Rumble—

Thunder roared across the sky as large raindrops began spattering down sporadically. Old Man Lin looked up at the overcast sky and frowned.

"This isn't good—it's going to pour," he told the two young people beside him. "We need to find shelter, or spending the night in these mountains will be very dangerous."

No sooner had he spoken than the rain suddenly intensified, cascading down like a burst dam. The three were instantly soaked to the bone.

"There are lights over there!" Su Ying shouted through the rain curtain, pointing at a glimmer of light in the distance.

Lu Zhao squinted through the downpour and indeed saw a building halfway up the mountainside, brightly lit and looking particularly warm amid the storm.

"Let's go!" Old Man Lin decided quickly, and the three ran through the heavy rain toward the structure.

Drawing closer, they could see it was a sizable manor. A plaque above the gate read "Listening to Rain Manor" in flowing, immortal-like calligraphy that was clearly the work of a master.

"Strange—how could there be such a manor in these remote mountains?" Su Ying murmured.

Before she could think further, the manor's main gate opened. A beautiful woman around thirty appeared at the entrance, wearing a light blue gown. She was lovely and elegant in bearing, and seeing the three's bedraggled state, immediately said with concern:

"You distinguished guests have been caught in the rain! Please come in quickly and change into dry clothes to warm yourselves."

"Many thanks, Madam!" Old Man Lin bowed gratefully.

The three followed the beautiful woman into the manor, where they saw an elegantly arranged courtyard with ornamental rocks, flowing water, and lush flowers—nothing like what one would expect deep in the mountains.

"This humble woman's surname is Shui, and I am the manor's owner," the beautiful woman introduced as she led the way. "That you three could come here on a rainy night must be fate. Xiao Cui, quickly prepare hot tea and clean clothes."

A pretty little maid hurried off to comply.

Su Ying discreetly observed this Madam Shui, secretly amazed. Though the woman was beautiful, there was an indescribable worldly air about her brow, and her eyes were particularly lively, as if they could see through people's hearts.

What concerned her more was that this madam seemed to look at Lu Zhao with a hint of special meaning in her gaze.

"Madam Shui, may I ask what business this manor usually conducts?" Old Man Lin asked probingly.

Madam Shui covered her mouth and laughed softly. "Old sir has keen eyes—you can tell at a glance this isn't an ordinary manor. I won't hide it from you all—this place usually receives some... special guests."

"Special guests?"

"People of the martial world, or friends who find it inconvenient to travel the official roads." Madam Shui spoke euphemistically, but her meaning was quite clear.

Su Ying's heart stirred—wasn't this the legendary "safe house"? A place in the martial world that specifically provided sanctuary for fugitives.

"Then we..." Lu Zhao was somewhat worried.

"Young master, please be at ease," Madam Shui looked at him gently. "Since you've come here to shelter from the rain, this humble woman naturally won't ask too many questions. At Listening to Rain Manor, the most important rule is not to ask about origins or probe identities."

While speaking, Xiao Cui had already prepared hot tea and clean clothes. Madam Shui arranged for the three to change clothes first, then wait in the main hall.

After changing into clean clothes, the three came to the main hall. It was decorated in classical style with paintings covering the walls, incense burners wafting smoke—very much the taste of scholarly gentlemen.

"This tea is very fragrant." Su Ying lifted her teacup for a light sip, her eyes brightening. "It's excellent Biluochun."

"Young master has fine taste," Madam Shui said as she sat nearby, elegantly refilling everyone's tea. "This is indeed this year's new tea, brought from the Suzhou area."

Hearing the words "Suzhou," Su Ying's hand trembled slightly and she nearly knocked over her teacup.

Lu Zhao immediately noticed her distress and asked with concern, "Su Lin, are you alright?"

"I'm... I'm fine, perhaps just a bit tired." Su Ying forced a smile.

Madam Shui observed everything clearly from the side, a glimmer of understanding flashing in her eyes, but she said nothing, only more gently refilled Su Ying's tea.

"Madam Shui, might you be able to share some recent news?" Old Man Lin spoke up. "We've been traveling and don't know much about the outside situation."

"Is Old Sir Lin conducting business?" Madam Shui smiled, having clearly discerned Old Man Lin's identity.

"Takes one to know one." Old Man Lin didn't hide it. "News is always more valuable when it's fresh."

Madam Shui pondered for a moment, then began: "Things have indeed been rather unsettled lately. Young Master Zhao of the Suzhou Zhao family has been making a great commotion searching for someone—apparently his fiancée fled their marriage. This Young Master Zhao is accustomed to throwing his weight around, so naturally he's pursuing this to the ends of the earth after being slighted."

Su Ying listened with a trembling heart, while Lu Zhao's expression also darkened.

"Besides that," Madam Shui continued, "there's movement in the capital as well. It's said someone is secretly investigating that major case from five years ago, and some of the veteran court officials have been looking rather anxious lately."

"The major case from five years ago?" Lu Zhao blurted out.

Madam Shui looked at him deeply. "Young master is interested in this?"

Lu Zhao realized his slip and quickly shook his head. "Just asking casually."

