Once, I wanted to be a good person-Chapter 677 - 156. Late-Night Investigation into the Mortality-Shedding Stage (7000 words, asking for monthly votes!) _2
Council Member Huang smiled and raised his cup to have a sip of tea.
Seeing Council Member Huang finish his tea, Fang Ze seized the moment and asked, "Uncle Huang, you mentioned earlier that I could ask you anything I don't understand. I do have a question and I'd like your advice on it."
"Today, I originally planned to visit you and the other twelve council members. But since time was on my side, I also made appointments with Council Member Zhang and Council Member Wang. But to be honest, apart from you, I didn't gain much."
"So I'd like to ask you to enlighten me. Tomorrow, which council members should I see first to gain more insights?"
The reason Fang Ze asked this question was similar to how werewolves speak in the game of Werewolf. Logically speaking, in response to such a question, the werewolf would unconsciously mix in one or two of their comrades.
One reason is that if they are not exposed, it can help gain more trust and benefit their organization.
Secondly, members of these secretive organizations, no matter how well-composed, are always extremely cautious. They might always fear the risk of exposure. So, when faced with choices, to avoid being captured in one fell swoop, they usually divide their comrades into groups to disperse the risk.
That's why Fang Ze used this question to test Council Member Huang.
Sure enough, upon hearing Fang Ze's question, Council Member Huang fell into deep thought.
He seemed to be genuinely considering how to allocate his comrades, or perhaps he was genuinely thinking about whom Fang Ze should meet.
After a moment, he came back to his senses, then smiled and said, "My dear nephew, I understand what you mean. You actually want to know which council members have old ties with the Si Family and which ones are more likely to support you."
Seeing Fang Ze nod, Council Member Huang said, "But... you also know that council members, living in their positions, more or less wear masks in life. So I can't be certain of everyone's true attitude towards the Si Family and you."
Seeing Fang Ze about to speak, Council Member Huang raised his hand and said with a smile, "However, although I can't give you specific names, I can give you some directions."
"Back then, the main sphere of influence of your Si Family was the Federal Defense Team. Check to see which of the sixty council members served in the Federal Defense Team ten years ago. These council members might have old ties with the Si Family."
"Additionally, you can also dig around to see which members served in the Security Bureau or the Investigation Bureau ten years ago. These two departments cooperated frequently with the Federal Defense Team and may have some connections."
Hearing Council Member Huang's words, Fang Ze pretended to suddenly realize and nodded. But in reality, he was secretly amused: Just as he thought, faced with such a dilemma, even an old fox like Council Member Huang couldn't avoid making the same mistake...
On the surface, Council Member Huang's words were flawless and very reasonable. After all, those who were promoted by the Si Family or had cooperation and connections with the Si Family would indeed be more likely to support Fang Ze.
And he didn't give specific names, only provided a scope, making it seem as though he had no personal interest and genuinely cared about Fang Ze, earning his trust.
However, on deeper reflection, a significant issue arises: The downfall of the Si Family was a wide-reaching event, and many who cooperated with the Si Family back then were investigated. The vassals and subordinates of the Si Family either perished or were captured. Only those with conflicts with the Si Family, like Hu Shan and Councilor Jia, survived.
So, those who remained in these three departments to this day are mostly not aligned with the Si Family!
In contrast, those in other departments, who had no vested interests in the Si Family but only personal connections, would have been unaffected by the Si Family's downfall and might, ten years later, extend a helping hand to Fang Ze out of old personal friendships. A prime example is Aunt Jin.
Hence, Council Member Huang's direction was completely wrong. This indicates two things: One, he might genuinely not know who has goodwill towards the Si Family but still wanted to answer the question. Two, in the scope he delineated, there were likely his comrades...
Thinking of this, Fang Ze also silently decided to verify these people tomorrow, to see if he could catch another old rat. Of course, if they could get a specific list while investigating Council Member Huang tonight, it would be even better...
With this in mind, Fang Ze continued to engage in feigned cordial conversation with Council Member Huang.
They chatted for over 40 minutes, then the butler came up to report that the appetizers were ready. Council Member Huang smiled and led the three of them to the table. As for the others, separate arrangements were made.
Following Council Member Huang to the dining room, they saw precious paintings hanging on the walls and sets of luxurious precious metal dining utensils on the table. The Xida State, with its long history, had a very complex cuisine, with each set of utensils having seven or eight pieces just for style.
Foll𝑜w current novels on fɾēewebnσveℓ.com.
After Bai Zhi and Bai Ling sat down, Fang Ze glanced at the strange dining utensils on the table and remarked with a smile, "I grew up in a lower-tier city. This is my first time having such a formal dinner. I don't even recognize all of these utensils. If I use the wrong one later, don't laugh at me."
Hearing Fang Ze's words, Bai Zhi paused her adept placement of the napkin, then looked at Fang Ze and whispered, "Don't worry, I'm here. I'll guide you from the side."
Perhaps hearing their conversation, Council Member Huang, who had just sat down, looked slightly startled. Then, he laughed heartily twice and said, "Looks like I'm not the only one who finds these utensils troublesome."
