Chapter 1270: Chapter 1106: Seeing Is Not Always Believing

"I presume you’ve already heard about Lord Yin. This matter is truly baffling even to this General, it’s hard to believe. How could Lord Yin be colluding with Da Xing? Yet, the facts are clear. When this General led people into General Chang’s tent, Lord Yin was holding a bloody dagger, and that dagger was stuck in General Chang’s chest. Everyone was stunned at that moment."

Speaking of this, Qi Huan Yu still wore a look of disbelief. It was evident how shocking it must have been at that time.

Gu Chengyu gently rubbed a piece of Mutton Fat Jade hanging at his waist. He couldn’t believe Yin Kun would do such a thing. However, according to Qi Huan Yu, both witnesses and evidence were present, leaving no room for denial.

"What was General Chang doing when he was attacked?"

"It was late at night, around two quarters past 9 p.m., naturally, he was sleeping. It was a night raid, and except for the soldiers on night patrol, everyone else was in their dreams. When Da Xing’s bandits attacked, we were completely unprepared. Many soldiers were killed or wounded that night; we were almost wiped out."

Qi Huan Yu appeared still terrified as he spoke of it.

"When the Da Xing bandits launched a surprise attack, did you and the other deputy generals first attack the enemy forces or rush to General Chang’s tent?"

Gu Chengyu had many questions about the matter, and since he couldn’t meet the principal person involved, it was better to subtly probe Qi Huan Yu for information.

"Of course, we fought our way there; it delayed us for a while. But we didn’t expect to encounter such a scene. Had we known earlier about Lord Yin’s treachery, we wouldn’t have dared to delay."

Qi Huan Yu sounded very regretful as he said this and sighed heavily.

"If so, didn’t General Chang hear any commotion outside? Why didn’t he put on armor immediately? He’s been in battles for years; wearing armor should be a habit."

Gu Chengyu raised his doubts; the timeline didn’t add up. If Yin Kun had sneaked in while General Chang was sound asleep, why didn’t he flee immediately after the assassination? Was he waiting for Qi Huan Yu and his men to catch him?

"Is Mr. Gu suspecting this General? Even this General doesn’t know the details. Lord Yin refuses to speak up until now. He is an official of the court; without the Emperor’s decree, this General has no authority to torture him. So, the matter remains a mystery. But this General suspects he struck while General Chang was asleep. As for why he didn’t leave immediately, maybe he was looking for something?"

Qi Huan Yu frowned and thought, then speculated.

But he grew more wary; what did Gu Chengyu mean? Was he suspecting him?

This explanation seemed plausible at first glance, but Gu Chengyu distinctly remembered that when Qi Huan Yu and his men entered, Yin Kun’s hand was still on the dagger’s hilt, so it cannot be true.

However, Gu Chengyu wouldn’t share much of his analysis with Qi Huan Yu now, as this person was untrustworthy.

Gu Chengyu smiled and then said, "Perhaps it is so? I wonder if General Chang is all right now? Before coming here, I intended to visit General Chang, but guards outside his courtyard, under General Qi’s orders, said no one is allowed to visit him."

"That dagger was poisoned; many doctors came to treat him. Although the poison is cleared, General Chang was severely weakened this time, sleeping too long daily. This General fears someone visiting may disturb his rest. However, if Mr. Gu wishes to visit, you may. Those soldiers are following orders; please don’t take offense at them."

Hmm? He actually agreed to a visit? Gu Chengyu was somewhat puzzled; could it be he overthought, and Qi Huan Yu didn’t intend to confine Chang Yuan?

"I see. Then I’d trouble General Qi to arrange it, as I wish to visit General Chang while he’s awake."

"But you said the dagger was stuck in his chest? I heard General Chang has exceptional martial arts skills. Wouldn’t he notice someone breaking into his tent in the middle of the night? Lord Yin is a civil servant, not skilled in martial arts, and would stand no chance against General Chang. Moreover, how did he enter General Chang’s tent? There should be guards before General Chang’s tent and soldiers patrolling the camp; it would be tough for Lord Yin."

Qi Huan Yu frowned, "Mr. Gu, are you saying there are many doubts? Even this General couldn’t believe Lord Yin would do such a thing. But we previously saw Lord Yin holding the dagger ourselves. How do you explain that?"

His face darkened; Gu Chengyu was questioning him.

"Sometimes what you see is not always the truth. You only saw him holding the dagger, but not the moment it was plunged into General Chang’s chest. Sometimes things are not as they appear, so I wish to meet Lord Yin."

Qi Huan Yu thought Gu Chengyu’s words were quite unreasonable. If this wasn’t the truth, then what would be?

"Mr. Gu, do you mean to say that if you saw him thrusting the dagger with your own eyes, it could still be explained away as having a reason?"

Qi Huan Yu’s words were entirely sarcastic; he thought Gu Chengyu was blatantly favoring Yin Kun. Thus, he sneered, and his expression turned derisive.

"It’s possible! It’s not my intention to exonerate him but to avoid making rash judgments before clarifying the situation. The doubts I’ve raised need to be investigated one by one."

Gu Chengyu ignored Qi Huan Yu’s meaningful gaze and his mocking tone. I don’t want your opinions; I only want my own.

"Mr. Gu is indeed an official of the Dali Temple, quick-witted. But isn’t such suspicion a bit far-fetched? Or is it because Lord Yin is your senior brother, so you’re trying hard to vindicate him?"

Qi Huan Yu looked at Gu Chengyu with eyes full of ridicule. In fact, he had inquired about this matter long before Gu Chengyu arrived at the border.

Gu Chengyu was someone on whom he had spent much effort to analyze. One could say a youthful talent, a prodigy, and it wouldn’t be an exaggeration.

A young man who became famous with a top score in the imperial examinations, serving the court by accomplishing much. In just over two years, he rose to become a Standard Fourth Rank Junior Minister of the Ministry of Justice, an enviable achievement.

And upon meeting him in person, one would realize the world indeed has such a radiant, graceful young man, someone who makes others envy but fail to feel envy.

Still, a person like a cool crescent moon hanging in the sky, visible yet unreachable.

But this is only an appearance; from the information gathered, he seems highly scheming, skilled in manipulation, essentially a two-faced, black-hearted character.

"Lord Yin is indeed my senior brother; this is something I don’t need to hide and don’t wish to hide. However, because he is my senior brother, it is all the more reason to thoroughly investigate this matter, to avoid him bearing unjust blame. Rest assured, General Qi, I will not intentionally favor him."

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