Chapter 65: Taking Advantage of the Fire to Kill Someone

  The sky gradually entered the night, and the northern courtyard of the Taishou Mansion was brightly lit. Many officials and virtuous people had already taken their seats.

  Zu Zhao and his entourage arrived a little late, and then took their seats in the lower positions in the hall. On the tables in front of everyone, all kinds of dishes were quickly served, including several flavors of mountain delicacies and seafood, as well as delicious and exquisite dishes. Next to the tables, small stoves were also set up to cook wine, with thick wine fragrance floating and drifting in the air above the entire North Courtyard. Outside the hall, the song and dance performers of the Taishou Fu played the zither and sang in harmony, while several elegant dancers danced gracefully to the music.

  Attendants dressed in white robes moved between the various seats, refilling the guests' wine cups.

  It was a scene of joy and laughter, music and dance filling the air, as if it were a prosperous world where everything was at peace. The severe droughts and famines that had plagued the land for years, leaving people struggling to survive, were all shut out beyond the vermilion walls and gates.

  Liu Taishou first invited everyone to a cup of wine, and then announced the start of the dinner party. As for when to announce this year's Chaju evaluation results, it was probably necessary to wait until the wine was in full swing before drawing any conclusions.

  Zu Zhao and Li Xin, Tian Kai and others clinked their cups together, but this year among the upright scholars who participated in the imperial examination, Zu Zhao was the youngest. The others didn't care if they had heard of Zu Zhao's reputation or not, deep down they all thought that such a young man couldn't hold his liquor, so they didn't bother to offer him more wine. On the other hand, after Zu Zhao had toasted everyone else, he simply poured himself another drink and drank alone. It was Li Xin who didn't think much of it and from time to time came over to have a cup with Zu Zhao.

  Halfway through the banquet, Liu Taishou's face slightly flushed as he suddenly spoke out in a loud voice to the hall: "Gentlemen, today is not only the day of announcing the results of this year's imperial examination, but also my daughter's coming-of-age ceremony. Therefore, I have specially asked my daughter to play a piece on the zither in the pavilion opposite, just to add to the festive atmosphere."

  When he finished speaking, all the officials and wise men in the hall nodded in agreement and smiled, and some even echoed their approval.

  However, people like Zu Zhao and Tian Kai below the hall had some incomprehension. Chahui was originally a solemn matter, and the dinner party was just a way of gathering, not a real festival banquet, let alone with performances in between? Before the official results were announced, they had more or less concerns in their hearts, although it couldn't be said that they were tasteless in eating and drinking, but they really didn't have extra thoughts to pay attention to other things.

  However, after all, it was arranged by Governor Liu himself, and it was Governor Liu's daughter. Even with many doubts and dissatisfaction, they had to put on a decent and sincere smile on their faces.

  Before long, three or five beautiful figures appeared on the corridor of the North Temple. The first was a 14- or 15-year-old girl, slender and elegant, with exquisite makeup and dressed in a delicate silk dress that showed off her tender, weak, and pure beauty. Behind the girl followed several other young maidservants, one of whom carried an ancient zither.

  They walked along the corridor to a small stone pavilion opposite the hall, where there was already some arrangement. The four eaves of the pavilion hung down with a curtain, faintly visible. There was a small table in the pavilion, and an incense burner was placed beside it. Each corner had a brazier for warmth and lighting. The girl bowed slightly towards the hall from inside the pavilion, then sat down gently. A maid placed the guqin properly beside her.

  Zu Zhao couldn't help but laugh in his heart: Could it be that this Liu Taishou is looking for a son-in-law?

  Several others on the side also whispered to each other. Although the stone pavilion was not far from the main hall, because the stone pavilion was surrounded by silk curtains, everyone couldn't see the girl's appearance clearly, and they could only make guesses about her from her movements, with different speculations in their minds.

  "What is Your Excellency going to do?"

  "That girl looks like she's extremely good."

  "Oh, you can tell it's extremely good?"

  "Elegant and poised, gentle and virtuous, truly a noble lady's demeanor."

  "Even so, don't think too much about it, you're already a married person with a family."

  "Hehe, just kidding, just kidding."

  Before long, the sound of the qin rose and fell like the wind through the forest.

  The audience immediately fell silent, and the guests on the scene, whether or not they understood the sound of the pipe, all sincerely put on a listening attitude, and some even fell into a state of ecstasy.

  After a tune of music, Liu Taishou suddenly spoke up and said: "The sound of the zither helps to excite the atmosphere. Is there a brave warrior below who can accompany the zither with a sword dance, adding to the excitement?"

  Upon hearing this, the eleven people below the hall, including Zu Zhao, all had a sudden realization. If it was said that Liu Taishou's inexplicable request for his daughter to play the zither earlier still left many doubts, but now, after one song has passed and he actively invited everyone to dance with swords, it somewhat let everyone see through the clouds. This clearly is hoping that the gentlemen below the hall will show off their talents, to see if they can be moved by them, matching the talented young man with a beautiful woman. Obviously, this is Liu Taishou's deliberate arrangement, intending to select one of the examinees from this year's imperial examination as his son-in-law.

