Chapter 83: Upon the Swallow’s Nest Curtain

"Are you alright?" Wei Qing called out in a low voice, but received no response. He was not anxious, however; his brows drew together as he sat down with his back against the cell. From his chest, he pulled out a flask of wine and drank deeply, his mood evidently troubled.

"I know you didn't kill anyone. The Temple of Divine Authority claims you're the main culprit in the ruined temple case in Xuanzhou—it's utter nonsense. If you were truly opposing the court, you wouldn't appear so openly in Chang'an. The assassin who killed Wang Quan yesterday is a man of the martial world, unrelated to you. It's a pity his skills in lightness allowed him to escape!"

Wei Qing took a long breath, lowered the flask, and narrowed his eyes into slits. His expression was tinged with regret, perhaps because he had failed to apprehend the assassin. With frustration in his heart, he could only seek solace in drink.

"Master Wei." Suddenly, a weak voice called from inside the cell, snapping Wei Qing to attention. Turning, he saw the young man sitting up from the floor. Apart from the obvious swelling on his face, there were no other wounds.

"The men from the Temple of Divine Authority are audacious, daring to abuse their power and use torture. Rest assured, I will find a way to report this to His Majesty and have them punished for violating the law."

"Master Wei, I am deeply grateful that you came to see me. I will find my own way through this tribulation. Please, do not become involved!"

"You are Lu Xin? Hmph, brother Lu, you are mistaken. I, Wei Qing, as Deputy Magistrate of the Court of Judicial Review, have practiced martial arts from childhood and studied the Code of Martial Virtue. My duty is not only to safeguard the Tang dynasty but also to protect the countless common folk. If a court lacks clear laws and fair enforcement, if officials act on their whims and deceive the sovereign, what hope remains for the people? When I joined the Court of Judicial Review, I punished many criminals, but even our court has made mistakes. Reviewing old cases, there are countless injustices and wrongful convictions that were never reported to the Ministry of Justice!"

Wei Qing paused, perhaps realizing his agitation, and took a few gulps from his flask, calming his voice.

"Where there are people, there is conflict—not only among the common folk but also in the halls of power. Though it appears upright, who knows what filth lurks beneath? My rank is low, I cannot enter the imperial court nor resolve the chaos and injustice of the age. But in my hands, even one wrongful conviction cannot be redeemed by arresting a hundred criminals. Brother Lu, I saw with my own eyes that Wang Quan was assassinated. You need say no more; I will not let you die unjustly."

As Wei Qing finished speaking, his flask was empty. Without another glance at Lu Xin, he tossed the flask aside and strode away. The vast dungeon quickly returned to silence. Lu Xin remained wordless for a long time, only returning to himself when the sound of snoring echoed nearby.

The burly man in the neighboring cell was snoring again. Though he had been dazed earlier, Lu Xin remembered the man had spoken when Wei Tun Yun acted. Afterwards, the officials from the Court of Judicial Review departed the dungeon. Recalling what the burly man had said before Wei Tun Yun arrived, Lu Xin’s gaze softened with gratitude.

"Thank you, elder," he murmured inwardly, closing his eyes and entering a meditative state. Meanwhile, Yue Buhei had already left the dungeon, bringing the scholar and the Yang sisters with him as they hurried toward Huaiyuan Ward.

"Miss Yang Xiu, what happened to Brother Xin? Why do you look so troubled?" The scholar, struggling to keep pace, was flustered by their urgency. Yue Buhei and Yang Xiu wore grim expressions and said nothing, while Yang Qin could not resist cursing in Miao dialect—a vulgar phrase unmistakably from the southern tribes.

"What’s going on? Can’t you tell me?"

"No time to explain. The one who just entered is Wei Tun Yun, Chief Steward of the Temple of Divine Authority. Brother Xin barely escaped harm. This is tied to the Sword of Wandering Immortals. We must get to the Qian estate immediately and hide the sword somewhere safe!"

Yue Buhei’s face was dark, his tone urgent. He had brought the sisters’ gu insects into the dungeon; everything happening to Lu Xin could be sensed through them.

The distance from Yining Ward to Huaiyuan Ward was not far, and with their speed, they arrived in less than fifteen minutes. Though the West Market was nearby, none had any interest in shopping. Reaching the Qian estate, they entered directly. The guards at the gate were no match for them, collapsing before they could utter a word.

"Who are you, barging into a private residence? Aren’t you afraid I’ll report you to the authorities?" The group had barely entered when an old man with a ruddy face appeared—it was Steward Chen. Yue Buhei, anxious to find someone, was in no mood for courtesy and grabbed him, lifting him off the ground.

