In Search of Love

Fang Ping was startled by her question. He was not sure why she said that, as he clearly did not mention his suspect to them. “Do enlighten me, Miss.”

Su Xiaopei nodded. “I will teach you some tricks to reading people, to discern whether he or she is telling a lie. Although these methods are rather common, they will be beneficial in finding the true killer.”

This is not something I would refuse, Fang Ping thought. So, he nodded back to her.

“Each person would react when something happens. These reactions are involuntary. For example, when we are frightened, we would cover one hand over our chest. When we are shocked, we would widen our eyes. We would cry when we are feeling sad, and swallow our saliva without realising when we see something that tastes sour. When we pay attention to these minuscule reactions, we are then reading them, understanding a person’s thoughts at the time.”

Fu Yan scoffed, “Sounds like child’s play to me.”

Su Xiaopei ignored him and continued. “But to accurately read someone, you would need to be attentive to your surroundings. Depending on the person’s state at the time, ask the correct questions to incite a response, then make an assumption based on his or her expressions and actions. If he hovered a hand over his chest, he might be feeling chest pains. If he lets out a few tears, perhaps he got some sand in his eye. If he did not meet your eyes when speaking, he might be looking down on you or feeling guilty.”

Fu Yan wanted to make another snide remark, but when he heard the last sentence, his eyes narrowed into slits. Anger boiled within him.

“It’s not difficult to tell lies. So, people like to observe others’ facial expressions to determine whether they are lying. But, those who are more intelligent could lie without showing the slightest change in their expressions. At this point, we can observe the person’s eyes instead. This would be more complex, but the simplest method is to ask questions that he cannot lie about first, such as whether he is a man or a woman, where his hometown is, what he ate for breakfast and what his favourite colour is. Then, observe his eye movement and where he is looking at. This way, you will know which side he will look at when he is remembering and imagining something. Then, ask the main questions you wish to know the answer to and compare his eye movements. You will be able to differentiate when he is lying and when he is trying to make up something as he speaks.”

Fang Ping felt his heart pounding in his chest. Is she trying to tell me that she had already tested him back in the study? She…she knows I am lying…

“Besides observing the person’s eyes, there are other little things to pay attention to which can help you determine what he or she is feeling at the time. For example, when we are discussing right now, those who are curious would look towards the speaker, whereas those who hold contempt against the topic, unwilling to delve further and refusing to comment, would subconsciously turn their eyes to the opposite direction. Using the same logic, when one faces something that they loathe, he or she would subconsciously take a deep breath, adjust their body posture and act in a certain way without realising, such as leaning his head backward or angling his head slightly to the side to avoid eye contact. In simple terms, if he feels uncomfortable being in a conversation, he will subconsciously avoid the situation and try to stay away from the topic as far as possible.”

Su Xiaopei purposely shot a glance at Fu Yan. Then, she continued, “Just like your reaction earlier, Great Swordsman Fang, when we talked about a certain something or someone that you were unwilling to speak further about during our conversation.”

Fang Ping tightened his lips, realising her true intentions for teaching him these methods. She wanted to tell him that he had failed in lying to her.

“Great Swordsman Fang and Stronghold Master Fang were as close as true siblings. Hence, you were beyond anguished when you found out about his death. I also understand that you wish to avenge his murder, not wanting him to die in vain.” Su Xiaopei changed the topic.

Fang Ping’s heart juddered. Could it be that she knows what I am planning to do?

“You are confident that you can find out who the murderer is on your own, Great Swordsman Fang. Unfortunately, I disagree. I have learned various methodologies of reading people for over ten years, and I truly wish to help. But, it is not something I can explain in a few sentences. What I have said earlier are merely basic tips, just in case Great Swordsman Fang intends to question anyone. If you still are unable to think of anyone to tell me, no worries. I still have my ways. Shall we stop here today? I have been much of a bother here for too long, with everyone just listening to me preaching. You can come to see me at the guesthouse tomorrow, Great Swordsman Fang, we can continue our conversation there.”

Fang Ping was hesitant. He did not want to make his suspicions widely known to others. He just wanted to settle this on his own.

“If you do not resolve certain matters at the earliest time possible, there may be no more chances for you to do so in the future.”

Fang Ping was startled. She really knows what I am thinking!

“Thank you for your kind offer, Miss. I will consider it. If I have time, I will come to visit.”

Su Xiaopei gave him a small smile. “Sure. I await your arrival, Great Swordsman Fang.”

When Su Xiaopei finished speaking, Jiang Weiying was rather surprised as it seemed that their visit had come to an end. He assumed that Su Xiaopei, who demonstrated her skills in front of everyone and gained much respect, might come up with something that would shock everyone. But, in the end, she merely taught a few basic tricks to Fang Ping. He was actually looking forward to something more awe-inspiring. When he looked toward Su Xiaopei, she also turned to meet his gaze.

Su Xiaopei said, “Sect Leader Jiang, I have said what I wished to say today.”

Jiang Weiying understood her hint. He stood up and bowed toward Fu Yan and Fang Ping. “Well then, apologies for disturbing you all. We will take our leave now.”

