Chapter 198 Liu Wu, the most suspicious
It was just past noon.
Under the scorching sun, most pedestrians along the road were drenched in sweat.
But Wang Ji, who was riding in a carriage and holding an ice curling stone, was in high spirits. He was thinking about the things Chen Yi had told him, and couldn't help but mutter to himself.
Since he was entrusted by Chen Yi to take over as the manager of Baicaotang, he has come to know Chen Yi quite well.
In his mind, Chen Yi was not only a highly talented scholar, but also skilled in business and medicine.
This can be seen from the increasingly prosperous business of Baicaotang.
But Wang Ji couldn't understand what Chen Yi did otherwise.
Even though he had handled some things, he still felt shrouded in mystery.
For example, why would someone buy a house in the East Market and then sell it, and then buy several more?
For example, why does Guard Liu stay hidden during the day and go out at night?
Furthermore, Zhang Dabao inadvertently revealed that Chen Yi had disguised himself and walked around outside several nights.
Given all these factors, Wang Ji couldn't help but have more to think about.
He wasn't worried about his own safety; he was simply afraid that if he stayed out of it for too long, Chen Yi would lose his attention.
Just like today, he deduced that Chen Yi and Guard Liu were going to do something big.
But in the end, he could only do small things like buying houses and delivering mail.
This inevitably made him feel frustrated.
"It seems I need to give Yan Hai some instructions before he leaves, lest he mess up this trip to Shu Prefecture."
Not long after.
Wang Ji arrived at the Xiao family's residence by carriage.
This time, he didn't intend to visit the mansion. Instead, he placed a letter in the hands of the third steward waiting at the door and bowed, saying:
"I hope the butler can pass this letter on to Miss Wang."
The third steward, Lu, was younger than the head steward and the second steward of the mansion, around forty years old, in his prime, and lively by nature.
He took the letter, glanced at it, and exclaimed, "This is a letter from my second son-in-law?"
Wang Ji smiled and nodded, saying, "My boss and Mr. Qingzhou hit it off immediately and agreed to go for a stroll in Quchi tonight. To avoid any worries in the household, Mr. Qingzhou asked me to deliver a letter to the young lady."
The third steward carefully put away the letter, cupped his hands in thanks, and said, "Thank you for making this trip, Manager Wang."
Having been in the mansion for a long time, he naturally knew about the cooperation between the Xiao family's pharmacy and Baicaotang, and had also heard about the substantial profits the mansion was receiving.
Naturally, they viewed Wang Ji, the manager of Baicaotang, with special regard.
"Steward Lu, you're too kind. Now that the letter has been delivered, I won't bother you any longer. Please continue with your work."
Just as Lu Tong was about to return the greeting with a few polite words, he heard some noise behind him.
Without saying much, he simply greeted Wang Ji and hurriedly closed the gate with the letter in hand.
Wang Ji himself did not bother to investigate.
It's normal for things to happen in the grand Xiao family compound that can't be told to outsiders.
Fortunately, he had already delivered the letter.
Lu Tong, on the other side, came to the front yard, glanced around, frowned, and asked in a deep voice:
"Commander Wang, what has happened?"
Wang Lixing, who hadn't been in the mansion for a long time, was scolding Ge Laosan and Liu Si'er. Hearing this, he didn't explain further and said:
"Please forgive me, Steward Lu, I was a little too loud just now."
"You know that's good. This place isn't far from the gate, and if it gets noisy, passersby will inevitably overhear and gossip."
"You're right."
Seeing that he had stopped, Lu Tong said no more and went straight to the backyard with the letter.
Wang Lixing pursed his lips, glared coldly at Ge Laosan and Liu Si'er, and said:
"You are all senior members of the household, so I'll let it go this time. But if it happens again, you'll have to go to the Second Master to receive your punishment!"
Liu Si'er and Ge Laosan nodded with sheepish smiles, "We'll go to a few pharmacies to try and fix things up later. You'll have to say a few words to Second Master for us."
"Hmph, now you know fear?"
