I didn’t make house calls. If you respected my medical skills and had love for your child, why couldn’t you bring him to Su Family Village to find me?” Gai Yun’s face turned ugly, “Huai’an’s condition makes it difficult for him to travel.”
“From the way you speak, it sounds like your son is bedridden and can’t move, practically on the verge of death. But hasn’t he left home now? And he doesn’t even need the wheelchair; he can stand as well.” Su Liang scoffed.
Gai Yun’s face darkened, “Miss Su, I’ve already explained the situation to you and apologized. You wanted General Mu to take you back, and now he’s here. Whatever compensation you want, just ask. At this point, are you still unwilling to release my son? What are your intentions?”
“General Wu has evaded my questions, so how can General Mu believe your words?” Su Liang showed no signs of letting Gai Huai’an go, “Now, it’s my turn to speak.”
“Miss Su, if you have anything to say, please do, and I will make sure to support you. But be careful not to hurt Young Master Wu by mistake!” Mu Fei said solemnly.
“I witnessed General Wu abducting me with my own eyes. When I woke up, I volunteered to treat his son, but he refused. He said that world-renowned doctors couldn’t help, so what could I, being so young, do? The reason I was captured was because of his father’s love, not wanting his son to be lonely and sad. He specifically chose beautiful women for his son to amuse himself within Bei’an County. I was selected not because of my medical skills but because of my appearance. If I didn’t want to die, I would have to obey him willingly, allowing him to dispose of me as he wished.” Su Liang’s clear and cold voice rang in the ears of everyone present.
Gai Yun was furious but couldn’t interrupt Su Liang. He wanted to rush over but was stopped by Chang’an.
As for Gai Huai’an, his consciousness was already fading, and he was about to pass out. He had heard Su Liang’s words, and his lips moved, but he was too weak to refute them.
Mu Fei looked shocked, “Miss Su, are you accusing General Wu and his son of kidnapping a girl?”
Su Liang replied coldly, “Didn’t General Wu admit it when he first spoke? I am the most direct evidence here! If General Wu claims to have invited me to treat his son and says that I refuse to listen, can you please tell Lord Mu how you could be at ease to let Gai Huai’an be alone with me in a room? Otherwise, how could I have the opportunity to take him hostage and come out of there?”
Mu Fei’s expression turned solemn as he looked at the furious Gai Yun, “General Wu, is what she said true?”
“Nonsense! It’s my fault for bringing her here! But what she said is not true! She is slandering both me and Huai’an! She’s talking nonsense!” Gai Yun yelled angrily.
“Why would Gai Huai’an fall into her hands?” Mu Fei asked coldly.
“That’s because she pretended to agree to treat Huai’an. I trusted her and let her stay alone with Huai’an, as per her request! I never expected that as a doctor, she would be so petty and cruel! ” Gai Yun’s words were clearly rehearsed.
Mu Fei looked at Su Liang, “Both of you have different stories, and I don’t know who to believe. How about this: you release Gai Huai’an first, and I guarantee that I will thoroughly investigate and uphold justice.”
Chang’an was slightly stunned, but immediately understood that Mu Fei was doing this on purpose. In order to handle the situation, he had to side with Gai Yun and Gai Huai’an on the surface.
Su Liang snorted, “General Wu said that I am making a big fuss over a small issue, which isn’t entirely untrue. The reason I asked Lord Mu to come here is because I want to ask him if he knows about the mysterious disappearances of several young girls in Bei’an County over the past few years?” Gai Huai’an, who had not yet passed out, visibly shuddered.
And Gai Yun’s face darkened even more!
Mu Fei’s heart leaped with joy, as everything was developing in the direction he wanted. He now believed that Su Liang was kidnapped by Gai Yun after she had visited Chang’an last night and learned about the missing girls case.
However, the truth was that Su Liang learned about the missing girls case not just last night.
This matter was not a secret in Bei’an County.
Last year, a fifteen-year-old girl from Liu Family Village, which was next to Su Family Village, went missing. That girl was related to Bai Xiaohu’s grandmother.
