Chapter 21: Resolving Grievances

Ignoring Chun Tao, he simply used a cloth to cover her mouth. Keeping her alive now was merely a repayment for the kindness she showed by standing in front of Rong Mother when the family fell apart.

Ying Ran didn't linger any longer, turning around and leaving the room, avoiding the crowd to return to Li Niang's room. There were no others around the room; it seemed the mysterious man in black had dealt with them.

At this moment, Li Niang was still asleep, aware that the black-clothed man had drugged her. He had already given her the antidote. Ying Ran casually tore off the bedsheet, tightly securing Li Niang to the noblewoman's chair. Then, she let her smell the antidote.

Li Niang immediately woke up. Seeing herself tied to the chair, she couldn't help but get angry. "You, why tie me up? Have I treated you too well in normal days? Quickly untie me!"

Recalling the past, Ying Ran spoke directly, "Did you coerce my mother?"

"You know about it?" Li Niang felt relieved hearing Ying Ran's question. She didn't struggle anymore, nor did she explain much.

"It's you!" Ying Ran said with anger, realizing that Li Niang, whom she thought was kind, was the demon by her side. She regretted feeling grateful to her.

"I've killed Lord Jin. Whether you and my mother owe each other for saving your lives or for education, I've followed my father's teachings—repaying kindness. But my mother suffered so much, and you were involved. I always distinguish between gratitude and resentment."

Hearing the first part, Li Niang was shocked, but she thought Ying Ran was joking. When Ying Ran picked up a candle nearby, she realized she was serious.

"Do you want to kill me?" Li Niang asked.

Ying Ran shook her head, dripped the candle oil on the floor, and slowly said, "Life and death are fate. I won't kill you directly. Consider it repaying your kindness and the kindness of teaching me. If you can survive, our grievances will be settled."

After speaking, Ying Ran set the bamboo curtain and the curtains on the bed on fire and walked out directly.

Seeing flames rising around her, Li Niang instinctively struggled to avoid, but she didn't scream. Only when the flames approached the noblewoman's chair did she give up struggling.

She was right. She had her share of tortures on Rong Mother. This was a repayment and atonement. As Li Niang thought this, she went completely quiet, lying quietly on the chair, feeling the burning sensation on her skin and the increasingly blocked throat.

'If there is another life, I hope the gods will show mercy. I don't want to be born as a woman again.' Amid the crackling flames, Li Niang slowly closed her eyes.

Li Niang's room was on the top floor of the left-wing, and when the flames first spread, no one noticed here. It wasn't until thick smoke rose, engulfing surrounding rooms, and the fire blazed high, that people realized something was wrong.

People who were indulging in pleasures here rushed out, and the city's fire brigade, seeing the flames, hurriedly came to extinguish the fire. Despite their efforts, they couldn't match the speed of the spreading fire due to the strong wind.

The patrolling city guards saw the situation and quickly guided people to evacuate to a safer place, letting the fire burn freely. It took a full fifteen minutes before a sudden rain saved this disaster.

After the flames were completely extinguished, the magnificent building was already in ruins.

At this time, the city guards had called for reinforcements. Some were responsible for counting casualties, investigating the cause of the fire, and transporting the injured to a central medical treatment point. Everyone was busy.

On another high-rise, a large and a small figure stood, coldly watching the human purgatory they had created.

"Satisfied?" The man in black asked casually.

Ying Ran, beside him, did not answer. Her expression remained unchanged, only asking, "Speak, what do you want?"

The man chuckled lightly and said, "You will know in the future. Besides, we are already on the same side."

Ying Ran turned her head in confusion, blurting out, "We?"

The man didn't hide it and directly said, "Exactly, now you are not only a fugitive but also involved in a murder case. Why not come back with me? Besides, don't you want to know the truth about the Rong family's rebellion?"

The man seemed to be asking for Ying Ran's thoughts, but he was confident she would go with him.

