Chapter 62: What a Tangled Web This Circle Weaves!

"Master, I wouldn't dare, how could I possibly dare…"
"Master, you must have heard the rumors. In our Fragrant Sect, there are secret arts for matters between men and women… And that Wang Youfa was already hopelessly addicted to drink. I just added a little something to his wine, and he…"
"Besides, Master, I never harmed my cousin!"
"My cousin was once a candidate for saintess, too. Baiyu was never the daughter of that filthy Wang Youfa—how could he be worthy? Baiyu is the true-blooded child of the previous sect leader, destined from birth to be the saintess, the true saintess!"
"After I failed in the selection, I was utterly despondent, ready to end my life. But it was my cousin who sought me out, not the other way around."
"She was already gravely ill then, death looming over her, but she couldn't bear to see Baiyu become an ignorant country wife. So she wished to borrow my strength, to make a deal with me…"
"But man proposes, heaven disposes…"
"Master, our deal was soon struck, but who could have foreseen the upheaval in the Fragrant Sect? On my side, dozens of Protector Elders were purged, almost uprooted entirely."
"Master, you must have heard of the recent chaos in Yicheng County caused by the Fragrant Sect. That was all because of that bastard Yishui Zhenren, who was purging our Purity Faction…"
"When I saw things spiraling out of control, I had no choice but to kill the messenger myself, just to protect what I could…"
"Who would have thought that wretch Wang Youfa had already spent the silver I'd hidden away on wine? On the day of tax collection, I found myself penniless, and it was only thanks to you, Master, that I was saved…"
"Master…"
"If there is a single falsehood in what I've told you, you may flay me alive right now, and I will not utter a word of complaint…"

At this point, "Wang Liu-shi" broke down completely, confessing to Li Yuanjing in a voice choked with tears, sobbing uncontrollably.

Li Yuanjing was truly startled after hearing all this.

Who could have imagined that in such a remote and impoverished village, there would be intrigue to rival the grandest palace dramas?

Yet, he quickly composed himself.

Although the Fragrant Sect was now a shadow of its former self, active only in Yicheng and its surroundings, decades or centuries ago, it was a colossal force. Several uprisings had nearly toppled the mighty Great Qian Dynasty!

Though her words were somewhat disjointed, the logic of "Wang Liu-shi's" account was now complete, and judging by her current state, her credibility was quite high.

"Your circle is truly chaotic," Li Yuanjing said, shaking his head after a moment's thought.

"Uh?" "Wang Liu-shi" was stunned, her cheeks turning scarlet with embarrassment; she wished the ground would open up to swallow her whole.

This villain Li Yuanjing was determined to shred her last vestiges of dignity and grind them into the dirt…

Yet, to her shame and fury, she found herself not repulsed but more desperate than ever for his approval, even willing to offer herself to him…

But Li Yuanjing was far more clear-headed than "Wang Liu-shi" at this moment. After a pause, he asked coldly:

"Then tell me, why has the Fragrant Sect been active only in Yicheng and neighboring areas all these years, but never once set foot in our Fengcheng County?"

"Wang Liu-shi" shivered, quickly replying with utmost respect:
"Master, I once wondered the same, but later, I overheard Yishui Zhenren mention something… It seems that gentleman Murong of Fengcheng had some sort of agreement with them long ago. That's also why I dared to hide here in the Pi Family Village…"

Li Yuanjing had already suspected as much, but hearing "Wang Liu-shi" confirm it sent a chill crawling up his spine.

Especially since, in his memory, there had been no trace of the Fragrant Sect in Fengcheng County for at least twenty years.

Did that mean… as far back as twenty years ago, when Murong Mubai was still a minor official, he had already forged an alliance with the Fragrant Sect?

This… the more he thought about it, the more terrifying it seemed!

Who was the real master, and who the servant, between Murong Mubai and the Fragrant Sect? It was hard to say…

Li Yuanjing drew a sharp breath, rubbing his temples hard.

At this moment, "Wang Liu-shi" seemed to recall something else. Her cheeks flushed like ripe apples as she shyly edged closer to Li Yuanjing, rubbing her face against his knee like a kitten:

"Master, you… you haven't yet asked my name… Since I now belong to you, for life and in death, I beg you to take pity on me…"

This time she was utterly submissive, kneeling at his side, using every fiber of her being to please him.

