Chapter 8 Investigation

Li Mang opened his mouth but was unable to respond. Every blade of grass and every tree in the Yanhuang Courtyard is strictly controlled, making it impossible to bring in any medication. This is indeed a loophole

Uh... Li Mang was directly choked by the ghost doctor, scratching his head as he prepared his words, and after a moment, he said: "Senior Ghost Doctor, I am here to apologize to you"

In a building quite distant from the Yanhuang Courtyard, there are numerous closely arranged computer monitors, which at first glance might even lead one to believe that this is a stock trading hall

This initially is ambiguity, and then it develops into deep feelings over time. This is still describing the relationship between a person and a dog. If their conversation were to be overheard by Li Mang, he would probably go crazy!

The ghostly doctor did not even raise his head, asking without any emotion: "Li Mang, what do you want from me?"

Cai Cai's eyes flickered with a strange light as she cast a faint glance at Yang Fan, not refuting anything. She then continued, "Alright, let's not discuss the first point for now. What exactly did Li Mang give to the king? Why hasn't the ghost doctor lost his temper? ... Yang Fan, this is the Yanhuang Courtyard, and everything must remain under control; otherwise, it could lead to a disaster. You cannot bear this responsibility, after all, Li Mang is one of your subordinates."

"Among these burned ancient texts, are there any that are particularly important to you? Or perhaps something that is rather special?" Li Mang continued to probe.

Old Cao turned his gaze towards Li Mang, a strange light flickering in his eyes, but he quickly returned to his indifferent demeanor and sighed, saying: "These ancient texts are all very important to me"

Cough cough... Yesterday, I was playfully roughhousing with the king and fed it some irritant drugs, causing the king to cry out all night. I truly apologize to you, esteemed Ghost Doctor!" Li Mang had a sincere expression and also performed a deep bow.

It turns out that Cai Cai and Yang Fan are both managers at the Yanhuang Dahe Academy, holding the same position and sharing the same responsibilities, but they are in charge of different individuals. This inevitably leads to various competitive relationships. With competition, conflicts are bound to arise, and naturally, they will be at odds with each other. Li Mang is merely a pawn being used.

"As time goes by, feelings develop?" The wise man known as Cai Cai mocked as he glanced at Yang Fan, then continued with a blank expression: "According to our investigation, Li Mang was burned shortly after his last meeting with the king, during which the king almost bit him!"

Yang Fan paid no attention and had already left the monitoring center, heading back towards the Yanhuang Courtyard, yet his mind was far from calm. This was because if Li Mang had indeed used any toxic substance, or even just a sensitive medication, it would constitute a serious violation of regulations. Even if it were merely a joke, Li Mang could still face the organization's harsh penalties.

This matter does not require Cai's concern; since the organization has already filed a case, I will personally investigate it thoroughly. Yang Fan adjusted his glasses and stepped out of the monitoring hall

"Senior Cao, you need not feel guilty; I am perfectly fine!" Li Mang shrugged nonchalantly, then turned his eyes and asked, "Senior Cao, do you not have a single ancient book left?"

After leaving the courtyard of the Ghost Doctor, Li Mang originally intended to return to his own courtyard, eagerly wanting to re-enter the world of the Classic of Mountains and Seas. However, after some thought, he felt it was inappropriate, as he might currently be under secret investigation. Therefore, he temporarily changed his direction and headed towards Old Man Cao's courtyard.

At 19:05, Li Mang poured all the leftover bones to the king, who reluctantly left after finishing his meal. Meanwhile, Li Mang did not come out of the room again, and judging by his expression, he seemed to be already drunk

Yesterday at 18:08, the king appeared in front of Li He's courtyard and paused, occasionally glancing inside the yard

At 18:30, Li Mang came out of the courtyard, using chopsticks to pick up a piece of... chicken rear, and threw it in front of the king outside the courtyard

A perceptive man analyzed and said: "There are currently three main points of suspicion. First, when did the king become close with Li Mang? Second, what exactly did Li Mang feed the king? Third, the ghost doctor has clearly realized it was him; why does he not show anger? This is not in line with the ghost doctor's character"

Senior Cao?" Li Mang called out to him softly

"Senior Ghost Doctor, I shall take my leave now!" Li Mang had long been accustomed to the other party's style, bowing slightly as he departed, while the king sent him off, watching eagerly as he left.

Although I have been here many times, each visit to this place gives Li Mang a chilling sensation, with a cold feeling in the soles of his feet

"Hehe, I will await Manager Yang's investigation report, as well as the handling plan for those who violate the Yanhuang discipline," Cai Cai reminded with a faint smile from behind

In front of computer number 108, several people are gathered around a large screen display

"These are merely your personal speculations, Manager Yang. Regarding the safety of the Yanhuang Courtyard, you cannot make a judgment solely based on your will!" Cai said sternly, yet he elevated a trivial matter to one of great importance concerning the safety of the Yanhuang Courtyard, revealing ulterior motives.

There is nothing left, nothing at all! Old Cao's face was filled with sorrow

Only eight days have passed since the devastating fire, yet Old Man Cao's yard has already been completely restored, as if the sudden blaze left no trace behind.

For a moment, Li Mang found himself in an awkward position, unsure of how to explain the situation

"Hey, you gluttonous black dog!" Li Mang laughed and scolded him, but today he really couldn't be too high-profile. After much persuasion and a bit of intimidation, he finally managed to stop the king from following him.