After Su Liang and Ning Jing changed their relationship from a married couple to siblings, Bai Pengs wife, Mrs. Liu, specifically told her about the incident and warned her not to go out alone and to be careful of strangers.
Lei Zheng also mentioned it to Su Liang, saying that the missing girls were the most beautiful ones in the village, and she could easily be targeted.
However, Mrs. Liu, Su Bai, and others who knew about the missing girls case thought that there was a gang trafficking girls in Bei’an County. When Su Liang first learned about it, she thought so too.
Not until she was brought to the Wu Family and met Gai Huai’an did she suspect otherwise.
Gai Huai’an’s behavior made Su Liang suspect that she was captured because he wanted to have fun with a woman.
With that thought, she thought of those mysteriously missing girls.
Human traffickers wouldn’t be so skilled as to leave no trace, nor would they be so patient as to wait half a year before kidnapping another girl.
But Wu Yun and Gai Huai’an father and son had everything.
This reminded Su Liang of a news story she had seen in her previous life, where a high-ranking foreign military officer, to satisfy his twisted desires, committed heinous crimes against women in the surrounding areas of his station and was never suspected for a long time.
Who would suspect Wu Yun and Gai Huai’an? An old veteran with outstanding military achievements and a young disabled general, both highly respected and admired.
But such people, if they have ill intentions and want to commit evil, can only be more secretive and appalling than those who are openly evil.
Su Liang could escape without Mai Fei’s help, but she had no intention of leaving that easily.
Not only for her own safety in the future but also for those young girls who may have already encountered misfortune.
If she doesn’t bring down this father and son duo, then she won’t be a Su!
Mai Fei’s expression changed, “I am currently investigating the missing women’s case.”
“I have reason to suspect that Wu Yun and Gai Huai’an are behind those incidents. I am one of the victims they failed to take advantage of,” Su Liang said, “Since Mai Fei is here, please search the Wu Mansion!”
Mai Fei looked at Wu Yun, “I, of course, don’t believe that General Wu would do such a thing. However, Su Liang is the victim here, and if I don’t search the mansion, she’ll tarnish the General’s reputation.”
Wu Yun’s expression changed again, “I have always acted honorably and done what’s right. If I didn’t do it, I didn’t do it! If Mai Fei wants to search, go ahead!” Mai Fei nodded, “Alright.” He glanced at Chang’an.
Chang’an shouted, and within a moment, a fully armed group of soldiers rode over, overshadowing Wu family’s presence.
Wu Yun’s hand trembled. He thought that Mai Fei would only bring two followers…
Mai Fei explained, “General Wu, please don’t be offended. These soldiers were brought over to rescue Young Master Wu after I learned that he was being held hostage. They can also help with the search, so the sooner it’s done, the sooner Young Master Wu will be safe.”
Wu Yun’s forehead was covered with conspicuous sweat beads, and his face turned a shade paler.
It was Wu Yun who had abducted Su Liang, something that neither she nor Mai Fei could have foreseen.
However, the subsequent events seemed like a conspiracy between Su Liang and Mai Fei, even though they had no chance to discuss it!
Before Mai Fei’s arrival, Su Liang didn’t mention the missing women’s case, and now Wu Yun was caught off guard! He thought that once Mai Fei came and he explained the situation, everything would be settled, and he would never let Mai Fei enter the mansion. But now, things were beyond his control.
Mai Fei continued, “Could you please gather everyone in the mansion to avoid any conflicts.”
Wu Yun nodded subconsciously, originally intending to do it himself but realizing that would be strange, so he ordered the housekeeper instead.
“Chang’an. you bring people to help.” Mai Fei instructed
The housekeeper of the Wu Mansion entered, followed by Chang’an and a group of soldiers.
Soon after, a succession of servants came out of the mansion.
While waiting, Mai Fei proposed that Su Liang release Gai Huai’an, but she still refused.
