Chang’an, in a shadowy corner.
A large cauldron was boiling a thick, deep red liquid.
Magic shadows surrounded it, making the place seem like a demonic lair.
Not long after.
The three Xiāoyáo Yuán sisters cautiously arrived.
They saw the mysterious figure in red robes seated high on a platform.
The three sisters spoke in unison:
“Greetings, Master!”
Then.
They began to complain, one by one.
“We were ordered by you to eliminate that Lu Ling Feng, to ensure he couldn’t uncover anything detrimental to us.”
“But our plan was thwarted!”
“It’s all because of a man named Wang Lin!”
“Yes, he’s extremely handsome, but he’s a real troublemaker!”
“If it weren’t for him, the Demon King would have killed Lu Ling Feng. If not for him using pepper powder, and the fact that he knew from the start that Xiāoyáo Yuán was a trap and brought in troops to force the Demon King away!”
“Also, I observed that Ma Xiong’s malice towards him was clearly greater than towards Lu Ling Feng. Originally, Ma Xiong could have bypassed him and taken Lu Ling Feng’s head directly, but he was actually pulled into a fight and ended up delaying things!”
Hearing the three witches’ complaints.
The so-called “Master” silently opened his eyes.
He murmured:
“Wang Lin, a talented Qílín… He disrupted my plans, this man must be killed! Hmmm… perhaps taking his liver to make a pot of Yóuguāng would be excellent!”
“Ma Xiong, if you don’t obey, then increase his dosage! I intend to make him a special Yàorén, the kind that will never regain their sanity. However, for now, he should be unable to move again. The assassination and liver extraction will be left to you three sisters. If necessary, I can let you control the Shèngshòu Mùpú.”
“The day the Chéngfó Sì wall is completed is the day our demonic forces emerge. Anyone who stands in our way will be crushed!”
“Chang’an, it’s time for a new master!”
“桀桀桀桀!”
…………
That night.
The south gate of Chang’an.
Su Wu Ming entered the capital city, appointed by the emperor, Li Dan.
But before entering Chang’an, he was met by both the Crown Prince, Li Long Ji, and Princess Taiping.
First, Li Long Ji welcomed Su Wu Ming at the city gate and personally escorted him into the city.
They chatted and laughed along the way, creating an image of amiable and friendly harmony between emperor and subject.
This attitude of showing respect to talent was beyond reproach.
Princess Taiping was more direct.
She promoted Su Wu Ming to be the Deputy Minister of the Dali Temple.
This.
Also proved the ability and value of Su Wu Ming himself.
However.
Su Wu Ming chose to stay neutral, pleasing both parties but offending neither.
Before leaving the princess’s manor.
Su Wu Ming asked two questions.
First: “Has the princess truly granted me the position of Deputy Minister of the Dali Temple? Is it in accordance with the regulations?”
The princess laughed: “To tell you the truth, it was my idea to have the Crown Prince promise you the position of Deputy Judicial Officer of Yongzhou. I just wanted to see how the East Palace would try to buy people… Now that the Emperor’s appointee has arrived, he should be given an important position in the Dali Temple. Currently, Lu Ling Feng has taken office, but there’s still one Deputy Minister position open in the Dali Temple—it’s yours! You’ll start tonight!”
“Of course, I know your personality, I won’t give you any side appointments. At the latest, the appointment will be made tomorrow, the Zhongshu, Menxia, all the necessary seals, including the Emperor’s imperial edict, will be yours.”
Second: “Is Lu Ling Feng safe?”
The princess snorted: “You don’t need to worry about that. My Ji’er is lucky, thank goodness for Wang Lin, one of my followers, he’s truly my lucky star… otherwise, the outcome would have been dire! So I command you, quickly find out the true identity of the Demon King! Don’t delay!”
…………
The Ghost Market.
It has to be said.
True to his title of the strongest healer in the whole play.
After a day and night of recuperation under Fei Ji Shi’s care.
Maybe it was a minor injury.
Maybe it was the power of the Bǎoxuè.
In any case.
His abdominal wound had healed up nicely.
In comparison, Lu Ling Feng and Guo Zhuang were still bedridden, pale from blood loss.
But compared to losing their lives, it was already much better.
Sitting on a stone bench.
Wang Lin began to assess the gains and losses of this journey.
First, to conceal his relationship with Mrs. Ma.
He had to join the investigation, take the initiative, and hide any clues that could be detrimental to him. Otherwise, he would be disgraced, as being involved with the general’s wife would not be a joke!
One misstep and he would be “the big red man,” literally!
He would end up being chopped to pieces in the market.
Therefore, he informed the princess about Lu Ling Feng’s encounter with danger. The princess did not remove his title of Shàoqīng of the Tàicháng Sì, but instead gave him a deputy position similar to Guo Zhuang’s, under the Dali Temple.
Therefore.
To repay the princess.
And to better integrate into the investigation.
Wang Lin came to the Ghost Market, choosing to protect Lu Ling Feng, as a sign of loyalty to the princess.
After that.
The Demon King appeared.
He sacrificed himself and successfully saved Lu Ling Feng.
While it was risky.
The rewards were great.
First, the most direct gain was the favor of Lu Ling Feng and Guo Zhuang. After saving their lives and spending a night talking.
Plus, Fei Ji Shi, indebted to Wang Lin, also spoke highly of him.
As a result, they became good brothers.
And this relationship would be very helpful to his future actions.
Second, when the princess heard the account of the incident, she was deeply moved.
She immediately sent an urgent document to Wang Lin. It essentially meant that from then on, Wang Lin would have the power to “overrule even higher officials” when investigating cases related to the Demon King in the Dali Temple!
All consequences would be borne by the princess’s manor!
Look at that!
How awesome is that?!!!
But…
Every gain has a cost.
First, after this incident.
He would inevitably be noticed by the so-called “Master.”
Even Lu Ling Feng, just because he became the Shàoqīng of the Dali Temple and his investigation direction was detrimental to their plans, was targeted for assassination.
As for Wang Lin, he was definitely on their radar!
Just knowing about Xiāoyáo Yuán in advance would be enough for the Master to be wary of him.
However, on this trip.
He also realized that Ma Xiong likely recognized him.
Because his hatred for Wang Lin was far greater than towards Lu Ling Feng.
This was bad news.
However…
Thinking about it carefully.
In the original story, Ma Xiong disappeared after this incident and didn’t reappear until the end of the case, when the million demonic soldiers emerged.
Perhaps Ma Xiong could be temporarily ignored.
The second gain and loss.
The more power he had under the princess, the more he was hated by Li Long Ji.
Having the power to “overrule even higher officials.”
This privilege was very sweet and tempting.
But now.
Li Long Ji must be furious about the princess’s arrangement, and he must hate Wang Lin!
“A tree wishes to stay still, but the wind won’t stop.”
“Eat one bite at a time, walk one step at a time.”
“Start by concealing the Ma family affair.”