Chapter 287: Is the Weight of These Two Enough? (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 287. Are These Two Worth the Trouble? (Seeking Monthly Votes)

Eye contact familiar?

What kind of feature is that?

As Luo Yuxue, the number of people he encountered daily within the Spring Rain Building was no small matter.

To seek out a single individual based on "eye contact," not to mention that he had once found Lü Jiān with his own voice.

Saying something like "fishing a needle from the sea" would not be an overstatement.

Chen Yi thought for a moment, "Be more specific."

Though Luo Yuxue felt helpless, she also wished to know who would deliberately send someone to Bright Moon Tower to find Ashuo Tài.

"The young man, lean and thin, his gestures and bearing carried a slight scholarly air, his martial arts prowess quite mediocre."

"His eyes."

"...Very distinctive. What kind of eyes were they? He... I didn't even see his eyebrows, and I only caught a glimpse for a moment."

Chen Yi secretly rolled his eyes, "Is that old servant the same?"

Luo Yuxue clasped her hands in front of her, her tone tinged with dissatisfaction and a touch of resentment: "They looked quite similar in appearance."

"Where did they go after leaving?"

"Westward."

Chen Yi nodded, "Eastward."

"No, not exactly, that is..."

Luo Yuxue was about to correct him, then suddenly realized, "Do you mean they took a detour?"

Chen Yi, while pondering the identities of those two people, replied irritably: "When you do such sneaky business, you also lead people astray in other directions."

Luo Yuxue angrily scolded herself, feeling mocked by that brute Liu Wu.

Though her initial thoughts weren't entirely wrong—she had assumed those two were evil cultists from the Black Fangs Alley in West Market.

Upon careful consideration, Liu Wu wasn't wrong after all.

Evil cultists were indeed skilled at hiding their identities and forms, though their martial arts prowess was no joke.

The old and young ones seen during the day were quite mediocre in martial arts.

But for a major deal like seeking the "Prince of the Wild Tribes," worth a fortune, they usually brought some hardened men.

Just like the "client" who came to Bright Moon Tower proposing the "Burn Summer Grain in Three Towns" scheme—the Ji Zhou Trading House.

"Even if you exclude them being in the east of Spring Rain Building, could you deduce their identity?"

Upon hearing this, Cui Qingwu also looked at Chen Yi, smiling: "Lord Dragon Spear, she doesn't believe you, but I do."

She had indeed not believed Liu Wu's competence to overturn the heavens.

But after seeing Lin Zhengghong and others arrive in person, she had confirmed this man's martial arts were formidable, and his mind was no ordinary person's.

Luo Yuxue opened her mouth, glanced at him with a disapproving eye, and held her tongue.

Chen Yi looked at the two of them, seemingly unfazed by their quarrel, and said thoughtfully:

"Indeed, there is one person worth suspicion."

"But if it truly is him, then he... seems to have reached a dead end."

"Go on."

"Lord Dragon Spear, please tell us."

"Liu Hong."

Luo Yuxue and Cui Qingwu were taken aback, "Liu Hong?"

"He..."

Luo Yuxue was about to object, when a familiar gaze suddenly flashed in her mind, and her face showed a moment of surprise.

"It's him, truly him!"

Upon her confirmation, Chen Yi's face showed a slight smile.

He probably knew why Liu Hong had come here—likely to meet Du Cang, he must have come for that reason.

A threat.

And forcing Liu Hong to find Ashuo Tài within a deadline.

As for the reason...

Either the Wild Tribes had gone to the Tea and Horse Road, issuing a final demand to those bandits.

Or it was the King of Lan Tu wanting to use Ashuo Tài to gain the Wild Tribes' support, so he could lead an army to the border to avenge Lü Jiān.

In any case, the pressure now fell squarely on Liu Hong.

After all, who had lost Ashuo Tài?

Chen Yi's mind flashed with these thoughts, and curiosity arose within him.

—What exactly had Liu Hong, the governor of Shu Zhou, done to the Wild Tribes and the troublesome Kingdom of Po Si to make him fear enough to take such a risky venture to Bright Moon Tower?

