TGCFNM -Chapter 418 Infiltrating the Manor

Chu Ling looked at the two of them and said, “The number of beggars in the capital is gradually decreasing, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any. The remaining beggars—whether they’re truly begging or just serving as eyes for someone in the city—need to be watched.”

Wan Sanjin understood. “Keep an eye on one of the beggars, and find out where they’re hiding!”

Chu Ling nodded. “Once we locate them, we can narrow down the killer’s range. And if we can find out who’s giving them orders, all the better.”

Wan Sanjin nodded. “We didn’t pay attention before, but now we do. Later, we just have to let people who know the world investigate, and we’ll definitely find out.”

Su He exhaled lightly. “Recruiting beggars isn’t to save them—it’s to turn them into own weapons, making them do the killing… and every wound on the Wu family is so grotesque and terrifying that it sends chills down your spine.”

Wan Sanjin paled. “What kind of hatred… must it be?”

Chu Ling looked toward Wu Huan. No one knew how deep that hatred was, deep enough to drive someone to exact revenge on the Wu family to such an extreme.

For now, all they could do was wait—wait for evidence, wait for results.

Investigating the relationship network of the two famous sons of the Si family was still easy, so soon Uncle Hong sent someone with a message. After the person arrived, Wan Sanjin also gave instructions about the beggars, asking Uncle Hong to send more people out.

Once the man agreed, he left immediately.

Wan Sanjin took the two pieces of paper in his hand and returned to the front hall, spreading them flat on the table.

Chu Ling immediately leaned over, frowning as she examined them one by one. “Who are all these people? Who’s connected to whom? Who is this?”

Su He glanced at the papers and sat down. “They’re all from the capital. We don’t know any of them.”

Wan Sanjin pointed to two of them. “I recognize these two—they’re both from Master Fu’s academy. But they’ve already gone to serve as officials in other provinces; they’re not in the capital.”

Chu Ling rubbed her temples. How were they supposed to investigate this?

“Oh, the messenger said that Si Yuan, because of the vice-command position issue, was ordered to stay home and reflect on his mistakes. Today is the last day.” Wan Sanjin said.

Chu Ling blinked in confusion. “And then?”

Wan Sanjin: “After that, he sent out invitation cards, saying he wants to make things lively.”

Chu Ling’s eyes lit up. “Today?”

Wan Sanjin shook his head. “Tomorrow night.”

Chu Ling looked at Su He, her eyes sparkling. “Su He, get ready. Tomorrow night, we’re going to watch the fun.”

Su He raised an eyebrow. “Will people die, or not?”

“No one dies, but it will scare people and cause chaos.” Chu Ling narrowed her eyes and smiled. “I wonder if someone unexpected will show up at the Si family gathering.”

Wan Sanjin closed his mouth tight. Although he didn’t know what their master had in mind, it seemed like someone was going to have a bad night tomorrow.

At the same time, in the Lu residence, Lu Shi, after receiving the message from Hong Shiyuan, frowned as he read it carefully.

After finishing, Lu Shi decided to visit the Wan residence the next day to see how much they had uncovered.

—

The next day.

The entire day, the Wan residence remained unusually quiet. It was so quiet that even Steward Liu felt a bit uneasy, sneaking glances multiple times to see what they were up to.

He eventually noticed that everyone was just staying in their courtyard, resting quietly. Relieved, Steward Liu sent word to Manager Hong to put him at ease as well.

Around the late afternoon, the people who had been “resting” came out of the courtyard, all full of energy, making a striking impression.

Steward Liu watched them and couldn’t help but feel some worry.

He didn’t know what these fully prepared figures were planning, but soon he would find out… they were about to leave the house.

Following the plan, Chu Ling had Han Jin, Han Yin, Wang Wei, and Wang Yan set out first. Once they received the signal, they would carry out their task, and then quietly return—no need to worry about what happened afterward.

Thus, the four set off ahead, leaving the Wan Mansion.

After they left, Su He handed Chu Ling and the others the prepared items. “This batch is substantial. Use it freely. Once the wind blows, it’ll disperse completely—no trace will be left behind.”

The group nodded and carefully stacked and stored everything.

Once all preparations were complete, they waved to Steward Liu and slipped out the back door.

Steward Liu wiped the thin sweat off his brow and immediately sent someone to the bank to inform Manager Hong. This matter had to be reported.

Half an hour later, Lu Shi set off from the Lu residence in a carriage, heading toward the Wan Mansion.

By the time he arrived, however, the group from the Wan Mansion had already gone.

—

In the western suburbs of the capital, Feima Villa.

Feima Villa was the private residence of Si Yuanqi, a place he only came to for rest during holidays, so it was usually quiet.

But after the afternoon hour, the villa suddenly became lively. People came and went continuously, all friends or colleagues of Si Yuanqi, bringing gifts to offer congratulations.

Si Yuanqi swept away his usual gloom and greeted everyone outside with a rosy face. He instructed the servants to hang up all the lanterns.

As night fell and only Feima Villa was brightly lit, Si Yuanqi straightened his clothes and went inside to toast and converse with his guests.

At this moment, Chu Ling and the others finally saw an opportunity to sneak into the villa.

“Sir, what do we do now?” Wan Sanjin whispered.

Chu Ling replied softly, “Zhang Dong and Xiao Hua will mingle with the servants and slip something into the drinks. Make them think they’re drunk, induce hallucinations.”

“When the opera troupe comes out and draws their attention, I’ll find a way to interrogate Si Yuanqi. Master Wan and Coroner Su will find a way to avoid the crowd and check his study—he always comes here during holidays. There must be something hidden there.”

“We’ll use the ghost fire as our signal—once it’s lit, we run!”

The four nodded immediately and dispersed.

Chu Ling stepped into the shadows and, following the route Bai Su had indicated, avoided the crowd and stealthily made his way into the villa.

Inside the villa’s main reception hall, Si Yuanqi sat at the main table, friends and colleagues arranged on both sides. The sound of silk and bamboo music played. Maids carried wine pots, pouring drinks and then replacing them with fresh ones.

Si Yuanqi raised his cup, toasting everyone from a distance, downing it in one gulp. Then he stood, bowed, and laughed heartily: “I must admit, I was a bit uneasy inviting you all after recent events… but taking advantage of my birthday, I dared to hope you might come—and you have all come. I, Si Yuanqi, am truly grateful.”

“Master Si, you flatter us. It’s no problem at all.”

“Hahaha, indeed, this matter is long forgotten!”

“Master Si, I don’t want to hear you say that—I’ll fine you with three cups, no, five cups!”

Si Yuanqi laughed: “Five cups it is, truly deserved.” He lifted the wine pot to pour. Just as he took the first cup, a trusted aide approached with a smile.

Delighted, Si Yuanqi quickly finished the five cups and apologized, “Excuse me, everyone, some matters require my attention. I’ll return shortly.” With a bow, he departed ahead of the group.

Below, the guests continued to enjoy themselves to the sound of silk-and-bamboo music, their cups constantly refilled.

“This wine is truly fragrant~”

“Yes, fragrant and delicious. Hahaha, Master Si really spared no expense.”

“Drink, drink! Let’s continue!”

“Good!”

“……”