The person who had been talking about the "gift" panicked and instinctively retreated to the edge of the terrace.

With the information from Zheng Hongxiu, Li Zhi, Zhu Guoneng, and others, Zhao Cheng knew that Du Yucheng was deliberately playing the fool. He knew that Du Yucheng was looking for Ninth Master, but he didn't know that Ninth Master was actually Nine Fingers.

He deliberately went along with Du Yucheng's wishes, hoping to lure out this Ninth Master and, incidentally, wipe out the underground forces of Yanchuan City.

If Ninth Master dares to make a move, He Zhi and Heng Wenhao, who are hiding in the shadows, will lead the ambushing guards to teach him a lesson.

Although things were unexpected, they were still under control.

"What?!"

Zhao Cheng exclaimed in surprise, looking at Du Yucheng in astonishment, and said with heartache, "Chengdu, Yu Cen calls you brother, and I treat you like family. Why did you want to harm me?"

"You are General Anyuan of the imperial court, a general under General Wang, while I am just a retired imperial son-in-law. What grudge do you hold against me? Why do you want to kill me?"

"Is there some misunderstanding between us?"

"still……"

Zhao Cheng deliberately glanced at Yu Changsi and asked, "Were you coerced?"

Yu Changsi awkwardly took a sip of wine.

Du Yucheng no longer concealed his true intentions, angrily retorting, "Do I need to be coerced to kill you? Aren't the grudges outside Hongxiu Tower enough for me to kill you a hundred times over?!"

Zhao Cheng sighed, "So you still can't forget about eating shit..."

"Cough!" Wei You choked and spat out the half-chewed meat in his mouth.

A dog quickly came over and took away what Wei You had vomited.

Du Yucheng's face changed drastically, and he shouted, "Don't talk about eating shit again! Don't let me see any more dogs!! Get out of here!!!"

“Brother Chengdu…” Wang Yucen slowly stood up.

"Sister Yu Cen, don't go near him, he's gone mad," Zhao Cheng warned.

"Zhao Cheng, I'm going to kill you! I'm going to kill you!!" Du Yucheng roared angrily, then jumped off the balcony and ran wildly down the street.

Zhao Wu quickly came over and asked, "Should we have He Zhi arrest them?"

Zhao Cheng shook his head and said, "Let him go. Arresting criminals requires evidence. He didn't do anything, so I have no reason to arrest him. Besides, Du Yucheng is one of the Four Supreme Generals personally appointed by the Emperor, and he is also the son of a Zhongsan Dafu. This matter cannot be handled hastily. Lord Wei and Lord Lu both witnessed what happened today. I hope they will speak up for me when they return."

Wei You put down his chopsticks, seemingly having lost his appetite, and said, "We're all young people, full of vigor and hot-bloodedness. It's easy for us to clash. I'll talk to Lord Du Yu when I get back to the palace. Let's just treat it as children having a little fuss. There's no need for us to fight to the death."

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Lord Wei!"

"Alright, we've had our fill, I need to rest." Wei You stood up, and Zhao Cheng quickly took his arm, appearing extremely respectful.

Wei You smiled and said, "Your Highness, there's no need to treat me so kindly. I can't accept it!"

Zhao Cheng said solemnly, "In Yanchuan, you are an honored guest, so this is only right!"

"Old Xu, take Lord Wei to the club to listen to some music!"

"Okay!"

Wei You said, "I don't like noise..."

Zhao Cheng immediately interrupted, saying, "This club is not a brothel; it's a great place for health and wellness. A full-body massage will make you feel incredibly comfortable. Xu An will arrange everything for you; it won't be noisy at all."

"Hmm... alright then. I've heard that clubhouses are a specialty of Yanchuan City. As a subject, it's only right that I investigate them for His Majesty."

"please!"

Wei You left the table, and Lu Zhao and Yu Changsi followed suit.

A moment later, a fast horse stopped in front of the restaurant, and a soldier came up to report to Li Dai: "Prefect, General An Yuan is going to leave the city tonight!"

Li Dai glanced at Zhao Cheng and asked the soldiers, "How many men does he have?"

"Riding alone."

"Riding out of the city alone?"

Zhao Cheng said, "He's anxious and ashamed to stay in Yanchuan City any longer. He's suffered many setbacks in Yanchuan City and can't cause any more trouble for the time being. Senior brother, let him go."

Li Dai nodded and said, "Open the city gates and let them pass."

"yes!"

By this time, about half of the guests had left, but Li Guanyu was still sitting at each table with them. Zhao Cheng tapped on Wei You's seat next to him and said, "Xiao Jiu, sit down."

Nine Fingers looked flattered and sat down with trepidation.

"Someone, bring the wine." Zhao Cheng snapped his fingers, and immediately a beautiful woman came over to clear the dishes and pour wine for Nine Fingers.

Zhao Cheng smiled and said, "You went out of your way to keep Du Yu in Chengdu, because you want to work for me?"

Nine Fingers said sincerely, "As long as Young Prime Minister is willing to take me in, all the territory I conquer will belong to Young Prime Minister!"

Why?

“I know the young prime minister’s strength, and I know my own limitations even better. Even if I don’t voluntarily hand over my power to the young prime minister, I will be defeated by him sooner or later.”

"You have that much faith in me?"

Nine Fingers laughed and said softly, "Chang Sui Mu Jing Bay... Even Wen Pojun came to the Right Prime Minister's residence to avenge the King of Chaoye. Do you think I can't guess who did it?"

"You're quite clever. Come on, let's have a drink first."

After Zhao Cheng and Jiu Zhi had a drink, Zhao Cheng said, "You gave me the city of Du Yu as a great gift, and I accepted it, but I don't think it's a big enough gift to be considered a pledge of loyalty."

Nine Fingers understood, knelt down again, and said, "Young Prime Minister, please give your orders!"

Zhao Cheng asked, "How many of those merchants from Yanchuan do you know?"

Nine Fingers said, "I know all the merchants in Yanchuan City. As for those outside the city... I have some acquaintance with Song Baiyu, but I don't know the others."

"Then you'll do something for me. If you do it well, you'll be one of us."

"yes!"

Zhao Cheng then looked at Li Dai and said, "We'll have to ask Senior Brother for help with this as well."

Li Dai said, "Of course."

At this moment, Cheng Xu from the next table walked over and said, "Young Prime Minister, Lord Li, may I interrupt?"

Zhao Wu immediately said, "No!"

"You can't get over this hurdle, can you?!" Zhao Cheng glared at Zhao Wu.

"You're too kind, Clerk Cheng. Please speak!" Zhao Cheng smiled slightly at Cheng Xu. This was someone Yuan Yun had promoted, so he naturally greeted him with a smile. Especially after hearing that this person was quite intelligent, he became even more polite.

Cheng Xu said, "These merchants are scattered throughout Yanchuan. Even if the matter is resolved in Yanchuan City, after they return, there will inevitably be a few individuals who will spread rumors and cause some negative impact. Therefore, I suggest that Lord Li should not get involved in this matter."

"How could I possibly shrink back from matters concerning the Right Prime Minister's residence!"

Li Dai's expression darkened. Fearing that Zhao Cheng might misunderstand that he and Cheng Xu were working together, he immediately stated, "My reputation is not important."

Zhao Cheng pondered for a moment and said, "I agree with Chief Clerk Cheng's idea. Senior Brother is the governor of a city and also my father's student. If your reputation is ruined, it will be detrimental in the long run."

Li Dai said, "But given my position, who else can help besides me?"

Cheng Xu immediately bowed and said, "This humble official is able to."

Zhao Cheng and Li Dai both looked at Cheng Xu at the same time.