HBWMA -Chapter 358 The Elusive “Ghost”

【Ding—】

【Warning! Due to malicious tampering with the storyline by a current character, the main plot has deviated severely. A new storyline chapter has now been regenerated for you.】

【Warning: Current main plot deviation: 51%.】

【Warning: To protect the integrity of the main storyline, once deviation exceeds 60%, the “Book Spirit Guardian Mode” will be activated.】

Book spirit?

Those two long-unheard words made Jiang Huashan feel as if she had been pulled back several years in an instant.

“Shanshan?”

She lowered her gaze to the brazier at her feet, the orange flames reflecting in her eyes.

Shen Jiao looked puzzled, though her smiling face carried a hint of concern. “What’s wrong?”

Jiang Huashan slowly came back to her senses and looked up. Inside Shen Garden, everyone was smiling—even Shen Qian appeared gentle and refined.

“What are you standing there for? Step over the fire basin—after that, you’ll have peace and safety, free from disasters.”

Before returning to the country, Shen Zhuang had specially signed the Twenty-One Agreements. To protect Jiang Huashan, he had even emphasized the Flower Sea Project. This one-of-a-kind treatment once again refreshed everyone in the Shen family’s understanding of just how favored Jiang Huashan was.

As soon as the international news broadcast ended, Shen Qian, Shen Yuan, Shen Che, and Shen Rang immediately rushed to the court to personally pick her up.

The sea of people outside the courthouse took a long time to disperse. In the end, what the reporters captured was the entire Shen family mobilizing to welcome the direct princess of Jingang Port home.

The group returned to the estate in a lively procession. The steward had long prepared a brazier and pomelo-leaf water according to Shen Qian’s instructions, creating a full sense of ceremony.

Jiang Huashan smiled faintly and lifted her leg, stepping over the licking flames.

Just as Shen Qian was about to speak, Shen Jiao cut him off. “Xiao Zhang, Shanshan’s been exhausted these past few days. Take her back to Chrysanthemum Garden to rest. The old master will be back tonight—if he sees his precious granddaughter worn down like this, we elders will surely get scolded again.”

Shen Qian’s expression shifted slightly, but he smiled lightly. “Now that you’re home, there’s no need to dwell on the past. Go back and recuperate well.”

Jiang Huashan didn’t refuse. She swept her gaze across everyone present. “Thank you, uncles, for your concern.”

After some polite words, she turned and followed Zhang Ru back to Chrysanthemum Garden.

Shen Qian maintained the demeanor of a respected elder. “It’s been a long time since our family sat together for tea and a chat. Since today is such a coincidence, let’s gather.”

Fu Sui’er was about to follow when Shen Mianzhi pulled her toward Spring Garden.

“Why are you stopping me?”

Fu Sui’er glanced back toward the corridor, where Shen Qian was already leading everyone toward the main hall.

Shen Mianzhi said, “Grandfather will be back tonight. There are still many doubts about what happened in court today. Eldest Uncle and the others must have things to discuss.”

Fu Sui’er frowned. “All the more reason for me to listen in.”

Shen Mianzhi paused, her gaze following the group ahead. “Sui’er… only if there’s a place for us. Eldest Uncle isn’t Grandfather.”

Fu Sui’er froze and turned to look at her. Shen Mianzhi forced a smile, lowering her head. “Don’t you think so?”

People always said the daughters of the Shen family were noble, but aside from Shen Zhuang, the second branch treated them as nothing more than tools for political marriages.

Fu Sui’er turned her head again toward the main hall. The Twelve Flower Gods wooden doors had already been firmly shut from the inside.

No one cared whether they were absent.

Shen Mianzhi turned her wheelchair around. “There will be a day… one day we’ll walk in there openly.”

Inside the main hall, the fragrance of tea filled the air.

Shen Qian sat at the head seat. “A-Jiao, why was Shanshan’s defense in court completely different from what we discussed beforehand? If you changed the plan, shouldn’t you have informed us brothers first?”

Shen Jiao couldn’t be bothered with him. She simply smiled and took a sip of tea.

Seeing her silence, Shen Qian turned to Shen Lanxi. “Lanxi, don’t blame your uncle for nagging. Your father’s Golden Gun honor is extremely precious. One misstep could tarnish his lifetime reputation. Before making such decisions, you should have consulted us.”

Shen Jiao set down her teacup and shot Shen Qian a sideways glance. Who was he putting on a show for? Wasn’t he just worried that Shen Lanxi’s actions were meant to win over the third branch?

“Lanxi—”

Before she could continue, Shen Lanxi spoke calmly, “Uncle is right. However, I already called Grandfather about it.”

Although Shen Qingyu had hung up on him, the procedure had still been followed.

“…”

At those words, the four people across from him froze in varying degrees.

Within the Shen family, Shen Xi’s status was unshakable. Back then, it was precisely because the family had produced a once-in-a-generation genius that the old master retired early to pave the way for him.

