Chapter 201: The Perfect Scapegoat
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Han Sanhe finally realized why He Hanqing had invited him over.
He honestly had never expected that the assassin who had ambushed He Hanqing would be Bai Yixue, his current bodyguard.
With such damning evidence, who was He Hanqing supposed to look for if not him?
Han Sanhe inhaled a long breath before he chuckled dryly, "I see the real purpose of Old He’s invitation then."
He Hanqing’s eyes that looked like they were bleary with age studied Han Sanhe as he said in a gentle tone, "Marshal Han seems to be missing a guard."
Han Sanhe replied frankly, "Bai Yixue has indeed become my guard for the past three days,"
He Hanqing chuckled. "Then how would Marshal Han explain this to me?"
"Would Old He believe me If I were to say that this has nothing to do with me?" Han Sanhe's smile was devoid of humor.
He Hanqing replied, "I’ve always heard that Marshal Han’s words are authoritative and will never be rescinded. This old and useless one shouldn’t be doubting that. It would have been fine if it involves only this old and useless one’s life but these men of justice standing beside me were unwilling to let me die just like that; this old and useless one is reluctant to let their kind intentions go to waste too, so for the lack of a better word – please provide something credible, Marshal Han!"
Han Sanhe felt a splitting headache coming on.
His earlier question was very much like his last struggle; one that rode largely on the hope that Old He would give up on his questions, taking into account Han Sanhe’s identity. He knew that He Hanqing would seek evidence but he had still hoped for the best. It was unfortunate that things did not go his way – he would inevitably be held accountable!
"From what Marshal Han has said, Bai Yixue has only become your guard four days ago?" He Hanqing continued, "If I may ask Marshal Han, why is a man like Bai Yixue willing to become your guard, with his obvious status and background?"
His words hit the bullseye. With Bai Yixue’s swordsmanship and cultivation base, as well as his capability and status, he would not bother even with positions like the emperor’s guard or the chief commander of royal guards, what more, a marshal’s guard. Was Han Sanhe’s honor that high?
Han Sanhe pulled a taut smile. "He’s only said that he was asked to do so as a favor to protect my safety."
"May I ask who was it who asked him to do so?"
"I don’t know." Han Sanhe’s eyes were closed when he uttered the words, bitterness was all that he tasted. He knew that he was unknowingly being bamboozled in a spectacular fashion.
"You don’t even know who sent him yet you’ve let him stay by your side so easily, Marshal Han." He Hanqing chuckled, "Is Marshal Han being generous or magnanimous now?"
Han Sanhe’s chuckle was without humor. "I know it’s hardly believable but this is the truth; this marshal has no other proof."
He Hanqing smiled faintly and asked, "I guess that Marshal Han truly has no other words for me then?"
"Old He, I didn’t pass this life of mine by doing nothing. What I have truly done, I won’t stoop so low as to deny doing it. I sincerely have no idea of this incident," Han Sanhe replied with a serious mien.
"Have no idea… " Old He smiled meaningfully and said, "If so, I believe that Marshal Han has no idea where Bai Yixue has gone to now, as well?"
Han Sanhe could only reply with a helpless sigh.
Any sort of explanation would be redundant now.
What laid before his eyes – the fact had spoken louder than his words. He had undoubtedly become a scapegoat!
Looking at the chilling iciness in Old He’s eyes, Han Sanhe felt utterly powerless. He stood up to bid his leave saying, "This is what I can say. If Old He has no other matter concerning me, I shall take my leave now."
The eyes of the two men behind He Hanqing flashed dangerously as they spoke softly, "Could it be that Marshal Han intends to leave with just a few half-hearted words after Marshal Han’s subordinate has done something so vile?"
Han Sanhe took in a deep breath, suppressing the rage he felt and said, "Could it be that Old He intends for me to stay the night?"
He Hanqing only gave a faint smile. "How could I insist? Escort the guest out."
Han Sanhe straightened up to leave while He Hanqing did not move at all, just speaking in an eerie tone from where he was seated, "I do not know when Marshal Han will be returning. The journey must be far, danger lurks in the martial arts world as threats. Do take care along your way."
Han Sanhe stopped, understanding immediately the thickly laced threat within the old man’s words. He replied softly, "Thank you for your concern, Old He. I shall reiterate again – this incident really has nothing to do with me."
There was no reply, only a cold smirk hung on He Hanqing’s lips as if he did not hear anything.
When Han Sanhe walked out of Residence of He, his expression was as dark as night.
How could such an expedient accusation – one that was utterly ridiculous, fall on him just like that? It was unbelievable.
Who could have plotted such a dastardly scheme against him?
"An old scholar who has long lost his position actually dared to threaten me like that… He really thinks he’s something." Han Sanhe sighed closing his eyes, thinking if he should make his trip back earlier.
Although He Hanqing had not stepped into the imperial court for years, his influence over Yutang’s royalty was still substantial. If he told the emperor about this, he might not have Han Sanhe killed but it would be hard for him to do anything else afterward.
With the addition of an enemy lurking in the dark, it was near impossible for Han Sanhe to do much. It would be meaningless for him to stay here any longer.