Luo Yuxue noticed his silence, and could not help but speak up: "Do you know something?"

"Why would Liu Hong come here?"

"Why does he want to find Ashuo Tài?"

Based on the information she had received earlier from Jianging, it was not difficult to guess that Liu Hong was hiding quite deeply.

Not only did he cultivate private soldiers, but he might also have dealings with the Kingdom of Po Si.

But Ashuo Tài was the son of the left king of the Wild Tribes, Mu Ha Ge, and not someone from the Kingdom of Po Si.

"Could it be... he intends to help King Lan Tu find Ashuo Tài?"

Chen Yi thought for a moment and said: "It's possible."

"You remember that I mentioned earlier Du Cang had met Liu Hong? I believe that day Du Cang must have threatened him to find out where Ashuo Tài was."

"Du Cang..."

Luo Yuxue felt a little relieved, "If so, then his reason for coming to Bright Moon Tower makes sense."

After all, the Wild Tribes were no less a threat to the current major power of the Dà Wèi dynasty than King Lan Tu, and they couldn't afford any mistakes.

Chen Yi noticed this, and didn't continue discussing Liu Hong's connection to the Wild Tribes, instead saying:

"Regardless of his purpose, it doesn't affect our cooperation."

"The most important thing now is to first eliminate those from Ji Zhou Trading House."

Cui Qingwu had been waiting for this sentence, "Tell us, how do you want to set a trap for those grain merchants?"

After learning of Lin Zhengghong and others' intentions, and having prior knowledge of Chen Yi's "major scheme," she had vaguely guessed Chen Yi's plan.

—Before pretending to be from the Kingdom of Po Si and the Wild Tribes, the grain had to be returned to those few grain merchants.

Thus could Ji Zhou Commercial Bank suffer a grievous loss.

Otherwise, under the present circumstances, the handful of grain banks under Ji Zhou's control would at most eke out a modest profit.

They had not touched their very foundation.

Chen Yi smiled faintly, "Releasing someone to act as their informant would suffice."

Then he turned to Cui Qingwu, continuing, "At that time, you must see to it, Cui Nü, that no mercy is shown."

Qingwu could not suppress a rare smile, "You've already had their heads pressed beneath the carving knife—how could I possibly be in any doubt?"

Meanwhile, Lou Yu Xue, observing the two's banter, had long been concerned about Liu Hong's affairs.

"Enough chatter. I must now seek Luan Fu Da Ren."

But before she could rise and leave the chamber, a soft knock came from the door.

"News, my lord—Luan Fu Da Ren requests an audience."

Lou Yu Xue raised an eyebrow slightly, replying, "Wait a moment—I'll go at once."

To her surprise, the person outside hesitated, "My lord, Luan Fu Da Ren wishes to see Luo Feng Da Ren regarding matters of state."

"……"

Lou Yu Xue's face shifted in an instant, then she sank back into her seat.

Though Qingwu found the exchange amusing, thinking of Luan Fu, she too was not entirely pleased.

After a moment's thought, she rose and walked toward the door.

"Seems I must report these matters to Luan Fu Da Ren myself."

Lou Yu Xue could not help but remind her, "Especially concerning Liu Hong."

Qingwu glanced back at her, "Are there any other matters besides these?"

The moment the words fell, she turned her gaze to Chen Yi, a hint of ambiguity in her expression.

"Oh~ any business concerning the 'Long Spear' lord?"

"Unexpectedly, Luo Feng Da Ren is so unapproachable. The 'Long Spear' lord has just earned your favor, yet you would betray him?"

Lou Yu Xue remained unmoved, haughtily declaring, "This is what I discussed with Luan Fu Da Ren."

"So… you care more for the 'Long Spear' lord?"

"You!?"

"Hahaha…"

When Qingwu saw her anger flaring, she smiled and turned away, exiting the chamber with the messenger.

Once the room fell utterly silent, Chen Yi glanced at the uneven rise and fall of Lou Yu Xue's chest, then smiled, "In that case, I'll take my leave."