  After a moment of silence, someone immediately stood up in the hall. It was Han Xi, a native of Pingjiang County who was known for his integrity and righteousness. He puffed out his chest and straightened his back, looking confident and determined as he volunteered: "I'm not talented, but I'll try my best to accompany the young lady's music with sword dancing, to celebrate this elegant gathering."

  Han Xi is a native of Pinggang County, but he did not appear at the Taishou Mansion on the tenth day. He was born into a local wealthy family and relied on his father's frequent interactions with the county's virtuous officials to respond to the county government's calls for grain relief and charitable donations, which is why he was recommended as a virtuous and upright person in the county this year.

  As soon as he spoke, the people around him showed varying degrees of astonishment. Dancing with swords was originally a matter for martial artists, and even if one were to dance with swords, it should be the five or six brave and chivalrous men in the hall who would do so.

  Not only were the guests somewhat perplexed, but even Liu Taishou was taken aback after hearing these words, and it wasn't until a while later that he vaguely replied: "Han Mengli, you also know the art of sword fighting?"

  Han Xi responded to the reactions of those present with a smile, saying: "Northern men are known for their martial prowess, and I am no exception. Although I don't dare say that my skills in fencing, archery, and horsemanship are top-notch, within this county, I do have some reputation."

  Liu Taishou was still somewhat astonished: "Is that so? How come I've never heard your father mention this matter before?"

  Han Xi's expression changed slightly, but he still said: "My father is usually busy and doesn't know about this matter. I hope the official will agree."

  Everyone can see that Liu Taishou is unwilling in his heart, but this Han Xi doesn't understand the situation at all, making people anxious.

  At this time, the county magistrate Sun Gong hurriedly sent a message saying: "Han Mengli, you are in the category of Xian Liang Fang Zheng, and you cannot be careless. The intention of Mingfu is that the two brave and wise men will dance with each other, with swords and knives having no eyes, if there is any accident, it should not be taken as a joke."

  Han Xi disagreed and insisted, "Thank you, Lord Sun, for your concern. However, the desire to take the imperial examination is just a personal wish, just like this young hero, Zu Zhao, who is clearly brave and capable of fighting against bandits, but has chosen to take the Mingjing examination, not because he lacks ability, but simply because his heart desires it."

  His attitude was very casual when he spoke, and his words did not show any respect for the prefecture at all.

  Especially when Zu Zhao spoke, it seemed even more so. Zu Zhao was young, but after all, he was a hero who had killed the Hu bandits, and everyone in the audience admired him when they heard his name. But Han Xi was just a spoiled son of a wealthy family who participated in the imperial examination by relying on his family's power. Not only did he not know how to be humble and modest, but also he was arrogant every day, how could people convince him?

  Liu Taishou and Sun Zhangshi also saw this, but it's better not to say anything more, so as not to spoil the pleasant atmosphere of today.

  At this moment, Changcheng County's brave and upright Lu Wei suddenly stood up and said in a cold voice: "Since the Chief Historian has said that it is a duel between two people, I am willing to accompany Brother Han for a dance to celebrate the elegant prosperity! I also hope that the Prefect will agree."

  Liu Taishou saw that Lü Wei was quite impressive and majestic, so he naturally nodded his head in agreement and said: "Good, good, very good. Come on, prepare the sword."

  There were already attendants waiting outside the hall with their swords at the ready. Hearing the order, they came along the corridor to the lower part of the hall.

  Han Xi and Lü Wei walked out of the table and came to a spacious veranda at the junction of the upper and lower halls.

  I present a tray with two swords to Han Xi and Lü Wei, each of them takes one sword, removes the scabbard, and stands holding the blade.

  Liu Taishou announced: "Take the sound of the qin as a signal, stop when you arrive, two strong men will dance with swords to help the excitement, don't fight with energy."

  Han Xi and Lü Wei bowed their heads in respect and promised to comply.

  Before long, the girl in the stone pavilion moved her slender fingers lightly and plucked the strings, producing a sound.

  On the balcony, Han Xi raised his sword to welcome, and Lü Wei also stood up with his sword. The two knew that they were dancing swords to help the excitement, and what they emphasized was the harmony of swordsmanship and dance movements. Therefore, neither of their actions was fast, but instead, they moved in a slow and steady pace, matching the rhythm of the piano music.

  Zu Zhao didn't quite understand the sword dance and the music, nor did he have any interest in them. As for Liu Taishou's specially crafted musical performance with the sword dance, he only paid symbolic attention to it for a moment before returning to his own drinking. Honestly speaking, he wasn't even interested in the final results of this year's imperial examination, as his previous arithmetic abilities made him almost certain to pass.

  Thinking of his trip to the county government this time, the most important thing is still to advise Liu Taishou to be vigilant about the trends in the folk, and it's unknown whether there will be any follow-up. Regardless of what Liu Taishou ultimately intends to do, after returning to Xu Wu, he will still adhere to his own plan to make arrangements for this winter's preparations against theft.

