The Husky and His White Cat Shizun - Chap 257
“What?!”
Everyone’s expression changed!
Only Mo Ran had his eyes closed, as calm as water.
Everyone was confused. “What’s going on?”
“What’s the old case of Xiang Tan?”
“Why did he kill …”
Mu Yanli said, “It’s a long story, and because of the passage of time, many people who know the inside story are no longer around. However, if you don’t want people to know, you shouldn’t do it in the first place. The Heavenly Music Pavilion investigated several times and found some evidence. ”
Amidst the chaos, Mu Yanli looked back calmly. “Have you brought the witnesses found by Xiang Tan?”
The attendant went out to take a look and answered, “Pavilion Master, they’re all waiting outside the hall.”
“Then ask the first witness to come in.”
The first witness entered the hall. He was an old craftsman. His back was hunched, and he was trembling. When he saw the hall full of immortals, his first reaction was to kneel on the ground and kowtow repeatedly. He hurriedly said, “Greetings to all the immortals … Greetings to all the immortals …”
Mu Yanli’s tone softened. “Old Mister, you must be tired from the long journey. You don’t have to be nervous. I’ll only ask you some questions. If there’s one, you can answer one. If there’s two, you can answer two. ”
The old man trembled and did not get up. The monks of Wubei Temple walked over and gave him a seat. They helped him sit on it, but he was very scared. He only touched a small corner with his butt and tried his best to shrink himself to the smallest size possible.
Mu Yanli said, “The first two questions. Where are you from? What do you do? ”
The old man’s teeth chattered. When he opened his mouth, he said with a thick accent, “I … I’m from Xiang Tan. I, I make lanterns by the street …”
Everyone looked at him curiously, from his sparse white hair to his broken shoes. They did not know what kind of past this lantern seller could reveal.
Mu Yanli asked, “Mister, how many years have you been selling lanterns?”
“More than half of my life … At least 50 years. I can’t remember the details …”
“It’s long enough. What I want to ask you is not as old as 50 years,” Mu Yanli said and pointed at Mo Ran. “Mister, do you recognize this person?”
The old man looked up at Mo Ran. He saw that this person was tall, handsome, and had a divine aura. He did not dare to look at him and immediately turned his gaze away. After a long time, she hesitantly stole a glance at him. Then she mumbled, “I don’t know you.”
Mu Yanli said, “It’s not strange that you don’t recognize him. Then let me ask you again. When you were selling lanterns beside Xiang Tan Zuiyu Building, was there always a child who liked to stand beside your stall and watch you burn the lanterns?”
“Ah …” The old man’s eyes were cloudy, but he was very clear about this matter. He sighed and nodded. “Yes, there was a child who came to watch almost every night. He liked the lanterns I made, but he was too poor to buy them … I even talked to him a little at that time. He didn’t like to talk and was very timid.”
“Mister, do you remember his name?”
“Oh, I think he was called … Mo Ran’s son?”
Just now, everyone was listening attentively to the old man’s words. Now, their gazes all fell on Mo Ran.
The old man was immersed in his memories and muttered, “I don’t remember clearly whether there was this’ son ‘or not. I only know that he was from Zuiyu Lou … ”
Xue Zhengyong interrupted with a sullen face, “Ran ‘er was originally the son of my late brother and the nanny in the building. Pavilion Master Mu, why did you ask this old mister to prove it?”
“Nanny?” The old man was startled and waved his hand. “Oh, that’s not it. Although the nanny’s son was also surnamed Mo, his name was Mo Nian. He was a famous little tyrant back then. “The old man lowered his head and pointed at an old scar on his forehead.
“Back then, he even threw a brick at me. That child was very fierce, wild, and mischievous.”
Xue Zhengyong’s expression changed. “Mo … nian?”
Madam Wang anxiously said, “Mister, did you remember incorrectly? After all, it’s just a single word difference. Then, was the nanny’s child called Mo Ran or Mo Nian? ”
“… Mo Nian.” The old man thought for a moment and nodded. “There’s no mistake. How could I remember incorrectly? He was called Mo Nian.”
Xue Zhengyong’s body had originally been slightly leaning forward, but when he heard this, he stiffened for a moment and then collapsed in his seat, his expression blank.
“Mo Nian …”
Mu Yanli continued, “Do you know what that child who came to see you burn the flower lantern did in the Drunken Jade Building?”
“Ah, I don’t know the details, but I vaguely know that he helped cook in the kitchen,” said the old man. “His reputation wasn’t very good. It was said that his hands weren’t clean, and he was always stealing from customers.” He did his best to think, and then seemed to recall something. His expression changed. “Ah, I remember now. That child was no good. As he grew up, he became more and more naughty. In the end, he even raped a maiden. That maiden couldn’t take it anymore and committed suicide.”
“What?!”
If it could be said that a leopard cat swapping the crown prince was shocking enough, then the fact that Mo Ran had sullied a maiden was even more infuriating.