"Wait."

"Hmm?"

Facing Chen Yi's gaze, Lou Yu Xue mumbled hesitantly, "That Du Cangxi is too formidable—you, be careful."

Chen Yi nodded with a smile, "Thanks for your concern, Mistress Tiger."

"But this matter should be handled jointly by your White Tiger Guard and me, yes? Or perhaps you never intended to act?"

Lou Yu Xue's face flushed, turning away, "My cultivation is too low—if I were to act, it would have to be Luan Fu Da Ren who steps forward."

"He would do."

Though he said so, Chen Yi had never truly expected the White Tiger Guard to genuinely ally with him.

A full performance, a complete act.

He had to face Du Cangxi eventually.

After a few casual words.

Chen Yi rose and departed.

The chamber fell into complete quietude.

Lou Yu Xue sat unmoving, staring at the oil lamp on the table, as though unaware of Chen Yi's departure.

Her thoughts were in a state of unspoken worry.

She had raised the matter of "Suppressing Du Cangxi," yet now felt a twinge of concern.

"Hope his martial arts are stronger."

"Du Cangxi… too dangerous to kill."

Without needing her reminder, Chen Yi himself understood Du Cangxi's strength was no minor feat.

A man capable of becoming the left and right pillars of the Lan Du Kingdom, training the savage Wei soldiers—he would not sit idly by.

Perhaps he had already visited the burial site he'd arranged for Du Cangxi, clearing it in advance.

Thinking this, Chen Yi let out a hearty laugh, "Five days… hoping he can wait until then."

Originally, he had been confident—once Du Cangxi learned of his plan, he would choose to remain in Shu Zhou.

But due to the fools in Ji Zhou Commercial Bank who'd preemptively supplied grain to Qingwu, his plan had to be altered.

"Never mind. For now, keeping Liu Jin Nan alive might prove useful later."

Chen Yi glanced at the dark clouds overhead, then darted toward a mansion in the western streets of Chengdu.

"Then we'd better send that Asuo Tae away first!"

……

About a minute later, Qingwu arrived at the western market, as usual, instructing her son to wait outside Cloud Clear Pavilion.

She herself went alone to the tailor shop.

Luan Fu, just as he had met Lou Yu Xue last time, stood at the entrance to greet her.

They exchanged greetings.

The two entered the quiet chamber deep within the tailor shop.

Qingwu sat calmly on the stool, her voice steady as she recounted the events within the Chun Yue Lou.

"'Long Spear' Liu Wu has already agreed to my request from the White Tiger Guard, hoping to lure Du Cangxi to the banks of Chi Shui River within five days."

Luan Fu listened without surprise, smiling and nodding, "Seems your relations with Mistress Tiger have improved of late."

Qingwu's expression remained unchanged, "My lord, only jest—I and Mistress Tiger are both White Tiger Guard silver-flag officers; of course we'd cooperate."

Luan Fu let out a hollow laugh, but said no more.

Could he deny this "collegial affection" any longer?

Qingwu continued, "Second matter—Liu Hong, dressed in civilian garb, visited Ming Yue Lou today."

Xing Tingshan looked at her with a mixture of surprise: "Liu Hong? He personally went to Mingyue Tower? For what reason?"

"He wants to entrust Mingyue Tower with finding 'the Barbarian Prince' Asutai."

"He... because of the Lan Du King?"

Cui Qingwu hummed softly and calmly replied: "A female tiger would think the same way—saying you had previously hinted that Liu Hong harbored ill intentions and that he was in contact with the Lan Du King."

Xing Tingshan slightly nodded, asking: "And then?"

"And then... do you know why you summoned me tonight?"

When she heard Cui Qingwu speak this way, Xing Tingshan paused, realizing she had nothing else to report, and turned his gaze downward to ponder.

After a moment, he suddenly asked: "Do you want the Governor or the Du Commander?"

Cui Qingwu hesitated, clearly unprepared for such a vague question.

The Governor—could that be confirmed to refer to Liu Hong?

