Chapter 871 - 707: Clearing Suspicion

Chapter 871: Chapter 707: Clearing Suspicion

"His grandson Yi Yuanmin was kidnapped by the Qu Clan Leader, who threatened him to hand over the treasure map. But for some reason, Yi Lanshan did not hand over the treasure map and even had a stroke."

Lu Chen immediately understood that the treasure map was already in his hands, so naturally Yi Lanshan had no treasure map to exchange for his grandson.

But Qu Huaiyun clearly knew about this too, so why did he do this?

What use is there in forcing Yi Lanshan? Forcing him would not lead to the treasure map! Lu Chen felt his brain was somewhat overwhelmed.

"Understood!"

After dismissing his subordinates, just as he changed his clothes, Gu Chengyu hurriedly entered the room with Ming Mo and the others.

"Lord Lu, I’m afraid we can’t stay the night here. Qu Mansion’s people were captured by Liao Cheng and taken to the prison; it’s inappropriate for us to continue staying at Qu Mansion."

As soon as Gu Chengyu entered the room, he ignored Lu Chen’s suspicious gaze and spoke to himself.

"Ming Mo, gather our belongings. We’ll leave Qu Mansion tonight."

Gu Chengyu exchanged a few words with Liao Cheng earlier, and since Qu Mansion was to be searched, it was inconvenient for them to stay there.

"But was Qu Huaiyun captured by Liao Cheng? I heard some noise when I went out just now."

Lu Chen didn’t say much; his gaze toward Gu Chengyu remained filled with suspicion.

His gaze lingered around Gu Chengyu’s waist, then glanced at Gu Chengyu’s slender, jade-like hands, furrowing his brow.

Although he found Gu Chengyu very suspicious, Gu Chengyu’s appearance indeed didn’t resemble someone skilled in martial arts.

Gu Chengyu became a scholar at fourteen; surely his time before was dedicated to the imperial examination, leaving no time for practicing martial arts?

Even if Gu Chengyu was a prodigy, it wasn’t just in exam studies that he spent significant time, but also in extensive reading of miscellaneous books.

Furthermore, his accomplishments in poetry and prose speak for themselves, achievements that couldn’t be reached without great effort.

How could someone absorbed in exams and scholastic pursuits find time to practice martial arts?

Lu Chen felt his suspicions waver slightly, and his expression softened.

"Oh? And what about the treasure map? When I went earlier, Lord Liao mentioned that the treasure map was stolen by someone. Was that person you?"

Gu Chengyu felt Lu Chen might suspect him, so he subtly shifted the topic.

"I wish it was me. This time coming to Hejian Prefecture has been unfortunate! Once again, I’ve missed the treasure map; it seems all parties involved are exceptionally skilled. Yet, if we return without success and the Emperor blames us, we truly can’t take responsibility!"

Lu Chen watched Gu Chengyu’s expression carefully, noticing Gu Chengyu’s face darken immediately, his brows slightly furrowed, which reassured him a bit.

Gu Chengyu’s tone was somewhat heavy, "This time you mainly assist me; the Emperor’s appointed task wasn’t accomplished, the primary responsibility is mine, it doesn’t concern you much, what are you worried about?"

"I told the Emperor before that I might not be able to handle it, but the Emperor insisted. Moreover, he only sent you along with me to Hejian Prefecture, secretly even. No funds, no people, and that’s all right. Upon arrival at Hejian, who knew they’d already caught wind of everything, and the so-called secret was no longer a secret."

"The honest ones pretended to be deaf and mute; the cunning ones schemed against me. The task wasn’t a good one to begin with. When reporting back, we just need to tell the truth! Hopefully, the Emperor won’t be furious, or else my official’s hat might not be safe!"

Gu Chengyu sighed slightly and then took out a gold medal from his bosom.

"Even the Emperor-bestowed gold medal ended up being useless, very frustrating indeed!"

Gu Chengyu gazed at the gold medal gleaming in the candlelight, his eyes vacant, seemingly deeply affected.

Lu Chen at that moment somewhat understood Gu Chengyu’s grievances; the Emperor sent him over, yet he and Gu Chengyu weren’t on the same page.

Gu Chengyu only had Ming Mo and Ming Yan with some skills by his side, but with just the two, what could be accomplished?

The apparent imperial envoy, Ma Zhihong, hadn’t even met Gu Chengyu and had returned directly to the capital.

Should Gu Chengyu simply wield the gold medal, demanding the treasure map at noble mansions? Would anyone comply?

Wouldn’t they be polite upfront but defiant behind the scenes?

The noble families of Hejian Prefecture are very astute; none took Gu Chengyu seriously, let alone threatened his life.

So, indeed, the imperial gold medal was nothing but a chicken rib, profoundly unnecessary.

Initially, he envied it a great deal, but thinking about it now, his mind was at peace.

Gu Chengyu didn’t know what Lu Chen was contemplating; he thought about having martial arts, needing no alliances with local officials.

Moreover, the political landscape of Hejian was intricate; who knew which faction those officials belonged to?

This case was different, involving not only noble families but powerful ministers and princes in the capital.

He was glad to quietly profit this time.

However, upon returning to the capital, he’d need another plan. When presenting the treasure map, wouldn’t Lu Chen realize his scheme?

Therefore, he’d need a scapegoat. After all, concealing his martial arts skills could sometimes be unexpectedly advantageous.

"Mr. Gu! Are you packing up?"

Suddenly, a question came from outside. Gu Chengyu naturally recognized the voice—it was Liao Cheng.

"Lord Liao! Since there’s such a disturbance at Qu Mansion, I feel continuing to stay there would only trouble you. I’ve rented a small courtyard not far from here, planning to stay there temporarily before heading back to the capital."

Gu Chengyu hadn’t brought many things when entering Qu Mansion.

Just a couple of changes of clothes, a hair crown, and other toiletries, all summed into a small bundle.

Ming Mo and the others packed quickly and were ready in no time.

"Mr. Gu, although I know you’re the Emperor’s specially appointed imperial envoy, this incident at the Qu family coincidentally happened with you residing there, which requires your cooperation to clear your name!"

Liao Cheng had just learned that the skilled individual sent by his master failed to catch the black-clothed person with the soft sword, bothering him greatly.

Later, he inquired of the government official guarding outside, who said they hadn’t seen anyone leaving the mansion, naturally arousing his suspicion of Gu Chengyu.

Gu Chengyu indeed seemed suspicious, arriving after the treasure map was stolen.

"Oh? Lord Liao, you imply I colluded with Qu Huaiyun to commit acts harming the people?"

Gu Chengyu appeared exceptionally indignant, unexpected that Liao Cheng dared to target him; Liao Cheng was indeed bold.

"Well?" Liao Cheng seemed somewhat indecisive, his eyes subtly shifting.