Chapter 194: The Plan to Draw the Snake Out of Its Hole

“My Kong Family was merely fortunate enough to have recorded a few scattered fragments.”

“These several remnant pages of the [Emperor's Exegesis] are regarded as priceless treasures by our ancestors and have been locked away deep within the library pavilion. If we had not happened to discuss Han Sushu’s lineage today, I would never have secretly taken them out.”

Kong Zhao continued communicating with Li Shun while writing characters in midair with his finger.

“The [Emperor's Exegesis] is unfathomably mysterious. At first glance, its writing appears completely identical to the commonly used script of Great Qian. Yet if one merely confines oneself to copying down isolated words and phrases from it, it is like falling into a cloud of mist. There is simply no way to discern their true meaning. Only by completely reproducing an entire passage can one glimpse the whole picture.”

“Moreover, everything recorded within concerns forbidden events from before the founding of Great Qian. If one carelessly discusses them aloud, one will inevitably suffer an inexplicable backlash and invite a catastrophe of unimaginable proportions. Therefore, you and I can only communicate through this silent method.”

“After all, whenever words or phrases concerning the past are involved, they will invariably be erased by some inexplicable and mysterious force.”

Kong Zhao’s fingertip flew through the air, rapidly inscribing a long string of characters.

Li Shun stared intently at the characters that appeared in midair only to vanish moments later, nodding deeply in agreement.

He then wrote:

“From the looks of it, could that old man beneath the bridge be the great expert who displayed those heaven-reaching methods yesterday and concealed everything from the entire Sacred Capital?”

Kong Zhao immediately shook his head.

“It should not be. That Old Man Beneath the Bridge has long since attained profound mastery that reaches the pinnacle of creation, and his cultivation is unfathomable. It is said that he may have already attained the Dao and entered the Heaven-Earth Realm before Great Qian was even founded. There are even rumors that when construction on the Imperial Mausoleum first began, people were sent to seek his guidance regarding the mysteries of feng shui and geomancy.”

“That old senior has lived in seclusion for many years and long since severed himself from worldly affairs. He would never lower himself to become involved in the sinister schemes of yesterday. In my opinion, the one who intervened should have been a disciple of the [Old Man Beneath the Bridge].”

“Han Sushu likewise comes from the lineage of the [Old Man Beneath the Bridge]. Otherwise, with his meager cultivation, he would have been killed countless times already after sneaking into the Imperial Mausoleum again and again. The various officials of the imperial court have repeatedly held back precisely because they were wary of the heaven-defying lineage behind him. After the Imperial Mausoleum was burned by raging flames last time, he seems to have received a warning from the person behind him as well. He has kept an unusually low profile lately, and there has been no further news of him.”

“Yet who would have thought that another disciple of this lineage would become entangled in the probing game being played against His Majesty this time.”

[Old Man Beneath the Bridge] was merely a designation. It was not the actual name of that profoundly powerful old man.

With this layer of concealment, Kong Zhao no longer had the slightest hesitation or scruple when writing in midair.

“I was already filled with countless doubts regarding the strange and turbulent events that unfolded in the Sacred Capital yesterday. But if the lineage of the Old Man Beneath the Bridge has become involved...”

Kong Zhao’s eyes lit up as his fingertip continued moving rapidly.

Yet suddenly, his expression stiffened.

“Damn it. Didn't Ancestor call for me earlier?”

He had become so engrossed in his conversation with Li Shun that he had completely lost track of time, even forgetting the important matter he had originally come here to handle.

He hurriedly threw out an apology, then departed in a panic as though his clothes had caught fire.

Seeing this, Li Shun could only shake his head helplessly and smile wryly.

It was not until several hours later that Kong Zhao finally returned.

“Grandmaster Dong was injured in yesterday’s ambush. Our ancestor ordered me to immediately prepare a generous gift and travel to the capital to pay him a visit. As it happens, it is also time for me to return to the capital and report on my duties.”

“Junior Brother, I'm afraid we won't be seeing each other for quite some time.”

Kong Zhao spoke with a trace of helplessness.

Li Shun’s gaze shifted slightly as he saw through the hidden meaning at once.

“This visit to pay respects to your senior is probably only secondary, isn't it?”

A look of appreciation appeared in Kong Zhao’s eyes.

“Junior Brother truly is exceptionally perceptive. To be honest with you, my Kong Family has already been dragged into the vortex by the upheaval in the Sacred Capital this time.”

Kong Zhao then revealed everything about the forged document that had been sent to the Kong Family.

A suitably measured look of shock appeared on Li Shun’s face. Pretending to know nothing, he said, “Such a thing actually happened? Fortunately, the Kong Family possesses profound blessings and flourishing fortune, allowing you to turn danger into safety.”

Kong Zhao still felt lingering fear.

“If those bandits had succeeded, then no matter how powerful and wealthy our Kong Family might be, we would still have had to suffer greatly. Come to think of it, I should actually thank that insolent madman who cursed at us that day. Unfortunately, he slipped away too quickly.”

