Chapter 94: Gongsun Wuda's Fury

Liu Yitiao carefully put away the letter, then picked up the clothes from the table and went to his room to change. The long robe fit him perfectly, neither too loose nor too tight, as if tailored precisely to his size and shape. Liu Yitiao stretched out his arms and spun around twice in place, feeling not the slightest restraint as he moved. That Zhang Chuchu truly had a thoughtful heart; after meeting him only twice, she was able to make such a well-fitting garment for him.

Wearing his new clothes, Liu Yitiao walked into the main hall, where Old Liu and Liu Heshui were waiting. “How does it look?” Liu Heshui smiled as she approached Liu Yitiao, tugged at his sleeves and hem, and scrutinized him carefully, then turned to Old Liu and said, “That girl Chuchu is deft and clever, her handiwork never disappoints. Look at Yitiao in this outfit—he seems so much more distinguished, almost like a young lord from a wealthy family.”

“Indeed,” Old Liu echoed, nodding and laughing. “It does give that impression. The craftsmanship of this daughter-in-law is truly remarkable. See how the clothes fit—not too loose, not too tight, just right. She’s every bit as skilled as you, wife. This daughter-in-law, she’s worth marrying.”

From Old Liu’s demeanor, it seemed he had completely forgotten his earlier displeasure when Zhang Chuchu tested Liu Yitiao. Who wouldn’t want such a capable daughter-in-law?

“Alright, Father, Mother, if you keep praising her, she’ll be raised to the heavens,” Liu Yitiao said with a smile, glancing down at his clothes. “This outfit is wonderful, but it isn’t suitable for everyday farming. For working in the fields, it’s still Mother’s clothes that do. Only in yours do I feel true comfort!”

With a light laugh, Liu Yitiao flattered Liu Heshui.

“Oh, you child, always knowing how to cheer your mother,” Liu Heshui replied, delighted even knowing it was a compliment. Being praised by her son was happiness enough. She chuckled and instructed, “Alright, go change out of those clothes, wash your hands, lunch will be ready soon.”

“Yes, Mother,” Liu Yitiao answered, heading back to his room to change out of the new outfit.

As Liu Yitiao had said, this garment was best suited for visiting relatives or friends, not for daily chores. At home, simple and practical clothes sufficed.

Still, this gift was the girl’s heartfelt gesture, and etiquette demanded the Liu family respond in kind. Otherwise, it would be unkind to her.

So, after lunch, Liu Heshui fetched a jade-green bracelet from the inner room and handed it to Liu Yitiao. “Yitiao, take this to Chuchu this afternoon as a token of betrothal. Every Liu family daughter-in-law should have one. Also, write her a letter—don’t neglect her. I like this daughter-in-law. If you upset her, I won’t forgive you!”

“Understood, Mother.” Liu Yitiao accepted the bracelet, agreeing readily.

He’d already considered giving her a gift, but hadn’t decided what to send. Now that Liu Heshui had chosen, it was perfect.

“I’ll go to Ertiao’s study,” Liu Yitiao said, and after bidding his mother goodbye, he slipped into Liu Ertiao’s study, where he could find the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone he needed.

But what should he write?

Liu Yitiao stroked his chin, chewing the tip of his brush, pondering for a long while. Eventually, he recalled a classic love poem from later times and took up his brush to write on the snowy-white paper:

Magpie Bridge Immortal

Delicate clouds craft their shapes, flying stars bear longing, the Silver River stretches far in secret crossing.
When golden wind and jade dew meet, it surpasses countless mortal encounters.
Tender feelings flow like water, a cherished date is but a dream, how can one bear to look back on the Magpie Bridge’s return path?
If love lasts long, why care for dawn and dusk?

With authentic Liu calligraphy, Liu Yitiao gently blew on the paper, nodded in satisfaction, and only when the ink fully dried did he carefully roll it up and place it in the special letter tube.

