Demon Lord Gets Married

Chapter 131 - Dead Beyond Recognition

The news of the Sky Piercing Pavilion burning down in the city spread quickly. Last night's fire had roused many people, who watched the scene in their thin nightclothes. If not for the intense blaze, many would have rushed in to scavenge for loot.

“How did this fire start? And no one knows anything about it?” The onlookers stood outside the Sky Piercing Pavilion's ruins, discussing in small groups.

“I heard it was a murder for money. This morning, the officials carried out over ten bodies from the wreckage. The victims were unrecognizable.”

“What? Really? Who could be so bold as to rob this place? It’s said that three years ago, a God merely glimpsed at a treasure in this pavilion, and before he could steal anything, he was sliced into pieces and his body was dumped outside the city. Since then, no one dared to target Sky Piercing Pavilion.”

“Maybe it was a professional robber? There's a bandit camp fifty miles north of Hui State. The people there are fierce and capable of anything.”

“I know the bandit you’re talking about…”

The discussion broadened, with all sorts of theories about the Sky Piercing Pavilion fire. Most people believed it was a murder for wealth.

The Sky Piercing Pavilion was known to hold great riches, perhaps more than a city. However, the government might only find burnt remnants, with not a single piece of gold remaining.

Everyone sighed, uncertain if they envied the thief’s fortune or lamented the Pavilion's heavy losses.

If Yin Xu heard these rumors, he would likely cry out in injustice. While he had taken many things, it was nowhere near 10% of the total.

Either someone looted after Yin Xu or someone survived in the Sky Piercing Pavilion.

Teng Yu stood before a row of charred corpses, deep in thought. He hadn’t yet questioned Yin Xu, so like everyone else, he could only guess the thief’s identity.

“Your Highness, do you see…? The Sky Piercing Pavilion is very influential. If we investigate, this official won't be able to explain it.”

“Then capture the murderer,” Teng Yu responded indifferently.

“To kill over a dozen people in the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, it must have been a formidable bandit. Capturing him would be difficult.”

Despite the many bailiffs, their kung fu was mediocre. Facing a martial arts expert, they would only meet their deaths.

However, Yu Xuezhong knew that the Third Prince wouldn’t lack guards skilled in martial arts. If he helped, the case would be easier to solve.

Teng Yu laughed at the hopeful Master Yu, “Master Yu, you should know I’m here to provide assistance, not to investigate!”

“Yes, yes,” Yu Xuezhong wiped his cold sweat. “This official was confused.” If the Third Prince got involved in the Hui State case and word reached the capital, who knew how it would be perceived.

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“But don't worry. If you need my resources, speak privately. We’ll handle it discreetly.” Teng Yu had a sly smile.

Yu Xuezhong was overjoyed and cupped his hands, “Then, this official thanks Your Highness in advance.”

“No need for formalities. Take a seat, let's discuss post-disaster reconstruction first. Since I’m here, I can’t leave halfway.”

The weather had warmed, the snow had stopped and was starting to melt. Though still cold, it gave the victims hope.

With spring, crops would grow, collapsed houses could be repaired, and the irreparable ones could be rebuilt. After two to three months, there would be no fear of starvation.

Yu Xuezhong took a thick stack of documents from his table, containing information on the victims and the deceased. The disaster had claimed over a hundred lives in Hui State, with a few crushed to death and the majority freezing.

Particularly, the recent snowfall accounted for half of the deaths.

Teng Yu had subtly hinted that this disaster was orchestrated, causing the honest Prefect great anger.

Few officials supported Teng Yu openly, but many did in secret, including some aligned with the Yun Family who were loyal to Teng Yu.

All these years, he had appeared muddled but was active behind the scenes.

However, some officials he recruited were bribed with money, some lured by beauties, and others attracted by the high positions he promised.

“I plan to distribute the silver hair relief in three days. Each person will initially receive a small amount of relief money, and those who are severely affected will be verified by the government before being given aid based on their circumstances. Assign people to classify them into three, six, and five grades, prioritizing those in the greatest need.”

Yu Xuezhong considered it and found this approach reasonable. Although it would be challenging to ascertain everyone's true situation, it was still better than distributing all the money at once.

Spring is approaching, and officials must prepare the seeds for planting. This year, seeds will be provided to farmers free of charge.

“Don't worry, I've already taken care of everything. With the snow falling like this, this year's harvest should be good.” A relaxed smile appeared on his face.

His political views were still maturing, and some ideas were impractical, but Yu Xuezhong was very pleased with him. With this mindset, he had no doubt that the Third Prince would become an enlightened ruler in the future.

Therefore, Yu Xuezhong shared his years of experience during their discussion. Managing a prefecture wasn't just theoretical; practical experience was crucial.

Teng Yu had secretly learned many great strategies for governing a country, but in practice, he couldn't necessarily compare to these seasoned officials who had been working for over a decade.

They chatted happily, barely touching their lunch before leaving. By the time Teng Yu realized it, the sky had already darkened.

Teng Yu cursed inwardly. He had been preoccupied the entire day and wondered if Yin Xu thought he was deliberately avoiding him.

Recalling the splendid breakfast he had that morning, Teng Yu's stomach began to growl. Smiling, he took the Prefect's hand and said, “Master Yu, after talking for so long, you must be hungry. Why don't we have a meal first?”

He would return after a hearty meal, ensuring he had the strength to face whatever awaited him.

“That's a good idea. Let's try my humble cooking skills and invite the Seventh Young Master to join us.”

