49 Chapter 049
Leaving Bishan
"waste!"
Xie Yu picked up the inkstone and threw it out. The inkstone brushed against his confidant's forehead and flew to the door threshold, leaving a few shallow marks.
He was still not satisfied, but he forced himself to hold it back. He clenched his hands on the table into fists, and his eyes were bloodshot.
"Keep searching! Don't miss any corner!"
Nearly ten days had passed since Prince Liang's death. The government and the prince's palace had been searching day and night for the "murderer", but they hadn't even found a single hair of the murderer.
As long as the case is not settled, Xie Yi will not have peace.
With Xie Yu threatening him with hostages in front and someone suspected to be the Jinyiwei hiding in the dark behind, Xie Yu has not had a good sleep these past few days.
Lack of sleep made him even more violent and erratic.
That bastard Xie Yu is worthy of being raised by a woman. He actually dared to threaten him with Xiaobao. He is so despicable!
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. The fire in his heart wouldn't go out. If he didn't vent it out, he would go crazy.
"How is Yu?"
"Already awake."
That bastard Xie Yu was so heartless that he left on his own but left his wife Yu in the palace.
He was so furious that day that he could only vent his anger on Yu and beat her up.
But even so, it was difficult to eliminate the hatred in his heart.
Even if Yu was beaten to death by him, Xie Yu would not be sad at all, but would only use this to tarnish his reputation.
No wonder the Yu family has been childless for so many years. Xie Yu must have been waiting for this day.
But he didn't believe that Xie Yu could resist having children.
He must be hiding a bastard.
As his bedmate, how could Yu not know?
"Continue the torture."
The subordinate took the order and left, but returned a moment later to report, "Master, the Third Lady is stopping us."
"Xie Ni? She's quite courageous." Xie Yi sneered and stood up. "Didn't someone keep an eye on her?"
"Mrs. San said she wants to see you about something important."
"She said she wanted to see me, and you believed her? You're a bunch of idiots!"
Xie Yu cursed and strode towards Yu's residence.
Before reaching the gate, Xie Ni was seen blocking the steps, stopping the guard who was about to interrogate Yu.
After all, she is the prince's bloodline, and the guards dare not fight with her.
"Xie Ni, do you really think I dare not touch you?" Xie Yi walked closer, his eyes full of hostility.
Xie Ni said expressionlessly, "You can fight Xie Yu however you want, but don't harm the innocent."
"Innocent? Are you kidding?" Xie Yu pointed to the yard. "She's Xie Yu's wife, how can she be innocent?"
Xie Ni directly hit his sore spot: "So, Xiaobao is your son, so he deserves to be kidnapped?"
"You--" Xie Yi stretched out his hand to hit her, but she dodged it.
"Xie Yu, I do have something to tell you. It's your choice whether you want to listen or not."
Xie Yu slowly lowered his hand and asked, "What do you want?"
“Alive.”
"Haha," Xie Yi couldn't help but clap his hands and laugh. "You, Yao Sanniang, have always been fearless. You relied on your father's favor and even looked down on me, the prince. Now why are you begging me to let you live? How dare I not let you live? If you die, what will you do if you go to the underworld and complain to your father about me?"
“…”
Xie Ni didn't bother to waste words with the madman and said directly: "This is about the mine. Do you want to listen?"
The laughter suddenly subsided.
Bishan Wugu Peak.
The captain succumbed to the "tyranny" of the four men and found four sets of military uniforms for them. After they changed into them, he took them to the camp of the four battalions overnight.
The fourth camp is located alone on a mountain top named "Gan Si". Gan symbolizes the sky and represents the emperor. The names of the nine peaks all begin with the word "Gan", which shows the ambition of King Liang.
The highest commander of the four battalions is the Qianhu, who has the same status as the Qianhu of the other eight battalions and all take orders from the commander-in-chief of the Bishan Army.
Completely replicate the imperial army regulations.
Xie Mingzhuo was very curious about how these people were ranked since they had no "military merits".
"The captain is not as easy to fool as me, so be careful when you get there." When they were approaching the barracks of the fourth camp, the captain gave a solemn order.
