Qin Zhonghai brought his award plaque home and was thinking about where to display it when his steward reported that Liu Angtian wanted to discuss something. He immediately said happily: “Great! I was just looking for someone to boast to, and His Lordship has come to my door! Hehe!” He hugged the plaque and rushed outside.
Arriving at the Liu residence, he saw Liu Angtian and Yang Suguan with grave expressions, already waiting for everyone to arrive. Qin Zhonghai smiled: “What’s wrong? Did your hemorrhoids flare up again?”
Liu Angtian cursed: “Stop talking nonsense! I’m telling you—big trouble!”
Qin Zhonghai was curious: “What big trouble? Did His Majesty also get hemorrhoids?”
Liu Angtian angrily said: “You’re still… still passing gas! The court is now in turmoil, reaching a life-or-death juncture!”
Qin Zhonghai stared blankly: “Life-or-death juncture? What’s that about?” He glanced at Yang Suguan and saw his expression was also extremely grave, realizing this matter must be quite serious.
Meanwhile, Wu Dingyuan had also received word and was heading to the Liu residence.
These past few days, everyone had been playing and enjoying themselves with no one doing serious work, but he alone had been hiding in the Commissioner’s residence copying the case details of the Yanling Escort Agency, planning to use this petition to convince Liu Angtian and others to investigate the case. He started writing from the earliest eighteen escort masters’ tragic deaths, recording everything up to the Yanling Escort Agency main case and Qi Bochuan’s death at the Horse King Temple. Wu Dingyuan, filled with righteous indignation, wrote ten large sheets of petition paper, painfully describing how the Kunlun Mountain people were vicious and cruel, and how Prefect Lu Qingzheng colluded with bandits. Though his writing wasn’t excellent, his noble spirit could move people deeply.
Wu Dingyuan hurried into the Liu residence and saw everyone had already arrived. Liu Angtian and Yang Suguan had grave expressions on their faces as they talked quietly, while Lu Yun looked radiant, as if all his bad luck had vanished. Wu Dingyuan looked carefully and saw Qin Zhonghai holding an award plaque from somewhere, loudly boasting to Lu Yun. Wei Zizhuang pulled over a chair for Wu Dingyuan and invited him to sit.
Seeing everyone had gathered, Liu Angtian said: “Listen carefully, everyone. This morning His Majesty ordered that in three months, the Ministry of Justice will try Liu Jing and the Court of Judicial Review will try Jiang Chong. The matter of the two factions’ previous contact with us can no longer be delayed—we need to respond. I’ve called you here today precisely for this matter.”
After hearing this, Wu Dingyuan thought: “Good! So it’s this matter again. Today I must convince His Lordship to settle the Yanling Escort Agency case early.” Thinking this, his face showed extremely excited expression.
Liu Angtian said: “The struggle between two heroes has reached its final step. In three months, Jiang Chong and Liu Jing will each face a trial—one is ‘Ministry of Justice Joint Trial of the Eastern Depot’ and the other is ‘Court of Judicial Review Trial of Jiang Chong.’ If I’m not mistaken, both sides will definitely use extraordinary measures to desperately frame each other. The court will inevitably become a bloody chaos.”
Yang Suguan nodded: “I heard Jiang Chong’s side found a key witness willing to testify against Liu Jing. Director Liu will probably have a hard time.”
Everyone was greatly surprised to hear that Jiang Chong could actually buy off people around Liu Jing.
Liu Angtian said: “Though Jiang Chong is sinister, that Director Liu is no pushover either. For this great trial, Liu Jing has also found a very famous figure to interrogate Jiang Chong. He won’t give up until Jiang Chong is brought to justice.”
Qin Zhonghai made a sound and asked: “What trump card does Liu Jing have? Wasn’t his subordinate Xue Nu’er just beaten with a hundred strokes?”
Liu Angtian chuckled: “Liu Jing has deep foundations—such a small matter can’t trouble him. I heard that to find this person, Liu Jing even specially asked National Uncle Qiong to help persuade him.”
Everyone made sounds of interest and asked: “Who exactly is this person?”
Yang Suguan, always well-informed, immediately pondered: “Could it be Court of Judicial Review Minister Xu Zhongjin, who’s about to retire?”