After hearing the man's words, Ying Ran stared at his eyes, silent for a long time before speaking, "I can go with you, but I want to know who you people really are."

The man in black, initially serious, couldn't help but laugh when he heard Ying Ran's words. After all, she was still a child; her question was merely seeking peace of mind.

The man in black replied, "Jueqing Pavilion, an assassin organization specialized in solving troubles."

He didn't lie, but this was only the business Jueqing Pavilion claimed to do on the surface.

Ying Ran had never heard of this organization, but considering it wasn't something ordinary people could easily come into contact with, she stopped questioning.

Continuing to inquire, Ying Ran asked, "If I go back with you, will I be able to learn the truth behind the Rong family case?"

"Let's talk about it after you truly join Jueqing Pavilion. After all, those without strength and utility don't have the qualifications to understand the truth," the expressionless man replied.

Though his words were harsh, they were the truth. Ying Ran didn't get angry; she simply nodded, agreeing to go back with him.

After reaching an understanding, the man said, "Let's go. I'll take you to see your mother and sister."

With that, he embraced Ying Ran and swiftly flew towards the outskirts of the capital.

Ying Ran was surprised. It had only been a short moment from her killing to setting fire to Li Qing Tower. Yet, this man had already taken her mother and sister outside the capital. Besides the time constraint, passing through the guarded city gate would not have been easy. It indicated that someone was assisting him.

Ying Ran then glanced deeply at the man, thinking, 'Jueqing Pavilion... No matter what kind of place it is, I will explore it. I hope to learn the truth behind the Rong family case soon.'

The man had great strength, and carrying Ying Ran was effortless. They didn't stop for a break along the way, so Ying Ran hadn't fully experienced the wonder of flying in the air before they arrived at their destination.

They arrived at a tea stall, surrounded by a few scattered thatched houses, seemingly used for brief rests for passersby. Ying Ran didn't mind and followed the man into one of the houses.

When Ying Ran touched Rong Mother again, her body had already started to cool, and Ying Huanhuan was still lying on the other side, not yet awake.

"Please give me the antidote," Ying Ran requested.

The man hesitated for a moment but eventually took out a deep red pill from his pocket and gave it to Ying Huanhuan.

Ying Ran knew what he was worried about, but she still wanted Huanhuan to see their mother one last time. As for the rest, she had prepared her words in her heart.

After taking the antidote, Huanhuan woke up in a short while. Although it wasn't the same room as before, seeing her mother and sister in front of her, she didn't panic.

"Sister, where are we?" Huanhuan rubbed her eyes and asked.

Instead of answering directly, Ying Ran asked, "Huanhuan, we've left Li Qing Tower. Are you happy?"

"Really?! Am I not dreaming? No more staying in that room, it's so good! Mother, Mother~"

As Huanhuan excitedly continued, she began shaking Rong Mother's hand, wanting to wake her up to share her joy. After shaking several times with no response, she finally paid attention to Rong Mother's appearance: grey complexion, a small blood hole in the neck. She reached out to check Rong Mother's pulse, feeling only icy coldness, no pulse.

"Sister, what happened to Mother?" Huanhuan asked slowly, thinking it was her lack of skill that caused this, not...

"Huanhuan, Mother has passed away."

"Impossible! How could it be? Mother said last night that she would make osmanthus cake for me tomorrow. You're lying! You're lying!" Huanhuan burst into tears.

"Huanhuan!" Ying Ran snapped her sister's shoulder back into place, sternly shouting. Seeing her sister frightened, she continued in a gentler tone, "Huanhuan, Mother has indeed passed away, but don't be afraid. From now on, your sister will take care of you and protect you!"

Huanhuan only threw herself into Ying Ran's arms, crying and calling, "Sister~ Sister~"

After Huanhuan cried enough, she sat up slightly, taking a last look at Rong Mother. However, she didn't ask Ying Ran how their mother died or what they should do next.

