Beitang He seemed quite relieved at this moment. Faced with Meng Zhao's questioning, he did not evade it, but readily admitted it, naturally offering a corresponding explanation as well.
However, his explanation was based on the malicious intent that had arisen after his own secret was exposed. To himself, it was understandable; to Meng Zhao, perhaps not.
Still, as the old saying went, Beitang He's imperial lineage was his greatest protective talisman. Even if Meng Zhao had the urge to fall out with him, he did not dare show it outright.
For once they truly fell out, Meng Zhao would have a hard time bringing matters to a close as well. He could only suppress his own minor grievances for the time being.
Grandmasters were people too—not invincible, not omnipotent. They had their own difficulties.
"Oh? I was only guessing that the Heir might have had dealings with people from the Demonic Path. Is that truly the case?"
Beitang He nodded bitterly. The two beautiful female guards had been knocked unconscious, and with no outsiders left, he confessed frankly,
"My father was assigned by the Emperor to oversee Lingwu City back then for no other reason than to pick up a few benefits.
"But Brother Meng, you know what Lingwu City used to be like. Our Yanping Commandery Prince's Mansion was nothing more than a decoration. The great and small factions in the city merely treated the people of our mansion as auspicious ornaments—give us a few benefits, and that was that. They never took us seriously.
"My father had no ambition and loved eating, drinking, and pleasure. His expenses were enormous, and the mansion's reserves dwindled by the day.
"I racked my brains to keep things afloat. Then, people from the Demonic Path took a fancy to my imperial