Liu Angtian slapped his thigh in praise: “Nephew Suguan is indeed remarkable—it’s exactly this Minister Xu. This Master Xu is named Xu Zhongjin, nicknamed ‘Iron Head Xu’—partly because he specializes in chopping off people’s heads, and partly because he doesn’t care about his own head either. With Master Xu taking action, even Jiang Chong must be somewhat wary. In this struggle between two heroes, who will win won’t be known until both cases are tried.”
Wu Dingyuan thought: “This Iron Head Xu is so formidable—Jiang Chong will surely be in trouble.” Thinking this, he couldn’t help but feel very excited.
Liu Angtian continued: “I’ve called you gentlemen here today to decide on strategy together. Now that the two heroes are struggling and will soon clash, if we want to find someone to cooperate with, who do you think is appropriate?”
This was the second time this matter was raised. Yang Suguan immediately coughed lightly and spoke first: “I advocate cooperating with Jiang Chong. That day Jiang Chong promised the position of Capital Region Military Commissioner. With the current chaotic court situation, if we can secure this position, it would definitely bring great benefits with little cost. Why not?”
Hearing this, Wu Dingyuan knew Yang Suguan advocated joining with Jiang Chong and felt quite displeased. Qin Zhonghai beside him smiled: “Yang Langzhong’s words are greatly wrong. Doesn’t the saying go: ‘Sending charcoal in snow is a gentleman, adding flowers to brocade is called a petty person.’ Now Jiang Chong is powerful while Liu Jing is weak. If you just flatter this rogue, he may not truly appreciate it.”
As soon as these words came out, Yang Suguan immediately disagreed and was about to argue when Liu Angtian said: “Gentlemen, please remain calm. I have several matters to instruct you on.” Everyone acknowledged and quieted down.
Liu Angtian looked at the four men before him: “You four are all unmarried and haven’t yet established careers. Speaking of it, I’m like your uncle, and I must safely protect you all until each of you has your own domain. Do you understand this intention?” Everyone stood up and bowed: “Thank you for Your Lordship’s protective care.”
Liu Angtian sighed: “I’ve always been careful in my actions, which is also for the sake of your futures. This struggle between two heroes is extremely difficult. Don’t act rashly—if you cause bigger incidents, it won’t be good for anyone.” Everyone said in unison: “Your Lordship’s teaching is correct.”
Liu Angtian glanced at Wu Dingyuan: “Let’s go one by one. Dingyuan, you speak your views first!”
Wu Dingyuan was wholeheartedly focused on avenging the Yanling Escort Agency and immediately said: “This subordinate fled a thousand li seeking nothing more than justice for the entire Yanling Escort Agency. Regardless of which faction Your Lordship decides to cooperate with, this subordinate only asks that this case be solved to appease the spirits of the dead.” Everyone knew he bore blood vengeance and always took avenging the Yanling Escort Agency as his duty, so they weren’t surprised by these words.
Wu Dingyuan presented his petition: “Your Lordship, I have a petition regarding the Yanling Escort Agency that I’d like you to review.” Liu Angtian casually flipped through it but remained noncommittal. Wu Dingyuan felt secretly anxious: “Looking at His Lordship’s expression, he must have other plans. If he really wants to join with Jiang Chong, how can I face the dead Qi father and son? I… what should I do?”
Liu Angtian handed the petition to Yang Suguan and asked: “The Yanling Escort Agency has deep connections with your Shaolin. Do you have any insights, Nephew Yang?”
Yang Suguan took the petition, flipped through several pages, and shook his head: “Given Grand Preceptor Jiang Chong’s status, without a joint trial by the Six Ministries, it would be very difficult to bring him down. Moreover, the Yanling Escort Agency case has many difficulties—solving it thoroughly won’t be easy. In my opinion, the Yanling Escort Agency case can’t be rushed and must be planned long-term.” His words showed some reservation about Wu Dingyuan’s proposal.
Liu Angtian made a sound of acknowledgment: “According to Nephew Yang’s previous statement, you intend to cooperate with Jiang Chong to exchange for the position of Zhili Military Commissioner. What do you all think?”
