A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1117: Isn’t It Easy to Pin a Crime?
Previously on A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace...
Xia Tingfeng was not truly intoxicated; he also understood that the fellow sporting a conspicuously patched chest was feigning his state as well. It was all an act! Yet, a chuckle escaped him. ’How utterly clueless can one be to flaunt such a patch? Does he wish to declare himself a corrupt official?! Is his intellect compromised, or has he been kicked by a donkey?’
Zhao Qichen, observing from the sidelines, couldn't suppress a smirk. ’Such a simpleton dares to concoct wicked schemes! From any angle, it appears we're merely overpowering him!’
However,
The spread of food and drink proved quite agreeable. The mutton and beef were exceptionally prepared, offering a distinct taste compared to what was available in the Capital City!
That night.
The revelry persisted until the late hours! Throughout this time, Xia Tingfeng and Liu Shouwei engaged in mutual flattery. Liu Shouwei was skillfully weaving a trap, while Xia Tingfeng aimed to project an image of eagerness to forge connections. Both were keenly aware of the underlying charade, each playing their own intricate game.
Ultimately, Liu Shouwei succumbed to the effects of the alcohol, his words becoming slurred. "Brother Xia, from this moment forth, we are brothers!" "You must frequent Yinshan City!" "Our common folk are inexperienced; we require astute merchants such as yourself! Hiccup..."
Xia Tingfeng readily concurred. "As long as you harbor no objections, my services are yours to command!"
Liu Shouwei appeared highly pleased. He clasped Xia Tingfeng's shoulder before departing with his retinue, leaving the room in disarray. Just as he was about to summon attendants for cleanup,
a steward arrived with a contingent of servants. "Esteemed Master Xia, our master extends his regards and insists you are a guest that should rest comfortably. Leave the tidying to us!"
Xia Tingfeng and Zhao Qichen exchanged a knowing glance, then gave a slight nod. "Very well!" "Please convey my gratitude to your master."
The steward hastily demurred. "Not at all! Not at all! Our master emphasized that Old Master Xia is a distinguished guest, and it is our duty to provide the utmost hospitality."
Xia Tingfeng’s expression remained impassive as he simply stated, "Thank you then!"
He then departed with Zhao Qichen.
...
Upon their return to their quarters.
Xia Tingfeng maintained his facade of intoxication, with Zhao Qichen attending to him. The two began engaging in loud, superficial conversation. Meanwhile, they were discreetly exchanging messages on paper with rapid, practiced movements.
Xia Tingfeng scribbled: "We are under surveillance!"
Zhao Qichen responded: "Indeed, we must exercise extreme caution to avoid betraying any suspicion!"
Xia Tingfeng replied: "Fear not! There is no need for excessive tension; proceed as usual! Our primary objective is to meticulously unravel this entire conspiracy!"
Once the ultimate mastermind behind these events is identified,
a direct assault will be launched!
Zhao Qichen subtly nodded and wrote on the paper: "What is his true intention in luring us here?"
Xia Tingfeng pondered for a moment. "Elimination, plunder, and the destruction of evidence!" What other sordid motives could that imbecile possibly possess?!
Zhao Qichen considered this and visibly relaxed. "Nevertheless, we must remain vigilant!"
Xia Tingfeng nodded, concluding their hushed exchange.
...
From that day forward.
Liu Shouwei made frequent visits. His interactions were brief, focused primarily on drinking, boastful talk, and casual chats. During these encounters, Liu Shouwei, whether intentionally or inadvertently, attempted to probe the background and network of support for the Xia Family.
Xia Tingfeng, under the guise of drunken indiscretion, strategically let slip certain fragments of information. "My father... he disappointed my mother, my sister, and the one who patiently awaited him!" "After my mother's passing, my father remarried!" "Upon the arrival of his new children, our presence became secondary. It’s only natural that a remarriage brings a stepmother into the picture!" "Though my mother had reservations about me inheriting this position!" "Fortunately, as the legitimate eldest son, all family assets are rightfully mine without dispute!" "Later... my stepmother grew envious..."
Xia Tingfeng expertly crafted a dramatic narrative of a prosperous family business fraught with internal strife and scandalous entanglements. He even produced tears during moments of feigned sorrow. His expressions, the palpable heartbreak, the profound loneliness and desolation following his mother's death—all surged forth, vividly manifesting on his face and in his eyes. The sheer authenticity of his performance even astonished Zhao Qichen, who stood observing him. Had he not been his true uncle, he would have undoubtedly believed every word without question!
Even Zhao Qichen was convinced. How could the partially inebriated Liu Shouwei possibly resist?
While feigning sympathy and shared sorrow, Liu Shouwei inwardly rejoiced! ’Excellent!’ ’No influential backing, making him easily disposable!’ ’Eliminating a hundred merchants like them would scarcely cause a ripple!’ ’Haha, once he's dead, I shall seize his valuable cargo and amass a fortune!’
Ten Thousand Taels of Silver!
Ten Thousand Taels!
The prospect consumed Liu Shouwei, leading him to increase his visits even further. He orchestrated gatherings every few days, a meal every other day, fabricating various pretexts to ply them with drink and extract information!
Xia Tingfeng and Zhao Qichen began to feel their patience wearing thin.
‘What is the action? What should we do?!’ But on the surface, they remained calm. Whenever they had spare time, they would go out selling goods and visiting shops, acting convincingly without raising any suspicion! After approximately ten days. Liu Shouwei felt the time was opportune, so he gathered a few of his sycophantic advisors to discuss the subsequent plans! ‘They should fully trust me by now!’ ‘It should be sufficiently reliable to proceed with the next phase now!’ The advisors, upon receiving the signal, became excited, each one eagerly proffering strategies! ‘Master, poison them directly; it’s silent and goes unnoticed!’ suggested a treacherous advisor. ‘Master, I believe framing them is superior. A hundred people disappearing is far too noticeable; someone might discover it!’ ‘I think framing is better. We can gather evidence, accuse them, sentence them to death, and then boldly seize their goods!’ Another held a differing perspective! ‘Hey! You all are thinking incorrectly!’ ‘I propose we first trick them into handing over the goods, then expel them from the city!’ ‘As soon as they step outside the city gates onto the mountain road, we can eliminate them immediately!’ ‘Then, it will be the bandits who killed them, the bandits who drove them away; what does it have to do with us?!’ ‘Beyond Old Master’s territory, it won’t reflect on him, don’t you think... right?!’ The assembled group fell silent, each individual gazing at Liu Old Master with hopeful expectation. Liu Shouwei exerted all his mental fortitude and finally resolved to adopt the second method! ‘I am at the border, far from the Emperor; what do I have to fear?!’ ‘It’s not about whether we can solve this, but rather about whether we *will* solve it!’ While other methods might ensnare him, the second approach was the most secure and straightforward to execute. As long as the evidence was in place. Conviction would be simple, and even if an investigation were to occur, he would remain unfazed!