Chapter 017: What is the Truth

They smuggled in two guns, one for Cheng Yaojin, and Liang Kefeng carefully kept the other. After putting it away, she meticulously wiped her dagger clean and carried it with her.

There was a noise outside. She turned off the lights, tiptoed to the door, and gently moved the newspaper covering the peephole, pressing her eye to it.

The hallway light was on, but no one was outside.

As soon as she pulled back, she heard a door open across the hall—it was Brother Xiao’s room.

But the one stepping out was Sister Man.

Sister Man quietly closed the door and returned to her own room.

So they… had quite a relationship.

As far as she knew, Brother Xiao’s wife had passed away a few years ago, and Sister Man was a divorced woman. It wouldn’t be surprising if they were together, but why keep it so secretive?

She didn’t dwell on it, tidied her belongings, opened the window for ventilation, and prepared for bed.

Cheng Yaojin would be going out in the middle of the night to retrieve the gold chain, so she needed to get up to keep watch for him.

—

The hounds at the entrance barked wildly, then were quickly silenced.

A guest had arrived—it was Liang Dalong’s adopted sister, Liang Youqin, whom his father had taken in years ago.

Liang Youqin and her husband managed the legitimate businesses of the Liang family, especially the Ming Bao newspaper in Hong Kong. She was a capable assistant to Liang Dalong and arguably his closest family in the city.

She entered briskly, with a maid following her, carrying several rose-colored gift boxes, which she placed on the table. “Big Brother, these are New Year gifts we brought back from Japan.”

Her family had gone to Japan for a vacation over the New Year and had just returned yesterday.

“I also brought a cake that Le Ru made for you herself. Sister Lin put it in the fridge; we can enjoy it later.”

Liang Dalong, holding a magnifying glass, was carefully examining a porcelain vase. Without looking up, he asked, “Where’s Le Ru?”

Le Ru, Liang Youqin’s granddaughter, had been the only grandchild of the Liang family for years and was very much adored by Liang Dalong.

“She has ballet class in the morning. She’ll be here for lunch after that.”

Seeing that her brother was in a good mood, Liang Youqin jokingly complained, “Big Brother, how come you keep things from me now?”

“What am I keeping from you?”

“Didn’t the Luo family matriarch always say she liked our Le Ru and wanted her as a granddaughter-in-law? Her eldest grandson, Luo Qizhen, is a bit old, and he and Le Ru don’t get along, so she suggested Le Ru pair up with her younger grandson, Qiming. But yesterday, I heard from her that Qiming is supposed to be matched with *your* granddaughter.” Liang Youqin lowered her voice, showing a hint of dissatisfaction.

“I was left tongue-tied. I couldn’t deny it, nor could I admit I didn’t know. What’s going on? Where did you get a granddaughter from?”

Liang Dalong continued to circle the vase, saying, “I’m not much better informed than you. Yaqian kept it from me for a long time, too. I just recently found out.”

“Who did Yaqian have her with?”

Liang Dalong put down the magnifying glass, opened a drawer, and took out a photo from a small notebook, handing it to Liang Youqin.

She looked at the photo and asked, “Who’s this? Isn’t she overseas? This is from the mainland?”

“Check the back,” he reminded her.

Liang Youqin turned the photo over and saw the writing on the back, finally understanding. “So, she’s Yawen’s daughter? Congratulations, Big Brother, this is a great thing for our Liang family. Is it the girl on the right? She looks quite a bit like our sister-in-law.”

Liang Dalong nodded. “You guessed right.”

“Did you send someone to bring her over from the mainland?”

“She smuggled herself into Hong Kong. We haven’t found her yet.”

Stunned, Liang Youqin’s eyes widened. “You haven’t found her, yet you’re already rushing into an engagement with the Luo family?”

Denying any urgency, he replied, “I’m not rushing. Luo Fumiao is. He spent New Year’s in the hospital and only got out yesterday. He’s afraid he won’t live to see a granddaughter-in-law, so he’s more anxious than I am.”

“But still, she hasn’t been found…”

“Do you think there’s anyone in Hong Kong that I, Liang Dalong, can’t find?”

“Of course not. Big Brother, don’t take this the wrong way…”

“Then don’t say it.”

