novel
| ← Ch.05 | Ch.07 → |
The birds and beasts were scared by the sharp voice and ran helter-skelter.
"Who are you? What do you want?"
The girl broke out in cold sweat, her eyes wide opened and she looked at the two masked men dressed in black who had suddenly appeared nowhere. She felt so scared that she took a few steps backward, her voice trembled and her eyes watched the men cautiously.
One of the masked, black dressed men looked at the girl for a while and then in a cold voice said.
"Second Brother, the appearance of this girl is not bad compared to the previous seven women. You can enjoy yourself."
The voice was distinctively a woman's voice.
"He, he......... don't be afraid, little girl. I'll take good care of you. The more afraid you are, the more I like it."
Although the man had his face covered, the evil intentions in his eyes could clearly be seen.
"Help!......."
The girl threw her cloth bundle*at the man and then immediately turned around and ran for her life but she was still not fast enough.
(Cloth bundle - in ancient times, people travel without bags but with all their possessions wrapped with a piece of cloth into a bundle and carried over a shoulder
(Cloth bundle - in ancient times, people travel without bags but with all their possessions wrapped with a piece of cloth into a bundle and carried over a shoulder. ) **Artwork belongs to Pinterest.
In a blink of an eye, the man appeared before her and hugged her to him. He pressed her to the ground and tore at her clothes. Suddenly the man became motionless and at the same time, Yamen's guards who were waiting in ambush instantly appeared. They surrounded the other black dressed man standing nearby.
"This time, even if you have wings, you will not be able to escape."
Cheng Gang looked at the black-dressed men surrounded by the guards and did not believe the murderers would be able to escape this time. He turned to look at the other man who had been immobilized by his Shi-mei after the man was tapped on his acupuncture pressure points. He also noticed that his Shi-mei did not seem to suffer any injuries and was relieved that this time, his Shi-mei's plan was successful.
The girl who was attacked was in fact, Dong Fang Jie in disguise and the purpose was to lure out the two murderers. Even though knowing that his Shi-mei's martial arts was not weak but Cheng Gang still could not help but broke out in cold sweat while lying in wait, in the dark.
"Cheng Gang, don't think it is so easy to catch me."
When the black-dressed woman saw her companion being subdued, she swept her eyes over the guards surrounding her, her eyes revealed her killing instinct and her ten fingers changed into claws. With her martial arts skills, she slashed at the guards and those who were scratched by her claws were screaming out tragically in pain. When Cheng Gang saw the situation had turned dangerous, he suddenly jumped and attacked her with his sword. Although the black-dressed woman did not have any weapons, there were a lot of hidden darts on her body. Every hidden dart including her claws all contained highly toxic poison and Cheng Gang did not dare to take her lightly.
When Dong Fang Jie saw Cheng Gang caught in a fight with the black-dressed woman, she quickly flew over to help. Both Shi-xiong and Shi-mei showed perfect tacit understanding and they attacked on both sides. During one of the moves, Dong Fang Jie stripped the black mask from the woman's face, revealing an ugly face full of scars.
When Dong Fang Jie saw her horrible face, she was shocked. The black-dressed woman took the chance of the lapse and hit Dong Fang Jie's left shoulder with her palm. On seeing this, Cheng Gang rushed forward to support Dong Fang Jie. Taking advantage of the chaos while Cheng Gang was checking Dong Fang Jie's injury, the black-dressed woman successfully escaped.
Cheng Gang looked in frustration at the direction where the black-dressed woman had fled. He frowned and said worriedly.
"Shi-mei, are you hurt? Damn! She had escaped again! I'm afraid it will not be easy to catch her again the next time."
"I'm sorry, Shi............"
Dong Fang Jie knew it was her fault that the black-dressed woman was able to get the chance to escape. She blamed herself for this mistake and was about to berate herself when she was stopped by Cheng Gang's hands.
"It seems that the murderer has been caught by you. I arrived a step too late."
Suddenly a low deep voice sounded and a tall figure appeared in front of everyone followed closely by Liu Yong.
"Wang-Ye, such a coincidence! How do you know we are here?"
Cheng Gang quickly stepped forward to stand in front of Dong Fang Jie and used his burly figure to shield her.
"I asked the people in Yamen and they told me about this operation you were conducting. This case has garnered so much attention that I had to take note too. Where is Dong Fang Jie? Isn't this operation jointly conducted by the both of you?"
