Chapter 181: A Heart’s Desire for Change

Chapter 181: A Heart's Desire for Change

Yang Xiaoyun's acting was still on point, though her reaction was initially a bit slow.

However, upon hearing this, she stood there as if she had been struck dumb. She tried to step forward, but stumbled and, in a panic, clutched at Su Mo.

Turning her head to look back, the sheer bewilderment in her eyes almost convinced Su Mo it was genuine.

"L-Little Mo... Father... Daddy..."

Su Mo took a deep breath, held down Yang Xiaoyun's hand, and looked at the manservant, "Where is he located?"

"Right outside the door."

Having delivered the important news, the servant now spoke more fluently.

"Let's go."

Su Mo pulled Yang Xiaoyun and headed out. After a few steps, Yang Xiaoyun came to her senses, set Zhaodi down, and forced a smile.

"You, go ahead and eat first."

Zhaodi, unsure of what to say, could only stand there, silently watching Su Mo lead Yang Xiaoyun away.

As they reached the main gate, sure enough, it was Zhang Biaotou standing there.

Seeing Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun, he hurriedly stepped forward.

"Chief Escort Su, Young Chief Escort..."

As he spoke, he couldn't help but glance at Yang Xiaoyun a few more times, heaving a mental sigh. After all, the bond between father and daughter ran deep. No matter what kind of estrangement existed, faced with such a significant event, Yang Xiaoyun ultimately couldn't stay calm.

He could only hope this wouldn't leave the Young Chief Escort devastated and unable to recover.

Su Mo spoke first, "Where is the representative from Haoran Academy?"

"He's already inside the Iron Blood Escort Agency. He arrived a few days ago. But since the Young Chief Escort hadn't returned, we didn't dare to take any action despite our anxiety."

Zhang Biaotou replied promptly.

"Take us to him."

Su Mo said solemnly.

"This way."

Zhang Biaotou led the way without further words.

Liu Mo and the others followed closely behind. Zhen Xiaoxiao, in particular, took the lead, prompting Su Mo to look back at everyone, "Stay within the agency and don't act rashly."

Liu Mo and Fu Hanyuan exchanged glances, fists clasped.

"We will follow your orders, Chief Escort!"

"Boss, if there's a fight, don't forget to call me."

Zhen Xiaoxiao said in a muffled tone.

Su Mo was momentarily speechless, wondering who had taught him to talk like that.

With a wave of his hand, Su Mo led Yang Xiaoyun to follow behind Zhang Biaotou.

Along the way, Zhang Biaotou explained the situation in detail.

It matched what Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun had already known.

Clearly, subsequent events unfolded as planned by Yang Yizhi.

When they arrived at the Iron Blood Escort Agency, several scholars from Haoran Academy stood there, looking uneasy.

Yang Xiaoyun, her face ashen, looked at them and asked, "Where is my father now?"

"Young Miss Yang," several scholars looked at each other, and finally, one stepped forward and sighed, "Young Miss Yang, please try to stay calm. This incident was sudden, and it took us a few days of investigation within the academy before we decided to send someone to Sunset City to inform you.

"Currently, the body of Chief Escort Yang is still being held within the academy.

"However..."

When they got to this point, they hesitated slightly, but the person finally continued, "After a thorough investigation, we have confirmed... that the one who murdered Chief Escort Yang was... is... Vice-Head Liuyun."

*"Uncle Liuyun..."*

Yang Xiaoyun looked utterly astonished. "Why...? Uncle Liuyun has been friends with my father for over twenty years. What possible motive could he have to murder my father? Are you certain of your findings?"

"Our findings are conclusive...

"Chief Escort Yang died from poisoning. On the day of their visit to Haoran Academy,

"Chief Escort Yang did not eat anything all day.

"It was only in the evening that Vice-Head Liuyun brought wine and food to see him.

"The escorts from the Iron Blood Escort Agency can confirm this.

"Moreover, after that night, Vice-Head Liuyun disappeared.

"From these facts, it’s clear that even if Vice-Head Liuyun didn’t commit the act himself, he is certainly involved.

