abcnovels
Chapter 976: The Truth Comes Out
Chapter 976: The Truth Comes Out
Chapter 976: The Truth Comes Out
Editor: Henyee Translations
Chu Tang reached the top of a hill, observing a young man heading into the city to shop. Although the man hadn’t been drugged, his nervous demeanor suggested he knew something, but Chu Tang hadn’t asked the right questions yet. For now, his task was to observe; if there were indeed issues, the young man would eventually slip up.
After the young man entered the city, Chu Tang also descended from the hilltop and followed him into the city, keeping a distance.
Liang City was bustling, with streets full of people and constant street vending. The city had a distinctive frontier style, evident as soon as one entered.
The young man headed straight for a spice shop, which seemed normal enough.
Next to him, Chu Tang noticed a candy seller and decided to buy a packet. Chewing on the candies, he noted, “Pretty tasty.”
After leaving the shop, the young man then went to a restaurant to pack some side dishes for drinks.
Chu Tang extended his senses to listen in, checking if anything significant was discussed. After careful listening, he heard nothing out of the ordinary.
The young man bought some marinated dishes from the restaurant, then headed to a liquor shop to buy some Huadiao wine—a rather expensive choice, so he only bought one pound, just enough to enjoy himself.
After purchasing these items and some utensils for eating, he left the city to meet up with everyone by the river.
Chu Tang had followed him the whole way without discovering any clues. There was no need to rush; patience was key when waiting for a slip-up.
When the young man returned to the riverbank, Chu Tang did the same.
“Today was lucky, got a lot of good stuff,” the young man said as he set his purchases on a rock, even returning the leftover silver to Chu Tang.
Chen Er, sniffing the air, excitedly picked up the wine jug, “Huadiao wine?”
The young man smiled, “How about that? I treat you well, right?”
Everyone in the border army loved Huadiao wine, but it was pricey, and not many could afford it.
“Excellent, it couldn’t be better,” Chen Er exclaimed, happier than if he had gotten married.
Seeing Chen Er so happy, Chen Yi couldn’t help but smile too. His younger brother’s dream of eating barbecue and drinking Huadiao wine was finally realized, thanks to Brother Chu.
Chen Er eagerly asked everyone, “Can I have a little taste first?”
“Go ahead,” the young man smiled.
Chen Er filled four cups with Huadiao wine, first handing one to Chu Tang, “Brother Chu, you paid for it, you should drink first.”
Chu Tang took the cup, smelled the wine, and appreciated its rich aroma, “There’s a reason why it’s expensive.”
After sipping, Chen Er felt a wave of contentment wash over him, “You’re right, the cheap stuff really isn’t as good as the expensive ones, though that’s not always the case, but the good stuff is definitely pricey.”
Chu Tang nodded and smiled, “You make a good point.”
As the others discussed how enticing the wine was, the young man approached with a cup, took a sip, and then approached Chu Tang, “Brother Chu, you’re worldly and wise, could you help me clear up a question?”
He asked calmly, though inwardly he was frantic. If he couldn’t explain by evening why Chu Tang hadn’t been poisoned by the food he had eaten, he was doomed.
Chu Tang arched an eyebrow, “Go ahead.”
Trying to hide his inner panic, the young man asked, “Why do some people get drunk from drinking while others don’t?”
Chu Tang guessed the deeper meaning behind his question. After a moment, he understood it was about why he hadn’t been affected by the poisoned food.
Chu Tang thought carefully before answering seriously, “Everyone’s body is different, so reactions to the same substance vary. For example, I’m a doctor. My master raised me among various herbs and poisons from a young age, so my body has adapted to different toxins. That’s why even if I consume deadly poison, it won’t affect me.”
So that was it. It was surprising that the person in front of him was not only a doctor but one immune to poisons.
Having gotten the answers he sought, the young man felt relieved. He looked at Chu Tang’s wine cup, “Let me pour you some more.”
Chu Tang declined, “Drinking too much can lead to trouble; one cup is enough.”
The young man admired Chu Tang’s restraint, “Brother Chu really knows how to control himself.”
Chu Tang smiled slightly, “If I didn’t, how could I become such a reliable subordinate of General Tang?”
The young man longed, “Yeah, my dream is to work under General Tang, but unfortunately, I’ve been stuck in this border army’s kitchen. It’s quite frustrating.”