Book 15: Chapter 25
White Heron Leads a Confused Phoenix
I sat in the bottom of a squat with my face in my hands.
Boss dusted her hands after setting her inkstone.
Tang Ye cooly fixed his clothing and then pulled his brows together. “Why are you in your room, Vice-captain.”
Boss answered, “Secret passage. I have a secret passage to enter my room. You know how risky it is in our line of work. We need a means of avoiding murderers, stalkers and the sort.”
If I could lie as fluently and righteously as Boss, I’d never be fooled.
Tang Ye pulled his brows in tighter. I had seen Su Xiao and Zizi make the same face before. Every single time I saw that face, I’d hear something ridiculous afterwards.
“Why… did you not tell me, then?”
I take back what I said.
“… I guess you’ve grown up, and today is a special today, so I told you. I have a secret passage in and out of my room, okay?” replied Boss.
“Is there something special about today? Vice-captain, you seem to be sweating. What is the bath tub over h-”
“… Shut up and accept what I said, or I’ll send your head to the manure dump.”
“Understood.”
I finally understood why Boss wasn’t worried.
“What… is everyone doing here?” Bai Yeshuang walked straight in to check without knocking. To nobody’s surprise, her attention was immediately drawn to the bath tub. “Vice-captain, this bath tub h-”
“You want to go clean the manure, too?”
“Understood.”
“Forget it. It’s not every day that everyone is together. Sit.”
Bai Yeshuang’s report was brief. She just needed to notify Boss about the preparations for all our documents pertaining to Boss’ new post. Although His Majesty had yet to announce the destination or date, we all knew it would be soon. That was why we were able to start on documents and the such that we’d inevitably have to deal with. Boss signed a series of papers faster than my eyes could follow and then declared she was done. Before we were able to feel impressed, she had started comforting Tang Ye.
“I don’t have any genius idea for what to do with Bai Yumo. She has committed crimes, so she must be arrested. Her case is in Emperor’s Entourage’s jurisdiction, so not even we have the right to follow it up. If we insist on tracking her down, we will have conflicts with Emperor’s Entourage as it is a blatant show of trying to take credit. You don’t need to look like that now. Detective work has never been Emperor’s Entourage’s strength. If it takes long enough, they will have to seek professional assistance. Who do you think they will turn to in that situation?”
Both Tang Ye and I had an epiphany. Emperor’s Entourage didn’t crack cases through their observation and deduction skills, but their enormous intelligence network. Unfortunately, the information wasn’t shared to every corner. The people on Bai Yumo’s case didn’t necessarily have access to the same amount of information as their superiors did. If they couldn’t dig up any traces, then perhaps setting the case aside for the meantime was their sole option. However, the imperial court were adamant about apprehending her. Her affiliation alone was enough of a reason for them to not dismiss her. Everyone knew Bai Zhiqing was a man who acted on emotions, a man who prioritised his love over all else. Therefore, the imperial court desperately needed to find her before Valley of Yearning could in order to maximise her value. As to who Emperor’s Entourage would turn to, that was self-explanatory.
“… Me.”
“No, it was me.” Boss formed a small smile and shook her head. “You’re still a longshot away.”
Both Tang Ye and I were lost for words.
Boss, I thought you were trying to comfort him! All those words were just to brag?!
“Yan Ling, it’s true that you’ve improved significantly as a martial artist since joining, and it’s something I’m very happy about. With that said, you need to remember that Liu Shan Men’s specialty isn’t solely fighting power, which isn’t to say that fighting ability isn’t important. However, don’t forget the basics. Don’t be disappointed. I never said you’re incompetent, haha.” Boss patted Tang Ye on the shoulder. “You haven’t regressed as a detective just because you’ve been busy. I’m glad to see you improving in every aspect. We’ve just been too busy for you to have an opportunity to show what you’re capable of it. Think about it: have you cracked any big case? You haven’t even cracked many small cases, let alone ones with plenty of mystery. Now that I think about it, Liu Shan Men cracked the most cases when Sister Ming was here.”
Of course. Young Shiyi inherited Shifu’s brains, quick wit, daring spirit and meticulous mind. On top of that, she learnt from my shiniangs’ investigating Shifu and catching him cheating. How many years do you think she had on Tang Ye in that department?
Tang Ye looked as if he received enlightenment from heaven. He left to look for Bai Yeshuang, probably to ask for a few big cases to investigate.
“… Boss, was that on purpose?”
Boss shrugged and, wearing a smirk, replied, “We have a mountain of cases to work on, but I can’t count on Song Ou after we leave. A young man with a burning passion is the best candidate to handle them. Love is the best motivation, after all.”
Wow! When did Boss learn to manipulate people in this roundabout way?!
Tang Ye marched out of here as if he was grateful that she motivated him!
“It’s for his sake. He’ll have an easier time getting promotions if he can crack big cases now and build experience. Plus, I don’t have time, but the people need help.”𝐛𝐞𝐝𝐧𝗼𝘃𝐞𝐥．𝗰𝐨𝗺
“Mm… Makes sense.”
Yep, I wasn’t going to make an enemy out of a woman. Ever.
“By the way, what did you want to tell me?”
Damn, I completely forgot about it.
“Boss, how much do you know about Blue Prince? And some Feng guy?”
“Huh?” Boss… looked as if she just saw something filthy.