"Even the best can make mistakes. We really didn't expect that there would be any oversights during our patrol, that someone would steal medicinal herbs from the pharmacy in broad daylight."
"Stop talking nonsense and hurry up and go ask about the situation, lest this matter reach the ears of the young lady."
"Yes, yes, yes..."
Wang Lixing glared at the two men, then turned and headed towards the central courtyard.
Wait until he's gone.
Ge Laosan and Liu Si'er exchanged a glance, then dealt with the surrounding soldiers with bitter expressions before leaving the Marquis's residence together.
Until they arrived at the south street of the town.
Liu Si'er's lips moved slightly as he said, "This subordinate truly did not expect that you are Lord 'Falcon'."
“If you hadn’t given me that hint earlier, I would have almost reported you to Wang Lixing.”
Ge Laosan grinned, his previous bitterness gone, replaced by a shrewd look.
"It was an unexpected incident; otherwise, I wouldn't have revealed my identity."
Liu Si'er didn't ask what the accident was, nor did she speak; she simply waited for his further instructions.
Ge Laosan glanced at him and nodded secretly, which was considered as acknowledging his performance as the Iron Flag Officer.
After walking some distance further, he finally explained:
"Recently, I and several other silver flag officers have been planning a major event."
"It was originally extremely secret, but last night an insider was found out by the Xiao family's secret guards."
"Although the guard was seriously injured and the old marquis has not yet received any news, the others and I have no choice but to take action to avoid jeopardizing the important matter."
"I cannot say more about the specifics."
"I'm telling you this so you can be prepared; I may have to leave ahead of schedule."
As Ge Laosan spoke, he carefully observed his surroundings, and once he was sure no one was paying attention, he continued:
"Whether that big thing succeeds or not, you only have one thing to do next—be careful and keep a close eye on the fledglings for me."
Liu Si'er remembered every word he said.
"No wonder the old Marquis was so angry today, and even ordered the Third Master to go to the Ministry of Justice to inquire. It must be because of that secret guard?"
Ge Laosan nodded slightly, "The Xiao family's secret guards were originally skilled members of the Dingyuan Army's scout battalion, and they were also greatly trained by Xiao Fengchun. They are quite capable. In the future, you must remember to be careful and keep a low profile."
"I understand."
"Without further ado, you continue on your way to the pharmacy. I'm leaving."
Liu Si'er hummed in agreement, watched him disappear into the West Market, and then turned and walked towards the pharmacy to the north.
The two had been separated for a short time.
Ge Laosan arrived at the tailor shop in the West Market. After exchanging pleasantries, he went into the inner room.
Then they saw a woman in a purple dress with a charming appearance already waiting inside.
—It was none other than the hidden guard, the tigress Lou Yuxue.
The two sized each other up.
Ge Laosan said with a smile, "Please forgive me, Lady Tiger, I'm late."
Lou Yuxue looked at him expressionlessly, "I know you need time to get away from that side."
However, after saying that, she glanced at the sun outside the window and frowned: "Time is running out, you should inform them as soon as possible."
Ge Laosan paused slightly, then asked seriously, "Are you sure you want to make your move tonight?"
"Delay could lead to unforeseen changes. If that guard from last night returns to the Xiao family, our plans will surely fail."
"Okay, I'll send a letter to inform them right away."
Seeing that Ge Laosan wrote the secret letter in code without hesitation, Lou Yuxue was still not entirely at ease.
After reflecting on the events of the past few days, she vaguely sensed that something was amiss.
But she wasn't sure where that "something was wrong" came from.
After much thought...
The image of "Liu Wu" flashed through Lou Yuxue's mind. "So he really is the most suspicious one?"
Upon hearing the voice, Ge Laosan asked in a low voice, "Who is suspicious?"
Lou Yuxue snapped out of her daze and, while watching him peruse the secret text and write the secret letter, said, "Liu Wu."
"Someone sent by the second young master of the Liu family in Jingzhou? Is there something wrong with him?"
"An indescribable feeling..."
Lou Yuxue then finished recounting what happened between her and "Liu Wu" that night, saying:
“Even though the Xiao family hasn’t received any news yet and there’s nothing unusual, I still have a feeling that there’s something seriously wrong with ‘Liu Wu’.”
