Chen Wei had barely finished speaking.
Ao Run immediately caught his meaning. Not only did he understand, he followed Chen Wei's line of reasoning and paved the entire road ahead. What a brilliant scheme!
First, establish in the case files that the Nine-Headed Bug was dead.
If the Nine-Headed Bug ever surfaced somewhere else, the Discipline Inspection Court's case files would state in black and white that he had died of his grievous injuries back then. The documents would bear Tongming Hall's official seal.
If he suddenly popped up alive and kicking, what would that be called?
Deceiving the Heavenly Court, falsifying his death, and deliberately evading its pursuit!
That would prove the crime the Nine-Headed Bug had committed at Jade Wave Pool was nowhere near as simple as it appeared. Why had he faked his death and hidden in the North Sea for years? What earth-shattering conspiracy was he concealing that could never see the light of day?
Was some greater power behind him plotting something sinister?
Once that string of damning accusations came crashing down, the focus would no longer be the dispute over Jade Wave Pool, but a thorough investigation of the Nine-Headed Bug. First, they would turn the whole affair upside down and muddy the waters. Only after everything had been investigated would they discuss the West Sea's stewardship of Jade Wave Pool.
Brilliant.
Absolutely brilliant!
Once he worked that out, Ao Run threw back his head and laughed. He shoved aside the teacup before him and shouted toward the door, "Take away the tea! Bring wine! And larger cups!"
Before long.
Several Clam Maidens carried in jade trays, carefully presenting crystal-clear wine.
Ao Run personally filled Chen Wei's cup, then raised his own with both hands. "Lord Chen! Hearing your words today was worth a