Chapter Twelve: Chao Ge (II)

Li Kuo tightly held Feng Deyen’s hands and comforted him, “It’s okay, it’s okay. Brother Kuo will take you home. We can talk about anything there.”
After saying that, he signaled the jailer to open the cell door, and together with Zhang Yanji, they half-guided and half-carried Feng Deyen out of the Tianlao prison in Jingzhao Prefecture.
Thanks to Wang Xuan’s prior instructions, the three of them encountered no obstacles. Considering Feng Deyen’s feelings, Li Kuo and Zhang Yanji rented a light carriage for him to ride in. The three of them headed straight south, and soon they arrived in front of the Kelong Teahouse in Tongji Fang.
Chen Xiaoliu, Du Jingtian, and the others were already waiting eagerly in front of the teahouse. Seeing Li Kuo and his group get off the carriage, Du Jingtian stepped forward first, “Brother Xiaoqi, you’re finally back! Everyone was so worried about you. Dezi is back too—you really had us worried sick this time!”
Feng Deyen shrank behind Li Kuo and murmured, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. I’m sorry.”
Li Kuo patted his friend’s shoulder gently and said soothingly, “Dezi, it’s okay. Sister Jingtian is just worried about you. You don’t know how worried everyone was during your time in prison. Now that you’re back safely, we can live happily again like before.”
Zhang Yanji stepped forward at the right moment and said with a smile, “Everyone, stop standing around. Since Dezi has returned safely this time, we must properly get rid of the bad luck clinging to him. Jinghong and Yihao, hurry up and bring out a brazier. Dezi’s second return home must see all the bad luck removed!”
“Okay, we’re going right now.”
The two lightly tapped their foreheads and ran into the teahouse. Before long, they rushed out carrying a brazier.
“Hey, put this brazier right in the middle of the gate.”
Du Jingtian crossed her arms and pointed here and there, “Chen Xiaoliu, can’t you be faster? Are you not full enough?”
“Pfft.”
Zhang Yanji couldn’t help but laugh. “Brother Kuo, Sister Jingtian still has that same attitude. It’s really amusing.”
“She’s just that crazy. I guess she won’t change in her lifetime. You just have to tolerate her more.”
Li Kuo shrugged helplessly and smiled bitterly.
“How could I? How would I ever dislike my sister-in-law? As long as Brother doesn’t say anything, we’ll only bless you two!”
Zhang Yanji tilted his head and persisted.
Hearing this, Du Jingtian walked straight up to Zhang Yanji, wrapped her arms around his neck, and shouted, “What bad things are you saying about me behind my back? Did that damn Xiaoqi teach you to say such things?”

“Ah, come on, be gentle! It wasn’t Xiao Qi who taught me that—really, I just made it up myself. Ah, stop squeezing; you might kill someone.”
Du Jingtian pushed Zhang Yanji away, causing him to stumble.
“Enough, enough. Let’s welcome Dezi inside first. What’s the point of standing here?”
Fearing further trouble, Zhang Yanji quickly bowed in submission.
“Hmph, that’s better.”
Du Jingtian crossed his arms triumphantly and smiled.
Li Kuo helped Feng Deyen over to the brazier. After hesitating for a moment, Feng Deyen finally stepped over the brazier with trembling legs.
“Great! Crossing it gets rid of bad luck!”
“Dezi is awesome!”
“Dezi is a real man!”
“By crossing the brazier, good luck will follow!”
“One step over, and luck will bloom!”
The boys cheered endlessly, creating a joyful atmosphere.
Today, the Kelong Teahouse was closed; usually crowded, it was now empty. Dozens of square tables were clean, with wooden menu boards hanging on the walls. Old Du stood behind the counter, cursing, “Bringing everyone back—aren’t you afraid of bringing bad luck?”
“Grandpa! What are you saying? Dezi’s return is a happy event. Look at yourself—so disrespectful to your age!”
Du Jingtian pouted, defending her friend, which made the boys laugh even harder.
“Laughing? All you know how to do is laugh foolishly. I’m not wasting time with you. If I can’t deal with you, can’t I just avoid you? Hmph!”
Old Du adjusted his clothes and stormed off into the backyard.
“My grandpa is just like that. Don’t mind him, Dezi,” Du Jingtian quickly reassured Feng Deyen, worried he might feel resentful.
“No, it’s fine. Old Du is just trying to help you,” Feng Deyen said softly, pulling his hand back behind his back.
“Jingtian, go heat some water for Dezi. Let him rest properly and change into new clothes,” Li Kuo said, unable to bear to see his friend in that state.
“Slothful you!” Du Jingtian grumbled lightly before heading inside.
After some small talk, Feng Deyen went to bathe in the backyard. Li Kuo kept only Zhang Yanji and Chen Xiaoliu; the rest of the boys thanked them and went home to rest.
Once the street was quiet, Li Kuo led the three of them to sit around a square table by the wall, but no one spoke, creating a somewhat tense atmosphere.
“Brother Kuo, I think Dezi’s personality has changed a lot since he left,” Zhang Yanji said, guessing why Li Kuo had kept him around.
“Mm.”

