True Brotherhood
“Don’t hesitate to speak. With myself and Lord Yan here, you will not be treated unjustly,” asserted Ming Feizhen.
Cha Hao was not only the former leader of Hangzhou’s combined pugilistic and merchant realms, the leader of Chahu Manor, but he was also highly respected among Night Fortress’ members. He had the martial prowess to back up his strong sense of justice. The Seven Heroes of Hangzhou made their name through their influence and power, but he also built an unmatched reputation thanks to his sense of loyalty. The other six had called it quits, while he stayed active. Alas, all that was left behind was his name.
He was basically considered part of Night Fortress as he obeyed any command Night Fortress’ master issued. In reality, though, he was only a guest no matter how close he was with them. Their guests most certainly could drink and party with them. However, when it came to their elites, only the hundred-odd members on the mountain were considered part of their elites. That said, morals were the priority in the pugilistic world.
Ming Feizhen was not surprised Cha Hao counted on the magistrate since Cha Hao was fair and was well-acquainted with people on both sides of the law. What Ming Feizhen could not fathom was what could force Cha Hao to resort to seeking the magistrate’s aid.
“You can tell us what the problem is no matter what it is. We have your back.”
“Wait. What are you doing?” questioned Yan Buer.
Ming Feizhen innocently answered, “Sir, did you not tell me to learn from you?”
“Yes.” Yan Buer glanced to the corner of his table. “But you can take your foot off the desk.”
“Oh…” Ming Feizhen removed his foot and sat on the table, legs crossed.
“… Go ahead.” Yan Buer forfeited in the end. After all, trying to reason with Ming Huayu and Ming Feizhen would just be wasting time.
Cha Hao could swear he recognised the young man’s tone from somewhere; there was also the surprising fact that Yan Buer overlooked his behaviour. Nonetheless, there was another priority.
“This old one wishes to report a notoriously illusive criminal in the city – Hua Yumeng. Not only has he been trespassing into people’s properties and ruined the reputation of women, but even this old one’s daughter has…”
Cha Hao spent ages cursing Hua Yumeng, but the long story was, “Help me out.” The last thing he said was, “Deal with him, Buer.”
“Regarding this matter…”
Yan Buer seemed accustomed to being addressed so casually, which caught Ming Feizhen off guard initially. On second thought, however, it was understandable seeing as they were close in age.
Ming Feizhen looked apologetic on behalf of his shifu after hearing what Yan Buer had to say.
“Can I entrust this case to you, Detective Ming?”
Ming Feizhen shook his head. “That would be treachery.”
Yan Buer pulled his brows together. “It would be what?”
“I was saying that I have been looking forward to working on this case! How dare he disturb the peace of the beautiful and tranquil Hangzhou under Lord Yan’s jurisdiction? He needs to be punished appropriately.” As he reeled off his script, Ming Feizhen averted his gaze from Yan Buer’s.
If it really is my shifu and I try to apprehend him… I wonder who will apprehend who in the end.
Telling Yan Buer that Hua Yumeng was possibly Ming Huayu was definitely off limits. Sullying Ming Huayu’s reputation was a minor issue; serving the imperial court and implicating himself was a major issue. Hong Jiu managed to cause a storm in just a month, let alone arresting his shifu.
“Allow me to question him.” Ming Feizhen hopped off the table and went over to drape his arm over Cha Hao’s shoulders. “Boss Cha, let me ask…”
Upon hearing the tone Ming Feizhen use the tone he was familiar with, Cha Hao almost beamed. “… Master?”
“Yeah.”
“Why are you here? This is great. Justice will finally be served?”
“Don’t jump to conclusions on your own. We don’t know who will be serving who justice yet. I’ve only just returned to Hangzhou, so I’m not privy to things. Do you know,” switching to Voice Transmission, Ming Feizhen asked, “what happened to Second?”
Hong Jiu was the catalyst of the visit to Hangzhou because he had gone missing without explanation – and there was the stash of treasure. It was unlikely that something happened to Ming Huayu, but it was better to be safe than sorry.
Cha Hao went from stunned to pity and then finally let out a heavy exhale. As it was the first time he had seen Cha Hao sigh with that undertone, Ming Feizhen started to worry. “What happened? What happened with him?!”
“I… do not know where he is, either. Perhaps he is still in the city?”
While that was not a pointless answer, it did make light of the situation and did not answer the question.
“Boss Cha, for as long as I’ve known you, you’ve never been like this. What exactly happened to him? Give it to me straight.”
Cha Hao sighed again. “He was tight lipped. He refused to say anything when I asked him what happened, so I am guessing that it involves Night Fortress’ secrets. That said… he broke an arm.”
“He broke an arm?” Ming Feizhen grabbed Cha Hao’s arm as if he was zapped of his energy. “He broke his arm?!”
Cha Hao shut his eyes and nodded. “… Yes.”
The world Ming Feizhen knew started spinning.
Shifu… Shifu would never break Second’s arm, only an outsider… an outsider? Who? Who is an outsider in this big city?
“Where is Hua Yumeng?”
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