“Master, Second Master!” Chen Kun entered the main hall, cupping his hands respectfully to Gongsun Wuda and Gongsun Wenda. “According to Master’s instructions, I have found the mastermind behind the assassins. I’ve come to report to both masters.”

“Oh? So quickly?” Gongsun Wuda sat up straight, his brows arching as he demanded angrily, “Who was it? Speak quickly!”

“Reporting, Master,” Chen Kun glanced at both masters cautiously, then answered quietly, “The culprit is Prince Wei, Li Tai.”

“What?! Prince Wei?!” Gongsun Wuda and Gongsun Wenda stood up simultaneously, exchanging shocked looks. Prince Wei? The emperor’s fourth son, renowned for his virtue and propriety—how could he commit such a vile and sinister act? It was even harder to believe than when they’d suspected Liu Peng.

After a long silence, Gongsun Wenda sat down and was the first to speak, questioning Chen Kun, “Chen Kun, this matter is of utmost importance. You mustn’t speak carelessly. Are you certain this information is accurate? You haven’t been misled again, have you?”

“Second Master!” Chen Kun blushed, replying resolutely, “The secret agents of the General’s Mansion never stumble twice in the same place! If there is another mistake, I am willing to offer my head as forfeit!”

“That won’t be necessary,” Gongsun Wenda knew his words had been harsh and waved a hand. “I don’t doubt you, it’s just that the news is too shocking to accept at first. Tell us all the details of your investigation.”

Chen Kun was a trusted family retainer, raised in the Gongsun household since childhood. Both Gongsun Wuda and Gongsun Wenda had confidence in him. The issue wasn’t trust, but the magnitude of the news he brought—it was entirely unexpected.

Prince Wei—what status was that? The emperor’s son, a candidate for the throne, not someone the Gongsun family could afford to offend.

Gongsun Wenda glanced at Gongsun Wuda. Though his elder brother was somewhat reckless and had offended many powerful officials, he knew better than to meddle with the princes. He avoided factions, personal gain, and never attached himself to any prince, always taking the middle path.

Thus, the Gongsun family had never offended Prince Wei, who had no reason to target Gongsun Helan.

Could he be after Liu Yitiao? That seemed even less plausible—Liu Yitiao, though capable, was merely a farmer, never having left Sanyuan County, and had no opportunity to offend a prince.

“Second Master,” Chen Kun bowed and replied, “After extensive investigation, the eunuch who attacked the young master days ago was named He Qing, a former court attendant from the previous dynasty, now seventy-two years old. He is highly skilled in martial arts, mastering Shaolin’s Golden Bell technique, impervious to most weapons. Three years ago, he was recruited by Prince Wei’s secret bureau, and due to his prowess, he was appointed leader, specializing in assassinations of important figures.”

“Secret bureau? What is that?” Gongsun Wuda felt something amiss; Prince Wei, Li Tai, seemed far more complex than he appeared.

“This is new information for me as well,” Chen Kun explained. “The secret bureau was privately established by Prince Wei in the seventh year of the Zhenguan era—a small organization of death warriors, all highly skilled fugitives. Prince Wei uses it to eliminate opposition.”

Glancing at Gongsun Wuda and Gongsun Wenda, Chen Kun continued, “I discovered this bureau while investigating the assassin. Its main meeting place is 'Guiyi Manor' on the eastern outskirts of Chang’an. The bureau has about one hundred twenty members, all currently managed by a man named Yao Hong.”

Death warriors? Assassins? What was Prince Wei planning—did he dare target ministers of the court?

Gongsun Wuda looked to Gongsun Wenda, stood up and paced, his face contorting with a fierce, savage expression as he recalled Gongsun Helan’s injuries.

Prince or not, if you dare harm the Gongsun family, you must pay the price!

“Chen Kun!” Gongsun Wuda barked, “Send men to quietly wipe out this secret bureau. Leave no survivors! I want him to know the consequences of hurting my little Lan!”

Li Tai could not be killed, but his shadowy subordinates certainly could. Hmph!