The wise man Yan Sanbai

  Wang Min then took Yan Sanbai to meet his mother, Liu Shi, who had also met Wang Jingchuan the day before.

  Yan Sanbai followed Wang Min into the room, and as soon as he entered, he smelled a medicinal scent. The room was also filled with the fragrance of calming incense. Yan Sanbai looked around and saw that on a small table in front of the screen, there was a golden filigree incense burner, next to which was a dressing table and a mirror stand, behind which hung several men's garments. On the wall hung paintings and calligraphy. Apart from these items, the room was not heavily decorated, but it gave a very good impression, clean and tidy.

  A woman lay pale-faced on the bed, looking worn out, but still showing a few strands of mature charm.

  Wang Min quickly walked to the bedside and supported his mother who was trying to sit up, "Mother, Yan Gongzi is here, he wants to say a few words to you."

  Liu was Wang Jingchuan's only wife. Although she was just the daughter of a small wealthy family in Chang'an City and had no connection with Jianghu, she had been deeply in love with Wang Jingchuan for many years and had given birth to a son and a daughter. When her husband suddenly passed away, Liu saw the scene at Jing Tang and fell ill immediately. At this moment, there was still sorrow between her expressions.

  "Ask the young master whatever you want."

  Yan Sanbai softened her tone, "Madam, were you with your maid Abi all day yesterday?"

  "Yes, yesterday when Master returned, Abi was walking with me in the garden and we saw him from afar, but he didn't come over to talk to me either. He quietly went to the Qing Tang and locked himself inside. I knew he must have something on his mind, so I went over to talk to him, but he didn't respond from inside. I had no choice but to leave. Who would have thought... who would have thought that Master actually..."

  Liu said, her heart aching endlessly, and tears fell again. Wang Min hurried over to support her, "Yan Gongzi, my mother's body is not good, you see..."

  Yan Sanbai didn't want to disturb them any further, so he left the house, saying he wanted to take a stroll around the mansion. Wang Min hurriedly went to deliver a message to Lu Lingge, the current master of Guihe Sect, because something had come up with Guiqu Lai and they needed him to come to Chang'an for a while, so he let old servant Ah Zhong take Yan Sanbai out for a stroll.

  The two of them followed the same route that Wang Jingchuan took home yesterday, but neither Yan Sanbai nor Ah Zhong found anything unusual. After thanking Ah Zhong, they were about to go to Qingbaotang to take a look, and he was still a bit concerned about whether or not to cover his face.

  Yan Sanbai was walking and organizing his thoughts, almost out of the Wang mansion, when a black shadow suddenly darted in front of him. The speed was too fast, he subconsciously flashed back, but collided with the person behind him.

  "Oh dear!" was the childish voice.

  Yan Sanbai hastily turned his head around and saw a little girl with shiny black eyes staring at him.

  Yan Sanbai hastily pulled her up, squatted down and helped her brush off the dust on her body. "Does it hurt?"

  The little girl shook her head and said "it doesn't hurt."

  Yan Sanbai liked children, but for some spoiled or too naughty ones, he kept a distance. However, this little girl made him feel affectionate from the bottom of his heart. Judging by her age, she should be Wang Jingchuan's daughter, Wang Wan. So Yan Sanbai patted her head and asked, "What are you doing here all alone?"

  Wang Wan pointed to the back of Yan San's white clothes, "Niang Niang is bleeding, it will hurt, I want to bandage her, but brother and mother don't care about me, I want to find father, big brother do you know where my father is?"

  Wang Wan looked up at him with her head raised, and the clear eyes seemed to make even that blackness appear pure and clean. This made Yan Sanbai, who was used to seeing death, feel a pang of sorrow in his heart, and for a moment he didn't know how to respond.

  At this time, the maid Qiu Shui hurriedly ran over and saw Wang Wan here, she couldn't help but reveal a joyful expression.

  "Miss! How did you end up running here? Hurry and come back with me."

  Wang Wan was taken away, she didn't ask about her father again, and when she left, she turned back to wave at Yan Sanbai with a lovely smile.

  Yan Sanbai watched her leave, when suddenly his ears moved slightly, he turned back and saw a black cat quietly walking on the black tiles of the surrounding wall, its tail elegantly swaying behind it, its bright blue eyes staring at him with hidden vigilance.

  The black shadow that just flashed quickly in front of Yan San's eyes should be it.

  One person and one cat stared at each other for two or three seconds, then in an instant, Yan Sanbai moved, the black cat immediately turned its head and jumped down, disappearing outside the wall in an instant.

  Yan Sanbai stood under the wall for a long time, and it seemed that there was something in his mind that he had overlooked, but at this moment, he couldn't think of what it was. So, while thinking about it, he left the Wang's residence.

  But he had just stepped out of the door when he stopped in his tracks.

  There are many people outside the gate, men and women, old and young, coming and going, or stopping to watch.

  The people of Zhou love beauty and also love excitement.

  "It's the Wandering Swordsman..."

  "Is it really him?!"

  "Zhuangyuan Master!"

  "Really white..."

