As the night deepened over Jiangnan City, its bustling streets illuminated with bright lights, a layer of hidden shadows lurked beneath its prosperity. Wei Si's case had finally been settled with his admission of guilt and legal punishment, but this did not entirely quell the unrest in Jiangnan City. In the city's corners, common folk huddled together, whispering about the various rumors swirling around. Their faces bore worry and dissatisfaction. Though Wei Si had faced justice, countless other injustices in Jiangnan City remained unresolved.

A cool night breeze wafted through the window, bringing a slight chill. In the streets and alleys, many misunderstood and overlooked voices persisted, with numerous injustices buried beneath the city's bustling facade.

In a dimly lit cell, the air was heavy and oppressive, silencing all sounds. The faint clinking of chains in the corner echoed sharply in the deathly stillness. Liu Changyu sat enveloped in shadows, resembling a lost soul, his flickering gaze betraying his unease.

Chen Geng's footsteps resonated in the cell as he approached the iron bars, meeting Liu Changyu's complex gaze. "Liu Changyu, you've delved too deep into the waters of Jiangnan City," he stated firmly, handing over a sheaf of papers for Liu Changyu to examine. Each word, written in Chen Geng's firm script, sank like a dagger into Liu Changyu's heart. Understanding the gravity of his situation, Liu Changyu knew this was not a mere accusation but a trial that could be his undoing.

"I have reported all these matters to the court, awaiting the Emperor's judgment," Chen Geng declared. Liu Changyu, without lifting his gaze from the wall, responded with a tone of resignation, "Chen Geng, you may think this will calm everything. But do you realize the depths of Jiangnan City are deeper than you see?"

Chen Geng, not acknowledging the implied meaning, simply replied, "Justice is clear as day. Act wisely." With those words, he turned and left swiftly, the cell door closing heavily behind him, plunging Liu Changyu back into silent darkness.

As dawn approached, the first rays of the sun began to warm the streets of Jiangnan City, dissipating the chill and gloom of the night. In the Wang family courtyard, though the white mourning banners had been removed, the air still lingered with sadness and silence. Sunlight dappled through ancient trees, casting fragmented shadows on the cobblestones, breathing some life into the old estate.

In a tranquil pavilion by a stream, Cheng Wuyue sat opposite Wang Shouzheng. The soft sound of flowing water and rustling bamboo leaves created a gentle melody around them. Wang Shouzheng looked at Cheng Wuyue with a mix of depth and appreciation, praising the young man's knowledge in herbal medicine and medical theory. Considering the Wang family's crisis - his only son deceased and his nephew arrested - Wang Shouzheng knew he had to secure the family's future before his time came. Cheng Wuyue, he pondered, might be the answer.

After much thought, Wang Shouzheng decided to broach the subject. "I must confess, I invited you today to discuss a matter," he began, hesitating slightly. "I hear you came to Jiangnan City alone from Luoyang. Do you have family back home?"

"Just myself," replied Cheng Wuyue.

Wang Shouzheng eased slightly, then continued, "I was immediately impressed by your knowledge and demeanor. Since you have no family obligations, would you consider joining the Xianzhi Hall as a member of the Wang family? With your talents, you could achieve great renown."

Cheng Wuyue smiled, clearly understanding Wang Shouzheng's intentions. He shook his head, his eyes shining with determination, "Master Wang, I am here on my master's errand and cannot stay long. Moreover, my master is like a father to me. I cannot forsake him to seek another's tutelage. I appreciate your offer, but please, let us not speak of it again."

Wang Shouzheng sighed, respecting Cheng Wuyue's choice. Though he admired the young man's conviction, he lamented the missed opportunity. "Since you've made your choice, I respect it. But if there's anything the Wang family can do to repay your previous help, we will."

Cheng Wuyue raised an eyebrow, signaling for Wang Shouzheng to continue. "There is one thing," Wang Shouzheng paused, then sighed, "that might be of interest to you."

"The day you inquired about 'Lei Gong Teng,' I knew the purpose of your visit to Jiangnan City," Wang Shouzheng spoke in a low, resonant voice, hinting at a significant secret. "However, in truth, 'Lei Gong Teng' doesn't exist in this world. What is referred to as 'Lei Gong Teng' is actually a highly toxic substance called 'Han Shen,' originating from the southern lands. Han Shen is extremely poisonous, even in small amounts can cause hallucinations, especially affecting the nerves. Prolonged consumption can lead to slow death, initially presenting as dizziness and palpitations, later progressing to weakness and fainting."

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Cheng Wuyue furrowed his brows upon hearing this, evidently hearing about it for the first time.

Wang Shouzheng continued, seeing Cheng Wuyue deep in thought, "Han Shen is a banned substance in Yao Country, requiring stringent cultivation environments and techniques, known only to the Luo Sang family of the south. I was reluctant to disclose this because I was once involved in smuggling a batch, not knowing the buyer, only responsible for transportation. To legally circulate Han Shen, it was given the alias 'Lei Gong Teng.'"

