Ten Thousand Books, But Only One You

29 All Warfare is Based on Deception (Part 2)

Chapter 29: All Warfare is Based on Deception

Since Fu Wanxi witnessed the members of Wuchang Manor being executed in the public square this morning, she had locked herself inside her room. Carrying a cup of warm milk, I walked down the familiar hallways of the Wuchang Manor's secondary residence towards her room. As this was a secret residence that only the Fu family was aware of, it was left untouched by the Second Prince's cruel schemes.

Nearing her room, I heard an unfamiliar voice coming from behind the closed doors. It sounded like a young man. And he sounded like he was well-acquainted with Fu Wanxi.

"Xi'er, don't act foolish now. Please don't let yourself be poisoned. It's not worth it!" The young man sounded urgent as he pleaded in a raised voice.

"Yihe, I know what I'm doing," replied Fu Wanxi, her voice gentle and calm. "In fact, you should be the one to be careful. What are you thinking coming to see me here?"

I crept closer to listen in, careful not to make any noise with my footsteps. Who was this visitor who came in the night?

"You and I only entered this book to see what was up with the sudden disturbance within. You've already investigated these people and found out that they are also members of the Library Association. Isn't it enough? It's time for us to leave this book and return home."

"Yes, but—there are still some points that I can't figure out. How did they manage to get hold of Lin Jiahe's working draft? Shouldn't it be securely stored in Shibao Ge right now?"

It was as Ji Kai had mentioned a few days ago. The current Fu Wanxi was also a member of the Association of Private Libraries. But Fu Wanxi and her mysterious visitor must be from a different division (for lack of a better word). How else could it be explained that Ji Kai and the others were unaware of her identity?

The voices in the room suddenly stilled. Something in the ominously tensed air told me that my presence was about to be discovered. I reeled back and glanced down the hallway, frantically calculating if there was sufficient time for me to hide myself.

The gap suddenly appeared between the doors and a handsome young man who was dressed like a noble stood right at the opening, with his chest puffed and spine straightened, staring down at me.

At that moment, the sound of the doors swinging open was like a siren wailing when the security system was breached; and the man's suspicious glare was like a spotlight shining down on me—a prisoner trying to break out of jail. Behind him, Fu Wanxi sat by the table looking surprised to see me.

The man studied me closely. "Who are you?"

I blinked at him, my lips struggling to find my own name.

"She said that her name is Shi Ah Yu. Must be your relative," said Fu Wanxi. Seeing that I was still petrified from getting caught in the act of eavesdropping, she answered on my behalf.

"No, I don't have a relative by that name," the man said icily. "Speak, what is your real name?"

I fought against the rising panic in me. "I'm Fang Yuhan. I'm also with the Association, like you. That was just a pseudonym that my comrade gave me as an identity in this book."

Fu Wanxi rose to her feet and came over. "Oh, so that's your real name. No wonder I've heard your friends mention that name sometimes."

"Fang?" he repeated my surname before interrogating further. "Which family are you affiliated with?"

I scratched my ear. "What do you mean? My family name is Fang, so I'm from the Fang family."

Smouldering a glare, the young man shook his head. "You know that's not what I mean."