Madam, don't do this!

Chapter 382 My Sister-in-Law's Little Notebook (11,000 words)

He just confessed his feelings to me last night, and today he's already with another woman.

Thinking this way, Luo Tianyi felt a little wronged.

But then he thought of the mess he made when he fled the scene yesterday, and now he saw how naturally Bu Yu and Song Yan got along. His expression darkened. Men really do prefer gentle and soft girls.

Looking down at himself, he still held the longsword in his arms.

Looking back carefully, it seems that the time I spent with my brother-in-law was either spent killing people or on my way to killing people. Girls like me are probably not very likable.

Self-pity.

That's about it.

It wasn't that Luo Tianyi had any issues with Bu Yu. Although they hadn't spent much time together, Luo Tianyi didn't dislike Bu Yu. She also knew that Bu Yu was seriously injured this time, so she would naturally take good care of her after she woke up.

It's just... like a woman's instinct, it's a little uncomfortable.

She could never be as broad-minded as her sister.

Whether it's mental or physical.

She didn't quite understand what kind of feeling this was; it was like something that originally belonged to her had suddenly been taken away.

Growing increasingly annoyed, Luo Tianyi suddenly turned around and pulled a small notebook out of the room.

She also had a charcoal pencil. She couldn't use the soft, flimsy brush, so she was more used to the charcoal pencil.

My sister has been completely bewitched by my brother-in-law. Even if she saw this scene, she probably wouldn't be angry. She might even be happy because there's another woman taking care of my brother-in-law... She wants to remember everything she sees so that she can show it to her mother when she returns to Pingyang.

hum.

Mother will definitely punish this philandering brother-in-law severely.

Thinking this, Luo Tianyi smugly began to write: "Brother-in-law and Bu Yu are having an affair..."

On the small notebook, the handwriting was crooked and messy, with three typos in one sentence, and there was a pause from time to time, followed by a small hand holding a charcoal pencil to draw a black blob.

After thinking for a moment, she added, "And it even got me all horny!"

……

Song Yan had no idea that his sister-in-law was secretly recording his every move in a small notebook.

He asked Bu Yu about the person's approximate appearance. Since Bu Yu hadn't paid much attention to the person, she didn't remember him very clearly, but in terms of height and build, he was extremely similar to Song An.

Bu Yu encountered Song An, something Song Yan had never expected.

However, if Song An really was the mastermind behind hiring Ghost Cave to murder Bu Yu, how did he know Bu Yu? And how did he know that Bu Yu was one of his people?

Could it be that Song An has planted spies in the Duke's mansion?

In an instant, all sorts of thoughts flooded his mind. His fingers involuntarily began to tap rhythmically on the stone tabletop as various thoughts and memories surged wildly through his mind.

It was a mess, and Song Yan was trying to connect it into a line.

The son of the Ghost Cave Master once said that the employer who assassinated Bu Yu was a young man wearing a mask... The man dressed as a scholar or nobleman, but in the eyes of the Ghost Cave Master's son, the man was more like a businessman.

Song An was a businessman.

Perhaps the mastermind's target isn't Bu Yu, but Song Yan?

Knowing that Luo Tianyi was a ninth-rank martial artist, the other party understood that with Luo Tianyi present, killing him head-on would be extremely difficult. Therefore, he deliberately set a trap, using Bu Yu as bait to lure him into the Ghost Cave. The Ghost Cave contained two ninth-rank martial artists, and even if Luo Tianyi was extremely strong, he would definitely not be a match for the Ghost Cave Master and the Grand Elder working together.

In this way, one can use the power of the Ghost Cave to eliminate oneself openly and legitimately.

All he needed to give up was a little silver. For ordinary people, silver was naturally a very precious commodity, but for wealthy merchants and powerful families, silver was just a number.

What a clever scheme to use someone else to do the dirty work.

Although the plan was simple, its success rate was extremely high in retrospect. If Song Yan hadn't had two Grandmasters, Hua Lian Yue and Luo Tian Xuan, by his side to rely on, he probably wouldn't even know how he died. Recalling it, Song Yan was horrified, followed by excitement; he had finally met a different kind of opponent.

Seeing that Song Yan remained silent, his expression became solemn.

Bu Yu bit her lip, feeling inexplicably flustered. She worried that she might be being targeted by the Ghost Cave and had caused trouble for her young master. After a slight hesitation, Bu Yu slowly said, "Young master, there's no need to worry."

"I will deal with the Ghost Cave myself once my injuries have healed."

deal with?

It's more likely they'll be dealt with.

