"So, that was why I felt like I was being followed," Yan Liu'er mumbled to herself.
However, Helian Wei Wei overheard Yan Liu'er's murmur and kept it in mind. She turned around to look at Baili Jia Jue, who understood that Helian Wei Wei's words were merely a bait. In actual fact, they had never met Yan Liu'er before. However, according to Yan Liu'er, she suspected someone was tailing her.
Helian Wei Wei's gaze deepened, but she immediately put on a smile when she turned to look at Yan Liu'er. "Are you saying that you thought someone was following you?"
"Yes." Owing to her lingering fear, Yan Liu'er studied her surroundings. Then, she answered as she wore a bashful smile, "Perhaps I was being too timid. Our neighbourhood hasn't been peaceful recently and it's hard for me to not overthink."
Helian Weiwei could tell that Yan Liu'er was not lying and therefore, she secretly deduced that Yan Liu'er was not the killer. She replied with a warm yet weary smile and said, "It is indeed not safe for girls to go out at night. I have heard of the unfortunate events that happened in this area during the past few days. However, I haven't learned about the details yet. You mentioned that you were running because you reckoned someone was stalking you? "
Yan Liu'er was slightly embarrassed. "Did you see me running? I was frightened despite the fact that I didn't see anyone behind me. By the way, how did you reach here before me? Didn't you say that you were behind me?"
Although Yan Liu'er had discovered the loopholes in Helian Wei Wei's statement, the latter remained calm as she lied, "We took the shortcut."
"Shortcut?" Yan Liu'er seemed confused, "I took the shortcut. Only the residences of this area know about that shortcut."
Being her intelligent self, Helian Wei Wei did not dwell on the topic. Instead, she raised another question, "Why are you here late at night? Are you Yan Liu'er?"
Right after Yan Liu'er turned her head to look at them, Helian Wei Wei already knew the girl's identity.
Appearing extremely wary, Yan Liu'er was hesitant to answer the questions.
Coincidentally, Liu'er's mother appeared at that moment. She seemed relieved when she saw Yan Liu'er. "Why wouldn't you listen to me? How many times have I told you to not go out at night for these few days? Don't you know that it's dangerous out there? "
Liu'er's mother reprimanded Yan Liu'er. Then, she noticed Baili Jia Jue and Helian Wei Wei's presence and paused her lecture, "Young masters, who are you?"
Despite their humble outfit, they appeared like noblemen. Coupled with their absurdly good looks, it was hard for them to go unnoticed. The man who was standing further gave off an outstanding aura although he was far from her and was wearing an ordinary robe.
He seemed like a high-ranking imperial official that she had met not long ago.
Subconsciously, Liu'er's mother felt intimidated.
Helian Wei Wei knew that it was impossible for His Highness to disguise himself as a commoner. Therefore, she bore the responsibility to be as amicable as she could.
She learned about criminology in modern times, and she understood what people like Liu'er's mom were thinking about.
Not only because they feared the government, they also did not want to get involved in anything that might cause them trouble.
Therefore, Helian Weiwei did not act like an official. Instead, she dressed up as a civilian to carry out her investigation in the alley.
Apparently, as long as His Highness was present, they would never look like civilians.
Helian Wei Wei was frowning when an idea but her. "Well, my friend and I were passing by this place before we decided to have a look for what when we learned about what happened here. Since we are now done, I only ask madam to be extra careful. It is our fate to meet. I have a yellow rune here, you can bring along with you, madam. Also, actually..."
Helian Weiwei paused and shook her head, "Forget about it. The officials forbid us from discussing this."
Baili Jia Jue knew that was a deliberate decoy as he threw a glance at Helian Wei Wei. His beautiful thin lips curled upward with a slight hint of mockery and relish.
As Helian Wei Wei expected, Liu'er's mother could not hold herself back when she heard Helian Weiwei's words and asked, "Young master, what did you just say? What is actually happening?"
Helian Weiwei shook her head once again.
Liu'er's mother stepped forward and approached Helian Wei Wei. "Are you saying that this place is haunted?"