He doesn't want to be implicated.
Jiang Qing: "You are quite self-aware."
The captain choked and wondered why the second young master sent two women to act as lobbyists.
"Who is it?" The guards of the Fourth Battalion shouted loudly.
The captain stepped forward and said unhappily, "You can't even recognize me?"
Although he was only a centurion stationed in the granary and his rank was not high, being in charge of the granary meant he had control over the lifeblood of the camp. He could get benefits for his brothers in the camp from time to time and had considerable prestige in the camp.
"It's Captain Ma," the guard said, seeing his face clearly, and hurriedly bowed. "What happened at Wugu Peak when you came here so late?"
"Go away, what unlucky words are you saying? I'm here to discuss something with the captain, you go and inform him."
"Master Qianhu has gone to bed..."
Captain Ma urged, "It's an urgent matter!"
It’s better to get rid of these hot potatoes as soon as possible to avoid any more trouble. As for what the purpose of these people is, what does it have to do with him?
The guard had no choice but to report, and after a while, he invited people into the camp.
He saw that the four people behind Captain Ma looked unfamiliar, but he didn't think much about it. He thought maybe they were Captain Ma's newly promoted followers.
Xie Mingzhuo and his four companions followed Captain Ma into the main camp gate and were stopped by the main camp guards.
"The captain has ordered that one of the captains, Ma Baihu, go inside, and the attendants wait outside."
It seems that this captain is very cautious.
Xie Mingzhuo stopped, and the other three also stopped and watched Captain Ma enter the barracks alone.
After waiting for a cup of tea, there was still no movement inside.
Logically speaking, after feeding the "poison pill" and proving the "identity", nothing should go wrong.
Xie Mingzhuo suddenly felt uneasy.
Before she could figure out what was going on, a group of soldiers suddenly rushed out of the barracks, holding Miao Daos, and surrounded the four people.
Captain Ma followed behind a burly man, his expression panicked and hesitant. He pointed at the four people with a trembling hand and said, "Sir, it's them."
The development of the situation was unexpected. Yang Yunkai and the other two surrounded Xie Mingzhuo and faced the knife-wielding soldiers vigilantly.
The Fourth Battalion alone had nearly two thousand men. Even if they risked their lives, they would not be able to escort the princess out.
"Captain Zhao, what do you mean?" Xie Mingzhuo asked calmly.
The fact that they were not killed immediately means that there was still room for negotiation, but we don’t know where the mistake occurred.
Captain Zhao's eyes darkened slightly, revealing his fierceness, but he did not answer her. Instead, he moved away.
A middle-aged man who looked like a scholar came out, looked at Xie Mingzhuo for a moment, and said condescendingly, "A bunch of bandits dared to come to Bishan to commit fraud! Come, execute them here!"
"Wait!" Xie Mingzhuo said with a sneer on his face, "Who the hell are you to give orders without going over the head of a thousand households?"
The man couldn't help but get angry: "Someone come——"
"No hurry," Captain Zhao was pleased with the compliment. He interrupted him and looked at Xie Mingzhuo, "Do you recognize him?"
This question is inexplicable.
Xie Mingzhuo fabricated the identity of herself as a lobbyist sent by Xie Yu. Captain Zhao asked her if she knew this man. Could this person also be related to Xie Yu?
If this is the case, the current siege scene would make sense.
It was like a fake Li Kui meeting a real Li Kui, and the real Li Kui saw through her fake Li Kui.
It's a bit unlucky, but not unsolvable.
"I don't recognize him." She answered honestly.
Captain Zhao narrowed his eyes slightly, rubbing the sword at his waist with his hand, and murderous intent gradually became apparent.
"Why should I recognize a traitorous villain?" Xie Mingzhuo said calmly with a mocking look in his eyes, "Captain Zhao, you must not be deceived by him."
Captain Zhao:?
"That's just bullshit!" the man shouted, seething with rage. "Kill them now!"
The soldiers did not move, just waiting for Captain Zhao's orders.
Captain Zhao was now unsure. He glanced at the man, then at Xie Mingzhuo, and after looking back and forth several times, he finally spoke under the man's questioning gaze.
