The Secret Report
Chapter Quote: White Mouse visits at night to deliver secret information, Wu Yong sets up a banquet to conceal his murderous intentions. He goes to Hongmen to counter the enemy's plan, and demonstrates his wisdom in a debate with the heroes.
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On the surface, the turmoil surrounding An Daoquan's disappearance gradually subsided, and Liangshanpo returned to its former order. Yan Qing continued to visit the back mountains daily to oversee construction and discuss techniques with the craftsmen, as if nothing had happened. However, he could clearly sense that the surveillance from behind was tighter than ever, and Wu Yong's eyes were constantly on him.
Late that night, Yan Qing was sitting quietly in his room regulating his breathing when he suddenly heard three long and two short, extremely light knocking sounds coming from outside the window - it was Bai Sheng's secret signal.
He quietly opened the window, and Bai Sheng slipped in like a loach, with a look of nervousness and excitement on his face.
"Captain Yan, there's something urgent!" Bai Sheng said hurriedly, lowering his voice. "I just overheard a private conversation between the military advisor and 'Godspeed' Dai Zong!"
Yan Qing's heart trembled, but his expression remained calm: "Oh? What are you talking about?"
"The military advisor ordered Brother Dai Zong to leave early tomorrow morning and secretly travel to Tokyo!" Bai Sheng swallowed, "They said... they were going to investigate something concerning... concerning your background, Chief Yan! They also said something like, 'The name Yan Qing might not be your real name,' and 'it might be related to an old case from twenty years ago.'"
Yan Qing's pupils shrank, a wave of shock rising in his heart! Wu Yong actually suspected his background and even sent people to Tokyo to investigate! An old case from twenty years ago? He had never heard his master or Lu Junyi mention anything special about his background. He only knew that he was an orphan and was adopted by his master. Could there really be some secret?
"What else did they say?" Yan Qing's voice remained steady.
"He also said... once Brother Dai Zong brings back accurate information, he'll publicly try you in the Juyi Hall!" Bai Sheng's voice trembled. "Captain Yan, you better make plans early! I'm afraid the military advisor is serious this time!"
Public trial? Yan Qing sneered inwardly. Wu Yong, unable to find direct evidence of An Daoquan's disappearance, was trying to find another way to frame him. By investigating his background, he was simply trying to label him a "court spy" or "descendant of a criminal official," so he could then legitimately eliminate him.
"I understand." Yan Qing nodded, and took out a larger ingot of silver from his sleeve and handed it to Bai Sheng. "Brother Bai Sheng, this matter is of great importance. Do not mention it to anyone else. If you have any news of this kind in the future, please inform me in time."
Bai Sheng took the silver, weighed it, smiled broadly, and patted his chest to assure: "Don't worry, Chief Yan! Although I, Bai Sheng, am not a hero, I still understand the principle of repaying kindness! I will definitely live up to your trust!" After that, he slipped out quietly.
After seeing Bai Sheng off, Yan Qing paced the room, his mind racing. Wu Yong's plan was truly ruthless. If he truly discovered something, or even fabricated some evidence, Yan Qing would no longer have a foothold in Liangshan, and Lu Junyi might even be implicated. He had to stop Dai Zong from going to Tokyo, or... before he returned, completely reverse the situation!
However, Dai Zong, known as the "Godspeed," could travel 800 miles a day, and he'd probably already been ordered to set out. Chasing and intercepting him would be no easy task. So, there was only one way left—to strike first from within Liangshan, before Wu Yong could launch his attack!
But what should he do? Should he directly expose Wu Yong's intention to find out his own background? Empty words would only alert the enemy.
Just as he was racking his brains for a countermeasure, one of Wu Yong's close followers came to him the next morning with a message, saying that the military advisor was setting up a private banquet in his own courtyard tonight and specially invited Chief Yan Qing to attend. He said that he was grateful for his previous contribution to resolving the war in the northern border and wanted to have a private drink with him to show his closeness.
A private banquet? Yan Qing's heart was filled with alarm. This was no simple gesture of goodwill, more like a Hongmen Banquet! Was Wu Yong trying to test him before Dai Zong brought back the "evidence"? Or was there something else going on?
To go or not to go?
If he didn't go, he would appear guilty, which was exactly what Wu Yong wanted.
If you go, you will be in fear at every step, and one careless word may lead to eternal damnation.
After pondering for a long time, Yan Qing's eyes flashed with determination. He ordered his attendant, "Report to the military advisor that Yan Qing will be there on time."
If it is a blessing, it is not a disaster. If it is a disaster, it cannot be avoided. Since it cannot be avoided, then let's face this Hongmen Banquet and see what Wu Yong has to say!
