As Master of Grain, Zheng E sometimes has to return to Kaifeng – bring reports, lay out plans, discuss budget, all that bureaucracy everyone hated. At least he could combine it with something pleasant. Prosperity Haven, where he was staying, was just across the city wall from Wansheng town, where A'Cuo reigned. Zheng E couldn't meet his siblings publicly, each of them drew too much attention, but old Zhang manor was close enough. A bit of cleaning could make it decent enough meeting spot. Rumors about ghosts and cultists kept everyone a fair distance away, but it made it ever more perfect for the siblings' plans. The three of them discussed it extensively over the past few weeks in secret letters, carried by trusted wayfayers and trained birds.
It was all ready to be set in motion – Zheng E's part was simple enough. Disguising himself as one of many travelers and covertly leaving Kaifeng wasn't hard. Meeting Ruzhi near the manor and removing the unwanted guests barely counted for a warm-up. Soon enough, Zhang Cuo joined them. The night could already be called a success, only improved by some wine.
Jin Zhongyuan was always keen for adventure, and this night wasn't an exception. Luck had him setting out of South Gate on this occasion – as he passed through sleeping Wansheng town, he couldn't help but notice how quite the abandoned manor stood. Something wasn't right. That place was always filled with some sinister activity, having it stand quietly felt almost foreign.
In the end, Jin Zhongyuan couldn't help himself.
There was no lookout nor any patrol posted outside the old manor, and it probably made the adventurer too relaxed. He ventured forth and, before he knew it, was pinned down with spears on both sides – one threateningly pressed to his neck and the other less than a cun from cutting side of his stomach open.
Luckily for Jin Zhongyuan, the second two swordsmen took to assess the intruder was enough for the third person present to get a grasp as well. Seeing the young man effectively pull the other two by the scruff of their necks, Zhao Guangyi couldn't help but notice that Zhang Cuo turned out to be useful in more ways than prefect could ever expect – even though this apparent conspiracy between Bloodscale Hall, Jade Serpent Hall and Master of Grain will have to be put out at the root, if necessary.
(It completely flew over Jin Zhongyuan's head that Zhang Cuo's reprimands of his two companions sounded weirdly familial.)
Next morning, Zheng E woke up agitated. He was prepared to work after a full night up, even planned for it, but the hangout with his siblings was cut short by some wanderer. No number of Zhang Cuo's reassuring words could convince Zheng E to stay long in the company of an outsider – he couldn't afford being recognized, nor he could bear being called "Shen Yilun" by his siblings, just to keep the act up. So yes, Zheng E was agitated. The upcoming meeting with prefect of Kaifeng didn't add any joy to his day.
Master of Grain almost stumbled when he entered the meeting hall. Prefect of Kaifeng, ever so prim and proper, couldn't hide a fresh, angry cut on his neck – the exact same Zheng E left on that stray wanderer last night.
