I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

“Originally, when I lent money to Takashi, I was simply thinking of ‘sprinkling money into Edo Bay,’ without expecting anything in return.”

"Unexpectedly, Longzhi actually managed to turn things around thanks to the large sum of money I gave him."

"After a long period of infiltration into the casino, he found a money-grubbing cadre and successfully won him over with a money offensive."

"However... not long after, Takayuki fell ill and died."

"Whether Longzhi's sudden illness was due to fate or human intervention... I have no way of knowing."

After saying that, Ugaki Goro gave a bitter smile and sighed heavily.

As Ugaki Goro finished speaking, silence fell over the room.

Sanako and Souji turned their beautiful eyes to the side, staring directly at Aoto's back, waiting for Aoto's reaction.

Under the watchful eyes of the two women and Ugaki Goro, Aoto lowered his head and silently processed the information.

Today's trip to the "sunlight house" was truly rewarding.

Through Ugaki Goro, Aoto not only learned a large number of clues that could significantly advance the investigation into the "strange drug case," but also gained a deeper understanding of his "father," whom he had never met.

After a moment, Qing Deng let out a long breath and pressed on with the question:

"Mr. Ugaki, do you know the name and appearance of the Shimizu clan official that my father bribed?"

"How could I possibly know?"

Ugaki Goro shrugged.

“Longzhi wouldn’t even reveal the details of the case to me, so how could he possibly tell me who he bribed?”

At this point, Ugaki Goro seemed to recall something, paused for a moment, and then continued speaking.

"If you want to know more, go to Mount Kikyo in the western suburbs of Edo."

Kikyo Mountain—upon hearing this unheard-of place name, Qing Deng's brows furrowed slightly.

Ugaki Goro chuckled a few times.

"Do you know how much money 5000 taels of gold is? If you just put it on the ground, it's like a mountain of gold."

“It is inappropriate to keep such a huge sum of money, whose source and destination are difficult to explain, whether at home or in the magistrate’s office.”

"Therefore, Takayuki built a secret base on the top of Kikyō Mountain."

"He hid the 5000 taels of gold that I gave him in this secret hideout."

"Although it has such an impressive name as a 'secret stronghold,' it's really just an inconspicuous thatched hut."

"Although the place is mostly deserted now, if you have some free time later, you might as well take a stroll there. You might find something unexpected."

Upon hearing this, Qing Deng slowly muttered, as if savoring each word:

"Mount Kikyo in the western suburbs of Edo...?"

I've stumbled upon another very useful clue!

Qing Deng bowed slightly and spoke to Ugaki Goro in a sincere tone:

"Mr. Ugaki, thank you!"

*******

*******

Leopard originally intended to post another 8000+ words today...

What a pity... I've been writing until now, but I still haven't quite reached my goal... Damn it! (Leopard crying.jpg)

However, although it hasn't reached 8000+, it's still over 6000. Considering I'm still somewhat conscientious today, please vote for this book with a monthly ticket! Requesting monthly tickets! Requesting recommendation tickets! (Crying leopard head.jpg)

The recipient of Takayuki Tachibana's bribery—there were related foreshadowings in the previous text; I wonder if any readers can guess who Takayuki Tachibana's briber was?

Chapter 425 The Man Who Attracts Gay Men and the Man Who Vows to Remain Chaste to the Death [5200]

Edo, somewhere—

Snap, snap, snap, snap, snap, snap...

Amidst the rustling of wood, the distant sound of hurried footsteps could be heard.

Footsteps approaching from afar.

Nishino's eyelashes trembled slightly.

Then, he slowly opened his eyes.

The first thing that caught his eye was the unfamiliar ceiling, which he was still not used to, and the mesh wooden fence that confined him to the cramped space...

"What time is it now...?"

As Nishino muttered to himself, he subconsciously looked up at the sky.

"Ah... I almost forgot... I'm being held captive..."

Looking at the thick ceiling above him and the hard stone walls around him without even a window, Nishino's lips curled into a self-deprecating sneer.

While Nishino did not share the same deep-seated hatred for Western objects as some of the anti-foreign patriots, he still maintained a respectful but indifferent attitude.

Therefore, he did not purchase a Western watch, and still relied on the traditional method of observing the sky and listening to the chimes that would be heard in various parts of Edo every so often to tell the time.

However, to be honest, even if Nishino possessed Western clocks, it wouldn't have made a difference.

Before he was imprisoned, all his belongings, including his money bag, inro, and sword, were confiscated.

At present, Nishino is physically "penniless." He has nothing on him except his clothes.

With no light in the sky and the surrounding temperature remaining relatively constant, Nishino couldn't judge the passage of time based on the room temperature.

Fortunately, the ventilation is adequate, so even without windows, it doesn't feel stuffy.

Although Nishino did not know where he was being held, he deduced from the consistently constant temperature environment that he was being held in a place similar to a basement.

Snap! Snap! Snap! Snap! Snap! Snap!

The sudden sound of footsteps grew closer and louder.

—It's so noisy...

Nishino didn't care who the owner of the footsteps was or what they were there for.

He closed his eyes listlessly and continued to rest.

The footsteps continued, drew closer, and grew louder.

Before long, Nishino heard footsteps approaching his cell door and then freeze in place.

Even with his eyes closed, Nishino could feel the light in front of him dimming, and someone's shadow looming over him.

"Nishino-kun! Nishino-kun!"

A male voice I've never heard before...

Nishino remained unmoved.

He ignored the strange male voice calling him, kept his eyes closed, and pretended to be asleep.

But just then, a new male voice rang out from outside the cell door:

"Nishino-kun~~"

As soon as the man finished speaking, Nishino's eyebrows twitched.

The tone of his voice was drawn out for a long time... This was a way of speaking that Nishino would never forget for the rest of his life!

Nishino suddenly opened his eyes and stared intently ahead.

Two young men of similar age stood outside the prison gate.

Nishino had never met one of them.

As for the other person... Nishino is all too familiar with him.

The reason he was locked up in this dark and desolate place was all thanks to this person!

"My grandson...!"

Nishino clenched his fists, gritted his teeth, and words burst out one after another from between his clenched teeth.

"Great! You weren't asleep after all!"

My grandson's lips curled into a wide smile as he spoke.

"Nishino-kun, you look great! Seeing you so energetic puts my mind at ease."

"Thanks to you, I'm living like livestock now, eating and sleeping, sleeping and eating. How could my complexion not be good?"

Although Nishino's tone was calm, his words contained a sharp, sarcastic edge.

"Don't get so angry~"

My grandson spread his hands, looking helpless.

Nishino gave a strong, cold snort.

If looks could kill... my grandson's body has been pierced through by Nishino's gaze a thousand times over.

Suddenly, a gentle and refined male voice broke into the conversation between Nishino and my grandson.

"Alright, alright, calm down, calm down."

The young man standing next to my grandson clapped his hands twice.

Before my grandson spoke, the unfamiliar male voice that Nishino heard came from the young man.

Nishino turned his eyes to the side and carefully examined the other person.

This man was about 25 or 6 years old. He had regular features, sharp and bright eyes, and a tall and slender figure. Although he had a fair and clean face that was very popular among Taoists, his every move revealed a strong and capable masculine spirit.

Nishino deliberately asked in a rude tone:

Who are you?

Faced with Nishino's rude attitude, the young man was neither anxious nor annoyed.

He smiled elegantly, exuding a gentle and humble demeanor.