Li Kuo took a sip of the rough tea in silence, his expression gloomy. “Dezi used to be the most cheerful among us brothers. After going through this ordeal, he’s become quiet and timid. I’m really worried this might have a negative impact on him, but I can’t think of any good solution right now.”
“Brother Xiaoqi, maybe Dezi just can’t accept it for now? He’ll get better eventually.”
Chen Xiao Liu tried to comfort him seeing the heavy atmosphere.
“I hope so.”
Li Kuo sighed softly and placed his teacup gently on the square table. “It’s just that the governor’s attitude this time is rather strange. I still can’t figure out why.”
“Brother Kuo, are you referring to that old scoundrel Wang Xuan? I also think his actions today were odd. Who doesn’t know that the Wang family father and son are usually domineering and evil in Chang’an? Even with Princess Yuzhen stepping in this time, that old fool should have some reservations. But if he releases Dezi and the others so easily, it really goes against his usual behavior.”
Zhang Yanji pondered for a moment before agreeing.
“Hmm, this time the Jingzhao Prefecture acted swiftly and arrested many sons from prominent families. Dezi being involved shows there must be some big secret at play. We need to talk to this kid soon—I’m afraid he might make some serious mistakes out of stupidity.”
Li Kuo couldn’t think of any good solution either; he could only wait until Feng Deen’s emotions stabilized to try to get some information from him.
“In my opinion, we can secretly investigate to find out what scared Dezi so much.”
Du Jingtian came from the backyard and spoke loudly.
Zhang Yanji covered his chest and took several deep breaths. “Miss, why don’t you make any noise when walking? You’re trying to scare people to death!”
Du Jingtian glared at Zhang Yanji. “Scaredycat, it’s you who’s scared.”
After walking around the three boys, Du Jingtian continued, “It’s uncertain whether Dezi can return to his old self now. If we wait for him to tell us what happened, it might take forever. Why don’t we secretly investigate and unravel the mystery?”
“Wow, Sister Jingtian, you actually know idioms! Xiao Liu admires you so much.”
Chen Xiao Liu opened his mouth wide in admiration.
Du Jingtian covered his head with one hand and complained, “Why can’t Sister Jingtian just use idioms? Do you think only Little Seven is educated?”
“No, no. Sister Jingtian, I’m just happy for you.”
Chen Xiao Liu quickly waved his hands, unable to speak properly for a moment.
“Alright, I know you well enough. But we need to start investigating quickly. Let’s see who Dezi has been in contact with these days. By starting from the source, I’m sure we can figure things out.”
Du Jingtian waved her hand generously and smiled.

Li Kuo glanced at Du Jingtian hesitantly before finally speaking, “A Tian, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you. These days, I’ve met some of Grandpa’s old friends from his lifetime, and they all hope I’ll become an official. I also want to resume my studies—this way, I can fulfill my mother’s wish and have a better chance to clear Grandpa’s name. But if I do that, I won’t be able to keep working at the teahouse anymore… what about Master Du?”
“Little Seventh Brother, stop talking. I support you. As for Grandpa, I’ll talk to him—he loves me the most and definitely won’t refuse!”
The young girl assured him confidently, patting her chest.
“What’s so mysterious? I, Nan, want to join in the fun too!”
With a hearty laugh, Nan Jiyun strode into the teahouse and sat down carelessly at a square table next to the group of youths.
“Big Brother Nan!”
Li Kuo and Du Jingtian exclaimed in unison.
“What, you’re not welcome?”
Putting his sword on the table, Nan Jiyun teased them for once.
“No, no, how could that be? We’re just too excited. By the way, Big Brother Nan, how did you find us?”
Li Kuo was overjoyed to see an old friend.
“You little rascal! Is Big Brother Nan that stupid? Qujiang Fang isn’t far from here. I just had to ask around a bit—how could I not find your place? Come on, what’s the problem? Maybe Big Brother Nan can help!”
Hearing this, Du Jingtian stepped forward and said, “Then we won’t be polite, Big Brother Nan. Here’s the thing—this young lady plans to form a detective team. Are you interested in joining?”
“A detective team?”
Nan Jiyun glanced at Du Jingtian with interest and smiled. “Hmm, I’m curious to see what interesting thing this clever girl has come up with. Alright, I’ll join.”