Chapter 30 - 30: Bloodshed in the Dark Night
Seeing the surprise on Yu Qinghan’s pretty face, Zhao Huai smiled and said, “Perhaps it’s because of Madam’s guidance. Before, I was struggling to get started, but now it’s much simpler.”
Yu Qinghan nodded at his words.
Her husband’s words made sense; having someone to guide him would indeed greatly increase the success rate.
Next, Yu Qinghan looked at Zhao Huai with a sincere gaze and instructed:
“Qi travels through the meridians and gathers in the pubic region, which means husband has broken through to the first level of refining qi and has officially embarked on the path of cultivation. From now on, you must diligently practice and not slack off.”
“I understand, I will work hard in my cultivation.”
Zhao Huai nodded solemnly, then smiled and touched her serious face:
“Otherwise, how can I grow old together with Madam?”
Yu Qinghan’s cheeks flushed, her eyes full of gentleness, and she softly said:
“When did my husband’s words become so sweet?”
“As long as my wife enjoys hearing it.”
Zhao Huai could not resist leaning closer as he looked at the delicate face before him.
“Why not now…”
“Boom boom!”
Just as they were engaged in their intimate conversation, an untimely, urgent knock came from outside, as if some significant matter had occurred.
“Unbelievable, it had to happen right now.”
Zhao Huai muttered, his train of thought disrupted.
Yu Qinghan, covering her mouth with a smile, urged, “Alright, go on.”
“Fine, I’ll go open the door.”
Zhao Huai spoke, then stood up and walked towards the door.
With a dead fish eye, he impatiently opened the bolt.
Once the door was opened, however, the person he saw was somewhat unexpected.
“Brother Yan, what’s the matter?”
Zhao Huai was surprised, as the doctor, Yan Jing, was standing at his door with a serious expression.
“There’s been an incident.” Yan Jing said solemnly.
“What happened?”
Zhao Huai furrowed his brows, glancing at the sky outside at the same time.
It was already slightly dark, and it seemed the sunset was fading fast. Time truly flew by while cultivating.
“Do you remember the group of swindlers from earlier today?” “I remember, what happened? I even managed to get a good deal.”
Zhao Huai laughed softly.
Seeing Zhao Huai’s expression, Yan Jing relaxed and said:
“That swindler has died.”
Zhao Huai raised his eyebrows in slight surprise, “How did he die?”
Although this news came suddenly, he wasn’t shocked. Perhaps he was already prepared for it mentally.
Yan Jing indifferently explained, “His throat was cut with a single sword stroke. his belongings and cart were robbed. and his heart was removed.
leaving it to be gnawed on by wild beasts. The police are now investigating this matter.
At first, I thought it was you who did it, considering that he stayed at your place more than anywhere else except the inn. However, when I thought about it, your carefree and detached nature and lack of conflict with the world made me think that it couldn’t have been you.”
Zhao Huai smiled, understanding Yan Jing’s purpose for the visit. Yan Jing initially thought he had killed someone, so he wanted to help him. Zhao Huai felt warmth in his heart and said:
“Indeed, you understand me. If I wanted to kill him, the police would not even find his corpse.”
Yan Jing heard this and couldn’t help but smile. He continued, “Nevertheless, you shouldn’t take this lightly. I estimate that after the police investigate overnight, they’ll probably come to question you tomorrow morning. You should be prepared.”
“Alright, I understand. It’s a small matter anyway, since I didn’t kill the person.”
Zhao Huai spread his hands.
Yan Jing nodded, and then pondered, “The murderer’s method is somewhat strange though. Why was only the swindler’s heart removed while the surrounding bodyguards’ were left untouched?”
Zhao Huai thought for a moment before reaching a conclusion.
“Perhaps the swindler’s heart was blacker.”
Yan Jing asked again, “Did you notice anything unusual or suspicious about him today when you saw him? The sooner the murderer is found, the safer you will be.”
“There is someone, but I can’t be sure. I’ll tell you when I’m certain.”
Zhao Huai had a suspect and a guess in mind – the guard from the day. Initially, he thought his words hadn’t worked, but now it seemed that wasn’t the case. However, he also didn’t dare claim to have 100% certainty, and although he didn’t have coffin-nailing evidence, he did have some 70% confidence.
“Is there any other news?”
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Zhao Huai wanted to ask for more information.
Yan Jing thought for a moment, then replied seriously, “There is one thing.
Recently, the nearby towns have been troubled, with frequent appearances of demons. It would be best not to go out, as Jinzhou is still safe.”
“Understood,” Zhao Huai nodded.
Inside the room.
In the shadows, a maid quietly appeared, handing several bundles of tied-up medicinal herbs over to Yu Qinghan.
“My Princess, do you really want to teach Young Master Zhao cultivation? He is already quite old, and I estimate it will consume a lot of resources.”
“It is worth the expense. Even if I have to spend all my pills, I will assist him in his cultivation.”
Yu Qinghan accepted the panacea and replied seriously.
The maid sighed softly, “Sigh, Young Master Zhao is really lucky to have married such a virtuous wife as the Princess. If the veteran generals in the army saw this, they would be dumbstruck.”
“Alright, if there’s nothing else, you may leave.”
The maid asked, “Princess, since your father’s old wounds have recurred, won’t you go back to see him?”
“Father is sick again?”
Yu Qinghan furrowed her brow, a trace of concern in her eyes.
“Yes, he has been bedridden for three days now. The imperial physician said it’s a relapse of the hidden injury he sustained on the battlefield.
Yu Qinghan scoffed, “When did they both become so understanding? Back when the kingdom was first established, they argued ceaselessly over their fiefs.”
“This servant does not know. After all, the Crown Prince has been staying by His Majesty’s bedside day and night, showing great filial piety. Even the civil and military officials are praising him.”
“Well, then, let him take care of it. He can use this opportunity to show his filial piety.”
Yu Qinghan spoke indifferently.
The maid helplessly said, “Yes, understood. This servant will take her leave.”
With a ‘whoosh,’ her figure leaped up and passed through the skylight, disappearing into the night.
“Madam, I’m back.”
From outside the bedroom door came Zhao Huai’s voice.
Yu Qinghan pulled open the skylight and, carrying the medicinal herbs, walked out the door, asking:
“Husband, what was it?”
Zhao Huai explained, “A friend came to deliver a message, saying there was a murder tonight. It must have been the work of a demon, so he advised me to be careful.’
In reality, he was very clear that it could not have been the work of a demon. He said this only as an explanation for his wife.
“Madam, what’s that in your hand?”
Zhao Huai suddenly noticed the bundle of herbs in Yu Qinghan’s hand and couldn’t help asking curiously.
Yu Qinghan smiled and explained, “These are the medicinal herbs I selected for my husband. They can temper the body and speed up the refinement of spiritual qi. For someone at your current level, the effects would be significant.”
“Don’t worry, it won’t cost much, and you don’t need to worry. Although my dowry isn’t much, it’s more than enough to buy you medicine.”
Upon hearing this, although Zhao Huai was momentarily stunned, he felt deeply moved and tenderly said:
“Madam, you are truly wonderful.”
“Let me reward you properly.”