"Take them away..."
"Why doesn't Captain Zhao take action?" the man asked in a deep voice.
Xie Mingzhuo smiled and said, "As the commander of a battalion, I naturally cannot believe one side's words. Captain Zhao's move is wise, and I admire him."
"Sharp-tongued!"
"But there are priorities. Regardless of whether Captain Zhao believes us or not, this is not the place to discuss matters," Xie Mingzhuo said slowly. "With so many brave warriors here, what does Captain Zhao have to fear?"
After being praised and encouraged, Captain Zhao no longer had any temper.
He waved his hand and ordered his men: "Bring him in."
The main barracks was five rooms wide. Four people had their wrists tied with ropes and were taken into the main hall.
Captain Zhao sat in the main seat, and the middle-aged man sat below him, glaring at them with squinted eyes.
"Tell me, who are you and what do you want to do?" Captain Zhao rubbed the hilt of the knife with his right thumb and said in a deep voice.
Xie Mingzhuo didn't beat around the bush and said bluntly, "The Second Young Master ordered us to come here to discuss the important matters with Captain Zhao."
"Nonsense!" The scholar's eyes widened even more, but due to his identity, he could not reveal more.
The more you talk, the more mistakes you make. These bandits are very cunning. If you judge his identity based on his few words and deceive the stupid Captain Zhao, wouldn't it be more trouble than gain?
"Oh?" Captain Zhao asked with interest, "Do you have a token of trust?"
Xie Mingzhuo gestured to Jiang Qing.
The latter replied: "On me."
Captain Zhao ordered his men: "Untie her."
She's just a girl. Even if she looks strong, she's not a threat. Just untie her.
After untying the rope, Jiang Qing took out a jade belt from her bosom. The jade belt was tightly wrapped in a cloth, and it was impossible to tell what it was from the outside.
She was about to step forward but was stopped by the guards.
"Captain Zhao, are you sure you want him to handle it?" For royal property, the fewer people who handle it, the better.
Captain Zhao was confused. Captain Ma had just reported that someone had come here on the orders of the Second Young Master. Before he could elaborate, Mr. Wu had already determined that the person was a liar and wanted to bring him to justice.
Although he also thought that the visitor was a liar, he was still cautious. When he heard the other party say that Mr. Wu had "betrayed his master", he couldn't help but feel worried.
If you are unsure, it is better to be cautious.
The person was brought by Captain Ma, so he looked at Captain Ma.
Captain Ma was also anxious to remind him, but when he saw him turn around, he quickly leaned over and whispered a few words.
Captain Zhao stood up and walked quickly to Jiang Qing. He stretched out his hand to touch the bundle, but stopped halfway. He hesitated several times before carefully lifting a corner.
It really is a jade belt!
In the entire Anlu, only King Liang and his bloodline can own the jade belt, and there are also differences between the jade belts.
The ones for Prince Liang, the Crown Prince, and the rest of the children are all different.
Prince Liang and the Crown Prince often went into the mountains. He had seen the jade belts around their waists. The jade belt in front of him belonged neither to Prince Liang nor to the Crown Prince, so the only one left was the Second Young Master's.
Were they really sent by the Second Young Master?
Captain Zhao felt a little relieved, but still had doubts. After covering the man with the cloth, he asked, "If they were sent by the Second Young Master, why did they enter the mountain in this manner?"
He had just blocked the view and only lifted a corner, so others could not see what the token looked like.
Mr. Wu's expression changed slightly. He couldn't understand why Xie Mingzhuo was so sure. He stared at the package intently. Before Xie Mingzhuo could answer, he stood up and asked, "Can I see the token?"
"No." Jiang Qing rolled her eyes at him and tucked her clothes back into her clothes.
Captain Zhao stretched out his hand to suppress it, signaling Mr. Wu to stop holding on, and looked at Xie Mingzhuo.
"If we use the previous method, I'm afraid we won't be able to get in at all." Xie Mingzhuo said with a hint of meaning, "Second Young Master was worried about any mistakes, so he ordered us to take the token and secretly enter the mountain to meet Captain Zhao."
