Chapter Twenty: The Secret Artifact "Chasing Clouds"
Los Angeles.
"Welcome, Commissioner of the Imperial Stables..." At the entrance of the government office, a huge crowd stood in formation. As Ye Yuqing alighted from her sedan chair, everyone bowed and greeted her, creating a thunderous atmosphere.
It was early summer, and bright sunlight pierced through the clouds, streaming directly through the sky. Under the dappled sunlight, the soldiers stood in neat ranks, spears held high, exuding an imposing aura. The sharp tips of their spears reflected the blazing sun, a blinding light that stung Ye Yuqing and the others behind her, including Mu Lian, causing them to tear up and feel extremely uncomfortable. As they passed, a sharp shout rang out, and the soldiers abruptly changed formation. The sharp tips of their spears grazed Ye Yuqing and Mu Lian's faces, the force even severing the sideburns of those behind them, a sight that startled them like a thunderbolt. The officials who came to greet them on both sides, however, seemed oblivious. Although they still bowed respectfully, their eyes lacked the awe one would show to a superior; some even secretly scrutinized Ye Yuqing and Mu Lian, their expressions suggesting a degree of judgment.
"Haha, my mistake, my mistake..." Yin Wenbin said in a rambling manner, his smile becoming even more affable, clearly trying to smooth things over.
"It's alright..." Ye Yiqing waved her hand casually without changing her expression, not exposing the truth.
It was all just a bluff. He was Ye Tanhua, grandson of Ye Zhongshu, and son of Ye Yushi. He was well-read, had traveled extensively, and was knowledgeable. He wasn't easily intimidated, and such petty tricks were nothing to him. If he were to panic at the slightest disturbance, he would be betraying the Empress's good intentions in choosing him.
Behind him, Mu Lian swept his gaze across the crowd, taking in everyone's expressions. He thought to himself that the Henan Circuit Governor was indeed cunning. His attempt to assassinate him had failed, so he had come to the government office gate to stage this show of force, ostensibly to welcome them but actually to intimidate them, aiming to give them a taste of their power. If he hadn't come from the Judicial Office and been accustomed to bloodshed, he probably would have been stunned.
Thinking this, Mu Lian felt a surge of admiration for Ye Tanhua standing before her. A mere civil official, he didn't appear particularly fierce or rugged, yet he remained calm and composed before such imposing military might; he certainly possessed considerable courage.
Under the azure sky, Ye Yiqing stood calmly. His back was straight, his official robes were impeccable, and his appearance was handsome. His every glance carried the dignity and nobility of a superior, making it difficult for others to look him directly in the eye. Under this imposing presence, the officials who had been somewhat relaxed became visibly intimidated and stopped glancing around and whispering.
Xiu Jun glanced at the crowd who had suddenly fallen silent, and Ye Tanhua smiled slightly. He elegantly straightened his sleeves and casually raised his hand to say politely, "Gentlemen, there's no need for such formalities. Please..." Before the crowd could finish their greetings and stand up, he took the lead and gracefully walked into the government office.
Under the blazing sun, the man walked with a relaxed demeanor and steady steps, passing by a group of soldiers with drawn swords as if strolling in a garden. A breeze stirred the sleeves and hem of his official robes, adding to his composed and elegant air. The soldiers in formation felt a surge of awe and became even more disciplined.
Following behind Ye Yuqing, Luo City Magistrate Yin Wenbin paused for a moment, then quickly caught up. As he passed the crowd at the entrance, he winked at a scholar-like man. The scholar understood and nodded almost imperceptibly. A short while later, he slipped away amidst the surging crowd. This clandestine exchange was originally unknown to heaven and earth, but it was observed by the ever-vigilant Mu Lian. She then turned and signaled to A Zhe, who was close behind her. A Zhe understood and quietly left the crowd to follow.
The scholar left the crowd, turned into an alley in a few steps, where a carriage was already waiting. The man slipped into the carriage, the driver warily looked around, cracked the whip, and drove the scholar away.
High behind the eaves, Ah Zhe leaned against the shadows and flicked an object. The object, as if it could be seen, flew straight toward the moving carriage, embedded itself in the crossbeam above the rear of the carriage, and then exploded, emitting a faint yellow smoke, which then dissipated completely in an instant.
A smile appeared on Ah Zhe's lips. He picked up his monoculars, observed the direction the carriage was traveling for a while, and then leisurely got up to chase after it.
It is said that the Judicial Office under Lord Mu's rule is full of talented people, and this specially made tracking device is unique in the martial arts world. This tracking device is called "Chasing Clouds." Its outer shell is made of iron, and its interior contains cloud fragrance. When it is not opened, it is shaped like a closed umbrella. When it hits a target, the outer iron shell bursts open, and the cloud fragrance inside is released. The scent adheres to the target and lingers for a long time, but ordinary people cannot smell it.
Ah Zhe picked up his monoculars, glanced again at the faint yellow smoke in the distance, adjusted his direction, and chased after the target.
The "Cloud Chaser" fragrance is a type of spice from beyond the region. It is pale in color and mild in taste, but its persistence is excellent, attracting cloud bees, which also come from beyond the region. These cloud bees are extremely small and translucent, making them difficult to spot. After being raised by beekeepers, they also possess an exceptional sense of direction, making them ideal for tracking.
Following "Chasing Clouds" from afar, A Zhe arrived at the outside of a luxurious restaurant. This three-story restaurant was built along the lake, with long corridors connected in a U-shape inside, and the furnishings were lavish. In the center of the first floor, a high platform rose from the ground, which was used by musicians and dancers to perform. Red gauze curtains hung down from the top, and the bottom was decorated with golden bells, which were now tinkling with the warm breeze passing through the hall.
In the lakeside private room on the second floor, the windows were wide open, and a pleasant breeze carrying the scent of water stirred the flowing gauze curtains, adding a touch of lightness and poetry. Across a screen with intricately carved landscape paintings, a beautiful woman, her face veiled and barefoot, leaned respectfully against a man, attending to him. The middle-aged man sat upright in the center, his gaze piercing. Even though the years had turned his temples white, his voice remained booming and resonant, exuding authority.
Before long, the scholar alighted from the carriage and entered the private room, led by a guard. As soon as he rounded the screen, the scholar hurriedly stepped forward and respectfully bowed: "This humble servant is a disciple of Magistrate Yin, and greets the Military Governor..."
Liu Zhang, the military governor of Henan, slightly raised his arm, gesturing for the scholar to rise, and asked in a slow voice, "Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Xu. What is the plan now?"
Xu Rusheng quietly wiped the sweat from his brow and respectfully replied, "I have entered the yamen..."
"Oh?" Liu Zhang paused slightly, his hand holding the cup. This Ye Tanhua did have the fearlessness of a newborn calf; he wasn't intimidated by that kind of imposing manner, showing a bit of the Ye Zhongshu family's style.
"Tell Lord Yin that we should treat this Commissioner of the Cauldrons to a good meal..."
After quietly wiping away his sweat again, Xu Rusheng respectfully replied, "Yes."
After Xu Rusheng left, the beautiful woman who had been pondering for a long time spoke up in a melodious voice: "My lord, it seems to have the scent of 'Chasing Cloud Incense'..."
Zhui Yunxiang? Liu Zhang's expression remained unchanged, but a sharp glint of anger flashed in his eyes. Fool, didn't even know he was being followed?
With a wave of her hand, the beautiful woman understood, walked around the screen, and hurriedly gave a few instructions to the guards at the door. The guards obeyed and left in a hurry.
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