Wuxia: Drinking with Spring Breeze

The main hall immediately filled with a lively atmosphere.

This is the latency of information.

While Jiangzhe and the court were already churning with undercurrents over the assassination of Ning Wang by Yang Erlang,

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Lu Ting was still spreading the word and rejoicing over the fierce battle achievements at Nansha Bay...

Everyone knows that Zhang Mazi is Yang Erlang, and Yang Erlang is Zhang Mazi.

It’s just that in Lu Ting, people still prefer to call Yang Erlang by the name Zhang Mazi.

And Yang Ge, the real person, is regarded by the townspeople of Luting County as the younger brother of the hero Zhang Mazi, some even jokingly calling him Yang Sanlang.

The performance at the old fisherman’s funeral, though useless to those with high status and well-informed sources, was enough for the common people.

Of course, this might also be because people refuse to believe that such an extraordinary figure, famed throughout Jiangnan and respected in both the court and the underworld, would deign to serve plates in an ordinary inn...

Liu Mang took advantage of this trend and spread the rumor that Yang Ge had bought the Yuelai Inn.

Upon hearing this news, the people of Lu Ting found it even more credible... when one person gains enlightenment, even his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven, right? What kind of person is hero Zhang? How could his younger brother continue serving plates for others?

Ever since this news got out, the Yuelai Inn was full of guests every day, whether at noon or in the evening, as long as it was open for business.

It made the old shopkeeper so happy that his back no longer ached, his legs no longer hurt, and he was brimming with energy, grinning from ear to ear as he stood behind the counter every day...

While the place was bustling, Fang Ke, dressed like a wealthy man, entered the room. After declining the greeting from the old shopkeeper and Zhang Erniu, he went straight to Liu Mang in the corner.

Liu Mang stared at him doubtfully for a couple of seconds, and then quickly recognized him: "You are Fang, Fang Da..."

The two had been busy handling the funeral of the old fisherman together for several days, and Liu naturally recognized Fang Ke, only later learning from Yang Ge that Fang Ke was the Deputy Thousand Households of the superior right division.

"Master Liu has a good memory, I indeed am Fang Danui!"

Fang Ke, his face full of smiles, clasped his fists and bowed, interrupting Liu Mang, and as he sat down next to him, he lowered his voice and said, "We’re all family here, so let’s not stand on ceremony... I’ll make it short, there’s been trouble, and you must come with me now!"

Liu Mang put down his chopsticks in haste: "What happened?"

Fang Ke replied concisely: "Lord Yang killed Ning Wang in Jiangzhe, the court has ordered the Eastern Factory to lead the arrest; without an acquaintance to mediate and known for their ruthless methods, they will certainly investigate and threaten Lord Yang using you... When I was returning from Jiangzhe, Lord Yang repeatedly entrusted me to take care of you and the old shopkeeper. Please trust me, I will ensure you both are safely hidden away from the Eastern Factory’s men."

Liu Mang shuddered with shock: "Wasn’t that guy heading south to kill Japanese pirates? How did he end up killing a Vassal King?"

Fang Ke answered: "Ning Wang was the mastermind behind those Japanese pirates... Alright, there’s not much time, let’s hurry. The Eastern Factory’s people will be here soon, rest assured, as long as you and the old shopkeeper are safe, those dead eunuchs won’t be able to do anything to Lord Yang!"

"Wait, wait, don’t panic, don’t panic..."

Liu Mang’s mind was in turmoil as he tried to calm himself down and focus on the crucial points of the situation.

Fang Ke: "Is there something else?"

Liu Mang: "Right, my wife!"

Fang Ke: "I’ve already sent someone to pick up Ms. Liu and the entire family of butcher Deng."

Liu Mang: "Right, and Huang..."

Fang Ke: "Someone has been sent for him, too."

Liu Mang suddenly stood up: "Then what are we waiting for, let’s go!"

Fang Ke nodded toward the counter: "Think of a way not to scare the old man."

Liu Mang tightened his belt: "Right, leave it to me!"

Having said that, he walked towards the counter with a confident stride under Fang Ke’s skeptical gaze.

Subsequently, the old shopkeeper put down his brush, picked up a broom, and chased Liu Mang out of the door.

Fang Ke’s mouth twitched slightly, and he quickly got up to follow them.

In a short while, Fang Ke, now dressed in simple short clothes, skillfully drove a modest ox cart, making circles as he headed towards the East City Gate.

Several figures hidden on the eaves of the street appeared to watch the carriage disappear into the distance...

No sooner had the ox cart crossed the moat than it was stopped by a group of brocade-clad officers.

"Whoa."

Fang Ke reined in the oxen, eyeing the twenty or so pale, sinister-faced brocade officers with confusion.

"Deputy Fang is indeed extremely loyal," said an exotic-looking eunuch who emerged from the crowd.

He had a delicate appearance, fair skin without an Adam’s apple, and wore well-fitted black brocade with a few peonies embroidered on the chest. He approached with a smile on his face that didn’t reach his eyes, which were as cold as ice and snow. As he walked forward, he slid off his deerskin gloves and rested his hand on the hilt of his sword: "The court has issued a wanted notice with a reward of one hundred thousand taels of silver for capturing the fugitive Yang Erlang. It’s really worrying for us at the Imperial Guard that Deputy Fang still protects Yang Erlang’s relatives like this..."

Fang Ke frowned, the look of confusion deepening on his face: "Gentlemen, may I ask..."

The exotically dressed eunuch looked at the ox cart behind him and suddenly said with a smile, "Deputy Fang, why play dumb? I’m already here, do you really think you have a chance to escape?"

"Me?"

Fang Ke seemed to catch on to something, then realized with a start: "So it’s the esteemed Western Factory eunuchs right before me, please forgive my poor eyesight."

The eunuch narrowed his eyes slightly, then smiled again: "Sowing discord, playing the fool, none of this will help your current predicament, Deputy Fang."