Quite a few of the cultivators present who were parents immediately seethed with anger. Clenching their teeth, they said, “I didn’t expect … the grand Grandmaster Mo was actually a beast in human skin!”
“Too disgusting!!!”
“His death is not worth regretting!”
Mo Ran didn’t say anything. He just calmly looked at this old artist.
In his previous life, when he had stirred up a storm of blood in the cultivation world, the Heavenly Music Pavilion had also tried to stop him. At that time, this old man had been brought over by Mu Yanli to testify against him.
What had he done at that time?
He had laughed heartily and calmly accepted it.
He then turned to look at Xue Zhengyong and Madam Wang. His smile was twisted as he mocked, “How about it? Do you hate me? Dislike me? Are you going to be like my good master and say that my nature is bad, that it’s hard to cultivate my character? ”
At that time, the matter of Mo Ran secretly learning the Exquisite Chess Game had already been exposed. However, Xue Zhengyong had still chosen to believe him. Only now did Xue Zhengyong stand up in anger. He was so angry that he almost coughed up blood. His tiger-like eyes bulged as he shouted, “Evil creature! Absolutely evil creature!! ”
Hearing this, Mo Ran laughed heartily. His laughter was even more unrestrained and carefree.
He laughed so hard that the corners of his eyes were wet.
Rape a maiden?
Xue Zhengyong believed him.
Xue Zhengyong actually believed him.
“Hahahaha —” Mo Ran’s smile suddenly tightened. He simply gave up on himself and made up his mind. His handsome face was as twisted as boiling wax.
“Yes, I did commit these heinous sins. I killed your nephew and that pitiful girl — so what? Uncle, you want to do justice for the heavens and kill me — ”
Before he could finish, he felt a pain in his heart.
Xue Zhengyong had a violent temperament. Before Mo Ran could finish, he had already attacked with a roar. His eyes were filled with hatred and tears. The tip of his fan pierced through Mo Ran’s chest.
Mo Ran was stunned for a moment. Then, the corners of his mouth curved into a faint smile. He lowered his head and looked at the blood that was gradually seeping out of his chest. He sighed.
“Uncle, I have called you uncle for so many years. But in the end, you still won’t believe me. ”
“Shut up!!”
Mo Ran smiled. His shoulders were slightly trembling. “Forget it. In the end, we don’t have the same blood flowing in our bodies. So, this fake home, this peak of life and death … what else is there that I can’t bear to part with? ”
Blood splattered all over his face.
He watched as Xue Zhengyong collapsed in front of him. His brain was slightly numb — he didn’t want to kill him — but he was impatient and rushed forward to kill … He was the one who asked for it. Mo Ran was silent for a while. He raised his bloodshot eyes and looked at the shocked and sorrowful Madam Wang. He licked his lips, stepped over his uncle’s body, and walked toward his aunt.
Xue Zhengyong was still breathing. He gripped the hem of his clothes tightly and refused to let go.
This middle-aged man seemed to be very angry, but it also seemed that his grief and heartache were greater than his anger.
At that time, Mo Ran’s mind was in a frenzy. He didn’t understand what his uncle’s eyes meant. Why were the tears in his eyes? He didn’t want to understand.
Mo Ran heard Xue Zhengyong say, “Don’t … don’t hurt …”
“She saw it. That’s why she wants to die. ” Mo Ran was very kind and calm. “However, Xue Meng isn’t here, so … since you’ve raised me for so many years, I’ll spare his life.”
Madam Wang’s struggle was nothing in Mo Ran’s eyes.
Besides, she didn’t have the strength to struggle. She could only cry. Like her husband, she said, “Bastard …” But when the knife stabbed into her, blood flowed out. Her consciousness gradually faded. She looked at him, but in the end, she muttered, “Ran Er, why did you …”
Mo Ran’s hand was actually trembling at that time. He trembled, but in the end, he still pulled the knife out. He lowered his head and looked at his palm. His palm was wet. He held the scarlet dagger in his palm. It was slippery and smelled fishy.
Hot.
But it would be cold soon.
Just like his so-called home, his so-called family.
From the beginning, he was apprehensive because he knew that in reality, whether it was Xue Meng, Xue Zhengyong, or Madam Wang.
They were not his family at all.
Their biological nephew had already died in his hands.
“Ridiculous!”
A loud shout interrupted Mo Ran’s memories.
Mo Ran raised his head in a daze. He looked around the hall before finally looking at Xue Zhengyong.
It was Xue Zhengyong who was speaking.
“I’m the one who raised the child. I know very well that he wouldn’t bully an innocent girl. Don’t slander me!!”
“…”
Mo Ran was stunned. He suddenly felt that his heart was filled with bitterness.
His eyelashes fluttered and he closed his eyes.
It was different.
Two lifetimes … many things had changed.