Long Hao Tian swept his eyes around and did not miss Cheng Gang's movement in striding forward. His black eyes stared slyly at the person standing behind Cheng Gang.
"Shi-di had to attend to some urgent matters and had rushed off."
Cold sweat started to flow down the back of Cheng Gang. As his Shi-mei had said, this Long Hao Tian is like a lingering soul. He wondered whether this time, his Shi-mei's disguise would be able to deceive him.
"Is it? I wonder what other matter is more important than this case?"
Long Hao Tian's face tightened, his black eyes stared doubtfully at Cheng Gang.
"Wang-Ye, please forgive me. I am anxious to escort the murderer back to prison. I have to leave first."
Cheng Gang gestured to the guards to escort the murderer back to Yamen.
"Who is the girl behind you? Is she the one who is nearly killed this time?"
Long Hao Tian had no intention of letting him off so easily. His black eyes watched intently at the girl who was standing behind Cheng Gang with her head lowered.
"That's correct. I must immediately escort this girl back. Wang-Ye, goodbye."
"Wait a moment."
Long Hao Tian blocked his way and also had a clear look at the face of the girl who stood behind him. It was a strange face but her eyes which avoided looking at him gave him an inexplicable familiar feeling.
"Escorting the murderer back to Yamen is more important. Why not let me help you to send the girl back?"
"This cannot be done! I dare not trouble Wang-Ye."
The voice tone of Cheng Gang involuntarily became loud and he sounded nervous.
"Ah!......."
A subtle light breathing attracted the eyes of the two men. Dong Fang Jie was gently massaging her left shoulder, her eyebrows wrinkled and her face had turned pale.
"Shi....... What is the matter?"
Cheng Gang anxiously held her up, supporting her shoulders and asked anxiously.
"....... it seems I have been poisoned....... ."
Dong Fang Jie swayed slightly and her eyesight began to blur. It was her fault, she had been too careless and thus the enemy had the chance to harm her.
Long Hao Tian's face sank slightly. He looked at the two of them in such an intimate manner. His black eyes flashed and with quick movements, his hand encircled Dong Fang Jie's waist. With a turn of his body, she instantly landed into his arms.
"Since the girl is poisoned, I will take her to seek medical help. It is better for you to hurry and send the murderer back to Yamen."
"Shi......."
Cheng Gang clenched his hands into fists at the side of his body and stared anxiously at his Shi-mei who had fallen into a coma in the arms of Long Hao Tian. He swept his eyes over to everyone who was waiting for him and after assessing the importance of the situation, he had to compromise.
At the bottom of his heart, he could only say....... Shi-mei, you have to take care of yourself.
"Then I will have to trouble Wang-Ye." He cupped both his hands into a fist, bowed and then gave orders for everyone to leave.
Long Hao Tian looked at the girl who had fallen into a coma in his arms. He lowered his head, studied her face carefully and his eyes started to search. Suddenly, his black eyes narrowed and a light flashed across his eyes. He stared at the small birthmark behind her right ear and hurriedly picked her up.
"Liu Yong, Let's go quickly!"
A master and a servant, both used their flying skills quickly went into the city.
***#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#***
"You're awake."
Dong Fang Jie opened her eyes and for an instant could not figure out where she was. A familiar deep voice sounded beside her, she felt something was not right and immediately became wide awake.
"Wang....... Where is this place? Why am I here?"
Dong Fang Jie almost blurted out and quickly changed her words. The moment she woke up, she saw him beside her and it greatly shocked her.
Damn! Could it be her Shi-xiong handed her over to Long Hao Tian while she was unconscious?
"This is Fu Mansion, where I am temporarily staying. What is Lady's name? Where does Lady stay? When Lady is in better health, I will send Lady back home."
Long Hao Tian leaned against the bedpost with his arms folded across his chest. Towering above her, his black eyes looked down at her and did not miss the anxiety in her eyes.
"I don't want to trouble Wang-Ye. I can go back by myself."
She was unable to stop herself from blurting out. After Dong Fang Jie realized she had said those words, she was shocked.
"Wang-Ye?" His eyebrows were raised and his lips curved upwards with interest."How did this Lady know my identity?"
