226 Making Peace (1/2)
Chapter 226: Making Peace
Translator: TransnEditor: Transn
The news that Lady Meng and the Eighth Young Mistress were patching up had spread across the entire Golden Roc Fort and the whole of Jade City at a speed that was faster than a gust of wind. The accompanying shockwaves were even greater than when the news of the two master's death had broken out.
Many people outside the Castle were suspicious of the accuracy of this piece of information, and until both women officially made their peace at the Six Kills Temples, there would also be doubts about whether it was true. However, nothing could stop the countless theories that had begun to spring out. Everyone wanted to know: Who had blinked first?
When Luo Ningcha questioned Slave Huan, the issue of public perception was also her main concern. ”You want me to make peace with her? Dream on. People will say that I could not win and had to beg for forgiveness.”
Gu Shenwei had came prepared with a reason for her, ”Miss, this is not compromise, but rather it is to retreat first to give yourself options for a future attack...”
”To retreat first? I have taken in her daughter, and I even co-operated in the rescue. What more do you want? I'm already at the cliff's edge, and if I were to retreat further, I would fall off the cliff.”
”Miss, what is your motive in requesting for the 20 female slaves from the Bighead Kingpin?”
”It was for... You already know, so why ask?”
”You will eventually have to let the Lord see them, otherwise what is the point of keeping them? Now, this path is controlled by Lady Meng, and if you don't make peace with her, it will never be open to you. This is to retreat first to strike later.”
Luo Ningcha thought for a moment before she said, ”Slave Huan, I know you are close to that little girl, perhaps too close. Tell me the truth, what's going on between you two?”
Gu Shenwei had not considered that Miss Luo would have changed the subject, and was speechless for a while. He gave a few coughs before he managed to say, ”She is my master, and I am her killer, that's all.”
”Humph, don't think that you are the only smart person here. I'm no fool either. I know very clearly that all this rescuing and making peace were all her ideas, and that so many people would be helping her without anything to gain. As for me, other than some false glory, I will earn nothing. No, you have to tell me the truth. What are you two trying to achieve? I want in if there are any benefits to be gained.”
Gu Shenwei could only manage to cook up a story to counter her, ”It is because there is a secret hidden in the Six Kills Temple...”
”The map leading to the hidden treasure in the Stone Castle!” exclaimed Luo Ningcha, her breathing becoming heavier. Although she was rich, she would never reject an offer to make herself richer.
”Maybe.” Gu Shenwei could only continue to play along.
Luo Ningcha immediately gave her conditions. ”I want half of it.”
”Regarding this, I have to get the approval of Lady Meng,” replied Gu Shenwei. He continued to lie to make his words seem more convincing. He was not afraid of getting into Luo Ningcha's bad books because she would not remain useful for long.
The next day, Gu Shenwei came back to Miss Luo and told her that Lady Meng could only agree to a 60 - 40 split between herself and the younger lady. Luo Ningcha finally agreed to it after a long period of consideration.
As for Lady Meng, firstly, she was willing to do anything for her daughter, and secondly, she had never regarded Luo Ningcha as a worthy adversary. Thus, she was willing to take this opportunity to make peace.
This was the inside story of the reconciliation between mother and daughter-in-law.
The Six Kills Temple was the ancestral shrine of the Shangguan Family and, as a show of sincerity for both of them, Lady Meng chose it as the place to put aside her differences with her daughter-in-law. However, they were women and were thus prohibited from entering the main hall - they could only pay respects to the ancestors by burning incense at the entrance of the hall.
All women who had some title were invited, and who amongst them would miss such an opportunity?
On the 14th day of the seventh month, even elderly ladies, who were between 70 to 80 years of age and had to be supported by their maids, insisted on coming to witness the event. No less than 300 people, including masters and servants, formed up on the steps to the main hall's entrance in accordance with their title. Those that could not squeeze in could only peek from the bottom.
Lady Meng looked as poised and gorgeous as usual. She held onto her daughter-in-law's hand and, with an amiable smile across her face, they burned incense and prayed together in front of the Six Kills tablet.
Those that had thought that the Eighth Young Mistress would have changed her habits were disappointed. Luo Ningcha was still wearing a thick veil which hung down below her waist. As such, many felt both of them had fought to a standstill and that that the younger woman might even have had a slight upper hand.
The two ladies at the hall of the Temple were without a doubt the focus of everyone's attention. Even the Sacred Masters who were pure of mind and standing a distance away could not help but a steal a few glances in their direction. The killers who provided security for the hall were, however, not so bold, and basically stood outside the walls. They only did a thorough search after everyone had left, and they picked up many trinkets such as handkerchiefs and jewelry.
Under such circumstances, no one who has noticed that a maid had gone missing.
The original plan was to have three people to eavesdrop during the recital - Slave Huan, Maid Lotus and Shangguan Ru.
Shangguan Ru was not able to participate because of her mother's disapproval. Once Lady Meng heard that her daughter would be suspended on a cliff for three days and two nights, she immediately forbade her daughter to take part. Lady Meng said, ”Let the killers do it, as it's their job. You are the Tenth Young Master, how could you take such a risk?”
As for Gu Shenwei, he felt he would have trouble if he tried to sneak into a group of women. Furthermore, he was under surveillance and his movements were severely restricted.
Even though Blademaster Shen Liang was still personally in the city to investigate both assassinations, he did not become less vigilant on the movements of the young killer at the Castle. The Heart Cleansing Yard had the Eighth Young Master's main yard on surveillance, and there would be several people tailing Gu Shenwei whenever he stepped out of its doors. Therefore, he decided to remain in the residence so as to avoid raising any suspicion.