If it were ordinary people, these gate keepers would not only ignore them but would also give them a thorough scolding. However, the word “general” from this person’s mouth made them dare not act presumptuously, though they also didn’t immediately open the city gate. One of them asked, “May I ask which general?”

“Just open the gate when told to open it. Where do all these nonsensical questions come from?” After the person outside scolded them, he said, “My general’s surname is Pei.”

Another gate keeper, upon hearing this, said in a low voice, “That’s right. I remember that at noon, General Pei had left the city. It should be General Pei returning. Quickly open the gate – don’t make General Pei unhappy.”

Hearing these words, the previous gate keeper nodded repeatedly and hurriedly opened the city gate. Four people stood outside, with the one in front being none other than Pei Qiantong.

The gate keeper hurriedly bowed in salute, “This humble servant greets the General. I didn’t know it was the General entering the city just now. Please forgive my offense.”

Pei Qiantong stopped and looked sideways, “Are you two responsible for guarding the city tonight?”

The two gate keepers said with pleasant surprise, “In response to the General’s question, it is indeed we two humble servants.”

“Good.” Pei Qiantong nodded, “Later tonight, this general needs to leave the city again. When the time comes, you two will open the city gate for this general.”

The two were startled, not expecting Pei Qiantong to make such a request. They said cautiously, “General, there are rules for opening and closing the city gates. Once locked, unless it’s an urgent military report, it absolutely cannot be opened.”

Pei Qiantong glared at them both and said, “This general is leaving the city precisely for urgent military matters. If military affairs are delayed, will you two be responsible?”

“Please calm your anger, General.” The two hurriedly knelt to beg forgiveness. One of them said with hardened resolve, “If the General truly needs to leave the city later, why not ask… ask the Prime Minister to write a decree? In that case…”

Before he finished speaking, a soldier who had come with Pei Qiantong stepped forward and grabbed his clothing, “What? Are my general’s words not as effective as the Prime Minister’s decree? Hmph, if not for my general, where would there be a Prime Minister? And where would you people have the opportunity to return to Guanzhong?” Speaking further, he said ominously, “Or are you saying that you find the things on your necks too heavy and want to loosen them?”

The gate keepers were low-ranking clerks who had never seen such a scene. They were scared witless and hurriedly said, “General, spare our lives! We two… will comply!”

“Good!” Pei Qiantong said expressionlessly, “Guard this place well. When you hear this general’s command, immediately open the city gate. If you disobey, this general will definitely cut off your heads.”

Amid the gate keepers’ continuous promises, Pei Qiantong flicked his sleeve and left the gate. After they had walked out of sight, the two gate keepers finally stood up from the ground. After locking the city gate, one said, “By the way, didn’t you feel that one of the people behind General Pei looked somewhat familiar? Like… Du Ruhui, who caused a citywide uproar and has a reward of a thousand jin of white rice on his head?”

The other person thought carefully for a while and frowned, “Such a thing?” Before that person could speak, he was already shaking his head, “Impossible. It definitely wouldn’t be Du Ruhui.”

The previous person said, “Why are you so certain?”

“Think about it. During these days, General Pei has been searching everywhere for Du Ruhui, and so many portraits have been posted throughout the city. If that soldier were really him, how could General Pei not have noticed? It should just be that people can look similar.”

That person thought this made sense and nodded without saying more. Speaking of Pei Qiantong’s group, after entering the city, they headed south all the way. On this north-south line stood Jiangdu City’s most magnificent and also most splendid and solemn building – the Imperial Palace.

When the Imperial Palace appeared in their sight, Pei Qiantong stopped and said to someone beside him, “You don’t need to enter the palace with me. Go back to the residence.” Then he turned his head and said, “You two have no objections to this, right?” The soldiers who had entered the city with Pei Qiantong were none other than Li Shimin, Du Ruhui, and Pei Qiancheng.

Du Ruhui said, “Brother Pei, you go back first. With General Pei here to help us rescue people, there won’t be any problems. Too many people would instead easily arouse suspicion.”

Pei Qiancheng thought for a moment and said, “Since it’s inconvenient to enter the palace, I’ll stay here to support you. In case something happens, I can provide assistance.” Before Du Ruhui could speak, he continued, “Asking me to just go back to the residence – I really can’t feel at ease.”

Seeing his mind was made up, Du Ruhui didn’t say more and nodded, following Pei Qiantong toward the Imperial Palace. When they reached the palace gate, the guards saw Pei Qiantong walking in front and hurriedly bowed in salute.

Just as they were about to enter, someone hurriedly walked out. Seeing Pei Qiantong standing outside the palace gate, he walked over and said, “General Pei, it’s perfect that you’re here.”

Pei Qiantong looked the newcomer up and down and said, “Is there something you need, Guard Cui?”

“Young Master heard that General Pei has news of Du Ruhui and specially sent this humble servant to ask the General whether Du Ruhui has already been captured.” This person was none other than Cui Yongzhong, who had always followed Cui Ji. Years ago, when Cui Ji was demoted to hard labor at the quarry for plotting against Zheng Yang, he was thrown into the imperial prison to await autumn execution. But before autumn arrived, Yang Guang came to Jiangdu. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Cui family spent money to make connections and rescued Cui Yongzhong from prison, sending him to the quarry to continue following Cui Ji. This time, he had also come to Jiangdu.

Pei Qiantong shook his head, “I did receive news saying Du Ruhui appeared outside the city. To prevent him from escaping, this general personally led people to capture him. But it turned out to be another fake message to swindle rice. There was no trace of Du Ruhui at all – a wasted trip.” Then he said, “Is Young Master Cui currently in the palace?” Unless there was some assignment, Cui Yongzhong never left Cui Ji’s side. His appearance here meant that Cui Ji was most likely in the palace.

Sure enough, Cui Yongzhong answered, “Yes, Young Master is in Feixiang Hall visiting Princess Jinyang.” After a pause, he said, “This Du Ruhui is truly cunning to the extreme. We’ve searched for so many days and still have no clues.”

“No matter how well he hides, since this general has promised Young Master Cui, I will definitely drag him out!”

“Then everything depends on the General’s efforts.” Speaking to this point, he asked curiously, “What brings the General to the palace?”

Pei Qiantong smiled and said, “This general has some matters to report personally to the Prime Minister.”

Cui Yongzhong nodded and was about to bow and take his leave when, from the corner of his eye, he glimpsed Du Ruhui following behind Pei Qiantong. A trace of doubt appeared in his eyes. Eh, why does this person look so familiar? As if he were…

“General, are these two your personal soldiers?” As Cui Ji spoke, he walked toward Du Ruhui. The latter secretly clenched his hands hanging at his sides. Though he was disguised and had blackened his face, it wasn’t enough to completely change his appearance. If someone who knew him looked carefully, they could still recognize him.

Pei Qiantong was also afraid he would be recognized and hurriedly said, “This general is rushing to see the Prime Minister. Guard Cui, please do as you wish.” With that, he indicated for Li Shimin and the other to follow him inside. But before Du Ruhui could take a step, he was blocked by Cui Yongzhong, who stared at him intently and said, “What’s your name?”