Chapter 112: Eastern Mountain

After learning from the mute woman that Xue Huaiyuan’s former subordinates had been sent to East Mountain, Ye Mingyu had his men escort her back. Just as Jiang Li had anticipated, because the woman was of advanced age and outsiders assumed she was mute, Feng Yutang never paid her any mind. When Ye Mingyu’s men returned her, no one noticed.

In the room, Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu sat facing each other. It was late into the night, yet neither felt any drowsiness. Ye Mingyu looked at Jiang Li and said, "Ah Li, this matter is far from simple."

Although Ye Mingyu had known from the start that the Xue case was no small matter—after all, overturning the verdict of a condemned official inevitably infringed upon the interests of others—it was clear that Feng Yutang, the current magistrate of Tongxiang, was a villain. What Jiang Li intended to do was naturally complicated.

However, the mute woman’s revelation went far beyond Ye Mingyu’s expectations. That Feng Yutang dared to so flagrantly turn former government officials into slaves and hold their lives in his hands was an act of extreme arrogance and cruelty. Ye Mingyu did not believe for a second that there wasn't a powerful force backing him. Although Jiang Yuanbai was the Chief Grand Secretary, he was not the only powerful minister in Northern Yan.

Ye Mingyu had thought he was prepared for the severity of the situation, but he realized he had underestimated it.

Jiang Li looked at Ye Mingyu. Seeing his grave expression, she understood his concerns and said, "I know, Uncle, but I do not intend to give up."

This was exactly what Ye Mingyu had expected. Jiang Li had gone to such great lengths, even clashing head-on with Feng Yutang; she was not the type to retreat so easily. Moreover, Ye Mingyu suspected that Jiang Li knew far more about the situation than he did.

He was a rough man of the world, not as clever as Ye Da or Ye Er. Unable to devise complex strategies to help her, he could only follow her lead and do his utmost within his capabilities.

After a brief moment of hesitation, Ye Mingyu readily agreed. "Since that is the case, Ah Li, I will not try to dissuade you. Tell me what needs to be done next, and I will be right there with you."

His words warmed Jiang Li’s heart. She said, "Although the mute woman said those men are at East Mountain, so much time has passed. I don’t know if Feng Yutang has moved them or if they are even still alive." She paused, then added, "You heard what the mute woman said. Life in the mines is harsh, and Feng Yutang is determined to torment them. It is hard to say how long ordinary people can endure such conditions."

"What you say makes sense," Ye Mingyu replied. "I will take my men to East Mountain myself to see what the situation is. Tongxiang is not large; making the trip overnight should not be difficult."

Jiang Li continued, "Not only that, if they are indeed at East Mountain, Feng Yutang must have guards there. Your men need to determine how many they are and if it is possible to bypass them without being detected. If a confrontation is unavoidable, we must see if we can neutralize them all in one stroke, lest they send word to Feng Yutang and bring reinforcements, which would make our subsequent actions much harder."

Ye Mingyu chuckled. "Rest assured, your uncle is already well-versed in these kinds of things."

Jiang Li nodded. "Can you give me an answer by tomorrow?"

"So soon?" Ye Mingyu was surprised.

"I do not mean to make things difficult for you," Jiang Li apologized, "but our time is running out. Seven days from now, Magistrate Xue is to be executed. If we cannot find enough evidence to cast doubt on the verdict and halt the execution within seven days, all our efforts will be in vain."

Ye Mingyu sighed, acknowledging her logic. If Xue Huaiyuan died, everything else would be meaningless. "Very well, I will do my best. Ah Li, while I am gone, stay in the estate and take care of your safety."

"I will," Jiang Li replied. She pulled a map of Tongxiang she had drawn from her sleeve and handed it to him. "This is a map of Tongxiang I drew based on what others have told me. Take it; it may prove useful. I can also draw a map of East Mountain, but I need the time it takes for an incense stick to burn."

Ye Mingyu took the map, stunned by the dense and meticulous detail. Jiang Li claimed she had drawn it based on hearsay, but having traveled with sea merchants, Ye Mingyu knew that only someone intimately familiar with the environment could map it so precisely.

He said nothing, only laughing heartily. "Good, good, good! With this, our work will be half as easy. Ah Li, I leave the rest to you; I must go instruct my men."

As Ye Mingyu walked out to address his men, Jiang Li watched him, feeling both guilty and moved. Despite the many suspicious points he must have noticed, he asked nothing, trusting her entirely. This trust was precious, and she would hold it in her heart forever. Since arriving in Tongxiang, Ye Mingyu had stood by her side, and tonight he would be traveling all night without rest. She hated to see him suffer so, but her father’s life was at stake.

She believed that while she was plotting her strategy, Feng Yutang was surely trying to inform Princess Yongning of the situation in Tongxiang. Once the Princess knew, she would undoubtedly try to stop her—or, more likely, order Feng Yutang to kill her.

The key to this war between her and Feng Yutang was time. Whoever was faster would have the upper hand. She dared not stop; she could not afford a moment of delay.

"Tong’er, help me grind the ink," Jiang Li said.