Seeing she was convinced, Helian Wei Wei gave an ambiguous answer. "I've said nothing, but it seems like madam knows it well enough."
People from ancient times were superstitious and believed wholeheartedly in any supernatural events. Liu'er's mother immediately nodded violently while her eyes were misted by concern. "As the officials found no hint at the alley on that day, I instantly knew that it isn't something simple. Young master, you wouldn't know that..."
Chapter 688 - Helian Wei Wei And His Highness Joining Forces
"Recently, the little Kunming wolfdog we raise has been constantly barking and it's too creepy. What's more, it barks at the same time everyday. I didn't dare to tell the local authorities about this. According to the elders, if the dog barks at night, either a thief has broken in, or there's something supernatural happening. It barked again just now. That's why I'm worried about my daughter. Young master, if you have any solution, can you please help me out?"
Liu'er's mother said with sincerity.
Needless to say, Helian Wei Wei agreed and added, "I need to know about the Feng Shui of your house." With that, she successfully entered the Yan family's house.
The Yan family had one of the considerably ordinary residences in the Capital, with some cabbages planted in the front yard. They were an average family, and Helian Wei Wei found nothing after she studied the surroundings. Her gaze eventually landed on the Alsatian that was hiding in the dark.
Others were not able to see the Alsatian, but the little Kunming wolfdog sensed the presence of the king of its species. It gently moved its paws forward, whimpering.
Liu'er's mother found its reaction strange. "It was barking just now. Why did it become quiet all of a sudden?"
The little Kunming wolfdog was speechless. How can I not be quiet when there is such an enormous creature standing before me?
Boss, Boss!
Unlike the arrogant Alsatian, the little Kunming wolfdog seemed scared but excited as it continued to run around in circles.
Helian Wei Wei signaled the Alsatian with a brief gaze.
Immediately, the Alsatian approached the little Kunming wolfdog and let out a couple of barks.
As expected, the little Kunming wolfdog was extremely delighted and barked in return as though it was replying to the Alsatian.
Liu'er's mother did not pay attention to it. She turned her head and asked Helian Wei Wei, "Young master, there's nothing wrong with our house, right?"
Helian Wei Wei acknowledged her question but her gaze showed that she dwelling in her own thoughts. Similarly, Helian Wei Wei thought something was amiss. She had walked around the area and all of the residences appeared normal. There was no Qi of Yin even at the alley itself. If this place was haunted, His Highness would have sensed it at the very beginning, not to mention the Alsatian. However, after checking out the entire vicinity, they discovered nothing.
Upon listening to Helian Wei Wei's reply, Liu'er's mother heaved a sigh of relief, but she was disappointed at the same time. Lately, she had been feeling restless and she reckoned that there was certainly something unusual going on.
Helian Wei Wei understood Liu'er's mother concern and she added, "There's nothing wrong with the Feng Shui, but the general trend of the residences nearby has not been good. Madam, if it's convenient for you, can you tell me what's the connection between the missing girls? You have to tell me things that you haven't told the authorities. Otherwise, I will not know where to start from, although I'm more than willing to help your daughter."
Liu'er's mother replie
d hesitantly, "All of us live on the same street and meet frequently. There isn't a particular connection between the girls but those girls..." She paused her words, apparently finding it difficult to continue.
Helian Wei Wei laid her eyes on her, "Madam, everything happens for a reason. I'm afraid that the ghost will not leave if we are unable to find the source."
Liu'er's mother paled at Helian Wei Wei's statement. "In fact, it's not a big deal. I'm only afraid to taint their reputation if I leak the information. Those young girls were infatuated with the second son of Lord Zhang and he often visits the alley."
Despite the fact that she did not speak it explicitly, Helian Wei Wei could grasp the meaning of her words. Helian Wei Wei's eyes sparkled. The second son of Lord Zhang?
"Don't make groundless statement, mom," Yan Liu'er pulled the corner of her mother's clothes as she bit on her thin lips, "What if someone else overhears our conversation?"
Only then Liu'er's mother snapped back. She turned to face Helian Wei Wei as she said, "Young master, please don't get me wrong. I mean nothing else. Please don't let anyone else find out about this out."
