The message delivered by the iron nail was as concise as before, but it got straight to the point, presenting the conspiracy of the three brothers, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, to Zhao Cheng.

"As expected, they've made a move." Zhao Cheng handed the message down for everyone to read.

Xiao Luomu was the first to finish reading, his face turning grim. He said, "They actually want to lure bandits into the city! How could they even think of that! If the bandits get out of control, it will cause a huge disaster!"

After looking at it, Xu An looked at Zhao Cheng and said, "You miscalculated this time. Guan Yi is no good either."

Zhao Cheng said, "This idea may not necessarily have been his."

Xu An said, "Even if it wasn't his idea, he agreed to it."

"I won't refute them, nor will I speak up for them. I'm just increasingly curious about what could possibly make those three come up with such a despicable trick to deal with me."

Zhao Cheng rubbed his fingers together and said in a deep voice, "What grudge or hatred?"

Xu An curled his lip and said, "Mountain bandits are nothing to fear. We'll kill as many as they come!"

Zhao Cheng said, "Young Marquis has hired top-notch experts as bodyguards, so he speaks with more confidence."

"Of course!" Xu An patted his chest and said, "I'm just afraid they won't come. If they don't encounter any danger, wouldn't all my money have been wasted?"

As he spoke, Xu An suddenly thought of something and said, "Why don't we take Zhao Wu and Guard Heng with us and take the initiative to go up the mountain to wipe out the bandits!"

Xu An became more and more excited as he spoke, looking at everyone and laughing, "Isn't my idea brilliant?!"

Xiao Luomu thought about it seriously and said, "I think it's feasible, but I need to add one more condition: please ask Guan Yi to send troops to reinforce us!"

Xu An paused for a moment, then burst into laughter, pointing at Xiao Luomu and saying, "If we're talking about being sarcastic, you're really shrewd! They want to team up with bandits to attack us, but we're asking them to help suppress the bandits first. Guan Yi will probably vomit blood when he hears our request!"

Xiao Luomu asked, "Young Prime Minister, what do you think?"

After he finished speaking, everyone looked at Zhao Cheng.

He's the one who has to make the final decision.

"The idea is good, but it's risky."

Zhao Cheng first affirmed, then denied, and stood up, saying, "If Guan Yi suddenly turns against us during the bandit suppression, we'll be in big trouble. I have Zhao Wu and Heng Wenhao by my side, so I won't be in too much danger, but the others won't be."

Xiao Luomu asked doubtfully, "Does Guan Yi dare to attack us? I might as well let it go, but the young prime minister and the young marquis have such high status..."

Zhao Cheng shook his head and said, "They've even come up with a way to lure bandits into the city, what else are they incapable of doing?"

Xiao Luomu fell silent; he knew Zhao Cheng was right.

“Xu An is right, we still have to go up the mountain, but not to suppress bandits,” Zhao Cheng continued, “but to discuss business.”

"Talk business?" Xu An scratched his head, looking suspicious. "What kind of business can you talk about with bandits?"

Zhao Cheng said, "If they want to lure the bandits into the city, then I'll just go with the flow and take them in. The winery and warehouse will need guards after they're built, so I can give these bandits a chance to reform."

Xu An exclaimed in surprise, "Your perspective... is even more cunning than Chairman Xiao's!"

Zhao Cheng smiled and said, "Who would want to become an outlaw when they have a proper job?"

Xiao Luomu said, "I'm afraid the bandits will become greedy and steal from us."

“I know what I’m doing.” Zhao Cheng looked out the window and said, “As long as they’re willing to come, I have ways to keep them in check.”

Xiao Luomu thought for a moment and said, "Then there's no time to lose, I'll go up the mountain now."

"No, no, no, there's no need to trouble Brother Xiao with this matter. I'll go myself."

"That won't do! It's too dangerous!" Xiao Luomu immediately objected, looking like he was ready to take on any dangerous task.

Zhao Cheng was somewhat moved and said, "I will take Zhao Wu and Heng Wenhao with me, their safety will not be a problem. Besides, you need to stay in the city to keep Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei in check."

Xu An said, "Then bring all the guards I hired as well."

“No need, these guards will stay to protect you.” Zhao Cheng said confidently, “I will only take Zhao Wu and Heng Wenhao with me. I will also disguise myself as Brother Xiao’s subordinates.”

Xiao Luomu pondered for a moment, then said no more.

...

South of Lingshan.

The scenery is delightful.

The Lingshan where Zhao Cheng and Xiao Luofeng were located was the northern part of Lingshan, close to Qingdong City. Although both were part of Lingshan, this place was different from the location where the Battle of Lingshan took place.

There are countless villages of all sizes throughout the Lingshan area.

Somewhere on the mountainside, in an ordinary-looking village, Wang Mazi, wearing a long gown, was doing push-ups in the main hall.

"Ninety-seven, ninety-eight, ninety-nine..."

"The boss's men are here! The boss's men are here!!" Just as they were about to finish the hundredth, a man rushed in from outside.

Interrupted abruptly, Wang Mazi deflated in frustration. He failed for the hundredth time, and, panting, got up, yelling, "What? Someone's here? Can't you even speak properly?!"

"People are coming down the mountain, and it looks like they're coming for us!"

How many people?

"Three."

"What's the big deal if there are only three of you!" Wang Mazi glared at his subordinate and said, "Tell the second brother to go and bring them over!"

"yes!"

After his men left, a tall man dressed in thin clothes walked in.

Wang Mazi was taken aback for a moment and said, "Third brother, aren't you cold wearing so little?"

“I feel my cultivation has improved recently, so I deliberately wore less clothing to stimulate my potential.” He Laosan sat down in the seat below Wang Mazi and said, “There are only three people. Could they be Boss Zhang’s men?”

Wang Mazi walked towards the main seat and said, "Boss Zhang's people came just yesterday, so it shouldn't be him."

"Brother, don't worry. Whether they are friends or foes, the three of them can't cause any trouble. Although I haven't successfully broken through to the first-class level yet, no one below the first-class level is my match."

Wang Mazi nodded. He Laosan was the best fighter in the village and was extremely loyal to him. With him by his side, Wang Mazi was never afraid of anything.

"Mr. Ma, did you have a good time?" Wang Mazi sat down in the main seat.

He Laosan smiled and said, "I drank a bit too much last night, and I'm still asleep."

Wang Mazi said, "Boss Ma is my elder brother. It's a rare occasion for him to come, so we must make sure to entertain him well."

He Laosan nodded solemnly and said, "Don't worry, he is the eldest brother's eldest brother, I dare not slack off."

A short while later, a group of people led Zhao Cheng, Zhao Wu, and Heng Wenhao in.

Zhao Cheng disguised himself slightly, with a small mustache stuck to his lips and dressed simply, looking like a follower.

He glanced around the lobby and saw that the people who had brought them in were seated on chairs on either side, all staring at him with scrutinizing eyes.

Zhu Lao Er said, "Brother, they said they wanted to talk business with you, so they didn't kidnap anyone."

"Talking business?" Wang Mazi looked at Zhao Cheng with suspicion, then glanced at Zhao Wu and Heng Wenhao. He could clearly sense that Zhao Cheng had an extraordinary demeanor and should be the master.

"Who are you?" Wang Mazi asked.

Zhao Cheng smiled slightly, cupped his hands and said, "Xiao Cheng of the Xiao family of Qingdong."