Fu Yan was glad they were leaving. He swiftly said a few courteous words and waved his hand, gesturing for the disciples to send them off. When they were just about to leave, Su Xiaopei abruptly swiveled around and looked at Fang Ping. “Great Swordsman Fang, I forgot to mention earlier, when we are lying down, our thought process would actually speed up. So, I suggest that if you face any dilemmas during the day, lie down at night, not to sleep, but to spend some time thinking about it. You might just find the answer you have been looking for.”

“I could think better when I lie down?” Fang Ping asked incredulously. What did she mean by that? Her words are like riddles.

“Why is that?” Ran Feize was curious as well.

“Possibly because our blood flows faster to the brain when we lie down.” Su Xiaopei simply answered without caring if they understood what she said. She turned to Fang Ping and said, “Please remember what I told you, Great Swordsman Fang.”

They all left with Jiang Weiying leading the way, leaving Fang Ping in the hall, who stared blankly into the air. His mind was a jumbled mess of muddled thoughts; there were too many things he needed to process at once, and he needed time to sort them all out.

Fu Yan had gone to carry out his own duties after sending off the guests. Once he had time, he returned to the hall to look for Fang Ping. As he noticed Fang Ping deep in thought, he also deliberated for a while, before stepping forward to speak to him. “Uncle Fang, what did you and Miss Su talk about earlier today? Did she try to trick you with her words?”

Fang Ping shook his head. “Nothing much. She only asked how everything was when I discovered the Stronghold Master’s body. Then, she asked me what I know about everyone else in the stronghold. We chatted for quite a while, but she did not say much either.”

Fu Yan observed Fang Ping carefully. After contemplating, he asked, “Then, did she mention any of her own assumptions?”

“No.” Fang Ping shook his head again. “After that, we returned to the hall. You saw what happened back there. Eldest Gongzi, please do not be prejudiced against Miss Su. Although there are peculiar events involving her that could not be explained, she is right. We cannot make rash assumptions and judge her for it, as we do not know what truly happened. After all, Miss Su seems rather intelligent and competent. I do not think she is making up stories just to trick us.”

[T/n: Gongzi (公子）is an honorific term to refer to men in historical times. Here, it denotes the respected status of Fu Yan within the Stronghold. ]

Fu Yan lowered his eyes and nodded. “You are right, Uncle Fang. I merely thought she was really odd and I anxiously wanted to caution the others. It would be alright if she is truly kind. Also, if she really is competent, do you think we should ask for her help to find the murderer, Uncle Fang? Do you think she is trustworthy?”

“Actually, I…” Fang Ping almost blurted out that he already had someone he suspected. But, after thinking about it again, he decided not to tell him.

It is just a guess and everything is still uncertain, it would do no good to let it be known by another just yet. Once the time is right, I will handle it myself and avenge the Stronghold Master. But…Miss Su told me many things today and spoke in a rather ambiguous manner at times. Was she hinting at something else but was unable to explain in front of everyone in the hall?

Fang Ping deliberated for a moment before speaking, “Since she invited me over to discuss the matter, I will go and see what she intends to tell me. If there is anything out of the ordinary, I will return and speak to you.”

Fu Yan said, “Alright. Would it be okay for you to go alone, Uncle Fang? We do not know what their true intentions are after all.”

“Sect Leader Jiang is greatly respected by many for having high morals. He would definitely not come up with dirty tricks against me. You do not have to worry, Eldest Gongzi.”

“I am not worried about Sect Leader Jiang, but Uncle Fang, you know that Shensuan Sect is always eager to stir up trouble. I am afraid they might seize this opportunity to do something. I believe that Shensuan Sect holds a grudge against you for pointing out Jiuling Taoist as the prime suspect. Was there not someone who came two days ago and reported that Shensuan Sect members were in town, acting suspiciously? Uncle Fang, you should be more careful.”

Fang Ping thought that Fu Yan had a point. “Well then, I will bring two disciples with me if I head out and I will avoid going out alone.”

“So, when do you plan to go visit, Uncle Fang?”

Fang Ping contemplated for a moment, but before he could respond, Fu Yan interrupted, “That Miss Su speaks oddly, as if one has to read between the lines to know what she is hinting at.”

Fang Ping nodded, agreeing with Fu Yan.

Fu Yan added. “I do not believe what she said about thinking faster when we lie down. I will test it out myself tonight. It sounds preposterous after all, I bet she must be tricking us.”

Fang Ping wanted to defend Su Xiaopei, saying that she would not do so, but as he contemplated further, realisation dawned on him. Did she mean to invite me to discuss the matter further at night? And that it would be more secure and safe? What could she possibly wish to say to me?

At the same time, Su Xiaopei was discussing some matters with Ran Feize. They had just returned to the guesthouse and Su Xiaopei followed Ran Feize into his room. Ran Feize was inwardly glad that she was not being cautious around him, but he was simultaneously worried that she acts the same around other men. He knew she did not care about customs and traditions, but he could not help but remind her, “It’s best for you not to do this again, Miss.”

Su Xiaopei turned to him with a blank expression. What did I do?

