Chapter 14: Morning Investigations
As the sun rose over the horizon, casting its golden light over rooftops, Su Tianhao slowly stirred from his peaceful sleep, disturbed by the persistent sounds of commotion filtering through his windows.
"What is all that noise?" he murmured, sitting up and stretching his small frame before sliding off the massive bed.
Curiosity drew him forward, his bare feet padding across the cool, polished wooden floor toward the balcony. His golden eyes narrowed as he took in the scene below—Su family guards were moving with unusual urgency through the courtyards, while groups of unfamiliar warriors gathered near the compound's massive entrance gates.
'Something definitely happened,' he concluded, his analytical mind working.
Rather than linger, he retreated to his private bathing chamber. The warm water helped clear the last vestiges of sleep as he weighed the possible explanations for such a sudden influx of guests.
After drying himself, he selected a fresh set of azure robes—fine silk garments that felt luxurious against his skin. Normally, it would be Xie Ling's duty to assist him with his morning routine, but Su Tianhao had insisted on maintaining his independence. She had protested initially, but his gentle persistence had eventually won her grudging acceptance.
Standing before the polished bronze mirror, he carefully arranged his long black hair and secured it with an elegant silk cord. His reflection showed a boy who looked increasingly comfortable in noble surroundings, though his eyes retained the sharp, street-hardened intelligence of his past.
Satisfied, he had barely finished adjusting his belt when two gentle knocks sounded at his door.
"Come in, Ling Ling," he called warmly.
Xie Ling entered with her customary grace, her eyes immediately surveying him with a maternal assessment. "You look quite presentable, Young Master. I see you've already managed your preparations."
"I told you I can take care of myself," Su Tianhao replied with a playful pout that made him seem his actual age.
Xie Ling's laughter was warm and cheerful. "You've adapted to this life with remarkable speed."
But Su Tianhao's expression shifted abruptly. The childlike playfulness vanished, replaced by a serious mask. The transformation was startling—like watching a veteran strategist settle into the body of a child.
"Young Master?" Xie Ling's demeanor grew concerned. "What troubles you?"
"Has something happened within the family?" Su Tianhao asked directly.
Now that he had begun accepting his place here, he felt an urgent need to understand everything affecting the family. To be kept in the dark felt too much like the vulnerability of his street days.
"Ah, so that's it," Xie Ling said with visible relief. "It's nothing alarming—the family is recruiting cultivators of the Martial Core Realm and above to escort our next trade caravan to Windfall City."
"Windfall City," Su Tianhao repeated thoughtfully, his brow furrowing as he scanned his mental map. "Isn't that one of Longzhou Country's most prosperous commercial centers? Where the regional Merchant Guild and Alchemy Guild maintain their branch headquarters?"
Xie Ling blinked in surprise. "You know about Windfall City?"
Su Tianhao smiled sheepishly. "I read about it yesterday in the library. I'm trying to understand the region's geography."
"But that raises questions," Su Tianhao continued, his analytical nature asserting itself. "Windfall City isn't particularly distant. Why would the family suddenly need to hire external guards? Don't we have sufficient protection among our own experts?"
His question drew Xie Ling from her thoughts. She hesitated before responding. "You're right to find it strange. The family normally handles such routes with our own security. There must be... special circumstances."
'There is definitely something significant behind this,' Su Tianhao thought, tapping his chin rhythmically.
Xie Ling couldn't help but smile at the sight. "Don't overthink yourself into a headache, Young Master. Come, sit while I fetch your breakfast."
Su Tianhao nodded and settled onto his bed, but his mind remained active. 'The family wouldn't make such an expensive decision for no reason. Hiring external guards for a standard route means something has gone wrong—something serious.'
As Xie Ling departed, his eyes brightened with sudden clarity. "I'll visit Uncle Yuan after breakfast," he decided aloud. "He'll have the answers."
---
Several minutes later, Xie Ling returned bearing a tray of covered dishes. She was relieved to see that Su Tianhao had already arranged the small dining table.
"What culinary delights await me today?" he asked, rubbing his palms together.
"Discover for yourself," Xie Ling replied with mock severity.
Su Tianhao lifted the cover and was instantly greeted by a sweet, comforting aroma that filled the room.
"Rice porridge and steamed buns!" His face lit up. "Master Sanbao truly understands the art of breakfast."
He ate with relish, and within minutes, only empty plates remained.
"Absolutely delicious," he declared, sliding from his seat with renewed energy. "Now, I'm ready to tackle the day's mysteries."
"Where are you going, Young Master?"
"The library," Su Tianhao announced. "I want to consult with Uncle Yuan about this recruitment."
Xie Ling blinked, stunned. "Can't that wait? You have the entire day ahead of you."
"No, I want to go now," Su Tianhao insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument. "If something is affecting our family's security, I need to understand it."
"Young Master, you're still a child—you shouldn't burden yourself with these concerns—"
But before she could finish, Su Tianhao had already darted past her and out the door, the latch clicking shut behind him.