The old artiste was so scared that he rolled down from his seat and kowtowed repeatedly on the ground. “No, no, I’m not lying. Please don’t be angry, Immortal Lord. I just … I just … I really …” He was just a pitiful artiste. He had never seen such a scene before. He had been reprimanded by the leader of a sect. He was so scared that his face turned ashen. In the end, he couldn’t even complete a sentence.
Xue Zhengyong shouted in a low voice like a ferocious beast ready to attack. “Get out.”
“…”
“Get out!”
The old artiste immediately got up and wanted to get out. However, the people from the Heavenly Music Parlor stopped him. He couldn’t move and fell to the ground. His whole body was shaking like a sieve. He muttered, “Oh my god, what’s going on …”
Mu Yanli said, “Sect Leader Xue, don’t be angry. Old Mister, don’t be afraid. The Heavenly Music Parlor wants to redress all grievances in the world. We won’t frame or hurt the innocent.”
She paused and helped the old artiste up.
“Mister, please finish speaking.”
“I have nothing to say …” The old man was really scared. He didn’t say anything else. “Please, Immortal Elders, Master Monks, please let me go. I really have nothing to say. My memory is not good. My memory is not good.”
In this stalemate, Mo Ran, who had been silent all this time, suddenly looked at Xue Zhengyong and kowtowed.
The meaning of this action was self-evident. Xue Zhengyong and Xue Meng couldn’t say a single word, not even a single word. Madam Wang murmured in disbelief, “… Ran ‘er?”
Mo Ran said, “When I was on Jiao Mountain, I wanted to come clean with Uncle. However, I didn’t expect this situation. ”
“…”
Mo Ran’s eyes were very calm. Because it was too calm, it even seemed a little dead. “Pavilion Leader Mu, since you came here today, I’m sure you’ve gathered all the evidence and witnesses. There’s nothing to say. Yes, I’m not the Second Young Master of the Peak of Life and Death. ”
He paused and sighed. His voice was as light as a feather, but it caused thousands of waves.
“I’m the son of Nangong Yan, the Ninth City’s City Lord of the Confucian Wind Sect’s 72 cities.”
“What?!!” Everyone was horrified.
“Don’t you want to hear the whole story?” Mo Ran closed his eyes and said, “… I was the one who set the fire at Drunken Jade Pavilion. Dozens of lives were destroyed by me.”
Madam Wang said with tears in her eyes, “Ran ‘er, how could you … how could you …”
“However, in Xiangtan, a young girl in the Tofu House was humiliated to death.” He paused for a moment.
In his previous life, no one was willing to hear the truth from him.
They all angrily accused him and cursed him, so he didn’t want to explain. After all, in the eyes of others, he was just a heinous devil. It didn’t matter if there was more bloodshed.
However, in this life, he finally wanted to tell them.
“I didn’t kill that girl.”
Silence reigned in the Dan Heart Palace. Everyone was staring at Mo Ran, waiting for him to talk about those dusty old cases that no one knew about.
Mu Yanli raised her beautiful eyebrows. “Oh? Is there more to that case than meets the eye? ”
“Yes.”
“Please speak,” Mu Yanli said. “I’m all ears.”
Mo Ran shook his head. “Before I talk about the murder of the young girl in the Tofu House, I want to talk about a more important person.”
“Who?”
“A performer.”
As Mo Ran spoke, he looked at the distant sky through the open window.
“… At that time, there were two young lute singers in Xiangtan. One of them was called Xun Fengruo, and the other one was called … Duan Yihan.”
Many people in the hall were shocked when they heard him mention these two names.
“… Xun Fengruo … Duan Yihan … Ah! Don’t tell me they are the two top instructors of the Music House? ”
“It must be them. I remember that they were both singers in Xiangtan. They were called the Riverside Fairies.”
“Yes, Xun Fengruo sang in Spring. She danced in the cold and the flowers filled the sky.” Someone stroked his beard and sighed. “At that time, I was only in my thirties. I heard of their names like thunder. However, it was hard to get a song from them. I heard that every time they performed, the Music House would be crowded. They were very popular. ”
Someone else said, “They were the Music Fairies. I think they had a duel.”
Mo Ran said, “Yes, they had a duel. Xun Fengruo was two years younger than Duan Yihan. She entered the Music House two years later. At that time, she was proud and arrogant. She was not convinced that Duan Yihan was as famous as her. Therefore, she sent an invitation to Duan Yihan to play three songs at the Drunken Jade Pavilion. They were to determine who was better. ”
“Who won in the end?”
“It was a tie.” Mo Ran said, “But from then on, the two of them appreciated each other. Although Xun Fengruo and Duan Yihan were not performers in the same Music House, they often interacted with each other and called each other sisters. ”
Someone said impatiently, “Why are you talking so much nonsense! Why are you talking about two women for no reason? ”
Mo Ran looked at him and said, “Duan Yihan is my mother.”
