Chapter 2495: Chapter 103: Alas, Fallen Flowers and Withered Leaves Have Grown Old

Jiang Wang once again sat on the horizontal branch where he used to meditate.

He opened his Qianyang Red Pupil, carefully inspecting the surroundings, trying to find even the slightest clue... but ended up with nothing.

He leaped down and recalled the direction in which Lin Youxie left, following the barely remembered path.

With each step he took, he meticulously examined the surrounding areas, as if facing a life-and-death battle, missing no clue.

Thus, step by step, treading on dry bamboo leaves, he exited this dense forest and reached the nearest city, yet still found no results.

Jiang Wang had anticipated this in his heart, so on the way back, he remained calm.

After all, more than three months had passed. Even if there had been traces, they would have been silently erased by nature. Besides, he couldn’t compare to those green-card professionals from the Patrol Inspection Bureau.

No matter how much effort he exerted, how could he change the fact that withered flowers and yellow leaves had grown old, leaving only mountain winds and bright moon?

With no traces to begin with, where could one search?

He decided to investigate another line of clues and face that black wall.

Having left the Wu’an Marquis Mansion in the morning, he returned when the moon was already high in the sky.

The entire day seemed to pass in vain.

Yet the emotions tempered through this futility were known only to him.

In the Marquis Mansion, he unexpectedly encountered someone—Shuofang Marquis heir, Bao Zhongqing.

This time, at least, he didn’t bring along his charming wife, posing arrogantly and obnoxiously. The luxurious carriage stopped outside the mansion, and he sat alone in the living room. According to the doorman, he had been waiting since the afternoon.

Jiang Wang truly didn’t have the mood for pleasantries today. He frowned upon seeing him: "Brother Bao, what is this about?"

"Brother Jiang, you’ve worked hard all day!" Bao Zhongqing said warmly and naturally, approaching him. "I heard Brother Jiang’s friend has gone missing, and you’re worried about it... I must say, why didn’t you think of asking me for help? My Bao family’s carriage services and intelligence gathering are renowned nationwide, finding someone, collecting some intelligence, these are what we’re good at!"

It hadn’t occurred to Jiang Wang to leverage the strength of the Bao family’s carriage services.

Firstly, he had no relationship with the Bao family, hardly any acquaintance with Bao Zhongqing.

Secondly... he had long been on the Bao family carriage services’ unwelcoming list and hadn’t ridden a Bao carriage for a long time, so how could he think of it?

He didn’t ask Bao Zhongqing how he learned of the news, only said seriously: "If you can help me find the clue, I will remember this favor."

Bao Zhongqing had been waiting for this remark but said, "Why talk about favors, that’s too formal! We are old acquaintances, have fought together, and studied together at the Under Jixuegong. We are comrades and classmates, what kind of relationship is this?"

He patted his chest forcefully: "This task, leave it to me!"

Jiang Wang pursed his lips: "Then I’ll trouble Brother Bao."

"What trouble is there? It’s simply a friend’s duty! Just like how your friend went missing, and you are anxiously searching for her." Bao Zhongqing said and then took his leave: "I know you worry about your friend, so I won’t disturb you. Wait for my news!"

Waited all afternoon, but after finally meeting, he left after a few words.

Regardless of his true intentions, at least on the surface, his sincerity was genuine.

Jiang Wang personally escorted Bao Zhongqing to the door, after a long silence, he returned alone to the study.

As of today, he was no longer that young boy who easily offered trust. Moreover, he had always been cautious about Bao Zhongqing.

Is it because there is existing intel about Lin Youxie, so he is doing a favor in passing? Or does the Bao family have some thoughts regarding the current Queen, catching a scent and just wanting to proceed since Jiang Wang, the brute, is in front?

Jiang Wang didn’t know the answer.

But to find Lin Youxie’s whereabouts quickly, he was willing to let Bao Zhongqing exploit him once.

...

The study in the Wu’an Marquis Mansion was originally designed very simply. Later, adjusted by Zhongxuan Sheng, it gained more majestic elegance.

The desk carved with landscapes has a comforting and smooth luster. Behind the desk is a wall filled with bookshelves.

The shelves are stacked with various books, all famous editions commonly read by the young noblemen of Linzi.

Of course, these were compiled with the help of Zhongxuan Sheng, costing a lot.

But whether it’s famous military writings or Daoist-Confucian classics, they were just decorations here.

Because Jiang Wang hadn’t opened any of them, they remain as they were when bought.

Not that Marquis Wu’an didn’t love reading... it’s just that he hadn’t finished memorizing the "History of Chiseling the Sea", making it difficult to focus elsewhere.

At this moment, he sat before the culturally rich bookcase, half-leaning on a chair, quietly combing through clues related to Lin Youxie, pondering what other methods are there, and where to start. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

He held two knife coins.

Should he ask True Man Yu for divination?

Or seek Ruan Zhenjun?

Gua Dao values reciprocal calculations; concerning a friend’s safety, he was willing to bear the cost.

If Lin Youxie’s disappearance was truly related to the current Queen, maybe seeking True Man Yu for divination would be more appropriate.

No.

Still, asking Ruan Zhenjun seems more suitable.

If Ruan Zhenjun agrees, finding someone shouldn’t be difficult.

If Ruan Zhenjun straightforwardly refuses, isn’t it a verification itself?

While contemplating, Jiang Wang’s fingers moved unconsciously, a wisp of green smoke drifted freely from his fingertips.

He always had the habit of casually practicing Dao Techniques.

This retrospective secret technique was also improved by Yu Beidou.