After Shen Xi’s death, the old master was devastated. No one could persuade him otherwise. He withdrew from worldly affairs and lived alone in Shen Garden for two years.

No one had expected that now, just to protect Jiang Huashan, he would even gamble with the honor of his legitimate son.

Shen Qian’s expression shifted slightly. Come to think of it, the old master’s first trip out after two years had been to Huaicheng.

At the time, everyone in the Shen family thought he had finally moved on. No one expected him to suddenly bring back a girl.

Ever since Jiang Huashan arrived at Shen Garden, the old master had slowly begun to smile again, gradually stepping out of Shen Xi’s shadow. The Shen family, too, had recovered from its decline.

Suddenly thinking of something, a dark glint flashed in Shen Qian’s eyes.

Fortunately, that adoption statement hadn’t been made public yet. Otherwise, he might have walked straight into danger.

Sensing the tense atmosphere, Shen Che quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “We’re all doing this for the Shen family. Now that Shanshan has safely returned, it can be considered living up to expectations.”

“Hah?” Shen Jiao sneered. “Living up to expectations? I think someone here must be very disappointed, don’t you?”

Shen Yuan frowned. “A-Jiao, what exactly are you implying with that tone?”

“What do I mean? I should be asking what you mean. Aside from the lawyer, only a few of us knew the pre-trial defense strategy. Yet today, the prosecution clearly came prepared—they had already grasped our line of defense. Don’t you think that’s a bit too coincidental?”

Shen Rang’s expression turned serious. “You’re saying there’s a mole?”

Shen Guiling raised his eyes and swept his gaze across everyone.

Shen Che’s gaze shifted toward the second branch. “A-Jiao, you can’t make such accusations lightly. Do you have evidence?”

Meeting his gaze, Shen Yuan’s eyes sharpened. “Fourth Brother, where are you looking? What—are you from the third branch trying to pick a fight with us second branch while Grandfather isn’t here?”

Bang—

Shen Qian slammed the table. “Enough! What ‘second branch’ and ‘third branch’? It’s one thing for gossip reporters outside to write such nonsense, but why are you saying it yourselves? I’ve told you countless times—we are one family. Stop using such divisive language.”

If they acknowledged distinctions between main and side branches, wouldn’t that mean the eldest branch would forever stand above them?

Shen Yuan’s face darkened. “One family? I doubt others see it that way. Now there’s even talk of a mole. With Father about to return, someone’s clearly trying to stir trouble.”

After pondering for a moment, Shen Qian turned back to Shen Jiao. “Do you have evidence? You said it yourself—the defense materials were compiled by the lawyers. You hired a team of over a hundred people. With profit at stake, it’s inevitable someone might be tempted. Why suspect your own family instead of outsiders?”

Shen Jiao said, “Since I dared to invite those hundred people, I dare to trust them. Like you said, profit comes first—no one in the entire Jinggang can offer a price higher than mine. As for you… that’s another story.”

Shen Yuan was furious. “And you’re suspecting us based on just that?”

Of course, that wasn’t the only reason.

Back at the detention center, Shen Jiao had once asked Jiang Huashan why she insisted on defending herself. Jiang Huashan didn’t explain, only said she wanted to make a bet—that on the day of the trial, the prosecution would definitely strike first and wouldn’t give her the chance to follow her prepared defense.

Shen Jiao immediately understood. Jiang Huashan’s insistence on self-defense meant she didn’t trust the people around her. Yet she had told Shen Jiao everything, which meant the only person she truly trusted was her—her mother.

So Shen Jiao secretly began investigating all the lawyers, even preparing several fake defense statements in advance as bait.

Today, the moment the prosecution presented their accusations in court, Shen Jiao realized Jiang Huashan’s concerns were not unfounded—there really was a mole among them.

And the leaked material was the first version of the defense statement, which meant the hundred-person team could temporarily be ruled out.

However, Shen Jiao had no intention of explaining all this. She didn’t want anyone turning their suspicion toward Jiang Huashan.

Seeing her silent, Shen Che leaned over and asked quietly, “Have you checked those lawyers?”

Shen Jiao’s gaze steadied. She shook her head. “No.”

“Heh!” Shen Yuan sneered. “Not checking outsiders first, but suspecting your own people instead.”

Shen Rang said, “Cut the sarcasm. I’ll investigate this matter and give everyone an explanation.”

“An explanation? To whom?” Shen Yuan shot back. “Maybe you’re the mole. If you’re the one investigating, who would believe your results? If anyone’s going to investigate, it should be me. Don’t go pinning this mess on us.”

“Enough!” Shen Qian’s face darkened. “With the old master absent, are you all planning a rebellion?”

The room fell silent at once, though hostile glances lingered.

Shen Lanxi, uninvolved, calmly sipped his tea.

Shen Qian looked at him. “Lanxi, what do you think?”

Shen Lanxi replied evenly, “Second Uncle said something right—everything requires evidence.”

Shen Yuan’s expression turned awkward. He had said so much, and only one sentence was acknowledged?

