From this small matter, the abilities possessed by Thiat-yan were evident.
Even a mere horse carriage driver was dressed neatly and possessed high martial arts skills.
He must have received strict guidance from her.
Throughout the journey, Wie Kie-hong felt the carriage always traveled on smooth roads.
This indicated that wherever they went, they hadn't left the city.
At least Wie Kie-hong was confident about his conclusion.
After traveling for about half an hour, the carriage finally stopped.
Wie Kie-hong heard the sound of a door opening.
Then the carriage moved forward again.
Even the courtyard inside Thiat-yan's house had a path for the carriage to traverse.
Although he hadn't seen it, Wie Kie-hong could already imagine how grand the house he was visiting was.
Finally, the black cloth blindfold was removed.
Wie Kie-hong was invited to step down from the carriage.
The first thing he saw was a courtyard with a garden of fresh green flowers.
The courtyard of this large house was not only spacious but also very comfortable, making him think that, compared to Leng Taiya's residence, this place was far more pleasing to the heart.
The first impression of visiting this place was truly delightful.
Now in front of him stood two servant girls around fifteen or sixteen years old.
The two stood side by side, clasping their hands and welcoming his arrival.
Their demeanor was very friendly and courteous.
The second impression was also very good.
The interior of the room was arranged very neatly and magnificently.
The literary poems and pictures hanging on the walls were also very special.
All the furniture was made of red wood.
Compared to the furniture at the Leng family residence, everything here looked much better.
Unconsciously, Wie Kie-hong clicked his tongue in admiration.
How much wealth did Thiat-yan possess? He had heard a bit about Tiat Liongsan before.
Usually, very wealthy or powerful people often had incomplete families.
The third impression made Wie Kie-hong secretly feel strange, he was suspicious.
The tea set that was served was all made of expensive porcelain from the Kang Sie region.
Wie Kie-hong felt as if he was in a dreamland, being served by goddesses.
Wie Kie-hong had often entered and exited the homes of important people and wealthy officials, but he had never encountered such a luxurious home before.
Finally, the host came out to greet him, assessing his facial expression, it seemed she was not friendly, but not cunning, with a sturdy yet slender physique.
Judging by her body, she appeared to be around twenty years old.
However, based on her facial expression, Wie Kie-hong felt her age was not just twenty years.
This was the person who had committed four very cruel acts.
This woman was the criminal being hunted by Tu Liong and himself.
Wie Kie-hong truly couldn't believe it; he felt the situation was unfavorable.
This was because he didn't know how to face a beautiful and attractive lady while also harboring deep resentment.
"Wie kongcu?" This was the first sentence uttered by the host.
"Yes.
My name is Wie Kie-hong.
And you are....?" "Thiat-yan." Her answer was short, simple, yet very powerful.
His conversation partner had introduced herself as the person who had severed Leng Souw-hiang's hand.
Yet, Wie Kie-hong still couldn't show any hostility.
He silently clenched his jaw tightly.
"Wie Kongcu might feel that the invitation I gave you was very sudden.
Actually, I had planned this invitation half a year ago." "I don't understand what you mean," Wie Kie-hong was confused...
"What I mean is that I have known about the cause of your father's death for about half a year.
Since that day, I have been determined to find an opportunity to tell you myself." After touching upon the cause of his father's death, Wie Kie-hong felt emotions that were difficult to control.
However, he didn't want to lose his composure in front of Thiat-yan.
Therefore, he restrained himself with all his might.
Calmly, he said, "Sorry to be blunt.
Based on your stance and mine, it is unlikely I would come here to be your guest.
I came here because I wanted to find out about a certain matter...."
Thiat-yan interrupted his sentence and said, "I will definitely tell you, but I have a condition in return."
"Oh... a condition?"
"Wie Kongcu, do not be surprised.
To be human is to be fair.
Even when handling a matter, one must remain fair.
One tael can buy a baked cake, ten taels can buy a baked cake with meat.
Isn't that right?"
Wie Kie-hong grew up in the Leng Souw-hiang family residence.
Thus, he was not naive.
Upon hearing Thiat-yan mention the word 'condition,' his heart immediately felt wary.
"Before you state the condition I must meet, you should evaluate me carefully.
Any condition you set, I may not be able to fulfill."
"Wie kongcu is too modest."