Ge Laosan thought for a moment and said, "Perhaps, but as long as he has no connection with the Xiao family, there will always be a chance to get rid of him in the future."
"The most important thing right now is still that matter."
Lou Yuxue frowned upon hearing this, but after a moment, she stopped thinking about Liu Wu.
“You’re right. After tonight, no matter how mysterious Liu Wu is, I’ll have a way to find him.”
Ge Laosan nodded and said, "I'm going to be leaving Shuzhou for the time being. Be careful."
"Have you made a decision?"
"Yes, to avoid affecting the other flag officers' hiding places, I have to take full responsibility. This is also the reason why I disagreed with Gray Wolf's plan earlier."
"However, with you here and with that sum of money, I believe the situation on the border of Shu Prefecture will be more favorable for our actions in the future."
Lou Yuxue's eyes flickered slightly as she pondered, "What do you need me to do for you?"
Although most of the Silver Flag Officers within the Hidden Guard work alone, each responsible for their own tasks.
However, the situation in Shu Prefecture was special. She had contact with the hawk, the gray wolf, and the phoenix, all for the sake of better planning.
Unless someone has selfish motives like the gray wolf, she wouldn't mind helping them out in other matters.
After writing the three secret letters, Ge Laosan took out the carrier pigeons and tied them tightly one by one, saying:
"The matter of the gray wolf can only be resolved by you and Luanfeng."
"Secondly, the situation on the border with the fledgling is not bad, so there is no need to stir things up for now. I will inform you after discussing it with Lord Jinqi."
"Thirdly, that sum of money..."
At this point, Ge Laosan paused, released the carrier pigeons, watched them fly away, and then looked at Lou Yuxue and said:
"Make your decision carefully. My men can't retreat empty-handed; they need money to change their status."
Lou Yuxue replied without hesitation, "Once I get that money, I will naturally not forget you, but for now..."
For some reason, the image of "Liu Wu" reappeared in her mind, and she still remembered his words, "I want 50% of the silver notes."
Seeing her silence, Ge Laosan couldn't help but ask, "But what?"
Lou Yuxue shook her head. "It's nothing."
As long as the money gets into her hands smoothly, she doesn't believe that "Liu Wu" can find a way to take it from her.
A moment of silence.
Old Ge asked with a smile, "Are you sure you don't need me to come along tonight?"
Lou Yuxue paused upon hearing this, then stood up and said, "Your martial arts are too weak; you'll only be a burden if you follow me."
"It's better to get out of here as soon as possible than to put you in danger."
"...While this is true, it is inevitably unpleasant to hear."
"Honest advice is hard to swallow..."
In short, I wish us all the best.
...
Night falls.
Perhaps because of the hot weather, or because the Mid-Autumn Festival was approaching, there were far fewer pedestrians in the fireworks alley in the south of Shuzhou City.
Even the renowned Chunyu Tower rarely sees any guests coming and going.
Only a few idle loafers stayed in the hall to admire the girls' figures on the dance floor.
The madam stood inside the door, muttering to herself as she peered out cautiously.
They probably found it strange that all the guests had disappeared.
Several pimps stood by, shrinking back and not daring to speak, afraid of saying the wrong thing and incurring a scolding.
Liu Lang observed all of this and couldn't help but find it amusing.
After leaving Chuanxi Street at noon, he stayed in Chunyulou to wait.
Although he couldn't guess who the "distinguished guest" Chen Yi was referring to was, he knew that Black Fang and the others were about to make their move.
Ultimately, there's some expectation for the outcome of this matter.
Is it the mysterious and unpredictable Boss Chen who is one step ahead, or is it the demon of Mingyue Tower who is one foot more cunning?
Just that.
Anticipation is high.
Liu Lang also harbored some resentment towards Chen Yi.
Even now, after doing so much with Chen Yi and seeing the ins and outs of some things, there are still a few things he can't see clearly.
"Mysterious..."
"Boss, please don't let your plan fall through in the end."
