Chapter 9: Undercurrents

Inside the secret chamber, the woman introduced herself as Ouyang Yu, which startled A Feng. Before he could contemplate the matter further, he spotted the black robe and mask hanging on the wall, donned them, then strode forward.

Drawing closer, he saw that the woman was indeed quite young. Her clothing, too, was of fine material, though her current state was far from dignified, confined as she was in an iron cage, a faint odor wafting from within. She wore a black robe similar to his, yet failed to notice any difference.

A Feng remained silent, observing her coldly, scrutinizing the woman imprisoned before him. After a long while, perhaps sensing that the black-robed figure would not release her, the woman ceased speaking, her gaze dull and lifeless.

Suppressing his doubts, A Feng knew it was not the time to act rashly and quietly slipped away. The woman who claimed to be Ouyang Yu seemed oblivious to his departure, save for the twin streams of tears that welled up again, revealing the depth of her despair.

A Feng slipped out of the chamber; the room was shrouded in darkness, conveniently concealing his movements. He sat on the bed, preparing to sort through his thoughts.

The woman claimed to be Ouyang Yu, the third young lady of the Ouyang family. Last night, the item that Manager Jin carried—could it have been a person? And this room was located in the courtyard of Ouyang Fu, the steward. Since Ouyang Ping was “reflecting on his mistakes behind closed doors,” the only person who could move freely here without concern was the chief steward—Ouyang Fu.

A Feng narrowed his eyes. Manager Jin was connected to Ouyang Fu; the steward must be hiding something. If the woman was truly Ouyang Yu, then everything within the Ouyang manor might be orchestrated by him. The second wife last night, the death of the family head—all of it, and A Feng himself, were just pawns, used and then discarded.

He felt his conjecture was likely correct, but he needed to confirm whether the woman was indeed Ouyang Yu. With this resolution, A Feng slipped out under the cover of night to gather intelligence.

Wandering stealthily through the Ouyang manor, A Feng arrived at the servants’ quarters. There were some dim lights inside; perhaps the day had been too hectic, and the staff, exhausted from their chores, gathered to chat idly.

“Ah, what misfortune has befallen the Ouyang manor? The master’s dead, the lady’s dead, the second young master is ill, and the third young lady has vanished. Everything that’s happened these past few days is unbelievable.”

“Could it be haunted, maybe cursed?”

“Nonsense! Clearly someone’s out for revenge.”

“Revenge, huh? The Ouyang family’s been wealthy for so many years, why now?”

“If you ask me, there’s a conspiracy afoot. And the eldest young master, who was never favored, is now the head of the family. That’s quite a turn.”

“What happened? Tell us, quick!”

The crowd’s curiosity was piqued. A Feng listened intently.

Rumors were exaggerated—some said the eldest young master was born to a maid, not the first lady, and had never been favored in the family. Long-time servants added their own details, corroborating the tale, suddenly feeling enlightened.

They nearly painted Ouyang Feng as an oddity, adding that Steward Ouyang Fu treated the eldest young master very well, raising him as if he were his own son.

A Feng’s expression grew strange at this gossip.

“All right, let’s rest. Tomorrow may bring more trouble.”

“Yes, let’s rest.”

The voices faded, and A Feng slipped away.

Under the cover of night, A Feng left the Ouyang manor and melted into the darkness.

...

Chen Hong did not sleep that night. The flickering candlelight cast wavering shadows on his face. The daytime investigation had yielded nothing; the man called A Feng seemed to have vanished again.

Now, the case appeared utterly baffling. There was an assassin, but they did not seem to be working together, otherwise the two black-clad men would not have died so miserably.

The biggest victims were the Ouyang manor: the master Ouyang Xun, the second wife, the missing Ouyang Yu, and the sick Ouyang Yun.

The old lady, due to her age, seldom involved herself in the household affairs. Fortunately, the eldest young master Ouyang Feng was unharmed.

Chen Hong felt something was amiss, though he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. He fetched some paper, wrote down the names of those in the Ouyang manor, noted their circumstances, then reviewed the list, his gaze settling on Ouyang Feng’s name.

Muttering to himself, Chen Hong said, “Ouyang Feng, so many in the Ouyang manor have met with misfortune, yet only you remain untouched. Ah, yes, you were knocked out while keeping vigil at the ancestral hall, but that’s it—quite the lucky streak!”

Could it be mere coincidence?

Chen Hong’s years of experience told him that coincidences don’t exist in such cases; so-called coincidences are always man-made. Everything seems plausible, but when wealth and power are involved, reason becomes hollow.

Now, the greatest beneficiary was Ouyang Feng. It seemed he must visit the Ouyang manor again tomorrow.

Looking at A Feng’s name, Chen Hong found him still a mystery—origin unknown, whereabouts unclear.

As the night deepened, Chen Hong put away the papers, extinguished the candle, and went to rest.

...

The next day, Ouyang Feng rose early. He had slept late the previous night; more accurately, he had found it hard to sleep.

The household’s authority had been handed to Ouyang Feng—justifiably so, with the old lady’s approval, everyone naturally complied.

