Crimson Leaves, Chapter Nine: The Search

The maid pointed toward the second floor, signaling the three to look up. A bright moon hung slantwise beneath the eaves. Puzzled, they stared at the maid, who spoke in a voice trembling with fear, “That person ran across the roof.”

Gu Yu was startled. The maid continued, “He balanced on the railing with just his toes, then sprang up into the air, leapt onto the eaves, and ran along the ridge of the roof. It’s the first time I’ve seen someone who can fly like that. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I’d never believe it.” Her voice quivered, still haunted by the memory.

Even Fang Wei’s expression darkened. If the maid’s words were true, this man’s lightness skill was truly peerless; no captain of the city’s constables could match him in the entire Shuntian Prefecture.

Inside the room were strange flowers, odd stones, and various gesture-shaped ornaments scattered about, revealing the owner’s strong curiosity. The cabinet before the bed was toppled to one side, and shards of porcelain lay scattered on the floor. The maid lit a lamp and said, “These are little trinkets the young lady collected. Though not valuable, they are her cherished belongings. Please be careful not to break or damage anything.”

Wu Haichao sneered slightly. Gu Yu’s gaze followed the direction in which the cabinet had fallen, noticing porcelain shards scattered around. He crouched down and sifted through the fragments, soon picking up a shard and handing it to Fang Wei. Fang Wei held it, surprised. “Is the other party injured?” The shard bore conspicuous bloodstains.

“Tang Haiqiu.” The maid suddenly said.

“What?” Fang Wei turned his head sharply. The maid added, “The young lady said that thief once claimed to be Tang Haiqiu.”

Fang Wei felt the name was oddly familiar. After some thought, his face turned ashen. “This is bad!”

“Flower Butterfly?” Wang Chengjian looked at Dong Xinwu in shock. Dong Xinwu’s expression was grim as well. “He comes from a wealthy family and was tutored by renowned masters in martial arts from a young age, gaining exceptional skill, especially in lightness techniques that made him unique in the underworld. That’s how he earned the name Flower Butterfly. But Tang Haiqiu is depraved, known for corrupting women. Five years ago, he came to the capital and caused many disasters. Lord Wang must have heard of him.”

To avoid disturbing Miss Wang, Dong Xinwu called Wang Chengjian into the courtyard. The guards stood far away to prevent eavesdropping.

Wang Chengjian nodded. “I remember. At that time, rumors spread that a lecherous demon was defiling women and ruining their reputations, causing widespread panic. Even my two married daughters were so frightened they returned to their maternal home for over half a month.” He murmured, “But wasn’t he caught by the authorities later?”

Cheng Jie clicked his tongue, “No. To calm the citizens of the capital, they spread a lie.”

Dong Xinwu spoke bitterly, “We worked tirelessly to corner Tang Haiqiu in Mingshi Lane. Just as we were about to capture him, he took a desperate leap from the city wall. We never found his body, and he never reappeared in the capital. So we falsely announced his capture to soothe the public.”

“I see...” Wang Chengjian acknowledged. The government’s intentions were understandable, and he had no grounds to criticize.

Dong Xinwu glanced at Cheng Jie, who seemed to anticipate what was coming and nodded. Dong Xinwu said, “There is one more thing Lord Wang should know.” He glanced back toward the room and lowered his voice, “Tang Haiqiu is narrow-minded. If he violates someone who submits, that’s one thing. But if they resist, he won’t hesitate to kill!”

Wang Chengjian staggered as if struck by lightning, his body trembling uncontrollably. Cheng Jie reached out from behind to steady him. Dong Xinwu continued, “Your daughter is quick-witted and lucky to have escaped his clutches. Tang Haiqiu is unlikely to let this go; his nature means he will seek revenge.”

Wang Chengjian’s voice trembled as he asked, “You mean... Tang Haiqiu will... will come again...?”

Dong Xinwu nodded, then shifted the topic. “Earlier, when speaking with the young lady, she said she rarely goes out, right?”

Wang Chengjian, still shaken, was momentarily stunned but soon caught up. “Yes, my daughter seldom leaves the house, preferring to tend flowers and do needlework within the courtyard.”

Dong Xinwu asked, “Then how did Tang Haiqiu know of her existence?”

Both Cheng Jie and Wang Chengjian shivered simultaneously. Dong Xinwu was in his forties, but years of outdoor investigations under sun and rain had darkened and weathered his skin, giving him the appearance of a man in his fifties. His clothes were plain and humble, making him seem like a shabby old man. Yet beneath this exterior lay sharp insight and quick intellect.

Wang Chengjian thought for a moment. “There’s a saying in the capital: ‘The Fifth Master never sleeps at night; little devils avoid his path.’ Are they referring to you?”

Dong Xinwu replied expressionlessly, “Such coarse rumors are best left unmentioned.” His words tacitly confirmed the matter. For some reason, Wang Chengjian felt somewhat relieved. Dong Xinwu continued, “Lord Wang, Tang Haiqiu is an outsider. He could not have randomly inquired on the streets about which family had a beautiful daughter, nor would he brazenly bribe servants to spy on the household. Without a mole inside the residence, he would never know the young lady existed, much less her appearance. Who this person is and their relationship to Tang Haiqiu remains unknown. Moreover, the young lady is still within his reach for revenge. We must not be careless. It would be wise to station someone by her side. Would Your Lordship agree?”

“Well...” Wang Chengjian instinctively wanted to refuse, “There are many guards at home. They should be sufficient protection.”

Dong Xinwu said, “That mole’s identity is unknown. The safest bet might be an outsider. The constables I’ve brought are skilled in combat, no less capable than the guards, and they are upright and trustworthy. Please rest assured, my lord.”

After weighing the matter, Wang Chengjian said, “Very well. If it means capturing this lecherous villain, I won’t be rigid. Captain Dong, I entrust this matter to you.” He clasped his hands in salute.

Dong Xinwu hurriedly responded, “Lord Wang is too courteous. I plan to assign...”

“Gu Yu!” Cheng Jie suddenly cut in. Dong Xinwu looked at Cheng Jie, who instead turned his gaze to Wang Chengjian. “Gu Yu is clever, honest, and dependable. Let him do it.”

At that moment, footsteps approached quickly. Fang Wei hurried in with others. “Master, Tang Haiqiu may be seriously injured!” After Gu Yu spotted the bloodstains, the two had followed the maid’s escape route, climbing onto the eaves and pursuing along the roof ridge for quite a distance, lanterns lighting their way. Blood spots appeared intermittently, and judging by the amount, the injury was severe.

Dong Xinwu nodded, his tone brightening somewhat. “Zhou Tu, lead a few constables to notify the nearby pharmacies. Anyone seeking medical treatment for serious head wounds must be reported to the authorities.”

Zhou Tu was the constable who had previously gone to the Shuntian Prefecture office to inform Dong Xinwu. About the same age as Fang Wei, he promptly led several officers away.

Gu Yu stood behind Fang Wei, a look of eager anticipation on his face. Wu Haichao pulled Gu Yu aside mysteriously, reaching into his sleeve. “Look what this is.” A small, exquisite silver flask appeared in his hand.

Gu Yu shook his head. “This is...”

Wu Haichao whispered with a grin, “Snatched from Miss Wang’s room. It should be worth quite a bit of silver.”