"So, all the medicine marketed as 'Lei Gong Teng' on the market comes from that batch you purchased?" asked Cheng Wuyue.

"Exactly," Wang Shouzheng nodded slightly, "But strangely, despite that batch entering the market, there's been no news about it. It's as if it vanished into thin air..."

"Do you remember where that batch was sent?"

"It was distributed far and wide, impossible to trace."

"If it could be distributed so widely, it couldn’t have been the work of ordinary households."

"Your visit to Jiangnan City seeking Lei Gong Teng, has it caused any trouble?"

"Master Wang, I'm afraid I cannot disclose that. What you don't know, you aren't guilty of. Please let this matter rest," Cheng Wuyue bowed deeply to Wang Shouzheng, "I am grateful for your candor today. This information about Han Shen is crucial to me. I must take my leave now."

Wang Shouzheng, seeing Cheng Wuyue's serious demeanor, realized Lei Gong Teng involved a significant matter. Since Cheng Wuyue was unwilling to disclose more, he did not press further. He stood up, silently watching Cheng Wuyue leave.

Their conversation felt like a natural part of the quiet afternoon, dissipating into the air, leaving behind a deep mutual understanding and unspoken agreement. Cheng Wuyue's figure gradually disappeared beyond the mansion's gate, leaving Wang Shouzheng alone in the pavilion, lost in deep thought.

Stepping out from Wang's residence, Cheng Wuyue still appeared contemplative, the long-sought clue about Lei Gong Teng casting an even larger shadow over the entire affair.

"Brother Cheng?" His thoughts were interrupted by a call, and he looked up to see Chen Geng and Wei Zhaoyang approaching from across the street. Chen Geng looked surprised, apparently not expecting to encounter Cheng Wuyue here.

Chen Geng quickened his pace to meet Cheng Wuyue, his brow slightly furrowed, "Brother Cheng, why are you leaving the Wang residence at this hour... With Wang Li's case closed, could there be new leads?"

Caught off guard, Cheng Wuyue regained his composure but didn't directly answer Chen Geng's question, "It was just some personal matter."

Chen Geng's expression grew complex as he scrutinized Cheng Wuyue, trying to decipher the answer from his face, "I wasn’t aware of your connection with the Wang family."

"Thanks to your introduction that day," Cheng Wuyue bowed slightly to Chen Geng, clearly wishing to steer away from the topic.

However, Chen Geng was not inclined to let Cheng Wuyue off so easily. He stepped closer, lowering his voice, "The other day, I heard Brother Cheng mention 'Lei Gong Teng'..."

Hearing Chen Geng bring up 'Lei Gong Teng,' Cheng Wuyue instantly became guarded and cut him off hastily, "Did the lord perhaps hear wrong? I am not aware of such a thing."

A flicker of disappointment passed through Chen Geng's eyes, his voice tinged with rare displeasure, "Brother Cheng's wariness towards me suggests a lack of trust in my character. If that's the case, I shall take my leave."

With those words, Chen Geng turned and left, his robe swaying gently with his steps. Left behind, Wei Zhaoyang watched Chen Geng's departing figure with worry in his eyes, understanding both Chen Geng's discontent and Cheng Wuyue's caution. In the turbulent waters of Jiangnan City, misunderstandings and rifts were inevitable, with everyone treading carefully around their beliefs and positions.

After a moment of consideration, Wei Zhaoyang approached Cheng Wuyue and led him to a secluded spot, explaining, "Brother Cheng, you've truly hurt our lord's feelings."

Cheng Wuyue, taken aback by Chen Geng's strong reaction, voiced his confusion, "How so?"

"You're unaware. Our lord was demoted from Dali Temple to Jiangnan City, precisely because of his insistence on reopening the case of the former governor. Yesterday, he received news of the former imperial physician's arrest and death in Luoyang, revealing your true identity as the physician's direct disciple. Knowing your purpose in Jiangnan was related to that old case, and that 'Lei Gong Teng' was one of the medicines the governor regularly consumed, our lord understood but refrained from discussing it with you due to the convoluted conspiracies involved. He naturally hoped you would trust his character…"

Hearing this, Cheng Wuyue felt an unexpected guilt. Considering Chen Geng's recent actions, he recognized him as a man of integrity and decided to clear up the misunderstanding promptly. Turning to Wei Zhaoyang, he spoke sincerely, "I appreciate your frankness, Brother Wei. I was indeed overly hasty. I understand Lord Chen's intentions. I was wrong, and please convey my apologies to him. Invite Lord Chen to the Zuisheng Pavilion this evening."

Wei Zhaoyang nodded in agreement and turned to leave. Cheng Wuyue stood silently, watching Wei Zhaoyang's receding figure. His thoughts, stirred by the breeze, gradually calmed. After a moment, he took a deep breath, adjusted his robe, and slowly stepped into the bustling streets, blending into the vibrant life of the ancient city.