Trafford's Trading Club

698: Chapter 111: The Eternal Palace 698: Chapter 111: The Eternal Palace “Passed away from illness?”

Zi Xing and Mo Xiaofei were still discussing the details of entering the Nagato family dungeon, naturally leading them to talk about the true identity of the madwoman imprisoned there. “That’s the official claim, but it’s not the truth.” Mo Xiaofei frowned slightly, as if recalling those chaotic memories, “But as for the real reason, no matter how I probed this past year, I couldn’t find it out.

However, there’s one thing I can confirm, which is that only Lord Nagato, Nagato Shinji, and Nagato Saburo know about the madwoman being held in the dungeon.”

Zi Xing asked curiously, “How can Lord Mo be so sure?”

Mo Xiaofei smiled bitterly, “During this year’s reincarnation, I’ve directly asked everyone in the Nagato House, from the highest to the lowest servant.”

In any case, it’s always been a cycle of saving and reloading, and after countless reckless attempts, Mo Xiaofei thought he’d gathered ample information — but still couldn’t break the current stalemate. “Let’s not talk about Lord Nagato and Nagato Shinji for now…” Zi Xing frowned, “How can Nagato Saburo tolerate his wife being locked away in a dungeon, never seeing daylight?”

Mo Xiaofei remarked, “There’s something quite strange about this… concerning Nagato Tsuruko.” “The Pen Immortal?” Zi Xing raised an eyebrow, “Like the one in the movie…” “I’m afraid the world we are in now has deviated significantly from the movie’s plot.” Mo Xiaofei shook his head, “So if I always use the storyline as a reference, I’m afraid I’ll just hit a dead end.” “So, what do you mean regarding Nagato Tsuruko?” “Nagato Tsuruko was born in November.” Mo Xiaofei said solemnly, “But as far as I know, Nagato Saburo went to the battlefield around the New Year of that same year!” “Are you suggesting that Nagato Tsuruko isn’t Nagato Saburo’s biological child?” Zi Xing shook her head, “There isn’t much difference if Nagato Saburo was with his wife before he went to war…

Or perhaps, since he was about to go to war, sharing a tender moment with his wife before leaving would be more reasonable.” “While that might be true…” Mo Xiaofei nodded, “There’s a servant specifically responsible for the night watch.

I once secretly tied him up and interrogated him.

After Nagato Saburo left, Lord Nagato secretly visited Saburo’s residence one night.

Moreover, from what I observed, Nagato Saburo isn’t kind to Tsuruko… he even despises her!”

Mo Xiaofei shook his head, “What kind of parent dislikes their own child?

You’ve seen Nagato Tsuruko, right?

This little girl is so beautiful that you can’t help but like her!

Unfortunately, I can’t get close to Nagato Saburo at all.

Although he often gets drunk, and I’ve tried discreetly probing when he’s drunk, I couldn’t find out anything.

Originally, if I hadn’t met you this time, I planned to capture Nagato Saburo…”

Mo Xiaofei didn’t say what he’d do after capturing him…

And Zi Xing wisely didn’t ask further.

Surviving a year without going insane… without even a slight change, is naturally abnormal.

Zi Xing vaguely sensed a faint, detached hostility in Mo Xiaofei, but she didn’t point it out immediately, merely asking, “Then, what’s the deal with the village’s cursed?

You mentioned that village girl with the bamboo pole?” “That’s what I wanted to talk about… the despicable deeds of the Nagato family behind the scenes.” Mo Xiaofei took a deep breath, a terrifying murderous intent flashing in his eyes! “Deeds…”

Mo Xiaofei shook his head, “I’m afraid it’s hard to explain clearly, so it’s better to let you see it directly; you’ll have a more intuitive understanding — but first, you need to divert Lord Nagato.

Because the entrance to the mechanism is not far from where he lives, even next to his bedroom.

Usually, Lord Nagato doesn’t leave this place, and even if he does, he orders servants to watch over it, not allowing anyone to approach.

Several times, I’ve only been able to sneak in there after knocking out the guards when Lord Nagato leaves!”

Zi Xing nodded, then checked the time and proceeded to tie Mo Xiaofei with a rope again…

This time, it only looked as if it was tightly bound, but in reality, it was just looped around.

After some discussion, they decided the best time to infiltrate was at night.

With the Kondo family’s lady arriving, the Nagato House naturally had to host a grand welcome.

Lord Nagato was already preparing a sumptuous dinner.

Soon after, the Kondo Family Samurai, who had been sent away by Zi Xing, returned after making a round.

They initially planned to interrogate ‘Sasaki Kojiro,’ but Miss Tsukihime summoned them back, saying they should prepare to accompany her to attend the Nagato family’s banquet; the interrogation could wait until after the banquet and was not urgent — How could it not be urgent?

The safety of Kondo Tsukihime surely outweighs the significance of a banquet in this small place!