“…”

But as his sworn sister, she felt she had the right to voice her thoughts. “I just worry that when she’s found, she might not be a good match. Growing up in the mainland, she wouldn’t be used to high society, and how could she be compatible with someone like Luo Qiming, that young master? Plus, you’ve been telling everyone she’s a top overseas student, but that’ll be easy to uncover.”

Liang Dalong sneered, “Let it be uncovered. Do you think I’d fear that? If I, Liang Dalong, say she’s an elite who studied abroad, then she is one. I am the emperor’s new clothes, and let’s see who dares to call it out!”

This was indeed Liang Dalong’s arrogant style—he had the power to back it up.

And his words subtly warned her not to spread rumors, especially given that she relied on his support.

Understanding his message, she quickly clarified, “I’d never expose it. I’d help you cover it up! What’s this niece’s name?”

“Liang Kefeng. Outwardly, everyone is to say she’s Yaqian’s daughter.”

“I understand. Given Yawen’s previous issues with her engagement to the second Luo son, it’s best not to reveal she’s her daughter.”

“Good that you understand.”

Realizing she wouldn’t win the argument, she offered a suggestion. “Big Brother, since this is settled, once we find Kefeng, let me take her overseas for a year or so. I could help polish her into a true lady.”

“We’ll see.” He had his own plans, but sensed she had more thoughts. “Doesn’t the Luo family have four grandsons? If the eldest and youngest aren’t suitable, there are still two in the middle.”

She muttered, “But the middle two aren’t the matriarch’s biological grandsons; they’re born of concubines.”

“And aren’t they good enough for the Gao family?”

His remark struck a nerve. While the Luo family was a wealthy, aristocratic household, the Gao family only retained its prestige through Liang Dalong’s support; otherwise, they were merely high-ranking employees.

Cornered, she forced a smile and said, “Well, everyone wants to marry up when they can.”

“The Luo family is an influential household, and Le Ru is still young; she can take her time to find someone suitable.”

“Why don’t you let your granddaughter take her time?” Liang Youqin could only mutter inwardly, not daring to say it out loud.

Just then, Zheng Fuying arrived, giving her an excuse to step out and help prepare lunch.

Once Liang Youqin left, Liang Dalong put Liang Kefeng’s photo back in the drawer. Zheng Fuying closed the door and approached him, his expression complicated. “Master Long…”

“How’s the investigation going?” Liang Dalong asked, his emotions mixed with guilt, hope, and a hint of nervousness.

Noticing that Zheng Fuying hadn’t responded, Liang Dalong looked up and saw the lack of joy on his face, realizing the situation wasn’t simple. Zheng Fuying had been unwaveringly loyal for so many years; if it were good news, he wouldn’t look so grim.

“Just say it,” Liang Dalong prompted.

“The situation is… a bit complicated.”

How complicated? Liang Dalong waited for him to continue.

After a few days of likely little rest, Zheng Fuying’s voice was slightly hoarse. “Earlier this year, she and her cousin Liang Ke’er were on a smuggler’s boat that was accidentally blown up in Hongsha Bay by Wan’an’s ‘Bamboo Head Gang’.”

“They blew up the boat she was on while fighting the Vietnamese gang?”

“Yes. It’s said her cousin Liang Ke’er died on the spot. To avenge her, she… killed Ba Bi, the nephew of Tian Qi, the leader of Bamboo Head Gang.”

Liang Dalong was shocked. “Kefeng killed someone?”

Still, it wasn’t the worst thing—better than her getting hurt. But he was astonished: a young woman of around twenty, in a completely unfamiliar environment, managing to kill an armed gangster to avenge her cousin—this was no ordinary feat.

“She took guns and knives from two Zhuzitou gang members, then lured Ba Bi onto a fishing boat and killed him. She stabbed each of Ba Bi’s hands with a knife and shot him in the head.” Zheng Fuying hesitated, unsure how to describe it without upsetting his master. “Her methods… ruthless.”

Liang Dalong wasn’t naïve. He quickly pieced the events together. “After the killing, she encountered Sang Ming outside a store, dealt with him calmly, and then left unscathed?”

“Yes.”

