Yun Mushang laughed mischievously. "Ha ha, is that so?" He suddenly flipped over, pinning Wenshi beneath him. "That kid asked me to send someone to teach him a lesson. I've already taken care of it. Now, let's continue..."
Ji Chun couldn't bear to listen any longer. The two people below were shameless, and he had heard enough. He guessed that Yun Ziyu had asked Yun Mushang to teach Su Ran a lesson, but there was no mention of Su Ran's current whereabouts. It seemed he wouldn't uncover any useful information tonight. Reluctantly, he left the rooftop, slipping away into the darkness.
As he moved through the night, Ji Chun forced himself to calm down and think carefully. The key to solving the situation and finding Su Ran laid with Wenshi. Now that he knew about her scandalous relationship with Yun Mushang, he realized he couldn't handle this alone in a city as large as Tongcheng. He needed the help of Liuyun Manor. The next morning, he would seek out Yun Ziang, the lord of Liuyun Manor, and inform him of the affair between Yun Mushang and the Third Young Master's wife. Yun Mushang was likely the one who knew Su Ran's whereabouts.
Ji Chun waited in the shadows for half the night, finally watching as Yun Mushang left Wenshi's room. To his surprise, Yun Mushang walked out with a swagger, showing no guilt whatsoever. It was clear that the servants in the courtyard had been bribed long ago, allowing the affair to remain hidden. Ji Chun followed Yun Mushang discreetly, observing as the man returned to his own courtyard without taking any further action. Though Ji Chun was desperate to confront Yun Mushang about Su Ran's disappearance, he forced himself to remain calm. He watched Yun Mushang's every move from the shadows, not daring to miss a single detail.
Yun Mushang slept peacefully through the night, unaware of the monk's presence. Ji Chun, however, remained hidden in the darkness, his eyes cold and unblinking, like a ghost in the night. A faint, hidden murderous intent flickered in his dark gaze. It wasn't until dawn that he finally left, heading straight for Yun Ziang's study.
Perhaps due to his sleepless night, Ji Chun's demeanor was even colder than usual. His already introverted and reserved temperament now seemed almost inhuman. When the servant announced his arrival, Ji Chun entered the study to find both Yun Ziang and Yun Zizhuo inside.
"Ji Chun Dashi, what brings you here?" Yun Ziang greeted him, his tone polite but guarded.
Ji Chun clasped his hands together and bowed slightly. "I've come to ask if Liuyun Manor has made any progress in finding Su Ran," he said, his voice low and hoarse.
Yun Ziang didn't answer directly. Instead, he countered, "I heard yesterday that Su Gongzi was no longer in the courtyard. How could you explain this, Ji Chun Dashi?"
"I'm here to discuss that very matter," Ji Chun replied, his gaze steady. "Su Ran hasn't returned since the night before last. I implore Liuyun Manor to send people to search for him."
Yun Ziang frowned. "Ji Chun Dashi, have you considered that Su Gongzi might have left on his own?"
"Impossible," Ji Chun said firmly. "I can guarantee it." He knew Su Ran well. Despite his cold demeanor, Su Ran wouldn't simply disappear at a time like this.
Yun Ziang studied Ji Chun for a long moment before finally speaking. "I'll have Liuyun Manor search for him. Until this matter is resolved, even if he's fled to the ends of the earth, we'll bring him back."
"Thank you, Lord Yun," Ji Chun said. "There's one more thing. While investigating, I hope you'll pay close attention to Yun Mushang. That's all I can say for now. I'll take my leave."
"Wait!" Yun Ziang's voice was sharp as he stopped Ji Chun. "What do you mean by that, monk? What does this have to do with my second uncle?"
Ji Chun's expression remained cold. "The manor's lord will understand once he investigates. I've said all I can."
"Gege, don't be angry," Yun Zizhuo interjected, stepping between them. He gave Ji Chun a meaningful look before turning to Yun Ziang. "I'll handle this. Ji Chun Dashi and I will discuss it further. You should rest for now."
Ji Chun was the first to leave the study, with Yun Zizhuo following closely behind. Once they were outside, Yun Zizhuo turned to him. "What did you mean back there? What are you trying to say?"
Ji Chun hesitated. As a monk, it went against his principles to gossip, but the situation demanded it. "Last night, I went to the Third Young Master's wife to inquire about the matter. But I saw..." He trailed off, unsure how to continue.
"What did you see?" Yun Zizhuo pressed, his brow furrowing.
"Your second uncle, Yun Mushang, and the Third Young Master's wife were... involved," Ji Chun said carefully, his tone grave.
Yun Zizhuo's face paled. He knew Ji Chun wouldn't lie, but the revelation was shocking. He had always believed his second uncle had no connection to Wenshi. To think they had such a shameful relationship... was unthinkable.
Ji Chun, sensing Yun Zizhuo's turmoil, added, "I beg the Second Young Master to take me to see Yun Ziyu."
"Why do you want to see San Ge?" Yun Zizhuo asked, his voice tense. "He's already been locked in the forbidden room by Da Ge. There's no way he could have captured Su Ran."