“Today’s trial indeed had many suspicious points. If Huashan had followed her prepared defense, the Shen family would certainly have been implicated. So the person behind this must be found.”

Shen Lanxi was the only heir of the main branch and personally appointed by the old master. With him speaking, no one could object.

Shen Yuan said, “What’s there to doubt? The problem must be with those lawyers. We’re all Shen—if something happens to the family, we all suffer. Who would do something so stupid?”

Shen Jiao said, “Unless someone has already made perfect preparations.”

Shen Qian frowned. “We’re all part of the Shen family. What kind of ‘perfect preparation’ could bypass the Shen family itself?”

As soon as he finished speaking, almost everyone’s phone rang at the same time.

Ringtones and vibrations overlapped. Before anyone could react, the tightly shut huashen wood doors were suddenly slammed open.

Shen Mianzhi rushed into the living room, out of breath. “Something big has happened!”

Shen Rang quickly helped her steady herself. “Zhizhi, don’t panic. Take it slow.”

With a complicated expression, Shen Mianzhi looked at Shen Qian. “Jinggang Current Affairs just released a statement saying the Shen family has severed ties with Huashan. It says… she was never entered into the family registry and isn’t a Shen at all. The statement is… signed by Eldest Uncle.”

Shen Lanxi froze briefly, a sharp glint flashing through his eyes as he looked at Shen Qian.

Shen Qian’s temples throbbed. He turned to Shen Guiling beside him, who looked equally shocked and subtly shook his head.

Their exchange didn’t escape the others. Shen Jiao instantly exploded in anger, pointing at Shen Qian. “The old master isn’t even dead yet, and you—a mere concubine’s son—dare to issue statements on behalf of the Shen family? Shen Qian, have you gone too far?!”

Shen Qian had wanted to explain, but her words were too harsh. Accustomed to getting his way, he couldn’t swallow the insult. He sneered coldly, “I don’t care to argue with you. The old master will be back tonight—this isn’t your place to meddle.”

With that, he turned and left the main hall.

Shen Guiling followed, glancing at Shen Lanxi before hurrying after him.

“Dad.”

Once outside, Shen Qian’s killing intent could no longer be contained. Turning past the courtyard wall, he kicked Shen Guiling hard in the stomach.

“Explain yourself! What is going on? Didn’t I tell you to stay at the trial and only release the statement if there was no chance of winning?”

Shen Guiling dropped to one knee, face pale, clutching his abdomen. “Dad, I really did withdraw the statement. I don’t know why this happened…”

“Useless. Just as I thought—unfit for anything important.” Shen Qian’s gaze was icy as he left him behind and exited the Shen residence alone.

After he left, Shen Guiling slowly stood up, expressionless.

Outside Shen Garden, Shen Qian immediately called Mo Ran. He had to find out who was behind all this.

The Shen family’s statement quickly sparked heated discussion. Jiang Huashan’s suspicion had already been cleared, yet the Shen family chose this moment to cut ties—it seemed cold and heartless.

But soon, the topic was forcibly suppressed. Even Jinggang Current Affairs, which had published the statement, suddenly fell silent.

Before the public could process it, another bombshell exploded outside Jinggang Court.

A hundred victimized girls had hidden among the crowd celebrating Jiang Huashan’s acquittal. The moment Judge Gongyi Hui stepped out, they surged forward, each holding a complaint, crying out, “Please, righteous mother, save us!”

This real-life scene of petitioners blocking a judge’s path spread nationwide in an instant.

In the harsh winter, amid troubled times, a new round of struggle had begun.

In an interview, Gongyi Hui stated that the court had accepted the case. Due to its complexity and wide implications, a special task force had been formed, though evidence collection remained difficult and required more victims to come forward.

Finally, she bowed deeply to the camera. “Children, so that the blood of those who came before you is not shed in vain, please be brave and step forward.”

Her hair was already gray at the temples, her body frail with age—but her gaze was as resolute as a youth’s.

Watching the frozen image on the television, Shen Qian knew—the Su family had made their move.

The Fu family had colluded with the Church, using its influence to “train” certain individuals for the upper elite and reap enormous profits. Once exposed, not only the Fu family but many top decision-makers in Country A would be dragged down. He hadn’t expected the Su family to be the first to step forward.

At that moment, Mo Ran called.

“Sir, the young master did withdraw the statement after the not-guilty verdict, just as instructed. It was the chief editor of Jinggang Current Affairs, Wen Yonghe, who privately released it.”

“Where is he?”

Shen Qian’s voice was icy. He had personally vetted both the publication and the liaison before letting Shen Guiling handle it. If the problem lay with the person, then it wasn’t Shen Guiling’s incompetence—it was his own failure.

Mo Ran replied, “Wen Yonghe boarded a flight five hours ago and has already left Jinggang. I also found that two million was suddenly transferred into his account.”

“Bring him back.”

“Sorry, sir. It’s too late. The flight he was on encountered an air crash. None of the passengers survived.”

Shen Qian hung up and looked out the window, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

It seemed… the Shen family truly had a mole.