Chapter 464: Chapter 276: Special Envoy

Faced with such a grim situation, Fang Yue showed not the slightest sign of panic.

This was not his concern. As the Director of the Observatory stationed in Gongzhou Prefecture, suppressing the rebellion was the responsibility of the Gongzhou Mansion Master and the local garrison.

It had absolutely nothing to do with him.

If the city were to fall, escaping with his power would not be difficult.

The night deepened, and the candlelight in the study flickered, as if it too could feel the tense atmosphere outside. Fang Yue remained seated at his desk, his gaze firm and profound. It was as if he could maintain his inner peace no matter how chaotic the world outside became.

Suddenly, a flurry of hurried footsteps shattered the study’s tranquility. A messenger in a tight-fitting robe burst in, his face etched with anxiety.

"Lord Director, urgent intelligence!" the messenger said, gasping for breath as he handed over a sealed letter with both hands.

Fang Yue raised an eyebrow slightly, took the letter, and quickly broke the seal. His eyes swept across the paper, his expression gradually turning grave.

"My good nephew Fang Yue, the Mansion Master of Gongzhou Prefecture has been derelict in his duties, colluding with the Shadow Association and committing evil. He will soon be arrested and brought to justice. In light of the current situation in Gongzhou Prefecture, someone at court has recommended you to concurrently serve as the Mansion Master of Gongzhou Prefecture. The letter of appointment is already on its way. There may be a conspiracy in this. Be careful."

The letter was from Hui Hengwu, Steward of the Observatory’s Merit Room. It was primarily a warning to Fang Yue about the potential risks and challenges this position entailed. Fang Yue took a deep breath, placed the letter on the desk, and fell into deep thought.

He understood that this appointment was not a simple promotion, but a test—or perhaps even a conspiracy targeting him.

The position of Gongzhou’s Mansion Master was now a hot potato; whoever took it would likely get burned.

However, he was also aware that if he refused the appointment, his opponents would likely have other moves prepared.

So, whether he accepted or refused, he was already caught in his enemy’s scheme.

Fang Yue felt an invisible pressure gradually closing in on him.

He understood that he had been swept into an intricate power game. Whether he accepted or refused this appointment, he would face unknown risks and challenges.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil in his heart.

He knew that the most important thing now was to remain calm and clear-headed in order to make the wisest choice.

He picked up the letter from the desk again and read it carefully. The mention of a "conspiracy" made him frown.

He understood that this appointment might hide deeper secrets and more complex power struggles.

Fang Yue contemplated his next move.

He knew he couldn’t passively wait for things to unfold. He had to take the initiative, seize more information and resources, and secure an advantageous position for the struggles to come.

’Hmph. Whether I take this Mansion Master position or not, I’m likely to be schemed against. Once that letter of appointment enters Gongzhou Prefecture City, I’ll lose the initiative.’

’So, the best solution is to intercept that letter of appointment!’

Fang Yue’s heart hardened, and he immediately decided to intercept the appointment letter.

However, he also knew that acting within Gongzhou Prefecture was too risky; his opponents would easily detect him.

Therefore, he decided to leave Gongzhou Prefecture quietly and intercept the special envoy’s retinue himself.

Under the cover of night, Fang Yue changed into a tight-fitting black robe and slipped silently out of his study.

~~~~~~

「Meanwhile.」

「On the official road to Gongzhou Prefecture.」

A dozen or so guards wearing red-and-black brocade and riding Dragon-Scale Horses escorted a middle-aged man, galloping toward Gongzhou Prefecture.

"My lord, why are we in such a rush? We’ve been riding day and night. Even the Dragon-Scale Horses can barely take it anymore."

This middle-aged man was the special envoy sent by the imperial court, the Third Master of the Duke Wei’s Family, Wei Jinzhong.

He shook his head, his expression grave. "This mission is critical. It concerns the future of Gongzhou Prefecture, so we cannot afford the slightest delay. We must deliver the letter of appointment as quickly as possible to prevent any complications."

He was keenly aware of the appointment letter’s importance and even more so of the responsibility he shouldered.

This letter of appointment was the very weapon that would nail Fang Yue’s coffin shut in Gongzhou Prefecture.

If there were delays on the road, wouldn’t it jeopardize the family’s grand plan?

As a core figure of the Duke Wei’s Family, Wei Jinzhong knew the court’s power struggles like the back of his hand.

He knew that this appointment of Gongzhou’s Mansion Master involved the schemes and contests of multiple factions.

And Fang Yue, as the Director of the Observatory in Gongzhou Prefecture, was undoubtedly an important pawn in this game.

Although Fang Yue held a transcendent status within Gongzhou Prefecture, Wei Jinzhong knew he was not without weaknesses. As long as one controlled enough information and resources, one could play him like a puppet.

This appointment, for example. The Wei Family had paid a considerable price to make it happen. As soon as the appointment was delivered, Fang Yue would have no choice but to defend Gongzhou Prefecture City to the death.

And when that time came, what awaited Fang Yue would inevitably be the fall of the city and his own death.

If Fang Yue dared to flee, he would be branded a traitor. He would then be wanted throughout the Great Wei dynasty, and death would be his only end!

At this thought, a cunning glint flashed in Wei Jinzhong’s eyes.

He turned to the guard beside him and said, "Pass down the order: speed up! We must reach Gongzhou Prefecture before dawn!"

The guards’ spirits lifted at his words, and they responded in unison.

Then, they spurred their Dragon-Scale Horses, accelerating forward.

Dust billowed on the official road in the dark of night, the sound of the Dragon-Scale Horses’ hooves urgent and powerful.

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