Ji Chun nodded. "I understand. But there's more to this. Please, don't mention what I've told you about your second uncle to your eldest brother. After your father's death, it was your second uncle who helped him secure the position of family head. This matter is delicate."
Ji Chun had no choice but to nod, his expression still heavy. The two walked in silence along a garden path. Yun Zizhuo was about to speak when they saw "Nangong Wanmo" strolling toward them, radiant and composed. However, as soon as she noticed them from a distance, her relaxed demeanor shifted, and a look of disappointment crossed her face.
"Wanmo greets Er Ge and Ji Chun Dashi," Wenshi said softly, her voice demure.
Yun Zizhuo responded with a cold "Hmm." He had never liked his sister-in-law, and after learning of her scandalous relationship with his second uncle, his disgust and impatience had only deepened. For now, until the matter was fully investigated, he would avoid any confrontation with her.
"I'll take my leave now," Wenshi said weakly, sensing Yun Zizhuo's hostility. She bowed slightly and walked past them.
Ji Chun intended to ignore her, but as they passed each other, he heard a faint, smug chuckle. He turned his head sharply, catching a glimpse of a triumphant smile on Wenshi's face. There was something unsettling in that smile—a hint of madness and cruelty that sent a chill down his spine. His unease grew. He was now certain that Su Ran had met with some misfortune. The realization filled him with frustration and anger. He had discovered the truth too late and had no idea how to locate Su Ran. The thought made his blood boil. He was tired of dealing with these people and their schemes.
"I'll take you to the confinement room to see San Ge" Yun Zizhuo said, clearly sensing Ji Chun's growing impatience. He, too, wanted to get to the bottom of this. If it turned out that Yun Ziyu had indeed captured Su Ran, it would not only sever the decades-long friendship between him and Ji Chun but also potentially provoke a dangerous conflict. Su Ran was no ordinary man, and Liuyun Manor, though once a prominent sect, was now little more than a wealthy merchant family. They couldn't afford to make enemies of someone like Su Ran.
"Thank you," Ji Chun said, surprised and grateful. The two quickened their pace, heading toward a remote library within Liuyun Manor. The library appeared neglected, its shelves crammed with dusty books. Yun Zizhuo fumbled with a section of the bookshelf, and a hidden passage opened, revealing a staircase leading to the basement.
The confinement room was a large, dimly lit hall illuminated by flickering candlelight. It was eerily quiet, with no signs of life except for a portrait hanging on the wall. Beneath the portrait was a cushion used for punishing members of the Yun family by forcing them to kneel. Yun Ziyu was lying on the cushion, asleep. Hearing footsteps, he stirred and sat up, his eyes narrowing as he recognized Ji Chun.
"Er Ge, why did you bring him here?" Yun Ziyu asked coldly, his voice laced with resentment.
"Zi Yu, did you send someone to cause trouble for Su Ran?" Yun Zizhuo asked directly, ignoring his brother's question.
Yun Ziyu's expression darkened. "Er Ge, I don't know what you're talking about," he said, turning away and kneeling back on the mat, his tone dismissive.
Yun Zizhuo, familiar with his brother's stubbornness, pressed on. "Zi Yu, the men of the Yun family have always acted with honor. Are you really going to lie to me and our Da Ge?"
Yun Ziyu's composure cracked. His eyes reddened, and he clenched his fists, his voice trembling with anger. "That bastard insulted Wanmo! I wish I could kill him with my own hands! Er Ge, why can't you understand me?!"
"Zi Yu..." Yun Zizhuo's heart ached as he looked at his younger brother, who had always been so close to him. Seeing Yun Ziyu consumed by hatred and despair was like a knife to his heart. He couldn't bring himself to scold him further.
Ji Chun, observing Yun Ziyu's intense hatred for Su Ran, felt a pang of sympathy. The young man was clearly blinded by love and betrayal, unaware that the woman he cherished was entangled in an affair with another man. Still, Ji Chun couldn't forget his purpose. Once Yun Ziyu had calmed slightly, he spoke up.
"Third Young Master, Su Ran never touched your wife," Ji Chun said firmly.
Yun Ziyu glared at him but remained silent, refusing to engage.
Yun Zizhuo, trusting Ji Chun's integrity, tried to reason with his brother. "Zi Yu, tell me where Su Ran is. If he's truly guilty, I'll ensure he's punished. But for now, let him go. Please."
Yun Ziyu looked between his brother and Ji Chun, his expression conflicted. After a long pause, he spoke coldly, "I don't know what you're talking about. Don't ask me anything else." With that, he turned his back to them, kneeling on the mat and closing his eyes, signaling the end of the conversation.
Yun Zizhuo, though reluctant to push further, glanced at Ji Chun and gestured for them to leave. Once outside, he sighed. "Zi Yu may genuinely not know Su Ran's whereabouts."
Ji Chun remained silent. He was convinced that Su Ran's disappearance was linked to Yun Ziyu, but the young man's refusal to cooperate stemmed from his misguided belief in Su Ran's guilt. The key now was to expose Wenshi's true nature and show Yun Ziyu the kind of woman she was that he so desperately wanted to protect.