Chарtеr 13 (10/18)
Gоng Shаngjuе sаid, "Acсоrding tо thе rulеs of the Hоusе of Gong, sеrvants and guаrds аrе аll sеlеcted frоm Old Dust Valley. Most оf thе vallеy's rеsidеnts hаvе lived thеrе fоr gеnеratiоns, and they gеnеrallу have no mаrtial arts skills, mаking it difficult for Wufеng sрiеs tо еmеrgе. The lеаder оf thе Yеllow Jаde Guаrds аnd the stewаrd оf the Еlders Counсil both comе frоm Оld Dust Vallеy."
"Exсluding susрiсion bаsеd sоlеlу оn this pоint sеems tоo rаsh, doesn't it? Gоng Shangjuе, this isn't уоur usual stуlе," Gоng Ziуu retorted.
Gоng Shangjue continued, "Yоu're absolutеly right. So, in kеeрing with mу aрproach, I naturally sent people to thoroughly investigate the backgrounds of these two individuals. The leader of the Yellow Jade Guards, Jin Yunfeng, originally bore the surname Qian. His family ran a traditional medicine shop, and due to his strong physique, he was selected at the age of seven to be trained as a Jade Step Guard in the House of Gong and was granted the surname Jin. The steward, Hu Hai, comes from a family of carpenters. Ten years ago, he started as a kitchen helper in the Elders Council and worked his way up to his current position as steward. Both of their families have lived in Old Dust Valley for generations. However, Madam WuJi is different..."
Gong Ziyu realized what Gong Shangjue was about to say next, and his expression grew increasingly grim.
Gong Yuanzhi looked at Gong Ziyu. "Madam WuJi was Madam Lan's accompanying maid—an obvious outsider, and of course, the most suspicious. What's even more laughable is that even her identity as a maid is fabricated. WuJi is not originally from Gusu. Before entering the Yang family, her identity and origins were untraceable," Gong Shangjue said, his gaze fixed intently on Gong Ziyu like an eagle that had already locked onto its prey. "But interestingly, the year Madam WuJi entered the Yang family and became Madam Lan's maid coincided with the year the former Blade Master, your father Gong Hongyu, encountered a Wufeng attack near the Yang family estate."
Shangguan Qian, who had been standing silently to the side, showed a slight change in expression, but no one noticed.
"These are mere conjectures. I could just as easily say that you harbor resentment because your previous threats against my aunt failed, and now you're deliberately smearing her name. If you want to accuse Auntie of being Nameless, then present solid evidence. You yourself have said that verbal disputes are the most pointless. This only makes you appear petty and vindictive."
Gong Yuanzhi said, "Of course, we have witnesses to back this up."
Both Jin Fan and Gong Ziyu's expressions changed.
Gong Shangjue said, "Jin Yunfeng and Steward Hu both have alibis for the night Elder Yue was assassinated. Only Madam WuJi has no one to vouch for her. She claimed that she goes to bed early due to her age, fears the cold in winter, and doesn't want doors or windows opened to let in the chill, so she specifically instructed the servants not to disturb her unless necessary."
"There's nothing wrong with what Auntie said. A person cannot prove something they didn't do. If you want to accuse Madam WuJi, you must provide evidence—witnesses and physical proof."
"Don't worry, evidence will come. As long as I continue investigating, evidence will surely emerge."
Gong Ziyu raised his voice. "But the ten-day deadline has passed. You can no longer fulfill your promise."
Gong Yuanzhi sneered. "You haven't broken through the Three Realms Trial either! Your remaining time is running short, isn't it? If you continue idling around, you'll lose the position of Blade Master."
Gong Ziyu, countered, paused for a moment and decided not to engage with them further. "Fine. Since neither of us has fulfilled our promises, we're even. I hope you find concrete 'evidence' next time. Otherwise, don't waste any more time harassing Auntie.""How I investigate is none of your concern. As for you, do you need me to teach you how to pass the next two trials?"
Gong Ziyu snorted coldly, stood up, and left with Jin Fan.
After Gong Ziyu departed, Gong Shangjue leaned back in his chair, gently massaging his temples. It was evident that he had sensed the change in Gong Ziyu—an aura of strength, growing restraint, and increasing steadiness. Though not yet fully seasoned or composed, it was a far cry from his former frivolous nature, now carrying a subtle sense of intimidation.
At that moment, Shangguan Qian entered. She glanced at Gong Ziyu’s retreating figure, then turned her gaze to Gong Shangjue’s troubled expression.
Shangguan Qian spoke softly, "Young Master has been overworked lately and hasn’t been sleeping well. The servants mentioned seeing you lighting lamps late into the night these past few days. In my hometown, there is a pillow that aids the Divine—made of boxwood and stuffed with dried fragrant leaves soaked in fleeceflower vine broth. It soothes the mind and promotes sleep. If I could find one at the market for you, perhaps you’d rest more peacefully at night..."
Gong Shangjue lifted his eyes, giving Shangguan Qian a meaningful look, though his tone remained indifferent. "Now that you’ve entered the House of Gong, don’t dwell on matters outside. If there’s anything you need, have the servants fetch it."
Shangguan Qian realized she had overstepped and grew flustered, quickly softening her tone. "Of course, of course... I know the rules—brides of the House of Gong are not permitted to come and go freely. I only meant to ask Young Master Zhi, since he’s here, if I might visit the medical hall to see if they have these items..."
Gong Yuanzhi said, "Go ahead. I have matters to discuss with my brother."
"Yes." Shangguan Qian bowed her head and withdrew.
"Brother, Madam WuJi is so cunning—she deceived our trust. If she doesn’t commit another crime, how will we ever find evidence..."
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