Book 14: Chapter 55

I Demand an Explanation

As Elder Brilliant Broadsworder didnt attack Fiends Genesis waters, Mount Lu became exponentially more suspicious.

Boss invested an immense amount of time and effort into finding out the truth, so she couldnt stop herself from tugging up a corner of her lips. Hence, Im guessing the culpr-

I still think theres something missing. Only once I blurted what I had on my mind did I realise I just cut Boss off again.

Whats your opinion?

I felt as though my hunter was staring at me. When Boss subconsciously touched herself, I recognised I was seconds away from clas.h.i.+ng with the inkstone again.

Im just puzzled.

About what?

Well, even if Elder Brilliant Broadsword didnt go to Fiends Genesis base, why would Wordless Sword Deity allow a junior of his to pose as Elder Brilliant Broadsworder? Wouldnt it be more beneficial for Mount Lus reputation if Wordless Sword Deity crushed Fiends Genesis on his own?

Boss looked somewhat annoyed that her logic was flawed. Only catching the important parts

?

Boss cleared her throat as she covered her rosy cheeks. I had considered that point, and its the reason I said its very likely. At the end of the day, were just making conjectures. We lack evidence to verify our theories, which limits how much we can deduce and extrapolate. s.h.i.+fu s.h.i.+san only got so far when he was still in office, so there isnt much in his notebook.

Yan s.h.i.+san kept a notebook, as well?

Hmm? Of course. Princ.i.p.al Huang requested his aid in investigating the case, remember? You want to have a read?

When it came to detective work, Yan s.h.i.+san was second to none in my experience. Maybe my three s.h.i.+niangs were as good as he was at catching my s.h.i.+fu cheating, but they could never peel back layers upon layers of mystery and catch criminals tucked away almost in the depths of obscurity. Thus, it was worth taking a look at his notes.

I took the book Boss pa.s.sed me.

First line: Seven Champion White Princes suspicious.

Okay, a useless note.

Second line: stronger ones even more suspicious.

Even more useless!

This just adds to the possibilities! What happened to promising Uncle Huang to investigate the case?! You left no stones unturned to catch me, yet you slack when its real work?!

I was about to scrunch the book up when Boss s.n.a.t.c.hed it back.

You want another beating?! Boss dusted her treasured notebook and then stashed it away. Youre the one who wanted to take a look. Even though its just two lines, theyre important bits of information to consider.

If thats considered important, I have thirty thousand more for you!

Boss pouted. This is all I dug up after pulling an all-nighter. If youre not happy with it, investigate it yourself.

I smiled. I have not a single complaint. There are just some things that I cant wrap my head around yet. Uncle Huang entrusted this case to the two of us; I cant let you tackle it all on your own. I havent contributed at all. Youve been the one whos had to suffer.

Ive had to suffer? Do you truly feel that way? Boss had her eyes narrowed, refusing to miss any subtle changes in my body language.

Y-yeah, why?

I get the feeling youre withholding things from me today.

I took a step back when Boss took a step forward. She narrowed her eyes even more and said, And, recently, youve Boss glanced in Tang Yes direction, but she looked at him with a firm gaze this time.

I followed suit, casting my gaze over to Tang Ye, signalling, Help me out here!

I Im going to discuss our strategy for tomorrow with Xiao Han. You two take your time, said Tang Ye.

Boss bobbed her head. Remember to shut the door on the way out.

Me: Why are you running?! Werent you getting by just fine under the radar?!

As soon as Tang Ye shut the door, I was sent airborne and restrained in the eight-immortals chair.

Youve been acting weird lately!

Please show mercy! I will never cut you off again!

Boss arm strength had increased dramatically since the last time; she couldnt lift me up with just one arm last time to beat me.

Thats not my issue. Boss leaned her face in close to mine so that she didnt miss even the most minute changes. Are you hiding something from me again?

Huh?

Hmm? Boss stared straight into my eyes.

N-no.

So thats a yes! Speak!

Due to Boss intimidation, I accidentally let it slip that I took kickback from Northern Wondrous Warrior Manors deal. To n.o.bodys surprise, she was livid.

I just wanted that little bit. Besides, Her Highness was overjoyed to receive that small sum. I havent finished the task yet, so I havent done anything corrupt yet. Boss, think about it: am I that sort of person? For your sake and for Liu Shan Mens reputation, I would never do something like that at least not conspicuously.

Although I was going to say that half of it had been given to Fuma Jingan, in which case, Id still be able to talk my way out of it if His Majesty asked even if Zuo Suniang dobbed me in. That wouldnt stain Liu Shan Mens reputation, right?

Boss, I admit Im in the wrong for taking kickbacks, but I havent actually received it yet. Please spare me on account of that.

Uhm. Boss nodded to my surprise. But thats not what I was asking about.

What?! Thats all Ive been hiding from you, though! What were you talking about, then?!

Can we press reset and pretend I ever mentioned anything?

Sure in your dreams! You dobbed yourself in. I see youve matured, huh? Youve learnt the corrupt ways, huh?

No, no, its not something I just learnt.

Huh?

The more I said, the more mistakes I made, so I needed to distract her.

Wait! Boss, this is all Im hiding from you. What else were you asking about?

Boss aerated her cheeks and grabbed me by the collar. Bold of you to bring it up. Ever since we came back from Hangzhous inn, youve been acting weird around me.

Why are we talking about this again?

Whenever Hangzhous inn was mentioned, I could hear the raindrops, smell her fragrance and feel the warmth on my lips again.

I shuffled backwards. No, I havent.

Boss pulled me forward again. Youre doing it again! Again! This is what Im talking about! If you dont give me an explanation, youre not leaving!

Glossary

Eight-immortals chair) Its a literal translation since no English one exists. Essentially, its a wide wooden chair similar to ladder chairs. Here is a visual reference: http://www.yumu365.com/cantingjiaju/canyi/32.html