"That's absolute nonsense!" Mr. Wu was so angry that his mustache curled up. "Captain Zhao, you must not trust these bandits. The Second Young Master only sent me into the mountains. There was no one else!"
Xie Mingzhuo did not argue with him, but waited calmly for Captain Zhao's decision.
Captain Zhao sat back in his chair, his eyes constantly moving between the two parties.
One party is a long-time strategist, and the other party carries a token proving his identity. It is really difficult to choose.
He was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "What's your name?"
Xie Mingzhuo: "Jiang San."
The name Meng Zhuo was already on the wanted list and could no longer be used, so he just casually took Jiang Qing's surname.
"You said that the Second Young Master sent you here to discuss a major plan. I wonder what the Second Young Master's plan is. Tell me about it."
Xie Mingzhuo glanced at Mr. Wu.
The latter was about to explode when Captain Zhao said, "It's late, Mr. Wu might as well go back and rest first."
Mr. Wu choked and felt unhappy, but he couldn't reason with the knife-wielding man, so he had to throw his sleeves wide and leave the main camp.
"It's your turn to speak." Captain Zhao leaned back in his chair, looking casual on the surface, but all the muscles in his waist and abdomen were tense.
If Jiang San showed any sign of wrongdoing, he would immediately stand up and kill him.
Xie Mingzhuo knew that success or failure depended on this one move.
Compared to Mr. Wu, she knew very little about Xie Yu, and her understanding of the Bishan Jiufeng camp was limited to the gossip about Liu Qian and others. If she said something wrong, the trust that Captain Zhao had built on the jade belt would collapse.
She had to gain Captain Zhao's trust without knowing what Xie Yu's plan was.
Fortunately, before coming, the Jinyiwei had already discovered his secret.
"More than a dozen people died in Yingshan. The prefectural prosecutor, Chen Shi, discovered bullets left at the scene. He followed the clues and is now working with the Yingshan County Court to investigate the bandits in Yingshan who were armed with muskets. Therefore, the plan has changed."
When Chen Shi saw the bullets, he thought that the murderer had robbed the weapons and was not good at using them, so he accidentally fired them when killing people, leaving traces at the scene.
But when we investigated further, we encountered resistance.
After Yang Yunkai learned about this, he secretly ordered the Yingshan Jinyiwei to investigate, and unexpectedly found "soldiers" disguised as bandits in Yingshan.
King Liang’s base camp is in Bishan. Does he need to maintain another army in Yingshan?
On the day of Prince Liang's death, Xie Yu kidnapped Xiao Bao and went to Henan. The Jinyiwei who were secretly following him found that he deliberately took a detour from the Yingshan trail. On the surface, it was to avoid the pursuers that Xie Yu might send, but in fact he went deep into Yingshan and had a communication with the "bandits".
These are enough to prove that the troops in Yingshan are related to Xie Yu.
Over the years, the food and fodder he smuggled out of Bishan was probably used to feed Yingshan's private soldiers, and even the muskets were smuggled out.
The so-called stealing grain to make money is just a cover.
Liu and Qian and Captain Ma and others at the dock may not know, but Captain Zhao could not be unaware of it.
Stealing food and fodder is easy, but smuggling firearms is not. Without Bishan's help, it would be difficult to transport the firearms.
And this insider must be at least a military officer at the level of a thousand households.
Captain Zhao was completely stunned.
Even Mr. Wu doesn’t know about the Yingshan military operations!
Among the nine camps in Bishan, there are two factions. The third, fourth, seventh and eighth camps, as well as the other five camps, all obey the command of King Liang, but they have already taken sides in private.
Second Young Master Xie sent lobbyists to the Third, Fourth, Seventh and Eighth Battalions. These lobbyists were also counselors, but they only participated in the affairs of Bishan and monitored the four captains by the way. They were unaware that Yingshan still had troops hidden.
As the first person to defect to the Second Young Master, Captain Zhao was the only one in Bishan who knew about the troops of Yingshan. Even the other three Captains who defected to the Second Young Master did not know about it.
He was completely convinced now.
The four people in front of me must be the second young master’s confidants.
