Reveal Your Secret . . .
Zuo Wuji's chuckle had a mischievous tone. "Heh, heh, heh... There is no such thing as absolutes in the world. Let's consider another possibility. It's plausible that someone from Ling-Bao Hall was covertly eavesdropping on our conversation due to their keen interest in your proposal. After all, within Ling-Bao Hall, there are three formidable assassins: Ning Biluo, Zhao Pingtian, and Liu Changjun. Any of them could easily overhear us. I'm not confirming anything. I'm just exploring the realm of possibility," Cha Eun Xiao remarked, deflecting blame and sowing seeds of doubt.
Zuo Wuji, however, was not easily swayed by Cha Eun Xiao's evasive tactics. "Pah! You know full well that the Boundless Lake men were staying at my house. Even Ning Biluo and Zhao Pingtian couldn't easily infiltrate my premises to eavesdrop. Why the need to deny it?"
"Let's think rationally. Boundless Lake's presence in your house may have alerted Ning Biluo to the fact that his adversaries were close by. This could explain his presence and accidental overhearing of our conversation," Cha Eun Xiao countered.
"Why do you have to be so obstinate about this? Coincidence? Humph!" Zuo Wuji's irritation was palpable. "Fine, one more thing. A few days ago, you visited me, inquiring about the followers of the princes. I found that strange at the time. The information you requested is known exclusively within my household. I provided it to you, and that night, the Second Prince's family was annihilated, and his followers were slaughtered."
Cha Eun Xiao began to deny this as well, but Zuo Wuji firmly cut him off. "Stop it! Let me finish. On that day, I also shared information about the Crown Prince, and a few days later, his treason was exposed."
Cha Eun Xiao attempted to muster a response, but his words faltered. "Heh, heh... Heh, heh... Maybe... Well..."
"Furthermore... You slipped up a while ago. When I mentioned my illness and Lan Langlang's concern for his condition, you casually stated that you could cure us..." Zuo Wuji pointed out.
Cha Eun Xiao was left momentarily speechless, emitting an uncertain noise, "Urhhhh..."
[This guy is really shrewd. He managed to connect all the dots.]
"Lan Langlang and I believed in you, and it was quite exhilarating. To our surprise, it turned out to be true. Lan Langlang's ailment improved. Even his strabismus was rectified... And his bowleg condition is also improving!" Zuo Wuji declared. "I inquired with Lan Langlang, and he told me you provided him with some medicine. I doubt you have the ability to access such medication, but Feng Monarch is an expert in this field. What do you have to say about that?"
Cha Eun Xiao clicked his tongue in resignation, finally admitting defeat.
"Don't even consider putting an end to this discussion. You may be at a loss for words, but I have much to share. I once had no inkling of how to begin my journey. Lately, everything has become clear to me. I've set my sights on Chen Zhi, and this is the deepest desire in my heart. You're the only one who's aware of it..." Zuo Wuji began.
He continued to elucidate, outlining the sequence of events that had transpired since he confided in Cha Eun Xiao. "Tell me, how many days have passed since I shared my aspirations with you? Remarkably, one event unfolded after another, each aligning perfectly with my desires. I was contemplating delaying Crown Prince and prioritizing Second Prince when, to my astonishment, Second Prince was removed from the equation. Then, as I pondered my next move, Crown Prince's treason came to light..."
Zuo Wuji grew slightly befuddled. "It's as though everything has fallen into place exactly as I envisioned. I was only considering these outcomes, and now they've materialized, granting me the opportunities I need to elevate Chen Zhi to the throne... With each step I take, it's as if my path is paved ahead of me, and I simply walk it."
Closing his argument, Zuo Wuji left no room for doubt. "The only individual in the world who could have orchestrated such events, who possessed the knowledge and capability, is you. I believe there's no need for me to reiterate that, is there?"
"No matter how hard you deny it, you can't escape the truth. Everything that unfolded was tied to Ling-Bao Hall! Why persist in feigning ignorance?" Zuo Wuji's voice resonated with anger as he suddenly rose from his seat. He positioned one foot on the chair and jabbed a pointed finger at Cha Eun Xiao, his accusation ringing loud and clear. "Why continue this charade before me? Speak the truth!"
Cha Eun Xiao couldn't maintain his pretense any longer, feeling chagrined. He uttered a reluctant admission, "Urhhh... Well... I was mistaken..."
But Zuo Wuji's rage showed no signs of abating. "So, you confess to it?"
Cha Eun Xiao adopted a resigned posture. "You're incredibly resolute. What other choice do I have?"
Zuo Wuji scrutinized him carefully for a while, then burst into laughter, exuding an air of self-satisfaction. "It is indeed you! I began to doubt myself, given your vigorous denial..."
Once more, Cha Eun Xiao found himself dumbfounded.
[Dammit! He's outsmarted me yet again!]
[He has no concrete evidence whatsoever! All he's done is talk and talk! He's manipulated me!]
[But why... Why was I so easily deceived?]
[Heavens above! He declared that he wasn't deceiving me, and I believed him! What a cunning rascal!]
Cha Eun Xiao pointed a trembling finger at Zuo Wuji. "You... You... You... Fine... Alright..."
Zuo Wuji retorted with a huff, rolling his eyes. "What? 'Fine'? I'm perfectly fine! Tell me this: Ling-Bao Hall fighting for its existence is understandable, but why wage a battle around my home? Half of my house was laid to waste! Do you have any idea how much it cost us to repair it? Ling-Bao Hall may be wealthy, and you may not care about money, but we do! Now that we're discussing this, what will you do to make amends for me?"
Cha Eun Xiao's anger stemmed from his embarrassment. "What do you expect me to do? Your home is the result of your people's hard work! Destruction was bound to happen!"
Zuo Wuji's anger flared. "Pah! How dare you say that! Are you implying you won't offer any compensation?"
Cha Eun Xiao slumped in his chair, akin to a defeated rooster. "I don't have the funds!"
A fierce glare from Zuo Wuji met Cha Eun Xiao's gaze, but before long, they both burst into laughter.
Ceasing his laughter first, Cha Eun Xiao remarked, "Goodness, you're quite the clever one. Thank the heavens you're not my adversary. I count myself fortunate."
Zuo Wuji chuckled, acknowledging the sentiment.