Flipside

Chapter 22

Nie Huaisang was watching the small, nearly hidden yard with mixed emotions. Despite his earlier words, he did have an idea as to who the spy was. He just felt unable to say without further proof.

If it was who he suspected, then his family and sect were at fault, for without the Nie Clan's help, Meng Yao wouldn't be in his current position and able to spy so effectively. Sighing deeply, he thought over the first days of meeting Meng Yao, how his brother had been so angry and protective of Meng Yao, so much so, he gave Meng Yao a position as an Attendant. Something that their Auntie had disapproved of.

"This is a mistake, nephew, one that you may come to regret greatly! That man is a snake! It's got nothing at all to do with his birth! There is no soul in his eyes. Even when he smiles that sad smile of his, lowering himself in words, his eyes show calculations. Schemes and calculations are all that man is. Give him money, send him away, I don't care how, but send him away!"

Now watching as the black smoking dire owl landed in the centre of the yard and was greeted by Meng Yao, Nie Huaisang knew he had the proof needed.

"This one sends greetings to our Master, and news of great importance, so do fly fast."Meng Yao offered a bow and spoke softly to the owl before tying a small tube to its leg. Meng Yao's face was shining in the moonlight, watching the dire owl fly away. His countenance seemed pleased as he slipped into the shadows.

"Well, that's just great," Huaisang grumbled, as he sneaked away to tell his friends.

"I knew it! I never liked that guy! He's always making these stupid bedroom eyes at my brother, and he thinks nobody sees it, BUT I DO!" Wangji crossed his arms, as he scowled at the floor.

"Well, at least we know who it is. Now we have to think of a way to deal with him." Jiang Cheng crossed his arms.

"Yeah, but what?" Wei Ying said, while all four boys looked down irksomely.

"Eh, Sang-ge, can't I just, y'know?" Wangji made a chopping motion across his neck as he gave an eyebrow raise.

"No, no, you can not." Huaisang firmly said, putting his foot down.

"In the end, it will be a Nie that ends him. For now, we use him, and watch him. Dead man walking said he was sending news of great importance. That could be the invitation my brother is sending for a meeting in the Unclean Realm about Wen Rohan tightening his hold over his territories... But, this is Meng Yao, and I bet he found something here, inside Gusu, to be so excited. I've noticed he's been spending a lot of time near the library. "

Jiang Cheng grunted and started pacing himself, in the opposite direction of Nie Huaisang. He thinks over the current situation and said.

"We've identified both dire owls, and who they go to. I say let's use the traitorous dwarf to our advantage. Today, Wen Qing's family is moving into Fuyu Mansion. I say let's find a way to not only distract Meng Yao from tracking Ji-ge, we take this chance to give him some misinformation."

"Oh, right, I forgot about my sister-in-law moving in with me. Life is funny." Wangji laughed, while Jiang Cheng went red.