  The sound of the zither continued with another tune, and the sword dance was still ongoing.

  Just as everyone was immersed in appreciating the guqin music and sword dance performance, Li Xin, who was sitting next to Zu Chao, suddenly sniffed and said with a puzzled expression: "How... is there a smell of smoke?"

  He said as he searched for the smell of smoke in the air and turned his body back.

  Zu Zhao drank a few more cups, already slightly drunk, but in the midst of it all, he also caught a whiff of something strange. The smell was even stronger than the incense burning around the hall. He furrowed his brow and turned to look in the direction Li Xin was staring, saying: "Indeed, there is a strange smell, who's burning firewood nearby?"

  Another person nearby also chimed in, "I wonder if it's the governor ordering the kitchen to prepare some game meat again."

  At this time, the sound of the zither gradually came to an end, and the dance swords of Han Xi and Lü Wei on the platform also ended respectively.

  The numerous guests in the hall applauded and cheered, followed by another round of toasting, without anyone noticing the strange smell floating in the air. Governor Liu raised his wine cup and spoke a few words very politely to the two people on the balcony.

  "Good swordsmanship! Good swordsmanship! Han Mengli is indeed a master of the sword, haha, finally showing off his skills today!"

  "Thank you for your praise, Your Excellency." Han Xi sheathed his long sword and bowed with a smile, making a gesture of respect towards the hall.

  But just as everyone was still busy admiring and commenting on the sword dance and the sound of the zither, a sudden cry for help came from the west wing: "The water is flowing, something's wrong, it's a big deal, the water is flowing, come quickly!"

  This cry was just the beginning. Before long, the West Wing became increasingly chaotic, followed by more people shouting.

  One after another, in a state of utter confusion and disorder.

  Li Xìn suddenly stood up and pointed towards the west wing, shouting: "Quickly look, there's a fire!"

  Including Zu Zhao, others who heard the words, stood up and looked around. The originally quiet West Wing of the Governor's Mansion suddenly burst into a huge fire without warning, in just one turn of an eye, the flames were raging, smoke filled the sky, and the entire sky was reflected with a crimson hue.

  Zu Zhao's face sank, and he was already half sober. The first thought that came to his mind was that this matter was by no means ordinary.

  The investigation and evaluation had been going on for more than 20 days, but an accident happened on the most important day, which was really too coincidental.

  In the hall, Liu Taishou hastily stood up, forgetting to put down the wine cup in his hand, and said in surprise: "What's going on? How did the west wing catch fire?"

  The county magistrate and several subordinates hastily summoned their servants to rush over and take a look. If it was indeed a fire, they would gather more people to put out the fire quickly.

  Sun Changshi hurriedly comforted Liu Taishou, saying: "The West Wing is a miscellaneous wing, it's not very important. The prefect should first retreat to the public hall, and after the fire is brought under control, we can discuss the arrangements for the evening banquet."

  Liu Taishou nodded repeatedly, and in his haste, he still didn't forget to exchange a few pleasantries with the esteemed guests on either side.

  The crowd in the hall was about to move downstairs when a shrill cry of despair echoed from the balcony. As they looked up, they saw Han Xi, who had been waiting on the balcony, being stabbed in the abdomen by someone from behind. Blood splattered everywhere, and the surrounding servants cried out in shock. Han Xi's face was filled with astonishment, his sword fell to the ground, and he covered his abdomen with both hands as his body convulsed in pain. He struggled to turn his head to see who had ambushed him, but the sword that pierced his abdomen twisted violently, causing a cracking sound in his spine, and he died instantly, his body slumping to the ground.

  "Ah, Meng Li!"

  "Come quickly, come quickly, protect Governor Ta!"

  Liu Gan, Sun Changshi and other distinguished guests from the same county witnessed this brutal murder case, all of whom were shocked. Who would have thought that a peaceful dinner party would lead to such a major accident?

  As Han Xi's body fell, the murderer who had been hiding behind him was suddenly revealed. It wasn't someone else, but rather Lü Wei, who had just dueled with Han Xi. At this time, Lü Wei had a sinister and cold smile on his face, slowly and deliberately pulling out the sword from Han Xi's body, his eyes filled with murderous intent as he glared at everyone in the hall.

  "Lü Wei, you, how dare you take someone's life!" Liu Taishou scolded in a state of utmost exasperation.

  "Hmph, these good-for-nothings are not even worth the lives of pigs and dogs. Killing them is no big deal! Today, I'm not only going to take his dog life, but also wipe out all you dog officials!" Lü Wei's words were laced with venom, almost gnashing his teeth in rage.

  "Daring rogue, daring rogue! This is... Preposterous! Come on, come on, take down Lü Wei for me!" Liu Taishou was furious and ordered his men.

  Immediately, five or six knife-wielding guards rushed out from both sides, quickly running down the steps and swarming up towards Lü Wei.

  Lü Wei's face showed no fear at all, but instead revealed a hint of mocking cold smile, sending chills down one's spine.

  It's all over, all the actresses have bailed on us. The short film plan is probably going to fall through. Good things are always delayed!!!