Chapter Ninety-Three: First Foray into the White Tiger Hall

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Judging by the relationship between the Three Flavors Residence and Elder Zhang, it is clear that they strongly support the Fengshan rites, while the forces backing Deng Qing must be opposed to the sacrificial ceremonies to Heaven.

In this case, the Three Flavors Residence and Elder Zhang share a common goal, naturally making them allies, whereas Deng Qing would be their adversary. Given that I have a familial connection to Elder Zhang—not just any connection, but one tacitly acknowledged by him—I can leverage this identity to gather valuable information within the Three Flavors Residence. Such an opportunity should not be wasted.

“Sister Ling’er, what shall we do next?”

“Zi Sheng, rest well tonight. Feel free to stroll around the White Tiger Hall. Everyone here holds Elder Zhang in high regard; no one dares lay a finger on you. I have matters to attend to; I will come find you early tomorrow.”

With that, Ling’er left on her own.

Only Li Zisheng and Ba Liang remained in the room.

“Master, I fear I have caused you trouble.”

Ba Liang felt a twinge of guilt, worrying that his presence might have displeased Yan Hong, the White Tiger Hall’s leader, and perhaps even endangered his master in this unfamiliar territory. Alongside his remorse was a hint of self-reproach.

Li Zisheng gave Ba Liang a reassuring look, comforting him silently.

Currently, they were at the heart of the Three Flavors Residence in Lingzhou. From what Ling’er had revealed, the entire hub fell under the jurisdiction of the White Tiger Hall, which was Yan Hong’s domain.

However, Ling’er also mentioned that the White Tiger Hall was staunchly supportive of Elder Zhang, so Li Zisheng was quite safe within its confines. Yan Hong was evidently a strict hierarchical figure who did not hesitate to wield life or death authority over her subordinates. This suggested a ruthless and stern environment, with deep respect for superiors.

Therefore, if Li Zisheng ventured out to gather intelligence, he would likely remain secure. After careful consideration of the dangers, he resolved to explore. Seeing that his master was preparing to go out, Ba Liang, though still shaken from their recent brush with danger, insisted on accompanying him—at the very least, to provide protection.

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Ba Liang gave Li Zisheng a determined look.

After a brief preparation, the two left the room. The Three Flavors Residence had operated in Lingzhou for countless years, perhaps even throughout the entire Tang Empire, and had managed to construct an underground complex rivaling a palace, complete with pavilions and towers, arranged in orderly rows, remarkably comprehensive.

Li Zisheng and Ba Liang wandered aimlessly around the vast subterranean area. After nearly a quarter of an incense stick’s time, they had just moved beyond the immediate vicinity of the building they had left.

“Leader, I have gathered the information,” a subordinate reported.

“Well? Is that child truly Elder Zhang’s relative?”

“According to my findings, this person is named Li Zisheng, nine years old, and undoubtedly a relative of Elder Zhang. It is well known throughout Chang’an. Elder Zhang petitioned the emperor to grant him the position of Inspector for the Inner Pass Road, which grants considerable authority in Lingzhou.”

“Is the source reliable?”

“Yes, leader. This appointment caused quite a stir in Chang’an, but Elder Zhang fiercely defended his choice, overruling opposition to place his kin in this office. The primary duty involves overseeing the Fengshan sacrificial rites at the Inner Pass Road, effectively paving the way for Li Zisheng’s future career.”

“Leader, the two brought here by Miss Ling’er have left their residence and are wandering freely within the White Tiger Hall, correct?”

The messenger made a slashing motion across his neck.

Yan Hong waved dismissively, signaling no concern. The messenger understood and departed to continue monitoring Li Zisheng and Ba Liang.

“Excellent, excellent. I never thought that little Ling’er would manage to hook up with such a figure. At nine years old, to serve as Inspector of the Inner Pass Road—though a nominal position, it wields enough power to suppress a third-rank official and grants discretionary authority. It is practically a divine inspection, immense power indeed. Elder Zhang clearly holds this little relative in high regard. If his surname is Li, could he be imperial kin or perhaps even the emperor’s illegitimate son? Spread the word—outside the Forbidden Pavilion, across all territories of the White Tiger Hall, Li Zisheng may come and go at will.”

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Yan Hong clenched her poisonous vine whip tightly, her eyes burning with resentment. She had originally assumed Li Zisheng’s identity was just a ruse concocted by Ling’er to provide him refuge here. Who would have guessed that Ling’er had such extraordinary fortune, wielding such powerful connections? It was indeed a stroke of luck. Clearly, it was time to pay a visit to this nine-year-old Inspector.

“Prepare yourselves. Tonight, this leader will pay a visit to Elder Zhang’s relative.”

Li Zisheng was completely unaware of Yan Hong’s impending visit. After the two left their lodgings, the White Tiger Hall subordinates who had been shadowing them quietly withdrew. Li Zisheng soon realized that Yan Hong must have confirmed his identity and recalled her agents; had she doubted, he would likely have met a grim fate by now.

This realization gave Li Zisheng a sense of relief. It seemed that any investigation into the White Tiger Hall would no longer face significant obstacles. Nevertheless, he understood that any information revealed to him would only be superficial; the true secrets would remain tightly guarded.

After leaving their quarters, the pair arrived at a vast plaza where twenty-four towering pillars stood, each radiating an ominous aura. Some pillars were stained a deep crimson.

Ba Liang appeared somewhat unsettled, but having endured the Lingzhou Academy incident, this sight was less intimidating than before.

Li Zisheng approached the pillars. Ling’er had explained that the White Tiger Hall oversaw punishments, and within the Three Flavors Residence, it was a place feared by all. Anyone who broke the law faced the severest penalties. These twenty-four pillars were likely one of the sites where such capital punishments were carried out.

He could only wonder how many had perished here to have stained these iron pillars so vividly. Li Zisheng sighed quietly to himself.