White-Robed Chief

Leng Shoushan put on an unsightly expression. He slowly nodded and let out a sigh. “That’s right, after so long, even if the murderer is a moron, he would be long gone by now. In the end, it’s the magistrate’s fault for wasting the chance!”

Chu Li did not reply.

Leng Shoushan could say this, but it wasn’t the same case for him. As the Centurion of the Secret Guardians Hall, he held a high position. If people hear what he said, it would have a heavy effect on the magistrates.

Not to mention, it would be surprising if the Magistrates could crack the case for a murder that was so meticulously planned.

“Can Head Chief Chu not handle the case?” Asked Leng Shoushi.

Chu Li shook his head. “The Mei Yi Courtyard has already accepted the case. If we intervene, it would mean that we’re robbing them of their merit… In the Secret Guardians Hall, merit is everything. Stopping one from earning money is like killing their parents. With merit comes money, martial arts, swords, weapons, and even treasures. Robbing them of their merit would cause a great grudge!”

“Sigh… It’s already been five days, but the Secret Guardians Hall still hasn’t had any progress, I’m afraid there isn’t much hope left.” Leng Shoushan shook his head and downed his drink. “My father’s mood is worsening, I’m almost at my limit.”

“Head Chief Chu, this won’t become an unsolved case, right?” Asked Leng Shoushi in a low voice.

Chu Li glanced at him and smiled bitterly. He silently shook his head.

Leng Shoushan and Leng Shoushi instantly understood. Unfortunately, they guessed right.

“Is there no other way?” Leng Shoushan discouragingly asked.

“We can only see how capable the Mei Yi Courtyard is. They are the elite within the residence, so there might be hope. But the two Imperial Crown Princes shouldn’t hope for too much. Ten days… any clues that could be found have already been found. As for the ones that can’t be found, they are most likely untraceable anyway. So…”

He stopped and shook his head.

“Are we just going to let the murderer leave? My fifth brother would’ve died for nothing!” Cried Leng Shoushan in anger.

“The magistrates are useless, but I bet the Secret Guardians Hall doesn’t live up to their reputation either!” Spat Leng Shoushi.

Chu Li put up a bitter smile. “Imperial Crown Prince Shi, humans are not omnipotent, not everything goes according to one’s will. Everyone wants to find the murderer, but the murderer is one step ahead. Just like martial arts, if you meet someone stronger than you, you can only blame it your luck.”

“Head Chief Chu, if you make a move, the murderer will no doubt be found,” said Leng Shoushi, “Up until now, you’ve never left a case uncracked, why did you not accept this one?”

“When I first arrived, the Secret Guardians Hall was small and unassuming, it was not wise to stir up trouble. Furthermore, the Mei Yi Courtyard is truly elite, even I might not fare better than them, so it would be pointless to try to snatch their glory. A merit like this is no small feat.”

The prince had a wide influence and was trusted by the emperor. If the prince was grateful toward him, there would be countless advantages in the future. There was living proof right in front of him. Redeeming a lady from the Verdant Cloud Brothel was something that even King An might not have been able to pull it off, but Chu Li could.

“Would it be possible if my father personally asks for the case to be handed over to the Mei Er Courtyard?” Asked Leng Shoushi.

Chu Li gave a bitter smile. “Given Prince Bao’s stature, if he speaks up, the Secret Guardians Hall will listen and obey.”

Leng Shoushan let out a sigh. “I know if that happens, Head Chief and the Mei Yi Courtyard would still hold a grudge.”

Chu Li did not say a thing, he simply downed his drink from the white jade cup.

“But I have no other way!” Roared Leng Shoushan, “looking at my Father getting older and older every day, but myself as a son being unable to do anything… That’s why all I can do is throw my pride away and beg you, Head Chief!”

Leng Shoushi nodded in agreement. “Head Chief Chu, please help us if you can.”

Chu Li was expressionless. “To be honest with both of you, when this case first came up, I decided not to touch it and sent it to the Secret Guardians Hall. The Mei Er Courtyard did not fight for it either as we could immediately sense the danger surrounding it.”

“Are there things that you are still afraid of, Head Chief Chu?” Gawked Leng Shoushi.