After watching these surveillance videos, several people exchanged glances, feeling a sense of eeriness

Yang Fan adjusted his glasses as usual, seemingly not hearing Cai Cai's criticism, and simply analyzed: "What exactly did Li Mang feed the king? This is something that needs to be asked of him directly. The ghost doctor might know a thing or two about it; this is not difficult to investigate. As for why the ghost doctor did not get angry, that is not hard to understand. As he publicly stated, he has never left the Yanhuang Courtyard over the years due to the king's reasons. Now that Li Mang is taking care of the king, it is naturally a welcome situation. Moreover, the king is not seriously ill; he just called out all night. Manager Cai, what do you think?"

Thank you, Senior Ghost Doctor! Li Mang took it with heartfelt gratitude. With this infant stone, along with the Ghost Doctor's cooperation, he would be able to completely cover up his lie!

"Infant stone, when ground into powder and ingested, has a calming effect. The amount that livestock can tolerate is relatively small; once a small quantity is consumed, it will induce a feeling of excitement, but it is not lethal." As the ghostly doctor explained, he opened a medicine cabinet and took out a piece of black stone, casually handing it over while saying, "This is what I gave you yesterday when you were awake."

After the king left Li Mang's courtyard, he went straight back to the Ghost Doctor's courtyard, first resting for more than an hour under the lawn, appearing as if he was also... drunk

Li Mang returned to his courtyard with a sense of confusion, only to find the courtyard door wide open. His heart skipped a beat, and his thoughts raced as he entered quietly.

Yang Fan was also present. Upon hearing this, he instinctively adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose and slowly said: "Cai Cai, you need not be overly suspicious. Li Mang often gets injured and frequently visits the Ghost Doctor. The Ghost Doctor has also taken the King to his clinic, so it is not impossible that feelings have developed over time"

Old man Cao regarded ancient books as his life; they were perhaps the only joy in his existence. However, now, in a devastating fire, the ancient books he had collected for decades have turned to ashes, which is indeed a tremendous blow to him

This is referred to as the living room, but in reality, there is no space for receiving guests; it is filled entirely with medicine cabinets. The pathway can barely accommodate a single person. An unpleasant-looking old man is moving quietly among them, walking soundlessly. The entire small courtyard feels inexplicably oppressive.

It seems that Yang Fan and Cai Cai do not get along very well

At 21:00, the king exhibited unusual behavior, starting to run around wildly and shout, appearing excited. The ghostly doctor, drawn by the noise, was also at a loss.

"There is no need to thank me. In the past, the king only relied on me, and I was uneasy about leaving the courtyard. Now that you are here, I can also feel at ease going out." The voice of the ghost doctor was always eerie.

... ...

Old man Cao turned his head numbly, saw Li Mang, and was slightly taken aback. However, he soon returned to his indifferent demeanor and simply said: "I apologize for that day"

The "Classic of Mountains and Seas" was obtained from Old Man Cao's courtyard. It is unclear how much Old Man Cao actually knows, and Li Mang feels it is necessary to come and test the waters.

The ghostly doctor glanced at him, his grotesque face bearing a semblance of a smile, yet he said nothing and continued with his own tasks

18:34, after a round of 'testing', the king ate the chicken's rear end, and even nibbled on a few blades of grass... Oh dear, it turns out this king is quite gluttonous!

The ghost doctor nodded slightly, then ignored Li Mang, engrossed in his own tasks. His personality has always been so peculiar; the ghost doctor is synonymous with the bizarre.

Senior Cao, ancient texts can be collected again after being burned; feeling sad is of no benefit! Li Mang tried to persuade the old man Cao, but it did not have much effect, so he took his leave. After all, the matter of the Classic of Mountains and Seas cannot be overly explicit; he must be cautious.

Old Man Cao's mental state is somewhat abnormal, but for the most part, he behaves like an ordinary person; otherwise, he would not be able to live in the Yanhuang Courtyard, but would instead be confined in a secluded area for treatment.

As he watched Li Mang leave, Old Cao's brows were slightly furrowed, not in a manner of doubt, but rather as if he were concerned about something

Li Mang was taken aback; the behavior of Old Man Cao seemed somewhat unusual. However, this alone could not lead to the conclusion that he knew the secret of the supernatural "Shan Hai Jing." Nevertheless, it was also unwise to press too hard on this matter, as it would be inappropriate if Old Man Cao sensed something amiss.

However, the courtyard that was once filled to the brim with ancient books is now devoid of even a single volume. Old man Cao sits alone on the ground of the courtyard, in the very spot where the ancient books used to be piled up. He appears as if he has lost his soul, completely unaware even when Li Mang pushes the door open and enters.

After a pause, the man added: "We have conducted an investigation. Prior to this, Li Mang and the king did not have a close relationship; in fact, the king bullied Li Mang on multiple occasions. Now, suddenly changing his attitude and even being surprisingly ambiguous, this indeed requires careful consideration"

Where did you get the stimulants? The ghost doctor asked without even looking up.

This is not the main point, unless someone can understand the thoughts of a dog. Yang Fan emphasized in a very professional manner, implying that Cai Cai is like a dog.

"Senior Ghost Doctor, please rest assured, I will definitely take good care of the King," Li Mang said sincerely

However, what is displayed on the monitor is not the interesting curves of stock prices, but rather a series of surveillance images, depicting scenes from the Yanhuang Courtyard, captured in extremely clear detail by high-definition cameras

In fact, while the Yanhuang Courtyard appears quite relaxed on the surface, it is extremely strict behind the scenes, given the organization's unique nature