“The Sacred Capital is already in complete chaos. It remains under lockdown, with people allowed to enter but not leave. His Majesty has finally taken notice and personally made an inquiry.”

“The Three Excellencies and Nine Ministers will all have to undergo investigation and prove their innocence. In my opinion, unless a few heads of high-ranking officials are offered up, there is no way this storm will be settled peacefully.”

Kong Zhao clicked his tongue as he spoke.

“My main task upon entering the capital this time will be to cooperate with the investigation. That incriminating document was secretly sent to the Left Chancellor’s residence in the capital some time ago. As one of the few pieces of hard evidence currently connecting anyone to the mastermind behind everything, that document is of the utmost importance.”

“But regardless of the truth behind this matter, there is one bottom line that absolutely cannot be crossed. The Confucian lineage must not be implicated in the slightest.”

Hearing this, Li Shun faintly sensed the hidden meaning behind his words.

He immediately asked directly, “Senior Brother Kong, is there something you wish to say?”

Kong Zhao smiled.

With a turn of his wrist, an object suddenly appeared in his palm.

It was none other than the deadly document intended to frame the Kong Family for secretly colluding with the rebels.

Li Shun was somewhat surprised.

“Didn't you say that the document had already been sent to the capital? Then this...”

“The one in my possession is naturally a forged copy. However...”

Kong Zhao paused.

Then he clasped his fists and gave a solemn bow.

“I will have to trouble Junior Brother Li with one thing. When chatting casually with others, pretend to let slip, as though inadvertently, the news that I am carrying this document with me.”

Li Shun’s mind was exceptionally sharp. He understood instantly.

“Draw the snake out of its hole?”

Kong Zhao’s expression became solemn as he nodded heavily.

“If the news comes directly from someone of my Kong Family, it will inevitably leave traces of deliberate intent. But if Junior Brother happens to spread the information unintentionally, the chances of the mastermind taking the bait will be much greater.”

Hearing this, Li Shun furrowed his brows slightly, clearly worried.

“The mastermind behind this possesses unfathomably strange methods. Senior Brother, you are using yourself as bait. You must take great care to protect your own safety.”

Kong Zhao straightened his chest and let out a proud, cold laugh.

“Rest assured, Junior Brother. Since my Kong Clan dares to set such a trap, we have naturally already prepared an inescapable net.”

“They may choose not to take the bait. But once they dare to show themselves...”

A cold glint flashed through Kong Zhao’s eyes.

That afternoon, Kong Zhao departed from the Kong residence under the watchful eyes of countless people.

As for Li Shun’s method of “leaking the secret,” it was equally ingenious.

Originally an honored guest of the Kong Family, he suddenly began hurriedly bidding farewell, his face filled with panic. His steps were hurried and unsteady, and his entire demeanor suggested that he was desperate to flee.

Several Kong Family disciples who had received Kong Zhao’s instructions beforehand appeared at just the right moment, cooperating flawlessly to put on an elaborate performance.

Using the hospitality expected of a prestigious clan as an excuse, they enthusiastically pretended to persuade Li Shun to stay.

No matter how Li Shun pleaded and apologized, they stubbornly refused to let him leave.

The two sides dragged things out all the way to the entrance of the Kong residence, with the Kong disciples still desperately gripping Li Shun’s sleeves.

It seemed as though Li Shun had finally been driven to the brink.

His face immediately became one of shock and fury. He angrily flung their hands away and shouted,

“Your Kong Family is plotting rebellion! Don't drag me down with you! I beg all of you, just let me leave!”

“I borrowed the opportunity to cultivate within your clan’s Grotto Heaven. I will certainly repay this favor properly in the future!”

The expressions of the Kong disciples immediately changed dramatically.

“What nonsense are you spouting? Our Kong Family is plotting rebellion?”

“Even if you aren't, there is certainly enough suspicion! That day, I saw everything clearly at Kong Zhao’s place. How could that document possibly be fake? As the saying goes, a gentleman does not stand beneath a dangerous wall. What is wrong with me leaving now?”

Li Shun retorted righteously, his voice stern and his expression furious.

Yet immediately after speaking, he seemed to suddenly realize that he had said too much.

His expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly clamped his mouth shut.

Then, with an iron-gray expression, he gave a cold snort, broke free from their grasp, and stormed away.

The entire scene had unfolded directly outside the entrance of the Kong residence.

Although only a handful of people had witnessed it, it would inevitably fall into the eyes of those who were paying close attention.

Li Shun went so far as to turn the false performance into something that looked completely genuine. He hurriedly rushed straight toward his hometown, Dongshan Town, looking every bit like someone genuinely afraid of being implicated by the Kong Family.

At the same time, he secretly communicated with Kong Zhao through the jade pendant.

“Senior Brother Kong, was that a little too exaggerated?”

Kong Zhao quickly replied, “The timing was perfect. Junior Brother, you are practically a natural-born acting prodigy. Besides, this entire scheme is an open plot.”

“As long as they discover that the document is in my possession, they will inevitably make a move to test the waters, no matter what.”

“Just wait for them to take the bait!”