Hann Sui gazed at the two items in Sima Lang's hands with a look of puzzlement, while Ma Teng appeared utterly stunned. He finally understood why he had encountered Zhong Yao and why he had left Chang'an in such a peculiar manner.
"It seems General Ma has ascertained my identity. This jade pendant should be familiar to you—it is an item that belongs to the Emperor himself. During your time in Chang'an, you and General Hann must have seen it. As for this scroll, I believe you still recall Minister Zhong's words?" Sima Lang calmly handed the two objects to Ma Teng.
"Minister Zhong once said, 'This item was gifted to me by Middle Official Cai; it is his most treasured possession.' Furthermore, I accidentally left a fingerprint on it, which nearly led Minister Zhong to kill me. My swift return to Xiliang was only possible because Minister Zhong disliked me..." Ma Teng slowly lifted his head to look at Sima Lang, then turned over the bamboo slip which indeed bore his fingerprint.