Xie Ling stood alone in the quiet chamber, shaking her head. "That boy," she murmured. "He's going to keep us all on our toes."
In the corridor, Su Tianhao's footsteps echoed with purpose. Knowledge had always been his most reliable weapon—and in this new world of silk and shadows, that principle remained as true as ever.
He moved through the corridors with purposeful strides, his mind already sharpening the questions he intended to pose to Uncle Yuan. Along the way, he encountered various servants going about their morning duties. Some offered warm greetings with genuine smiles—clearly, word of his adoption had spread favorably among those who valued the Patriarch's favor. Others, however, pointedly ignored him or offered casual nods, their eyes cold with skepticism toward the "orphan boy" who had suddenly risen above their station.
Su Tianhao acknowledged the friendly waves but paid no mind to the cold shoulders. Having survived years on the streets, he understood that respect wasn't a gift—it was earned through time and results.
The library doors stood open. Through the entrance, he saw Su Yuan in his customary chair, absorbed in a thick, age-worn volume. The Fifth Elder's scholarly aura remained as pronounced as ever, creating an atmosphere of quiet contemplation that Su Tianhao found deeply appealing.
"Uncle Yuan!" he called respectfully as he entered, offering a deep bow.
"Ah, little Tian!" Su Yuan looked up with a spark of pleasure, setting aside his book. "You're here quite early. Your appetite for knowledge is admirable."
Despite having known the boy for only a day, the Fifth Elder had developed a genuine fondness for him. Few children showed such dedication to learning, especially when the distractions of luxury were finally within their reach.
"You flatter me, Uncle," Su Tianhao replied modestly, though the satisfied smile on his face betrayed his pride.
Su Yuan caught the expression and chuckled. "What particular curiosity brings your brilliant young mind to me this morning?"
Su Tianhao's manner shifted to serious focus. "Uncle Yuan, I noticed the family is hiring external guards for the Windfall City route. From what I read yesterday, Windfall isn't particularly distant. Doesn't our Su family maintain sufficient forces for routine trade? This seems... defensive."
Su Yuan smiled knowingly, almost as if he had already anticipated this. "Don't concern yourself too deeply, little Tian. We're simply dealing with some troublesome bandits—nothing truly major."
However, Su Tianhao refused to accept the dismissive tone. His golden eyes narrowed. "It's not that simple. What kind of bandits would dare target a great clan directly? Our regular guards are at least in the Martial Adept Realm. How could 'troublesome' bandits pose a threat to them?"
Su Yuan's eyebrows rose in genuine surprise. "I may have underestimated your deductive abilities. You're right—the situation is considerably more complex."
His expression grew solemn. "According to survivor reports, this bandit group includes approximately five Martial Core Realm experts, and their leader has reached the 1st Level Martial Soul Realm."
"What?" Su Tianhao's shock was evident. "A Martial Soul Realm leader... that changes everything."
His mind raced through the implications. Experts of that level weren't desperate thieves; they were organized, high-level threats.
"I understand now," Su Tianhao said, his analysis crystallizing. "Rather than deploying our own Martial Soul experts, you're hiring outsiders because you suspect the reports might be underestimating the danger. You don't want to risk family assets in what might be a trap."
He paused, smiling ruefully. "Quite cunning. Whoever devised this strategy understands that pride is a poor shield."
"You—" Su Yuan stared at him in bewilderment. "How did you figure out the hidden logic so quickly?"
"Which logic specifically?" Su Tianhao asked with feigned innocence, though his eyes sparkled with clarity.
Su Yuan's scholarly composure cracked. "The strategic reasoning behind my proposal! Even the other Elders couldn't grasp the underlying calculations immediately."
Su Tianhao's smile turned sly. "So it was Uncle Yuan's plan that convinced the council?"
"Don't deflect," Su Yuan said, pride evident beneath his stern tone. "How did you see through it? I'm accustomed to analyzing others, not being analyzed myself."
"I simply observe what's in front of me," Su Tianhao replied cheerfully. "Sometimes the most complex strategies are obvious when viewed from the right angle."
Su Yuan snorted with mock indignation. "Don't become too cocky. Though I must admit, you truly should consider scholarly pursuits as your primary path."
Su Tianhao's expression grew slightly bitter. "We'll see what the future holds. For now, what is the plan? How many do you intend to hire?"
Su Yuan raised his hand with five fingers extended. "Ten total. Seven at the Martial Core Realm and three at the Martial Soul Realm."
Su Tianhao nodded. "With that level of protection, the bandits shouldn't pose a threat."
"Perhaps," Su Yuan replied cautiously. "But overconfidence has destroyed many well-laid plans. Now, since you're here, make yourself useful. Do you have a subject in mind?"
"Regional economics and professional hierarchies," Su Tianhao said. "I suspect I've only scratched the surface."
"Excellent choice. Follow me—I know exactly which scrolls you need."
---
While Su Tianhao immersed himself in economic treatises, outside the main residence a steady stream of people flowed into the Su family estate, all having come for one purpose—the recruitment.