Mai Fei helplessly reassured Wu Yun, “Don’t worry, General Wu. Once we’ve searched the premises, she won’t have anything more to say.”
Su Liang reminded Mai Fei, “Mai Fei, you must search thoroughly. Young Master Wu personally told me that he would take me to a special place tonight.
I suspect that there is a secret chamber or hidden passage in the Wu Mansion.”
Mai Fei nodded solemnly, “Rest assured, I will investigate thoroughly and not let you slander Qian Country’s meritorious officials.”
“Master, all of the Wu family servants have come out, ” said Chang’an.
“Good. Let’s start the search. Don’t miss any place. Check for hidden chambers or mechanisms. Otherwise, Miss Su won’t let it go,” Mai Fei sighed, “But be careful not to damage the Wu family’s possessions. I will have to compensate them if you do.”
“Yes!” Chang’an took the order and charged into the Wu residence with the elite soldiers.
These were not ordinary soldiers but ones Mai Fei had brought from the capital city. Chang’an knew precisely what the search target was.
Mai Fei didn’t go in, but a guard was standing behind him.
With Gai Huai’an’s wheelchair nearby, Mai Fei said to Wu Yun, “I’m a bit tired from not riding a horse for a long time. Can I sit down?”
Wu Yun nodded with a dark face.
Mai Fei then sat in the wheelchair and chatted with Su Liang, “Your disappearance must have left Ning Jing worried sick. Do you want me to send someone to let him know you’re here?”
Su Liang shook her head, “No need.”
She also found it strange. Ning Jing should have guessed that her misfortune was related to the Wu family, and she expected him to appear, but there was no sign of him.
However, Su Liang wasn’t relying on Ning Jing for rescue. This time, she needed to make up for the weakness in her defenses caused by the sedatives she had taken. For everything else, she could handle it herself.
“Do you know the consequences of slandering the court- appointed officials?” Mai Fei asked.
Su Liang’s expression was calm, “I am the victim, and there are indeed reasonable doubts about Wu Yun and his son. Otherwise, Mai Fei would not have searched the mansion. How could it be slander?”
Mai Fei sighed, “I didn’t think you’d be so audacious.”
“There are many things Mai Fei didn’t anticipate, such as Wu Yun and his son being vicious beasts in human clothing,” Su Liang snorted coldly.
Mai Fei shook his head and sighed, no longer saying a word.
It always sounded like Su Liang was aggressively confronting Mai Fei, while Mai Fei wanted to mediate, appearing as if he was forced into action by Su Liang.
“Why is General Wu sweating? It’s not hot today!” Su Liang said seriously.
Wu Yun remained silent with a sullen face.
Mai Fei, who was carrying Wu Yun, gave Su Liang an appreciative glance, thinking she was really smart.
By not letting go of Gai Huai’an, Su Liang was ensuring her own safety, preventing Wu Yun from going berserk and silencing her.
For a veteran, killing a civilian wouldn’t have serious consequences; he would just need an excuse such as Su Liang wanting to kill his son. But if Mai Fei were to discover his shady dealings, that would be the end for him.
Controlling Gai Huai’an’s life was also ensuring Mai Fei’s safety. In case Wu Yun became desperate, he might even try to harm Mai Fei.
“Aren’t you tired? Let Master Wu go,” Mai Fei asked for the nth time to rescue Gai Huai’an.
Still with a cold face, Su Liang replied, “No!”
She Imew that Mai Fei was just putting on a show for Wu Yun to have a smooth conclusion for the situation.
Now, the key was whether they could find the other kidnapped girls, their corpses, or the ledger of smuggling iron ores from the Wu Family.
Any of them would suffice to take down the Wu father and son.
But if they found nothing, the Wu father and son could easily escape punishment based solely on Su Liang’s accusation.
Su Liang believed that the Wu Family must be hiding something illegal. But seeing Wu Yun seemingly calm again, it might be hard to find the secret chamber in the Wu Family…
As she was thinking about it, Chang’an hurried out.