Xie Mingzhuo said this with a bit of a gamble in mind. Whoever possessed more intelligence would have more initiative.
Judging from Captain Zhao’s expression, she won the bet.
"Miss Jiang... Miss Jiang, what exactly did you mean by 'betraying the master'?"
"You've not even verified anything yet, yet you're trying to kill us. This has almost delayed the Second Young Master's plan. Isn't that 'betrayal'?"
Captain Zhao nodded, sat back in his chair, and ordered his attendants: "Untie the distinguished guest."
After the rope was untied, Xie Mingzhuo moved his wrists a few times, and without waiting for Captain Zhao to speak, he picked a chair and sat down.
The other three stood behind her.
Captain Zhao raised his eyebrows and said, "I apologize for any offense I caused you earlier. Miss Jiang, please forgive me."
"Captain Zhao's words are serious. We should be cautious," Xie Mingzhuo glanced at the other soldiers in the room. "The Second Young Master ordered me to come and implement the new plan. I hope Captain Zhao can help me."
Captain Zhao signaled the others to leave, leaving only Captain Ma and a confidant behind. He asked, "What's the new plan?"
"Prince Liang is dead, and the outcome will inevitably be decided between the Second Young Master and the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince's request for the title of Prince of a County has been sent to the capital. Soon, the imperial edict will arrive, and he will be the head of a prefecture for sure. Even if Captain Zhao has deep feelings for the Second Young Master, there's no guarantee that the other battalions won't waver."
Captain Zhao didn't say anything, but he pricked up his ears.
"The Crown Prince's greatest bargaining chip is the Nine Battalions of Bishan. Before the outcome is decided, he will definitely come to Bishan to review the troops," Xie Mingzhuo said in a low voice. "The Second Young Master's plan is to find the right moment to make it impossible for him to return."
Captain Zhao's expression changed slightly.
He agreed to assassinate the prince, but killing him in Bishan was not an easy task.
Xie Mingzhuo smiled and said, "If this is accomplished, you will be the first to achieve the credit."
"I have indeed received orders. The Crown Prince will arrive at Bishan in three days. All centurions and above from the nine battalions must participate. Each battalion will send its best soldiers to compete, and the winner will receive a reward."
"Where is it?"
"Fuck Wu Feng."
Xie Mingzhuo: "The Fifth Battalion has always been at odds with the Fourth Battalion. If we were to carry out the assassination in the Fifth Battalion, I'm afraid it would be inconvenient."
"The only thing left is the journey into the peak," Captain Zhao said, "but the security along the way is tight, so assassination won't be easy. Moreover, the mountain path is narrow, and if the assassination fails, escape will be difficult."
It's not that he was unwilling to sacrifice, but he felt that this would alert the enemy and the cost would outweigh the gain.
Xie Mingzhuo thought for a moment and asked, "Is there a route for Xie Yin to enter the mountain?"
When Captain Zhao saw that she even called the prince's name, he became more and more convinced that she was the second young master's woman.
He ordered his confidant to fetch a topographic map of Bishan, spread it out on the table, and traced a mountain path with his finger, saying, "This is the road."
The map shows that this mountain road passes through more than ten peaks, including Hulu Peak, Kunyi Peak, Kunding Peak, and finally reaches Ganwu Peak.
If an ambush is set on the way, one must first send someone to sneak into the mountains and forests secretly, and wait for Xie Yi's carriage to pass by and then shoot him to death with one arrow. If one arrow fails, there will be no other chance.
However, the peaks were heavily guarded, making it difficult to hide. Furthermore, the dense forests affected the view. Without an outstanding sharpshooter, this plan would only result in a loss of lives.
"We do have some skilled archers in our camp, but the mountain path is winding. Even if we manage to sneak into the forests on either side, the carriage will turn in an instant. Any hesitation will lead to a missed opportunity."
Captain Zhao pointed to one of the peaks and continued, "This place is at the junction of the inner and outer perimeters. I'm familiar with the captains stationed here, so it wouldn't be difficult to squeeze a few men in. However, the carriage passes by the best shooting point, which takes at most ten breaths. Assassinating the prince in such a short time is extremely difficult."