She only knew that these things were no longer important. In the future, she only had her sister. Whatever her sister wanted to say, she would listen. Wherever her sister wanted to go, she would go.

After the two stabilized their emotions, the man in black helped Ying Ran bury Rong Mother simply and erected a wordless stele in front of the grave. Then, he walked into the darkness with Ying Ran.

Meanwhile, hurried footsteps broke the tranquility of the mansion.

"Master Xiang, the investigation results are out. Someone deliberately set the fire, and the starting point was in Li Niang's room," the person kneeling down reported.

"Oh? Have they caught the arsonist?" Xiang Master Su asked.

The speaker was Prime Minister Jiu Wanzhou of the Great Li Dynasty. He was dressed in a purple-gold robe with wide sleeves, wearing a crown adorned with auspicious clouds. He had a scholarly and handsome appearance, standing like a tall pine tree, sitting like a bamboo grove. A quick glance made people feel that all literati and inkmen should look like this.

"Not yet, but..." The messenger hesitated.

"Speak," Lord Su glanced at the person on the ground and urged.

"Yes, Master Su. According to the city guard's report, they found the corpse of the Golden Guard Leader inside the building. Examination revealed a knife wound on his chest, indicating the primary cause of death. Considering the frequent interactions between the Golden Guard Leader and Li Niang, it is suspected to be a crime of passion."

"Heh~" Master Su laughed lightly, swayed the tea in the teacup, and continued, "The capabilities of the city guard seem to be regressing more and more."

"Lord Su, what do you mean?" the messenger asked nervously.

Su Xiang took a sip of tea, then placed the cup on the table and slowly said, "Let me ask you, what was the cause of Li Niang's death, and did the two die together?"

"Li Niang was burned to death, and the two did not die together," the messenger truthfully replied. However, after saying the second part, he couldn't help but wonder if Lord Su had some foresight. Otherwise, why would he ask such a question? He had just learned about the situation from the city guard.

Looking at the person on the ground with a puzzled expression, Su Xiang was in a good mood. Intelligent people were useful, but those who were not only intelligent but also obedient were even more suitable for him.

Thinking about the information received from the undercover guards, Su Xiang patiently hinted, "It is said that, apart from Li Niang, the Golden Guard Leader also had a keen interest in another woman in the building. Have you found this woman?"

The messenger had heard about this scandal. It was said that the Golden Guard Leader was interested in a girl in the building, visiting her ten times or more every month for the past six years. However, this girl was well hidden by Li Niang, never revealing her identity or receiving guests other than the Golden Guard Leader.

Su Xiang was different; he knew who the girl was and her identity. But now, he wasn't sure if this arson case was related to her. If it was indeed related, it might be connected to the Rong family case from six years ago.

Su Xiang squinted his eyes, thinking that this matter needed to be investigated, but it couldn't be done by his people. The one in power now was very suspicious, probably because of his own illegitimate rise, suspecting that those under him harbored ambitions.

"The city guard did not mention this woman," the messenger said, then added, "Understood."

"Do it without leaving a trace."

After hearing Su Xiang's instructions, the messenger withdrew.

On the other side, the man in black brought Ying Ran and her sister to Jueqing Pavilion, but instead of placing them in the pavilion, he brought them to a place at the foot of a nearby mountain.

"Wait here; I'll be back in a while. I'll come to find you later," he said.

The three had become quite familiar on the journey, and now there wasn't much to say. Ying Ran only nodded at the man, indicating that she and Xiner would wait for him here.

With a light step, the man effortlessly reached the top of another mountain.

"Back, Jing'an," a man in blue clothes greeted the man in black.

"Indeed, tired to death. Li Chenghe, you have to compensate me well for this," Jing'an said as he leaned on the man in blue clothes. He really looked like a fragile appearance. If Ying Ran saw him like this, she would probably be shocked.

Li Chenghe, the man in blue clothes, just smiled, not pushing him away. Instead, he gently supported Jing'an's body, saying in a cheerful tone, "Sure, tonight, I'll add chicken legs for you."

