Rumors in Cheng Manor

"Since we've both arrived, I won't disturb you any further. I'll take my leave for now."

Meng Dai smiled and spoke at the opportune moment, then quietly withdrew.

"Farewell, Shopkeeper Meng."

Lin Tianlu cupped his hands in farewell. After a moment of silence, he turned back and said calmly, "Miss Cheng, is there something important you wish to discuss with me?"

"Mister, have you heard any rumors from the marketplace?"

Cheng Yishi's voice was slightly alluring as she softly asked, "About my Cheng family matters."

Lin Tianlu frowned slightly. "I have indeed heard some things, but whether those rumors are true or false..."

"Naturally, they are false."

Cheng Yishi stated very decisively, "I don't know who is intentionally spreading these baseless rumors within Changling County, slandering and defaming my Cheng family's reputation, and speculating that our manor harbors ghosts and vengeful spirits.

In the past, we could ignore it. But a few days ago, the cloth shop fire proved that there are indeed ghosts wandering and causing trouble in the county. These rumors have resurfaced with renewed vigor. Thanks to these rumors, the businesses of many shops in my household have been affected, resulting in considerable losses."

False information?

Lin Tianlu was somewhat surprised.

He didn't expect people to be playing dirty tricks like this back in this era?

They even used the cloth shop fire to add fuel to the flames. That's quite clever.

"Then, Miss Cheng, you've come to me specifically to... clear your name?"

"Mister is wise; you understand with a single word." Cheng Yishi smiled elegantly and nodded slightly. "My father is concerned with appearances and doesn't wish to casually disturb your peace.

However, I happened to hear that Mister Lin was dining at Tianhai Tower, so I specifically came to invite you politely. I hope Mister Lin can come to our manor for a thorough inspection to help restore my Cheng family's honor. It's tiresome to have the neighbors gossiping behind our backs all day."

Lin Tianlu smiled and nodded. "That's naturally no problem, but... huh?"

His expression changed slightly, and he quickly reached out to steady the young woman who suddenly stumbled.

"Miss Cheng?"

"Please don't laugh, Mister. It's just that I've been frail since childhood and am prone to dizziness and weakness. It's nothing." Cheng Yishi's pretty face seemed a little pale. She gracefully stepped back two paces and bowed again. "I will return to my father's side now. Mister Lin and this young lady may dine with peace of mind. I will wait patiently downstairs later."

"Then I'll trouble you." Lin Tianlu cupped his hands. "Miss Cheng, please rest well after you return."

Cheng Yishi paused her steps, turned back, and smiled charmingly. "I will keep Mister's advice in mind."

After watching Cheng Yishi leave, Lin Tianlu sat back in his original seat with a thoughtful expression.

"Senior."

Hua Shuya blinked her beautiful eyes and softly said, "Why the furrowed brow? Could it be about the rumors concerning the Cheng family..."

"Something feels a bit off."

Lin Tianlu pondered. "Perhaps it's not as Miss Cheng claims, that these rumors were spread by outsiders without reason.

When my wrist brushed against Miss Cheng's just now, it felt ice-cold, as if surrounded by yin energy."

Hua Shuya was startled upon hearing this. "Could it be that Miss Cheng has already been harmed by a ghost?"

"That's difficult to confirm. If we want to ascertain the truth, going to the Cheng manor for a thorough look would be the most appropriate course of action."

Lin Tianlu had carefully observed Cheng Yishi's body just now.

Yin energy was present within her, deeply rooted. However, there was no sign of bloodshed, clearly indicating she hadn't harmed anyone.

The problem, therefore, must lie within the Cheng manor.

Hua Shuya lowered her eyelids, her voice filled with worry. "Senior, are you truly going to the Cheng manor?"

"Exorcising demons and eliminating evil is a good deed in itself. Moreover, they still have elders and children at home; it would be truly pitiable if they met with misfortune."

Lin Tianlu took out the broken jade pendant from his embrace, chuckling softly. "Besides, I also have a few personal motives."

Although this jade pendant currently only served as a useless lamp, it had absorbed the gray energy produced by the annihilation of ghosts twice. No matter what, he wanted to try—

To see if this broken jade pendant could display other functions after absorbing more gray energy.