Wu Dingyuan most hated Jiang Chong and was deeply afraid Liu Angtian would really cooperate with this treacherous minister. He was secretly anxious, but knowing his previous behavior had been too rash and already bordered on insubordination, he didn’t dare speak rashly now. He looked at Lu Yun, hoping he would speak in opposition. With the prestige of being the new top scholar, he might be able to make Liu Angtian and Yang Suguan change their minds. But Lu Yun hadn’t attended the previous meeting and now just sat quietly listening without saying a word. Wu Dingyuan was anxious and worried but had no opportunity to speak privately with Lu Yun, feeling quite panicked.
Liu Angtian said: “Zhonghai! Speaking of cooperating with Jiang Chong, what do you think?” Everyone turned to look and saw Qin Zhonghai with his head lowered, thick eyebrows furrowed, slowly nodding.
Wu Dingyuan’s heart went cold: “Terrible! Even General Qin has changed sides. Now I’m the only one opposing—I’ll be even more isolated.” Yang Suguan was pleased and thought: “Those who understand the times are outstanding people. Zhonghai is truly a hero, definitely not someone who’s rigid.”
Seeing Qin Zhonghai agree, Liu Angtian said: “Zhonghai, since you agree, tell us your reasons!”
Everyone saw Qin Zhonghai with his eyes tightly closed, his expression seemingly full of worry. They all thought: “Though Zhonghai usually jokes and laughs, when it comes to crucial moments he’s still serious. Sigh, this matter is truly difficult.”
After a long while, Qin Zhonghai was still deep in thought. Liu Angtian said: “Zhonghai, speak quickly! We’re all waiting!” After urging for a while, he heard Qin Zhonghai say: “Tiger… tiger…”
Everyone was curious: “Tiger? What does that mean? Could he want to eliminate the court’s Eight Tigers?”
Liu Angtian frowned: “Tiger? What’s that supposed to mean? Speak clearly.”
Qin Zhonghai said: “Rest… rest…”
Liu Angtian was puzzled: “Rest? Rest what? Want to dismiss Jiang Chong?” Everyone immediately whispered to each other, unable to understand Qin Zhonghai’s meaning.
Liu Angtian shouted: “What exactly are you trying to say?”
Qin Zhonghai said: “Hoo… hoo… shoo… shoo…”
Everyone looked at each other and whispered: “What does ‘hoo hoo shoo shoo’ mean?”
Yang Suguan snorted: “Don’t ask—he’s sleeping.”
Liu Angtian was furious and immediately roared: “Qin Zhonghai! Get up!”
Qin Zhonghai jumped up in alarm: “What’s wrong? Is there a fire?”
Yang Suguan sighed: “We’re discussing important matters and he comes here to sleep… Sigh…”
Liu Angtian pointed and shouted angrily: “Rotten wood!”
Qin Zhonghai quickly turned to examine the wall carefully and said anxiously: “Where’s the rotten wood? Wait, I’ll have the steward clean it up.”
Yang Suguan sighed: “Zaiwo slept during the day. The Master said: ‘Rotten wood cannot be carved; walls of dung cannot be plastered.'”
Qin Zhonghai smiled awkwardly: “If the wall is full of dung, of course it can’t be plastered anymore.” He laughed dryly a few times: “My mouth is so dry—let me have some tea first!” He reached for Liu Angtian’s tea cup without even asking and began drinking in large gulps.
Liu Angtian snorted: “Earlier I saw you nodding repeatedly—could you agree to cooperate with Jiang Chong?”
Qin Zhonghai was greatly startled and suddenly sprayed tea from his mouth toward Wu Dingyuan’s face. Wu Dingyuan was shocked—having received the true teachings of Tianshan, his martial arts had now reached saintly levels. He immediately leaped up to avoid Qin Zhonghai’s water projectile. After Wu Dingyuan dodged, the tea sprayed toward Yang Suguan’s face. Yang Suguan was startled and used his agile movement technique to immediately flash aside. Lu Yun was currently reminiscing about sweet moments with Gu Qianxi when suddenly a stream of water flew at his face. He cried out “Ah ya!” and was sprayed all over his head and face.
Qin Zhonghai said apologetically: “Sorry, sorry.” He quickly came over to wipe Lu Yun clean. After they wiped for a while, Liu Angtian angrily said: “Zhonghai! Quickly explain yourself clearly! We want to cooperate with Jiang Chong. Now Dingyuan opposes and Suguan supports—what exactly do you think?”