Liang Dalong was baffled. “How could a young woman…”

“It’s said she has an excellent martial arts foundation—she can handle multiple men easily.” Zheng Fuying’s eyes gleamed as he spoke.

Liang Dalong’s frown gradually eased. Martial skills and survival instincts in such a setting showed strong adaptability and resilience. He couldn’t help feeling a spark of joy.

“So did she go to the Sifang City afterward?”

“No, she went to… find her father, Liang Yaozu,” Zheng Fuying said cautiously.

“What?” Liang Dalong doubted his ears but quickly realized he hadn’t misheard.

Zheng Fuying handed him a document. “This is the legal paperwork of Liang Kefeng inheriting Liang Yaozu’s estate.”

Liang Dalong put on his glasses and examined the document, trying to maintain a calm exterior. He opened the drawer, looking once more at the photo that had filled him with so much hope.

Two girls stood side by side. Could the girl on the left be his granddaughter? Moments ago, Zheng Fuying had said that girl was Liang Ke’er, who died in the explosion, and that Liang Kefeng had killed in her name for revenge…

Disappointment settled over him like a fog. Shaking his head, Liang Dalong muttered, “This doesn’t make sense.”

Zheng Fuying stayed silent, knowing his master would find it hard to accept this outcome.

“It doesn’t make sense,” Liang Dalong repeated.

Zheng Fuying finally spoke up. “We investigated thoroughly, and the information is accurate. Liang Kefeng is Liang Yaozu’s daughter, while Liang Ke’er is the daughter of Liang Yaozong, Liang Yaozu’s cousin.”

Liang Yaozong—the man who had eloped with Yawen! Liang Dalong knew!

A few butterflies danced among the camellias and hydrangeas on the study’s balcony. Liang Dalong pressed his fingers to his brow, shaking his head. “This doesn’t make sense. Kefeng looks so much like my wife when she was young—how could she not be Yawen’s daughter?”

Faced with Liang Dalong’s refusal to accept the truth, Zheng Fuying didn’t dare contradict him directly. “Reality can be cruel.”

The butterflies flitted away.

After a long silence, Liang Dalong finally asked, “If she inherited such a substantial estate from Liang Yaozu, why did she go to the Sifang City?”

“To escape Tian Qi’s pursuit. To avenge his nephew, Tian Qi sent people to hunt her down. Just this past New Year’s Day, she killed one and severely injured several others.”

Another killing?

Such strength! Such audacity! How could she not be his granddaughter?

Liang Dalong sat, staring at the photo, motionless for a good four or five minutes. Since his son’s death, his feelings had never been more conflicted. From the clouds above, he felt plunged down to the depths.

But he refused to give in—he was determined to soar in those clouds.

Clenching his jaw and eyes sharp as steel, Liang Dalong said nothing.

Observing his expression, Zheng Fuying tentatively asked, “Master Long, what should we do next?”

“What do you think we should do?”

Zheng Fuying suggested, “Track down Liang Ke’er’s whereabouts. There might still be a glimmer of hope.”

“Do it.”

“And interrogate Wu Zhicai and Wu Biyun to see if they lied.”

Liang Dalong disagreed. “If you interrogate them now, it’ll cause too much noise.”

The noise could be minimal; interrogating a powerless pair wouldn’t stir much trouble. Even if they disappeared or were fed to the dogs, no news would leak. But his master’s reluctance showed that he didn’t want them interrogated—at least not now.

After so many years, Zheng Fuying had a good sense of his master’s thinking. He asked, “What about Liang Kefeng?”

This time, Liang Dalong answered quickly, “Seal all information. Don’t act rashly. Also, warn Tian Qi to drop his vendetta for his nephew, or else…”

“I’ll handle it.” Zheng Fuying could see that his master couldn’t let go of the granddaughter who had filled him with hope.

After Zheng Fuying left, Liang Dalong continued to stare at the photo, lost in thought.

Which one was his real granddaughter?

Deep down, he seemed to have the answer. Liang Ke’er could be his granddaughter, but Liang Kefeng must be.

For one, there was no way to retract the information shared with the Luo family, so they had to continue moving forward. More importantly, he longed for a successor with such boldness and skill.

He was eager to see how far she could go with her own abilities.