"Then I want two!" Jing'an immediately stood upright, speaking and gesturing with his hands. Seeing him like this, Li Chenghe couldn't help but be amused.

Jing'an looked at Li Chenghe with joy and relief. Little did he know that since the capital's military upheaval six years ago, he had rarely smiled.

"Alright, stop fooling around. Did things go smoothly with what you were supposed to do this time?" Li Chenghe asked.

"I've brought the people back. They're at the foot of Cuijue Peak," Jing'an stopped joking and answered seriously. Then he went on to explain the process of rescuing the Rong sisters.

"It seems that rumors are not entirely trustworthy. Her temper is unexpectedly fierce," Li Chenghe said thoughtfully.

Jing'an said, "In any case, it's beyond my expectations. But I don't think it's fierceness. Ying Ran is just a few years old, yet she can ruthlessly kill her enemies without hesitation. She's resilient. If we can use her, it will only add strength to Jueqing Pavilion's plans."

"That's true, but... let her rest for a while. Arrange for someone to ensure their safety. Let them stay there for now," Li Chenghe suggested.

"Alright."

Jing'an agreed verbally, but in his heart, he sighed. Li Chenghe was still soft-hearted. Perhaps that was due to his innate kindness and upbringing. Even though he was in the darkness now, there were some things that were hard to erase completely. At the same time, Jing'an felt fortunate for him, thankful that he hadn't completely lost himself.

Ying Ran and her sister, who had been waiting at the foot of the mountain, didn't get to see Jing'an again. Instead, two black-clad individuals arrived and took them to a thatched house near the mountain. After explaining the situation, they retreated, only returning every morning to provide some food for the two to survive.

Ying Ran didn't know what had happened. Since they parted at the foot of the mountain, she had never seen Jing'an again. Initially, she thought it was a test.

But as the years passed, without anyone coming to tell her the truth behind the Rong family case, without anyone disturbing their lives with Ying Huanhuan, she began to wonder if everything related to the Rong family and the subsequent events were just a dream.

Later, the two black-clad individuals stopped coming, replaced by two others. They tied up Ying Ran and Ying Huanhuan and threw them into a dimly lit room. Inside, there were also some children of similar age.

........

"Ranran, what's wrong?" 

Ying Ran was still immersed in her memories until Dong Lier spoke to her, and she slowly snapped back to reality.

"I'm fine. I was just thanking my master earlier, and I got so happy that I forgot to stand up," Ying Ran answered with a wry smile.

Dong Lier was curious and asked, "What happened? What made you so happy? Tell me about it."

Ying Ran pondered for a moment. Considering that Dong Lier hadn't been too nosy along the way and thinking that she might need her help in the future, she decided to be straightforward, saying, "Master is planning to take Huanhuan as her disciple. I'm happy for her."

"What? Wasn't it supposed to be you she was taking? How did it become Huanhuan? Or did she decide to take both of you?" Dong Lier was even more puzzled. Ying Ran had been out for a while, and things had taken a different turn. She had hoped to gather some information during this trip.

Seeing Dong Lier's confused expression, Ying Ran had to explain the situation—how Jueqing Pavilion and Hu Yaoshi had agreed to take in only one of the sisters. She also added, "Huanhuan doesn't know yet. Please don't tell her for now."

Dong Lier felt sorry for Ying Ran but nodded in agreement.

At the same time, after hearing Ying Ran's explanation, Dong Lier began to think. Why would Jueqing Pavilion only accept one person? What was the reason behind it? Dong Lier couldn't understand. If the Rong sisters had a special status, why would they enter the pavilion in the same way as she did? If not, it made even less sense for Jueqing Pavilion to restrict their entry.

Dong Lier couldn't help but feel a headache coming on. The key to the problem seemed to lie within Jueqing Pavilion. She needed to find a way to investigate inside the pavilion.