"The Head of the Academy has already dispatched people to apprehend Vice-Head Liuyun.

"Before we came to inform you, the Head of the Academy asked me to deliver a letter to the two of you."

Saying this, he reached into his sleeve and took out a letter.

Su Mo casually took it, opened the envelope with a flick of his hand, and quickly skimmed through the contents.

He then handed it to Yang Xiaoyun.

The letter mainly detailed the investigation process and assured them that no matter where Vice-Head Liuyun fled to, the Head of the Academy would capture him and give Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun a proper explanation.

Yang Xiaoyun stared at the letter, as if trying to scrutinize every word.

After a long pause, she finally took a deep breath and looked up at the disciples of Haoran Academy opposite her.

She forced a nod with great effort and said, "Thank you for coming to inform me of this matter... I am aware of the matter... I will go to bring my father’s remains home soon. Please... please take some rest. Excuse me, as I must take my leave."

The leading disciple quickly cupped his fists and said, "Miss Yang, our purpose here was merely to deliver the message. Now that we have notified you... we should return."

"Please, take some rest!" Miss Yang spoke slowly, enunciating each word.

They looked at each other and eventually sighed, "Very well... we’ll do as you wish."

Their haste to leave wasn't unfounded.

It was the Liuyun Scholar who killed Yang Yizhi. Miss Yang had suddenly lost her father, and under such a tremendous blow, what if she thought Haoran Academy was behind his death?

What if she killed them to avenge her father? That would be a disaster.

But now that Miss Yang asked them to stay, they could understand.

At this moment, her mind must be in utter chaos, and Yang Yizhi's death was closely related to Haoran Academy.

Leaving immediately might seem inappropriate.

With no other option, they complied.

"Xiao Mo... come with me."

Miss Yang pulled Su Mo towards the back courtyard.

Zhang and Li, the two head escorts, exchanged glances, then arranged for the Haoran Academy disciples to return to their rooms.

……

……

In the back courtyard, inside a pavilion.

Miss Yang gestured for everyone to leave.

She glanced at Su Mo, who nodded slightly, then exhaled and asked anxiously,

"How did I do? Did I make any mistakes?"

"Overall, your emotions were strong, and your lines and expressions were spot-on.

For an impromptu performance, it was quite good.

However, there’s one thing to note—you were a bit over the top."

Su Mo gave his comments with the tone of an armchair critic who had just finished watching a TV drama and was ready to share his opinions online.

Miss Yang was speechless. She had only asked casually, but Su Mo had really gone all out with his response.

Interrupted by Su Mo, Yang Xiaoyun forgot what she should feel next and asked after thinking for a moment:

"So, what do we do next?"

"Sit down first."

Su Mo gestured for Yang Xiaoyun to sit down, then sat beside her and put his arm around her.

Yang Xiaoyun's face turned red. "Xiao Mo... Are you... doing this on purpose?"

"Hmm?"

Su Mo froze for a moment. "What makes you say that, Xiaoyun?"

"Nothing..."

Yang Xiaoyun thought for a moment, shook her head firmly, and then tightly embraced Su Mo.

"As a woman who has just lost her father, I feel I no longer have any support and can only rely on my fiancé. Even... even a hug... it doesn’t seem harmful, right?"

"Correct."

Su Mo nodded in agreement. "Just let out all your sadness. I'll handle everything."

"...But I can't be entirely without my own opinions."

Yang Xiaoyun said, "Besides, we shouldn’t seriously consider going back to Haoran Academy, right? Given Wu Daoyou’s many followers and influence, he likely won’t return soon. Should we go and meet him?"

"I don't think it's necessary. Before leaving, Wu Daoyou said to wait in Sunset City for a while, but the waiting can't be without reason. I'm guessing... he'll send news soon."

Su Mo let out a soft sigh. "So, we just wait here. But, Xiaoyun, the next few days might be tough for you."

"It’s fine. It’s just acting; I’m already used to it."

Thinking back to that day in the Peach Blossom Forest, at the Falling Flower Pavilion, Su Mo remembered the man who called himself "Mountain-Crossing Palm."