Qin Zhonghai grinned and spread his hands: “I have no opinion on this matter. I’ll do whatever you all decide.” He had no grudges with either Jiang Chong or Liu Jing. Though he had better feelings toward Liu Jing, he had no need to risk his life for him, so he remained neutral.
Liu Angtian coughed: “Since you have no other opinions, go sit down.”
Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily and returned to his seat, looking at Lu Yun with a meaningful smile.
Indeed, Liu Angtian turned to look at Lu Yun: “Nephew Lu, Yang Langzhong supports, Commissioner Wu opposes, and General Qin has no opinion. Now it depends on you. If you support, after long consideration I’ll cooperate with Jiang Chong. But if you oppose, I’ll choose Liu Jing’s side. Tell us your views!” Everyone looked at Lu Yun to see his decision.
Wu Dingyuan thought: “Brother Lu is my life-and-death brother—he should help me. But his temperament is strange—I don’t know if he’ll suddenly switch sides.”
Yang Suguan thought: “This is bad. Lu Yun and I have an ordinary relationship, and a few days ago at my house things became quite unpleasant. He’ll definitely oppose now.” He’d been quite busy these days and had even left the capital once, with no time to invite Gu Qianxi out, so he didn’t know about the matter between Lu Yun and Gu Qianxi.
Everyone had their own concerns, all fearing Lu Yun would oppose their views. Among them, only Qin Zhonghai smiled, thinking: “Our Brother Lu excels in military strategy and tactics. Let’s see his great discussion—he’ll surely have insights.”
Qin Zhonghai had once accompanied Lu Yun to the Western Frontier for the marriage alliance and greatly admired his schemes. Earlier, his lack of opinion was actually a gesture of yielding to the worthy.
Lu Yun pondered for a moment. Having just become a jinshi, he didn’t expect to immediately face such a major problem. He considered at length, his expression showing considerable difficulty.
Liu Angtian urged: “Nephew Lu, please speak!”
After thinking for a while, Lu Yun said: “In my humble opinion, even if we cooperate with Liu Jing, relying only on our two families’ strength, we probably still can’t bring down Jiang Chong—we’d just waste effort uselessly.”
Wu Dingyuan sighed inwardly: “As I expected—he’s really switched sides.” Yang Suguan was pleased: “They say Lu Yun is a rigid scholar, but who knew heroes think alike.”
Just as the two were thinking, Lu Yun continued: “But if we cooperate with Jiang Chong, that’s also like seeking skin from a tiger. Not only won’t we get the ‘Capital Region Military Commissioner’ position, but he’ll also turn on us. Once Liu Jing is eliminated, with lips gone teeth feel cold—we’ll be next.”
Yang Suguan raised his eyebrows: “How do you see this?”
Lu Yun said: “Currently, with the two heroes in conflict, countless petty people in court are taking the opportunity to threaten Jiang Chong and Liu Jing, hoping to gain benefits. In my view, those wanting this ‘Capital Region Military Commissioner’ position are probably not few. Jiang Chong may not sincerely give it to us. Unless he immediately hands over this important position, there’s no need to pay attention to him.”
Liu Angtian nodded: “Nephew Lu’s words have some merit. We must guard against this.”
Yang Suguan said: “According to Brother Lu’s meaning, we should cooperate with Liu Jing?”
Lu Yun shook his head: “Not necessarily.”
Yang Suguan said gravely: “According to Brother Lu, we neither cooperate with Jiang Chong nor associate with Liu Jing. Are we to sit and wait for death, waiting for the situation to stabilize before letting these people deal with us?”
Lu Yun smiled: “Yang Langzhong’s words are too extreme. Currently, whether we help Liu or Jiang, we’re just doing thankless work for others’ benefit. I don’t know why everyone thinks this way.”
Yang Suguan made a dismissive sound: “If we don’t help Liu now, we must help Jiang—the situation forces us. We have no choice.”
Lu Yun shook his head: “I advocate helping neither.”
Hearing this, everyone scoffed dismissively, and Yang Suguan even laughed. Liu Angtian shook his head slightly and sighed inwardly: “This Nephew Lu is still too naive—such words are truly scholar’s opinions.”
