TTTQF Chapter 195

An On-Site Investigation

“This should be the place.”

Jiang Miao glances at the vermillion-red doors with the signboard above them, then compares it repeatedly with the address written on the piece of paper in his hand before speaking.

Pei Che nods. The attendant behind him immediately steps forward to knock on the door. After a few “knock-knock-knock” sounds, the door creaks open, leaving a narrow gap.

An elderly man dressed as a gatekeeper cautiously pokes his head out to take a look. Noticing that the people outside are not dressed like ordinary folks, his attitude softens considerably. Having served as a gatekeeper for over twenty years, his sharp eyes instantly catch the official boots on the feet of the man standing in front and the faint air of nobility emanating from the person behind.

“To what do I owe the honor of your visit, sirs?”

“My master is here to visit Master Zhao. Please convey the message that an old acquaintance has come to call.”

The gatekeeper finds it somewhat strange but obediently complies. Though he has no idea who this “old acquaintance” might be, he doesn’t dare delay.

Pei Che’s emotions are slightly stirred. He has already visited two of the three families named Zhao Wei. The Zhao Wei in the western part of the city is a short man who runs a small tavern to make a living. His days are busy but fulfilling as he works from dawn till dusk.

When Pei Che and his group arrive, Zhao Wei mistakes them for customers and greets them warmly. After chatting briefly, Pei Che makes an excuse and leaves.

Jiang Miao is puzzled. Pei Che hasn’t even asked if Zhao Wei knows anything about Ciji Temple, so why leave so quickly?

Pei Che sighs and says, "He just mentions that his family's tavern has been running for over ten years, and during all that time, he’s stayed there without leaving Liangjing City. How could he have the opportunity to leave?"

That makes sense. Jiang Miao nods. Pei Che’s parents, the Duke and his wife, perished seven or eight years ago, so this Zhao Wei doesn’t fit the timeline. But what if this person is lying?

Pei Che seems to catch on to Jiang Miao’s thoughts and says, “He isn’t lying. Look at him—though he owns a small tavern that seems to be doing well, his clothes and belongings are no different from those of an average commoner, perhaps even less so. His hands are rough, clearly accustomed to manual labor. This shows he’s extremely frugal in his daily life. Someone like that wouldn’t have the means to suddenly donate five hundred taels of silver to a temple.”

Jiang Miao can’t help but tease, “Not bad. Your observations are sharp—like a proper detective.”

“Detective?” Pei Che silently notes the term. It’s yet another curious phrase from Jiang Miao’s mouth. He no longer believes these are some old rural idioms, as no one else but Jiang Miao ever uses such expressions.

Seeing Pei Che looking at him with interest, Jiang Miao feels a bit embarrassed. He quickly says, "Let’s head to the next one. It’s also in the outer city, but this time to the east."

The group makes their way to the east of the city. After some effort, they find the place, only to discover that this Zhao Wei is a man born with a lame leg. Years of limited mobility have left him with a dark and irritable temperament, and his gaze is sharp and suspicious when looking at others. Pei Che and his companions exchange only a few words before taking their leave. This man’s physical condition makes it impossible for him to have been the one to donate the silver for incense offerings. With such a distinct characteristic, Master Wuchen would surely remember him if they had met.

This is the last lead. If this Zhao Wei isn’t the one, the painstakingly acquired clue will once again be rendered useless.

While waiting for the gatekeeper to announce their visit, Pei Che clenches his fists tightly, his palms slick with nervous sweat.

A hand reaches over to grasp his own. The slightly calloused palm is smaller than his, but the simple gesture brings an unexpected sense of calm to his heart.

Even if it isn’t him, so what? He has waited for so many years—what harm would come from waiting a little longer? Even if this Zhao Wei isn’t from the capital, he is surely from a nearby town. Pei Che will search city by city if he has to, determined to uncover the truth.

Jiang Miao turns his head slightly to observe Pei Che, noticing that his tension has eased. This reassures Jiang Miao. Though he hasn’t experienced such a deep, irreconcilable hatred himself, he can understand it.

The death of Pei Che’s parents, the loss of his brother’s faculties, and his grandmother left without support—all of it has forced their once-proud noble family to rely on their branch family. Though they are the rightful masters of the Duke’s estate, they live as though under someone else’s roof. While they haven’t suffered outright mistreatment, their current circumstances are a far cry from their former glory—a fall from the heavens to the earth.

“Masters, our lord invites you inside,” the gatekeeper calls out through the door. The two men exchange a glance before proceeding forward.

