Fan Shun’s expression immediately changed. He lowered his head respectfully and said ingratiatingly to Ling Mohan, “General Ling is too kind. I am merely a commander of the city’s defense. With the border at peace, my duties are quite leisurely, unlike General Ling who battles on the front lines daily, protecting the country and rendering great service with your arduous efforts.”
Fan Shun uttered these pleasantries with ease, having relied on such words to climb to his current position.
Ling Mohan snorted disdainfully at Fan Shun’s words. He found it truly regrettable that such a glib-tongued individual could hold the position of a city commander. He felt the need to find and thoroughly question whoever had appointed him, suspecting bribery.
He then observed Fan Shun’s excessively stout physique, noting it was the first time he had seen a military official so corpulent. He wondered if a warhorse could even carry him, and given the immense dangers of the battlefield, with swords and blades acting indiscriminately, would Fan Shun, being so fat, even be able to escape? Wouldn't the chances of being caught and killed by a single blow be higher?
“General Ling has arrived hungry. Perhaps you would like to stay for a simple meal before departing? I shall have the kitchen make arrangements immediately.”
Ling Mohan nodded faintly in agreement. He harbored no fear that Fan Shun would dare to set a trap for him, and saw no issue in staying.
“I heard that a corpse inexplicably appeared at the entrance of Lord Fan’s residence this morning, is that correct?”
Ling Mohan’s words immediately made Fan Shun’s nerves taut. How did this matter reach his ears?
“General Ling has keen intelligence. Indeed, this matter occurred, but I have already dispatched men to investigate. The perpetrator will be swiftly discovered. Anyone daring to commit such an audacious act in broad daylight will not be pardoned lightly.”
Slamming the table abruptly, Fan Shun’s face was filled with feigned rage, striving to portray himself as a man dedicated to the country and its people.
However, his pretense was seen by Ling Mohan as nothing more than hypocrisy and the concealment of wickedness.
“There is no need for such an elaborate commotion. That corpse was placed there by my men.”
Ling Mohan admitted it frankly, which caused Fan Shun’s heart to lurch even more.
“General Ling, what do you mean by this?”
“The副将 (fùjiàng - deputy general) by your side is a wanted fugitive rebel. His death is insignificant. I am curious, however, as to how he became the deputy general of Yun City. General Fan, do you have any explanation?”
These words struck Fan Shun with a sudden shock, and cold sweat drenched his entire back. Fan Shun subtly extended a hand to wipe away the sweat, his voice trembling slightly. “This… General Ling, I truly was unaware of his identity. When he arrived in Yun City, he only stated his name was Wang Nanshi. I only kept him by my side as a deputy general after seeing him fight bravely in battle.”
Fan Shun quickly explained, realizing that in the current situation, it was not advisable to openly confront Ling Mohan. He needed to stabilize him first and maintain outward civility.
“Is that so?” Ling Mohan raised an eyebrow, his tone filled with suspicion.
“Indeed it is. General Ling, every word I speak is the truth. If you do not believe me, you can ask others.”
Fan Shun said eagerly, desperate to prove his innocence. If he had known that Wang Nanshi would bring him such immense trouble, he would never have saved him. This was a colossal blunder.
“Are not all the people here your subordinates? Naturally, they are loyal to you. Asking them will yield nothing.”
“General Ling, you speak too strongly. Are we not all subjects of Dongchu, loyal to His Majesty?”
Fan Shun hastily declared his loyalty, fearing any suspicion directed towards him.
“Loyalty is good. I, as a military officer, consider loyalty to be of utmost importance. I cannot tolerate disloyal individuals. Just as your deputy general met his well-deserved end.”
Ling Mohan subtly reminded Fan Shun, his gaze constantly assessing Fan Shun’s expression.
“General Ling speaks wisely. Disloyal individuals must naturally be dealt with.”
“May I ask, Lord Fan, are you loyal beyond doubt?”
Ling Mohan’s sudden question caused Fan Shun’s legs to weaken, and he nearly lost his footing.
“I am naturally loyal to Dongchu and His Majesty, without any second thoughts!”
Fan Shun exclaimed hastily, striving to prove his innocence. He surreptitiously wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, feeling as if he were sitting on pins and needles.
“Loyalty is good. It appears the rumors I heard earlier were false. Indeed, rumors are not to be believed.”
“May I inquire, General Ling, what rumors did you hear? Could you enlighten me?”
Fan Shun grew somewhat anxious. Had Ling Mohan truly discovered something? He tightly clenched his sweaty palms.
“It is nothing, just some common gossip. If I were to speak of it, would I not become like a foolish common woman? Lord Fan need not be so concerned. It is all mere idle talk. Moreover, if Lord Fan conducts himself uprightly and honestly, why should you fear slanderous words?”
“Yes… yes, General Ling speaks the truth. It is I who am narrow-minded.”
As soon as Fan Shun finished speaking, Lu Shi hurried in and whispered a few words into Ling Mohan’s ear.
Fan Shun watched the two of them nervously, fearing they might say something detrimental to him, his breathing becoming heavy.
“Is that true?”
“Your subordinate investigated personally, so there can be no falsehood.”
Ling Mohan’s expression immediately turned grim. He glanced at Fan Shun, then withdrew his gaze and said with a slightly heavy tone, “Lord Fan, I have urgent matters to attend to. I must take my leave.”
“General Ling… General Ling!”
Fan Shun panicked and called out anxiously after Ling Mohan. However, his body was too corpulent, and he could not keep up with Ling Mohan’s pace. After a short jog, he became winded and almost unable to breathe, giving up the chase.
“You few, hurry… hurry and follow them to find out where they are going…!”
“Yes, my lord!”
As the attendant took two steps, Fan Shun quickly called him back.
“Wait. Go and find out if anyone leaked any information. If there was a leak, kill them without mercy.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Fan Shun’s mind raced, constantly contemplating countermeasures. If Ling Mohan had truly discovered something, then he would not hesitate to act ruthlessly and deliver a fatal blow. He had initially hoped that if Ling Mohan remained content and uninvolved, completing the necessary tasks and leaving peacefully, it would be better for everyone. However, now that Ling Mohan seemed determined to meddle in this affair, his life would be forfeit.
…
“Young General, we are being followed.”
Lu Shi keenly noticed someone following them and said quietly to Ling Mohan.
“Deal with them and send them to Fan Shun’s residence.”
It seemed that the previous events had not deterred Fan Shun. He still dared to act sneakily, showing a disregard for his own life.
“Yes, Young General!”
After Lu Shi acknowledged the order, he turned and vanished. The individuals following them were swiftly and efficiently dealt with by Lu Shi.