Chu Li shook his head. “I have enemies everywhere, I do not want any more of them. Not to mention, it would be a huge sin if it affected King An’s Imperial Residence.”

Leng Shoushan furrowed his brows. “Are you saying that the one who assassinated my fifth brother could be a powerful person?”

Chu Li replied, “This is purely instinct, it is hard to confirm.”

Both of them nodded.

“Imperial Crown Prince Shi, I owe Prince Bao two favors. I have been trying to look for chances to return the favor, but now is not a good time. I won’t be alive if anything goes wrong, so I really can’t risk it.” Frowned Chu Li.

“It is that dangerous?” Sighed Leng Shoushan.

“If not, why wouldn’t I help Prince Kang? I’d rather let Prince Bao blame me for my cold-heartedness?” Chu Li slowly continued.

Both of them stayed quiet.

“Sigh… It seems that this is the fate of my fifth brother. I am not sure what Father will do. It isn’t good for his heart to be in so much turmoil.” Leng Shoushan helplessly sighed before he downed another drink.

Leng Shoushi looked at Chu Li but did not say a thing.

Chu Li had already explained his situation, it would be too much for them to force him any further. Even though they were the Imperial Crown Princes, Chu Li was not going to listen.

After a few drinks, the three of them changed the topic and talked about some Martial Arts World Anecdotes.

Chu Li was talking and laughing.

Just before they left, Chu Li suddenly spoke up, “How about this, I can personally help you with one thing, as a token of my effort.”

Both of them suddenly felt high spirited and quickly turned to him.

Chu Li said, “Imperial Crown Prince Shan, please list out the good friends of the Imperial Crown Prince Jiang, then list those that he had been hanging out with lately at the top of the list. Invite the first six people on the list to join the feast.”

“Six…” Leng Shoushan quickly nodded. “Alright, I shall invite them tomorrow!”

“When they are attending the feast, I will hide and let Miss Ji Xue Ling pass a letter to you.” Said Chu Li.

“Alright!” Leng Shoushan quickly said, “You can investigate in this way?”

Chu Li shook his head. “I can only give it a go and try my luck, it is probably someone close to him who did it.”

“Thank you, Head Chief Chu!” Leng Shoushan made a closed-fist salute.

Chu Li smiled. “I can only try to help the two of you, Imperial Crown Prince Shan and Imperial Crown Prince Shi. Please keep it as a secret!”

“Not a problem!” The two of them nodded.

——

The next evening, the sky had just been lit up by the evening glow when Chu Li arrived at the Verdant Cloud Brothel. He was instantly led into the Ji Xue Ling Courtyard by some Protectors. Ji Xue Ling personally welcomed him before gently bringing him into the East Room.

It was an empty house and normally, nobody lived there. However, it was clean and neat, meaning someone tidied it up that day.

Ji Xue Ling was tactful to not to disturb him any further, so she quickly withdrew.

Chu Li placed his knees on the bed. He was about to train his Nature Restoration Manifestation when footsteps could be heard approaching from outside. Leng Shoushi and Leng Shoushan soon arrived and gave a closed-fist salute. They told him that the preparations were complete and asked what they needed to say during the feast.

Chu Li smiled. “The two Imperial Crown Princes can say whatever you want, there is no need to be deliberate.”

“Is there no need to ask about anything?” Leng Shoushan asked.

Chu Li shook his head. “That would make others suspicious. Of course, asking won’t hurt too, it just depends on what the Imperial Crown Princes want.”

“Okay then, I shall be at ease now if that’s the case!” Sighed Leng Shoushan.

“What can you tell from this activity?” said Leng Shoushi.

“If there is any problem, I will be able to sense it.” Smiled Chu Li.

“I hope that the effort that’s been put into this will not be wasted,” replied Leng Shoushi, “if the six people today doesn’t work, we shall invite another six tomorrow!”

“I was thinking of that too!” Nodded Chu Li.

Leng Shoushan grit his teeth and scoffed. “We must catch that bastard, my fifth brother can’t have died for nothing!”

Chu Li stayed silent and did not say a thing. It was quite hard to ensure him that this thing would work. They still needed a little luck.