"Where is Qian Hai?"

"Who—who are you people? What business do you have with my master?"

"Enough nonsense. Take us to him, or die!"

Steward Chen had never seen such ferocity. These wild and powerful strangers, unreasonable and strong, left him powerless to resist. Though he valued his life, decades of servitude made him cautious with the truth.

"The master is at Sir Wei Zheng’s residence, discussing matters. If you must see him now, I can lead the way."

"Hmph, what’s your role in this estate?"

"I am the steward... the master truly isn’t here."

"A steward? Then you must have met a young man named Lu. Where is his room?"

"Yes, yes, I’ll take you there at once..."

Steward Chen quickly led them to the east wing, and in Lu Xin’s room, Yue Buhei found the Sword of Wandering Immortals at the bedside. As they prepared to leave, a dozen guards wielding long sticks rushed in, with Qian Hai among them.

"Master, you must flee! These fiends are dangerous!"

Steward Chen was terrified, knowing the strength of Yue Buhei’s group; anyone who could lift him with a gesture was beyond the guards’ ability to handle.

"No matter. Gentlemen, I am Qian Hai, master of this estate. If you have business, speak to me. Release Steward Chen. And the item in your hands belongs to an old friend of mine—I ask you to spare it. If I have offended you, I am willing to offer silver as compensation."

"Master Qian, forgive our intrusion. We forced our way in because the matter is urgent. Lu Xin is currently being held in the Court of Judicial Review’s dungeon; someone wishes him harm. We are desperate and came to seek your help."

"What? The dungeon? Tell me, what happened?"

Qian Hai’s face changed drastically upon hearing Lu Xin’s plight. His previous hostility toward Yue Buhei and company vanished. Seeing his genuine reaction, Yue Buhei relayed the situation. Qian Hai, both anxious and enraged, immediately declared he would go out to seek help.

"Master Qian, we are staying at Donglai Inn in Yining Ward. If you have any news or need us, send word at any time."

Yue Buhei dared not linger. Wei Tun Yun had used the Soul-Seizing and Spirit-Questioning technique on Lu Xin—even if only briefly, who knew what he might have learned. The Sword of Wandering Immortals needed to be moved to safety at once. Qian Hai understood the urgency and did not stop them. They agreed on a secret signal and parted at the gate.

"Master, that boy—no, Young Master Lu—how did he end up in the dungeon? I heard Chang’an hasn’t been peaceful lately, even the emperor is alarmed. Surely Young Master Lu isn’t opposing the court? If so, you mustn’t get involved!"

"You know nothing! Pass this down: today’s events must not be spoken of. Otherwise, cut out the tongue and expel the offender. And watch over Miss, don’t let her cause trouble again."

Watching Yue Buhei and his companions depart, Qian Hai narrowed his eyes, his expression grave. Steward Chen could only sigh and nod repeatedly.

"Understood, Master. And you?"

"I am going to Sir Wei Zheng’s residence. The Court of Judicial Review handles major cases; it might be handed over to the Ministry of Justice. I must find a way to get him released from the court first."

Qian Hai spoke in haste and was about to leave when, suddenly, a large contingent of officers appeared at the alley entrance—all from Yongzhou Prefecture. In moments, they surrounded the Qian estate. A man in a red cloak, accompanied by two prefecture officers, approached.

Qian Hai recognized one as a judicial officer responsible for pursuing fugitives—someone with great power, affecting dozens of counties around Chang’an. Yue Buhei’s group had just left; these arrivals were clearly hostile. Qian Hai’s expression turned cold.

"Officer Han, such a show of force—are you here to arrest someone in my estate?"

"Merchant Qian, apologies. We suspect your estate is harboring fugitives. This gentleman is an imperial envoy and must search your residence. You are a reasonable man; don’t make things difficult for me."

"Heh, an imperial envoy? If he is appointed by His Majesty, how dare I object? Search as you will, but let me say this: if you find nothing, though I am but a commoner, I will make sure the emperor hears of it!"

Qian Hai spoke coldly, glaring at the officer and the cloaked man before leaving in a huff. He did not return inside, but walked down the alley toward Huaiyuan Ward. Officer Han’s face changed, and he quickly bowed to the cloaked man.

"Master Immortal, forgive me. This man is a close friend of Secretary Wei Zheng. Without solid evidence, I dare not offend him."

"Haha, no matter. Sir Wei Zheng and I are kin of sorts; as his close friend, he is a friend to me as well. Officer Han, there’s no time to lose, lead the way."

Wei Tun Yun narrowed his eyes, laughing strangely, and strode into the Qian estate with haste.