It was high noon when Song Jinzhao and her companions finally arrived in Kaikang City after traveling for sixteen hours straight.
Song Gaoli was dizzy and bleary-eyed; by the time he stepped down from the carriage, his entire lower body felt stiff and numb.
The sound of drums echoed as the Magistrate of Kaikang straightened his official robes and headgear before taking his seat in the hall.
"Who stands before me? What grievance do you bring?"
Song Qiming explained the sequence of events with absolute clarity, while Song Jinzhao handed over the piece of tattooed skin she had cut away to the bailiff.
The Magistrate stared at the skull tattoo on the human skin, his thick lips parting slightly. His eyes flickered with unease, as if he were terrified of something.
"This official is now fully aware of the case. You may leave for now. Once the mastermind is found, I shall send men to inform you."
Song Qiming opened his mouth to say more, but the gavel suddenly slammed down.
"Court adjourned!"
Watching the Magistrate of Kaikang flee the hall as if running for his life, Song Qiming muttered, "He didn't even ask where we’re staying. How is he going to inform us?"
Moreover, they had no intention of lingering in Kaikang; they planned to rest for one night and depart first thing tomorrow morning.
Song Jinzhao folded the petition, now bearing the official crimson seal, and tucked it back into her bag. "They never intended to investigate. Those were merely excuses to stall and brush us off."
She shook her head. "They say all under heaven belongs to the Emperor, but the delicate line between the martial world and the imperial court is one that not every official dares to cross. The Magistrate of Kaikang fears for his life; he doesn't dare provoke them."
If the investigation truly led to the Suoming Gate, the organization could take his life just by sending a few assassins. He didn't dare investigate, nor did he plan to.
Song Qiming knit his brows, worried. "What do we do next? If this happens a few more times, it will be impossible to guard against."
Song Jinzhao set off with calm steps. "If one comes, I’ll kill one. If ten come, I’ll kill ten. Let’s see how many lives of Suoming Gate assassins five thousand taels of silver can buy."
The strongest assassin had focused solely on her, which proved that she was their primary target. If that was the case, the likelihood of the Yan family being the employer was relatively low.
Who could produce five thousand taels and held a grudge against her?
Liu Fufeng was dead, but her children were still alive. Then there was the Liao family—could it be Concubine Su?
Back at the inn, Song Gaoli was slumped over the table in Song Shixue’s room, sleeping fitfully. He shifted, nearly sliding off the stool.
Song Shixue, who was sitting on the couch reading, shook her head helplessly at the sight.
Startled awake, Song Gaoli forced his eyes open and craned his neck around, asking disappointedly, "Are they back yet?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, the door was pushed open from the outside.
Seeing Song Jinzhao and Song Qiming enter, Song Gaoli stood up excitedly. "Well? What did the Magistrate say?"
Song Qiming narrowed his eyes. "Why are you in my sister’s room?"
Song Gaoli shrank back pitifully. "I didn't dare stay in my room alone while you were gone."
Song Qiming pursed his lips. He should have just brought him along earlier. Although Anhao was also in the room, the boy was only two years old. Propriety between men and women had to be maintained, even with a trusted brother.
"The Magistrate has no intention of investigating. He just accepted the case to get us out of there."
Song Gaoli flopped back onto the stool. "If even the government is afraid to touch it, this Suoming Gate must be a very powerful organization."
Song Qiming sat down and poured some water. "Don't worry, their target likely doesn't include you. Once we’re back at the village and you aren't with us, you’ll be safe."
Song Gaoli had always been well-behaved at the academy and never offended anyone. If he hadn't been traveling with Song Jinzhao and the others, he wouldn't have encountered this mess.
Song Gaoli suddenly snapped his head up, staring intently at Song Qiming.
"That's not what I meant! Fearing death is human nature, but I’m no coward. I’m just worried about what happens next. If they strike at you and Shixue while Jinzhao is away, it’ll be over for you."
Song Qiming and Song Shixue turned to look at Song Jinzhao simultaneously.
"Sister, once we’re back in the village, I want to double the time Shixue and I spend on our daily training."
"And hidden weapons—we want to prepare more of them."
Song Jinzhao’s lips curled into a smile as she held up three fingers.
"Make it triple. Train as if your lives depend on it."
