Lu Qing's fingers tapped rhythmically on the account book Shen Xiang had brought, and after a moment of contemplation, he said to Shen Xiang, "You should go. Leave the account book behind.
You were never here tonight, and I have never seen you."
Hearing this, Shen Xiang looked up at Lu Qing, but the sinister golden mask made it impossible to discern the expression of the Imperial Censor opposite him. Even the tone of his voice provided no hint of his stance or intentions, leaving Shen Xiang momentarily uneasy, unsure whether his daring late-night venture was a gamble won or if he had stepped into another protective network of officials. The determination he felt when revealing the collusion between Li Wencai and Lu's instantly faded by more than half.
"Go on, don't delay any longer." Lu Qing waved his hand, urging Shen Xiang to leave.
