Chapter 496 - Chapter 496: Chapter 503: Important News (1/2)
Chapter 496: Chapter 503: Important News
The Innkeeper shivered, nearly losing half his life from Han Yu’s intimidating speech. Initially, he had been contemplating how to ensure his own safe escape, but now, frightened by these people and realizing their malicious intent, he had no choice but to tell the truth, hoping they would keep their word and spare him, lest he be left at their mercy.
“I’ll talk, I’ll talk! Please, noble gentlemen, spare my life…” The Shopkeeper no longer dared to hesitate and explained everything candidly, including his guesses about the Jianghu People’s actions and behavior, hoping that his sincerity would earn their leniency.
Upon hearing the Shopkeeper’s words, Han Yu frowned. These people seemed cautious, their actions too discreet, forcing him to consider the worst.
With his life in the hands of the young man before him, who exuded a fearsome aura, the Shopkeeper cautiously stole glances at Han Yu’s expressions. Seeing Han Yu’s frown, he feared dissatisfaction with his answers and hurriedly added, “It’s all true, I haven’t lied, I swear it! If there’s even a hint of omission or falsehood in what I’ve said today, may I be struck by lightning!”
In this era, people revered gods and buddhas, and taking oaths was generally taboo, but the Shopkeeper had no choice. Comparing an oath to his life seemed trivial, and since he hadn’t lied, the vow wouldn’t come to pass.
Han Yu did not suspect the Shopkeeper of lying. He had been closely watching the man’s demeanor, ready to catch any discrepancies, and could tell that the Shopkeeper was too timid to lie without necessity.
“Stand up, and think again. Take note of any habits or preferences those Jianghu People might have shown, or any small details they unwittingly revealed. Call over the little waiter who served them that day; I have questions for him too.”
The information from the Shopkeeper proved limited in its usefulness. Recalling the waiter who had more interaction with those people than the Shopkeeper did, Han Yu hoped he might have noticed something overlooked by the Shopkeeper.
The Shopkeeper didn’t argue and immediately called for the waiter: “Little Tiger, this esteemed guest has some questions for you. Just answer truthfully, with no omissions.”
Without waiting for Han Yu to speak, the Shopkeeper preemptively instructed the waiter, worried his performance might displease Han Yu and bring misfortune upon them both. Having run the Inn for years and seen many types of people, he knew that not only were these individuals intimidating, but they also carried a deadly aura, clearly not innocent of bloodshed—the swords at their waists were certainly no mere ornaments.
Han Yu was satisfied with the Shopkeeper’s discernment. He had only come to ask questions and had no intention of taking lives, unless the Shopkeeper was indeed complicit in evil deeds.
“Yes, Shopkeeper, I understand. Whatever the honored guest wishes to ask, I will answer with complete honesty,” the little waiter was quick to say, noting his employer’s caution and fully aware that these people were not to be trifed with.
Han Yu repeated to the little waiter the same questions he had asked the Innkeeper, probing even more meticulously.
“What did they look like, and did you see the woman they brought back? Does she match the description I gave?”
The waiter’s response was similar to the Shopkeeper’s: “I didn’t see clearly; they all wore Bamboo Hats, obscuring their faces, and among them, there were no women.”