This Zhao Wei lives in the eastern part of the inner city, and everything about his residence—from the grand entrance to the meticulously arranged interior—speaks of the Zhao family’s wealth. Judging from appearances, this Zhao Wei seems a strong candidate for the donor of the silver to Ciji Temple. However, such a conclusion is far too premature. It is only by meeting him in person and asking questions that they can confirm it.

Following the guide, they walk for a while before arriving at a guest hall adorned with flowers. As soon as they sit down, maids serve fragrant tea and delicate snacks, providing attentive hospitality.

“My apologies for not personally welcoming you from afar,” a voice says, drawing their attention to a tall man approaching. He appears to be around the same age as Pei Che’s second uncle. With a square face, broad eyes, and a neatly trimmed beard on his chin, he exudes an air of righteousness.

“Master Zhao,” Pei Che and Jiang Miao cup their hands in greeting as a sign of respect.

When Zhao Wei sees Pei Che's appearance, a flicker of change crosses his eyes. His gaze darts briefly before he breaks into a hearty laugh and says, “Gentlemen, no need for formalities. Please, have a seat so we can talk. I heard from the gatekeeper that a ‘long-lost acquaintance’ had come to visit. Where might this acquaintance be now?” He feigns a glance around, his face showing just the right amount of confusion.

Pei Che puts on an embarrassed look and says, “Master Zhao, that was merely a pretext I used to come and visit. There is no such long-lost acquaintance. However, I wasn’t entirely dishonest. While the acquaintance may not be here, the son of that acquaintance has come.”

“Oh? The son of an acquaintance? May I ask for your esteemed name, young master, and who your elder might be?” Zhao Wei asks curiously, as though he genuinely has no clue about Pei Che’s identity.

“Master Zhao, are you sure you don’t recognize me? I bear a striking resemblance to my father. Anyone who has met him would surely notice the likeness. How is it that you haven’t?” Pei Che asks with a faint smile.

Hearing this, Zhao Wei furrows his brow and squints as he scrutinizes Pei Che from head to toe. After a moment, he shakes his head and says, “Young master, your extraordinary appearance is unforgettable. If I had met someone as striking as you, I would surely remember. But alas, I have no recollection.”

“Is that so?” Pei Che frowns slightly. “It seems I’ve been presumptuous. Forgive my abrupt visit, Master Zhao. Since you are not the acquaintance I seek, I shall take my leave.”

Zhao Wei responds, “It’s fate that we’ve crossed paths—there’s no need to call it abrupt. But if you have pressing matters, I won’t detain you further.”

Pei Che cups his hands again in farewell and leads a confused Jiang Miao out of the residence.

“Isn’t it him?” Jiang Miao asks cautiously. “Could it be that we overlooked someone from the earlier eliminations? Should we review the name list again?”

“No need. I’m certain it’s him,” Pei Che says firmly.

Jiang Miao is shocked. “It’s him? Then why did you say you had the wrong person? And he acted like he didn’t recognize you. Was he lying?” Jiang Miao has seen a portrait of Pei Che’s father, and the resemblance is indeed striking. Someone with such a distinctive appearance can’t easily be forgotten.

“Yes, he’s lying,” Pei Che confirms. “Normally, when someone hears that an old acquaintance has come to visit, they would naturally want to dig deeper. Yet he only asks a cursory question, and when he doesn’t get an answer, he doesn’t seem to care. This isn’t because he lacks curiosity—it’s because he already knows my identity and chooses to feign ignorance.”

Jiang Miao nods in agreement but asks, “So, is he the one who… harmed your parents?”

Pei Che doesn’t answer immediately. He ponders for a moment before shaking his head slowly.

“He isn’t?”

“…I don’t know,” Pei Che admits, uncharacteristically troubled. “When he looks at me, there’s no hint of evasion, fear, or guilt. In fact, he doesn’t show any remorse at all. Yet, it’s clear he recognizes me. So why would he lie?”

“He must be hiding something. Let’s confront him and get to the bottom of it!” Jiang Miao suggests.

“There’s no rush. He’s already lied once and won’t reveal the truth so easily,” Pei Che reasons. “I’ll have someone keep an eye on him for a while and observe the people he interacts with.”

Although this Zhao’s family appears wealthy, their fortune isn’t particularly remarkable for the inner city. Such a person seems to have no connection to the heir of the Duke’s estate. Could someone have orchestrated the events of that year, or is there more to the story than meets the eye?

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