Han Sanhe sighed against the sky. He had always taken pride in outwitting the enemies and planning with every conceivable possibility taken into account before making a move. However, since he had come to Yutang, he had realized that he was truly out of his depth.
His plans had all failed.
It was truly the first time in Han Sanhe’s life that he felt so awful; he had either struck air or he was utterly powerless.
Subconsciously turning to glance at the Residence of He, Han Sanhe was utterly speechless about this incident regarding He Hanqing; he had no inkling of who could have set him up this way.
Those involved in the gambling ruckus were all on their way back to their home countries and Han Sanhe did not even know how they were doing. There would be no way to ask even if he wanted to find someone for discussion.
…
On the same night, Han Sanhe and the youth in black sat by the Thousand Feet Lake holding their rods to fish quietly.
Behind them, all eight guards standing at attention throughout different spots.
The night was dark and silent.
"Gugu, are you sure we’ll be able to fish?" Han Sanhe spoke in a low voice, "Hearsay is that Ling Xiaozui has been here and left with some enhancements. With the Qirin Fish’s characteristics, it’ll be hard to catch them within a short amount of time!"
The youth dressed in black, who had been identified as Gugu, had confidence painted all over his face. "There’s nothing in this world that is definite. Ling Xiaozui had caught them earlier probably due to his patience and luck; it’ll be hard to come by again, of course. Such will be a lot of ordinary people. But the bait I’m using has been developed wholeheartedly by my master for years, it’s a specially made bait for this unique fish. My master once caught a dozen Qirin Fish continuously at the Onyx Lake within a single day. The smell of this bait is a temptation the Qirin Fish can’t resist. We won’t miss."
"That’d be great."
"Too bad it’s hard to catch Qirin Fish in Onyx Lake now. Otherwise, we wouldn't have to come all the way here," Gugu, the youth dressed in black said regretfully.
The same regret laced Han Sanhe’s tone when he said, "Onyx Lake will forever be devoid of the Qirin Fish species!"
Gugu replied, "Well, at least it's not extinct. The king fish is still in Onyx Lake, there are still chances of them multiplying. It’s just a pity that the king fish’s level is one that couldn’t be caught. If we could get the king of Qirin Fish, that’s more than hundred times better than normal Qirin Fish."
"I didn’t know that…" Han Sanhe quipped.
Gugu sighed, "There’s Fish Fatale in my master’s secret recipe for the bait. Other than the fish king, it’s an irresistible lethal lure to the other Qirin Fishes. We only have to be a bit more patient now, there will be Qirin Fish coming to the hook."
Han Sanhe, who had grey clouds hovering over him for day,s finally showed the hints of a smile. "That’s great. We’ll return at once when we catch some Qirin Fish!"
…
"Fishing at the Thousand Feet Lake?" Yun Yang’s eyes widened as he stared at the message sent to him from Nine Heavens Dictum.
Han Sanhe had gone fishing at the Thousand Feet Lake… He had come from so far but was now fishing every day? Where did such interest come from?
With a change of direction in his thoughts, Yun Yang understood at once.
The ultimate objective of fishing at the Thousand Feet Lake must be for the Qirin Fish!
He had not expected that one of Han Sanhe’s goals for coming to Yutang was also for this!
Yun Yang stood up to pace around, his brows locked into a frown.
From what he knew and the characteristics of the Qirin Fish that Ling Xiaozui had described the other day, the Qirin Fish in the Thousand Feet Lake had been caught once; it would be impossible for them to be caught by other people any time soon.
It was impossible for Han Sanhe not to know this though. For him to still try fishing there, there must be something else he was depending on.
It would always be wise to play safe. Otherwise, the consequences would be too much to handle!
All in all, Yun Yang did not want Han Sanhe to accomplish a single thing in Yutang. Whatever it was that he wanted to be done, that would be Yun Yang’s next target of destruction!
Thinking about it, Yun Yang turned into a fog and disappeared – only the sound of breeze played in the sky.
…
A strange aroma was slowly spreading over the waters of the Thousand Feet Lake…
In the deeper parts of the water, there were already faint flashes of color; Qirin Fish were slowly making their way to shore.
The wind blew.
An almost inaudible sound came from far away as if something had entered the water.
Han Sanhe asked with a frown, "Why does it sound like someone has gone into the water?"
A guard behind him answered with a bow, "Marshal’s hearing is exceptional. Someone has indeed hopped into the water on the other side of the bank but we’re about ten miles away from each other. The effect is insignificant, there is no need for Marshal to be overly worried."
Han Sanhe nodded and continued to fish.
The youth in black looked more at ease than the marshal; his bony frame was clad in a large black robe as he sat like a statue, his breathing inaudible.
After so long of fishing, the ordinary fish that were taking the bait hysterically were reducing. It had been one hour since they had gotten anything on the hook – the buoy was not moving anymore.
Han Sanhe and the youth in black were very focused. Both of them knew that this situation probably meant that the Qirin Fish had begun moving in the water.
Once the otherworldly fish moved, the rest of the fish species would avoid them.
In other words, it would only be a matter of time now before they caught a Qirin Fish!