Chapter 18

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

“Ah…”

As Song Ankang’s words fell, Yuanqing and the surrounding tenants were in an uproar. For a moment, they were speechless. Only then did they realize that their self-righteous speculations and conjectures had a huge flaw.

Previously, everyone had been staring at Hao Jiyong’s suspicious points, but no one had seen anything wrong. Only when Song Ankang said it did these people realize something.

Looking at the ashamed Yuanqing and the others, Song Ankang continued, “Other than that, isn’t there another way to prove that Hao Jiyong didn’t lie?”

“Since Hao Jiyong said that the ten-year-old ginseng was recently picked by him, he must still remember the approximate location. Follow him and take a look. If that place really used to grow ten-year-old ginseng, there must be something special about it. I’m sure you can tell since you often grow ginseng.”

“If that ten-year-old ginseng was preserved last year, it would definitely be quite different from fresh ginseng. Do you still need me to point out the results?”

Everyone was silent, unable to speak.

There were many things in this world that could be explained clearly, but because many people were hot-blooded, not only could they not explain it clearly, but they often pushed things to a worse place.

By the time it was finally proven wrong, it was too late.

Some people might find it unbelievable, but when they thought about the women in ancient history who were sent to the stake because of a wrong move, they knew how ignorant those ancient people were.

Not to mention that this matter concerned the life and death of everyone. Hao Jiyong was indeed suspicious. Under Liu Yuanqing’s instigation, it was normal for everyone to do such a thing.

“Thank you for saving my life, Young Master. I really didn’t do this. I can bring everyone to the place where I dug the ginseng. I remember it clearly.”

“Our entire family will never forget your saving grace. When we return, we will definitely set up a longevity tablet for you and pray for you day and night.”

“Thank you, Villa Master. Thank you, Young Master.”

Hao Jiyong’s family was in tears as they knelt in front of Song Ankang and thanked him. Their entire family knew that if Hao Jiyong was thrown into the dungeon tonight, he might not be able to withstand the torture and would eventually be forced to confess. At that time, what awaited their family would definitely be a calamity.

Song Ankang’s actions seemed small, but he had actually saved their entire family.

“Villa Master, what should we do now? We’ve lost more than a dozen of the most precious medicinal herbs. After paying the taxes this year, I’m afraid there won’t be anything left. Many people will definitely starve to death in winter.”

Seeing that Hao Jiyong’s suspicions might be cleared, Liu Yuanqing became a little anxious and looked at Song Ankang pleadingly.

Song Ankang pondered for a moment. “Follow my instructions and confirm if Hao Jiyong is telling the truth. At the same time, don’t let him leave the farm for the time being. I’ll assist you in investigating the theft. Also, if something like this happens again, you must report it to me immediately and not handle it privately.”

“Yes, yes, yes. I can save myself the trouble.” Liu Yuanqing nodded and began to get busy. Some of the tenants around him went home under his arrangements, while others continued to search the warehouse for any clues. At the same time, they confirmed that what Hao Jiyong had said was true.

Song Ankang did not return immediately. Instead, he brought Qiu Shi and Jiang Yunhe into the storeroom, looking for anything suspicious.

“Young Master is so powerful. He saved Hao Jiyong’s family with just a few words. Before this, I also thought that Hao Jiyong was the one who did this.”

Qiu Shi, on the other hand, was an excellent supporter. As soon as she entered the storeroom, she held her exquisite face with both hands and said with starry eyes, looking like a fangirl.

Jiang Yunhe also nodded. “To be able to discover so many suspicious points in such a short time, Young Master’s talent is indeed extraordinary. If he participates in the Imperial Court selection in the future, he might be able to become an official.”

“You’re flattering me. Actually, it’s not difficult to discover these doubts. It’s just that everyone was too hot-headed. In addition, this matter concerns everyone’s lives, so everyone was a little rash.”

Song Ankang smiled and shook his head. “Moreover, although these doubts are striking, it’s not impossible to refute them. If we can’t find the thief later, everyone will definitely focus their suspicion on Hao Jiyong.”

“How can this be? Can’t everyone see such a huge doubt? They even have to blame this on Hao Jiyong.” Qiu Shi was stunned.

Song Ankang said, “If we can’t find anyone else more suspicious, Hao Jiyong will still be the most suspicious person. When the time comes, everyone will naturally fill in the gaps and make the most favorable speculation. Therefore, the most important thing now is to find the thief who stole the herbs.”

“This…” A confused look appeared on Qiu Shi’s face. She clearly still did not understand. She was still young and did not have a deep understanding of the complexity of the human heart and human nature.

On the other hand, Jiang Yunhe, who was at the side, nodded in admiration. “Young master is right. I didn’t expect you to be so insightful at such a young age.”

“I’ve read too many books, so my brain is naturally a little brighter.” Song Ankang smiled and said, “In the future, I can popularize some basic knowledge in the farmstead. Otherwise, there will always be some problems when I encounter things.”

As he spoke, Song Ankang carefully observed the storeroom to see if there was anything suspicious.

Even though Liu Yuanqing was a little cunning, the storeroom was quite well organized. All kinds of food and medicinal herbs were placed in a very orderly manner. It was also handled very well. It could be preserved for at least a few years, or even decades.

Being able to hold the position of warehouse manager for so many years, Liu Yuanqing’s business ability was still passable.

Walking in the spacious storeroom, for some reason, Song Ankang felt that something was wrong, as if there was something hidden in the storeroom.

However, there were often people coming and going in this warehouse. If there were really demons and ghosts hiding, they would definitely be discovered immediately. Why would they stay until now?

There were also many people who came to look for clues during the day and night. Similarly, they did not encounter anything. Why were there demons and ghosts hiding now?

Moreover, ghosts should not be interested in the food and herbs here. The dozen or so stolen herbs were useless against ghosts.

As for demon beasts and demons, once they stole medicinal herbs, they would definitely leave traces behind, and they would not be small. Now that there were no traces in the warehouse, it should not be the work of demon beasts and demons.

Unless the demon beasts and demons had astonishing intelligence and knew how to hide their traces. However, if there were demon beasts and demons with such strong intelligence, why would they care about these things in the warehouse?

According to the ancient books, demon beasts and demons with such intelligence were basically above first-rate martial artists. If they needed the herbs in the warehouse, they could just snatch them.

Moreover, the interior and exterior of the warehouse were made of Green Ridge Stone. If demon beasts and demonic beasts came in to steal, they would basically cause a huge commotion and leave many traces.

Therefore, whether it was Liu Yuanqing and the others or Song Ankang, they quickly ruled out the possibility that the demons and ghosts had attacked. Since it wasn’t the demons and ghosts, it must have been someone else.