Meister der Mehrdeutigkeit

Kapitel 114

Lady Xi, with tears in her eyes, said, "I..."

“I know you are fiercely protective of your son, but poisoning him is too conspicuous and has angered the clansmen and the other two heroes. It is truly unwise…”

Wei Ying was stunned when Zhang Jiyuan said those words.

"Uncle Zhang, what do you mean by that?" Wei Ying asked in surprise.

Zhang Jiyuan looked at him and calmly replied, "You are the successor chosen by the lord of the fortress. If it weren't for the opposition from the clan, you would have already succeeded to the throne. Now, with these complications and Yingyang's return to the fortress, the martial arts contest is merely a temporary measure. Poisoning is indeed despicable, but Madam resorted to this tactic to protect you. Wenxi, do you understand what I'm saying?"

Wei Ying was completely bewildered and speechless.

"Fortunately, there is no evidence. Let's discuss this further once things have calmed down," Zhang Jiyuan said to Madam Xi, ignoring Wei Ying.

Lady tide nodded and remained silent.

"Zhang Jiyuan!" Wei Ying roared, "As the leader of the Three Heroes, don't you feel ashamed of your actions?!"

Zhang Jiyuan looked at him and said, "Wenxi, you still don't understand..." He walked to the table and sat down. "I can turn a blind eye to your usual misdeeds, but the position of Lord of the Fortress is related to the rise and fall of Hero's Fortress and cannot be lost. As the heir, you have no ambition. Do you intend to hand over this position to someone else?"

"What do you mean by handing it over? The position of fortress lord should rightfully be passed on to the eldest son!" Wei Ying looked at Zhang Jiyuan and Madam Xi. "What's wrong with you two? What good would it do you to make me the fortress lord?!"

“There’s no benefit,” Zhang Jiyuan replied. “In terms of martial arts and experience in the martial world, you are no match for your two older brothers. The clan has always insisted on the eldest son succeeding to the throne. Assisting you would be the most unprofitable deal. However, to be the lord of Heroic Fortress, the most important thing is not martial arts or experience, but virtue. I’ve known for a long time that you’ve been neglecting your duties in order to bring back Yingyang and Moyun. But, Wenxi, you’re thinking too simply. Do you think that if Yingyang becomes the lord of the fortress, he will let you off the hook?”

Wei Ying frowned, "Are you trying to sow discord between us brothers?"

Zhang Jiyuan shook his head. "Have you heard the rumors in the martial arts world? Ying Yang has joined the Shenxiao Sect and submitted to the imperial court. He is currently searching for the whereabouts of the 'Nine Emperors Divine Artifacts'."

"Nonsense!"

"If it is true, then what should be done?" Zhang Jiyuan asked.

Wei Ying couldn't answer.

“No one knows what Yingyang has done these past few years. Today in the martial arts arena, his moves were somewhat strange, clearly not the style of Hero's Fortress. This makes me even more suspicious…” Zhang Jiyuan said, “How can I hand over the position of Fortress Master to someone who has switched allegiances?”

"Is this a reason to poison people?!" Wei Ying protested.

Zhang Jiyuan was somewhat helpless. "Wenxi, let me ask you this: If he's been poisoned with the bone-softening powder and is no match for you, would you kill him with deadly force?"

"He's my older brother, how could I..."

Before Wei Ying could finish speaking, Zhang Jiyuan interrupted her and asked, "What about him?"

Wei Ying was speechless.

Zhang Jiyuan smiled and said, "I've watched your brother grow up since he was a child, and there's one thing I'm sure of." He said, word by word, "Only when you become the lord of the fortress can you tolerate your disloyal brothers."

Wei Ying was already confused. He looked at Madam Xi, who was still weeping, Zhang Jiyuan, who was calm and composed, and Zhao Yan, who stood indifferently to the side, and suddenly felt a chill.

"What fortress lord? I don't care!" he roared, turning to leave.

Zhang Jiyuan stood up and shouted, "Stop!"

Wei Ying pushed the door open and coldly replied, "Zhang Jiyuan, what I do is my business, it's none of your concern!"

After he finished speaking, he strode away. Outside the door, several maids, seeing his terrifying expression, quickly moved aside, not daring to utter a sound.

Zhang Jiyuan couldn't help but sigh, "This child..."

Lady Xi wept, choking back tears and unable to speak.

Seeing this, Zhang Jiyuan said, "Madam, he probably still feels indebted to his two elder brothers, which is only natural. He is still young and does not understand the implications, but he will understand in time."

