Chapter 11: The Show Begins

Chen Hong’s expression grew grave upon hearing his subordinates’ report. This Ah Feng was no ordinary adversary.

All indications thus far suggested this man was not a commoner. He was cautious, yet maintained a cold, frenzied composure. His presence here was clearly not a matter of a day or two. That jade thumb ring—Chen Hong had determined it was the object of Ah Feng’s search—but even so, Ah Feng’s bizarre behavior left him somewhat puzzled.

The jade ring had been found far too easily. Judging by Ah Feng’s actions over the past two days, he would never make such a rudimentary mistake.

Chen Hong unfolded a slip of paper and read the words:

“Tomorrow, at the third quarter of the time of the Dragon, in Steward Ouyang’s private quarters at the Ouyang residence, a good show awaits.”

It was a provocation, but Chen Hong had yet to make a final decision, for the situation was indeed troublesome.

He glanced at the stack of papers on the table—the investigation into Ouyang Fu. Yet, from start to finish, there was nothing amiss to be found.

Ouyang Fu had once been a poor youth. By chance, he entered the Ouyang household and, with the master Ouyang Xun’s appreciation, became a trusted confidant. Over the past two decades, as the Ouyang family flourished, Ouyang Fu, as the chief steward, was indispensable.

The investigation painted a perfect picture; there should be nothing wrong with Ouyang Fu. But now, some clues pointed in his direction, requiring utmost caution.

Chen Hong’s face was heavy with thought. He wondered if this Ah Feng had uncovered something, and now, with this fresh provocation, should he cooperate or not?

The sky grew brighter, the crowing of roosters outside echoed incessantly.

Sleep had deserted Chen Hong. He looked again at the two documents on his desk and made his decision.

Serving in the public office, solving the case must come first; other minor details could be wiped away afterwards.

Having resolved himself, Chen Hong no longer dwelled on it. He merely needed to ensure his actions remained above reproach, that he would not be caught in the web himself.

With his plans set, there was a sense of strategy in his every move.

...

Early in the morning, Ouyang Fu was summoned by Ouyang Feng.

“Uncle Fu, after pondering last night, I couldn’t help but feel Captain Chen’s words were layered with hidden meanings,” Ouyang Feng said.

Ouyang Fu was puzzled. “What does young master mean?”

Ouyang Feng replied, “Uncle Fu, yesterday Captain Chen seemed surprised that I am managing the household affairs. Did I do something wrong, or is it because I am now acting as the head of the house that he suspects me?”

Ouyang Fu reassured him, “You’re overthinking it, young master. As I said yesterday, Captain Chen is unaware of the changes within our household, thus his surprise. Besides, as the eldest son, you taking charge is only natural. Outsiders will see it as logical.”

Ouyang Feng remained confused and was about to speak when a servant reported, “Eldest young master, Captain Chen requests an audience outside.”

Ouyang Feng was momentarily stunned—just as they spoke of Chen Hong, he had arrived.

Ouyang Fu said, “Go and invite Captain Chen in.”

The servant obeyed.

Ouyang Fu continued, “Young master, do not trouble yourself. I know the reasons behind all this better than anyone. If Captain Chen inquires, I will explain everything and restore your good name.”

Ouyang Feng sighed, “Thank you, Uncle Fu.”

Soon, the servant brought Chen Hong into the hall.

Ouyang Feng greeted him, “Captain Chen, have there been any developments?”

Chen Hong replied, “Indeed, there has been some progress. However, there are still matters that require clarification with you, young master.”

He recounted the discovery of Ah Feng’s traces and the various searches, omitting only the part about leaving notes for each other.

While speaking, Chen Hong closely observed the expressions of the two men.

Ouyang Feng appeared surprised at first, then his beard bristled in anger. When Chen Hong mentioned that Ah Feng was but one among several, his expression turned to astonishment, unsure of the implication.

Ouyang Fu, however, remained calm. Though he showed a natural indignation, his reaction was measured. When Ah Feng was mentioned, his eyes flickered ever so slightly—a detail easy to miss unless one was attentive. Chen Hong, skilled in such matters, took this as confirmation of his suspicion.

Their conversation lasted a long while, and before they knew it, the sun had risen high.

Suddenly, Chen Hong asked, “Is Ouyang Ping still here? There are some matters I would like to clarify with him.”

Ouyang Feng paused, glancing at Ouyang Fu, puzzled.

Ouyang Fu answered, “May I ask what Captain Chen wishes to discuss? My wayward son is currently confined for reflection.”

Chen Hong replied, “It's nothing major. While reviewing the files these past two days, I found some inconsistencies regarding Ouyang Ping and Young Master Yun. I merely wish to clear them up.”

Ouyang Fu said, “In that case, I’ll have someone bring Ouyang Ping here.”

Chen Hong said, “No need. Since he is reflecting, it would be a shame to interrupt his punishment. We can go to him instead.”

Ouyang Fu hesitated, “My son’s behavior may offend you, Captain.”

