Fan Shun's expression immediately changed. He bowed his head obsequiously and said to Ling Mohan, "General Ling is too kind. I am merely a garrison commander. With the border at peace, my duties are actually quite leisurely. It's nothing compared to General Ling's constant battlefield struggles, protecting the nation and rendering meritorious service."
Fan Shun spoke these flowery words with ease, relying on such tactics to climb to his current position.
Ling Mohan couldn't help but let out a cold snort, feeling only contempt for Fan Shun's words. Such a glib-tongued individual could hold the position of a city commander, it made him want to apprehend and interrogate whoever appointed him, suspecting bribery.
He looked at Fan Shun's excessively corpulent physique. It was the first time he had seen a military officer so obese.
Could a warhorse even carry him? Moreover, the battlefield was fraught with peril, where swords swung without mercy. With Fan Shun's size, would he be able to escape if pursued? Wouldn't his chances of being caught and killed be higher?
"General Ling, you must be hungry. Why not have a simple meal before you go? I will have the kitchen prepare something immediately."
Ling Mohan nodded his assent indifferently. He wasn't worried about Fan Shun daring to set a trap for him, so staying posed no issue.
"I heard, Lord Fan, that a corpse inexplicably appeared at the entrance of your mansion this morning, is that correct?"
Ling Mohan's words caused Fan Shun's nerves to instantly tighten. How could he know about this?
"General Ling's information is indeed sharp. Such an incident did occur, but I have already dispatched men to investigate. We will soon discover the culprit. Anyone audacious enough to commit such an act in broad daylight will not be pardoned lightly."
He slammed the table with a sudden force, his face contorted with feigned anger, striving to portray himself as a loyal servant of the state and its people.
His pretense, however, was seen through by Ling Mohan as nothing more than hypocrisy and a veil for his wicked deeds.
"There's no need for such a grand commotion. That corpse was placed there by my men."
Ling Mohan admitted it frankly, which caused Fan Shun's heart to lurch in shock.
"General Ling, what do you mean by this?"
"The deputy commander by your side is a wanted fugitive of the rebel army and deserves to die. I am, however, curious as to how he became Yun City's deputy commander. Lord Fan, do you have any explanation?"
These words struck Fan Shun like a bolt from the blue, his back drenched in cold sweat. He reached out to discreetly wipe his brow, his voice trembling slightly, "This… General Ling, I truly had no knowledge of his identity. When he arrived in Yun City, he only gave his name as Wang Nan Shi. I saw his bravery in battle, and thus kept him by my side as a deputy commander."
Fan Shun quickly explained. In the current situation, it was not wise to fall out with Ling Mohan. He needed to stabilize him first and maintain a facade of civility.
"Is that so?" Ling Mohan raised an eyebrow, his tone filled with suspicion.
"Indeed, General Ling. Every word I speak is true. If you don't believe me, you can ask the others."
Fan Shun spoke with urgency, eager to prove his innocence.
If he had known that Wang Nan Shi would bring him such immense trouble, he would never have saved him. This had created a colossal problem.
"Are not all the men here your subordinates? Naturally, they share your loyalties. Asking them will yield nothing."
"General Ling speaks too harshly. Are we not all subjects of Dong Chu, loyal to His Majesty?"
Fan Shun hastily declared his loyalty, fearing any suspicion directed towards him.
"Loyalty is good. I am a military man, and I value the word 'loyalty' above all else. I cannot tolerate the disloyal, just as your deputy commander met his just end."
Ling Mohan subtly reminded Fan Shun, his gaze constantly appraising Fan Shun's complexion.
"General Ling speaks wisely. The disloyal must indeed be dealt with."
"May I ask if Lord Fan's loyalty is unwavering?"
Ling Mohan's sudden question made Fan Shun's legs weak, nearly causing him to fall.
"My loyalty to Dong Chu and His Majesty is indeed unwavering, without any double intentions!"
Fan Shun hastened to profess, his hands clenched, dripping with sweat. He felt as though he were sitting on pins and needles.
"It is good that your loyalty is unwavering. It seems the rumors I heard earlier were false. Indeed, rumors are not to be believed."
"May I know what rumors General Ling heard? Could you enlighten me?"
Fan Shun grew uneasy. Had Ling Mohan truly discovered something? His palms were tightly clenched, sweaty and sticky.
"It's nothing, just some market gossip. If I were to repeat it, wouldn't I be like a foolish market woman? Lord Fan need not worry too much; they are just baseless words. Besides, if Lord Fan conducts himself uprightly, why should he fear the sting of gossip?"
"Yes… yes, General Ling is right. It is I who am petty-minded."
As soon as Fan Shun finished speaking, Lu Shi rushed in and whispered a few words into Ling Mohan's ear.
Fan Shun, however, watched the two of them nervously, fearing they would say something detrimental to him. Even his breathing became heavy.
"Really?"
"Your subordinate investigated personally, and it is true."
Ling Mohan's expression immediately darkened. He cast a scrutinizing glance at Fan Shun before looking away, his voice tinged with heaviness. "Lord Fan, I have pressing matters to attend to and must take my leave."
"General Ling… General Ling!"
Fan Shun panicked and hurried after Ling Mohan, shouting anxiously. However, his corpulent body was no match for Ling Mohan's pace. After a short spurt, he was breathless and almost gave up the chase, struggling to catch his breath.
"You few, hurry… hurry and follow them to find out where they are going…!"
"Yes, my lord!"
As the servants took two steps, Fan Shun quickly called out.
"Wait, go and find out if anyone has leaked any information. If there has been a leak, kill them without mercy."
"Yes, my lord."
Fan Shun was filled with unease, his mind racing to devise a counter-strategy. If Ling Mohan had truly discovered something, he would not hesitate to act ruthlessly.
He had initially thought that if Ling Mohan had been more sensible, completed his task without meddling, and left peacefully, it would have been better for everyone.
But now, Ling Mohan seemed determined to get involved in this mess. In that case, he would have to leave his life behind.
...
"Young General, we are being followed," Lu Shi whispered into Ling Mohan's ear, having keenly noticed the tail.
"Deal with them and send them to Fan Shun's mansion."
It seemed the previous encounter had not deterred Fan Shun, who dared to make a move in secret. Truly, he was courting death.
"Yes, Young General!"
After acknowledging the order, Lu Shi turned and vanished. The trackers behind them were dealt with efficiently by Lu Shi.