Chapter 151: Chapter 136: Get What I Want, Then Send Her on Her Way
The Imperial Inspection Office.
Upon hearing the news, Imperial Inspector Wang Shihao was stunned for a moment before bursting into joyous laughter.
"Hahaha, wonderful! A fine kill! Now let’s see if that Zhang Pengcheng dares to be so arrogant."
"I never expected this Wu Liangchen to be so capable. No wonder even the Xiao family from the Six Gates couldn’t catch him and were killed by him instead."
Hearing this, the advisor beside him couldn’t help but ask in confusion, "Your Excellency, Wu Liangchen is in Huangpu Guard right now. The Xiao family must have heard the news as well. Why haven’t they made a move?"
Wang Shihao scoffed. "A move? What move? The Xiao family can barely fend for themselves right now. How could they have the time to deal with this?"
"Are you saying... the Xiao family has also been implicated in Prince Jing’s treason plot?"
"Of course. Is there anyone in the imperial court who doesn’t know the Xiao family belongs to Prince Jing? Now that Prince Jing has lost power, the Xiao family will be lucky to escape with their lives. How could they possibly think about revenge?"
It turned out that the situation in the Capital had grown increasingly tense recently. The influential Prince Jing, who held immense power over the court, was suddenly exposed for secretly stockpiling bows, crossbows, and armor with the intent to rebel.
The Empress Dowager was furious, and countless nobles were implicated. Everyone in the court was on edge, and as staunch supporters of Prince Jing, the Xiao family naturally couldn’t escape involvement.
"In that case, Your Excellency, it would be best for you to avoid getting involved in this mess in the Capital," the advisor said.
Wang Shihao gave a bitter smile. "I don’t want to either, but I’m an official. How can I possibly avoid these political whirlpools?"
The advisor fell silent. He couldn’t refute what Wang Shihao had said.
Especially at the high rank of Imperial Inspector, such things were unavoidable.
The only thing Wang Shihao could do was be cautious and try his best not to get dragged in too deep.
But the problem was that the Great Yan dynasty was in decline. When a great mansion is on the verge of collapse, who can truly remain unscathed?
***
The Silver Tower.
Although the sun was up, the drinking party was still in full swing.
Wei Tiantong, Hua Ziqi, and Chengchun Mountain sat together, drinking and chatting as they waited for news from Flower Square.
Zhu Wan’Er, unable to stand the smell of Hua Ziqi’s pipe, had moved to a spot by the window, leaning on the railing and gazing into the distance.
The Silver Tower was in an excellent location. From her vantage point, she could even see the distant sea.
"It should be about time. Is there any news from Flower Square?" Wei Tiantong asked.
Despite having been up all night, he was still full of vigor, thanks to his practice of Taoist life-preservation arts.
"I’ve already sent someone to find out. They should be back soon," Hua Ziqi said with a smile.
As he spoke, he glanced at Zhu Wan’Er in the distance. The morning light streamed through the enormous glass window, illuminating her face.
Although she wore a long dress, the alluring curves of her figure were still faintly visible beneath it.
The fire in Hua Ziqi’s heart burned even hotter.
A man of his status was certainly not lacking for women, but Zhu Wan’Er was different. She was a woman of high standing, a well-bred lady from a prominent family, a far cry from the common sort of powdered faces.
Therefore, Hua Ziqi picked up a pot of warmed wine and walked over to the window, smiling.
"Miss Zhu, you must be tired after being up all night. Have some warm wine. This is a thirty-year-aged Huadiao, excellent for one’s health."
In truth, Hua Ziqi was quite handsome. Although he was in his thirties, he was well-maintained and looked like a young man in his twenties.
But for some reason, Zhu Wan’Er found Hua Ziqi irritating from the moment she saw him.
However, out of good manners, she still managed a slight smile.
"Thank you, but I don’t drink."
Hua Ziqi was still smiling, but his eyes had turned somewhat grim.
No woman had ever rejected him like this before.
Just as he was about to lose his temper, the sound of clattering footsteps came from the top of the stairs, and a servant walked up.
It was the man Hua Ziqi had sent out earlier.
Everyone’s attention was immediately drawn to him, and Hua Ziqi was the first to ask, "Well?"
The servant caught his breath and said, "Flower Square won a decisive victory! The Black Banner Camp and the Beheading Gang suffered heavy losses and have already withdrawn."
"That’s impossible!" Hua Ziqi exclaimed immediately.
Wei Tiantong’s expression shifted slightly, but he maintained his composure and said in a low voice, "What exactly happened? Tell us in detail."
"Yes!"
The servant then recounted the news he had gathered, leaving nothing out.
When they heard that Wu Liangchen had burned down Moqin Pavilion and led his men to forcibly drive out the Black Banner Camp, even the calm and seasoned Wei Tiantong couldn’t help but pale.
"What a vicious and ruthless brat!"
Only Zhu Wan’Er, after hearing the news, felt a great weight lift from her heart. She then turned to Wei Tiantong with a smile.
"Uncle Wei, I’m afraid I was lucky enough to win this bet."
Only then did Wei Tiantong begin to seriously size up the gentle-looking young woman before him.
Although Zhu Wan’Er had attended several of these gatherings, Wei Tiantong had previously seen her as just another rich young lady coasting on her family’s reputation to gain some prestige. He had never taken her seriously.