That evening, as the lights began to light, Yan Qing changed into a clean blue shirt and, without a weapon, headed alone to the elegant courtyard where Wu Yong was staying. While the courtyard seemed peaceful, Yan Qing keenly sensed subtle auras emanating from several hidden corners, clearly indicating an ambush.
He sneered in his heart and knocked on the gate calmly.
The door opened, and Wu Yong, dressed in a Taoist robe and holding a feather fan, came out to greet them personally with a warm smile on his face. "Brother Yanqing is here, please come in! I have prepared some light wine and snacks, and we two brothers must have a good chat tonight."
There were indeed a few exquisite side dishes and a pot of wine on the stone table in the courtyard, and there were only two chairs.
"Yan Qing is flattered by the invitation from the military advisor." Yan Qing bowed and sat down calmly.
Wu Yong personally filled his glass and raised it, saying, "Brother, you have resolved the conflict in the northern border without a single soldier, saving the lives of countless brothers in the stronghold. This is a great achievement! This glass is in your honor!"
"Military advisor, thank you for your praise. This is all thanks to you and my brother's planning." Yan Qing raised his glass to greet him and drank it all in one gulp. After the wine went down his throat, he secretly used his internal energy to observe carefully, but there was nothing unusual.
After three rounds of drinks, Wu Yong casually chatted about some Jianghu anecdotes, local customs and people, and praised Yan Qing's knowledge and talent. Yan Qing responded carefully, neither humble nor arrogant.
Suddenly, Wu Yong changed the subject and asked casually, "I heard that Brother Yanqing's ancestors were also from Tokyo? I wonder which district in Tokyo they are from? Who else is in your family?"
Here it comes! Yan Qing's heart trembled, knowing the real show was about to begin. He put down his wine glass, a hint of sadness appearing on his face at the right moment: "To be honest with you, Military Advisor, Yan Qing was orphaned since childhood and was adopted and raised by our mentor. He never said much about my origins, but we only know that I'm from around Tokyo. Our exact location is unknown. As for my family... alas, they must be long gone." His words were half-truths, and his expression was gloomy, making it difficult to distinguish between truth and lies.
Wu Yong's eyes flickered, and he stroked his beard, saying, "So that's how it is... Don't be sad, brother. Since we've come to Liangshan, this place is our home, and all of you brothers are family." He paused, then suddenly added, "However, I was recently looking through some old files and came across an old case from twenty years ago. It involved a general named Yan, also from Daming Prefecture. I wonder... is there any connection to you, brother?"
His eyes were as sharp as torches, staring at Yan Qing intently, as if he wanted to take in every subtle reaction of his.
Yan Qing was shocked, but his face showed just the right amount of confusion and curiosity: "Oh? Is this true? Yan Qing is ignorant and has never heard of it. But I don't know which General Yan it is? What crime did he commit?" He reacted naturally, without any panic, as if he was really just listening to an anecdote that had nothing to do with him.
Wu Yong observed him carefully and saw that he did not seem to be lying. A trace of doubt flashed in his eyes, and then he smiled and said, "These are just some old things from the previous dynasty, involving palace secrets. It's better not to mention them! Come, have a drink!" He laughed and changed the subject, and talked about the expenses of money and food in the mountain stronghold.
Yan Qing sneered inwardly, knowing that Wu Yong didn't completely believe him, but he also had no evidence to prove his point. For the time being, this test was over.
However, as the banquet was drawing to a close, Wu Yong suddenly clapped his hands. The curtain of the wing room was lifted, and two strong-dressed men came out, escorting a man with a black cloth hooded and tightly tied up!
"Brother Yanqing," Wu pointed at the man with his feather fan, his voice suddenly turning cold, "Do you know who this person is?"
Yan Qing's heart suddenly sank, but his expression remained calm: "Yan Qing doesn't know."
Wu Yong sneered, "Reveal it!"
A man pulled off the black cloth on the man's head, revealing a terrified face with tears streaming down his face - it was actually the boatman who helped An Daoquan escape by water a few days ago, and one of Lu Zhishen's confidants!
"This man tried to sneak down the mountain last night and was caught by patrolmen," Wu Yong said in a cold voice. "After investigation, it was found that this man was on duty guarding the secret waterway in the back mountain when An Daoquan disappeared the night before! Brother Yanqing, you are good friends with Brother Luda. What is your explanation for this matter?"
In an instant, all the pressure was concentrated on Yan Qing. Wu Yong's eyes were as sharp as knives, and the ambush outside the courtyard became more fierce.
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Chapter 49 End
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