Chapter 354: with translation of chapter title

Gu Rongjin nodded: "It's none of your business, go do your work."

"Yes." The steward replied and withdrew.

Mu Yuanzhi saw Gu Rongjin deep in thought, still muttering "cross cross", and asked: "What about that symbol?"

"Although it might be a bit far-fetched, I saw his blindfold in Pei Shangyan's sleeping chamber; depending on the light, it projects a cross symbol… but maybe it's just a crease." Gu Rongjin stroked his chin, trying to recall.

Had I known, I would have picked it up and studied it then; it's just a casual thing, Pei Shangyan might not be quick enough to stop him.

"This Pei Shangyan really looks better the more you look; maybe his older brother is just a decoy." Mu Yuanzhi guessed.

"Pei Shangyan colluding with the Deposed Emperor, his brain is also a bit addled." Gu Rongjin thought it unreasonable: "If he were an ambitious person, he shouldn't ally with a worthless wreck that has nothing; he should be courting the non-crown-prince faction at court."

"Indeed, helping a worthless wreck with no use by taking such a risk, unless one's brain is twitching and been fooled lame." Mu Yuanzhi nodded.

"Not necessarily; maybe the Deposed Emperor somehow dug up an unparalleled master, with troops and skills, who might even know sorcery!" Gu Rongjin said.

"... That belongs to the realm of mythic fiction, getting more and more absurd." Mu Yuanzhi was speechless.

Gu Rongjin: "Where's the absurdity? There are illusions and gu poison, why couldn't there be sorcery? Maybe we just haven't encountered it yet!"

"You're worn out from investigating the case, looking for something to relax with?"

"Only you know me, Xiao Yuanzhi!"

Gu Rongjin glanced at the sky; there were still a few hours before leaving the city gate; if he couldn't find Pei Shangyan, things would become even more troublesome.

"By the way, Rongjin, I forgot to tell you, the National Teacher has resigned and gone into hiding, his whereabouts unknown." Mu Yuanzhi said to Gu Rongjin.

Gu Rongjin fell silent for a moment, then said: "As expected."

"You figured it out? Did you say goodbye to him?" Mu Yuanzhi asked curiously.

They really are old friends, they understand each other.

"What's there to say goodbye about? I'll just give him a good scolding!" Gu Rongjin snorted, "Blockhead! Stupid!"

He gritted his teeth for a while, then waved his hand: "Don't talk about him, it's aggravating; getting back to our current focus, we've basically searched the whole capital, still haven't found Pei Shangyan—I suspect he's hiding in that secret chamber passageway, which is indeed hard to find, and I also suspect..."

"You suspect your eyes have been blinded by the Emperor's eyes?"

Gu Rongjin nodded, "Otherwise it'd be impossible to find even a clue; the Emperor really is leisurely, even at this time he's testing us."

Mu Yuanzhi: "I don't know if the few assassins captured by General Qi can be pried for any clues."

"They're assassins, how could you pry out clues? I bet they've already committed suicide!" Gu Rongjin said solemnly, "Based on my experience with assassins, Old Qi being able to find their tattoos intact without them being destroyed is already remarkable."

Mu Yuanzhi knew that once the three-day perilous ploy arrived, even if the city gates opened they could continue searching, but then their abilities would be questioned, so their test lies within these three days.

They also couldn't contact the old troops of Frost Descent, otherwise the new emperor would know immediately, making things worse.

But if they succeed this time, it will completely dispel the new emperor's suspicions.

But they are currently at a loss.

"There must be some suspicious clue we've missed." Gu Rongjin paced with hands on hips, "What could it be? Why not just secretly seize Pei Shangyan now and torture him for a confession?"

"Don't make trouble."

Moreover, there's no solid evidence; all of this is merely their wishful speculation, possibly just coincidence.

"I'm fed up—I'm not even from the Imperial Court of Justice, why keep making me deduce the case!" Gu Rongjin sat down, "I went to see the Minister of the Imperial Court of Justice; that old man wouldn't tell me anything more, I don't know if he's unwilling or just doesn't know."

His gaze turned to his wife, pondering as he asked: "Xiao Yuanzhi, you used to be so close with Pei Shangyan, use your imagination—where could he be hiding?"

"I've told you all the places he used to like; what else could there be?" Mu Yuanzhi racked her brains but couldn't think of anything else.

"Think again—any place that holds special meaning for him?"

"Special meaning?"

Mu Yuanzhi really couldn't think of anything: "Nothing."

She thought again, uncertain: "Could he be hiding near our home?"

"Near our home?" Gu Rongjin's expression lit up with realization, "Exactly! It's possible! The Grand General's residence fits the idea of the most dangerous place being the safest; hiding nearby lets him keep an eye on you constantly and know our movements—truly killing multiple birds with one stone!"

He stood up, feeling ever more that this possibility was likely!

"Besides, he might even linger nearby after nightfall!"

Gu Rongjin said as he was about to leave, telling Mu Yuanzhi: "Stay put at home, don't go anywhere; I'll do a carpet search nearby!"

"Be careful!"

Gu Rongjin came out the rear gate, first dispatching a large group of people to search elsewhere, then waited until nightfall to quietly return to the vicinity of the Grand General's residence; he stood on a high point of the Grand General's residence, overlooking the scene below by moonlight.

Pei Shangyan must be very cautious, unlikely to show himself easily, but he can lure the snake out of its hole!

He took out the toy he'd just bought on the street, squeezed it hard, and a sound like an infant's wail came out, even louder in the quiet night.

Just like an infant wailing heart-rendingly.

He kept pressing and pressing, and could faintly hear someone ask:

"Whose child is crying like this?"

"The sound seems to be coming from the Grand General's residence?"

"Is the Grand General's residence's child crying?"

"What's happened?"

Hearing these faint murmurs, Gu Rongjin's lips curled up.

That's exactly the effect he wanted.

After about a quarter of an hour, his hand was about to cramp from squeezing, when he finally heard some movement!

Gu Rongjin exerted his exceptional hearing, and immediately caught the footsteps he was seeking.

As a former member of Frost Descent, distinguishing familiar footsteps is basic training; thus, when the footsteps resembling Pei Shangyan's arrived, Gu Rongjin noticed them right away.

Over there!

Gu Rongjin leapt down, a few quick moves brought him near the footsteps; in the night, a shadow flickered, and he struck swiftly, accurately, and ruthlessly!

It seemed the person hadn't expected the sudden surprise attack; he let out a soft cry of alarm and immediately turned to counterattack!

"Just based on you?" Gu Rongjin curled her lips and smiled, "The Prince's kung fu has stayed the same for ten years—no improvement at all!"

In the moonlight, Gu Rongjin finally saw Pei Shangyan's surprised face clearly.

Indeed, he was drawn out by his baby voice!