Of course, if it turned out to be completely useless, this trip would simply be considered an act of accumulating good karma.

Hua Shuya glanced at the jade pendant with some curiosity, finding nothing particularly mystical about it. However, she thought that since it was something the Senior cared about, it must be quite precious.

But she didn't dwell on the jade pendant for long. Instead, her expression became hesitant. "Senior, may I... accompany you on this trip?"

Seeing the hint of nervousness on the young woman's face, Lin Tianlu chuckled. "Of course, we'll go together. If I didn't have Miss Hua protecting me, I'd be quite uneasy on this journey."

"Don't worry, Senior!" Hua Shuya couldn't help but break into a sweet smile.

Lin Tianlu called out, "Let's eat first. The dishes will get cold and won't taste as good."

"Mhm!" Hua Shuya picked up her chopsticks again. The fish she put in her mouth seemed even more flavorful than before, and her crescent-shaped eyes seemed to be filled with smiles.

It was late into the night, and the surroundings of Zuixian Tower gradually quieted down.

Lin Tianlu and Hua Shuya finished paying their bill and walked out of the restaurant. They soon spotted a familiar figure waiting by a carriage not far away.

"Miss Cheng." Lin Tianlu stepped forward, cupped his hands, and chuckled, "I am truly sorry for making you wait so long in the evening breeze."

"Mister need not mind. I only just bid farewell to my friends and family," Cheng Yishi replied with a gentle smile, gesturing behind her. "Mister Lin, and Miss Hua. This is my father, Cheng Yanghua."

Cheng Yanghua's face, though showing signs of age, held a sternness that made him appear naturally imposing and somewhat cold.

He cupped his hands towards the two, forcing a stiff smile. "I am truly grateful that you could accept my invitation to our manor. If Mister can help clear my Cheng family's name, I will offer a generous reward upon completion!"

"A reward is not necessary. Being able to befriend Steward Cheng is reward enough," Lin Tianlu responded indifferently. Hua Shuya, standing beside him, also bowed in greeting, saying nothing further.

Cheng Yanghua gestured for them to proceed. "Please, come aboard the carriage."

Tianhai Tower was not too far from the Cheng Manor; they arrived at their destination in less than fifteen minutes.

Upon alighting from the carriage, a spacious courtyard came into view. Two guards stood watch outside the gate, exuding an air of prestige.

Led by Cheng Yishi and Cheng Yanghua, the group soon entered the manor. Looking around, lights flickered within the courtyard, and the figures of servants could be seen.

Lin Tianlu paced along the corridor, musing, "May I ask how many people are in Steward Cheng's household?"

"There are twenty-one household servants and maids, my three concubines, their three daughters, and one son," Steward Cheng replied after a slight hesitation. "And my eldest daughter, Yishi."

Quite a few people.

Lin Tianlu's eyes twitched slightly.

Three concubines and five children. He could really reproduce.

But considering the local customs and atmosphere, it wasn't surprising. Hua Shuya, who was following beside him, appeared perfectly calm.

"Since Mister has graced our home, perhaps I should have my wife and children come out..."

"Father."

Before Cheng Yanghua could finish speaking, Cheng Yishi, standing beside him, lowered her head and said gently, "It is getting late. If we continue with these formalities, Mister Lin might become even more tired.

It would be better to let everyone in the manor rest early. Allow Mister Lin to explore the manor more thoroughly now, and once he confirms there are no vengeful spirits or fierce ghosts, we can send out servants tomorrow morning to spread the news and clear my Cheng family's name."

"Excellent, excellent!" Cheng Yanghua agreed repeatedly. "It was my oversight just now. Guards! Order everyone in the household to return to their rooms and sleep immediately. Do not disturb Mister Lin!"

"Yishi, you will guide Mister Lin."

"Father, please rest assured," Cheng Yishi nodded slightly.

Not long after, the atmosphere within the Cheng Manor gradually grew quiet. Lights in many rooms began to dim, casting them into darkness.

Throughout this process, Cheng Yishi maintained a smile, waiting silently beside Lin Tianlu. A subtle glint seemed to flicker in her eyes.

This subtle glance was quietly observed by Hua Shuya, who was following behind.

This young woman... is rather peculiar.

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