Liang Dalong picked up the phone and called downstairs. “Ah Cong, come up.”

*

The office of the candy factory was on the first floor of the Sacred Heart building. It wasn’t large and was right next to the Shuanglong Association’s union office.

The Shuanglong Association’s headquarters bore an innocuous name, known externally only as a union. To outsiders, it seemed like an ordinary organization, unaware that it was the heart of the Sifang City.

Standing between the two offices, Liang Kefeng examined the bulletin board, which posted several internal recruitment notices.

The job listing that caught her eye was for a financial assistant in the union. Of course, she didn’t really want to be a financial assistant, but this position would allow her to quickly approach key figures.

She had seen this job posting a few days earlier and knew that the financial assistant position had already been filled. Today, she was applying for an office clerk position at the candy factory, as a way to get in through a side door.

Ah Wei came out and called her, “Ah Feng, you’re up.” He had already spoken to the hiring staff.

Pointing at the job listing, Liang Kefeng whispered, “The financial assistant salary is over a hundred dollars more than the clerk’s.”

Thinking she was interested in the higher pay, Ah Wei advised, “The financial assistant position is with the union and was filled before the New Year. Besides, things are more complicated at the union; working at the candy factory is better.”

Liang Kefeng nodded in agreement. Ah Wei was normally quiet and not particularly outgoing, but he was reliable and trustworthy. Auntie Hao, who wanted the referral bonus for helping Liang Kefeng get this job, had repeatedly reminded him to be attentive, so he was looking out for her. Before the interview, he reminded her once again of the key points.

“Manager Wang likes polite and obedient people. Just answer what he asks, and you’ll be fine. Since you know how to use a typewriter, there shouldn’t be any problem.”

“I got it.” Liang Kefeng followed Ah Wei into the interview.

With her level of knowledge, poise, and appearance, she passed the interview easily and secured the clerk position without a hitch. The interviewing manager, Manager Wang, liked her polite demeanor, even giving her a couple of handfuls of candy produced at the factory before she left.

Ah Wei introduced her to the office staff and asked, “When do you start?”

“Manager Wang said tomorrow.”

The office lady laughed, “Perfect timing! Tomorrow we’re having a welcome dinner at Peng’s for the new financial assistant who joined the union. You should come too.”

Liang Kefeng took the opportunity to ask, “I’m studying accounting too. What’s the new financial assistant’s name? Maybe they’re my classmate at night school?”

“What a coincidence! But people who get into the union’s finance department are always connected. The assistant’s name is Lin Shuangxia; do you know her?”

Liang Kefeng thought for a moment and shook her head, “Doesn’t sound familiar.”

“Too bad for your talent. You studied accounting, but here you are working as a clerk.”

Liang Kefeng smiled, “I studied accounting on the mainland, but I’ve only taken a few night classes since coming here. I’m happy just to be a clerk.”

After chatting a bit more and saying her goodbyes, Liang Kefeng left the office.

Outside, the weather was clear, and the air was filled with the scent of incense. Taking a deep breath, she felt pleased — today had gone very well.

She walked toward the Elder Center behind the Tianhou Temple, thinking that Cheng Yaojin should be back by now.

Sure enough, before she even reached the center, she saw Cheng Yaojin coming from the northern district.

“How did it go?” she asked him.

“I found Li Baozai’s room in the dorms at Shangqinglong Dormitory. He wasn’t there, so I quietly opened the door and slipped the gold chain inside,” he replied softly.

“It’s hidden in a spot where he won’t find it easily, right?”

“Yes. I hid it really well. Unless he’s specifically looking for it, he won’t find it. Did your interview go well?”

“Yes, I got the clerk position. And I found out the name of the union’s new financial assistant. Her name is Lin Shuangxia. Reach out to Uncle Kun and see if he can lure her away with a high salary.”

They had discussed this plan before, so Cheng Yaojin nodded, “Understood. I’ll call Uncle Kun soon.”

“Tell him not to use Liang Ji’s name for the offer. Instead, let the accounting firm that collaborates with Liang Ji handle it.”

This would keep things discreet, and an offer from an accounting firm would be more appealing to an assistant, making it even more effective.