Chen Hong replied, “It’s no trouble. I only wish to ask him a few questions.”

Ouyang Fu sighed, “It’s just…”

Chen Hong interjected, “Does the steward have some unspoken difficulty?”

Ouyang Feng added, “Uncle Fu, since Captain Chen wishes to see Brother Ping, let us go together.”

With resignation, Ouyang Fu nodded, “Very well. But please forgive my son’s manners.”

“Of course,” Chen Hong replied.

The three of them set off at once toward Ouyang Fu’s private quarters.

...

After delivering the slip to the constables, Ah Feng took his prepared items and slipped once more into the Ouyang residence, hiding in the steward’s private quarters.

Early that morning, before Ouyang Fu could enter his secret chamber, he hurried out to deal with some urgent matter.

Ah Feng stealthily approached the room where Ouyang Ping was confined for reflection, carefully investigating.

Inside, the air was thick with lasciviousness and deep breathing.

Ah Feng slipped into the room. On the bed, a man and a woman lay naked, seemingly unconcerned about any intruders.

He approached the bed, studying the woman—her jade-white arms, her full chest. Her messy hair betrayed her station as a maid.

Perhaps sensing something, the woman stirred, half-awake, glimpsed a shadowy figure, and fainted before she could see who it was.

Ah Feng flexed his arm; he had used too much force.

Ouyang Ping, roused by the noise, barked, “What’s all this racket? Disturbing my sleep!”

With no reply, he opened his eyes to find a stranger before him. He shot upright.

Ah Feng’s gaze sharpened; with a swift hand, he struck, and Ouyang Ping’s voice was cut off mid-shout.

Ah Feng covered the maid with a quilt, then wrapped Ouyang Ping in another and dragged him straight to the secret chamber.

As fate would have it, Ouyang Ping’s domineering nature led most servants to avoid his quarters. Now, with his punishment, everyone expected as much; there was no need for further explanation.

Thus, the area near Ouyang Ping’s residence was deserted, which played perfectly into Ah Feng’s hands.

He bundled Ouyang Ping into the secret chamber and fed him the drug he had prepared.

With a cold laugh, Ah Feng muttered, “Your father plotted against me, so this is my revenge.”

He thought of the woman in the cage, his heart wavering for a moment before he steeled himself.

Whether she was Ouyang Yu or not, in this house, there were no innocents.

...

Ah Feng waited, sitting there for the drug to take effect.

When the time seemed right, he tossed Ouyang Ping into the secret chamber to wake on his own, then, changing into a servant’s garb, hid himself with care.

...

After a time, Ouyang Ping woke, parched and groggy.

“Ugh, why does my neck hurt so much?”

He recalled being struck unconscious and now felt an unbearable heat coursing through his body, as if claws were scratching at his heart, kindling a raging fire within.

Looking down, he saw himself wrapped in a quilt. He struggled free and was startled to find himself naked.

He looked around; the room was dim save for the flicker of a candle.

He realized he was locked in.

Suddenly, he spotted someone—a woman sleeping in a cage.

Overcome with lust, as if a cat spying a fish, Ouyang Ping threw caution to the wind and rushed to her.

Finding the cage locked, he circled to the side, grabbed the woman’s arm, and reached for her chest.

The woman, startled awake by his grip, had no time to understand before his hand was already upon her.

Never had she experienced such an assault; her scream echoed through the chamber.

The voice sounded familiar to Ouyang Ping, but he was too consumed with desire to care, finding it all the more exciting. He redoubled his efforts.

The woman broke free in panic and, upon closer inspection, recognized the naked man as Ouyang Ping.

“Ouyang Ping, it’s you! I’ll have mother beat you to death!” she wailed.

At her shout, Ouyang Ping froze, only to realize this was the missing Ouyang Yu.

But now, with his mind clouded by lust, seeing Ouyang Yu only inflamed him further, recalling how she had always looked down on him. As she struggled, he pressed on, trying to grab her through the bars.

Cries, laughter, curses, and heavy breathing mingled in chaos.

What they did not know was that the secret chamber’s revolving door had, at some point, opened a crack two fingers wide, letting every sound spill out.

...

Ouyang Fu, with Chen Hong and Ouyang Feng in tow, reached Ouyang Ping’s room and found the door tightly shut. Their calls went unanswered, so they forced their way in.

There was a woman on the bed, but Ouyang Ping was nowhere to be found.

Ouyang Fu roused the maid, who panicked and clung to the quilt, speechless.

“Take her away and discipline her properly. Apologies for the disgrace, Captain Chen,” Ouyang Fu said.

Chen Hong replied, “Steward Ouyang, let’s find Ouyang Ping first.”

Ouyang Fu summoned the servants and asked after Ouyang Ping, but no one knew his whereabouts.

Suddenly, a timid servant spoke up, “Master Steward, there are cries coming from the room you often rest in. Perhaps something has happened.”

Chen Hong turned to Ouyang Fu, only to see the steward’s face change drastically.

To be continued.