"That....... that was what I heard when you were talking to Cheng Hunter. This little woman does not dare to trouble Wang-Ye and my injury is not serious. So it is better for me to leave first."
Dong Fang Jie forced a slight smile. Her eyes were hooded and she did not dare to meet his sharp eyes. She was anxious to leave and lifted up her quilt.
"No, the poison in your body is not completely cleared and your injury is also not completely healed. The doctor had said that Lady must rest for at least two days. Even if Lady is anxious, Lady can only leave after two days."
In a flash, Long Hao Tian's tall figure blocked her path and his deep mysterious eyes stared at her with an abnormal light and the scorching heat made her heart tremble.
"But......."
Dong Fang Jie shifted her eyes and did not dare to meet his searching and questioning black deep eyes. She did not know why she has a vaguely disturbing feeling about this. Long Hao Tian's behavior was a bit strange. As a Wang-Ye, it was not necessary for him to treat a female stranger so nicely. He was so nice that she felt he had hidden intentions. He was so nice that she felt her hair stand on ends.
"Wang-Ye, I am here with the medicine." A maid called outside the door.
"Come in."
After getting permission, a maid pushed the door opened and entered. She placed the bowl of medicine on the wooden table, bowed and then left. As she went out the door, she closed the door again and the room resumed its original atmosphere.
"Come over to take your medicine."
Long Hao Tian strode to the table and sat down on a chair and did not give her any chance to refuse. Dong Fang Jie hesitated and in her heart, she knew she would not be able to leave for the time being. She could only take one step at a time, so she got up and went towards the table.
Long Hao Tian poured himself a cup of tea, sipped the tea and watched the person in front of him sit down and drank the medicine. Then he said casually.
"You still have not answered me yet. What is your name and where do you live?"
Ke! Ke! Ke! Suddenly she started to cough violently and it was so bad that her chest hurt. She used her hand to cover her mouth to prevent the medicine from being sprayed out.
"Are you alright?"
He had a smile on his face and his black eyes watched her, enjoying the dilemma on her face.
"I'm fine. Thank you, Wang-Ye, for your concern."
As her cough gradually subsided, Dong Fang Jie was already viciously scolding him in her heart. When she looked up at him again, she was calm and did not show any fluster as she had when she first woke up.
"My surname is Zhao and my name is Ling. I live in the east of the city in Hutong. I heard my aunt who is living in the neighboring county is sick. I just wanted to take that shortcut so that I could reach my destination before dark and did not expect to encounter such misfortune. Fortunately, Chief Guard Cheng was able to save me."
"So it was like this." He said softly, his dark eyes narrowed and his lips curved slightly."Lady Zhao, please take a rest. Later, I will come to see you again."
As soon as he finished speaking, the tall figure stood up and with a sweep of his robes, he turned and left.
Dong Fang Jie stared at the closed wooden door and a flash of doubt crossed her heart. She knew she did not reveal any flaws but why was his reaction so strange? She cannot stay here for too long and it is better to leave as soon as possible.
Silently she opened the door and looked around to confirm no one was in the vicinity. Then utilizing her flying skills, she took a leap and after a few more leaps up and down and without causing any alarm, she smoothly departed.
In fact, was it as she had imagined....... that she did not attract anyone's attention?
A tall figure hidden in the dark shadows, watched intently as her figure departed. In his dark, deep eyes the light of a hunter waiting for his prey flashed.
The first thing she did was to return to Long Feng Restaurant to change her women's clothing. After Dong Fang Jie had peeled off her mask, she wanted to hurry back to Yamen. Suddenly the sound of knocking could be heard at the door and then the deliberately depressed voice of Cheng Gang called out.
"Shi-mei, is that you?"
"Shi-xiong......."
She quickly opened the door and waited for Cheng Gang to enter. Then she swept her eyes along the corridor outside and after confirming that no one was around, then only did she close the door.
"How are the injury and poison in your body?"
Cheng Gang was worried the whole night. He scrutinized her body all over from up to bottom to confirm she was alright before the worry pressing heavily in his heart could be put down.
"Everything is alright." His words provoked the anger in her heart and she looked at him with fury."Shi-xiong, how could you hand me over to Long Hao Tian when I was in a coma?!"
"Talking about this matter, I would also like to ask you. Did you expose any flaws to Long Hao Tian? If not, why did he express so much concern for you, someone who is a total stranger to him?"
