Jiang Wang pondered for a moment before realizing that Chong Xuan Sheng had skillfully extracted information from him.

While he hadn’t intended to conceal anything, the fat man’s gleeful expression was truly exasperating. Were it not for Fourteen’s presence…

The magnanimous Lord Jiang shook his head, disinclined to argue. “At the time, I was influenced by his pupil technique and felt sympathy towards him. Thus, I said nothing. His death is what finally broke that influence.”

Chong Xuan Sheng had long suspected that Zhang Yong wasn’t entirely straightforward. His choice was to avoid and keep his distance, not to meddle. Qi was vast; countless events unfolded daily. He wouldn’t involve himself in every single one.

When Chong Xuan Sheng decided to act, it was usually a carefully calibrated balance of timing and interest.

Furthermore, Zhang Yong’s subsequent involvement with the Changsheng Palace meant he had undoubtedly been thoroughly vetted. There were no easily discoverable issues. Chong Xuan Sheng wasn’t in a position to investigate, nor did he desire unnecessary trouble.

He saw absolutely no problem with Jiang Wang’s silence at the time. Especially now that Jiang Wang admitted to being under the influence of a pupil technique, there was even less to discuss.

Still, he offered a reminder: “Keep this matter to yourself.”

“Rest assured, I’m not that foolish,” Jiang Wang replied with confidence, then, slightly curious, asked, “Seriously though, how were you so certain I knew Zhang Yong wasn’t right?”

Chong Xuan Sheng yawned, a casual shrug in his tone. “You understand Zhang Yong’s pupil technique quite well, yet you only gave a vague description of the battle. Perhaps you didn’t bother to elaborate, or you were too relaxed around Jiang Wuyou, but as soon as I heard it, I knew. Compared to this battle, you knew a bit too much. You definitely weren’t encountering Zhang Yong’s pupil technique for the first time. And that’s where the problem lies: the Zhang family of Fengxian has no such inheritance. Even if you aren’t the sharpest tool in the shed, that’s easily verifiable! Which means, you knew Zhang Yong wasn’t right from the start.”

A few casual sentences, and this fat man had guessed almost everything!

Zhang Yong was right, this world had too many clever people, Jiang Wang thought.

Not sharp enough is fine, I’m not angry. Being able to fight is enough, he mused again.

“Right,” Jiang Wang shifted the topic. “That patrol inspector vice envoy with the surname Yang had a very good attitude. Was that your doing?”

Chong Xuan Sheng shook his large head. “I thought you wouldn’t ask. Jiang Qingyang, I overestimated you!”

“Speak plainly,” Jiang Wang ground out.

“Heh!” Chong Xuan Sheng sneered. “What’s wrong? Still want the answer?”

Jiang Wang looked at him. “Or should I let Fourteen have another go?”

Chong Xuan Sheng was silent for a moment, recalling that Fourteen hadn’t been particularly reliable lately. He immediately broke into laughter. “Actually, the answer is quite simple! Patrol Inspector Vice Envoy Yang Weitong is a student of Court Discuss Doctor Yi Xingchen!”

“And?” Jiang Wang prompted.

At this, Chong Xuan Sheng adopted an air of knowing everything. “Cui Zhu’s participation in the Yellow River Meeting was ultimately selected by Yi Xingchen…”

He stopped there, then continued, “You entered the capital patrol inspection office. Naturally, Yi Xingchen wouldn’t personally receive you. But as his student, Yang Weitong would always show some deference.”

As he spoke, Chong Xuan Sheng’s tone held a touch of bitterness.

Always before, he handled the machinations and connections, while Jiang Wang displayed his talent and wielded his power. Together, they were invincible. Now, suddenly, it seemed his power had fallen behind, and Jiang Wang’s “connections” held a subtle and profound quality.

The goodwill Jiang Wang had earned by admonishing the Qi Monarch at the Grand Master Ceremony was now bearing fruit…

Those who had benefited from his actions, while not necessarily arriving to express their gratitude or offering significant returns, would, when occasionally encountered, readily offer a helping hand. Such was human nature.