"Please tell me your condition first, so we don't waste time."
"After Leng Souw-hiang was injured, you quickly went to San-poa alley and met Bu Tiat-cui.
Why did you go there? This is the only condition I want to know, and you must answer honestly."
"To have one's fortune told."
"Fortune told?" Thiat-yan laughed coldly, "Fortune told for whom?"
"Fortune told for the perpetrator of the crime.
I want to see when they will be ensnared by the rare yet impenetrable net of fate, (when Thiat-yan will be defeated)."
"Wie Kie-hong!" Her friendly call had changed.
Her tone also changed, "Do you know the consequences of such joking words?"
"I'm not joking."
Thiat-yan's jaw clenched very tightly, she seemed about to change her mind.
But she remained steadfast in holding back all her emotions, still with a gentle and friendly voice, she said, "Wie Kie-hong! The cause of your father's death is very important to you.
Do you understand?"
"Of course, I understand."
"If so, why do you behave like this in front of me? I truly have good intentions to tell you."
"I also have good intentions."
"But what you said earlier was a lie. I know that!"
"How do you know I'm lying?"
"Wie Kie-hong! Due to certain relations, I must maintain my courtesy towards you.
I cannot use violence, nor can I confront you harshly, unlike with others.
If you don't speak, I can ask someone else."
"Ask whom?"
"I can directly ask Bu Tiat-cui.
Of course, I won't ask nicely like this. Do you want to make him suffer?"
'Fortunately, Bu Tiat-cui has already gone into hiding,' Wie Kie-hong thought to himself.
"Wie Kie-hong! I hope you remember that well."
"You mentioned earlier that due to certain relations, you must maintain courtesy towards me.
What do you mean by that?"
"Now I cannot tell you. The time is not right."
"Nona Yan!" Wie Kie-hong suddenly stood up and said, "I feel the news you have regarding my father's death is a trap to deceive me.
From the beginning, you deliberately made a simple affair complicated.
I don't like dealing with convoluted people.
Now I want to leave, can you prepare the carriage and send me home?"
"Wie Kie-hong! Before you leave this place, you should reconsider that decision carefully...."
"Why?"
"Right now, we still count as friends.
I know you don't want to admit that we are friends.
At least, I don't consider you an enemy.
After you leave this place, we will immediately become arch-enemies."
"Sooner or later, I will have to leave this place, right?"
"If you leave after we find common ground, wouldn't that be better?"
"Your words make it difficult for one to laugh or cry.
You have injured my foster father, and yet you still want to establish a good relationship with me.
How is that possible?"
Wie Kie-hong's words clearly depicted the decision he had made.
Indeed, initially, he wanted to know the cause of his father's death, but he valued the efforts of Leng Souw-hiang, who had raised him to adulthood, more.
Thiat-yan had injured Leng Souw-hiang, making it impossible for him to have a good relationship with Thiat-yan.
"You are very bold!"
"What do you mean?"
"Your life is currently hanging by a thread, yet you dare to say all that.
Are you not afraid I will change my mind and harm you?"
"If you think like that, you are truly inexperienced.
You invited me here, so of course, you will send me off.
If you harm me here, you are truly petty.
Would you really do such a petty thing to me?"
Thiat-yan's face turned red.
"Apologies!"
Wie Kie-hong stood up, "Now I will leave."
"Wait a moment.
I want to ask a few questions."
"Go ahead!"
"Do you intend to avenge your foster father's hand that you have cut off?"
"Correct."
"My foster father never ordered me to seek revenge."
"The person concerned did not say anything.
That shows he has no regret in his heart.
You better not interfere in this matter."
**
Glossary of Terms:**
- **Thiat-yan**: A character in the story, presumably with significant martial arts skills and a mysterious background.
- **Wie Kie-hong**: The protagonist of the story, seeking answers about his father's death.
- **Leng Souw-hiang**: Wie Kie-hong’s foster father, who was injured by Thiat-yan.
- **Nona Yan**: A respectful way to address Thiat-yan.
- **Bu Tiat-cui**: A character mentioned in the context of having one's fortune told.
- **Kongcu**: A respectful term used to address a young master or nobleman.
- **Tiat Liongsan**: A person or place referenced in the context of wealth and power.
- **Tael**: A historical Chinese unit of currency.