Chapter Eight: Spying on the Ye Residence, Caiyi and Her Pipa

Bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, Han Chong departed from the Xia residence, mounted his lean chestnut horse, and set off at a leisurely pace toward the Ye family estate in the western part of town.

On the way, he happened upon his four attendants loitering idly at a tavern by the street.

"You lot! Lazy scoundrels, I sent you to gather information on the townsfolk, and here you are drinking and jesting!"

Han Chong's face darkened as he barked a low reprimand.

"Boss, you're finally back! We've got important news to report!" The four of them jolted to attention, scampering over, grinning broadly, and covering their mouths as they snickered.

"Oh? What news do you have for me?" Han Chong’s expression shifted—could these four oafs have actually uncovered something of value?

"Boss, you have no idea! The maidens of Saltwater Town are all exceptionally lovely—prettier and more delicate than those in our county by far! It’s a veritable haven of beauties!"

"Knew it—you good-for-nothings never have your minds on the job! Hopeless!" Han Chong kicked the speaker aside, squeezed his horse's flanks, and continued onward.

"Hey, Boss, where are you going? Wait for us!"

The four attendants burst out laughing, straightened their hats with exaggerated care, and stumbled after him.

They were an odd bunch indeed—Lean Monkey was sharp and agile, not unlike the clever Monkey King himself; the round-faced one with the ever-present grin was as lecherous as Pigsy, always eyeing the girls; the burly constable was simple and honest, reminiscent of the gentle Friar Sand; and the last, with his handsome features, could easily be mistaken for a pampered young lord.

"We’re off to investigate at the Ye residence, of course. If you’re coming, then stay sharp!"

"Yes, sir! Knew you wouldn’t leave us behind!"

As soon as they heard the destination, the four brightened at the prospect of food and drink, hastily straightening their uniforms. With one hand on their swords and the other at their waists, they swaggered along, exuding an air of self-importance.

By now, all the townsfolk knew the chief constable had arrived that morning and put a stop to the feud between the Ye and Xia families. Seeing Han Chong and his retinue parading down the street, the people brought out food and wine in welcome, lining the road to greet them.

Han Chong nodded and waved graciously to the crowd, while his four attendants performed all manner of comic antics, drawing cheers and laughter—especially from the young women, who covered their mouths with handkerchiefs and gazed at them with admiration. This only made the four hold their heads higher, marching with even more swagger until they reached the grand gates of the Ye residence.

Unlike the Xia family’s home, which was built against the mountains, the Ye estate resembled an enormous fortress. "Imposing" was an understatement—it occupied nearly half the town. Twin stone lions with single horns crouched at the entrance, their eyes set with blood-red agate, fierce rather than auspicious. The great iron doors, lacquered with tung oil, were topped by a six-eaved ornate archway, rivaling even the county yamen in grandeur.

Six burly guards stood at attention on either side. When they saw Han Chong approach on horseback, they hurried to inform the steward. Soon, the sallow-faced man in black robes strode out to greet them.

"Ah, Chief Constable Han, what an honor! Please, come in! Steward, instruct the kitchen to roast a black calf and a mountain goat, and prepare nine meat dishes and ten vegetable sides. Fetch a thirty-year-old jar of Daughter’s Red from the cellar—we must drink heartily with Chief Constable Han today!"

Han Chong dismounted and saluted with a clasped fist. "Master Ye, there’s no need for such formality. My presence is already an imposition."

"No, no, Chief Constable! Your visit is our family’s great fortune. This way, please!"

The sallow-faced man’s smile was even more painful than a grimace. Once inside, past the marble screen wall, Han Chong saw the fortress for what it was—spacious, solid, and strictly organized. Towers loomed at each corner, guards patrolled the center, and the security rivaled that of the county prison.

"Master Ye, your estate is truly impenetrable—like walls of bronze and iron, more secure than the county jail itself!" Han Chong couldn’t help but marvel.

"Chief Constable Han, you have a discerning eye. My family has endured for nine generations and accumulated some wealth. We know to stay vigilant in peace, hence the fortress-like design. It’s our small contribution to the lasting peace of Saltwater Town!"

Ye Santong laughed heartily, quickening his pace as he led Han Chong into the main hall. The two of them took seats of honor, while maids served fine tea and the scent of sandalwood drifted from a carved bronze censer—truly a refreshing atmosphere.

"Heh heh, Chief Constable, did you learn anything at the Xia residence?" Ye Santong asked slyly, eyes flicking to Han Chong.

