Earlier on the road, Li Yan noticed sothing off about this scholar.
His walking stance was extrely stable, yet he deliberately pretended to sweat...
Both hands were always behind his back, firstly to make his posture appear upright and imposing, and secondly to use the large sleeves to hide the calluses on his hands...
His speech was elegant, yet he never spoke too much, but each ti managed to seize the initiative at critical monts...
Wearing a human skin mask on his face,
He gathered his aura entirely when entering the temple.
To act so convincingly, he is likely from the Dark Eight Sects, a swindler from the "Bee, Hemp, Swallow, Sparrow" four sects, using a bunch of foolish scholars as a cover.
The people are chaotic during the day, probably hard to find, better to co back at night...
Li Yan shook his head slightly, preparing to leave.
But at that mont, a voice suddenly rang out from behind, "Greetings, brother."
Li Yan frowned slightly, turning around slowly.
He saw Zhu Chen, surrounded by several scholars, striding forward and slightly cupping his hands, saying: "Seeing your extraordinary bearing and the weapon at your side, you must be a gallant hero from the pugilistic world. Would you be willing to assist us in investigating this matter?"
His deanor was refined, and his smile was very genuine.
The other scholars had faces full of suspicion and confusion.
This Zhu Chen is a famous gifted scholar from Yiling County and was even favored by the He Mountain Academy, so when he just arrived in Chengdu, everyone imdiately gathered around him.
The Confucian circles emphasize reputation, inevitably lifting each other up.
Just like if one of them travels abroad, if they have one or two friends to organize banquets and poetry gatherings and invite local scholars, it brings prestige.
If they go without anyone acknowledging them, wouldn’t it be a loss of face?
Those wealthy rchants, officials, and gentry also readily take on such tasks, trying to share so literary grace and embellish their families.
Thus, it’s considered a mutually beneficial unspoken rule.
The reputation in Confucian circles is accumulated bit by bit in this way.
What puzzled them was why Zhu Chen was so impulsive?
Knowing that the other was from the pugilistic world and not knowing the details, how could he dare to invite him, unafraid he might be a villain?
What’s more, the stranger might not even be willing.
To their surprise, Li Yan just patted his small mustache and nodded without hesitation, saying: "The Marquis Zhuge is revered by the world; if soone dared to cause trouble here, I naturally need to investigate it thoroughly."
Li Yan knew that the other had keen eyes and also saw that he was no ordinary person, perhaps coming for the "Gu worms," so he spoke to probe.
"Brother, you truly are a man of righteousness!"
"You have had a hard ti as well."
"I am Zhu Chen. May I know your esteed na, brother?"
"I am Li Konan."
"That’s a rare na. Is it your real na?"
"Walking in the pugilistic world, it’s best not to seek the truth in everything..."
"True, once a person is dead, truth or falsehood doesn’t matter."
The two of them exchanged words, leaving the others in a fog, not understanding their subtle exchanges.
It’s actually quite simple.
Exchanging hardships upon eting is a hallmark of the pugilistic world.
When Li Yan ntioned the other’s hardship, it pinpointed his identity.
And although this "Zhu Chen" didn’t know Li Yan’s details, relying on his skills and spells, he was undeterred, assuming he was so spy, wanting to keep Li Yan by his side.
He was very confident, even speaking threatening words.
Unbeknownst to him, Li Yan carried a "Dragon and Snake Card," concealing all his aura, making him misjudge.
Seeing Li Yan stop wasting words, "Zhu Chen" also nodded in satisfaction, then turned to the surrounding scholars, continuing to allure: "Gentlen, if we can unite to investigate this matter thoroughly, it will also be a renowned story in the future..."
His words made all the scholars sowhat intrigued.
One of them hesitated and said: "But none of us are skilled in law and investigation, where should we start?"
"It’s quite simple."
With a face full of pride, "Zhu Chen" said: "I have so knowledge in this, but we should first find the temple priest to clarify the incident, though he might not be easy to talk to."
Another person spoke: "Don’t worry, Brother Zhu, my Liu Family often donates incense money to the Wuhou Temple, so we do have such a favor."
With that, he directly led the crowd to find the temple priest.
Li Yan could feel that while "Zhu Chen" seed to be speaking to others, his attention was always on him.
Li Yan didn’t mind, honestly following behind.
He was also in the dark about the matter, initially thinking it was about the "Gu worms," but it seed not that simple.
If he could obtain so information, it would naturally be better.
These scholars, although sowhat foolish, unaware of the dangers of human nature, ca from well-off families, one better than the other. When together, the temple priest had to carefully entertain them.
The temple priest was an over-fifty-year-old Daoist who tended the fire, with the Daoist na Ling Yun, though he managed with grandeur, exuding an immortal appearance, but in reality, he only possessed the skills of One Layer.
His Tao was shallow, more adept at currying favor and associating with the powerful and influential.
"Young Master Liu, is your father’s health well?"
"Young Master Wang, at the end of the year, this humble Daoist must visit you..."
After so pleasantries, everyone couldn’t help but inquire about the matter.
"Daoist Ling Yun, what exactly happened at the Wuhou Temple?"
"Exactly, how did soone die, and yet no officials ca to seal the place? Could there be another mystery involved?"
"I heard it was caused by demons?"
Daoist Ling Yun was startled by this and quickly waved his hands, "Please, everyone, don’t speak carelessly. The Wuhou Temple is a place of sages; how could there be demons? It’s nothing more than wild animals harming people."
"The Imperial Censor sent by the court is currently in Chengdu Prefecture. If anyone seizes this matter to make a fuss, it could cause significant trouble..."
Upon hearing this, everyone imdiately understood.
Because of the recent events in Chongqing Prefecture, King Shu was reprimanded by the Emperor, ordered to reflect behind closed doors, and even an Imperial Censor was sent.
Although said to be inspecting Chengdu Prefecture, everyone knew he was there to monitor King Shu, and he was chosen by a high court official, likely collecting evidence against King Shu.
This was also a warning from the Emperor.
These scholars’ families, more or less, had so connection with the Shu Prince Mansion, so they naturally understood the gravity of the situation.
User Comments
0 comments from readers