My Gentle and Pure Sect Leader Husband - Chapter 57

Unlike the Jinyiwei who had branches throughout various regions to monitor officials and could execute first and report later, Zhuge Zhengwo of the Divine Marquis Zhuge’s Mansion was completely loyal to the emperor. He openly handled potential conflicts between the court and the martial world, while also bearing responsibility for maintaining order in the imperial city and ensuring the emperor’s safety.

Zhuge Zhengwo had four disciples whose reputation as the Four Great Constables was known throughout both official and martial circles. When local authorities or the Liu Shanmen encountered strange or difficult cases they couldn’t investigate further, rather than turning to the mysteriously fierce Jinyiwei, they would first report to the Divine Marquis Mansion for investigation.

As the leader of another organization with similar responsibilities under the emperor, Yan Hongyin deliberately avoided Zhuge Zhengwo and his disciples to prevent suspicion. If the emperor discovered her past connection with the Divine Marquis Mansion, it would be like a guillotine hanging over both their heads.

What Yan Hongyin hadn’t expected was that Zhuge Zhengwo had been secretly searching for renowned physicians to treat his eldest disciple Wuqing’s legs and poison, and one day, he approached Yan Hongyin.

Yan Hongyin didn’t typically treat martial artists, but she had saved quite a few nobles, family heirs who traveled in the martial world, and righteous martial heroes who had sought her help through various connections.

One could say that while the position of Jinyiwei Dark Division Commander made people tremble with fear and dread, Yan Hongyin’s reputation as a divine physician made people eagerly seek her out.

However, Yan Hongyin practiced medicine discreetly. Those she had treated were generally unwilling to reveal her whereabouts or appearance. Very few patients intentionally sought her out; most could only reach her through complex connections.

When Zhuge Zhengwo initially delivered his request for treatment through intermediaries, Yan Hongyin happened to be trapped in the same dark pit as Wuqing, who was investigating a case.

The difference was that Yan Hongyin had officially gone to the mountain to gather herbs while secretly investigating a case of illegal weapons manufacturing, and the cave happened to be an exit. Wuqing, on the other hand, had fallen in while investigating the mysterious disappearance of corpses from a charitable mortuary after being ambushed.

Afterward, Yan Hongyin in her physician identity developed a connection with the Divine Marquis Mansion, but concerned about revealing her other identity, she didn’t deepen this relationship. She only agreed to treat Wuqing.

So this was Yan Hongyin’s first visit to the Divine Marquis Mansion.

The mansion had four towers, each guarded by one of Zhuge Zhengwo’s four disciples. Wuqing’s tower contained countless treasures, paintings, and rare books, with ingenious mechanisms spread throughout.

Though unable to practice martial arts or walk, Wuqing’s mechanisms and hidden weapons had reached a level that inspired awe throughout the martial world, demonstrating his determined mind and resilient character.

Wuqing happened to be in the capital at this time, but Yan Hongyin arrived so hastily that he hadn’t had time to prepare after receiving her calling card before she arrived with her disciple at the mansion’s gate.

“Doctor Yan, this is truly troubling you,” said Wuqing.

Though already past thirty, Wuqing appeared very thin due to the strange poison in his body and his inability to walk. His difficult experiences had given his features a sharp, cold edge like a knife blade, but when facing Yan Hongyin, his eyes revealed a touch of gentle warmth.

Standing beside the horse, Yan Hongyin lifted Ximen Chuixue down from the saddle, took the flowerpot from his arms and handed it to Wuqing, then massaged her disciple’s stiff arms that had tightly held the pot throughout the journey.

They had ridden hard the whole way, which Yan Hongyin was accustomed to, but Ximen Chuixue was still young and somewhat strained by the journey.

“This is your medicinal herb for treatment. Though small, its medicinal properties are excellent,” Yan Hongyin said, her mind preoccupied with other matters. She didn’t bother with pleasantries. “No need for courtesy; my fee isn’t cheap. Constable Sheng can pay it later.”

Ximen Chuixue took a deliberate look at Wuqing.

As the senior brother among the Four Great Constables, he had heard of Wuqing’s reputation. Moreover, Wuqing’s situation was somewhat similar to his own, though he had been fortunate enough to meet his uncle and master in time.

As servants led the horses away, Wuqing carefully held the inconspicuous-looking potted plant on his knees and moved his wheelchair forward with the other two following into the mansion. Hearing Yan Hongyin’s words, he responded seriously, “The debt of gratitude for Doctor Yan’s treatment will remain in Wuqing’s heart. Regardless of the outcome, if Doctor Yan requires anything, I would face death without hesitation.”

Wuqing’s promise naturally carried tremendous weight.

But he didn’t make his promise rashly.

They had investigated this Doctor Yan’s temperament, character, and background. A physician with connections to the martial world who, though treating sensitive nobles, never involved herself in court politics—truly a divine physician who knew exactly what she pursued.

“Hmm… it’s not difficult,” Yan Hongyin was silent for a moment before asking, “Is the Divine Marquis in the mansion?”

