Have You Written Your Will Today?
Chapter 70: Mobilizing a Large Force

Chapter 70: Chapter 70: Mobilizing a Large Force

The eunuch, seeing his indifference, grew somewhat impatient: "A carriage has been prepared for you, please."

The carriage that came for him was not shabby, yet it still fell short compared to those of the Marquis Yangling Mansion.

Cui Yun gave an apologetic smile: "Is there any refreshment prepared in the carriage?"

"...No."

"I have not had lunch today."

The eunuch: ? What, do you expect our Crown Prince to feed you?

"Is there a brazier prepared in the carriage?"

"...No."

"I have been susceptible to the cold lately."

You really are troublesome!

Although Eunuch Peng is a eunuch, he is the most dignified one at Ji Zhui’s side. He’s always treated with respect wherever he goes. Seeing Cui Yun acting like this, how could he not be annoyed.

"Is the Marquis difficult to serve? Or are you deliberately putting on airs in front of the Crown Prince?"

Cui Yun’s gaze was calm as water, his figure slender and upright in the moonlight.

"I dare not."

"The Crown Prince is revered by all, and yet, with the case of Zhong Chu still unresolved, this humble official boldly avoids any hint of impropriety."

The eunuch: ???

He was so angry that his fingers trembled.

Yet, not even the Crown Prince present could fault Cui Yun for handling his official duties with diligence.

Considering that Ji Zhui intended to woo Cui Yun, he could only put on a stiff face.

"Fine, take your time then, Marquis."

Mingting Pavilion.

Ji Zhui had been waiting for a long time.

He resembles the Empress, with an aura of severity, yet his features are soft and feminine. This is his greatest pain point. The Fourth Prince Ji Wang, who resembles Emperor He to a degree, hence, from a young age, Emperor He has shown Ji Wang more favor than he, the Crown Prince!

In recent days, he has put a lot of effort into the matter of Zhong Chu, and everything was in order, except for the obstinate Ministry of Justice!

Zhong Chu might have been greedy, but he is capable, loyal, and exactly what Ji Zhui needs; thus, he must protect him.

"My lord."

Eunuch Peng entered and performed a grand salutation.

Ji Zhui, not seeing Cui Yun behind him, had an obscure and barely suppressed anger in his eyes.

Eunuch Peng did not dare to conceal anything and reported everything just as it had happened.

Finally, in a sharp voice, he said: "This servant truly does not understand, if the Marquis wasn’t planning to come, why ask about refreshments and a brazier?"

But a chill in Ji Zhui’s eyes dissipated a bit.

Cui Yun was never one to waste words; his actions must have a deeper meaning. It was as if he was telling Ji Zhui that once this matter was over, if the carriage next time comes equipped with refreshments and a brazier, he would not refuse.

Ji Zhui for a moment truly did not know whether to be angry or to remain composed.

"His rigid adherence to principles is but a way to inform me that he does not serve me, yet, he has never taken sides with Ji Wang either."

He was playing it safe, not offending either side.

Meanwhile,

Cui Yun returned to the Marquis Yangling Mansion and commanded Ji Qing in a grave tone: "Summon Madam and Young Madam to Old Master’s study."

"Yes!"

Cui Yun rarely acted like this. Receiving the message, Cui Xuan and Qiao Si did not dare delay and quickly arrived.

Cui Xuan wanted to speak to her son about the recent restaurant incident, yet she had not been able to extract details from Cui Rong, much less Cui Yun, who had already briefed Cui Rong.

Rong had always been obedient to this second uncle, not to mention the servant from the First-tier Sky Restaurant.

Yet even so, Cui Xuan increasingly felt that the matter was not simple.

Days passed, yet she still had no knowledge of the identity, residence, or marital status of the girl who dined with her that day.

Old Master Cui furrowed his brows: "What exactly happened that warrants such a fuss?"

Contrary to his usual demeanor, Cui Yun did not pay his respects with a greeting but spoke gravely, "There has been another disappearance, another case of ’Buhuo’. Rong loves to wander outside; Mama and sister-in-law, remember to keep a close watch on her these days."