"The major case from five years ago refers to the 'Hidden Dragon Incident,'" Old Man Lin picked up the thread. "The events back then were extremely mysterious and remain inconclusive to this day."

"What is the 'Hidden Dragon Incident'?" Su Ying asked curiously. Though she came from a merchant family, she knew little about court affairs.

Old Man Lin and Madam Shui exchanged glances, and finally Old Man Lin spoke:

"Five years ago, the current emperor suddenly disappeared, throwing the court into chaos. Some say he was assassinated by political enemies, others that he met with an accident while traveling incognito. In any case, from that time on, state affairs have been controlled by Regent Prince Xiao Yu."

Hearing this, Lu Zhao felt a sharp pain in his head, as if something was trying to break through the surface in his mind, but he couldn't grasp it.

"Are you alright?" Su Ying worriedly supported him.

"I... I'm fine." Lu Zhao endured the pain. "Just a sudden headache."

Madam Shui watched from the side, her expression growing increasingly complex. She approached Lu Zhao and said softly, "Young master, this humble woman knows a little medicine. Shall I examine you?"

"No need, I'll be fine with some rest." Lu Zhao politely declined.

Madam Shui didn't insist, only nodded thoughtfully.

Outside, the rain showed no signs of letting up, with thunder rumbling and lightning occasionally splitting the night sky. On such a night, Listening to Rain Manor seemed particularly peaceful and warm.

"Since the rain won't stop anytime soon, why don't you three stay the night?" Madam Shui suggested. "You can continue your journey tomorrow when the weather clears."

Old Man Lin looked at the downpour outside and nodded. "Then we'll impose on Madam's hospitality."

"Not at all—having guests visit is exactly what this humble woman hopes for," Madam Shui smiled. "These mountains are usually too quiet; it's rare to have people to chat with."

After arranging lodging, Madam Shui suggested they all have dinner together. The meal was sumptuous, featuring mountain game and seasonal vegetables that were fragrant and delicious.

During the meal, Madam Shui casually asked, "You two young masters look quite young—is this your first time traveling far from home?"

"Yes," Su Ying replied. "We're going to the capital."

"The capital?" A strange look flashed in Madam Shui's eyes. "Going to the capital isn't very safe right now—they say the city is full of secret agents conducting strict investigations."

"Why?" Lu Zhao asked.

"It's all because of that old case," Madam Shui sighed. "Someone is secretly investigating the truth behind the emperor's disappearance, so naturally Regent Prince Xiao Yu must maintain strict vigilance. I hear he's ordered that anyone with suspicious behavior be arrested for questioning."

Lu Zhao and Su Ying exchanged glances, both feeling the pressure. It seemed this journey to the capital would be far more dangerous than they'd imagined.

"However," Madam Shui's tone shifted, "if you two really must go to the capital, this humble woman could provide some assistance."

"What assistance?"

"Identity documents," Madam Shui smiled. "This humble woman offers certain... convenient services here. As long as the price is right, any kind of identity can be arranged."

Su Ying's heart stirred—this was exactly what she and Lu Zhao urgently needed.

"What would the price be?" Old Man Lin inquired on their behalf.

"No rush, no rush," Madam Shui waved her hand. "Everyone should rest well tonight—we can discuss these matters tomorrow."

Night deepened, and the rain continued pattering. Su Ying lay on the guest room bed but couldn't sleep. Today's experiences had been too harrowing, and the news Madam Shui revealed made her heart heavy.

The capital—her mother's hometown—had now become a dragon's pool and tiger's den.

As she pondered, light footsteps sounded outside her door. Su Ying sat up alertly and heard someone say softly outside:

"Miss Su, this humble woman would like to speak with you."

It was Madam Shui's voice! Su Ying's heart jumped—how did she know her true identity?

After a moment's hesitation, Su Ying still opened the door. Madam Shui stood outside, holding a teapot.

"Madam, you..."

"Come in to talk." Madam Shui walked directly into the room and closed the door.

The two sat facing each other. Madam Shui poured Su Ying a cup of tea, then said softly:

"Miss Su, this humble woman has already guessed your identity. The daughter of the Su family of Suzhou, the runaway bride—this news is spreading throughout the martial world."

Su Ying's face instantly turned deathly pale. "You... what do you want to do?"

"Don't be nervous," Madam Shui smiled gently. "Since this humble woman runs a business, she naturally wouldn't do anything to betray her customers. I just have some things I want to make clear with you."

"What things?"

Madam Shui glanced toward the door and lowered her voice. "About that Young Master Lu."

Su Ying's heart leaped. "What about him?"

"Miss Su, do you know his true identity?"

"He... he's just a carpenter's apprentice." Su Ying said uncertainly.

Madam Shui shook her head. "This humble woman has been in this business for so many years—what kind of person haven't I seen? Though that Young Master Lu dresses simply, the noble bearing in his every gesture cannot be concealed. More importantly..."

"More importantly what?"

"More importantly, he looks very much like that person who disappeared five years ago."

Su Ying was struck as if by lightning, her entire body freezing in place.