  "Skin as white as jade, face as beautiful as a flower... no wonder they're called San Bai."

  …………

  Yan Sanbai suddenly felt that several holes had been pierced through his body.

  "Oh! His ears turned red!"

  "You look so good when you smile!"

  "Your eyes are really beautiful..."

  "Ah, he's going to run away!!!"

  Yan Sanbai walked so fast that his feet kicked up wind, and the hair hanging down beside his temples was blown back in a very elegant manner.

  "Zhuangyuan, don't go!"

  "How's the case going?"

  "Old Master Wang is a good man, you must catch the murderer!"

  "Really? Really?..."

  When they mentioned Wang Jingchuan, Yan Sanbai had to stop in his tracks. The wind blew up the hem of his clothes, creating a circular motion. His black hair, tied with a blue ribbon, slid down from his shoulder as he nodded his head.

  "Everyone, please rest assured, I will definitely do my best for Old Master Wang's matter."

  "Alright, alright......"

  "The voice is also so pleasant to hear, I wonder which one is more handsome between him and Prince Luoyang?"

  "Not only good-looking, but also smart!"

  "He's a good guy!"

  "What a wonderful person!"

  Yan Sanbai knew things were not going well for him. After he became a Zhuangyuan and gained great fame, he hastily left Chang'an. Why?

  The people of Chang'an are too enthusiastic, even if the Wenqu star shines on the number one scholar, he has no fortune to enjoy the kindness of the people.

  What a wonderful person has gone!

  A white-clad figure flashed by like a cloud, and in an instant, Yan San appeared on the rooftop, his toes tapping on the black tiles, and with a few ups and downs, he vanished.

  The pursuer clutched his wrist and sighed, that scene just now was really handsome.

  "Hah... Hahaha..."

  As the crowd walked away, a burst of pleasant laughter suddenly came from the side of the road. The voice was low and magnetic, yet gentle, with a hint of intoxication.

  At this time, the green-clad man who had been standing by the road like a wooden stake suddenly shifted one step to the right, revealing a red figure sitting on the stone pedestal behind him, sitting carelessly and recklessly, without any dignity.

  The slender fingers moved away from the old tiger mask covering her face, and those phoenix eyes still had a hint of smile, and smiled... extremely unkindly.

  "Yan Sanbai's face is still a bit pale, next time if he goes to Luoyang with him, won't he have to run faster than a rabbit?"

  The eunuch thought to himself: Are you saying that your face is thick-skinned? And if you have the ability, don't hide.

  "I'm off, I'll go meet up with old friends too." The red-clothed prince stood up and casually returned the tiger mask to the small vendor beside him, leaving a piece of broken silver as he scattered his wealth for good luck.

  Brushing open the folding fan, still covering the lower half of her face, with one hand behind her back, she gazed around at Chang'an, which she had not seen for a long time.

  There were officials and young ladies by the road who couldn't help but steal a few more glances at him. Although his face was covered, that noble aura couldn't be concealed. Those slender phoenix eyes seemed to speak as well, especially inviting attention.

  Yan Sanbai stood in the backyard of Qingbao Hall, where a sea of peach blossoms were planted, his face cold and stern as he stared at the corpse lying beside the well.

  This man is Quan Fu, who was the one that forged Wang Jingkang's paintings, but now he is dead.

  Just died at the moment before Yan Sanbai arrived, died of the same thing as Wang Jingchuan - Return and come.

  It was clear that someone did not want Yan San Bai to see him.

  "Good luck!" After coming to the backyard, the owner of Qingbao Hall saw the corpse on the ground and couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, his face full of astonishment.

  He immediately saw Yan Sanbai standing beside the corpse, stretching out his hand and pointing at him with a trembling finger. "Who are you?! Was it you who killed Quanfu?!"

  "I am Yan Sanbai, here by imperial decree to investigate this case."

  The boss was shocked and saw the golden plaque above him, he hurriedly clasped his hands together to show his apology.

  Yan Sanbai waved his hand and said, "Report it to the authorities."

  Wang Jingchuan's body was placed in the yamen of Jingzhao Prefecture, and now there was another companion beside him - Quanfu, a fellow from Jibao Hall. The mortuary was very cold, and the faces of the two corpses were somewhat pale, but the coroner was numb to it as he lifted Wang Jingchuan's arm, "Lord Yan, look, his elbow and other joints have some faint bruises."

  "This is... caused by death?" Yan Sanbai asked.

  "Yes."

  After death? Yan Sanbai couldn't help but furrow his brow. Wang Jingchuan's body didn't have any other major wounds, and the single sword thrust that killed him suggested that the murderer hadn't intended to beat the victim to death. So how were these bruises caused? And yet, Quan Fu's body didn't have these bruises.

  Yan Sanbai had heard a medical sage who lived in seclusion on a mountain in Shu say before: The dead can speak.

  What were these scars trying to tell him?

  Out of the morgue, Yan Sanbai wanted to visit the Governor of Jingzhao, but the people in the yamen said that Lord Pei was feeling a bit under the weather today and couldn't see guests.

  Yan Sanbai smiled and didn't insist anymore.