Tong’er quickly approached the table. Jiang Li picked up her brush. Years ago, out of curiosity and because Xue Huaiyuan wanted to understand the state of East Mountain, she had visited it once with him. Though it was only once, she still remembered the places she had walked. While the mountain might have changed due to Feng Yutang’s "mining," the general layout should remain the same.

By mapping the mine tunnels, she could make things easier for Ye Mingyu. However, once he had scouted the situation, she would have to go to East Mountain herself. She knew her father’s men better than anyone; to make them stand up and trust her, Ye Mingyu could not do it—she had to speak with them herself.

Soon, it would be soon.

...

After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Jiang Li handed the map of East Mountain to Ye Mingyu. He did not dally; upon receiving it, he immediately set off with his men. East Mountain was not far, but one had to be cautious when scouting unfamiliar territory.

After Ye Mingyu left, Jiang Li did not rest. She continued to study Xue Huaiyuan’s files. Tong’er and Bai Xue urged her to rest, warning that she would collapse, but Jiang Li could not be swayed. She read silently until the roosters crowed three times, and only when she felt truly exhausted did she lie down on the couch for a brief nap.

But she did not rest for long.

Jiang Li woke on her own. Though exhausted, her heart was tethered to Xue Huaiyuan, and she remained alert even in her sleep. As she lay in a daze, she heard Tong’er whispering to someone outside, "The young lady only just fell asleep at dawn. Please, Uncle, let her rest a while longer."

Jiang Li snapped her eyes open and stood up. She saw Ye Mingyu, dusty and tired, yet his eyes were bright.

Her drowsiness vanished. Without hesitation, she asked, "Uncle, you’re back."

Ye Mingyu and Tong’er noticed her standing there. "Ah, young lady, why are you up?" Tong’er asked anxiously.

"Yes, Ah Li," Ye Mingyu added. "Why not sleep a little longer?" For men like them, staying up all night was nothing, but Jiang Li was still a young girl.

"I’ve slept enough," Jiang Li replied. "Uncle, how did the scouting at East Mountain go?"

Ye Mingyu brushed aside his exhaustion. "Ah Li, I took my men to check. The mute woman was right; there are people in the mine tunnels. However, there were guards outside. We waited until they were asleep to reach the entrance, but the caves are so vast that we lost our way. Fearing we would get separated or alert someone, we retreated."

"That is correct," Jiang Li murmured. "The terrain in the East Mountain caves is complex. It is easy for those unfamiliar with it to get lost. You were right to retreat; getting trapped inside would have been dangerous."

She spoke as if she had walked those tunnels frequently. Ye Mingyu did not notice the strangeness of her words and continued, "Although we didn't go in, we can confirm that people are indeed mining for gold inside. As for whether they are the former officials, I cannot say, as I do not know what they look like."

"How can you be sure they are mining?" Jiang Li asked.

"Feng Yutang’s men are heartless! We reached the mine in the dead of night, and yet the miners were still forced to work!" Ye Mingyu said indignantly. "It is monstrous to treat human beings this way!"

Jiang Li lowered her eyes. Since Feng Yutang intended to torment them, he would naturally not make it easy. But working day and night—how many of those officials could still be alive?

"Uncle, can you estimate how many miners are in the tunnels?" she asked.

"I cannot say for certain, but I suspect there aren't many," Ye Mingyu replied.

Jiang Li’s heart sank. "Why do you say that?"

"Because there are so few guards—only two. If I weren't unfamiliar with the terrain, I could have taken them down myself and rescued the miners. But think about it: if there were many miners, Feng Yutang wouldn't leave only two guards. He would be worried about trouble. Unless the number of miners is already small, and he deems two guards sufficient."

Jiang Li remained silent for a long time. "You are right, Uncle." In truth, there was another possibility: in Feng Yutang’s eyes, as one dynasty succeeds another, Xue Huaiyuan was a dead man walking. With the Xue family line extinguished, these former subordinates were nothing but abandoned pawns. Who would expend the effort to save them? Since no one would come, there was no need to station more guards.

But she knew this was just a comforting thought. Ye Mingyu’s assessment was more likely. Yet, at the very least, some were still alive—this was good news. It meant she still had a chance to find the witnesses she needed.

"Ah Li, we’ve found people, but the terrain is complex. We have no way to bring them all out at once. Even if we could, I am not familiar with Tongxiang; I don't know where to hide them safely. If Feng Yutang sends men to search, they will easily find them. Tongxiang is too small."

This was true. Ye Mingyu’s concerns were not without merit.

Jiang Li pondered for a long time. "As for where to hide them, Uncle, don't worry. I have a way." Although Tongxiang was small, it was not entirely transparent. She and Xue Zhao had grown up there, walking every nook and cranny. The abandoned secret chambers Xue Zhao had once shared with her as a child's game were now a true treasure.

Though Ye Mingyu wondered how she would solve this, he never asked questions he shouldn't. He preferred not to overthink. "Very well, let's set that aside for now. But how do we get them out? If you want them as witnesses, you must get them away from East Mountain. Once Feng Yutang suspects our intentions, he will kill them to silence them."

"Uncle, the reason you find it troublesome is not because of the guards, but because you are unfamiliar with the tunnels and fear getting lost. Leave this to me."

