Chapter 446: Something’s Not Right
“Older Sister-in-law and Pengda have arrived?”
Xu Ming felt a bit surprised. He knew Pengda would return today and figured he might come see him afterward, but it was quite late already.
Moreover, if Pengda were visiting, there’s no way Older Sister-in-law would tag along.
This meant they must be here for a reason.
Xu Ming said to the maidservant, “Please invite Older Sister-in-law and Pengda in.”
“Yes, Master.”
Que’er bowed respectfully and stepped back.
Watching the retreating figure of the maidservant, Xu Ming knew she was definitely Emperor Wu’s person—sent to keep an eye on him. But so what? Let her spy all she wants.
Still, it had to be admitted that this maidservant was quite capable. She kept the entire mansion meticulously organized.
Before long, Lady Wang and Xu Pengda entered together.
Upon seeing Xu Ming, Xu Pengda’s eyes lit up as he quickly approached, cheerfully saying, “Younger Brother, you’re back!”
Xu Ming nodded with a smile at Pengda. “Third Brother, it’s been a while. You seem to have lost some weight since we last met.”
Xu Ming patted Pengda’s shoulder. Indeed, compared to before, there seemed to be less flab on Pengda’s frame.
It was clear that these years in office had been stressful, keeping him busy.
And truthfully, Xu Ming was genuinely happy to see Pengda again. There weren’t many people he cared about in Wudu, and Pengda was one of them.
If not for those few people he cared about in Wudu, Xu Ming wouldn’t even consider coming back here.
“Xu Ming, I’m sorry to disturb you so late,” Phoenix said from the side.
On the way to the Jinyi Guard Commandery, Phoenix had managed to calm down from her earlier anger.
Once she regained her senses, she understood why Lǎotàitai had advised her against rushing over.
Though it was indeed part of the Jinyi Guard’s duties to investigate assassinations of officials,
Xu Ming hadn’t taken over yet. And with the Jinyi Guard in disarray, Xu Ming had plenty on his plate.
She should really bother someone else, not Xu Ming.
Xu Ming stood up and bowed politely to Lady Wang and Xu Pengda. “Older Sister-in-law, is something wrong for you to visit so late?”
Normally, if Pengda missed him, he’d come alone—not bring Older Sister-in-law along.
Plus, Pengda was covered in dirt, and his clothes were torn.
Clearly, something had happened.
Phoenix shook her head. “Nothing serious, Ming’er. We just came to see you.”
Xu Ming chuckled. “Older Sister-in-law, we’re family. What can’t we say to each other? And Third Brother looks like something big went down.”
Phoenix sighed. “Pengda encountered an assassination attempt on the outskirts when returning to the capital.”
Xu Ming frowned, his expression turning grave.
Not only was Pengda a young master of the Xu Guo Mansion,
but also a top scholar-official! A court official! Who could possibly dare to attempt such a thing? The last time a Wu Kingdom official was sent to investigate a sect, he was burned alive.
When Emperor Wu found out, he razed the sect to the ground!
Anyone knows that Wu Kingdom officials aren’t ones to mess with!
“Third Brother, tell me everything. Don’t worry; I’ll definitely look into this matter,” Xu Ming reassured Pengda, then comforted Lady Wang. “Older Sister-in-law, please don’t fret. Have a cup of tea first.”
“Alright.”
Phoenix nodded and sat on the stone bench.
Then Pengda recounted the incident, mentioning that a female swordsman had saved him.
Xu Ming wasn’t particularly impressed by the fact that Pengda was saved by a swordsman. It just showed how lucky Pengda was to survive.
“Something’s off.”
Xu Ming pondered for a moment, shaking his head.
“Based on your description, Third Brother, if you offended someone during your time as magistrate, you should’ve been killed en route, not on the outskirts of the capital.
And if it were my political rivals, they’d never target you.
Killing you would serve no purpose. If you died, not only would I seek revenge, but His Majesty would be furious.
I truly don’t understand what their goal was beyond courting death.”
Phoenix nodded in agreement. “That makes sense. Could this just be a coincidence? Maybe the assailant was just a random killer?”
Xu Ming smiled faintly. “The attackers clearly targeted you, Third Brother, and even had backup. They weren’t after money, nor were they likely random killers. Their sole intent was to kill you.”
Phoenix: “…”
Xu Ming looked at Pengda. “Third Brother, I’ll definitely investigate this matter, but the clues are too scarce. It might end unresolved. Please forgive me.”
“My younger brother speaks too formally. This case isn’t easy to solve, and I understand that. Even if it remains unsolved, it’s fine—I’m still alive, after all,” Pengda laughed heartily.
Inside, Pengda was surely upset. After all, being attacked like this would naturally make anyone angry.
But on the way here, Pengda realized that his younger brother was now the Commander of the Jinyi Guard, extremely busy. He didn’t want to burden him unnecessarily.
“Ming’er, just focus on your own affairs. Don’t dwell on this,” Phoenix added.
Xu Ming nodded, looking at Phoenix and Pengda. “Older Sister-in-law and Third Brother haven’t eaten dinner yet, right? Neither have I. How about we eat something? It’s been ages since we’ve caught up. Let’s drink and chat.”
Phoenix smiled. “You two brothers chat. What am I doing here? I’ll head back. I still need to apologize to Lǎotàitai for being impolite earlier.”
“Let me see you out, Older Sister-in-law.” Xu Ming stood up.
“No need. I know the way,” Phoenix stood up briskly as ever. “Let’s go.”
As Xu Ming watched Phoenix walk away, he couldn’t help but chuckle. “Older Sister-in-law still gets things done efficiently. Snowflake is quite similar to her in that regard.”
“Eh?” Xu Pengda asked in surprise. “Have you met Snowflake?”
“I have.” Xu Ming nodded.
“How is my sister? Is she well?” It had been over a decade since Pengda last saw his younger sister.
“She’s doing great,” Xu Ming smiled. “And Snowflake has grown into a beautiful young woman. Still, her aloof personality hasn’t changed much.”
“Ah-choo!”
Outside the palace walls, atop a tree, Xu Snowflake sneezed.