"Not much—just heard Miss Xia’s grievances."

"Be careful not to take that girl’s word as truth; she’s clever and not to be underestimated. But let’s set that aside for now. You’ve come a long way and must be tired. Someone, invite Miss Caiyi to play a tune for our guest!"

Ye Santong thought to himself, "All officials are greedy and none are clean—I’ll deal with you yet."

"Miss Caiyi? Who is she?" Han Chong inquired.

"Ah, don’t worry, Chief Constable. Caiyi is my adopted daughter. She was a waif when I found her, so I took her in. As she’s grown, she’s become more and more beautiful—far surpassing Xia Ruxuan in charm. I’ve hired the finest tutors in five towns to teach her music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. She masters everything at once—truly gifted!"

Han Chong took a deep breath. Clearly, Ye Santong was up to something, going so far as to bring out his adopted daughter as entertainment.

Soon, the sound of a pipa rang out—crisp and haunting, like playful jade beads skittering across a plate, mesmerizing to the ear. A young lady appeared, dressed in iridescent gauze and a pleated silk skirt, with a phoenix hairpin crowning her head, brows as painted, eyes bright as flowing water. She held a pipa inlaid with jade, gliding forward with dainty steps, her gaze fixed on Han Chong as she plucked the strings from behind a beaded curtain.

Sometimes she held the pipa upright as if it were a sword, sometimes she knelt, pointing skyward in a graceful dance—the music alternated between swift and slow, advancing and retreating with perfect timing. She was a rare talent, excelling in both music and dance, her notes lively and melodious.

"Exquisite playing! The music is like pearls, great and small, cascading onto a jade plate," Han Chong praised, even though he was no expert, recognizing her exceptional talent.

"Wonderful! Splendid! Since you enjoy it, let us move to the east hall, where Miss Caiyi will perform another piece," Ye Santong said, signaling to Caiyi, who approached with a charming smile, taking Han Chong’s arm and leaning close as they proceeded to the east hall.

A faint fragrance drifted from her, more intoxicating than the sandalwood—it left Han Chong’s mind reeling, his senses clouded.

Something’s wrong. This woman is dangerous!

Han Chong struggled to remain alert, silently reciting a sutra to steady his mind.

At the sandalwood table, under the moon-shaped jade plates, delicacies and fine wine were arrayed, with beauties to accompany the meal and eight maids in attendance. Ye Santong truly lived the life of a local tyrant.

"Chief Constable Han, I, Ye Santong, love making friends. From the moment we met, I felt a kinship with you. Yet there is something I must speak, or it will choke me!"

Sallow-faced and flushed, Ye Santong raised a cup in salute to the dazed Han Chong.

"Oh? Please, speak freely. If it is within my power, I shall do what I can," Han Chong replied, draining his cup.

"Ha! You are a forthright man. To tell the truth, the Xia family has oppressed us for decades. Now that our tribute tea has been recognized by the Palace Provisioning Bureau, they cannot tolerate our success. They repeatedly make trouble, even killing dozens of our servants! How can we endure such injustice? That Xia Ruxuan, with her so-called spear skills, has wounded us time and again. As men, we should be magnanimous, but our feud has ruined Saltwater Town. I implore you, Chief Constable, to arrest her and restore peace to our town!"

Ye Santong grew impassioned, nearly moved to tears by his own indignation. His shamelessness made Han Chong’s blood boil with anger.

"Is it truly so dire?" Han Chong replied absently, trying to gather his wits.

The sallow-faced man narrowed his eyes, thinking Han Chong was angling for a bribe. He glanced at his fox-faced steward with the hooked mustache.

"Heh heh, Chief Constable, here is a small token of appreciation. Please accept it!" The steward approached, sly as a fox, and pressed two gleaming gold ingots into Han Chong’s hands.

"What is the meaning of this, Brother Ye? I have already said I will consider the matter between your families," Han Chong said, his anger barely contained.

"No need to stand on ceremony, Chief Constable. Caiyi, see that our guest is well cared for—he’s had a long journey!"

"Yes, Father," Caiyi replied with a sweet laugh, pressing even closer to Han Chong, her eyes flickering with a strange blue light that seemed to ensnare the soul.

Han Chong was startled, careful not to show any sign of alarm. He had clearly sensed something unnatural in her gaze—this woman was no ordinary human!

A cold sweat broke out along his spine, and his breath caught in his chest.