That Accounts For It! . . .
Cha Eun Xiao was struck by a profound sense of nostalgia. As he embarked on the task of recounting their shared history, he momentarily forgot the formality due to Li Wuliang. His words flowed casually, and he even addressed him directly as "typical Li Wuliang." Such familiarity was the norm in their past life, but it now felt like a distant memory.
He recollected the days when he and Li Wuliang engaged in brotherly quarrels, trading shouts and scoldings with one another. It was a cherished bond formed through the camaraderie of youth, a connection built upon the foundation of mutual teasing and occasional disagreements.
However, those spirited exchanges were forever behind them. No longer could they point at each other's noses or engage in boisterous arguments. The opportunity for such moments had slipped away, leaving a void that could never be filled again.
Now, even uttering Li Wuliang's name seemed to carry an extraordinary weight with others, something that was unfamiliar to Cha Eun Xiao. Shangguan Zhuifeng, for instance, regarded him with deep respect. Unaware of Cha Eun Xiao's true identity, Shangguan Zhuifeng saw him as an unassuming individual, a mere lamb in the presence of a lion.
However, what was not immediately evident to Shangguan Zhuifeng was the ease with which Cha Eun Xiao had called Li Wuliang's name. He detected a confidence, a familiarity in Cha Eun Xiao's tone, which hinted at a deeper connection.
Attempting to alleviate the awkwardness, Shangguan Zhuifeng cleared his throat and admitted, "Well, I remember he called me ignorant and stupid... That's all..."
Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but quip, "Well, I recall he also referred to you as a pig head!"
He then launched into a passionate discourse, his voice taking on the resonance of thunderous mountains descending. His words cut through the air with the strength and power of a tidal wave. The overwhelming force and conviction in his voice resonated deeply within Shangguan Zhuifeng. It was as though Li Wuliang himself had been reborn and was directing his fierce admonishments at Shangguan Zhuifeng.
The moment Cha Eun Xiao began to speak, Shangguan Zhuifeng's body turned rigid. He closed his eyes, enraptured by the familiar voice echoing through the chambers. To him, it felt as though Li Wuliang's presence had returned, admonishing him just as he had done in the past.
Shangguan Zhuifeng's heart swelled with poignant emotion, nearly driving him to tears. He longed for the days when Li Wuliang would scold him with a wagging finger and a firm tone.
Cha Eun Xiao's words mirrored those of Li Wuliang, down to the very essence of his voice. It was a hauntingly precise rendition of the man he had once known so well. Shangguan Zhuifeng was perplexed by how deeply this young man was connected to Li Wuliang or Xiao Monarch.
Admitting his prior ambitions, Shangguan Zhuifeng lamented, "I was reckless, an ignorant frog in the well who failed to comprehend the vastness of the sky. In hindsight, I am relieved that I never pursued my ambitions. The powerful entities in the realm may not have openly crushed us, but they wielded countless insidious methods to undermine us. My actions and the fate of Black Cavalry Alliance would have become a subject of mockery."
He sighed and concluded with a sense of loss, "It's a regrettable outcome for both Brother Li and Brother Cha."
Cha Eun Xiao pursed his lips, comprehending the weight of their shared history.
Cha Eun Xiao listened to Shangguan Zhuifeng's response with a sense of intrigue. He was aware of the stark contrast between addressing Li Wuliang as "Brother Li" and his own informal reference as "Brother Cha." Shangguan Zhuifeng had struck a peculiar chord in their interactions.
The black cavalry chief had firmly made up his mind, and there was no doubt or hesitation in his voice. His strong grip on the wheelchair's handles demonstrated the unyielding determination within him. With piercing eyes, he conveyed a resolute message to Cha Eun Xiao, one of unwavering trust. The message was clear - it was time to purge the traitors from Black Cavalry Alliance.
Without waiting for Cha Eun Xiao's response, Shangguan Zhuifeng called out urgently, "Someone, come!"
The elders who had recently left the room promptly returned, their attention fully reengaged.
Shangguan Zhuifeng wasted no time, issuing a decisive command, "Bring my son's second wife to me, and also fetch Long Yingtai."
Cha Eun Xiao raised an eyebrow, a hint of concern visible on his face, but he chose to remain silent for now, preferring to observe the unfolding events.
Standing by his side was Yin Wuqing, the prime executor of Black Cavalry Alliance. The man's countenance was strikingly eerie, his eyes resembling those of desert vultures. His piercing gaze seemed capable of stripping away the deepest secrets, making anyone feel exposed in his presence. His scrutinizing demeanor left a lasting impression on Cha Eun Xiao.
Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but be impressed. The presence of a man like Yin Wuqing as the prime executor indicated Shangguan Zhuifeng's astute judgment. His probing and judgmental appearance was a trait that could be remarkably infectious.
In the room by Shangguan Tie's bedside, Shangguan Zhuifeng and Yin Wuqing initiated the inquiry. Within a short time, the truth began to unravel.
The individuals involved recognized that their attempts to conceal the truth were futile in the presence of Black Cavalry Alliance's chief and prime executor. Faced with the possibility of brutal torture, they opted for candor instead.
Shangguan Zhuifeng had been enlightened by Cha Eun Xiao, and this revelation only confirmed his suspicions. Given that Shangguan Tie's second wife had been the one preparing his meals daily due to her culinary skills, her actions had cast suspicion upon her.
Long Yingtai had been the one who introduced her to Shangguan Tie. As Shangguan Zhuifeng's foster son and the closest individual to him, the idea of Shangguan Tie's passing would have naturally prompted discussions regarding the leadership of Black Cavalry Alliance. While some had suggested that Long Yingtai take charge, it had faced opposition from a few elders.
Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but feel taken aback by the revelation. The truth was far more complex and intertwined than he had anticipated.