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墨書 Inktalez
During the days of recuperation at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, Lin Xiu Wen gradually discovered that this place was not an ordinary brothel. The young women within possessed extraordinary skills, excelling in Qin, Chess, Calligraphy, and Painting. Their graceful demeanor and exceptional aura set them apart from typical courtesans. Strangely, they all seemed to follow Liu Rumei, the Oiran of the Drunken Immortal Pavilion.
Liu Rumei's temperament and identity always left Lin Xiu Wen perplexed. Although she resided in a place of indulgence, she exuded a distinct elegance, as if her soul did not belong there. Lin Xiu Wen often pondered late into the night about who Liu Rumei truly was and how she maintained such composure and calmness in this environment.
One morning, while strolling in the courtyard, Lin Xiu Wen breathed in the fresh air and savored the long-lost tranquility. Suddenly, the sound of clashing weapons echoed from the back courtyard—sharp and powerful, as if revealing some hidden truth. Intrigued, Lin Xiu Wen followed the sound.
Navigating through the winding corridors, he arrived at the back courtyard. There, he saw Liu Rumei wielding a long sword, practicing with several women. Her swordsmanship was incredibly fierce; flashes of light danced like lightning across the sky. Her movements were as graceful as a soaring swan, each action fluid and elegant—entirely unlike what one would expect from a courtesan.
"Mr. Lin is awake?" Liu Rumei sheathed her sword and turned to face Lin Xiu Wen. Her voice was cool yet gentle. "Is your injury feeling better?"
Lin Xiu Wen cupped his hands in salute and smiled slightly. "Thank you for your concern, Ms. Liu. I am much better now." After a moment's hesitation, he asked, "Your swordsmanship seems quite extraordinary."
Liu Rumei smiled faintly, a glimmer of approval in her eyes. "Mr. Lin has a keen eye. This is a family sword technique; I hope it does not amuse you too much."
Lin Xiu Wen felt a stirring in his heart; he sensed that Liu Rumei's identity was not simple. However, before he could delve deeper into his thoughts, a maid hurried over and whispered something in Liu Rumei's ear. Her expression shifted slightly before returning to normal. "Mr. Lin, I have some matters to attend to; please excuse me."
Lin Xiu Wen noticed that Liu Rumei's footsteps were much quicker than usual as she departed. A wave of curiosity surged within him, prompting him to follow quietly.
After passing through several corridors, Liu Rumei entered a secret chamber. Lin Xiu Wen hid beneath a window, holding his breath as he listened intently.
"Master, we have found out," said an unfamiliar woman's voice with a hint of respect. "The case involving Lin Manor is indeed related to the Eastern Depot."
Eastern Depot? Lin Xiu Wen's heart jolted at the mention. He recalled hearing the term "master" that night in the secret passage—could it be that people from the Eastern Depot were targeting Lin Manor?
"Continue investigating," Liu Rumei's voice was cold and resolute. "We must uncover why the Eastern Depot would target an ordinary official."
"Yes. There is one more thing..." The woman lowered her voice further. "The Crown Prince has been frequently visiting the Drunken Immortal Pavilion lately; it seems he has an interest in you..."
"Do not concern yourself with that," Liu Rumei interrupted impatiently. "Our task is to investigate the case involving Lin Manor; everything else is unimportant."
Lin Xiu Wen felt a chill run down his spine upon hearing this revelation. He had not expected Liu Rumei to be secretly investigating the case involving Lin Manor or that it would involve both the Eastern Depot and the Crown Prince.
Just as he prepared to leave, he suddenly felt a chill at his neck—a long sword had been pressed against his throat.
"Mr. Lin, eavesdropping is not the behavior of a gentleman," Liu Rumei's voice came from behind him, laced with warning.
Lin Xiu Wen slowly turned around to meet Liu Rumei's icy gaze. He knew that if he could not provide a reasonable explanation at this moment, his life would be in jeopardy.
"Ms. Liu," he took a deep breath to steady himself, "I know you are investigating the case involving Lin Manor. To be honest, I am the second son of Lin Manor—Lin Xiu Wen."
Liu Rumei's sword tip trembled slightly as surprise flickered in her eyes. "What did you say?"
