Chapter 16: The Man in Black Robe—Designated Scapegoat

In the Gongsun family hall, Gongsun Xiong was leisurely making tea while enjoying a shoulder massage from a beautiful woman behind him. Despite his relaxed demeanor, it was clear that he was aware of the commotion happening outside.

The Gongsun, Mu, and Bai families were the three major families in Tianxuan City, with the Mu family holding dominance over the others. Recently, the Dawn Chamber of Commerce, which had emerged from outside a few years ago, had developed rapidly and was now on par with these three families.

Gongsun Xiong had six sons. His eldest son had been managing family affairs for years, while the second son was preoccupied with his own interests. The third son, Gongsun Zan, was uneducated and obsessed with beauty; the fourth and fifth sons were traveling abroad, and the youngest was still immature. Among them, Gongsun Zan was the one Gongsun Xiong disliked the most, yet he still felt a sense of obligation towards him.

Suddenly, a subordinate rushed into the hall, visibly anxious. "O-Master... Something has happened to Master Gongsun Zan!" he exclaimed.

Gongsun Xiong immediately straightened, his expression shifting to one of concern. The subordinate continued, "During a raid on the Chen family today, Master Gongsun Zan got into a conflict while trying to attack the eldest lady of the Chen family... and was killed."

Gongsun Xiong's eyes narrowed, his voice deepening with anger. "Is there anyone in Tianxuan City who dares to attack someone from my Gongsun family?" Despite Gongsun Zan's shortcomings, he was still Gongsun Xiong's flesh and blood, and his death would be a significant affront to the family. "Have you found out who did it?"

"Yes, it's Mu Zhian from the Mu family!" the subordinate replied.

The mention of Mu Zhian, the only heir of the Mu family, caused Gongsun Xiong's anger to subside somewhat. He understood that the Mu family's reputation often tempered his rage. "Tell me the whole story," he commanded solemnly.

As the servant recounted the events that had unfolded in Tianxuan City, Gongsun Xiong found himself less furious than expected. He waved his hand dismissively, signaling the subordinate to leave.

The beautiful woman behind him gently squeezed his shoulders and whispered, "Master, the Mu family has been arrogant for so long, and now they dare to attack Zan'er... This shows they don't take our Gongsun family seriously."

Gongsun Xiong shook his head, dismissing her opinion. "You should know the power of the Mu family in Tianxuan City, right?" he asked. The woman nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Then do you think it is easy to cover up the murder of Zan'er with the Mu family's influence? Even if we wanted to investigate, it would be a challenge. How could they kill someone in the morning and have everyone in the city know about it by the afternoon? Do you think the Mu family would be so careless?"

The woman's eyes widened slightly as she considered his words. "Then what do you mean...?" she asked.

"Someone is trying to frame the Mu family," Gongsun Xiong replied firmly. "It could be the Bai family, the Dawn Chamber of Commerce, or even smaller families and factions. Although Mu Zhian is known for his love of beauty, he is not foolish enough to provoke our family without reason."

"My master's analysis is thorough," the woman complimented, to which Gongsun Xiong snorted coldly. "Regardless of the Mu family's involvement, I intend to extract some benefits from them this time."

Just then, a servant burst into the hall, announcing, "Master, Master Mu is outside asking for a meeting."

Gongsun Xiong raised an eyebrow, surprised. "This incident just happened today. How dare Mu Zhian come here?" The woman shared his astonishment; the news of Gongsun Zan's murder had just spread, and Mu Zhian's boldness was shocking.

After a moment of contemplation, Gongsun Xiong instructed, "Invite him in."

A short while later, Mu Zhian entered the hall, guided by the servants. He greeted Gongsun Xiong respectfully, "Uncle Gongsun, I apologize for disturbing your rest at this late hour."

Gongsun Xiong smiled gently. "Nephew Mu, your visit must be important, right?"

No matter what Mu Zhian had to say next, Gongsun Xiong intended to ensure that the Mu family would have to yield something, regardless of their actual involvement in Gongsun Zan's death.

Mu Zhian nodded, glancing at the maids nearby. "I have something important to discuss, but I would appreciate it if you could ask others to leave first."

Gongsun Xiong raised his hand slightly, signaling for everyone to exit. "You can leave too," he said to the beautiful woman.

Once they were alone, Gongsun Xiong gestured for Mu Zhian to sit. "Nephew Mu, please have a seat."

Mu Zhian took a sip of tea and stated, "Uncle, you must have heard the rumors circulating outside."

Gongsun Xiong nodded, feigning sorrow. "I just received the news. I never expected my son to die in the Chen family's mansion."

Sighing, he looked at Mu Zhian with sincerity. "I trust you, nephew. Although you and Zan'er were not close, our families have always had a good relationship. You are not the kind of person to act recklessly."

Mu Zhian couldn't help but internally critique Gongsun Xiong's performance, which would impress many modern actors. He sighed in agreement, "I regret not having the chance to befriend Young Master Gongsun Zan while he was alive."

After exchanging a few more words, Gongsun Xiong sensed it was time to steer the conversation toward benefits. However, Mu Zhian suddenly lowered his voice, saying, "Uncle, there are external forces infiltrating Tianxuan City."

Gongsun Xiong raised an eyebrow in surprise. Mu Zhian continued, "I did see Young Master Gongsun Zan today, but I was not the one who killed him. It was a monk who came from outside."

Gongsun Xiong shook his head skeptically. "Nephew Mu, if you think you can deceive me with such tales, you underestimate my intelligence."

Mu Zhian smiled faintly. "I understand you may not believe me now, but I assure you, once you see him for yourself, you will."

Gongsun Xiong frowned, contemplating Mu Zhian's words. "Are you saying an external force came in and killed Zan'er?"

Mu Zhian nodded firmly. Gongsun Xiong stared into his eyes, deep in thought. "Is there any evidence?"

"I invite you to my house this evening," Mu Zhian replied. "But you must conceal your aura. Only then will you understand the truth."