Under the formidable gaze of ‘Kondo Tsukihime,’ the two samurai eventually agreed — though accompanying Miss Tsukihime was a good idea; with them on either side, their formidable martial prowess could fend off any danger,

Although Lord Nagato was also a Samurai, he was now old; how could he be their match…

Without minding the thoughts of the Kondo Family Samurai, Zi Xing waved them away and summoned a Binü to her side. “Put on the veil, wear my clothes.

Tonight, you’ll attend in my place.” Zi Xing said indifferently, “Remember, don’t speak; just nod or shake your head.” “Miss, I…

I don’t dare!” How could she dare impersonate Tsukihime!

This would surely get her executed! “Just follow my instructions.” Zi Xing said firmly, “Otherwise, you will be removed from the Kondo family.” “Then… alright.”

Watching the Binü tremblingly try on the clothes, Zi Xing secretly sighed…

If her demonic power had not been lost, this wouldn’t have been necessary. “Sit up straight!

Don’t lower your head!

You are now Kondo Tsukihime!

Have some aura!” “Al… alright…” … …

This was a larger gathering compared to the usual family meals at the Nagato House.

Because, beyond just the Nagato family members, some senior residents of Zaodao Village attended as well.

Of course, under the strict hierarchical system, Lord Nagato had to relinquish the top seat, moving slightly downwards himself. “Father, the servant said Miss Tsukihime has already left her room.” Nagato Shinji whispered to Lord Nagato.

Lord Nagato nodded, “Remember to perform well.

If you can become Miss Tsukihime’s husband, then our Nagato family will no longer…

In any case, see to it.” “I understand, Father.” Nagato Shinji nodded earnestly.

Suddenly, Lord Nagato said, “There’s another matter: Tsuruko is your uncle’s daughter, also your sister, so regardless of anything, you should not harm her, understand?”

The servant Ah Xiu, who didn’t take care of Miss Tsuruko properly, had been locked up and punished severely, likely spilling the truth during the ordeal.

Nagato Shinji realized this… but faced with his father’s reminder, he clenched his fist.

He took a deep breath to calm himself, “I’ll be more careful next time, Father.” “You plan on having a next time?” Lord Nagato snorted coldly.

Nagato Shinji’s eyes flustered, “No, no.”

At this moment, the main door opened, and accompanied by two Kondo Family Samurai, ‘Kondo Tsukihime’ walked in slowly.

Lord Nagato quickly stood up — as he rose, everyone present also stood. “Miss Tsukihime, are you… alright?” “Miss Tsukihime is unwell!” The Samurai on the left said calmly, “So she had to cover with a veil!

Nagato, even though Miss Tsukihime isn’t feeling well, she still attends your dinner, this is your honor, understand!”

Lord Nagato immediately expressed his gratitude, while Nagato Shinji began looking for an opportunity to leave a deep impression on the Kondo family’s Princess.

At the banquet, ‘Kondo Tsukihime’ sat formally, silent… with cold little hands. …

The wooden door creaked and groaned; this was where the Nagato House locked up disobedient servants—and also where they stored firewood.

The Binü, Ah Xiu, was currently confined here.

She wasn’t tied up, but her arms were quite bruised, though her face bore no signs of injury.

The door wasn’t actually locked… there wasn’t even anyone guarding outside.

But Ah Xiu didn’t dare leave—without orders from the Lord, leaving on her own would lead to a much harsher end.

As the door opened, Ah Xiu immediately knelt on the floor, bowing her head fearfully and saying, “Ah Xiu won’t dare again, won’t dare again!

I will surely take good care of Miss Tsuruko, won’t let her get hurt…

Ah Xiu truly doesn’t dare anymore, Lord, please forgive me…” “Ah Xiu, what are you doing?”…

It was Nagato Tsuruko’s voice. “Miss Tsuruko…” Ah Xiu raised her head in surprise.

Only to see Nagato Tsuruko carrying a lantern that seemed particularly large for her and holding a leaf-wrapped rice ball, approaching Ah Xiu, “Ah Xiu, are you hungry?” “Miss Tsuruko, go quickly, don’t stay here!

Otherwise, if the Lord sees, he will scold you!” Ah Xiu hurriedly looked outside the door, and only relaxed when she saw it was empty and silent. “They’re all eating, they won’t come here.” Nagato Tsuruko shook her head, then slowly unwrapped the leaf, “Ah Xiu, eat up!

I got it from the kitchen.” “Oh… is the Lord hosting the Kondo Family’s Princess?” Ah Xiu nodded: “But, Miss Tsuruko, they didn’t let you attend?”

Nagato Tsuruko touched her still-bandaged forehead, “No, they said it’s unsightly.”

Ah Xiu tenderly cared for Nagato Tsuruko, carefully touching her forehead, “Does it still hurt?”

Nagato Tsuruko shook her head, once again offering the rice ball to Ah Xiu.

Touched and saddened, Ah Xiu accepted it.

Nagato Tsuruko then took a book from her small kimono, smiling, “Ah Xiu, after you’re full, read to me.” “Alright, Ah Xiu will read to Miss.” …

As Mo Xiaofei waited quietly, a sudden sound of something breaking came from outside the door.

