Heaven's Silence

Chapter 55 – Verbal sword

Wen Chaoshen dared to speak to Chun Qiong in such a manner because he had confirmed two points.

First, as a magistrate, Chun Qiong, even if he were reckless with human lives, would not easily take action himself. If his official robes were stained with blood, it would tarnish the royal family's reputation if word got out. He certainly wouldn't risk his career for an ordinary citizen, but who could say it wouldn't affect his future prospects?

Such incidents were not without precedent.

Over the years, Confucian ideals had somewhat taken root in people's hearts. Compared to other countries, Qi Kingdom indeed stood out in terms of both morality and law.

There was once a marquis of a large city who, relying on his inherited title, tyrannized the city, exploiting the common people. Many young and beautiful girls died in his backyard, their bodies thrown into a well. When the matter was exposed, the local authorities came to investigate. The marquis obstructed them in every possible way, but when the news reached the Royal City, his title was swiftly revoked.

The so-called honor passed down through generations was nothing more than a word from the palace officials, without consulting the marquis.

This incident served as a deterrent and a warning to all officials in Qi Kingdom.

At least on the surface, Qi Kingdom's regard for its citizens was unmatched by other nations.

Second, after a morning discussion with A Shui, Wen Chaoshen had sorted out his chaotic thoughts and confirmed that there was a significant secret behind Liu Jinshi's death, one that was inevitably linked to Chun Qiong. Otherwise, Chun Qiong's appointment to Kuhai County wouldn't have coincided so conveniently, and Liu Jinshi's case wouldn't have been left unresolved for so long.

It was originally a simple suicide, whether by poison or hanging, with no significant impact.

Chun Qiong's repeated delays clearly indicated his concern that others might investigate Liu Jinshi's death, proving that Liu Jinshi not only had secrets but also an intricate connection with him.

Having grasped these two points, Wen Chaoshen managed to persuade A Shui to let him meet Chun Qiong alone.

To him, Chun Qiong was far safer than Lu Chuan, whom he encountered last night. After all, Chun Qiong held an official position, his actions were constrained, and he had much to consider in terms of gains and losses.

And indeed, Wen Chaoshen's speculation was not wrong.

His earlier words had completely grasped Chun Qiong, who released his grip on the soft sword and turned to the door, slowly pushing it open, letting the sunlight pour in.

Chun Qiong turned to look at Wen Chaoshen, half of his face remaining in shadow.

"Let's talk somewhere else."

"This room has two corpses, it's unlucky."

Wen Chaoshen did not refuse and followed Chun Qiong. As they walked past the corridor pavilion, Chun Qiong stopped and asked by the broad rock garden pond:

"How is Liu Jinshi's courtyard built?"

Wen Chaoshen glanced at it and praised indifferently:

"The mountains and waters complement each other, full of spirit and elegance, uniquely crafted."

Chun Qiong shook his head.

"Craftsmanship, my foot. It's all the blood and sweat of the common people and embezzled funds."

Wen Chaoshen smiled slowly:

"Don't say it so harshly, as if you're a clean official... We're all in the same boat, whether dirty or not, harmony brings wealth."

Chun Qiong said lightly:

"Do you think I'm the same as Liu Jinshi?"

Wen Chaoshen remembered clearly and remarked:

"On your first day in office, you received a gold leaf. Liu Jinshi probably didn't have your achievements. By that measure, you're indeed better than him."

His light words were full of sarcasm and mockery, yet Chun Qiong surprisingly did not get angry but instead sighed:

"Liu Jinshi, he was the local tyrant of Kuhai County for many years. The wealth he extorted from the people was so much that his residence couldn't hold it all; he had to bury it on Xingwang Mountain to the north, tsk tsk..."

"You know, he didn't actually commit any major crimes here. Just a little gold to the city captain or inspector in Guanghan City, and he could have been promoted long ago, but he never left. Why?"

"Because Kuhai County is remote, with few matters to attend to, there's money to be made, no wars to fight, and even the outlaws of the Martial World rarely come here."

"If I were him, I wouldn't want to leave either."

"But this local tyrant, overnight, his family was destroyed, without a trace of reason."

Wen Chaoshen stared at the red koi under the unfrozen pond and said:

"Are you saying, Lord Chun, that you and Liu Jinshi are both pawns, unable to decide your own fate?"

Chun Qiong shook his head slightly:

"Not just me, but us."

"You, just like me."

"Everyone in Kuhai County, including that woman you know, we're all the same."

Wen Chaoshen tilted his body slightly, glanced at Chun Qiong, and smiled:

"No, I'm different."

"Lord Chun, I can't be considered a pawn."

"Whether it's you, Lu Chuan, or those high and mighty figures far above, someone like me, mere dust and wild grass, doesn't even catch your eye."

Chun Qiong's expression froze for a moment, then quickly returned to normal. He squinted and said:

"You know Lu Chuan?"

Wen Chaoshen turned his face slightly, a tiny curve appeared at the corner of his mouth, disappearing instantly, returning to normal as he said:

"Yes, I know him."

"Everything is connected by fate. For instance, if I hadn't met Lu Chuan last night, the woman who came to find you wouldn't have saved me, and I would have died at Lu Chuan's hands. You would likely have died at the hands of that woman last night."

"Lord Chun, the fact that we both survived is the will of heaven."

Chun Qiong was silent for a moment, then asked:

"What did Lu Chuan want with you?"

It can be hard to make great work when its stolen from "p𝑎wread.com".

Wen Chaoshen lowered his head and chuckled.

"...As I said, you big figures don't see me as a person. He certainly wasn't looking for me, but for some 'other things.'"

Chun Qiong frowned, seemingly tired of this cryptic conversation, and said to Wen Chaoshen:

"Can we speak plainly?"

"Guessing back and forth is pointless."

"Since you're here, and I've seen you, say what you can directly."

Wen Chaoshen thought for a moment and nodded:

"Alright."

"Lord Chun, I'll be direct. I didn't bring that woman today. I came alone to see you because I want to cooperate with you."

"That woman is too aggressive; we can't talk business."

Chun Qiong glanced at Wen Chaoshen with a tone of disbelief:

"Cooperate with me?"

"I don't see what cooperation we could possibly have."

Wen Chaoshen didn't mind Chun Qiong's wariness and hostility. He walked to the side of the corridor pavilion, sat down, leaned against a stone pillar, and smiled:

"First, let me clarify, Lord Chun, we're not your enemies. Strictly speaking, we're even companions on the same boat."

"I know, you probably think I'm talking nonsense, but you'll understand after you hear me out."

"The reason you haven't closed Liu Jinshi's case is related to two things."

"One, the gut-wrenching poison from Wangchuan given to Liu Jinshi is missing, and he chose a very troublesome way to commit suicide, which makes you uneasy."

"And the second, of course, is... the White Dragon Guards outside the county city."

"Am I right, Lord Chun?"

Looking at Wen Chaoshen's smiling face, Chun Qiong's eyes struggled to hide his shock, but it eventually seeped out.

His hand unconsciously gripped the soft sword at his waist again, his palm sweating profusely.

At that moment, Chun Qiong suddenly realized that this refugee he had always underestimated, even ignored, was so mysterious, so terrifying!

When had those secrets, buried deep in his heart, been unearthed?