https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-288-Su-Shaoying-s-Darkened-Heart/12536476/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-290-The-Truth-Teller-Always-Has-the-Upper-Hand/12536479/
Chapter 289: Reunion with Hua Manlou
Chapter 289: Reunion with Hua Manlou
Su Shaoying found it novel to have encountered the Embroidery Bandit even before getting involved in the case.
The Embroidery Bandit—the case where Jin Jiuling colluded with Erniang from the Red Shoes Organization, committing numerous heinous crimes, only to frame Consorte Gongsun with Lu Xiaofeng as his pawn. Ultimately, their scheme was exposed by Lu Xiaofeng and Consorte Gongsun working together.
Now that's what you call a concise summary!
Unfortunately, Jin Jiuling was overly confident and failed to learn from Huo Xiu's mistakes. This time, however, things might be different since Lu Xiaofeng was kept in the dark by Huo Xiu, and it was actually Su Shaoying who saw through the latter.
Lu Xiaofeng: ヽ('⌒メ)
ノ
Su Shaoying: O(∩_∩)
O
Thus, Jin Jiuling had even more reason to exploit Lu Xiaofeng, believing himself to be far more cunning than Huo Xiu.
As for why he didn't take advantage of Su Shaoying...
Of course, it was because he thought Su Shaoying lacked sufficient fame and martial arts prowess. He was well aware of Consorte Gongsun's skills, and aside from Lu Xiaofeng, he couldn't think of anyone else capable of dealing with her.
Su Shaoying wasn't the least bit angry. Proving his ability to see through the truth just this once was enough. In the world of "Lu Xiaofeng Legends," seeking attention was akin to inviting trouble, something a wise man would avoid.
In fact, what truly attested to Su Shaoying's perceptiveness wasn't the four fighters at the Jeweled Pavilion, but his identity as the heir to the Emei Sect's leadership.
As everyone knew, Duguyihe's stern and domineering personality, intolerant of even the slightest disagreement, had remained unchanged for decades. Those who hadn't mastered their martial arts and sword skills would never be qualified to succeed him as the leader of the Emei Sect.
Su Shaoying's martial arts were at least above the top-notch level in the martial arts world!
...
On his way to Xiangyang, Jin Jiuling replayed every detail of his conversation with Su Shaoying in his mind, but still couldn't detect any signs of suspicion from the latter.
"I must be overly anxious," Jin Jiuling shook his head with a laugh, "It's good that his identity as the heir of the Emei Sect has been revealed. It will motivate Lu Xiaofeng to work harder. Besides..."
Jin Jiuling's eyes flickered, "I can also investigate Lu Xiaofeng's whereabouts, and as soon as he resurfaces, I'll call off my plan. Su Shaoying has reminded me that Lu Xiaofeng could be the Embroidery Bandit as well, so that's another lead to pursue."
On the other hand, Su Shaoying was also reviewing the nuances of his interaction with Jin Jiuling.
Despite being easily manipulated by Lu Xiaofeng and Consorte Gongsun in the original story, Jin Jiuling was the former chief of the Liulan Bureau, and there had never been a case he couldn't crack. His position was akin to that of a Di Renjie or Sherlock Holmes in the martial arts world, and Su Shaoying had never underestimated him.
"I may have revealed a bit too much, but it aligns with my character's youthful arrogance," Su Shaoying nodded, "Weaknesses lead to flaws, and exposing them invites contempt."
Su Shaoying was certain that Jin Jiuling didn't suspect that he had seen through him.
"Everyone's an excellent actor, this is so intriguing!"
Not long after Su Shaoying's musings, he encountered Hua Manlou and Shi Xiuxue touring the Yueyang Tower.
Su Shaoying never expected that Shi Xiuxue could quietly accompany Hua Manlou, appearing gentle and soft-spoken.
Then, before either Su Shaoying or Shi Xiuxue could say a word, Hua Manlou spoke first, "Why is Brother Su here in Yueyang?"
Su Shaoying was surprised, "How did you know it was me?"
"Because Miss Shi's breathing changed, but she doesn't seem nervous," Hua Manlou smiled, "Only someone with exceptional lightwork skills like you could achieve that without causing her any unease.
"He had barely spent any time with Shangguan Feiyan before he started calling her by her name. And now he's still calling you 'Shi Gongzi.' Don't you think you're less impressive than Shangguan Feiyan?" Su Shaoying teased.
Hua Manlou let out a bitter laugh, "Brother Su, please don't mock me. Shi Gongzi is gentle and kind..."
"You may be blind, but your heart isn't. How can you not see through her true nature?" Su Shaoying shook his head.
"Su! Shao! Ying!" Shi Xiuxue said through gritted teeth.
"There you go!" Su Shaoying exclaimed, clapping his hands, "Show your fiery Sichuan personality! Hua Manlou is a gentle soul, so you need to complement him with your assertiveness.
Forcing yourself to be gentle just makes things awkward and uncomfortable for both of you!"
Seeing the confused look on Shi Xiuxue's face, Su Shaoying advised, "He's a passive person, so you need to be proactive and take the lead. You've seen those men in Shu who are henpecked by their wives. That's how you should treat Hua Manlou."
Hua Manlou quickly interrupted Su Shaoying, "Brother Su, I've done nothing to wrong you!"
Su Shaoying winked at Shi Xiuxue and said to Hua Manlou, "The most beautiful flower on Mount Emei, which no one else could pluck, has flown into your arms of its own accord, and you dare say we have no grudge?"
Shi Xiuxue's smile blossomed as she found Su Shaoying's words flattering.
What could Hua Manlou do but smile wryly? He was unlike Lu Xiaofeng or Ximen Chuixue. He was a cultured and graceful man who would never say anything to embarrass Shi Xiuxue.
Changing the subject, Hua Manlou asked, "Brother Su, what brings you to Yueyang?"
Knowing not to push too far, Su Shaoying gave Shi Xiuxue a knowing look and said, "I provided Jin Jiuling with an investigative lead, earning his gratitude. Now I'm off to Jiuhua Mountain to enjoy a simple vegetarian meal prepared by Master Kugua."
"The Embroidery Bandit?" Hua Manlou inquired.
"You know about that?" Su Shaoying asked.
"Of course, it's been spreading throughout the southeast recently," Shi Xiuxue replied. "The eighty thousand taels of escort silver from Zhenyuan, the seventy scrolls of calligraphy and paintings from Huayu Academy, the eighteen bushels of pearls from the Pingnan Kingdom, the thirty-six jade discs from Yan Tower, and the ninety thousand gold leaves from Jinsha River... they were all stolen by the Embroidery Bandit, who also blinded dozens of people in the process."
"And he embroidered their eyes," Su Shaoying added.
Hua Manlou shook his head, "Not just dozens, the number must be in the hundreds by now."
"Tsk tsk, arrogant and ruthless, completely heartless!" Su Shaoying shook his head in dismay, "Doesn't he fear being found out and suffering a terrible punishment?"
"Obviously, he doesn't," Hua Manlou said calmly, then asked Su Shaoying, "What clue did you give Jin Jiuling?"
Su Shaoying shared the clue, and Hua Manlou nodded in agreement, "That makes sense. The Embroidery Bandit's preparations and coordination in the southwest are indeed less elaborate than in the southeast."
Eighty thousand taels of silver was not something one person could carry away without a trace.
"Didn't Jin Jiuling invite you to help?" Hua Manlou asked.
"He did, but I refused," Su Shaoying replied.
"Why?"
"Because I want to eat vegetarian food!"
(End of Chapter)
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