"What do you mean?" Ye Mingyu asked. "What is your plan?"

"I will go to East Mountain," Jiang Li said. "I will enter the tunnels and lead them out."

Ye Mingyu nearly jumped. "Are you joking? How can you go in there?"

"Yes," Tong’er added, "Young Lady, you have only just come to Tongxiang. Even the Master doesn't know the way. It’s too dangerous!"

"It is not dangerous," Jiang Li said. "I know the way through the tunnels."

"No," Ye Mingyu insisted. "It’s too risky. Besides, how could you possibly know the way?"

"Uncle," Jiang Li looked him in the eyes, "I am telling you, I know the way."

Ye Mingyu paused. Jiang Li’s eyes were clear, like a mountain stream, yet the resolve within turned that stream into solid rock. She was not lying. He suddenly felt at a loss for words. His niece was sincere and kind, yet she was shrouded in countless mysteries, making him feel as though he could never truly enter her inner world.

"Fine," he said after a long silence. "But I cannot let you go in alone. I will go with you."

Jiang Li tried to protest, but Ye Mingyu waved his hand. "I know you have your own calculations, and I won't ask why. But I am your family, and I cannot stand by and watch you take such risks. If the situation were reversed, I know you wouldn't stand idly by either."

Jiang Li finally nodded. "Very well."

Ye Mingyu’s seriousness vanished. "Good! When do we leave?"

"Now."

"Now?"

"Yes. Feng Yutang hasn't thought of the officials yet, but he will soon. To be safe, he will clear away all evidence, including those men. We have no time to lose."

"But, Young Lady, you just woke up..." Tong’er reminded her.

"I am fine. Uncle, we must work a little harder. Once we get them out and hide them, we will have some breathing room."

"No problem," Ye Mingyu replied readily. "Whatever you need, just say the word!"

The two of them, uncle and niece, shared the same audacious spirit. Within half an incense stick of time, they were ready. They set off in the morning, avoiding pedestrians and slipping toward East Mountain.

They left some men behind, dressed to impersonate Ye Mingyu, to fool anyone Feng Yutang might have watching. The group consisted of seven people. They agreed that the others would wait at the entrance, while Jiang Li and Ye Mingyu entered the tunnels. They had to take down the guards quickly, ideally within the time it took for an incense stick to burn, to avoid any signals being sent.

The real difficulty was not the guards, but navigating the labyrinthine tunnels. The heavy burden fell entirely on Jiang Li.

She had changed into men's clothing—a short hemp robe, black trousers, and deerskin boots—with her hair tied up and hidden under a cap. She looked like a refined young scholar, the softness of her features replaced by a sharp, heroic edge.

"Ah Li, don't worry," Ye Mingyu said. "If we can't find them, we'll return and try again. You don't have to carry this all on your shoulders." He feared she was too emotionally invested in the Xue case and would blame herself.

"I am not worried," Jiang Li smiled at him. "Uncle, we will find them."

As they traveled, Ye Mingyu noticed that the path Jiang Li chose was secluded and avoided all pedestrians. He found it strange; she had only just arrived in Tongxiang, yet she knew the area better than the locals. He began to believe that her claim of knowing the tunnels was not just a comfort, but the truth.

"We are here," Ye Mingyu announced.

Jiang Li jumped off the carriage. East Mountain sat alone by a dried-up lake. It was barren and desolate, the only sound the occasional caw of a crow. The mountain was shaped like a monster's head, craggy and eerie. Ye Mingyu felt a chill, but when he looked at Jiang Li, she was staring at the peak with a faint, pleased smile.

He decided to say nothing.

In truth, Jiang Li felt a sense of familiarity. When she and Xue Zhao had first come here with Xue Huaiyuan, they had never entered, but Xue Zhao, adventurous by nature, had snuck in several times, dragging her along. They had found no treasure, but she had learned the terrain by heart.

She believed the tunnels remained unchanged; after all, Feng Yutang’s goal was torture, not actual gold mining. As long as nothing went wrong, she could find them.

Ye Mingyu had her wait with two guards while he and his men took down the guards at the entrance. If anything went wrong, the guards were to whisk her away. While waiting, Jiang Li closed her eyes, retracing the memories of her explorations with Xue Zhao.

"The Third Master is back!" a guard called out.

Ye Mingyu returned with a triumphant grin. "They're down! Let’s go, Ah Li. Keep the signal arrow ready!"

Jiang Li felt a flicker of excitement. She and Ye Mingyu entered the mountain. The cave was dark, and when Ye Mingyu lit a torch, the vastness of the space was revealed.

"Good heavens," Ye Mingyu exclaimed. "It’s so big! How will we ever find them?"

"Don't worry, Uncle. Follow me," Jiang Li said, stepping forward with unwavering confidence.

She navigated by memory, tracking fresh footprints and the subtle shifts in air current. The tunnels were deep, and Ye Mingyu left markings as they went, though he could barely keep up with her pace. After what felt like an eternity, he was about to suggest turning back when a faint sound came from the depths of the cave—the sound of someone coughing.

"Who is there?" Jiang Li asked.