Lady tide shook her head, "I'm afraid... I won't be able to live to see that day..."

Zhang Jiyuan didn't know how to comfort him, so he remained silent.

Zhao Yan walked to the door, closed it, and then went to the table to pour tea for the two people.

After the earlier argument, Zhang Jiyuan felt thirsty, so he picked up his teacup and took a few sips. Then, realizing it was getting late and it wouldn't be appropriate to stay any longer, he got up to take his leave.

Lady tide cried for half a day, but finally, due to her weakness, she fell into a deep sleep.

Zhao Yan stared at the two cups of tea on the table, her eyes deep and unfathomable.

...

As night fell, Zhang Jiyuan was about to go to sleep when he heard a knock on the door. When he got up to open it, he saw Zhao Yan.

Zhao Yan bowed and said with a sweet smile, "Lord Lieying, Young Master Wenxi has something to discuss with you."

"Oh?" A slight smile appeared in Zhang Jiyuan's eyes.

"Young Master is waiting for you at the training ground. He said he has something to say to you privately," Zhao Yan said, her eyes slightly lowered.

Zhang Jiyuan nodded and said, "Okay."

Zhao Yan watched him leave, a hint of melancholy suddenly appearing in her eyes, but it vanished in an instant, leaving only her arrogant and sharp demeanor...

...

The training ground was set up in an open area behind the fortress. The competition had ended hastily, and the area was still messy and untidy. When Zhang Jiyuan arrived, the training ground was deserted, with only the warm summer breeze, which was rather unsettling.

Zhang Jiyuan looked around, a sense of doubt creeping into his heart. Just as he was about to turn back, a figure suddenly descended and landed in front of him.

He looked closely, frowned, and said, "Yingyang, it's you..."

The newcomer was none other than Wei Qi. His arm was wrapped in bandages, and the injury had been personally examined by the Three Heroes, so it was certainly not fake. Furthermore, the effects of the cartilage-inducing powder on him had not yet fully worn off, so he should not be able to get out of bed.

"Zhang Jiyuan, I really didn't know you were so unable to distinguish right from wrong, and you were actually assisting that bitch Xiyi." Wei Qi spoke without the slightest respect, his words sharp and ruthless.

Zhang Jiyuan wasn't angry. "It seems there's more to the poison in your body than meets the eye. I'm actually glad I'm serving Wenxi, not you."

Wei Qi laughed, "Indeed, my third brother is exceptionally talented and is the perfect choice to become the fortress lord... It's just a pity that he's an incompetent fool. Zhang Jiyuan, if you have any complaints, blame yourself for following the wrong master!"

After he finished speaking, he launched an attack with one hand.

Zhang Jiyuan easily dodged the attack and said, "The Three Heroes are the pillars of Heroes' Fortress. You attacked me, so it seems the rumors are true. You have indeed abandoned your identity and entered the Divine Firmament."

"So what if I don't abandon my identity? Is there still a place for me within Hero's Fortress?" Wei Qi laughed.

Zhang Jiyuan said, "I had no intention of harming any of you brothers. Today, I will act on behalf of the fortress lord and teach you a lesson, you unfilial son!"

After he finished speaking, he gathered his strength and threw a punch, ready to attack. Suddenly, his body went limp, and his inner energy vanished. He was shocked and staggered back a few steps.

Wei Qi took a sword from the weapon rack in the training ground and slowly walked towards Zhang Jiyuan.

Zhang Jiyuan looked up at him, his eyes filled with murderous intent, "You...you despicable and shameless bastard..."

Wei Qi's expression had completely lost its smile, leaving only a chilling and resolute look. He easily plunged his sword into Zhang Jiyuan's heart, striking without the slightest hesitation.

Zhang Jiyuan groaned, his lips moved slightly, his fingers curled slightly, and his eyes were filled with hatred as sharp as a dagger. But soon, that sharp killing intent vanished, leaving only emptiness and deathly silence.

Wei Qi loosened the hilt of his sword, dusted off the dust on his sleeve, and smiled nonchalantly.

...

...This is the dividing line indicating that the following is "time for wrongly accusing innocent people" = =+...

That day, after Wei Ying argued with Madam Xi and Zhang Jiyuan, she left the fortress as usual. By the time she returned to the fortress, it was already noon the next day.

As soon as he stepped into the castle, he sensed something was amiss. Everyone looked at him with fear. The maids avoided him, not daring to take a step closer.

