Hidden Matters

The two guests chatting so merrily with the waiter in the teahouse were Phantom Shadow and one of his companions.

Watching the waiter's excited expression, Phantom Shadow exchanged a glance with his companion. Then they both rose from their stools and left the teahouse, one after the other.

"I must report this to the young master. Keep watching what happens here."

After giving his companion these instructions, Phantom Shadow turned and vanished without a trace.

Yan Prefecture City, the prison.

Yang Qing had spent nearly half a month in this prison, but no one, Dai Sheng included, had truly treated him as a criminal.

Apart from being confined in a prison, he enjoyed much the same treatment as when he had served as the Yan Prefecture Military Commissioner.

No one deliberately kept watch over Yang Qing, nor did anyone uninvolved come inside.

Of course, the people at the Yan Prefecture offices had done all this of their own accord.

Yet however well he was treated, a prison was still a prison. Though Yang Qing had suffered no mistreatment, he had been trapped within these cramped confines and unable to see sunlight properly for some time.

His complexion, never particularly healthy to begin with, now looked a little paler.

Yang Qing paid it little mind, but Bu Er was beside himself with worry.

Just as he was fretting restlessly, a faint sound reached his ears, and he abruptly opened his eyes in the darkness.

Indeed, these days Bu Er often concealed himself in the shadows to keep Yang Qing safe.

"Young—"

Phantom Shadow had just begun to speak when Bu Er stopped him.

"The young master only just fell asleep. Whatever it is, wait until later."

Bu Er gave Phantom Shadow a warning look.

Phantom Shadow had been so intent on