Wuqing looked at Yan Hongyin with some surprise and replied, “Uncle has been in the palace these past two days. If Doctor Yan has business with him, I’m afraid you’ll have to wait a couple of days.”

“It’s fine. I’ll start treating your poison first. My matter isn’t urgent and can wait until the Divine Marquis returns,” Yan Hongyin knew what Zhuge Zhengwo was doing in the palace.

Half of the emperor’s secret guards came from the Jinyiwei and half were trained by Zhuge Zhengwo. He was likely handling this matter now—with Princess Qu Ya about to select a prince consort, though others didn’t know who would be chosen, Zhuge Zhengwo, as the emperor’s confidant, certainly knew.

During this period, the capital’s security would likely be heightened by several levels.

Wuqing arranged for the master and disciple to stay in an independent courtyard close to the small tower.

“There are some rare medical texts in the tower. Doctor Yan may browse them if interested,” Wuqing handed Yan Hongyin a token. “However, my master’s distinguished guest is also staying in the Divine Marquis Mansion these days and often visits the tower. Doctor Yan needn’t be too anxious if you encounter him.”

Yan Hongyin took the token and put it away as Wuqing turned his wheelchair, preparing to leave.

After all, Yan Hongyin and the child appeared to have rushed here on horseback, so it wouldn’t make sense to begin treatment today.

But just as he finished speaking, the three people standing in front of the courtyard directly encountered the “distinguished guest” who had just been mentioned.

This was a very scholarly and amiable-looking man. His azure blue robe was luxurious and elegant, making him look more like a noble than someone from the martial world. Yet when he first arrived at the Divine Marquis Mansion, Wuqing had witnessed him fighting Zhuge Zhengwo to a draw, with mysterious movements and immeasurably profound martial arts.

“Elder Wang.”

Wuqing truly hadn’t expected this elder, who usually didn’t appear during the day, to coincidentally show up just as he was mentioned. A flash of vigilance crossed his eyes.

Yan Hongyin looked at this “Elder Wang” before her and twitched her lips.

Wang Lianhua, who had fled to the Divine Marquis Mansion only to directly encounter his daughter, was speechless.

In some ways, the father and daughter’s methods of hiding were quite similar—both specifically targeting the Divine Marquis Mansion.

But then again, the Divine Marquis Mansion was indeed the only place beyond the reach of both the Jinyiwei and the Luocha Sect.

With his sharp perception, Wuqing quickly sensed the strange and awkward atmosphere between the two. He lowered his eyes slightly before smiling. “Does Doctor Yan know Elder Wang?”

Wang Lianhua didn’t speak, looking toward Yan Hongyin.

He didn’t understand why Yan Hongyin had come to the Divine Marquis Mansion as a physician, so he gave her the initiative.

Yan Hongyin paused briefly before calling out to Wang Lianhua, “…Master.”

In fact, referring to Wang Lianhua as Yan Hongyin’s master wasn’t incorrect.

In truth, both Yan Hongyin’s father and mother were considered her masters—in the same capacity.

Wang Lianhua’s chest heaved violently at this acknowledgment.

Since Xiao Yin’er had acknowledged him as master, surely acknowledging him as father wasn’t far behind!

“Xiao…cough, Ah Yin, what brings you to the Divine Marquis Mansion?” Wang Lianhua swallowed the term of endearment that had almost escaped his lips due to Yan Hongyin’s warning glance.

“Ah Lou accidentally grew some Golden Silk Intertwining Grass,” Yan Hongyin pointed to the unassuming small plant on Wuqing’s lap.

Wang Lianhua certainly knew what Golden Silk Intertwining Grass was, which was precisely why he found it surprising.

He stepped closer to carefully examine the Golden Silk Intertwining Grass on Wuqing’s knee, his eyes flickering momentarily before looking at Yan Hongyin. “I still have some seeds I collected previously…”

Yan Hongyin sighed in exasperation. “Then you can discuss that with Ah Lou yourself.”

They couldn’t expect a seven-year-old child to stay cooped up at home growing medicinal herbs all day.

Although Wuqing was surprised by Yan Hongyin’s relationship with Elder Wang, this elder’s identity and background had always been mysterious. His uncle had instructed him not to be negligent nor investigate deeply, suggesting he knew something about it.

Thinking he should write a letter to send to the palace, Wuqing observed that the two didn’t seem inclined to catch up in front of others, so he left the courtyard with the pot of Golden Silk Intertwining Grass.

After sending little Ximen to rest, when only she and Wang Lianhua remained in the courtyard, Yan Hongyin spoke first, “You went beyond the frontier recently?”

Wang Lianhua wasn’t surprised that Yan Hongyin knew his whereabouts.

He had learned from Ah Fei about Bai Feifei’s burial place, but the Kunlun Snow Mountains stretched for thousands of miles, making it impossible to find bones buried many years ago. Wang Lianhua had gone merely to pay respects to the deceased.