Ran Feize pointed to the floor. “It’s unseemly for a woman to enter the same room alone with a man.”

Su Xiaopei frowned. What is he talking about? Who did I share a house with back in Wu Town then? A ghost?

Ran Feize reached out to massage the spot between her eyebrows, trying to smooth out her frown. “But, it is alright if you are with me, of course. You must not do so with other men.”

Heck, does he think I’m dumb? Su Xiaopei thought while she pulled out a chair to sit down.

Ran Feize continued to nag like a mother. “Please do not disregard what I said. It is how it is here. As the saying goes, men and women should not allow their hands to touch when giving and receiving gifts. That is the rule. When you do not keep such things in mind, I would feel anxious when I am away from you. I would worry if you might say something wrong, or if you had caused any trouble. There are quite a number of rules about being in the same room as a man. With me, anything is fine. But, with any other man, you must be careful, Miss, as-”

“Shut up.” Su Xiaopei interrupted him, unable to bear his nagging any longer. Ran Feize obediently stopped speaking and pouted, as if he was feeling rather sad.

“I followed you in here because I know I cannot enter any other man’s room. Am I not sticking to the rules enough already? I did learn my lesson after all. Earlier today, since most of the people in the hall are men, I did not request for the Stronghold Master’s wife to join us. See how considerate I was for adhering to the customs here.”

“Oh.” Ran Feize did not dare to comment any further after Su Xiaopei lectured him.

Good to know, he thought.

“Please inform Sect Leader Jiang to make some arrangements, Warrior.”

“What?”

“When Great Swordsman Fang comes to visit, something bad will happen on his way here.”

“Why?”

“Because the murderer would be digging his own grave if he attacks Fang Ping when he is still in the stronghold. So, the murderer would likely wait until he leaves the stronghold to strike.”

Ran Feize said in an enthusiastic tone, “About that, I already guessed who Fang Ping suspects!”

“Who is it?” Su Xiaopei asked.

“Well, firstly I considered a few points. He feels that the identity of the murderer cannot be exposed right away nor does he wish for his suspicions to be known by others, and he wanted to punish the murderer himself once he finds out the truth. Also, after the death of the Stronghold Master, Fang Ping would care most about the Young Master, the sole son of the Stronghold Master. The Young Master is only three years old at the moment. His father just died, how could he lose his mother as well? If he did not resolve the matter in the best way possible, it would cause great trauma and harm to the child. So, Fang Ping’s suspect is Lady Lee, the widow of the Stronghold Master.”

Su Xiaopei grinned. “You have a point, Warrior.”

Ran Feize’s face lit up with glee. “Of course, I did mention I am as intelligent as you, Miss. We are a good match after all.”

Su Xiaopei smiled again. “Great Swordsman Fang suspects her, but he does not have any evidence to prove her crime. Just as Warrior has said, in consideration for the Young Master, he would definitely not let others know about this for now, at least until he has found concrete evidence.”

“Do you think he would be unable to do so, Miss?”

“He is being careless, so he would fail without a doubt. Before he could find any evidence or tell anyone about it, he would probably be dead.”

“Could it be…there is another in cahoots with her?”

Su Xiaopei nodded. “Warrior, please hurry and ask Sect Leader Jiang to make the necessary arrangements. I believe that it will happen tonight, at the earliest. I hope it will be earlier, though, things might worsen as time passes. Fu Yan seems rather impatient after all. So, tonight, at the earliest, Great Swordsman Fang will come to the guesthouse tonight. But, he will be attacked on his way, so please ask Sect Leader Fang to keep him safe.”

“Fu Yan?” Ran Feize paused before nodding. No wonder I do not feel good about him. “The Stronghold Master’s wife has an affair with him?”

“I do not dare to publicly say such things with certainty. I could only make deductions based on what I observed. Today, there were only two people who lowered their eyes to avoid eye contact with me. One would be Fu Yan and the Stronghold Master’s wife is the other. Based on the entire situation, it would seem logical and polite for the Stronghold Master’s wife to lower her gaze. But, Great Swordsman Fang had described her as someone who is smart and opinionated. When the Stronghold Master passed away, she was deep in grief and desperately went around asking for help to avenge his death. But, she did not seem to care much about our visit, despite the fact that it was evident we were there to investigate the murder. She merely greeted us, said a few courteous words and then left. Also, when Great Swordsman Fang was speaking about Lady Li, his speech slowed down significantly. He was likely to be simultaneously remembering details about her while his suspicions of her formed. From what he described along with what I have observed, there is something odd about her.” 

Ran Feize understood her words and instantly got up to find Jiang Weiying. After he explained, Jiang Weiying hurriedly gathered his men to arrange for the safeguarding of Fang Ping.

Making assumptions is one thing, but finding substantial evidence to persuade everyone else is another. Besides, Fang Ping had his own reasons to hold back.

Jiang Weiying also shared the same thought. If more people knew about this, they must be well prepared with persuasive, concrete evidence.

Third chapter within a week. Weeee! Enjoy! Although I cannot retranslate all the chapters of this novel, let me know in the comments below or contact me via discord which specific chapters that have serious issues to be fixed. I will look through it and see if I can help.