Cui Xuan was taken aback.

Qiao Si’s heart tightened.

Even Old Master Cui rose to his feet abruptly.

Cui Yun’s official duties were not the business of anyone in the house except for Old Master Cui. But with another disappearance involved, how could they not be on guard?

It was Buhuo that nearly led to Rong being abducted last time! Even thinking about it now sent chills down their spines.

Now, with the perpetrator having failed to succeed and the Marquis Yangling Mansion keeping a tight watch over Cui Rong these days, had they extended their reach to other girls?

In a calm voice, Cui Yun said, "The incident in the palace was their first blunder. In just a few days, the Second Prince inexplicably became an idiot; this was a warning to the Imperial Family. Clearly, their vengeful nature is quite severe. It was their second misstep regarding Rong."

Cui Xuan’s heart quivered in fear.

After exchanging a glance with Qiao Si, they both felt restless.

"Uncle," said Qiao Si.

Ever since Rong had divulged that it was a girl who saved her daughter, it made sense, both emotionally and rationally, for her to express her gratitude personally by visiting her.

However, Cui Yun, always the most etiquette-minded, had said nothing about it concerning this matter, indicating that he did not wish for the Cui family to have excessively much contact with that girl.

Even so, she had no choice but to set aside such thoughts. After all, Cui Yun was not someone who would let the Marquis Yangling Mansion owe anyone a favor.

But...

"We must also trouble Uncle to extend his protection to Miss Shen."

Cui Yun nodded.

"Sister-in-law, rest assured, on the night of New Year’s Eve, I already instructed Yingwu to secretly protect her," he said.

Moreover, Shen Hua cannot die just yet.

The attendants he had placed with Shen Hua were capable of only some martial arts; enough to deal with common issues but woefully inadequate against those behind Buhuo.

The reasons why he could not prevent Wei Yingying’s disappearance were twofold.

First, he was in the light while the opponents were in the shadows, his reach outstripped by his grasp.

Secondly, it was a callous calculation: he needed an incident grave enough to enrage Emperor He and suppress Zhong Chu’s matters, while also providing a justifiable reason to rebuff the Crown Prince and to prevent the situation from escalating too embarrassingly.

Cui Xuan said, "Yingwu is skilled in martial arts and is the most formidable female Shadow Guard under your command. With her presence, there indeed is peace of mind."

Cui Yun smiled faintly but remained silent.

"Mama and sister-in-law should also avoid going out in the near future. If you must, please give notice, and if I am available, I will surely accompany you," he added.

Old Master Cui agreed: "That’s the right approach."

"I have already commanded Ji Qing to summon all the Shadow Guards at my side, dividing them into three teams to patrol in shifts, ensuring complete protection," he continued.

"Both the main gate and the side gates will also have additional officials strictly on watch," he said.

Considering the incident, it was likely that many residences would take action; Cui Yun’s response could hardly be considered overreacting.

Being someone who had weathered many a storm, Old Master Cui, seeing that Cui Yun had everything under control, immediately inquired, "Which family’s estate was it?"

"The Minister of Industry Mansion," was the reply.

Old Master Cui commented, "Such despicable and cunning methods! Are there any clues?"

"The Ministry of Justice has been fully mobilized. To avoid public panic and chaos, the city gates have not been shut tightly," Cui Yun explained.

The adversary’s methods were already well-honed.

In fact, aside from the arrangements at the Marquis Yangling Mansion and Shen Hua’s side, Cui Yun had not prepared in advance elsewhere. He knew better than anyone that this was a dead end; fortified city gate security was the only assurance he had that Wei Yingying had not been taken out of Shengjing yet.

Old Master Cui also realized this, remaining silent for a while before heaving a sigh.

"To utilize rare and expensive herbs to concoct ’Buhuo’, targeting daughters and children of important court officials each time, and leaving no trace after the disappearance—these are not isolated incidents."

Who was the adversary and what dark conspiracy were they planning?

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