Chapter 24 Luring the Snake Out of Its Hole

Chapter 24 Luring the Snake Out of Its Hole

"The secret lies above this poem," Chang Suining said. "Though the poem does not mention the words 'Lantern Festival,' it is indeed an ode to the Lantern Festival. The first characters of the last three lines conceal 'moon,' 'bridge,' and 'meeting'—"

The two had exchanged poems and letters many times, and while others might not notice, Ah Li would certainly see the invitation within.

Steward Bai and Chang Sui An were meticulous in their investigation, tracing Ah Li's acquaintances and examining Zhou Ding's letters. However, they were not well-versed in poetry and thus missed the hidden message—precisely what the letter writer intended.

He wanted Ah Li to understand, but for others to remain oblivious.

Chang Sui An took the letter from his sister, examined it repeatedly, and exclaimed with shock and anger: "Indeed! Indeed so!"

Saying this, he handed it to Chang Kuo: "Father, look!"

Chang Kuo took the letter and, without detailed examination, his face darkened: "To prepare such a trap in advance, clearly to prevent suspicion falling on him after the fact... It seems Zhou Ding has been plotting all along!"

If it was premeditated, it wasn't very early—

A thoughtful expression flickered across Chang Suining's eyes.

Compared to the previous letters, the Lantern Festival ode was quite "crude," and hiding the characters was not particularly clever, suggesting a spur-of-the-moment decision to invite Ah Li out...

A sudden impulse?

While Chang Suining pondered, Chang Kuo stood up and ordered sternly: "Lao Bai, bring that person here immediately!"

"Father, wait," Chang Suining said. "Don't startle the snake yet—"

"What kind of snake? He's just a pest looking for death!" Chang Kuo, still enraged and fearful, said, "I will personally chop this scoundrel into pieces to vent your anger!"

Chang Sui An, eager but hesitant, clearly wanted to join in but dared not snatch the opportunity from his father.

"He is a pest, but the truth isn't clear yet, and there's one more point to consider." Chang Suining asked, "Father, think about it. If he has already tricked me into giving him money, wouldn't he view me as a rare cash cow? From these letters, we haven't had any conflicts. Why would he suddenly decide to cut down the tree?"

Chang Kuo's expression changed, his eyes narrowing: "Unless... someone offered him more money or a greater benefit?!"

Chang Suining nodded: "It's highly possible."

Ah Li may be innocent, but she isn't foolish. As a young lady, her access to funds is limited, especially since she knows her brother disapproves of her relationship with Zhou Ding, making it difficult to give him large sums at once—

Zhou Ding must know that the Chang family dislikes his interactions with their daughter, and this source of income could end soon. If someone offered him a significant reward now, he would be tempted.

"So... you're saying he might be acting under someone's orders?!" Chang Sui An exclaimed in shock. "Who... who would want to harm you like this?!"

Chang Suining: "Have I ever had any enemies?"

"Of course not!" Chang Sui An replied without hesitation. "You are gentle and pure-hearted. You have few acquaintances, let alone enemies..."

His voice paused mid-sentence.

Seeing his change in expression, Chang Suining asked: "Did you think of something?"

"You are undoubtedly beautiful... Since the spring outing last year, you've been known as the most beautiful woman in Capital City, which might invite envy and jealousy, but..." Chang Sui An scratched his head. "But it shouldn't lead to murder!"

Chang Suining: "..."

She truly appreciated that.

She then asked: "What about Father? Has he offended anyone in court—"

Before Chang Kuo could respond, Chang Sui An interjected: "Even if it's Father's enemy, they should target me! Attacking a young lady is no skill!"

Chang Suining thought about it and agreed.

Ah Li's status as an orphan is no secret. She is Chang Kuo's adopted daughter, not biological, which can be easily discovered.

Even if someone harbors a grudge against the Chang family, they would target the son rather than a weak adopted daughter.

Unless...

Considering a possibility, Chang Suining's eyes shifted.

It shouldn't be...

"We can't guess the reason now!" Chang Kuo said decisively. "Once we catch the culprit, everything will become clear!"

Given this, as Suining said earlier, they mustn't act rashly and startle the snake—this time, there really is a snake.

And it might be a big one.

Chang Suining nodded: "We need to lure the snake out of its hole using Zhou Ding."

The girl's demeanor remained calm throughout, causing Chang Kuo to momentarily hesitate before asking: "What is your plan, Suining?"

This question usually wouldn't be directed at a young girl, but this girl was no longer the same.

From unraveling clues step by step, leading them deeper into the mystery, this girl has been guiding them all along.

"Since the letter from eight or nine days ago contains greetings and invitations—" Chang Suining picked up the latest letter and said, "Let Xie'er reply, stating that I was ill recently but am now better and can meet him tomorrow at the place mentioned in the letter."

Chang Sui An was shocked and uneasy: "Ningning... you're going to meet him?"

"Yes, to scare him and test him."

"But he is deceitful and sinister. What if—"

Chang Suining: "Rest assured. If I'm going, I'll make thorough preparations."

While Chang Sui An still felt uneasy, Chang Kuo nodded and said slowly: "We'll follow Suining's plan."

"..." Chang Sui An clenched his fists and could only say, "Then I'll take someone to investigate this person's background more thoroughly!"

Initially, when he learned of Zhou Ding's interactions with his sister, he had asked Sword Child to look into it, but they only checked his identity, background, and family history, not in great detail.

Now that this person is under such suspicion, things are different—every aspect of his life must be investigated, from his ancestors for eight generations, his three meals a day, his movements, even the color of his undergarments!

Seeing him leave immediately without staying a moment longer, Chang Kuo shook his head. "This brat is still so hasty! Lao Bai, go keep an eye on him. Don't let him ruin things in his recklessness!"

Watching the young man lead people away, Chang Suining sighed with complex feelings in her heart.

That little bull who used to stare at people with big, innocent eyes has, in the blink of an eye, become her older brother who stands up for her.

As Chang Sui An and Steward Bai left one after another, Xi'er couldn't help feeling lost, hesitatingly looking at the table corner: "Lady, should the maid..."

Should she still bump into the table corner?

If she doesn't, it feels impolite.

But if she does, the atmosphere is gone.