He immediately released the rope and opened the door to see.

Upon looking, he found an Ashigaru guard lying on the ground outside, and the floor covered with broken flower pots—Mo Xiaofei looked at the girl standing nearby and couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wasn’t that a bit harsh?

After all, he counts as one of your subordinates.” “He’s Kondo Tsukihime’s person, not mine.” Zi Xing replied indifferently, “There’s no time to waste, let’s hurry up and leave, the banquet won’t last long.”

Mo Xiaofei nodded quickly, “Follow me.”

He led Zi Xing directly to the courtyard where Lord Nagato lived, walking in boldly, and at that moment, a voice boomed from inside, “Stop!

Who goes there!” “Hey man, could you change your lines next time…” Mo Xiaofei quipped before charging forward.

The next moment, a thud was heard, and the guard was already on the ground.

Mo Xiaofei dusted his hands and gestured towards where Zi Xing was hiding, “You can come out now.” “Remarkable as always, Lord Mo.” Zi Xing nodded.

Mo Xiaofei shook his head, saying, “I’ve gone through this guy dozens of times, I know his weaknesses well.

Although I can’t use my original power, Sasaki Kojiro’s body is really quite strong.”

Zi Xing said nothing and followed Mo Xiaofei into the courtyard’s room. “Be careful, the first time I fell was because of a mechanism triggered by Lord Nagato… in this place.

The trigger rope is hidden under the screen.” Mo Xiaofei pointed to a tatami mat. “Should we go down from here?”

Mo Xiaofei shook his head, “No, we can’t go down from here, there’s a stone gate below, and I can’t open it now.

But there’s actually another entrance… right where Lord Nagato sleeps, I found out later, come with me.”

Mo Xiaofei moved quickly to the bedroom of Lord Nagato, twisted a vase placed at the corner of the wall, and saw the opposite wall shift slightly.

Mo Xiaofei stepped forward, giving the wall a push, and it swung open.

Zi Xing took a look, picked up an oil lamp, lit it, and followed behind Mo Xiaofei.

Behind the wall was a staircase leading down. “What’s the purpose of building this underground prison in the Nagato House?” Zi Xing asked out of curiosity. “This dungeon wasn’t built by the Nagato House, it seems.” Mo Xiaofei said slowly, “Zaodao Village was occupied by a monster a long time ago.

The monster built a dungeon here, capturing people as its food.

Later, the monster was exterminated, and subsequently, the ancestors of the Nagato House were rewarded with Zaodao Village as their land due to their meritorious deeds.

I assume the dungeon was discovered during the construction of the Nagato Family Mansion, and the Nagato family adapted it into what it is now.”

Zi Xing nodded.

Mo Xiaofei suddenly said, “Speaking of which, women born in Zaodao Village are all exceedingly beautiful.

Even the older ones can be described as charming, right?” “Lord Mo, I don’t know what you mean?” Zi Xing didn’t quite understand Mo Xiaofei’s intent… this didn’t seem like the words of a lecherous scoundrel. “Have you seen any old women on your way here?” Mo Xiaofei suddenly asked again, “Not old men, but old women like grannies.”

Zi Xing furrowed her brows, recalling what she saw on her way, “No, I haven’t, why?” “Partly because medical technology was not advanced in ancient times, leading to shorter lifespans.” Mo Xiaofei replied indifferently, “On the other hand, it’s naturally because of humans.

Remember the curse I mentioned?”

Zi Xing nodded.

Mo Xiaofei’s face turned grim, “The young and beautiful can stay, but the old and faded can only be discarded…

But since the curse targets all the women in the village, not everyone is willing to help the old.” “That prison over there.” At this point, Mo Xiaofei’s face became even darker, “The end holds the insane woman I told you about.

But the other cells are for those old women.

Do you know why they’re locked up?

It’s to cover up the fact that the curse doesn’t exist…

Besides, they are also used as feed for something the Nagato House raises!”

Zi Xing furrowed her brows, looking towards another passage, still analyzing Mo Xiaofei’s words. “And here lies the real source of income for the Nagato House…” Mo Xiaofei gritted his teeth, “A den of debauchery!

Because of the curse, the young girls of Zaodao Village have no choice but to accept that they must have intercourse with men to survive…

When the women of the village have become accustomed to having relations with different men, they no longer care about it.

But in reality, Zaodao Village still needs a final veil of decency!

Hence, there’s this place, mockingly named the ‘Eternal Palace’!”

Leading Zi Xing towards this tunnel, Mo Xiaofei smirked coldly, “The Nagato House tells the women of the village that to protect the village, they are willing to spend family wealth, and every month they hire men from other villages so the women can survive, making the women grateful…

But actually, those men who come here, they pay for it!” “Ah…” Zi Xing gasped softly.

Not because of Mo Xiaofei’s words, but because Mo Xiaofei quietly opened a door at this point, letting her see everything inside.

The view was opulent.

The men and women… were, however, in such a scandalous state!