  Pei Song, the governor of Jingzhao, was a figure that the people of Chang'an city loved to talk about. He was only just over thirty years old, but he was already an able minister, his only weakness being his frail physique.

  For example, today some minister and another minister had a fight again, needing people to take sides and speak up, but Lord Pei fell ill. Another example is that at night there was a case of something happening, and the whole court was in an uproar, but Lord Pei was ill again, his illness was so timely and wonderful, no one in the entire court could surpass him.

  He was then given the nickname "Timely Rain".

  As soon as everyone saw Lord Pae was ill, they knew - there's going to be trouble again.

  Ke Yan thought for a long time, he just wasn't very welcome by that young master, it was far from the point where Pei Song would call in sick.

  Only after leaving Jingzhao Mansion did Yan Sanbai finally understand.

  At the gate, several people from Dalisi Temple were standing, with one of them dressed in the same attire as Guan Qing, robust and sturdy, with thick eyebrows and lips, who was none other than another young master of Dalisi Temple, Zuo Ming.

  "Master Yan, I have come at the behest of Master Fan to escort you to take up residence at the Temple of Great Compassion."

  Guan Qingci did not add any courtesy to Yan Sanbai, but the two Vice Ministers, Fan Zhengchun and Zuo Ming, invited Yan Sanbai to rest. It seems that Guan Qingci's momentum has been too strong in the past two years, and he hasn't gotten along well with his colleagues.

  At this time, Yan Sanbai did not know that Wang Min had already arranged for a guest room in the mansion to receive him, but he really did not want to enter the Dali Temple and get involved in these internal struggles, so he simply stated the purpose of his trip.

  "Your Excellency, to be honest with you, I actually have another purpose for coming to Chang'an this time. Previously when I was traveling in Jiangzhou, Bai Sima reminded me that although I am not on the official roster, His Majesty has instructed the Ministry of Revenue to issue a stipend to me every year. Since I am usually not in Chang'an, this stipend is kept at the Dali Temple, do you know about this matter?"

  Upon hearing this, Zuo Ming's expression became somewhat strange. He couldn't have imagined that Yan Sanbai would come all the way to Chang'an just for that little bit of salary.

  A famous detective, where would he go and be unwelcome, and still lack money to spend?

  Yan Sanbai saw him like this, slightly embarrassed, "To be honest, I don't understand the way of business, so I really want to get back those salaries, would you trouble Lord Zuo to send someone to help me retrieve them?"

  Zuo Ming was left speechless.

  Your Majesty's salary for Yan Sanbai is indeed more generous than that of ordinary officials in the Grand Secretariat, but for some high-ranking officials, it is still not enough to have a few good meals at Xianyunju.

  But looking into Yan San Bai's sincere eyes, Zuo Ming's heart wavered.

  At this time, Zhang Yan came running from a distance, "Lord Yan!"

  "What's wrong?" Yan Sanbai asked from afar.

  Zhang Yan ran breathlessly, "The location has been found, it's at Wan'an Temple!"

  Yan Sanbai calculated the time, Guan Qing should have sent someone to inform him immediately after finding the location. This young official of the Supreme Court, although cold and unfeeling, did things with principle.

  Yan Sanbai rubbed his nose and said, "Thanks for letting me know."

  Zhang Yan took a deep breath, as if he had just noticed that Zuo Ming was still standing beside him. "Ah, Lord Zuo is also here, I'm so sorry, I didn't see you."

  Zuo Ming's face was cold and his words were laced with sarcasm, "You've always been neglectful in managing your subordinates, I'm used to it, no need to apologize."

  Zhang Yan was furious, but Zuo Ming was after all his superior, so he could only suppress his anger and let out a cold hum.

  Yan Sanbai's face turned pale and he involuntarily let out a bitter sigh. His big eyes, which rarely showed any spark, glanced around before he said, "You two, don't spoil the harmony. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave first. The case still needs to be investigated."

  His voice is not loud, but it's like a clear spring ringing against the stone, very pleasant and impossible to ignore.

  Zhang Yan and Zuo Ming couldn't help but look at him, only to see that the swallow-like thief had already taken several steps away in the blink of an eye.

  Run so fast!

  But he left with a calm and unhurried back view, which is really strange.

  "Wait a minute!" Zuo Ming finally remembered the purpose of this trip, but Yan Sanbai had already started using his lightness skill and was walking ahead.

  The whole person was like a gentle breeze, as if he had lost all weight, just like the last wisps of white clouds in the evening glow, his clothes brushing against the sun hanging from the eaves of the distant imperial palace, his toes lightly touching the trees by the side of the road, and the whole person had already floated away.

  Only one sentence was left in Zuo Ming's ear.

  "Lord Left, remember my salary!"

  Author has something to say: Yan Daxia: I'm so poor that it's ringing.

  Luoyang Wang: I casually scatter some wealth.

  Yan Daxia: Let's break up.

  Luoyang Wang: (er kang hand) NO!!!!!

  PS: I changed Ah Zhong to Zhong Bo, it's a bit awkward with another title

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