Wang Dao narrowed his eyes and stared at Shen Le without a word. Born into an eminent family and long accustomed to high office, when he put on a stern face, a natural air of authority poured down upon others.
Yet Shen Le slightly lifted his head and met his gaze. The smile on his face remained faint, and even his breathing did not change rhythm. After a long while, Wang Dao suddenly asked:
"How did you know?"
"Know what?"
"That Langya Prince's Manor intends to head south with the local great families." Wang Dao fixed his gaze on Shen Le, taking in every shift in his expression, every movement of his body, even the rhythm of every breath. He asked in a deep voice, "This matter has only spread among a limited number of local great families over the past few months. You are in Mao County, your family's highest office is merely county commandant, and you have had no famous teacher to instruct you. How did you learn of these things?"
Shen Le looked up at him, smiling, smiling, calmly smiling. The two faced off in silence for quite some time. Seeing that a smile alone would not carry him through, he finally answered as though it were only natural: "Isn't it obvious? How many rounds of turmoil have there been at court these past few years? How many people have died? With things having reached this point, there is only one way to break the deadlock—"
His smile suddenly vanished. He spoke each word distinctly, heavily:
"Chong'er is safe abroad."
At last, Wang Dao stroked his beard and nodded. Before Shen Le could even catch his breath, he pressed on swiftly:
"Then why did you say that a great many refugees would follow along?"
*As if I