The truth, sealed away for many years, was finally revealed by Yin Tang, plunging Wei Changqing into regret.
The twists of fate had caused him to waste over a decade, unable to move past Yu Leyao's death, missing the chance to bid his master farewell, and even committing many acts against his conscience.
What pained him most was that now, with the truth laid bare, he couldn't blame anyone.
He wished to hate Yu Leyao for her infidelity, but Yu Leyao was dead. He wished to blame his master for being too heavy-handed, but his master was also dead.
Wei Changqing was in such agony that he had no capacity to think of anything else.
Unable to escape his emotions for a moment, he wiped away a tear, stood up, and said,
"I'm going out to cool down."
"Alright, I'll be here," Yan Shouyi nodded.
Wei Changqing cast a deep look at Yan Shouyi, then walked out of Yuelu Academy.
After he left, Liu Ying breathed a sigh of relief, "That was too close, I thought he was really going to attack you."
Yin Tang chuckled, "He wouldn't."
"Why wouldn't he? He almost choked Yan Shouyi to death just now," Liu Ying chided.
"You're quite protective of outsiders now, aren't you?" Yin Tang cast a meaningful glance at Liu Ying.
Liu Ying froze, then, in her anger, even struck Yin Tang, "Master, what nonsense are you talking about!"
Yan Shouyi also felt a bit awkward and shifted his body uneasily.
Yin Tang shook his head with a smile, how could he not see that his disciple had a good impression of Yan Shouyi?
However, Yan Shouyi was so outstanding and had been so composed when dealing with the Yu family this time, it was normal for him to be liked by girls.
But, "affection arises from reason, and stops at propriety." Liking was one thing, but Liu Ying couldn't have any further thoughts about Yan Shouyi.
That was why Yin Tang deliberately teased Liu Ying.
Yan Shouyi cupped his fists and said, "Thank you for your help, Elder Yin."
Liu Ying looked puzzled, "How did my master help? He almost got you killed just now!"
Yan Shouyi gave a wry smile and shook his head, looking at Yin Tang.
Yin Tang casually fanned himself and began a simple explanation.
In truth, this time, Yin Tang was outwardly answering Wei Changqing's questions, but in reality, he was helping Yan Shouyi.
Once the misunderstanding was cleared, Wei Changqing would return to the right path and would undoubtedly be of use to Yan Shouyi, becoming the greatest asset in dealing with Li Genmiao.
Having Wei Changqing's assistance was more valuable than any reward Yin Tang could offer.
Furthermore, Yin Tang deliberately leaving his words half-said before was a tactic of "drawing out the fish by letting it appear to escape," first making Wei Changqing misunderstand Yan Shouyi, then revealing the truth to make Wei Changqing feel guilty.
Yan Shouyi had also guessed Yin Tang's intentions, which was why he had cooperated with Yin Tang in saying those words.
After this explanation, Yin Tang praised Yan Shouyi, "You seem honest and upright, but you're actually very clever. You guessed my intentions in an instant and handled it all."
Yan Shouyi, however, said seriously, "What I said just now, and those emotions, were all real! Even if you hadn't orchestrated it, I would have said the same words without alteration."
"Aren't you afraid that the truth might be different from what you thought? What if your grandfather was indeed the one in the wrong?" Yin Tang said with a cold smile.
Yan Shouyi shook his head, "Wei Changqing's reaction was not within the scope of my calculations. Grandfather has always cared about him, and I have always treated him with sincerity."
"Well said, loyal and righteous," Yin Tang nodded, his eyes filled with admiration.
Liu Ying looked at Yin Tang, then at Yan Shouyi, and suddenly felt a bit discouraged,
"I always thought I was quite smart, but after your conversation just now, I was completely out of the loop..."
As the successor to the storyteller Yin Tang, Liu Ying naturally compared herself to Yin Tang at all times, but this comparison today made her realize she was still very green.
Yin Tang burst into laughter.
Yan Shouyi suddenly asked, "Senior, is the truth you spoke of real?"
Liu Ying was startled and immediately covered Yan Shouyi's mouth.
"If you doubt, don't listen; if you listen, don't doubt. This is the most basic rule in our profession. Storytellers are very sensitive to others questioning the authenticity of their information!" Liu Ying whispered, "You've made a grave mistake!"
If a storyteller's information could be easily questioned, they would have no credibility. Therefore, storytellers have always disliked people questioning the truth of their information. Once questioned, they would likely never interact with that person again.
Yin Tang's face indeed fell, but he was merciful with his words, "Considering you saved Qiantang, I will let this slide this time."
Yan Shouyi, realizing he had spoken out of turn, apologized profusely.
Fortunately, Yin Tang truly did not hold it against him, merely explaining,
"I have been paying attention to the movements of the Xin Xuan Sect, so I have also conducted in-depth investigations into Wei Changqing, one of the Twenty-Eight Mansions, the Azure Dragon. I can guarantee that there is not a single word of falsehood in what I have said today."
Wei Changqing knew this rule, which was why he hadn't questioned anything before.
Yan Shouyi was grateful, "Thank you again, Senior."
"Don't thank me just yet," Yin Tang said calmly. "I had originally planned to answer another question for you, but given what you just said, I've changed my mind."
Yan Shouyi looked full of remorse, his apology sincere. Liu Ying also interceded for Yan Shouyi, "Oh, Master, Yan Shouyi has worked so hard this time. If you don't answer his question, I'll answer a few privately!"
"You...!" Yin Tang glared in anger, "How dare you?!"
Liu Ying shrank her head and mumbled, "Anyway, I've already graduated."
"So you're saying I can't control you anymore, right?" Yin Tang folded his fan and tapped Liu Ying's head with it. Only then did Liu Ying behave herself.
Then Yin Tang said, "Instead of answering your question, I can give you a list. This list records the origins of Li Genmiao's Twenty-Eight Mansions and Twelve Great Generals. As for the Four Divisions and Five Ghosts, they are too mysterious, and we haven't yet gathered any results. Therefore, we cannot provide you with information for now."
Yan Shouyi was overjoyed to hear this.
Although he lost an opportunity to ask a question, he received a list of Li Genmiao's subordinates. This would be of great help to Yan Shouyi in dealing with the Xin Xuan Sect!
As the saying goes, "Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will win a hundred battles." Once Yan Shouyi understood the backgrounds of these people, he would surely find their weaknesses, perhaps even achieving victory without a fight!
If Yan Shouyi were to ask Yin Tang one question, he truly wouldn't know what to ask!
Therefore, Yin Tang's "punishment" actually made Yan Shouyi even happier.