Chapter 445: Rat Catching

Chapter 445: The Cat and Mouse

In the heart of Osaka Castle, late at night, the thrill of desire was at its peak. Guards stationed at the entrance of the ‘Temple of the Immortal Flower’ leaned in, their hands gripping a piece of cloth tightly, exhaling thick, foul-smelling smoke into the air.

This small amount of Five Stone Powder had the power to induce dizziness, enough to keep them awake through the long night.

This wasn’t just about duty; the safety of Osaka Castle itself felt like paradise during this period.

Back in the past, the diligent guards of Osaka had suddenly changed their ways. Like a sudden choke on a large piece of Five Stone Powder, they were sweeping every street without pause. Not just the usual gangs, but even those peddling forbidden goods were being removed from the city out of the shadows.

Even the street cleaners, who usually shuffled along, had been forced to clear away fallen autumn leaves, their work now meticulously tidy. Even the small vendors selling harmless trinkets had vanished, their stalls stripped bare.

The street management office, responsible for the city’s cleanliness, was tasked with clearing the streets. The ground itself was scrubbed, its leaves and debris removed. The air was thick with the scent of old, sweaty bodies and the faint aroma of incense.

Anxious and desperate, Zhang Yuxi was the regular customer here. Hailing from the Jiangnan region, he relied on his reputation and the prestige of his family’s status to gain trust. He had come to Osaka specifically to discuss the development of ‘Five Stone Powder’—a lucrative industry that would soon bring him recognition.

But today, his plans were shattered. He had arranged to meet a distinguished guest from the Jinhu family, a prominent official in the Imperial Court, to discuss the production of Five Stone Powder. However, just as they were about to begin, the meeting was abruptly canceled.

The man who spoke suddenly vanished into a dreamlike haze, leaving them confused and angry. His tone was firm, and he refused to give any explanation. Even when Zhang Yuxi suggested rescheduling, the man simply shook his head and refused.

This left Zhang Yuxi not only financially ruined but also humiliated in front of the Imperial Court’s officials. He had already spent all his time preparing for this encounter, and now he was left with nothing but the bitter taste of failure.

“You’ll drain the blood of the people, and wear their shoulders. These courtiers will soon be blown away by the wind, and that’s what you want!” he spat, his voice echoing with fury.

With that, Zhang Yuxi was left with no choice but to retreat home, muttering bitter words about becoming a humble craftsman.

The air was thick with the scent of incense and the distant sounds of music. The Imperial Court had meticulously decorated the ‘Temple of the Immortal Flower’ in the style of the capital, with red and green banners adorning every corner. The soft glow of red lanterns cast a warm light, and the gentle hum of lanterns filled the air.

Music played—a specially cultivated performance by a troupe of performers. The melodies were smooth and soothing, weaving a sense of elegance and mystery.

Dance was also present, with women in transparent, lightweight robes moving gracefully on the stage. Their flowing garments danced across the floor, and the rhythmic sway of their skirts was interrupted by the shimmering red lights above, casting golden highlights on their faces.

There was song, too—songs crafted to be the perfect accompaniment to the performance.

But the scene was not just about beauty; it was also a test of skill. The guards, dressed in elegant attire, performed checks and identity verifications with precision, their expressions unreadable.

This was the scene Zhang Yuxi had come to navigate—his fate hanging in the balance.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, dressed in a way that mirrored the elegant ‘Yangzhou Slender Horse’ from the capital. His presence was like a storm breaking through the calm.

His eyes gleamed with an otherworldly intensity, and his voice was sharp with authority.

“What is this knife?” he demanded.

“You’re late,” she replied, her tone calm but firm. “What are you asking for?”

He leaned closer, his gaze piercing. “This blade is mine. I’ve been waiting for this moment.”

Before he could respond, the man vanished again, leaving Zhang Yuxi stunned.

“You think Osaka has such refined tastes?” she mused, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.

Even in her disguise, Zhang Yuxi could sense the raw, unrefined energy of the Five Stone Powder beneath the polished exterior. It was clear she had something to prove.

Her voice cut through the tension. “You’re not just a courtier. You’re a master of this game.”

With a flick of her wrist, she revealed a small, gleaming dagger.

Zhang Yuxi stood, his face flushed with anger. “What do you want?!”

The man’s face hardened. “I want you to understand—this is my destiny. You’ll pay for it.”

She took his hand, her grip firm. “Then let’s see what you’re made of.”

With that, she turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Zhang Yuxi to face the consequences of his misstep.

The night air wrapped around him like a heavy cloak, carrying with it the scent of incense and the echo of unspoken threats.

And in the shadows, a single thought lingered in his mind:

“No matter how hard I try, I’ll find a way to reclaim my dignity.”

But for now, all he could do was watch, waiting for the next twist in this intricate game of power and survival.

A token was placed into his hands by a woman.

“Look closely, see it clearly.”

Tang Yu was stiff as a tree, his breath shallow, his confused gaze slowly sharpening.

The beast took the first breath, the bronze plaque on its side, the shifting digits on its sides—special anti-counterfeiting marks, yet also the key to the eternal dream of the Ministry of Military Affairs.

Every detail matched the rumors.

Seeing this, Tang Yu’s heart had cooled to ashes, yet his eyes remained fixed on the characters carved into the plaque.

The dog-eared cloak of the City of Yanyang!!

Tang Yu felt as though he were struck by lightning, his body trembling violently, his pupils narrowing and widening in a fleeting flash. Suddenly, his posture collapsed backward.

“You dare defy me? You’ll die!”

“Hm?”

Tang Yu’s face turned pale as he let out a long, guttural cry, straining to pull himself upright with the strength of his waist.

“My sword, look at it! It’s beautiful!”

“Beautiful.”

Tang Yu wept, voice breaking, “If you have eyes as sharp as the mountains, you must be clever people.”

“Great Shaoxing Temple, you’ll surely burn this foolish bandit’s lair!”

The woman lifted her face, smirking, then stepped forward, holding a single hand in a grip that could crush him.

“Are you not the master of the key? Let me remake it for you.”

The woman smiled, eyes glinting like flowers, “Come on, you’ll learn.”