"Fret not, madam. I am never a blabbermouth." Puzzled, Helian Wei Wei glanced at Yan Liu'er. If Yan Liu'er is not the murderer and there is nothing strange in her residence, why is she spared from harm? Is it because she is the only one who has never come into contact with the second son of Lord Zhang?
After obtaining the information she wanted, Helian Wei Wei turned to look at Baili Jia Jue.
His Highness stood erectly with an emotionless expression throughout the entire exchange between Helian Wei Wei and the madam.
Nevertheless, his charm was enough to make anyone who stood close to him go red.
And, Yan Liu'er was one of them. "Young master, would you some tea?"
At that very moment, something scuttled past Yan Liu'er's feet. Frightened, she screamed as she leaned toward Baili Jia Jue without even looking at it. "Something's there. Something's there!"
All of a sudden, black fogs rose in the breezeless dark sky, and Baili Jia Jue seemed to assimilate into the dark. His brutal and cold gaze laid on the little hand that was placed on his arm, and the disdain on his grin was replaced by menace that made one shudder.
Yan Liu'er realized her acts were inappropriate and she became more bashful. However, she failed to notice the bloodthirstiness that was painted across the man's eyes.
Helian Wei Wei knew His Highness too well. She held Baili Jia Jue's arm and said in a muffled tone, "She did not mean it."
Baili Jia Jue was still wearing his callous look, but the ruthlessness in his eyes were gone. He removed his robe with one hand and tossed it to the ground nonchalantly.
Embarrassed by her action, Yan Liu'er stuttered, "I didn't mean that. I sensed that something was scurrying past my feet just now. That was why I…"
"Liu'er, are you alright?" Liu'er's mother asked, appearing perturbed.
Yan Liu'er shook her head and she looked at her feet. Then, she rubbed her arms, "It was a rat. Why is there a rat at this hour? Besides, why isn't it afraid of humans?"
Helian Wei Wei's eyes opened. Indeed, there should be little rats on the street during this season. It is winter. Are the rats not afraid of cold? Can it be the same as what happened back at the Green Dragon Lake? Is the aura of resentment strong enough to force the rats out? No, it can't be. His Highness would have noticed if the aura of resentment is lingering in the air.
"These rats are abnormal."
It had been a long time since she used her consciousness stream to communicate with others.
Now, she heard His Highness' deep and fruity voice.
Helian Wei Wei felt herself missing Yuan Ming who would only snicker.
"Missing Yuan Ming? Hmm?" The raised tone resounded within her consciousness.
Helian Wei Wei firmly denied, "Not at all."
Baili Jia Jue threw a glimpse at her.
Immediately, Helian Wei Wei changed the topic, "Why are these rats abnormal?"
"They have no soul..."
Chapter 689 - Trying To Arrest His Highness? Foolish!
No soul? Helian Wei Wei knitted her slender eyebrows instantly. If that's the case, how can these rats still scurry around?
Although she could not make heads or tails of the mice's unusual behaviour, this was enough to prove that something on the street had somehow gone unnoticed by them.
What is it actually?
What's it that even His Highness can't detect it?
Baili Jia Jue turned back and scoffed, "It's most probably something similar to Elder Xu Wu. A creature that is neither alive nor dead. It even befouls the surrounding air and makes it stink."
Is it?
Helian Wei Wei took a few breaths but she smelled nothing.
On the other hand, the Alsatian before her attempted to get a whiff along the ground, but to no avail.
As they could not stay any longer, Helian Wei Wei reminded Yan Liu'er to always carry the yellow rune with her before she bid farewell to Yan Liu'er and her mother politely. When she reached the entrance, she whispered, "Let's go, Blackie."
The little Kunming wolfdog in the courtyard began to bark again.
Helian Wei Wei and Baili Jia Jue did not look back as they walked. The alley was made of an unusually long stretch of road that led them right into darkness. Initially, it would take them around seven to nine minutes to reach the alley entrance from the Yan's residence. Owing to Liu'er's mother, they managed to find a shortcut. The road was swamped by complete darkness, but it was only a two-minute walk to the entrance. So, the locals would normally take the shortcut...