"That night, my brother and I escaped through the secret passage..." Lin Xiu Wen recounted everything that had happened that night, including their father's last words and the words 'Imperial Gift' inscribed on the jade pendant he carried. His voice trembled slightly but was filled with determination.
After listening intently, Liu Rumei slowly sheathed her sword again. Her expression grew complex as if she were deep in thought: "I see... No wonder that jade pendant..."
“Do you know the origin of this jade pendant, Ms. Liu?” Lin Xiu Wen asked eagerly.
Liu Rumei did not answer directly but instead asked, “Mr. Lin, do you know who your mother is?”
Lin Xiu Wen was taken aback. He had known since childhood that his mother had passed away, and his father rarely spoke of her, only mentioning that she was an ordinary lady from a prominent family.
“Your mother,” Liu Rumei lowered her voice, her tone grave, “is the sister of the Former Emperor, the Eldest Princess.”
This news struck Lin Xiu Wen like a bolt from the blue; he felt as if the world was spinning around him. He was of royal blood? What about the massacre at Lin Manor…
“The people from the Eastern Depot are likely after your identity,” Liu Rumei continued. “They want to eliminate any potential threats.”
Lin Xiu Wen clenched his fists, filled with anger and resentment. “What about my brother…”
“Don’t worry, I’ve already sent someone to look for him,” Liu Rumei reassured him. “But before that, it’s best for you to pretend you know nothing. The Eastern Depot has eyes all over the capital; one misstep could alert them.”
Reluctantly, Lin Xiu Wen decided to stay at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion and began learning swordsmanship under Liu Rumei’s guidance. He discovered that Liu Rumei was not only highly skilled in martial arts but also well-versed in military strategy. Gradually, he realized that Liu Rumei was likely a secret agent sent by the court.
Under Liu Rumei’s instruction, Lin Xiu Wen made rapid progress in his swordsmanship. Her technique was a blend of strength and grace, combining fierce attacks with agile movements. She often told him, “Swordsmanship is not just a contest of brute force; it is a game of wits. A true master imbues every move with profound meaning.”
As Lin Xiu Wen practiced, he began to grasp this philosophy. He noticed that Liu Rumei’s swordplay incorporated many principles of military strategy, such as the interplay of strength and weakness and using stillness to counter movement. These concepts applied not only to swordsmanship but also to life’s decisions.
In addition to swordplay, Liu Rumei taught him how to observe and analyze situations. She frequently took him to watch the guests at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, analyzing their words and actions for clues. Lin Xiu Wen gradually understood that Liu Rumei could conceal her identity within the pavilion because she was adept at disguise and skillfully utilized her surroundings.
“In this complex world, only by hiding oneself well can one better protect oneself,” she advised him.
As time passed, Lin Xiu Wen’s trust in Liu Rumei grew day by day. He began to share his thoughts and feelings with her openly, and she always listened patiently, offering guidance and encouragement.
Three months later, with the Imperial Examination approaching, Lin Xiu Wen decided to participate. On one hand, it was to uncover the truth; on the other hand, it was to search for his brother’s whereabouts. He knew that only by entering officialdom through the Imperial Examination could he access more clues regarding the Lin Manor case.
On the eve of his departure, Liu Rumei summoned him into her room. The air was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood, creating an unusually tranquil atmosphere.
“Take this,” she said as she handed him a token with a serious tone. “This is a token of the Imperial Guard; it can save your life in critical moments.”
Lin Xiu Wen accepted the token, feeling a mix of emotions. “Ms. Liu, you…”
“You should have realized by now that my true identity is not that of a mere Flowering Pagoda Tree,” she interrupted him, her eyes flashing with determination. “I am the commander of the Imperial Guard, tasked with investigating collusion between the Eastern Depot and foreign enemies. The case involving Lin Manor is likely related.”
Lin Xiu Wen suddenly understood. No wonder Liu Rumei was so exceptional; no wonder she could mobilize so many resources… She had been secretly serving the court all along.
“Be extremely careful during your journey to the Imperial Examination,” Liu Rumei warned him at last. “The people from the Eastern Depot may already have their sights set on you.”
Lin Xiu Wen nodded, filled with gratitude. “Ms. Liu, I will be careful. Once I uncover the truth, I will definitely come back to find you.”
Liu Rumei smiled gently at him, her eyes softening slightly. “I believe in you.”
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