Suddenly thrust into power, Ouyang Feng had yet to adapt to his new role. Of course, he knew he must remain low-key, arrange his father and the second wife’s funeral, catch the murderer, care for his younger brother, and find his missing sister—all urgent matters.

He first checked on Ouyang Yun, who had recovered from his fever overnight, though still weak and needing rest.

Leaving Ouyang Yun’s quarters, Ouyang Feng headed straight to the ancestral hall; with only himself left, he continued his vigil.

Soon, a servant came to report that Captain Chen was requesting an audience.

Ouyang Feng quickly had Chen Hong invited to the side hall, tidied his clothes, and went to meet him.

When Chen Hong arrived, Ouyang Feng was already waiting. The two exchanged greetings.

After some polite conversation, Chen Hong said, “I have come to see you, Young Master Feng, to verify some matters.”

Ouyang Feng asked, “What matters?”

Just as Chen Hong was about to speak, Ouyang Fu entered, greeted Chen Hong, and said, “I hadn’t expected to find you here, Captain Chen.”

Chen Hong replied, “I have a few things to confirm with the young master.”

Ouyang Feng said, “Since Uncle Fu is here, please stay and listen. If there’s anything I overlook, I hope you’ll fill in the gaps.”

Chen Hong said, “In that case, forgive my bluntness—Young Master Feng, what is your usual situation in the manor?”

Ouyang Feng was puzzled, “What exactly do you mean?”

Chen Hong clarified, “In terms of daily life and social standing.”

Hearing this, Ouyang Feng was somewhat offended, then forced a bitter smile.

Chen Hong said, “Young master, there are many rumors circulating. Since they may be untrue, I must verify them. Would you clarify?”

Ouyang Fu interjected, “My young master—”

“Let me speak, Uncle Fu,” Ouyang Feng interrupted.

“Yes, young master.”

Ouyang Feng said, “To be frank, my situation is indeed rather complicated.”

He then explained his background and life in the manor, in detail.

After a long while, Chen Hong said, “I hadn’t expected your circumstances to be so unique. Forgive me for my impertinence.”

At that moment, Ouyang Fu spoke, “Young master, don’t be too upset. The old lady has given her approval; entrusting you with the household is a sign of trust.”

Chen Hong asked, “So you are now officially head of the family?”

Ouyang Feng replied, “Yes, yesterday Uncle Fu advised me, and with all these troubles, I reported to the old lady. She authorized me to handle everything.”

Chen Hong felt uneasy, though he showed no sign, glancing at Ouyang Fu.

Ouyang Fu looked at Ouyang Feng, a fleeting smile on his face. Sensing Chen Hong’s attention, he turned and nodded.

Seeing no reason to stay further, Chen Hong prepared to take his leave.

Ouyang Feng asked, “Captain Chen, is there any news of my sister Ouyang Yu?”

Chen Hong looked at Ouyang Feng’s genuinely concerned expression and replied, “No news yet, but there has been some progress. We are still investigating.”

Ouyang Feng was disappointed, but could only say, “I leave it in your hands.”

Chen Hong assured him, “Rest assured, I will do my utmost. Farewell to you both.”

...

Leaving the Ouyang manor, Chen Hong felt, at first, nothing amiss, but Ouyang Fu seemed a little too eager. From their conversation, it appeared Ouyang Feng had sought the old lady’s permission for authority only after Ouyang Fu’s persuasion.

Of course, Chen Hong could not believe Ouyang Feng had no ambition whatsoever, but such urgency, with someone else pushing him, was somewhat unusual.

Chen Hong ordered his men to continue searching the western district, screening all outsiders. If they couldn’t find A Feng, they would smoke him out.

He himself took two men and returned once more to the lamb soup shop.

Some inexplicable impulse drove him to this place again.

Chen Hong examined the shop’s layout—nothing seemed out of the ordinary. He wandered inside, reaching A Feng’s room, and found the door wide open.

He frowned, “Yesterday we sealed this shop; why is this door left open?”

One subordinate replied, “That’s odd. I was in charge that day, and I remember closing it.”

Hearing this, Chen Hong’s pupils contracted. He strode forward into the room, with his men following closely.

He scanned the room; the furnishings seemed unchanged.

At that moment, one subordinate spotted a folded piece of paper on the bed. After confirming there was no danger, he handed it to Chen Hong.

“Sir, we found a folded note with writing.”

Chen Hong unfolded it and saw a few words.

“Ouyang Fu is suspicious! Investigate at once!”

Chen Hong jerked his head up—A Feng had left this, and dared to return.

On second thought, perhaps A Feng was using him to eliminate Ouyang Fu.

Yet, Chen Hong himself felt Ouyang Fu was suspicious—could it be a coincidence?

Who exactly was A Feng?

Chen Hong was deeply unsettled. After some time, he resolved to have his men bring pen and paper, and wrote a note, affixing it to the door.

Secretly, he instructed his men to keep a close watch on the place.

The group departed, leaving only the folded note on the door.

To be continued.