The next day.
Shouchun, the General of the Front's residence.
"Prefect Xiahou, you mean Wang Gongyuan was secretly in contact with that suspected spy from Wu State."
Man Chong spoke at an even pace, with scarcely a ripple in his voice. Even as he spoke, he watched Xiahou Xian's eyes, checking whether he had lied to him.
Xiahou Xian naturally reported the truth. "At first, I dared not jump to conclusions. I thought perhaps that Wu merchant was deliberately framing him."
"Only after visiting the Wang residence and personally confirming this with Wang Guang did I become firmly convinced."
"At the time, I watched Wang Guang's eyes, just as you are watching mine now, General."
In a rare display, the corners of Man Chong's mouth lifted slightly, and he even offered praise. "It seems Prefect Xiahou has a keen pair of eyes as well."
Then he turned his gaze back to the bamboo slips Xiahou Xian had presented and said without raising his head, "So, Prefect Xiahou ran out of leads and came looking for reinforcements."
Xiahou Xian shamelessly replied, "If you insist on putting it that way, General Man, that is true enough. The main issue is that I have no authority to investigate Inspector Wang."
Man Chong gave Xiahou Xian a meaningful look but did not expose his little scheme.
Man Chong closed the booklet and set it on the desk. "All right, no need to explain. Wang Ling happens to be coming here today to report on his duties. Stay for a meal. I will question him myself this afternoon."
"Yes, sir!"
The meals at Man Chong's residence were very plain: just a bowl of millet, a few pieces of dried cured meat, and pickled vegetables.
Man Chong often said that Huainan had seen frequent fighting over the past two years and supplies were relatively scarce. A commander ought to share the sweet and the bitter with his soldiers; whatever the soldiers ate, he would eat too.
There was, however, one exception.
Man Chong had to have wine with every meal.
After the simple meal at Man Chong's residence, it was already the early afternoon, between one and three. Wang Ling arrived a little earlier than agreed.
He was distinctly out of character the moment he entered. Normally stern-faced, he forced out a smile today.
Wang Ling first patiently reported to Man Chong on his inspection of Lujiang, covering matters such as the defensive arrangements at Liu'an, the administrative seat, and official appointments.
Afterward, he also gave a report on the repairs to Hefei.
Indeed, although Hefei nominally fell under the administration of Huainan Commandery, Liu'an was actually closer to Hefei.
Judging by his account, Wang Ling's schedule in Lujiang over the past few days had been quite full.
After hearing Wang Ling's report, Man Chong first acknowledged his work, then found a suitable opening to broach his subject.
"Yanyun, I assume you know this gentleman." Man Chong gestured toward Xiahou Xian among those seated.
Wang Ling glanced at Xiahou Xian, then looked at Man Chong and said rather dismissively, "I would hardly say I know him, though I have heard something of Prefect Xiahou's great reputation."
Wang Ling was clearly hostile toward Xiahou Xian. For one thing, he had never liked members of the Cao Wei imperial clan. Previously, when Cao Xiu had served as commander of Huainan, he had ignored Wang Ling at every turn.
For another, this Xiahou brat had only just arrived to take up his post in Yang Province, yet he had already become Man Chong's enforcer, even investigating a case that led straight to Wang Ling himself. He simply had no sense of his place.
Xiahou Xian gave an awkward smile, stood up, and bowed in greeting. At the very least, appearances had to be maintained.
Man Chong motioned for the two to sit. Who could have expected him to leave no room for easing into things, going straight to the point? "I would like an honest answer from you, Yanyun. Have you been secretly colluding with those Wu rebels?"
"What do you mean by that, General?!" Wang Ling immediately grew agitated. He had barely been seated a few seconds before he slammed the table and sprang to his feet.
Ignoring Wang Ling's fury, Man Chong turned to Xiahou Xian. "Prefect Xiahou, explain it."
Xiahou Xian pointed at himself in confusion. "Me?"
Xiahou Xian silently grumbled to himself, I came here to pass the buck, and now he's thrown it straight back at me.
He felt rather helpless. In all honesty, he did not want to offend his immediate superior so soon.
Although Man Chong seemed more like his superior, even if he was on excellent terms with someone, he was hardly likely to let personal ties override public duty.
In the end, Xiahou Xian thought it through. He stood and declared clearly, "A few days ago, my office caught a suspected spy from Wu State. He claimed to have crossed secretly from Jiangdong into Huainan to trade in rare treasures."
"And one of his buyers was your son, Wang Guang, Governor Wang."
Xiahou Xian took the opportunity to produce the portrait and slowly unroll it before Wang Ling's eyes.
Throughout Xiahou Xian's account, Wang Ling's expression remained blank. Only after hearing everything and pausing a moment did he suddenly reveal a smile.
"Could you be talking about Elder Gu?" Wang Ling admitted openly, "Ah, to tell you the truth, I do indeed know this man."
"Go on." Man Chong's piercing gaze settled on Wang Ling, making him deeply uncomfortable.
Wang Ling's eyes kept darting away. To calm himself as quickly as possible, he hurriedly sat back down.
"Where should I begin?" Wang Ling rubbed his chin, then suddenly slapped his thigh. "Ah, I'll tell you the truth. I have a hobby: collecting all sorts of rare treasures. I suppose the ghosts clouded my judgment for a time."
"I will certainly cut off all contact with this man from now on. After all, Wei and Wu are currently on hostile terms, and I have no wish to give people cause to wag their tongues behind my back."
Man Chong said coldly, "That's all?"
Wang Ling looked impatient. "What else do you want to hear, General?"
Clearly, Wang Ling admitted only to having business dealings with Elder Gu and said not a word about the suspicion that Elder Gu was a spy.
Man Chong narrowed his eyes as he scrutinized Wang Ling, while Xiahou Xian spoke up from beside him. "Did you never suspect his identity, Inspector Wang?"
Wang Ling glanced at Xiahou Xian. He had not wanted to explain himself to this junior, but with Man Chong present, he could hardly lose his temper outright.
"Of course I had my suspicions. I have spent three years in Yang Province. I can tell at a glance who intends to do something unlawful. Besides, I investigated his movements long ago. They were clean. His pattern of activity did not resemble a spy's."
"Why are you so certain, Governor Wang?" Xiahou Xian pressed.
That question thoroughly annoyed Wang Ling. He turned his head and shouted, "I can't be bothered to explain it to you!"
"Enough. Stop arguing." Man Chong stopped them both, then fixed Wang Ling with a fierce stare. "Yanyun, you are a veteran servant of Great Wei. Tell the truth now, and I can still let you off."
"General, every word I have said is true!" Wang Ling declared with absolute conviction.
Man Chong let out a long sigh and beckoned toward the doorway. "Bring him in!"
Immediately, two minor officials dragged a man into the hall, his flesh torn open.
Wang Ling glanced at the man, and his pupils abruptly contracted!
"Th-this... how could this..." Wang Ling stammered, unable to form a sentence.
The dying man struggled to lift his blood-smeared face and looked at Wang Ling. "Inspector Wang, long time no see. No, that's not right. You and I only just met yesterday."