"If that's the case, I'll laugh at you."
Just as Liu Lang was pondering this, a burly man dressed in black walked over and whispered, "Time's up."
Liu Lang glanced at him, put down his tea, got up and followed him upstairs.
We made our way to the depths of the quiet room on the top floor.
As soon as he entered, Liu Lang unconsciously let out a loud whistle.
"Black Fang, you've got a full complement of people tonight."
In this spacious, quiet room, besides Hei Ya and Lou Yuxue, there were more than fifty other men of varying heights dressed in black.
It's more than double the amount from last time.
Clearly, Black Fang hasn't been idle these past few days.
Liu Lang, seemingly unaware that he had revealed his identity, made a joke, sat down, and then asked:
"Looks like we're going to make our move tonight?"
Black Fang glanced at him and asked in his usual indifferent tone:
"Are you the only one here? Where is Liu Wu?"
Liu Lang shrugged and said, "I don't know either."
“However, before coming here, I had already informed him about your gathering of the people.”
"He only said it would be later, saying that a distinguished guest also wanted to go and take a look."
Black Fang's eyes flickered slightly. "A distinguished guest?"
At this moment, Lou Yuxue spoke up, "Perhaps it's that young master Liu. I heard that he had a conflict with that young lady at Fengchun Pavilion today."
Black Fang thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "That would be best."
Lou Yuxue glanced at him and hesitated, "Time is of the essence, why don't you make the arrangements first, Elder?"
"Alright."
However, half an hour passed.
Black Fang made arrangements for his men to go to the three towns, but "Liu Wu" still hadn't arrived.
He frowned, staring at Liu Lang: "Are you sure you've already told Brother Liu Wu?"
Seeing the fierce glint in his eyes, Liu Lang grinned and said, "You should know that I can't control whether a medical master stays or goes."
No sooner had he finished speaking than Old Demon Jia, not far away, chuckled sinisterly:
"A master of medicine like him can be a bit arrogant, that's understandable."
"Besides, everyone saw him poison Fang Laomo a few days ago. His poison skills are comparable to those of the Five Poisons Sect in the past. It's normal for him to have a strange temper."
One of the people next to him shook his head and said, "That's true, but business waits for no one. We can't let one person ruin everything, can we?"
“That’s right. Canglang Town is far away. Even with Black Fang leading the way, it will still take three hours.”
"Heh heh, what a big shot..."
Seeing the discontent of these demons, Lou Yuxue suggested, "Elder, why don't we arrange for Liu Wu to go to the other two towns?"
"You should take Old Demon Jia and the others to the outskirts of Canglang Town first, so that nothing goes wrong if we are late."
Black Fang glanced at her, then slowly nodded and said, "Let's do it that way then."
Then, he stood up and gestured to the demons in the quiet room, saying, "The people from Canglang and Xuanjia Towns will go first."
Lou Yuxue naturally understood his intention, and said with a sweet laugh, "Elder, you're very thoughtful. Sending Liu Wu to the nearest town, Iron Wall Town, would be most suitable."
Liu Lang nodded in agreement. "That makes perfect sense."
Black Fang ignored the two men, gave his orders, and then led his men away from Spring Rain Pavilion.
Before leaving, he only instructed Lou Yuxue to wait for no more than half an hour.
Lou Yuxue readily agreed and continued to wait in the quiet room with Liu Lang and the others.
Half an hour later, as the hour of Hai (9-11 PM) was approaching, Liu Wu was still nowhere to be seen.
Lou Yuxue immediately stood up and walked outside: "I'm not waiting anymore!"
The unexpected situation deepened her suspicions about Liu Wu, and she had a vague sense of unease.
But now that the die is cast, she has no other options.
Seeing this, Liu Lang had nothing more to say and could only leave Chunyu Tower with the others.
It wasn't until they reached the south gate of the city that Lou Yuxue found a fast horse to meet her, and only then did she realize that something was wrong with her surroundings.
"who?"
Then a soft laugh came from afar: "Distinguished guests have arrived. We apologize for keeping you all waiting."
"Liu Wu?"
(End of this chapter)
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