However, he had discovered something in a hidden compartment of Bai Feifei and Ah Fei’s former residence. For this reason, he had deliberately shed all the tails watching him and gone alone to the Loulan ruins.

In those days, King Kuai Huo had occupied that ancient city, bringing disaster to the surrounding areas. As his son, Wang Lianhua was naturally familiar with the place, but since King Kuai Huo and Immortal Lady Yunmeng perished together, Wang Lianhua had never set foot there again.

If not for what Bai Feifei had left behind, Wang Lianhua would never have discovered that the Loulan ruins King Kuai Huo had occupied were merely a facade for the outer city. The true ancient city of Loulan was actually at the other end of a passage connecting to those ruins.

“He’s built a city beyond the frontier. Did you know this?” Wang Lianhua watched Yan Hongyin’s expression change.

In the past, Loulan had been a great nation. Today, the thirty-six small kingdoms beyond the frontier were more like tribes than countries, with populations of only hundreds gathered in one place. But the city Yu Luocha had established now housed tens of thousands of people. The city’s inhabitants weren’t just foreigners; it had agriculture, commerce, manufacturing—everything complete.

Yu Luocha had openly established the Luocha Sect while using the wealth acquired by the sect to sustain an entire city.

Even if Yu Luocha wasn’t stockpiling weapons, the fact that he controlled a city and its people would completely change the emperor’s attitude toward the Luocha Sect if the information reached his ears.

This was practically equivalent to rebellion.

After discovering this, Wang Lianhua regretted giving Yu Luocha that dual cultivation technique.

“I know a little,” Yan Hongyin said directly. “I’ve always wanted to see it for myself.”

This wasn’t actually something Yan Hongyin had investigated; Yu Luocha had reported it to her himself.

Wang Lianhua let out a scornful laugh.

“Did he tell you how large the city is?”

Yan Hongyin fell silent for a moment, raising an eyebrow.

Wang Lianhua’s expression had already revealed everything.

Yan Hongyin looked away, pondered for a moment, then said, “That does make things difficult.”

She hoped that when His Majesty learned the details in the future, his reaction wouldn’t be too extreme.

The information Yan Hongyin had disclosed to the emperor wasn’t incorrect, but she had deliberately concealed certain aspects. Once the marriage alliance between the imperial family and Loulan was settled, Loulan’s reputation as a friendly state to the Great Ming would be established, whether as a vassal or neighboring country. At least for several decades, Loulan’s peace would be secured.

Seeing Yan Hongyin’s calm attitude, Wang Lianhua thought of the widely circulated news about Princess Qu Ya’s marriage, and suddenly had a revelation, “You’re scheming against him?!”

Yan Hongyin neither confirmed nor denied it.

Wang Lianhua understood one aspect, and everything else fell into place. “You made an agreement with him… for a marriage alliance?”

The emperor wouldn’t rashly arrange a marriage for Yan Hongyin unless Princess Qu Ya’s match was mutually beneficial for Yan Hongyin, the emperor, the court, and Loulan.

Though he didn’t know why Yan Hongyin would help Loulan this way—he instinctively felt it couldn’t be simply because of Yu Luocha—Wang Lianhua had never worried about Yan Hongyin’s strategic vision. In this regard, she could be said to have somewhat surpassed her teachers.

Wang Lianhua returned to the original topic, puzzled. “That being the case, you should be returning to the palace. What are you doing here?”

Yan Hongyin’s expression froze.

Wang Lianhua immediately thought of the dual cultivation manual, his gaze becoming meaningful.

“Did he give you the manual?”

“…”

“Oh, he wanted to try it, but Ah Yin, didn’t think it was appropriate?”

“…”

After two questions, Yan Hongyin was already fighting the urge to retreat back to her room.

“So, let me think…”

Wang Lianhua circled around Yan Hongyin with interest.

“Could it be that you didn’t know how to face that fellow’s advances, so you simply… ran away?”

Yan Hongyin couldn’t handle Wang Lianhua’s accurate guesses: “…”

Wang Lianhua’s gaze unconsciously fell on Yan Hongyin’s body, lingering for a moment at her lower abdomen.

As someone who had been there himself and suffered greatly, Wang Lianhua’s expression became strange as he hesitantly asked, “Did you run away with a child?”

Yan Hongyin’s eyes trembled.

Wang Lianhua’s face changed dramatically. “You—”

Realizing immediately, Yan Hongyin cut off his words, her expression flustered. “I came out with Ah Xue!”

Oh, this child.

Wang Lianhua immediately sighed in relief.

But then, after thinking for a moment, he tentatively said, “Actually, it would be fine if you were pregnant. The father of the child isn’t important. Father will help you, so…”

Yan Hongyin took a deep breath and gritted her teeth. “I’m not!”

Wang Lianhua looked somewhat embarrassed.

It wasn’t that he was overthinking things, but that he had truly suffered deeply from this in the past.

Fortunately, Xiao Yin’er didn’t take after her mother in this regard…