Fatal to Pretend With a Cheat | Chapter 10 | The Zhongli Connection | Novela.app

After the emotional rollercoaster of the past few days, I felt utterly drained. I listlessly picked at my lunch with a spoon, wanting nothing more than to go back to sleep once I was finished. Ye Tan arched an eyebrow. "Master’s physical condition seems to have improved remarkably all of a sudden." It was true. Being able to sit normally at a table to eat was a massive leap forward compared to how I had been. Rubbing my temples, I listened as Ye Tan asked, "Does Master feel any discomfort?" "I have some questions for you." Now that I had finished the meal, my thoughts had a moment to settle, allowing me to carefully piece together the events of the last few days. "I don't know if these matters truly concern me, but if you're unwilling to speak of them, don't feel forced." Ye Tan said respectfully, "Please, Master, ask what you wish." I nodded. "First, when I went back to the inn to get my books yesterday, why did people try to seize me? Who is Ze Que, and what exactly was his goal? He mentioned someone named Yue Changsheng—who is that? Second, Ze Que said you were discarded by the 'Second Young Master.' Who is he? Was he your previous master? But a few days ago at Yexing, the manager clearly said that shadow guards are hired for life. Why were you able to change masters? And..." I paused. I didn't want to poke at his old wounds, but my curiosity was piqued. "Ze Que seemed very interested in your swordsmanship. How exactly did you lose all your martial arts?" The questions fell into a heavy silence. Ye Tan seemed to forget the etiquette of averting his gaze, staring at me wordlessly. "Sorry. It probably involves painful memories..." I waved my hand dismissively. "If you don't want to say, then forget it. I was just asking casually." "Master misunderstands. I am just... a bit surprised," Ye Tan said meaningfully. "It seems Master is far more meticulous than I realized. I was blind." I muttered under my breath, "Is that a compliment or an insult?" "Regarding the first matter, it was indeed entirely my fault. On that day, when I signed the IOU, I used the name Yue Changsheng of Zhongli Manor. Yue Changsheng is the most favored guest of the Eldest Young Master of Zhongli Manor, Zhongli Zixu. Any expenses he incurs, inside or outside the city, are covered by the Manor as long as he provides his name. I was bold enough to mistake Master for him because, besides Yue Changsheng... I could not imagine another person with a countenance as striking as Master's." Ye Tan lowered his head in apology. "Unfortunately, I was dull-witted and guessed wrong. I led Master into danger; the blame is mine alone." "And what is this Zhongli Manor?" "Zhongli Manor is located a hundred miles east of Changluo City. It is a prestigious family with a century of history, commanding great respect in both the light and dark worlds. Currently, the Eldest Young Master has a wandering heart and is devoted to pleasure, so all affairs, internal and external, are managed by the Second Young Master. The Second Young Master is peerlessly intelligent and a successful businessman. Not only has he recruited many sects from the martial world, but he has also befriended many powerful officials in the imperial court. His influence has reached its zenith over the past two years. Ze Que is one of the top swordsmen under the Eldest Young Master's command, and his reputation as a hero is known throughout the land." "That’s strange." I stroked my chin. "Don't you think something is off?" Ye Tan replied, "I do not dare to speculate on the thoughts of masters." I sighed. "Can we just have a normal conversation?" Ye Tan said with utmost solemnity, "The precepts of Yexing: only kill, never question right or wrong." I suddenly felt the road ahead was very long indeed. I covered my face and groaned. Ye Tan hurriedly added, "If Master commands it... I shall do my best to try." Only then did I nod with satisfaction. "A student worth teaching." Ye Tan lowered his head, thinking for a moment before saying, "If I may venture a guess... since Yue Changsheng is a favored guest, if he were still at the manor, Ze Que would have known Master was an impostor before he even arrived." "Exactly. Not only is Yue Changsheng not at Zhongli Manor, but no one even knows his whereabouts." I nodded in agreement, then added, "Though, that doesn't have much to do with us." Ye Tan said worriedly, "But by repelling Ze Que, Master has essentially spat in the face of Zhongli Manor. They have had smooth sailing for many years; I fear they will not swallow this insult easily." Seeing him willing to speak normally made me happy, so I asked, "That Second Young Master—was he your original master?" Ye Tan dithered for a long while before answering, "...Yes." I waited quietly for a long time until he spoke again. "The Second Young Master... Zhongli Zixi, is one of the preeminent heroes and talents of this age. His mastery of both the civil and martial arts is beyond question. Unfortunately, my skills were lacking, and I failed to protect him. I was stripped of my martial arts. The Second Young Master has the ambitions of a great roc; I was useless to him, so he returned me to Yexing." I asked curiously, "Then why did the boss of Yexing say it was a lifelong contract?" "Actually, both statements are correct," Ye Tan said with a sigh. "Shadow guards of Yexing can, in theory, be returned. However, from the founding of Yexing until now, no one had ever been returned... I am the first case in history." "And why is that?" "Because..." Ye Tan looked out the window, his eyes swirling with turbulent thoughts. "The procedures for returning someone to Yexing are a thousand times more troublesome than simply killing the shadow guard." I was momentarily speechless. "...This Second Young Master went to such great lengths just to spare your life. He must have really liked you," I said, pouting slightly. Ye Tan seemed startled. "What nonsense are you saying, Master?" I tilted my head. "Ye Tan, tell me honestly. If I hadn't bought you that day, what would have happened to you?" Ye Tan said frankly, "I would not have survived more than two nights." "Then isn't that strange?" I shrugged. "Zhongli Zixi insisted on sparing your life, yet he didn't bother to treat your injuries. What on earth is going on in his head?" "The Second Young Master is a dragon among men. His thoughts... I have never been able to understand them." I squinted, chewing on those words. I felt more and more that Ye Tan was speaking with hidden meaning. Not wanting to disturb his reminiscing of old acquaintances, I stood up leisurely and headed out. Only after I had left the courtyard did Ye Tan react. "Master is going out?" The corners of my mouth curled up. "Going to drink tea and pick up girls." | Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 钟离苑 | Zhongli Manor | A prestigious and powerful family estate. | | 钟离虚 | Zhongli Zixu | The Eldest Young Master of Zhongli Manor. | | 钟离息 | Zhongli Zixi | The Second Young Master of Zhongli Manor; Ye Tan's former master. | | 月尝笙 | Yue Changsheng | A mysterious and favored guest of the Eldest Young Master. | | 长洛城 | Changluo City | The city where the story is currently set. |