It is not clear at the moment whether Xie Yi rode in a carriage or on horseback, but based on the previous experience of King Liang's mountain patrols, it is more likely that he rode in a carriage.
If Xie Yi was riding in a carriage, it would be difficult to determine his location because of the carriage's obstruction. Trying to hit him in the vitals with an arrow would be like trying to catch the moon in the water.
Xie Mingzhuo said in a deep voice, "This is our only chance. Once the conferment documents arrive, everything will be settled. By then, the entire Prince's Mansion and the Bishan Military Camp will be under the control of Xie Yi."
Xiaobao's life is certainly important, but for those who are determined to become emperor, it is just a bargaining chip.
A madman like Xie Yi would never give up the opportunity to become emperor just because of a son.
Captain Zhao was not a hesitant person. He felt that what Xie Mingzhuo said made sense. If they wanted to seize power, they had to take advantage of the chaos. As long as Xie Yi did not become a prince, the people of the Nine Camps of Bishan would not be united.
"Okay, I'll listen to Miss Jiang. I'll send the most elite archers in the camp to ambush beside the mountain road and shoot the prince."
Xie Mingzhuo himself is an excellent archer. Jiang Qing and Yang Yunkai are both good at archery, but she does not intend to take part in the battle herself.
Her purpose in coming to Bishan was to cause chaos in Bishan.
Even if the plan to assassinate Xie Yi failed, the Ninth Battalion of Bishan would have internal strife because of this assassination. Gan Sifeng would definitely be held accountable, and the other three battalions in the same camp would also be affected.
However, the four camps headed by Captain Zhao would not stand there stupidly and let others attack them. Once the fire of counterattack is ignited, Bishan will fall into endless internal strife.
Once they have consumed most of their own military strength, the imperial army can come and wipe them out in one fell swoop.
Captain Zhao wanted to make a contribution and would not miss this opportunity. Moreover, the Fourth Battalion and the Fifth Battalion had always been at odds with each other, so he probably also wanted to take the opportunity to avenge his personal grudge.
Even if she left Bishan and her plan was known to Mr. Wu, he would not miss the opportunity to make a contribution.
"Jiang has to go back and report, so I won't bother you here anymore." Xie Mingzhuo bowed, "Captain Zhao, the second young master is waiting for good news outside."
Captain Zhao didn't think there was anything wrong. He didn't want these four people to interfere. He didn't want to share such a great achievement with others. Xie Mingzhuo's departure was exactly what he wanted.
"I'll have someone escort you out." He immediately lowered his voice and said, "Miss Jiang, when you meet the Second Young Master, please say a few good words for me, Zhao."
"No problem," Xie Mingzhuo nodded with a smile. "Whether the plan succeeds or not, the Second Young Master will send troops to support us. Captain Zhao, just rest assured."
Captain Zhao was delighted when he heard this and said, "It couldn't be better to have an internal and external collaboration."
With Captain Zhao's "escort", Xie Mingzhuo and his four companions successfully left Gansi Peak and arrived at the wooden house next to the ferry.
It was already dawn.
When Liu and Qian saw them about to leave, they immediately stopped them.
"Where's the antidote?"
Lin Fan said: "What I gave you before is the complete antidote. Take one pill a day and you will be completely detoxified."
They both said, “…”
Who are these four people? Why did they leave before stealing the food?
Forget it, what does it have to do with them?
Xie Mingzhuo and his three companions returned to where the wooden boat was docked.
Across the trees on the shore, a wooden boat came into view under the mountain wall, swaying gently with the waves.
Xie Mingzhuo paused and stretched out his hand to stop the three people who were about to step out.
Her keen five senses told her that something was wrong on the ship.
The three of them stopped immediately, and when they noticed something was wrong with the wooden boat, they hid themselves again.
On their way here, they had carefully checked their surroundings and found no one following them. They were wearing Jinyiwei uniforms, which drew attention, but they had changed clothes and a different boat midway, so there shouldn't be any small tails.
Even if Xie Yi was "sensitive" to the Jinyiwei, he would not be able to trace them back for a while.
What exactly happened on the ship?
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