Teng Yu's smile broadened, and he nodded appreciatively, “Master Yu, you are always so thoughtful.” In someone else's home, Yin Xu wouldn't dare act recklessly, right?

Teng Yu's smile persisted until Yin Xu arrived, but unfortunately, Yin Xu hadn't glanced at him since entering the room.

After Yin Xu sent a brush wash of unknown materials, even Yu Xuezhong couldn't help but notice his mood.

The Third Prince, sitting on a cold bench, shook his head and sighed. Meanwhile, the Demon Lord engaged the magistrate with his millennia of knowledge.

Although the Demon Lord's literature skills weren't exceptional, he knew many fascinating things, especially in astronomy and geography.

“I never expected that Seventh Young Master Huo would excel in both martial and literary arts. And at just fourteen years old! I wonder who your master is,” Yu Xuezhong marveled.

Yin Xu's master was a mystery everyone was curious about, but no one knew who it was.

The more enigmatic this figure was, the more people believed he was an otherworldly expert.

Being an otherworldly expert, it was no surprise that he remained undiscovered.

It didn't make sense to investigate further, as no one could explain Seventh Young Master Huo's sudden proficiency in both civil and military arts.

Everything that defied common sense must have a reason worthy of respect or fear.

Yin Xu blushed slightly and replied modestly, “It's not that I don't want to say, but I swore an oath to my master to never reveal his identity.”

Yu Xuezhong immediately waved his hand, “Don't misunderstand, Seventh Young Master. I'm just curious. Since you made a promise, you should keep it.”

Teng Yu, standing nearby, stared wide-eyed at Yin Xu's bashful expression, astonished that Yin Xu could appear so young and innocent. It was truly surprising.

Yin Xu shot a brief, icy glance at Teng Yu, causing him to shiver and quickly stand up, “I wonder when the food will be ready. I'm starving.”

Now it was Yu Xuezhong's turn to feel embarrassed, “Yes, yes, my apologies. I lost track of time while we were talking. Someone, please fetch Madam and let her know it's time for dinner.”

When the dishes were served, Teng Yu finally understood why Yu Xuezhong was confident in offering Madam Yu's cooking. If he hadn't known better, he would have thought it was prepared by a professional chef.

Even Yin Xu ate half a bowl more rice than usual and more meat, “Your wife's cooking is outstanding, Master Yu. You are truly fortunate!”

Yu Xuezhong drank two more cups of wine, his face flushed red with happiness. He laughed contentedly and said modestly, “I wouldn't dare say that, she has just a bit of talent.”

Teng Yu, unable to stand his smug expression, placed a hand on Yin Xu's shoulder and declared loudly, “In the future, this prince will definitely find the best wife in the world!” No one could compare to him!

Yin Xu shrugged off the hand on his shoulder and retorted, “Then hurry up and find her!”

Yu Xuezhong was aware of the relationship between the two, but he always thought Yin Xu was just a male companion. Even after learning that he was the Seventh Young Master of the Huo Family, he doubted the sincerity of their feelings.

However, over time, as he got to know them better, it became evident that their relationship was not as scandalous as others believed. On the contrary, their bond was very strong.

Moreover, it seemed like the three princes were more submissive, and a simple look from the Seventh Young Master Huo could change their expressions.

Initially, Yu Xuezhong had wanted to warn them about the difficulties they might face. If they were to fall out in the future, it wouldn't just affect them but could also strain the relationship between the royal family and the Huo Family.

But now, he couldn't bring himself to say anything to separate them.

If all men in the world loved other men, what difference would there be between husbands and wives?

They were simply a couple who loved each other.

The meal lasted for four hours. By the time Teng Yu and Yin Xu left the Prefectural Government backyard, it was already past midnight, and curfew had begun.

However, with officials from the yamen personally escorting them, curfew was no concern.

As they passed the Sky Piercing Pavilion, Yin Xu admired his handiwork. People often say that a gentleman's revenge can wait ten years, and Yin Xu never let anyone off when it came to revenge.

“A perfectly good Sky Piercing Pavilion has been burned. If we knew this would happen, we might as well have taken some good things from it,” Teng Yu shook his head and sighed.

Yin Xu raised an eyebrow and said ambiguously in front of everyone, “Whatever you like, I'll give it to you later.”

Teng Yu, thinking he had been forgiven, laughed heartily, “As long as it's a gift from you, I like it!”

Saying this, he hugged Yin Xu's waist and was about to kiss his cheek. The guards and bailiffs following them could only look away and pretend not to notice.

However, Teng Yu didn't kiss him this time because both he and Yin Xu felt someone was secretly watching them. The gaze was indescribably cold and solemn, as though filled with killing intent.

They both looked in the direction of the feeling. All they saw was darkness and the charred remains.

They exchanged glances, their expressions immediately serious. If they guessed correctly, this person should be from the Sky Piercing Sect.

Teng Yu leaned over and whispered in Yin Xu's ear, “The Sky Piercing Pavilion has been burned; the Sky Piercing Sect must have suffered significant losses. I'm afraid a group will come in the next few days.” It was obvious why they would come.

Until a moment ago, Teng Yu didn't know the Sky Piercing Pavilion was related to Yin Xu, but seeing the subtle expression on Yin Xu's face, he had a faint suspicion.

Yin Xu immediately understood what Teng Yu meant and a cold smile appeared on his face, “They came at the perfect time; I was worried I wouldn't be able to find them!”

They distanced themselves from each other and smiled, as if they had truly reconciled.