Crimson Leaves: Chapter Nineteen – The Lecture

Master Lu was startled as well, but Niu Er, a burly man, didn’t want to offend anyone. “Didn’t Supervisor Niu have something to say to us?”

Niu Er’s eyes widened. “What? What am I supposed to say...?”

Li Fu hurried forward and stood beside Niu Er. “Supervisor Gu asked me and Niu Er to inform everyone that there was a burglary at the residence last night, and someone was injured as a result. You’ve probably noticed that we’ve strengthened security today. Please remain vigilant: first, avoid going out unless necessary; second, if you see any suspicious people or activities, please notify us as soon as possible. You are all skilled workers; the rough work of fighting should be left to us.”

His words were reasonable and comforting. Master Lu nodded repeatedly. “Thank you both. We will remember this.” He turned to emphasize the point once more to the kitchen staff before leading them away.

Niu Er still looked dazed. “When did Old Gu say that?”

“Didn’t he tell you?” Li Fu slapped his forehead and feigned realization. “Oh, right. Were you still drunk and missed that?”

Niu Er shook his head repeatedly. “No, I remember now. Old Gu did say that.” He thought to himself: I really drank too much last night and didn’t pay attention to what Old Gu said. Changing the subject, he asked, “So, have you finished using the latrine?”

Li Fu muttered, “I walked to the latrine, but the pain stopped. Strange, isn’t it? Let’s go.”

He dragged Niu Er away, but someone quietly followed behind. Both Li Fu and Niu Er recognized the newcomer—Gu Yu. Li Fu’s heart tightened. Both men bowed respectfully and said, “Thank you for your hard work.”

Gu Yu returned the greeting, his eyes scanning the two men. Earlier that afternoon, he had thoroughly searched the household roster, identifying several white-contract servants employed by the Wang residence within the last five years. Considering that Tang Haiqiu had recently come to the capital and lacked local connections, the spies would likely be recruited locally—those who had lived here for generations, familiar with the people and places, and unlikely to betray their hometowns. Following this logic narrowed his suspicion to five individuals: Gu Lifu, Li Fu, a coachman, and two gardeners.

He had already spoken with the coachman and gardeners. Emerging from the greenhouse, he noticed the flowers along the path, their delicate beauty enhanced by the soft lamplight. The sun had set, and the temperature dropped; a gentle breeze brushed his cheek, lifting the gloom that had weighed on him since the afternoon’s setbacks. Now familiar with the courtyard’s layout, he followed the flower path a short distance and saw Li Fu and Niu Er scolding the kitchen staff. He hid in the shadows to listen for a moment, then, as the group dispersed, stepped into view.

Suppressing his inner tension, Li Fu forced a smile. “We are patrolling the courtyard, Captain Gu, so please rest assured. Dinner will be ready shortly; I will bring it to your room.”

Gu Yu replied, “Good. But why didn’t I see you two this afternoon?”

Niu Er quickly explained, “Miss moved into the east wing early this morning. A few of us went shopping for supplies and handed everything over to Little Red this afternoon.”

Gu Yu suddenly recalled the noise Little Red had made in the courtyard earlier and looked at the two men before him. He remembered the steward had mentioned that Wang Shihan had reviewed the household roster. He vaguely grasped their train of thought: both parties were using the same logic to filter suspicious spies. Realizing they had anticipated his moves, he felt both admiration and discouragement. Maintaining a calm expression, he said, “Tonight is a critical moment. You two must not let your guard down.”

Li Fu answered, “Captain Gu, please rest assured. We will do our best.”

As night deepened, most stayed indoors after dinner, quietly discussing the recent events in the residence. Wang Shihan sat by the window. The last young man assigned to tail a suspect had returned, reporting the same: no results. Disappointed, Wang Shihan waved him away, a trace of anxiety visible on her delicate face.

Little Red comforted her, “Maybe there are no spies for that lecher in the household. Miss, perhaps you are overthinking.”

Wang Shihan shook her head. “I trust my judgment. I don’t know this person at all. How could he have chosen our family?”

As she spoke, Gu Yu entered the courtyard quietly. Wang Shihan was just peering outside. Their eyes met. She still felt embarrassed about the daytime incident and awkwardly greeted him, “Captain Gu, still not resting?”

Gu Yu appeared composed. “Not yet. Miss, you are weak; you should rest early.”

Wang Shihan nodded and closed the window. Gu Yu returned to his room, opened the door, dragged a chair to the center, folded his arms around a ruler he held, and leaned back in the chair.

The night grew darker, and the surrounding sounds gradually quieted. Gu Yu felt himself merge with the night; the evening breeze passed through the hall and around his ears. Despite the daytime heat and dryness, the capital’s nights were always cold and deep, loneliness creeping from all directions like the countless nights he had endured alone after losing his parents. Fortunately, he had long since learned to coexist peacefully with solitude. Only intermittent insect chirps filled the air. His breathing was slow and steady.

In the main room, Wang Chengjian and his wife had long since gone to bed. Extra guards had been posted at the gate. It was now late at night; the head guard was so tired his eyelids fluttered, leaning against the wall to stay upright. Li Fu quietly approached him, causing the guard to startle and open his mouth to shout.

“It’s me!” Li Fu said.

The guard focused and relaxed upon recognizing him. “Brother Fu, you walk so quietly, you scared me.”

Li Fu frowned. “Do you still remember what Head Gu told us? Why are you letting your guard down already?” The guard, knowing he was in the wrong, dared not retort and meekly agreed. Li Fu walked inside, saying, “Alright, stand firm. Stay alert. I’m going to check inside.” He crossed the moon gate and entered the courtyard. By the dim moonlight, he confirmed that no one inside was moving. Looking back, he saw the gate guard facing away, alert and holding his baton with energy.

Feigning a thorough patrol, Li Fu deliberately dawdled, then stepped onto the stone steps out of the guard’s sight. Quietly, he took a porcelain jar from his pocket, doused the window frame with blazing oil, then pulled a thin silk thread from his wrist, tying one end to the frame and tossing the other over the wall.

Before he could catch his breath, he heard low voices at the gate. Li Fu’s heart jumped. He leaned out from the steps and saw Gu Lifu speaking with the gate guard before stepping through the moon gate. Li Fu’s heart pounded fiercely; if Gu Lifu discovered his setup, he would be exposed. He quickly jumped down the steps, took three strides, and halted before the moon gate. Gu Lifu stopped and looked at him. “Well?”