Hence, the officials of yamen had been looking at the wrong way since the beginning.
Without the information given by the locals, those ministers of Official Personnel Affairs would never realize the existence of this shortcut. Consequently, the progress of their investigation was hindered.
Helian Wei Wei fixed her eyes on the silent and dark shortcut. There were a total of nine families including the Yan family along the alley. All of them were nothing but humble and ordinary houses, locked by a wooden door. The air was peaceful and serene.
The Zhang Manor mentioned by Liu'er's mother was amongst these houses as well. It was located on the front part of the alley, secured by a conspicuous red door and guardian stone lions. Compared to the rest of the houses along the alley, it appeared rather imposing.
The Alsatian paced forward. Carrying an ineffable aura, its black fur which seemed to have completely blended into the shadows.
Suddenly, it stopped in its tracks and lifted its gaze.
Helian Wei Wei stopped as well, her eyes turning toward whatever the Alsatian was looking at.
She then caught sight of an exquisite young master who was walking toward them. Following close at his heels was a servant who seemed to be begging him, "Young master, old master has told you to stay at home for a few more days until the officials from Ministry of Official Personnel Affairs complete their investigation. If you are found by those imperial officials…"
"Stop nagging! I've been staying home for three godforsaken days and I am extremely bored! Why can't I take a stroll outdoor?" The man in his furry cloak flung the servant's hands away impatiently. His eyes met those of Baili Jia Jue and Helian Wei Wei when he turned around.
His gaze soon landed on Baili Jia Jue's face before he spoke in a condescending manner, "Where did these poor and pedantic scholars come from?"
Helian Wei Wei always knew the ability of His Highness to enkindle the embers of hatred. His striking handsome face was more than enough to incite any man's jealousy.
But, poor and pedantic?
Helian Wei Wei could not help but chuckle, considering the man as a complete fool.
The man was still standing at the alley entrance. Holding his head high, he threw a glance at the back of Helian Wei Wei and Baili Jia Jue. He looked increasingly displeased and disgusted as he stared at them as if they were hi
s servants. "You're visiting the Yan family again? Hah, I really don't understand why are there so many of you senseless people nowadays."
The man took two steps forward as he spoke and stopped merely a few inches away from Baili Jia Jue. "I've warned you. You guys will never beat me. It's better for you to give up now. Stop thinking so highly of yourselves just because you study and know a thing or two. Look at your shabby clothes. I bet there will be no young ladies who is willing to marry you."
Baili Jia Jue did not utter a word. In fact, he simply raised his handsome eyebrows as he folded his right sleeve with his left hand nonchalantly.
It was then Helian Wei Wei watched as Blackie charged toward the man furiously, so fast that its fur flew in the wind. In a split second, it sank its teeth into his leg!
"Ahhhh!"
Immediately, his face turned ghastly pale before he bent his leg and hit the ground with his knees. He looked around, not knowing why he felt like he was bitten by something.
Seeing that his young master were on his knees, the servant reckoned that his master had slipped on the snowy floor. He hurriedly help him up and asked, "Are you alright, young master?"
They stirred up such a hubbub and awakened the entire neighborhood. Everyone was craning their necks to check out the commotion.
Feeling embarrassed, the man flung his legs before he turned to block Baili Jia Jue in his way. "Well, well, well. How dare you ambush me! Do you not know who am I? There's no way you're leaving today unless you kneel down before me and apologize to me!"
Baili Jia Jue walked past him without sparing him a glance.
Never had the man seen someone who dared disregard him like this before. "Call the imperial officers over now. Tell them that I've found a suspect and I have some clues to provide!" he hissed.
"But, old master said that..." the servant attempted to convince his master.
The man sneered, "Father is asking you to purge me of suspicion. Now, there's someone who is more suspicious than me. So, what the h*ll are you worrying about? Bring my father here too. Let's see how are these fellows going to escape!"
The Anarchic Consort c1-1376 Page 296