She then remembered another detail, “Ask Uncle Kun to have the main office’s accountant come over. I’ll stop by at two this afternoon for a quick refresher on accounting.”

She had once used accounting as a cover for spy work, but accounting from the Iron Curtain era was certainly different from what was practiced now. She needed to brush up on current local practices.

Cheng Yaojin couldn’t help but ask, “Can I ask what your ultimate plan is?”

Overhead, a plane roared by. Liang Kefeng looked up briefly and said softly, “I want to take over Sifang Fort.”

Cheng Yaojin: “!!!”

He hadn’t expected his boss to be this ambitious.

Liang Kefeng chuckled. Her goal wasn’t just Sifang Fort; if she said her full plan out loud, people would just think she was crazy. But if she wasn’t a little crazy, how would she accomplish her mission?

“Does it sound insane? Just the two of us?”

It was more than insane.

Cheng Yaojin nodded, “I can’t even imagine it.”

“Good. You’re not supposed to,” she replied with a soft smile. She handed him a candy. “I can’t imagine it either. We’ll take it one step at a time.”

Cheng Yaojin popped the orange-flavored candy in his mouth and suddenly felt energized. The storm ahead was inevitable, but it was exciting. He felt as if boundless light lay waiting for him.

While Cheng Yaojin went off to call Uncle Kun, Liang Kefeng continued walking toward the Elder Center.

An elderly guard at the entrance stopped her. “Young lady, only those over fifty can come in here for activities.”

The rule was likely set to prevent younger people from occupying the limited space.

Peering inside, she saw four tables set up for mahjong and rooms with card games and crafts, all filled with elderly folks enjoying themselves.

Aunt Liu, who normally worked at the Tianhou Temple reading fortunes, would come here to play mahjong when there were no customers. Scanning the tables, she spotted her at the innermost one.

She explained to the guard, “I’m here to find Aunt Liu. Someone wants her to read a fortune. I’ll just pop in and call her out.”

She handed the guard two candies as she spoke.

Hearing she was looking for Aunt Liu, the guard didn’t object further and let her in. “Just make it quick.”

She quickly approached Aunt Liu’s table and called out, “Aunt Liu, there’s someone at the temple waiting for you.”

Unfazed, Aunt Liu replied, “Let him wait. I’ll go after this round. Did you get the job?”

“I did! They even gave me candy. Here, have some.”

Liang Kefeng distributed candies to the elderly men and women at the table. On a bench against the wall, a few aunts were chatting and doing crafts, so she gave them some candies too.

One elderly lady took her hand, “You’re so sweet, dear.”

Liang Kefeng smiled, “It’s candy blessed by Tianhou. Eating it brings her protection.”

“Oh, then I’ll take two more — for my grandson.”

“I’ll take some too. With that murder case in the East District, everyone’s on edge…”

Taking the cue, Liang Kefeng commented, “Didn’t they catch the murderer?”

The women immediately leaned in, “They did?”

Feigning surprise at their enthusiasm, she took a step back.

“Oh, don’t scare the girl,” one of the ladies chided.

Liang Kefeng then added in a low voice, “I only heard it from someone at the temple. Supposedly, it was Li Baozai from the North District. He killed the victim over a dispute about splitting drug money.”

“Who?” someone asked incredulously.

“Yes, I know Li Baozai, but I also know some others,” one lady said.

“Li Baozai? I live in the North District; I know him! He’s the most fearsome around here! So, he was the one who did it? No wonder! Sounds like internal conflict within the Shuanglong Hall!”

Another woman asked, “How did they find out?”

Just as Liang Kefeng was about to speak, an older woman interrupted, “In cases like this, once something’s done, there’s no such thing as a wall that doesn’t let the wind through.”

“Elder Sister, you seem to know a lot! Hurry up and share!”

A few women began chattering excitedly, their imaginations running even wilder than Liang Kefeng had initially thought. It seemed someone had witnessed Li Baozai kill Ah Dan right there on the scene.

Liang Kefeng was left speechless. It was true that Chinese aunties were a force to be reckoned with! She quickly extricated herself and began distributing candies on her way out, eventually giving the last few pieces to the children at the entrance before leaving in a hurry.

She hoped Li Baozai would enjoy this unexpected gift.