One lie might be out of selfishness. A string of lies, however, makes things complicated.
But this time, the two chose not to expose him to his face.
Chi Zhu nodded and said, “We understand how you feel about losing your family, but I hope you understand that you are the Bureau Chief!”
“To you, duty comes before all else.”
“Do you know how many people might die because of a lapse in your intelligence?”
The Eldest Master looked ashamed and said, “Sigh, I have failed the Security Bureau.”
Chi Zhu and Ming Yang’s expressions turned solemn.
Because that part was actually damn true!
The Eldest Master, seemingly oblivious, recounted the analysis he and the Third Master had conducted.
“So, we believe the culprit is likely to strike when my family gathers for the ancestral ritual.”
“When is this ritual? Where will it be? Who will be attending?”
“In half a month. The location is our ancestral hall, right behind the old estate. As for the guests... there will be quite a few. Almost every person of status in Huang City will be there.”
Chi Zhu frowned. “Many people mean many variables. Can you control the number of attendees?”
The Eldest Master shook his head.
“It would be difficult. Even though I am the eldest son, my younger brother is actually the head of the household.”
“He is very traditional. He’s the type of person who values family prestige above all else; he certainly won't agree to it.”
Ming Yang narrowed his eyes. “Even if he knows the family might be under threat, he still won't?”
The Eldest Master sighed, putting on an expression of helplessness. “Yes. That’s just how traditional he is.”
...
Huang City.
The library.
Yin Yang sat on a bench, intently reading a copy of 《City History》.
If the book was to be believed, the Li family was a paragon of virtue. Sponsoring children in impoverished mountain areas, building bridges and roads, caring for the elderly—they had done more than their fair share of such things.
Because of this, places like Li Family Bridge and Li Family Road were everywhere in Huang City, all built with the Li family's money.
The more Yin Yang read, the more he wanted to laugh. He thought to himself, isn't it true that history is written by the victors?
This book only recorded the Li family's glorious and righteous deeds, while their dark side wasn't mentioned at all.
If he were to wipe out the Li family right now...
How would the books record it then?
The Li family, who spent their lives accumulating merit and doing good, was massacred by an evil god?
Even then, they would still enjoy the respect of the people of Huang City. Someone might even build monuments or temples in their honor.
That was absolutely not what Yin Yang wanted to see!
Yin Yang wanted them utterly discredited.
To achieve that, the gardener's meager evidence was likely not enough.
After all, for many people, messy romantic affairs were seen as nothing more than a 'refined hobby.'
At most, it would only get the Third Young Master killed.
In fact, if the Eldest Master or Second Master were to perform a public act of 'sacrificing a relative for the greater good,' their reputation might even soar. How could that be allowed?
“Since I’m wiping out the family, I might as well be thorough. I’ll wipe out your family’s reputation while I’m at it.”
Yin Yang’s voice was very low, so low that only he could hear it.
He picked up the 《City History》 and walked to the checkout counter.
“Hello, I’d like to buy this book.”
The clerk looked at the title and then glanced at Yin Yang with some surprise.
“This book is available for borrowing. Also, the purchase price isn't cheap, and it’s not eligible for a discount.”
The clerk was practically pointing at Yin Yang’s head and saying, ‘It’s not worth buying.’
But Yin Yang still smiled.
“I won’t be staying in Huang City for long, so it’s better for me to buy it.”
“Alright. That will be two hundred and five yuan. Cash?”
“Yes, cash.”
Yin Yang took the cash from his pocket, counted it, and handed it over.
The clerk was quick, packing the book and handing it to Yin Yang.
“Please come again.”
Yin Yang gave her a polite smile and stepped out of the library.
Outside, the sun was shining, and a gentle breeze was blowing.
Huang City was indeed a very livable city—if not for the presence of the Li family.
“Meow~”
Directly opposite the library was a small plaza. Older women were dancing, while older men were either bumping their backs against trees, playing on the horizontal bars, or playing chess.
Perched atop a two-meter-high statue, Canned Food was looking down imperiously at several other cats.
“Meow~”
Canned Food let out a cry, and several cats below responded, drawing a crowd of onlookers. Some people even took out their phones to take pictures of Canned Food.
After all, the call-and-response sounded like a choir.
Seeing Yin Yang emerge, Canned Food jumped down from the statue and ran to his side in a few bounds.
The onlookers' cameras followed the cat to Yin Yang. Yin Yang gave a slight smile, and a wave of startled exclamations immediately broke out in front of him.
“Huh? Is my phone camera broken?”
“Mine too. Why can't I take a picture of anything?”
“That’s weird. The light shouldn't be bright enough to damage the sensor.”
While they were confused, Yin Yang had already led Canned Food out of the plaza.
Just now, he had used Spirit-Bestow to disconnect the cameras from their circuit boards. He had no desire to be exposed through other people's lenses.
“Recruited some more lackeys?”
“Meow!”
Canned Food held its head high, signaling that Yin Yang was right; it had indeed recruited more followers.
“With so many lackeys, can you even manage them all?”
“Meow~”
“You have a second-in-command and a third-in-command?”
“Meow~”
“And a harem too?”
Yin Yang gave Canned Food a strange look. This tabby cat really knew how to play the field!
...
Central City.
“Taking office today?”
“Yes.”
“They didn't say where?”
“Is that any of your business?”
Su Baadao turned back with a look of dissatisfaction. Standing behind him was a voluptuous, beautiful woman who was currently tidying his gear.
Hearing Su Baadao’s words, the woman lowered her head.
“I’m just worried about you.”
“Troublesome.”
Su Baadao adjusted his collar.
“When a man is doing business, a woman should keep her mouth shut.”
“Oh.”
“What? Unhappy?”
“No.”
“Hmph!”
Su Baadao stood up and walked out. As he pushed open the door, Wang Gen was standing there.
When Su Baadao saw his old subordinate, a smile finally appeared on his face.
“What? Finally willing to come out and work with me?”
Wang Gen shrugged helplessly.
“You’ve already sent Wang Nan to work in Central City. What else do I have to be unwilling about?”
“Hahaha!”
Su Baadao’s laughter was hearty. Despite being a Scholar, his laugh was louder than any warrior's.
He pulled Wang Gen aside and said with extreme seriousness.
“Wang Gen, we’ve worked together for several years. You know better than anyone what kind of person I am.”
“I’m telling you straight—the opportunity to climb the ladder has arrived!”
“As long as we can seize this chance, it won't be difficult for us to secure a position right here in Central City. Do you understand?”
Wang Gen nodded seriously. Seeing this, Su Baadao punched him in the shoulder.
“I never let my brothers get the short end of the stick.”
“I know!”
“Let’s go! Time to take office!”
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