He was puzzled, sensing something amiss. Upon entering the main hall, he was completely stunned. In the center of the hall lay a corpse, covered with a white sheet. Dark red blood stained the sheet, a horrifying sight. Wei Ying looked up and saw Luo Wu of the Qi Ying Division and Jiang Ji of the Zheng Ying Division sitting upright in the hall, their faces ashen, filled with grief and indignation.

Upon seeing Wei Ying, Luo Wu stood up and shouted, "Take her down!"

As soon as she finished speaking, the surrounding disciples rushed forward. Wei Ying nimbly dodged, and said with dissatisfaction, "Uncle Luo, Uncle Jiang, what does this mean?"

Luo Wu gritted his teeth, "You heartless beast, you're not worthy to ask me anything!"

Wei Ying was increasingly puzzled. He looked at the disciples around him and shouted, "What exactly is going on?!"

“Lie Ying is dead,” Jiang Ji, who had been silent all along, finally spoke.

Wei Ying was shocked. "Uncle Zhang?" He immediately looked at the corpse. "Could it be..."

"Stop pretending to be confused!" Luo Wu roared. "You heartless beast, I will cleanse Hero's Fortress of its filth today!"

After he finished speaking, he picked up the large knife beside him and swung it straight at Wei Ying.

Wei Ying was completely bewildered, and naturally couldn't just surrender. He dodged left and right, avoiding Luo Wu's blade, and said urgently, "Uncle Luo, what are you saying? I don't understand!"

Luo Wu paid no heed to any of this, taking it as mere sophistry, and his moves became even more ruthless, clearly showing he was serious.

Wei Ying noticed it too. He steeled himself, stepped forward, and blocked Luo Wu's hand holding the knife with one hand, saying, "I really don't understand!"

"You beast, you killed Lieying, and now you want to deny it?!" Luo Wu roared.

Wei Ying was stunned. "Me?" He frowned and said, "How could I possibly do such a thing!"

"If it wasn't you, who else could it be!" Luo Wu still didn't believe it.

Jiang Ji stepped down from the platform, his face icy cold, and said, "Zhengying, since he claims he is innocent, give him a chance. Let's hear what he has to say."

Luo Wu then released his grip and took a step back.

Wei Ying felt completely lost, her mind a jumbled mess.

"You say you're not the murderer, then where were you last night?" Jiang Ji asked. "We've searched all the music and dance halls you frequent, including Wenxiang Garden and Siqing Pavilion, but none of them have seen you. Tell me, where were you?"

Upon hearing this question, Wei Ying finally realized the seriousness of the situation. Normally, his visits to the brothel were merely for show; he never stayed overnight. He always slept in his own small house. But today, he had left the fortress in a fit of anger, riding aimlessly. Now, there was no one to vouch for him.

Seeing that he did not answer, Jiang Ji asked again: "Yesterday, someone saw you arguing with Lieying. What do you have to say about that?"

Wei Ying's heart sank lower and lower; the heavy sense of oppression forced him to repeat only one sentence: "I didn't kill anyone..."

"And bone-softening powder..." Jiang Ji picked up a small paper packet from the side and threw it to Wei Ying. "This was found on Madam's personal maid, Zhao Yan."

Wei Ying reached out and took the packet of medicine, suddenly understanding something, yet finding it unbelievable.

"Qi Ying, stop wasting your breath on him. Now that we have both witnesses and evidence, let's see how he denies it!" Luo Wu said passionately, gripping his broadsword.

Wei Ying gripped the packet of muscle-relaxing powder tightly, about to say something. Just then, a voice rang out from outside the hall.

"Wait...you two..."

Wei Ying turned her head and saw several maids supporting Wei Qi as they walked into the hall.

Wei Qi's face was pale, his voice weak, and the bandages on his arm were clearly visible. He stepped aside from the maid's support and slowly approached, saying, "I don't believe Wenxi would kill anyone. I beg you both to thoroughly investigate this matter again; we cannot wrongly accuse him..."

Jiang Ji sighed and said, "Yingyang, he poisoned you, yet you're still speaking up for him now..." He glanced at Wei Ying again, his eyes turning cold, "Indeed, they're not from the same mother, worlds apart."

Wei Qi frowned, a desolate look in his eyes. "No... he wouldn't harm me... the one who poisoned me must be someone else."

Looking at Wei Qi, Wei Ying was actually moved.

"Yingyang, there's no need to be merciful to this beast!" Luo Wu said. "If you want to see evidence, I'll show it to you! Bring that girl here!"