This bet, however, had given him a completely new perspective on her.
Even if there was an element of luck involved, being able to guess correctly was, at times, a skill in itself.
"Fine. A bet is a bet. Someone, bring one thousand silver coins," Wei Tiantong said with a smile, retracting his gaze.
Although Hua Ziqi was reluctant, things had already come to this. He was in no position to object, so he grimaced and also took out one thousand silver coins.
Such a large sum of money was not something an ordinary person would carry around. But Hua Ziqi was extravagant by nature and loved to throw his money around, so his personal guard always carried a large amount of cash.
As for Lu Shengjiang and Chengchun Mountain, they too naturally paid up.
For men like them, one thousand silver coins was nothing. The key issue was the embarrassment of losing the bet.
Chengchun Mountain, in particular, was secretly relieved that Flower Square hadn’t changed hands, but also full of regret. ’If I had known this would happen,’ he thought, ’I shouldn’t have hesitated last night. I should have stood firmly with Zhu Wan’Er.’
But it was too late to say any of that now.
Zhu Wan’Er ordered her subordinate to collect the four thousand silver coins, then stood up with a smile.
"Uncle Wei, and all you other uncles, the bet is now over. I will take my leave."
Wei Tiantong nodded slightly. "Go on. We’ll notify you when the next gathering is held."
"Thank you, Uncle Wei!"
Zhu Wan’Er left with her people.
Hua Ziqi stared at the top of the stairs, his expression fluctuating, then he too stood up. "I’m a bit tired from being up all night as well. I’ll be going."
"Go on, go on!" Wei Tiantong waved his hand dismissively, and the group dispersed.
Hua Ziqi clattered down the stairs, but when he looked around, he found that Zhu Wan’Er had already left in her carriage.
"Damn it, the little bitch is fast," Hua Ziqi cursed under his breath, then left in frustration.
Meanwhile, inside her carriage, Zhu Wan’Er suddenly called out, "Tao’Er!"
"Miss!"
"Prepare a gift and have someone deliver it to Flower Square. Say it’s from the Zhu family to congratulate them on their reopening."
"Yes!"
Then, watching the faint streetscape through the carriage curtain, Zhu Wan’Er suddenly smiled.
"Interesting!"
At the same time, the various powers throughout Huangpu Guard were stunned by the news.
Some people even thought they were still dreaming, for the news was simply too shocking.
Not only had Flower Square managed to defend its territory, but they had also inflicted heavy losses on the Black Banner Camp and the Beheading Gang.
It sounded like something out of a fairy tale.
But soon, the details of the battle began to spread. When people heard that Wu Liangchen had burned down Moqin Pavilion, causing the Black Banner Camp to lose over two hundred men, they fell silent.
Such ruthless tactics sent a chill down their spines.
And the name Wu Liangchen successfully resounded throughout the entire underworld of Huangpu Guard.
Wu Liangchen was unaware of this external turmoil, nor did he care to find out.
At this moment, he arrived before a heavily guarded room.
"Is Third Brother awake?" he asked the guard at the door.
"He just woke up. He’s waiting for you." The young guard looked at Wu Liangchen with adoration before opening the door.
Wu Liangchen entered and saw Xie San propped up against the headboard, eating. His spirits were much better than before, though his face was still pale.
Seeing Wu Liangchen, Xie San waved him over. "You haven’t eaten, have you? Freshly made white fungus soup. Want a bowl?"
Wu Liangchen smiled. "Sure, I’m actually a bit hungry."
Someone immediately brought a bowl of the soup, and Wu Liangchen didn’t stand on ceremony, picking it up and starting to eat.
Xie San watched with a grin. Only after Wu Liangchen had finished did he speak.
"I’ve heard what happened. You did very well. Even if I hadn’t been injured, I couldn’t have done a better job."
"So, on behalf of the girls of Flower Square and all my brothers, I want to thank you."
"Third Brother, you’re being too kind," Wu Liangchen said.
"No, this isn’t kindness. It’s what you deserve," Xie San said with great seriousness.
"Besides, I won’t be getting out of this bed anytime soon. So, for the time being, I’ll have to trouble you to look after Flower Square for me."
"Alright," Wu Liangchen agreed with a nod.
"I heard you captured someone?" Xie San suddenly asked.
Wu Liangchen was slightly surprised. Xie San chuckled, "Yan Feng told me. I hear she’s an archery expert?"
"Yes. She’s the one who fought me back in Huai Mountain. The Eighth Village Chief of Cyan Cloud Mountain," Wu Liangchen said.
"Cyan Cloud Mountain..." Xie San murmured, his expression turning serious.
"So, what do you plan to do with her?"
"Get what I want from her, then send her on her way," Wu Liangchen said matter-of-factly.
Xie San gave Wu Liangchen a slightly surprised look.
According to Yan Feng, this archery expert was a charming and beautiful woman. He had assumed Wu Liangchen had other intentions for capturing her, but his plan was so direct.
"Normally, since you’re the one who caught her, I shouldn’t interfere. But Cyan Cloud Mountain is a powerful force these days. You’d best be cautious," Xie San said.
Wu Liangchen was silent for a moment, then nodded. "I understand."
After staying a little longer, Wu Liangchen took his leave. Once he was outside, he asked,
"Where is that woman being held now?"