Even if Jiang Wuyou and Chong Xuan Sheng hadn’t been present today, as long as no truly powerful figures were pushing, Yang Weitong on the scene would have intervened and prevented anyone from slandering Jiang Wang.

A jest! If the person who helped his teacher was being smeared right before him, how could he possibly stand by?

Wouldn’t others call Yi Xingchen ungrateful?

Yi Xingchen would likely deliver a few slaps of his own.

Jiang Wang nodded thoughtfully.

Court Discuss Doctor Yi Xingchen, he had heard of him.

This man was said to be incredibly handsome, and in his youth, he was even as renowned as Li Zhengshu of the Destroy City Marquis Manor, known as “World’s rare jade gentleman, rarely seen Yi Xingchen.”

Jiang Wang had witnessed the elegance of East Hua scholar Li Zhengshu. It was unforgettable, prompting sighs of admiration.

For Yi Xingchen to be equally famous as Li Zhengshu, his elegance was easily imagined.

However…

Speaking of Li Zhengshu, the poem Zhang Yong left on the Nine Returns Marquis statue, its author Mo Ya and Li Zhengshu, seemed to be friends.

With this thought, Jiang Wang immediately rose. “I’m going out!”

“Where?” Chong Xuan Sheng asked.

Jiang Wang answered without turning back. “Destroy City Marquis Manor!”

With Chong Xuan Sheng’s intelligence, there was no need for further questions.

Jiang Wang was no stranger to the Destroy City Marquis Manor.

He arrived quickly, following a familiar path to the marquis manor, whose stone gate bore the distinct style of the Li family.

The people of the Destroy City Marquis Manor were also accustomed to Jiang Wang. After all, he was their young master’s good friend, often seen playing together. They welcomed him directly into the courtyard and then sent someone to inform the master.

A swift and efficient style permeated the entire Destroy City Marquis Manor.

Jiang Wang sat in the guest hall. As the tea cup was presented, a kind and benevolent white-haired old lady entered the hall, supported by a staff.

“Who has come?” The old lady’s eyes held a smile.

Jiang Wang quickly stood up, unsure of how to conduct himself. “Jiang Wang is truly flustered. How dare I trouble the old lady to receive me?”

This old lady of the Li family was the dignified birth mother of the current Destroy City Marquis, one of the most respected old ladies in Linzi. That she would personally receive Jiang Wang truly touched him.

Their first meeting, this old lady had given him a Stone Gate Grass as a greeting gift, making Chong Xuan Sheng envious for a long time. It was undeniably a generous gesture.

“No matter, no matter.” The old lady said happily, “This old body also wanted to see you, Qingyang. I heard you surpassed the assembled heroes at the Grand Master Ceremony. This old body couldn’t attend in person, but I was overjoyed for you!”

Her impression of Jiang Wang was truly unparalleled.

Jiang Wang was unlike Li Longchuan’s other friends, such as Gao E’er. Although also a good child, Gao E’er was inevitably dissolute and reckless, constantly dragging Li Longchuan to the red-light districts with no proper purpose.

But Jiang Wang was a proper child, with a good appearance, valuing sentiment and righteousness, possessing a good reputation, and very promising! Most importantly, his forehead wasn’t high… Truly a rarity.

Jiang Wang said sheepishly, “I should have come to pay my respects to the old lady earlier. I was unfortunately delayed by trivial matters. Please accept my apologies!”

“What are you talking about?” The old lady chided. “A good man makes the world his home! Longchuan just plays around and makes noise, not coming home all day, and I don’t say anything to him. You were busy with important matters! However, today is a bit of a coincidence. You’ve come to the manor, but Longchuan isn’t back yet!”

The old lady, still smiling, added, “Feng Yao is also on Ice Phoenix Island.”

“Uh,” Jiang Wang felt a warmth in his heart, mixed with a bit of embarrassment. He touched his nose and said, “Actually, I came today to find Longchuan’s uncle, Scholar Li…”