He'll probably die.

I've heard that there are ninth-rank martial artists in the Ghost Cave. With my seventh-rank cultivation, facing the Ghost Cave is as laughable as a mantis trying to stop a chariot.

However, we must not let the trouble involve the young master.

Hearing this, Song Yan, who was concentrating on thinking, subconsciously hummed in agreement: "You mean the Ghost Cave?"

"Don't worry, the Ghost Cave has been destroyed."

"Huh?" Bu Yu looked up in surprise. That was the Ghost Cave, which was guarded by a ninth-rank martial artist. It was destroyed just like that?

"Yes, that's right. The day after I met you, I led my men into the Eastern Tomb Dark Ditch. Two ninth-rank martial artists from Ghost Cave, the cave master and the grand elder were killed... I even personally killed the cave master."

"All 1,900 members of the Ghost Cave were killed."

"Including the protective umbrella of the Ghost Cave, all 203 officials in the court had their heads crushed."

"From then on, there were no more ghost caves in the Eastern Tombs."

hum.

Bu Yu's heart skipped a beat.

His breathing became slightly rapid.

Her face grew increasingly flushed, and her large eyes were filled with moisture.

The day after they met, he destroyed the Ghost Cave and eliminated 203 protectors in the court? How could he go to such lengths for me? Was I really that important to him? Just because I was injured, he caused such a commotion in the capital of Ning Kingdom?

For some reason, Bu Yu felt her fingers trembling slightly.

An indescribable burning sensation filled her chest, and her heart pounded as if it would leap out of her chest. In all these years, this was the first time she had ever encountered someone who cared for and valued her so much.

A thought, almost uncontrollably, jumped out of her mind: Does he...do he like me?
Just then, Song Yan slowly straightened up: "Let me help you back to your room to rest. I'm sorry, I have some things to take care of right away."

Bu Yu's body suddenly twitched, as if Song Yan's words had startled her from her own world, and her vision was somewhat dazed: "You may go now."

"I want to be alone for a while. It's fine. I have maids here, so I don't have to worry about being left unattended if anything happens."

Song Yan glanced around and saw that there were indeed quite a few maids in the guest courtyard, ready to serve at any time. He felt somewhat relieved.

He nodded and said, "Then you need to be careful. Your body is still very weak, so you should focus on resting right now."

"If you want to watch the beheading, you can ask the Fang family to arrange a carriage."

After giving her some careful instructions, Song Yan walked out of the Fang residence. Seeing that Luo Tianyi didn't seem to be following, Zi Yu straightened her clothes and followed behind.

Bu Yu quietly watched Song Yan's retreating figure.

As she watched, a faint, gentle smile appeared on her face: "What woman has nothing better to do than watch a beheading?"

As expected of a young master, he is indeed different from others.

Confucius once said: Women in love are always blind.

The ancients are not deceived by me.

……

The Prefect of Dongling Prefecture was a very special position.

It is of a relatively high rank, a third-rank official.

The rank was far higher than that of an ordinary prefect, and on par with a governor. However, the actual influence was far greater than that of an ordinary governor, because the Prefect of Dongling Prefecture had two special powers.

First, report directly to the emperor.

The memorials submitted by the Prefect of Dongling Prefecture could reach the Emperor directly without going through the Six Ministries, the Ministry of Personnel, or the Secretariat.

Secondly, as the highest-ranking official of the Eastern Mausoleum Prefecture, the Prefect of the Eastern Mausoleum Prefecture could intervene across departments under certain special circumstances. When handling major and urgent cases, he could even request the cooperation of the Six Ministries, the Censorate, and the Court of Judicial Review. In extreme cases, he could even overturn the judgments made by other government departments.

Although his rank was one grade lower than that of the six ministers, his actual power was not much different from that of the six ministers.

Furthermore, because the Prefect of Dongling Prefecture had to handle all matters, large and small, throughout the entire city of Dongling every day, his duties were extremely busy and complex. Therefore, the Prefect of Dongling Prefecture had a special right: he could skip court sessions unless absolutely necessary. Of course, this privilege of not attending court sessions was not excessive; he still had to set aside a few days each month to attend court and report his work to the emperor, and some special matters also required the emperor's approval.

Song Yan then went to Dongling Prefecture. Given his relationship with Fangshan, it wouldn't be difficult for him to borrow some servants from Fangshan.

If Fang Shan was polite to Song Yan before because of his father, now he admires Song Yan from the bottom of his heart. Because of Song Yan, Fang Shan also gained a considerable amount of merit. Although it was not a military achievement and he could not be granted a title, he still received many other benefits.