Li Yuanjing suddenly laughed, his gaze burning as he barked,
"You sly minx, you really know how to climb the ladder, eh? Fine, I'll ask: What is your name, and how old are you?"

Though the question was almost childish in its simplicity, "Wang Liu-shi" was overjoyed. Her face lit up as she pressed herself closer to his knee:

"In answer to Master, my name is Xun Keqing, born in the second year of Longtai, I am twenty-two years old this year…"

"Xun Keqing?"

Li Yuanjing nodded, his gaze growing even deeper.

"So, you really are from one of the prominent families in the Fragrant Sect. No wonder you seemed uneasy around that Mr. Xun earlier."

A surge of hatred flooded Xun Keqing's beautiful eyes as she bit down on her silver teeth:

"Master, do not mention that beast! If not for his betrayal, would our Purity Faction have met such a tragic end? Dozens of lives lost…"

"If Master could avenge me, I would not only be willing to offer myself to you at any time, but even Baiyu would be yours whenever you wish…"

As she spoke, her eyes shone with unshed tears, brimming with temptation as she looked at Li Yuanjing.

"Smack!"
Li Yuanjing gave her a sharp slap on her firm backside, sneering,

"Dream on, you little vixen!"

"Besides, Wang Baiyu is already my servant. Do I need your permission to take her whenever I want?"

"Uh?"
Xun Keqing flinched, but then realized the truth.

This was no ordinary man before her—this was a true tough man who had risen from the wilds.

Hurriedly wriggling her waist, she said in a soft, ingratiating tone,

"Master, I deserve punishment, it's all my fault. Whatever you say, I will obey from now on…"

…

After finishing his talk with Xun Keqing and having the little enchantress tidy herself up, Li Yuanjing took a while to calm down before going off to find Jade Maiden.

There was no helping it.

Even someone as self-disciplined as Li Yuanjing could not remain unmoved in the presence of an enchantress like Xun Keqing.

And now, even if there was no direct evidence implicating Wang Youdao, Li Yuanjing was almost certain!

Wang Youdao's panic of late was undoubtedly related to the Fragrant Sect!

After all!

Murong Mubai was deeply entangled with the Fragrant Sect, and Wang Youdao, as a lackey of the Murong family, could not possibly have no dealings with them.

The only pity was that Xun Keqing was merely a substitute saintess, a mascot, far from wielding real power in the sect. She knew nothing of Wang Youdao's or the Murong family's collusion with the Fragrant Sect.

"Master, you have come…"
Lost in thought, Li Yuanjing had just reached the courtyard gate when Wang Cuihua hurriedly approached, swaying her hips, ingratiating herself to him.

"How is it going?"
Li Yuanjing glared coldly at Wang Cuihua.

Yet despite his icy tone, Wang Cuihua, now familiar with his temperament, was quick to relax.

His attitude showed he was no longer angry and wouldn't blame everything on her.

She gave him a respectful bow but shook her head helplessly:

"Master, this time, Mistress seems truly determined… But, well, I can't really blame her either…"

As she spoke, she cautiously observed Li Yuanjing's expression.

"Hmm?"
Li Yuanjing shot her a look of displeasure.

But Wang Cuihua wasn't intimidated this time. She quickly explained,

"Master, just think—in our village, even the likes of Zhao Qi and Lu Jin, those filthy fellows, have concubines, let alone the capable men from other villages. Now, among all the men with any ability in these parts, who doesn't take concubines? You, Master, have built such a great household, yet you're still unmarried and have no concubines. How could Mistress not feel embarrassed…"

"You saucy wench…"

Li Yuanjing's temper flared; he raised his hand to slap Wang Cuihua.

But—

Wang Cuihua was ready. She stuck out her proud, curvaceous hips to make it more comfortable for him to strike…

Li Yuanjing was speechless. Seeing there was no one around, he gave her a firm pinch and said,

"Keep watch here. I'm going inside to see for myself!"

"Yes, Master…"

Wang Cuihua was so excited she could barely contain herself, bowing deeply to Li Yuanjing.

When she saw him enter the courtyard and begin speaking with Jade Maiden, she straightened her back proudly and stood guard at the door like a mother hen.