That man was flawless in his conversation.

Had Su Mo not known about him beforehand, he might have been easily deceived.

Thanks to this man's exemplary performance and the senior's notes, Su Mo's vigilance in the jianghu deepened further.

"Hmm..."

Yang Xiaoyun gently nodded and simply closed her eyes, enjoying the brief moment of tranquility. However, after a short while, she couldn’t resist saying:

"Xiao Mo... Stop messing with my hair."

"Oh."

"And stop fiddling with my sleeve..."

"Okay."

"...It sounds like someone is coming."

"I didn’t hear anything."

"Hmm... Xiao Mo..."

"Shh, no talking."

"Oh... you’re so strict."

"??"

After what seemed like the time it takes to burn an incense stick, Su Mo finally heard footsteps approaching.

After gently alerting Yang Xiaoyun, Su Mo turned around.

He saw Zhang and Li, the two lead escorts, standing outside the pavilion, their hands clasped in front of them. Their faces showed they wanted to say something but didn’t dare to disturb them.

Su Mo sighed and gently patted Yang Xiaoyun’s shoulder.

"Xiaoyunjie, Uncles Zhang and Li are here."

Yang Xiaoyun finally raised her head, her eyes glistening as if she had been crying. She looked up at the two lead escorts and clasped her fists.

"Two Uncles... I've lost control of my emotions."

"Sigh... Young Chief Escort, please take care and try to move forward."

"This incident was sudden, and it’s understandable that the Young Chief Escort is feeling emotional..."

Li the lead escort paused slightly here. "But now, we must ask the Young Chief Escort to regain composure. The Chief Escort’s... his remains still need to be brought back."

"Yes."

Upon hearing this, Yang Xiaoyun seemed to snap out of a daze, nodding repeatedly. "Uncle Li is right... Alright, prepare the men. I will depart immediately to retrieve... to retrieve my father’s remains..."

After saying this, it seemed she could not continue. Su Mo gently took her hand and gave it a firm squeeze.

Only then did Yang Xiaoyun feel as if she had regained some strength. She took a deep breath and said, "I will bring back my father's body. I ask all of you uncles and elders to accompany me on this journey."

"Certainly."

The two lead escorts nodded repeatedly. "Then we'll prepare the men immediately. We'll set off at once."

As soon as they finished speaking, they heard hurried footsteps approaching.

Looking up, they saw a servant boy arrive before them. He first glanced at Zhang and Li, the lead escorts, then came to Yang Xiaoyun’s side.

"Young Miss, Wu Chenfeng is here."

"?"

Both Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun were taken aback. Could it be that the person who sent the letter was actually him?

In the next moment, Yang Xiaoyun frowned. "How dare he come?"

The servant boy quickly explained, "He said he's here to deliver a letter, which must be handed directly to the young miss. He thought you were at the Ziyang Escort Agency, and after some difficulty, couldn't deliver the letter, so he came here."

"A letter?"

Yang Xiaoyun's brows furrowed slightly. "What letter is he sending now?"

"Stay calm, don't get anxious."

Su Mo patted her on the hand. "Uncle Yang went out with Lord Wu this time. It's possible that Wu Chenfeng's letter is related to this matter. Let's take a look first."

"Hmm..."

Yang Xiaoyun nodded lightly and instructed, "Have him wait in the main hall."

"Yes."

The servant boy agreed and quickly left.

Yang Xiaoyun then said, "You two, go and get ready. I'll go see what Wu Chenfeng is up to this time."

"Alright."

The two men nodded in agreement and left without delay to make preparations.

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun headed to the front hall.

At that moment, Wu Chenfeng, led by the servant boy, entered the door. Seeing Su Mo, Wu Chenfeng's eyelid twitched, and as he looked at Yang Xiaoyun, he instinctively grimaced, perhaps reminded of previous beatings.

"Young Master Wu, it’s been a while."

Su Mo cupped his fists at Wu Chenfeng.

Yang Xiaoyun, however, couldn't be bothered to say a word.

