Chapter 954: A Hint

Editor: Henyee Translations

Tang Jinghong said, “You shouldn’t join the army just yet; it’s too dangerous. However, if you truly wish to serve, you can do so in secret for me.”

Xi Yuanjie bowed, “I am willing. Please assign me a task, General.”

Tang Jinghong instructed, “Previously, you were looking for the locations where the Yun Organization cultivates poppies and their drug production sites. Continue with this task, and once the eastern border issue is resolved, I will reward you accordingly.”

Xi Yuanjie responded, “I will do my utmost to complete the task.”

“Here’s a tip for you,” Chu Qingzhi interjected, “Within the Yun Organization, the person responsible for locating cultivation sites is Wen Changyuan. He should have a list of locations, which you could steal.”

Xi Yuanjie’s eyes lit up, “Yes, that seems straightforward enough.”

Chu Qingzhi cautioned, “It’s not that simple. The Yun Organization is tightly knit; infiltrating and stealing from them will be extremely difficult, and you might get caught without realizing.”

Xi Yuanjie confidently declared, “I can definitely steal it.”

Chu Qingzhi suggested, “When you attempt the theft, have your companions ready to assist you. If you get caught, let me know. I won’t mind pulling you out.”

Xi Yuanjie was momentarily lost for words…

Tang Jinghong, wanting some time alone with Chu Qingzhi, dismissed Xi Yuanjie. Now alone, he asked her, “Hungry? Shall we go grab something to eat?”

Chu Qingzhi gladly accepted, “Sure, let’s head to the night market. I also have something to discuss with you.”

Curious, Tang Jinghong inquired, “What’s that?”

“We can talk as we walk.” Along the way, Chu Qingzhi revealed how she had killed the entire boat of people, including the crown prince of the eastern border.

Tang Jinghong was profoundly shocked, noting how casually Chu Qingzhi treated killing, almost as if it were as mundane as having a meal. Moreover, she had directly eliminated the crown prince, “Li Hongjin was the most favored son of the King of the eastern border. His death is going to drive the king mad.”

“Did he value his eldest son the most?” Chu Qingzhi asked.

Tang Jinghong explained, “The King of the eastern border is quite stubborn, advocating the primacy of the firstborn son. Li Hongjin, being the eldest and legitimate son, was naturally seen as his successor. His mother is the queen, and her family is powerful, making the crown prince the perfect candidate.”

Chu Qingzhi scratched her forehead, having inadvertently crushed the king’s hopes. “Well, he’ll just have to choose another son.”

“That’s all that can be done now,” Tang Jinghong agreed. Those who commit injustices will eventually bring about their own downfall; they never imagined they would encounter Chu Qingzhi.

Taking Tang Jinghong’s hand, Chu Qingzhi suggested, “Stop worrying about it; let’s go eat. It’s on me. What would you like? The most expensive dish?”

Tang Jinghong smiled, “Sure, let’s ask around and choose the most expensive place.”

…

At the Shangyun stronghold, a subordinate reported, “Sir, all major opium dens in the city have been sealed off. The ‘divine ointment’ is now stored in a warehouse by the river. Should we attempt to retrieve it?”

The Left Emissary emitted a chilling aura, “If Tang Jinghong has stored the items by the river, he’s either heavily guarded it or set traps, or likely both. Can we really take it back?”

The subordinate was at a loss, “Please advise, sir.”

After a moment, the Left Emissary set down his tea cup, “Where is Tang Jinghong now?”

The subordinate reported, “General Tang has left the camp, but those tracking him were killed; his current location is unknown.”

“Fools!” the Left Emissary slammed his fist on the table.

Bowing deeply, the subordinate waited for further instructions.

The Left Emissary paused, then ordered, “Hold our forces for now.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Has Chu Tang’s background been thoroughly investigated?” the Left Emissary inquired next.

The subordinate responded anxiously, “Chu Tang moves without a trace. Our people always get discovered by him; they end up either knocked out or dead. We can’t even begin to track him.”

Slightly perturbed, the Left Emissary commanded, “Summon Hong Feiyun here.”

“Yes, sir.”

When Hong Feiyun, already asleep, was brought before him, he was both irritable and fearful, knowing the Left Emissary’s ruthlessness had led to countless deaths. With Chu Tang not at the base, his life was hanging by a thread.

“Greetings, Sir,” Hong Feiyun said cautiously.

“Do you know why I’ve called you here?”

“I’m unsure, please enlighten me, Sir,” Hong Feiyun responded.

The Left Emissary scrutinized him, sensing something different about Hong Feiyun. He inspected him closely; Hong Feiyun wasn’t wearing a mask, he wasn’t an impostor. “Where did you find Chu Tang?”

Hong Feiyun, though nervous about the sudden question regarding Chu Tang, replied as they had prepared. “At the Yuelai Inn in Linzhang City. There was a serious illness outbreak there, and Chu Tang appeared and saved a man with just a silver needle.”

The Left Emissary looked skeptical. “With such high medical and martial skills, why would he listen to you?”

Hong Feiyun explained, “Years ago, before I joined the Yun Organization, I saved a destitute Chu Tang. Out of gratitude, he agreed to my request.”

After a moment of silence, the Left Emissary continued, “Where did he learn his skills? Where does he come from?”

Hong Feiyun shook his head, “I don’t know these details. I was just focused on curing my master’s leg condition. I didn’t inquire further, and he might not have told me even if I had asked.”

Dismissing him, the Left Emissary waved his hand, “Don’t mention today’s questioning to Chu Tang. You may leave.”

“Yes, Sir,” Hong Feiyun replied, relieved to be dismissed.

As soon as he left, the Left Emissary ordered another subordinate, “Verify everything Hong Feiyun has said.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Turning his tea cup thoughtfully, the Left Emissary pondered Red’s answers. They were seamless, yet he suspected Hong Feiyun might also be compromised. “Bring someone.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Follow Hong Feiyun closely. Report immediately if anything unusual occurs,” the Left Emissary commanded.

“Yes, Sir.”

Looking out at the moon, the Left Emissary thought, if he discovers deception under his watch, he would make sure they understood the consequences.

…

“Back already?” Chu Tang’s voice echoed in the darkness.

Startled, Hong Feiyun asked, “Why are you in my room? When did you get back?”

“Just now. I saw you were out, so I waited,” Chu Tang said, facing Red. “Were you called by the Left Emissary?”

“Yes, he was asking about you,” Hong Feiyun said as he sat down.

“Shh!” Chu Tang made a silencing gesture and swiftly flew out the window, returning shortly with a knocked-out person.

“What’s this?” Hong Feiyun hesitated.

“It’s clear,” Chu Qingzhi returned to her seat. “The Left Emissary doesn’t trust you; this was his spy.”

“Were there any flaws in my behavior?” Red anxiously recalled the interaction, confident in his performance.

“No, you didn’t slip up. The Left Emissary wouldn’t trust you anyway,” Chu Qingzhi reassured him.

“What do we do now?” Hong Feiyun worriedly asked.

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