The youth heard this and knew something was amiss, sensing suspicion. His thoughts raced, and he understood their intention, his expression changing. "You don't suspect us of being involved with those disgusting things, do you?" Blood Refining Medicine – the very name sounded sinister.
Who would want to touch that?
Shen Du offered no opinion on his words. "Answer my question."
"Sir Shen, there was indeed some misunderstanding that night, but we have absolutely no connection to this matter. You should hurry and investigate the case instead of wasting time here."
"How I conduct myself is not for you to teach."
Shen Du was displeased with the youth's evasiveness. "This matter involves two major cases. If you two cannot provide a clear explanation, I will have to offend you."
Saying this, he was about to order his men to detain them temporarily.
The youth, seeing his stubbornness, became somewhat annoyed. "You County Lieutenant are truly strange. They killed the people themselves, and the medicine was found in the Daoist temple. In either case, it has nothing to do with us, so why are you targeting us?"
"I gave you a chance."
Shen Du's voice was cold. "You chose not to speak clearly. If this is a legitimate matter, why hide it? Chongyang has stirred up a hornet's nest, and I must thoroughly question anyone who is a suspect."
"I fear you..."
The youth was about to argue further when the ever-silent young man suddenly spoke, "Lu Wu, do not be rude."
The youth, addressed as Lu Wu, sullenly fell silent.
"Sir Shen is carrying out his duty, and we should cooperate."
The young man glanced at Lu Wu, who nodded. He then took a token from his waist and tossed it to Shen Du. "You should recognize this, Sir Shen."
Shen Du caught it. The object was cool and heavy in his hand, oval-shaped, made of dark iron. Its edges were carved with intricate cloud and thunder patterns, and the center was inlaid with a dark sandalwood door, inscribed with the three large characters 'Imperial Brocade Guards' in gilded seal script.The strokes were angular and forceful, exuding a sense of solemn and deadly (sù shā - solemn and deadly).
On the back were the position and the date.
The craftsmanship was precise, and it bore the official seal of the government, appearing inauthentic. Shen Du's grip tightened on the token as he quickly examined it before bowing his head and returning it with both hands.
"I didn't realize it was..."
"Sir Shen, please look carefully."
The young man interrupted him. Lu Wu stepped forward to take the token and retreated to the side. Shen Du straightened up, guessing they wished to conceal their identities, and quickly changed his tune. "This matter should have nothing to do with you two. You are free to go."
The others were baffled by Shen Du's sudden change of attitude, secretly wondering what that object was that could make the County Lieutenant change his mind so instantly.
A Tang, standing nearby, had a clear view from her angle.
'Imperial Brocade Guards'!
That legendary personal army of the Son of Heaven, independent of the court, not subject to the jurisdiction of the Six Ministries, yet possessing the power to monitor all officials and handle major criminal cases. Their influence was second only to Rongchen Prince's Manor, and no one dared to challenge them.
Both inside and outside the court, they were known to inspire dread and fearful whispers.
There was even a saying, "With an Imperial Brocade Guards' saber, one roams the nine provinces; with the tiger tally in hand, one can execute before reporting."
On the back of the token were the words 'Commander's Attendant'.
Judging by Shen Du's reaction, the rank was not low... The Imperial Brocade Guards always handled cases under secret imperial decree. The powerful figures in court had no right to interfere, let alone Shen Du, a mere county lieutenant.
Since they were Imperial Brocade Guards, it was natural they wouldn't be involved in these matters.
They were impersonating others to meet with Chongyang.
If not for these 'Elixirs of Longevity,' what were they after?
Fragmentary thoughts flashed through A Tang's mind in an instant, but she dismissed them, not delving deeper. These people and matters had nothing to do with her; she only wanted to repay Shen Du's favor and conclude this affair quickly.
"Sir, what now...?"
Guō Píng, sensing the awkward atmosphere, asked tentatively. Shen Du glanced at the two opposite him. They didn't seem to be planning to leave. The Imperial Brocade Guards staying here... felt strange.
Fortunately, the young man noticed Shen Du's hesitation and took the initiative to say, "If Sir Shen doesn't mind, may we accompany you to take a look?"
"Of course."
Shen Du agreed immediately.
There was no need for the Imperial Brocade Guards to ask permission for their actions, and refusal was not an option. The young man's question was a gesture of respect, and Shen Du seized the opportunity.
As they were about to leave,
Shen Du slowed his steps. According to protocol, the person of higher rank should go first, and he should yield. However, they clearly did not wish to reveal their identities. Yet, their rank was undeniable, leaving him in a dilemma.
"Young Master."
Shen Du hesitated, unsure how to address him. Lu Wu, following the young man, promptly said, "My young master's surname is Gu."
"Young Master Gu, please."
Shen Du didn't suspect anything.
A Tang cast a surprised glance at the 'Young Master Gu.' Shen Du was too shocked by the man's background to notice, but she clearly saw that beneath the 'Commander's Attendant' were the words 'Zhenxi,' belonging to someone else. This surname, Gu, was worlds apart.
Since the token was not fake, they were definitely not telling the truth.
They were so secretive about a mere surname. The Imperial Brocade Guards' actions were indeed 'special.'
A Tang was not one to pry.
If they hadn't been involved with Chongyang, and Chongyang hadn't been involved in the matter of the elixir, she wouldn't have bothered mentioning it.
Now, she certainly wouldn't expose them.
What she didn't know was that this time she had truly wronged them. The token was real, and the surname was also real. Within the Imperial Brocade Guards, they were often referred to by their position, such as 'Commander's Attendant So-and-so,' 'Centurion So-and-so.'
And 'Commander So-and-so.'
For example, Commander Gu.
This young man was the current Commander of the Imperial Brocade Guards, named Gu Sui. The token Lu Wu presented belonged to another person, who was indeed traveling with them.
The group followed the Daoists out of the Sanqing Hall and proceeded further in.
They passed the Scripture Depository and the rear hall.
"The innermost courtyard belongs to the abbot. It was usually guarded, and people were not allowed near. After the abbot died, the monastery fell into chaos. I saw an opportunity and slipped in, hoping to find something valuable. But people arrived too quickly; I only managed to grab a few bottles."
The Daoist led them further in. A Tang asked, "Where did True Person Guanmiao live?"
"Over there."
Someone pointed in a direction. "The place was very simple. A senior brother mentioned seeing the abbot hand a package to the Steward, and they both avoided others, acting suspiciously. We thought it was something good, but after we searched the room inside and out, we only found these medicine bottles."
Despite this, Shen Du still assigned two men to go and search thoroughly.
Upon entering Chongyang's courtyard, everyone dispersed, searching in their own areas. A Tang casually chose a spot and waited in the corridor.
Soon, people emerged one after another.
Shen Du said, "Inside were just ordinary items. We found nothing."
Others also returned empty-handed.
They looked at Young Master Gu and his attendant. Lu Wu spread his hands. "Don't think too much of it; we didn't find anything either."
A Tang surveyed the surroundings and was about to speak when she heard the Young Master Gu and herself speak simultaneously.
"Go to the elixir room."
"The alchemy room."
The former was A Tang, the latter was Gu Sui.
Hearing this, everyone's eyes turned to the two of them with a strange look.Such tacit understanding (mò qì - tacit understanding)...
It's the end of the month, end of the month, please vote, please vote~~~ Although I only started publishing not long ago, I have a heart that strives for progress~~~