He still remembered the stance that Long Hao Tian used to show his possessiveness which was so obvious that it made him unable not to have doubts about this matter.
"Impossible."
She replied with certainty although she had also suspected, it was simply impossible.
"Anyway, once this case is closed, you are to immediately return to Luoyang."
In order not to complicate this matter further, it was better for Shi-mei to keep away. Regardless of whether Long Hao Tian had become suspicious, it was still inappropriate for the two of them to have too much contact.
"I understand. Did you find out the identity of the black dressed man?"
She had originally planned to make a trip back home. After all, her Elder Brother had already issued an order and she did not have the courage to disobey.
"The man in black calls himself Xiu Luo and the woman who escaped is called Luo Sha. The Butcher that we killed earlier was one of the three siblings of brothers and sister. This time, their crimes were directed at both of us, so you must take care of yourself. Also, fortunately, Xiu Luo was not prepared when you attacked him, so that was why you were successful in suppressing him. We only found out he was very powerful when we reached the prison gate. He also injured several of the guards and almost escaped. As to Luo Sha, the woman who had escaped, her body is covered with poison and I'm afraid it will be more difficult to deal with her next time."
When Cheng Gang thought of Xiu Luo who was tied up with iron chains in the prison and the many numbers of cases committed by the two people with revenge as the motive, somehow, he had a bad feeling and he could not help but feel worried.
"I will be careful."
Because of her carelessness, Luo Sha was able to escape but the next time, Luo Sha will not be able to escape from her.
"Shi-mei, wouldn't your injury really hinder you?" Cheng Gang was still worried about her and asked.
"I'm okay. I've just taken the anti-poison medicine concocted by my Third Elder Brother. I will be fine."
Dong Fang Tang, her Third Elder Brother is also known as God of Medicine throughout the country. His medical skills are outstanding and he is also charitable in thought and deed. He will help anyone regardless of whether the person is good or evil in the eyes of the world. Therefore many people either in the black or white circle had received his grace and everyone has great respect for him.
"Then I am relieved. Since you are alright, let us have lunch together and discuss how to catch Luo Sha."
Cheng Gang now was hoping to arrest Luo Sha as soon as possible to prevent any more people from getting harmed.
"Okay. This matter really must be planned properly."
Both Shi-xiong and Shi-mei walked out of the room side by side and kept talking about what should be done next.
***#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#***
As darkness falls, not a sound could be heard.
In the darkness, a strange presence awakened the light-sleeping Dong Fang Jie. She shouted into the pitch-black darkness.
"Who is there?!"
She immediately blew hard to ignite a firebreaker* and then she was able to see the outline of a familiar tall man sitting on a chair.
(Firebreaker - is a paper roll tightly rolled up and ignited with fire. Then the fire is blown out but a faint smoldering fire can still be seen in the afterglow of ashes. The fire can instantly be ignited again when it is blown. )
"Long Hao Tian, why are you here?" She exclaimed.
When did he come into her room? She did not even realize it. If it was someone who came to kill her on purpose, she would have died a hundred times over.
"I have given you a fright."
A deep voice sounded with amusement. The next moment, a candle was lit and the whole room lighted up which enabled Dong Fang Jie to see the table laden with food and wine.
How can this be? Had this man come into her room soundlessly and unpredictably just to partake a meal and drink wine with her? An expression of helplessness flashed across her handsome face.
"Since you are awake, you should come over and have a drink with me."
His black eyes glanced at her. Although she had retired for the night, she was still dressed properly. What is she hiding? Or is it she is afraid her secret will be revealed?
"Wang-Ye, you seemed to have insomnia frequently. Do you need me to help you look for a doctor? If a minor illness is not healed, it may become a major illness. That will not be good."
Dong Fang Jie pretended to be concerned for this man but in actual fact, she was scolding him subtly. Those were actually insinuating words that were telling him not to come every two or three days to disturb her sleep.
"Are you concerned about me?"
Long Hao Tian's eyes were brimming with interest as he watched her. She had the appearance of someone who was lacking in sleep and looking dispirited.
"Of course. Wang-Ye is of high status, respected and honorable, someone who cannot be neglected."
