In the Judgment Hall, Lin Yue issued several orders, and the Patrol Guards left to carry them out.
Chu Heng shifted into a more comfortable position. He had been waiting to see what would happen next, but suddenly, a detail about the timing of what had just been said struck him.
Last night?
"Lord Lin."
At Chu Heng's call, Lin Yue turned toward him. Chu Heng was the Fifth Worshipper's disciple, after all, and someone Lin Yue needed to keep on good terms with.
"He Cheng left with those things last night?"
"Young friend, you heard what he said."
Chu Heng nodded, then spoke.
"But I only stumbled across this matter this morning. So Steward He Cheng couldn't have left because this came to light. There must have been another reason..."
Chu Heng did not finish, but Lin Yue immediately understood what he meant.
Zhao Heng, who had heard them too, turned first to look at his nephew. If Lin Yue had not summoned him today, he would not even have known about this matter, much less that He Cheng was involved.
But if He Cheng had already been making preparations last night, what had he been trying to avoid?
Chu Heng went on:
"Had you already started investigating South City before today?"
Lin Yue's thoughtful expression stiffened slightly. After a moment, he looked toward an attendant nearby.
"Take them to a side hall and keep them separate. Lord Zhao, please wait elsewhere as well."
"Lin Yue, you were already investigating this?"
"Yes."
Lin Yue did not deny it.
"As for you, Lord Zhao, think carefully about whether you've left anything out. You can tell me everything shortly."
Zhao Heng gave a cold snort and followed the attendant out.
Once the others were out of earshot, Lin Yue looked at