"Lord Sang, the Silkworm City is just ahead." Soon, a guard pointed to the city walls not far away and reported.
Sang Hong frowned. "Silkworms eat mulberry leaves. This city name is not auspicious."
However, he quickly chuckled. This city was named after its skill in raising silkworms and making silk. Moreover, it was not far from the capital. Under the emperor's nose, what problems could possibly arise?
Soon, the local officials of Cancheng came to greet the imperial envoy delegation, saying that the city was too small to accommodate so many people at once. Sang Hong expressed his understanding, as such situations had occurred along the way. So he ordered the Imperial Guards accompanying the delegation to be stationed outside the city, while he himself led a few dozen followers into the city.
Gao Ying remained in Yunzhong County to continue serving as the county magistrate and maintain the local balance of power.
Pei You, worried that Gao Ying alone couldn't handle the various forces in Yunzhong County, stayed behind to help.
Of course, Sang Hong was highly skeptical of this. That guy might be indulging in the brothel life in Yunzhong County and couldn't bear to come back. After all, his family in the capital was very strict, and he wasn't as carefree.
Xiao Jianren, Dai Laoqi, and Chen Laoba, who were among the Embroidered-Robe Envoys, also went back to report for duty ahead of time. They belonged to the Embroidered Pavilion and could not stroll around with the main group.
After a warm welcome dinner, Sang Hong returned to his residence slightly tipsy.
He was usually cautious and wouldn't drink so much, but today, upon learning that his daughter was pregnant, the heavy weight on his heart was finally lifted, and in high spirits, he drank a few more glasses.
He was half asleep when he was suddenly awakened by the noise outside. He looked out the window and saw flames flickering and the air filled with the smell of burning smoke.
"Fire!" He immediately realized, hastily threw on a coat, and ran out.
Soon, members of the delegation gradually ran out, while many others were still asleep. The others rushed in to call for help, and the staff in the inn fought to put out the fire. The whole scene was in chaos.
Looking at the raging fire, Sang Hong suddenly sobered up considerably. Such a fierce fire could not have been formed naturally!
As a master of intrigue and scheming, the hairs on his body immediately stood on end.
"Let's go, get out of the city!" He hurriedly ordered his men to rush out. As long as they joined up with the army outside the city, they would be safe. To deal with a team of several hundred elite Imperial Guards, they would have to mobilize a large army. However, this place was close to the capital, so how could they possibly do that?
Just then, a large group of masked archers appeared around the inn, and a dense barrage of arrows rained down, instantly killing many of the people in the crowd.
Just as Sang Hong was about to deal with the archers, a black space suddenly opened up behind him, and a slender, jet-black sword, like a venomous snake, stabbed towards his ribs with lightning speed!
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