Chaрtеr 210: Тhе Мo Residenсе Banquеt 2
Shen Du had his оwn thоughts оn thе mаttеr, but since nо one was willing to elabоrаte, hе deсidеd nоt tо prеss furthеr.
Не glаncеd slightly at Zhu Yan bеsidе him. Husbаnd and wife sharеd a silent undеrstanding, their minds оnсе аgаin аlignеd.
The соnversаtiоn sоon shiftеd to оthеr topiсs, rаnging from сourt politiсs to everуdау trivialitiеs. Everyоnе сhattеd hаррilу, аnd the аtmоsphеre rеmained hаrmoniоus аnd рeасеful.
Нowever, оut of nowhere, somеone steеred the disсussion tоwаrd reсent cases.
A woman among the guests suddenly remarked, "I heard that in one of the recent cases, someone was missing a pair of eyes. Do you think it could really have been eaten by the Half-Faced Ghost?"
"Just a pair of eyes—would that even fill him up?"
Some joked about it, while others used it to heighten the mood.
"Hush, you can eat carelessly, but you mustn’t speak carelessly. When it comes to matters of ghosts and spirits, it’s best to keep our distance to avoid inviting trouble."
"Exactly, exactly. There have long been rumors about the Half-Faced Ghost eating people. And those missing limbs or eyes are still alive today. We used to think these ghosts didn’t harm people, but now someone has died. How can we not feel fearful?"
"If you’re fearful, then don’t talk about it. Words can wound—need I explain further?"
Such talk not only unsettled the guests but even turned the faces of the more timid among them as pale as paper.
What should have been a pleasant banquet now felt like a late-night ghost story session, creating an awkward atmosphere.
Zhu Yan didn’t believe in such things, so she remained unaffected by the topic.
What intrigued her, however, was how the women spun the tale with increasing exaggeration, while Madam Mo, seated beside her, remained perfectly composed and unperturbed.
Moreover, Madam Mo never joined in the discussion, as if she had no interest in the subject.
Zhu Yan’s eyes shifted thoughtfully as she leaned slightly closer to Madam Mo. "Madam Mo, what are your thoughts on the Half-Faced Ghost eating people?"
"Ghosts and spirits are born from the human mind. Surely you don’t believe in such things, Madam Shen?" Madam Mo’s retort took Zhu Yan by surprise.
She’s a shrewd one. To get along with her and learn about Mo Qianzhi, it seems I’ll need to put in more effort.
"Of course I don’t believe in them," Zhu Yan replied. "But it’s hard to deny that there’s something eerie about this. After all, cases of harm keep occurring. What’s more, rumors are rampant in the streets, and everyone is talking about it. Do you really have no opinion on the matter, Madam Mo?"
"What opinion could a woman like me have? Though I don’t believe in ghosts and spirits, I keep my distance from them. Besides, if it truly is the work of ghosts, then surely the King of Hell will deal with them."
As she spoke, Madam Mo glanced toward Shen Du in the distance, a gentle smile curling her lips.
"The Great Pavilion Commander is known as the White King of Hell. With the King of Hell here to suppress them, those ghosts will surely have nowhere to hide. Your arrival here, you and your husband, is a blessing for the people of Yingzhou. I believe it won’t be long before you solve the case and capture the true ghost."
Zhu Yan’s expression stiffened slightly. She hadn’t expected Madam Mo’s words to be so profound.
Not only were they flawless, but they also conveyed utmost courtesy and politeness. Zhu Yan couldn’t help but marvel at her skill.
Breaking into their inner circle is going to be quite challenging.Meanwhile, on the other side, Shen Du got straight to the point, asking the assembled officials about news of the Fire Moth Party.
Mo Qianzhi quickly replied, "I haven't heard anything about that matter. Recently, there have been many cases in Yingzhou, but no one has mentioned anything about them. However, there have been quite a few rumors about the Half-Faced Ghost eating people. Of course, such tales of ghosts and spirits are just meant to deceive the common folk—I don't believe them. There must be someone behind this, deliberately creating mystery."
Hearing Mo Qianzhi say this, Shen Du didn't press further. Since they claimed there was nothing, he would treat it as "nothing."
The case of the Half-Faced Ghost eating people was also an investigation. Since the other matter couldn't be resolved, he might as well learn more about the case at hand.
"So, what are your thoughts on the Half-Faced Ghost eating people, Lord Mo?" Shen Du followed up, seizing the opportunity to inquire further.
Mo Qianzhi adopted a profound expression, furrowing his brow.
"This case has been going on for several years if you trace it back, and it's been elusive—no one has ever been caught. Aside from the missing body parts, there are no clues at all, making it impossible to investigate. For a long time, the people have been unsettled, and I too have felt uneasy about it. That's why I reported it to the court, pleading with Her Majesty to send someone to investigate the culprit and restore peace to the people.
However, regarding the person Her Majesty sent, I had assumed it would be someone from the Judicial Affairs Bureau. I never expected it to be you, Great Pavilion Commander."
"Lord Mo seems quite surprised by my arrival. Is there any difference between me coming and someone from the Judicial Affairs Bureau coming?"
"Not at all," Mo Qianzhi hastily explained.
"I've long heard that Lord Lai Luozhi is highly favored by the Empress, and Her Majesty is a wise ruler who loves her people as her own children. When it comes to matters concerning the people, she would never be ambiguous.
This time, sending you, Great Pavilion Commander, must mean that Her Majesty trusts your character and that you are also highly regarded by the Empress. In this regard, I must congratulate you, Great Pavilion Commander."
Mo Qianzhi's words carried deep meaning and were indeed flattery.
It was as if he were subtly reminding Shen Du that even if he were prosperous and influential today, he should not forget the injustices suffered by the Shen family in the past.
Shen Du understood the implication and thanked him for the flattering words. "Thank you for your kind words, Lord Mo. Please rest assured that regarding the case of the Half-Faced Ghost eating people, I will not betray the Empress's trust and will devote myself fully to this matter."
"Excellent, Great Pavilion Commander. I offer you a toast!"
After speaking, Mo Qianzhi personally poured a cup of wine for Shen Du, and the two drank together.
Halfway through the banquet, Pan Chi finally arrived, fashionably late.
Mo Qianzhi quickly stood up. "Young Master Pan, today is a rare gathering, yet you arrive so late. You truly deserve a penalty. Please drink three cups as a gesture of sincerity."
The other officials joined in, egging him on. Everyone present knew Pan Chi's character—refined, elegant, witty, and humorous. Even when urged to drink, he wouldn't say much.
To everyone's surprise, however, Pan Chi behaved differently this time. "I'll refrain from drinking today, as alcohol can lead to mistakes. My lateness has a reason, and I hope you'll all listen first."
Hearing Pan Chi say this, everyone grew curious about why he was late.Pan Chi glanced at Shen Du sitting ahead and Zhu Yan not far away, speaking earnestly, "The reason I arrived so late is because I went to investigate someone. What I didn't expect was that this person played a very important role in the case."
"Who is it?" Hearing it was related to the case, Mo Qianzhi immediately pressed for details.
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