Qu Huaiyun had been previously struck by Gu Chengyu’s appearance, though at the ti, he concealed it well.
Now, being so close to Gu Chengyu, with that jade-like visage, he couldn’t help but be entranced.
Upon hearing Qu Huaiyun ntion having the treasure map at his mansion, Zhi Lian couldn’t help but feel suspicious.
Would Qu Huaiyun really be so accommodating as to hand over the treasure map?
Shifting his gaze to Qu Huaiyun, he noticed sothing off in Qu Huaiyun’s look at Gu Chengyu.
He was all too familiar with that kind of gaze, feeling utterly disgusted by the lust it concealed.
Such a noble person, yet being coveted by this lewd and bloated pig before him, was unbearable.
Thinking this, Zhi Lian felt his stomach churn violently.
Gu Chengyu, caught off guard by Qu Huaiyun’s approach, was instantly reminded of what he saw last night. He felt a strong aversion and quickly leaned back.
"So, the other half of the treasure map is at the Qu Mansion? If Clan Leader Qu hands over the treasure map, I will certainly speak well of Clan Leader Qu before the Emperor."
Gu Chengyu feigned great interest, though he knew clearly in his heart that Qu Huaiyun would not part with the treasure map so easily.
And even if he did, it was most likely counterfeit.
"Ahem!" Qu Huaiyun licked his lips, and saliva slid down his parched throat, finally understanding that the youth before him was beyond his reach.
"I’ve invited Mr. Gu over to help relieve your worries. Rest assured, the Qu Family is loyal to the Emperor and the court."
Qu Huaiyun smiled earnestly, speaking superficially to Gu Chengyu.
Unfortunately, this so-called sincerity was only in his own mind; to Gu Chengyu, that wrinkled smile seed rather lewd.
"Manager Qiu!" Qu Huaiyun called out, and a steward with a mustache ca running from the side.
Gu Chengyu noticed he was holding a small, dark-colored brocade box, and with just one glance, he understood what was inside the box.
Qu Huaiyun opened the brocade box, and Gu Chengyu’s gaze shifted over.
"What does Mr. Gu make of this?" Qu Huaiyun carefully placed the brocade box before Gu Chengyu, then smiled silently.
"This is?" Gu Chengyu feigned excitent, hesitantly touching a piece of old parchnt inside the brocade box.
Gu Chengyu looked at the edges of the parchnt, finding the tears quite intricately done there.
Further examining the parchnt, it indeed possessed features of old age.
The lines in the drawing were smooth; although there were no place nas, the treasure map’s location was marked.
Gu Chengyu had to admit that the forged treasure map was crafted quite diligently; rely the aging alone took significant effort.
Even the marked locations included one or two blurry parts, which had been considered as well.
But alas, a fake is ultimately a fake.
Not to ntion, there were so slight differences between this half and the half in his space, the one in the space being even older.
Furthermore, the thickness of the lines also varied slightly; after all, they were not drawn by the sa pen, nor by the sa person, so a difference was normal.
The edge tears didn’t match either; that half wasn’t neatly folded and cut, the edge was irregular.
Originally not torn from the sa piece, matching them was nearly impossible.
Gu Chengyu observed carefully for a good while, concluding that this half of the fake treasure map was painstakingly crafted.
"Clan Leader Qu is truly willing to offer the treasure map; this official is deeply gratified."
Gu Chengyu carefully placed the treasure map back into the brocade box and closed it.
Zhi Lian, who had been craning his neck over from the start, realized the treasure map was fake as soon as he saw the back.
Once, when Qu Huaiyun was drunk, he had abandoned his dignity to serve Qu Huaiyun comfortably, asking him to save his mother.
At that ti, Qu Huaiyun had just acquired the treasure map and would take it out daily to examine it.
Possibly because he was drunk, Qu Huaiyun showed him the treasure map for a brief mont.
Although Qu Huaiyun soon realized the mistake and hid the treasure map again,
he still saw a small burned mark on the back of the map, smaller than a Copper Coin, with slightly yellowed edges.
Seeing Lord Imperial Envoy deceived by Qu Huaiyun’s few words, he couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.
Gu Chengyu rested his hand on the brocade box, and spoke with emotion: "Clan Leader Qu is truly noble and righteous, more considerate of the overall situation than Yi Clan Leader!"
His eyes inadvertently scanned over the servant Zhi Lian, seeing him wink and glance at the box on the stone table.
Gu Chengyu understood his aning but was surprised Zhi Lian, despite his status, could also discern the treasure map’s falseness.
It must be said that Qu Huaiyun was quite fond of Zhi Lian, allowing him to know such important matters.
Then, Gu Chengyu had an idea.
After glancing at Zhi Lian, Gu Chengyu naturally shifted his gaze away.
Zhi Lian, seeing no reaction from Gu Chengyu, thought he didn’t understand his aning and felt a bit sheepish.
"Master, there’s a visitor up front!" Manager Qiu erged from nowhere, reporting to Qu Huaiyun.
Qu Huaiyun’s smile gradually faded, knowing the visitor must be soone from Prefect Liao, coming to urge him.
"Since Clan Leader Qu is busy, I shouldn’t impose. From our encounter yesterday, I found Clan Leader Qu to be a person of character, our personalities quite aligned. When Clan Leader Qu is free, let’s et again for a drink."
Gu Chengyu’s smile beca even more genuine, seemingly pleased with Qu Huaiyun’s tact.
"Indeed, Mr. Gu is also a straightforward person. I hope when you return to the Capital, you rember the goodness of the Qu Family. I beg your pardon while I take my leave!"
Gu Chengyu understood Qu Huaiyun’s implication—hoping he wouldn’t forget to speak on behalf of the Qu Family before the Emperor.
However, Qu Huaiyun was rely acting. By the ti Gu Chengyu realized the treasure map was fake, the Qu Family’s treasure map would be in the hands of soone in the Capital.
Even if Gu Chengyu didn’t stand for it and caused a scene, Qu Huaiyun could wash his hands of it entirely, claiming the Qu Family didn’t know it was fake and they were duped too.
"Of course!" Gu Chengyu rose, planning to return to his quarters at the Qu Mansion.
"You may go ahead! No need to follow to the study." Qu Huaiyun instructed Zhi Lian behind him and smiled at Gu Chengyu before heading to the study.
After Qu Huaiyun left, Manager Qiu remained without departing. He bowed slightly without speaking.
Gu Chengyu knew it wasn’t himself Manager Qiu distrusted, but rather the servant Zhi Lian.
Gu Chengyu cast a aningful smile at Zhi Lian before turning to leave.
Zhi Lian was montarily stunned, glanced at Manager Qiu, and then turned to leave the garden.
It was another quiet night, and this ti, Gu Chengyu didn’t personally go out to gather information because he already had a better plan.
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