Gong Cheng quietly scrutinized Chu Yao.
The man had a youthful face but a head of gray-white hair. His striking features made him impossible to overlook in a crowd. Gong Cheng racked his brains but couldn't recall anyone of such unusual talent with those features. So he asked, "May I ask your name, sir?"
Chu Yao said, "My surname is Chu, my given name Yao, and my courtesy name Wuhui."
Chu Yao?
Chu Wuhui?
The name sounded vaguely familiar to Gong Cheng.
But for the life of him, he couldn't remember who the man was.
"So you're Mr. Chu. I'm Gong Cheng. Please call me Yun Chi. And who is this hero?" He turned his attention to the tall, burly man beside Chu Yao. Though the man had an unfamiliar face and Gong Cheng had never seen him before, he couldn't help feeling a bit of fondness for him at first glance.
Gongshu Wu had already composed himself. Looking at his nephew with an even expression, he introduced himself. "I am Gongshu Wu, courtesy name Bandu."
Gong Cheng glanced at the empty street entrance and said, "This isn't the place to talk. Please come with me, both of you."
Chu Yao said, "Sorry for the trouble, young sir."
The two followed Gong Cheng into the prefectural governor's residence.
The estate was much quieter than it had been when Qi Shan came by.
Servants occasionally passed them, all hurrying about with anxious expressions and acting with the utmost caution, not daring to make the slightest mistake. With so little life about the place, it was steeped in an indescribable air of desolation. Chu Yao walked beside Gongshu Wu, his gaze fixed on Gong Cheng's back as the young man led the way.
With his intelligence and keen eye, he couldn't have