The Du Commander... and who was that?

Li Fu or Zhu Hao?

But what was Xing Tingshan asking her to choose between these two?

Cui Qingwu suppressed her confusion and asked: "I don’t understand what the gentleman is saying."

Xing Tingshan fixed his gaze on her, a faint smile playing on his lips: "Do you remember the question I asked you last time?"

"I remember—you asked me the purpose of my visit to Shu Zhou."

"If the gentleman brings up old matters again, I’ll have to excuse myself."

"Not yet, not yet."

Seeing this, Xing Tingshan waved his hand: "Your purpose isn’t hard to guess."

Cui Qingwu instinctively furrowed her brows, her face showing a touch of irritation.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Are you hitting me?"

Xing Tingshan smiled and shook his head, no longer holding back: "What if I told you our purposes are the same?"

When she heard this, Cui Qingwu’s face nearly flickered with surprise, calmly saying: "I don’t understand what the gentleman is saying."

Seeing she wouldn’t reveal anything, Xing Tingshan didn’t press further, instead explaining the earlier questions:

"Right now, within Shu Zhou, Elder Hou is hiding at Xiao’s residence, Xiao Jinghong is staying silent in Wuyan, and the Cishi’s official Tang Daoren is also very low-key.

Except for them, the officials among our White Tiger Guard who hold the evidence of crimes include Liu Hong and the Du Commander Zhu Hao.

These two individuals—do they carry enough weight?"

Upon hearing this, Cui Qingwu’s eyes flickered with some doubt.

She hadn’t expected Xing Tingshan to truly know the reason for her visit to Shu Zhou.

Though she had never intended to conceal it, she had never told anyone either.

Not even the deal she’d made in secret with the Wolf Xiao Dongchen had been disclosed.

How did Xing Tingshan know?

And why did he say their purposes were the same?

Could he...

No, could the White Tiger Guard also be seeking Cloudpan Elder Brother’s promotion?

Cui Qingwu’s heart was full of questions, but seeing Xing Tingshan’s commanding presence, she answered first: "The Du Commander Zhu Hao."

If she knew the White Tiger Guard was plotting against Chen Cloudpan, she wouldn’t pretend ignorance.

Xing Tingshan had already guessed some of Cui Qingwu’s thoughts, nodded, and said: "As I thought."

"Right now, he’s in the Governor’s office. If he gains the Emperor’s favor by uncovering evidence of his superiors’ crimes, it might hinder his future career."

When she heard him plainly mention Chen Cloudpan’s name, Cui Qingwu coldly asked: "Does the gentleman care to state plainly why the White Tiger Guard wishes to help... him?"

Xing Tingshan knew she’d ask this, so he shook his head and said: "You should understand the White Tiger Guard’s rules—even I can’t reveal certain secrets."

"I can only tell you this: He is also highly regarded by the Patriarch."

"The Patriarch... the gentleman?"

Cui Qingwu’s expression fluctuated, filled with confusion, surprise, and a hint of panic.

Since she joined the White Tiger Guard, she had heard countless tales of the Patriarch’s ruthless methods.

Whatever he wanted to accomplish, nothing failed to come to pass.

Anyone he sought to kill, none escaped.

Those who dared defy him or stood in his way never met a good end.

"He, why..."

Xing Tingshan raised his hand to stop her: "I advise you not to investigate."

"The Patriarch isn’t me. He won’t abandon his premeditated plans because of your connection to that young lord."

He paused, a smile on his face: "But don’t worry—the Patriarch won’t harm that young lord either."

Cui Qingwu looked at him, slightly bowing her head.

After a long silence, she extended her hand: "Give it here."

"What?!"

"Zhu Hao."

Regardless of how Xing Tingshan knew, the true purpose was clear—she intended to secure Zhu Hao’s evidence first.

Until she confirmed the Patriarch’s true intentions, she needed to help Chen Cloudpan rise swiftly.

Only then would she and Chen Cloudpan have a chance to face whatever troubles lay ahead!

(Chapter End)