Mai Fei immediately stood up and walked over, his expression changed after hearing a few whispers from Chang’an, “Guards! Arrest Wu Yun!”
Su Liang’s heart relaxed, it seemed that they had indeed found something.
The one who took action was Mai Fei’s secret guard, his most powerful master, to prevent Wu Yun from escaping.
Of course, Wu Yun wouldn’t surrender without a fight. However, he didn’t have many soldiers at home, since he had brought them to guard the mine.
After a fight, Wu Yun was captured and knelt in front of Mai Fei, his face defiant, “No matter what you found, it’s nothing but a set-up and a trap!”
Mai Fei’s face turned cold, “I have solved the three-year-long case of six missing girls in Bei’an County. The evidence is irrefutable. I’ll report it to the
Emperor today! ”
“Your Highness, the Fourth Prince! Someone is framing my son and me! Today’s incident is all a conspiracy!” Wu Yun said gravely, at this point, he had no choice but to reveal Mai Fei’s identity.
Mai Fei sneered, “General Wu, last night you drugged and kidnapped Miss Su Liang, Ning Jing’s sworn sister, and took her back home. You admitted to it and invited me here. In the secret chamber of your house, we found unidentified girls, corpses buried in the garden, and lewd paintings by Gai Huai’an. You can try to argue; let’s see if Father Emperor believes you!” fter hearing this, Wu Yun slumped to the ground, his face ashen.
Su Liang was surprised, given Wu Yun and Gai Huai’an’s shameful deeds, they should have hidden everything well, or Wu Yun would have fled long ago.
It didn’t take Mai Fei’s subordinates too long to find the scattered witnesses and evidence, as if someone inside the Wu Family had revealed them.
Su Liang didn’t ask, she released the strings that Gai Huai’an was tied up in. Upon Mai Fei’s glance, Gai Huai’an fell to the ground.
“Can I go now?” Su Liang asked.
Mai Fei nodded, “I’ll send someone to take you home.”
“Thank you, Lord Mai,” Su Liang said. She believed that there would be no way out for Wu Yun and Gai Huai’an after Mai Fei took action, and it had nothing to do with her from now on.
“You escort Miss Su.” Mai Fei quietly ordered Chang’an, “See if Ning Jing is home or not.”
Chang’an nodded, he fetched a carriage and asked Su Liang to get in.
Mai Fei watched them leave, then turned to look at the plaque of the Wu Family, his eyes freezing cold, “Wu Yun, if there’s anything else, confess now, perhaps you can avoid the fate of having your family line severed!”
After a nap, Su Liang arrived home once the carriage stopped.
Chang’an went to knock on the door, and after a short while, Ning Jing appeared at the door, still as cold and indifferent as always.
“Miss Su, you should go back quickly, I’m leaving,” Chang’an glanced at Ning Jing, without asking anything, he drove away.
Su Liang closed the front door from inside, looking at Ning Jing’s retreating back, she furrowed her brows, “I went missing, and you just stayed at home, like nothing happened?”
She didn’t think Ning Jing had to save her, but couldn’t he be less indifferent? At least, he could ask a question as a friend, right?
Ning Jing turned back, looked at Su Liang, and said two words, “I was there.”
Su Liang was stunned, “Where were you?”
“When you cut the strings at the Wu Family, I was hiding in the fake mountain nearby. After you took Gai Huai’an away, I searched the Wu Family for the secret chamber and evidence,” Ning Jing said indifferently, “I returned in secret, faster than your carriage, so, Chang’an saw me at home.”
Su Liang suddenly realized, “No wonder they found the ironclad evidence so quickly, you found it first and deliberately exposed it for them to discover!” “I said before, I would watch over you before you leave,” Ning Jing looked at Su Liang’s injured fingers due to the strings and frowned slightly.
Su Liang’s lips curled up, she bowed respectfully, “Great God, please accept my respects.. “
The most uptodate nove𝙡s are published on fr(e)𝒆webnov(e)l.com