Fang Shan personally led a group of constables straight to the place where Song Huai and Song Yi had temporarily rented in the outer city after leaving the Ministry of Works' residence.

However, when the group arrived at the residence, it was already empty.

Song Yan glanced around the room briefly, noting the luggage, various daily necessities, and even some silver coins. It seemed the two had simply gone out and might return at any moment. Fang Shan then ordered his men to search the area. Just then, a figure rushed over, and turning around, he recognized the person as a familiar face.

Yang Rui, the eldest son of Yang Guochen.

Yang Hetong's most beloved grandson.

However, Yang Rui seemed out of sorts. He appeared to have rushed over, his forehead beaded with sweat, his face flushed, and he was panting heavily, looking quite exhausted. Upon seeing Song Yan, he let out a long sigh of relief and composed himself: "My lord, something has happened."

Fang Shan's eyes flickered, then he waved his hand and left with his men, even closing the door behind him. The Fang and Yang families were at odds, but at this moment, Fang Shan still gave the two of them ample space.

The large room was now empty except for Song Yan and Yang Rui.

"What's the matter?"

Yang Rui pursed his lips, his tone now completely back to normal, his face full of regret: "Yesterday, the Marquis was assassinated in front of the Yang residence. My grandfather was furious and vowed to investigate the matter thoroughly, not to let such slander be unjustly leveled against the Yang family. No one in the Yang family rested all night. After a meticulous investigation, the trail led back to the Imperial Guards, suspected to be related to Song Jing. Therefore, the Yang residence sent people to the Imperial Guards' barracks early this morning, but who knew…"

"Song Jing has disappeared."

Although he had already guessed it, Song Yan still couldn't help but raise an eyebrow upon hearing this.

"Song Jing is missing? What a coincidence, Song Huai and Song Yi are also missing." Song Yan smiled, his face showing no sign of tension or anger.

Deep within his eyes, there was even a hint of eager excitement.

It seems they've finally met their match.

At this moment, Song Yan was completely certain that Song An was manipulating the whole thing.

Although Song Huai was talented, he lacked quick wit.

Song Yi is a scoundrel.

Song Jing is even more brainless.

The three of them were perhaps filled with hatred, but they had no way to do anything except for impotent rage.

Only someone with extensive business experience like Song An could possess such a mind, vaguely sensing his own backup plan against Song Yi and Song Jing, perceiving the danger, and then resolutely abandoning everything to leave Dongling. Previously, he had almost lost his life using Bu Yu and the Ghost Cave; now, he was using the Yang family to deal with Song Jing; and his plan to use the forged secret letter to eliminate Song Yi was also failing…

The revenge has been going smoothly all along, and it's really unexpected that among the eight sons of the Yang family, there is such an outstanding individual as Song An.

That's interesting, really interesting.

Song An, oh Song An, since you want to play, then play it properly.

Yang Rui's expression turned serious: "So what should we do next..."

“Since they’ve already run away, they won’t be easy to find.” Song Yan casually pulled up a chair and sat down. On the table were some things that Song Huai hadn’t had time to take away.

For example, a list of officials in Dongling City who might help him recover.

For example, correspondence with others.

His fingers traced the letters: "He is wanted for allegedly colluding with the Ghost Cave to murder a member of the royal family."

"Song Huai, Song Yi, Song Jing, and Song An, don't forget any of them."

"Even if they wanted to run, we wouldn't let them run so easily."

"After that, I will not pursue the matter of the assassination attempt I had in front of the Yang residence."

Yang Rui grinned, his gaze towards Song Yan becoming somewhat strange. This man was truly ruthless. With only five brothers left, he was immediately issuing warrants for the arrest of four. Was he planning to wipe out Song Hongtao's entire family line?
Although he usually addressed the Song family members as brothers, he was not a true friend.

The relationship isn't that close.

If sacrificing these people can persuade Song Yan to drop the matter, then that would naturally be a good thing.

After bowing slightly, Yang Rui agreed to the matter and then turned to leave.

As for Song Yan casually picking up a letter, showing no regard for privacy, he tore open the envelope. Originally, Song Yan didn't pay much attention to these letters, figuring that they were mostly just Song Huai trying to curry favor with some high-ranking officials. But as he looked at them, Song Yan's brows furrowed.

This letter was written by Song Hongtao.

The core message of the letter is only one sentence:
Kill Song Yan, kill your other brothers, and the Dukeship will be yours!
Madness permeates every line!

(End of this chapter)