Wu Chenfeng sighed, "We had a prior agreement. Though I, Wu Chenfeng, may be incompetent, I always keep my word. I promised to stay away from wherever you two are.

"However... now I have no choice but to follow my father's orders. Please forgive me."

"Father's orders?"

Su Mo looked at Wu Chenfeng. "I heard you’re here to deliver a letter?"

"That's right."

Wu Chenfeng nodded and took a letter out from his bosom. "This letter is intended to be personally delivered to Miss Yang."

Before he could finish speaking, Su Mo raised his hand, and in an instant, the letter was in Su Mo's possession, leaving Wu Chenfeng empty-handed.

"Giving it to me is the same as giving it to her."

After saying that, Su Mo casually opened the letter and quickly skimmed through it. He then told Yang Xiaoyun,

"Indeed... the letter states that all matters concerning Chief Yang have been reported to Lord Wu. Chief Yang’s body has been retrieved and is on its way back to Sunset City, expected to arrive soon. It asks you to remain calm and wait at home."

"What?"

Wu Chenfeng was taken aback. "Chief Yang..."

He didn't dare to continue, but the shock in his eyes was impossible to hide.

Su Mo looked at him and shook his head slightly, then gently said to Yang Xiaoyun, "Sister Xiaoyun, what do you think?"

"Let’s call Uncles Zhang and Li to discuss this together."

Yang Xiaoyun sighed. "Xiao Mo, my mind is in turmoil right now."

"Mm."

Su Mo nodded slightly and said to Wu Chenfeng, "Young Master Wu, please look at this..."

"Oh, I must take my leave."

Wu Chenfeng didn’t dare to stay any longer.

From what Su Mo implied, Yang Yizhi had already died in East City.

No wonder Yang Xiaoyun looked like she did. Today, he had practically walked into the line of fire.

He couldn’t help but blame Wu Daoyou for putting him in a difficult position.

Sending him to deliver this letter—Yang Xiaoyun already held no goodwill toward him. If she lost her temper and used the Dragon Abyss Spear to pierce his heart, would he even survive?

With this thought and Su Mo’s words, how could he dare to stay any longer?

He turned around and left at once, not daring to delay for a moment.

After Wu Chenfeng left, Su Mo had someone summon Zhang and Li, the two head escorts. Upon hearing this, the two men nodded.

"City Master Wu went to East City together with the Chief Escort. It is fitting that he brought back the body as a gesture of gratitude for the Chief Escort’s help."

"It’s just unfortunate that if he had been there, the Chief Escort might not have met with such an accident."

As Li the head escort finished speaking, Zhang the head escort gently kicked him. Li the head escort came to his senses and quickly added, "In that case, the Young Chief Escort should rest for a few days. Once the Chief Escort’s body returns, it will need to be properly laid to rest."

Yang Xiaoyun let out a soft sigh. "In that case, for the next few days, please handle the daily affairs within the escort agency."

"Yes, Young Chief Escort, please rest assured."

The two quickly agreed.

Su Mo supported Yang Xiaoyun as they were about to go inside when Zhang the head escort couldn’t help but whisper, "Chief Escort Su, can I have a word with you in private?"

Su Mo looked at Yang Xiaoyun, who waved her hand. "Come find me later..."

"Alright."

Su Mo nodded and stayed behind for a moment.

"What is it you two wish to discuss with me?"

He looked up at the two of them.

Zhang and Li the head escorts exchanged a glance. Zhang the head escort sighed and said,

"Chief Escort Su, to be honest, people from Haoran Academy have been here for some time now. It’s just that you and the Young Chief Escort hadn’t returned yet. We only found out this morning that the two of you had come back. Such a delay would never have happened in the past."

"Since the Chief Escort’s departure... In just a few days, there has been unrest within the escort agency, with many wavering. But now is not the time to discuss it with the Young Chief Escort."

Li the head escort continued, "At this moment, she is grieving and in distress. We need Chief Escort Su to take extra care. Many within the agency are already thinking of leaving. This matter will need to be discussed between Chief Escort Su and the Young Chief Escort to reach a solution..."