Her clear cool voice was laced with mockery and no matter how helpless she was, she still had to walk to the table and take a seat. She stared at the table full of food and wine but she did not have any appetite. She really had to admire this man's enthusiasm for not sleeping at night but to come and harass her. During the daytime, he would persistently and vigorously give her trouble. She could not help but sigh at his special skill.
"I've already been to Yamen. Both of your brothers are the target of those two people. Have you planned your countermeasures?"
He poured a cup of wine for her and casually asked.
"Thank you, Wang-Ye for your concern. At the moment, we have none."
She tried to keep herself awake, drank the wine in a gulp and instantly her mind became much more refreshed.
"Where were you yesterday, at dusk?"
Long Hao Tian was watching her closely, waiting for her reply and did not miss the subtle expressions on her face.
"I....... had something urgent to settle."
Dong Fang Jie's hand holding the wine cup stiffened slightly. She frowned and turned pale slightly.
"What else could be more important than catching those two murderers? If you were present at that time, Luo Sha would not have the chance to escape."
"Wang-Ye is correct." A wave of cold sweat swept across her back.
"You have not answered me. What was the urgent matter you were attending to?"
Long Hao Tian persistently asked and did not miss her subconscious action of biting her lower lip.
"Wang-Ye, please forgive me. I should not have neglected my responsibility in handling this case because of my personal affairs."
Dong Fang Jie looked up. Her pair of bright eyes stared back at him with confidence and she was determined not to expose her identity.
"Oh, this is interesting. Wherever the famous Jade Face Hunter goes, the women will follow. The reason cannot be because of women, right?"
Long Hao Tian's face had a slight smile and his eyes were full of amusement. He was anticipating her answer with great interest.
"Wang-Ye must be joking."
Dong Fang Jie did not admit nor did she deny. Is this man here tonight to purposely cause her trouble?!
He only smiled, did not speak and also did not pressure her for a reply. His dark eyes stared at her for a long time, so long that Dong Fang Jie felt she was sitting on pins and needles*.
(Sitting on pins and needles means to be in an uncomfortable situation)
In his deep voice, he casually and seriously asked."Dong Fang Jie, you have to remember this. If you are a woman, don't even think of escaping from the palm of my hand."
Dong Fang Jie trembled and her eyes expressed shock. Her eyes were drawn into the domineering depths of his dark eyes.
This was the second time he had said this to her.
Instantly she panicked and wondered whether he knew something about this matter. If not, why would he say this again and again?
"Wang-Ye, you really like to joke. Although I look like a woman, I am still a man. And it is the Emperor who had bestowed upon me the title Jade Face Hunter. I hope Wang-Ye will not mention this again in future."
Dong Fang Jie showed an expression of anger and her face stiffened slightly. Perhaps her Shi-xiong's suspicion was correct. It seems that she has to be more careful when dealing with Long Hao Tian in future.
"That cousin brother of mine, although he is the present Emperor, it is difficult to guarantee he is not muddle-headed at times."
Isn't there a living example in front of him?
"Wang-Ye, it's late. It is time to return home."
Adopting a discourteous manner, she started to chase him away. To let him stay any longer, she was afraid he would say something that may scare her again.
"I agree. It is late and I should take my leave."
Long Hao Tian stood up. He knew it would be counterproductive if he were to continue forcing her. Anyway, whatever had happened tonight was enough to make her worry.
"Please forgive me, I will not send you off."
Dong Fang Jie breathed a sigh of relief. It is best for this demon to leave as soon as possible and thanks to him, all her drowsiness had vanished. Instead, now she feels ill-at-ease.
Long Hao Tian walked to the door suddenly he turned around and coincidentally saw the relaxed expression on her face. His lips twitched with an unpredictable smile.
"Dong Fang Jie, do you know the reason I came tonight?"
"Didn't Wang-Ye come to drink wine with me?"
"No." His black eyes looked directly into her eyes."It was just that I was worried about your injury but since you look well, I'm relieved."
As soon as she heard, the expression on her face changed drastically and she forced out a smile.
"I don't understand what you are saying, Wang-Ye."
Long Hao Tian laughed loudly, opened the door and walked out in big strides. His deep voice floated back to her in the silent night.
"Dong Fang Jie, I would like to see how long you're going to keep pretending to be stupid."
Her face sank slightly and involuntarily tightened her hold on the wine cup in her hand for a long, long time.........
| ← Ch. 05 | Ch. 07 → |