But Qin Zhonghai shouted loudly: “What are you all arguing about? Let him finish speaking first.” Only then did everyone quiet down.
Lu Yun nodded slightly at Qin Zhonghai in thanks, then said: “The current conflict between Jiang and Liu is the so-called ‘when the snipe and clam fight, the fisherman profits.’ As court ministers receiving the ruler’s salary, we should seize this good opportunity to unify the chaotic government and revive court discipline.”
Hearing this, everyone made sounds of interest, finding it quite intriguing. Lu Yun continued: “Earlier, listening to Your Lordship, this time the Court of Judicial Review’s interrogation of Jiang Chong mainly examines his unauthorized deployment of Yumen Pass garrison troops. Actually, if we want to bring down Jiang Chong, this case probably can’t compare to the usefulness of the Yanling Escort Agency blood case.”
Hearing the four words “Yanling Escort Agency,” everyone’s hearts tightened, and Wu Dingyuan was especially excited.
Liu Angtian raised his eyebrows, clearly seeing the key point: “Nephew Lu, please speak! I’m eager to hear the details!”
Lu Yun said: “In my view, the Yanling Escort Agency case involved Prefect Liang Zhiyi, Censor Wang Ning, and eighty-three members of the Qi family—the scope of involvement is extremely rare. If we can gather all relevant witnesses and evidence before the Court of Judicial Review tries Jiang Chong on December 20th, with this extraordinary injustice we can definitely control Jiang Chong completely. Once the evidence appears and clues fall into our hands, when the wind moves the grass bends—no matter how powerful Jiang Chong is, he can’t overturn heaven with one hand.”
Lu Yun had previously heard Wu Dingyuan mention the Yanling Escort Agency case and now used it to analyze the situation. Indeed, it was detailed and logical.
Liu Angtian nodded: “Nephew Lu’s words are correct. But Jiang Chong has the heart of a wolf—how can he allow us to investigate this case thoroughly? When killing and arson situations arise, we’ll probably please neither side.”
The previous western investigation of the sheepskin matter had already caused bloody turmoil, and Wu Dingyuan had nearly died on Tianshan. Liu Angtian had been informed by everyone and now expressed his concerns.
Qin Zhonghai suddenly said: “Currently, Jiang Chong and Liu Jing are fighting fiercely. Both powerful ministers are overwhelmed—they probably have no spare energy to deal with us. If we can take the opportunity to investigate, resistance will be minimal.”
Qin Zhonghai’s words were quite correct. For Liu Jing, if he knew Liu Angtian was reopening the Yanling Escort Agency case, not only wouldn’t he obstruct it, he might even send people to help. For Jiang Chong, though the Yanling Escort Agency case targeted him, what he most feared was the Liu and柳 factions uniting. Even knowing Liu Angtian was investigating, he wouldn’t immediately turn hostile but would instead seek reconciliation and compromise to avoid fighting on two fronts.
Everyone was experienced in the world and understood this. Hearing Qin Zhonghai’s explanation, they all nodded.
Seeing everyone showed approval, Lu Yun was pleased and continued: “After we gather all witnesses and evidence, we can definitely control Jiang Chong. In the future, help Liu and Jiang is destroyed; help Jiang and Liu perishes. From then on, among the court’s three factions, the Liu faction should be the strongest.”
Liu Angtian thought this was right and said happily: “This plan is excellent! We should do exactly this!” Wu Dingyuan showed an even more gratified expression.
Yang Suguan said: “Brother Lu’s words are correct, but mastering the whole case still has several difficulties: first, the perpetrators are Kunlun masters who may be difficult to capture in one stroke; second, Zhuo Lingzhao and others will likely keep their mouths sealed—even if we catch them, we may not be able to force them to reveal their instigator. We’d mobilize troops uselessly but probably work for nothing.” Everyone nodded, knowing there were considerable difficulties.
Liu Angtian pondered for a moment: “Nephew Yang’s assessment is correct. We must be careful with this matter.” Knowing Wu Dingyuan had been a constable and would be experienced in such interrogation and capture work, he asked: “Dingyuan! If you were to handle this case, how would you proceed?”
Hearing Liu Angtian’s inquiry, Wu Dingyuan was immediately delighted: “This subordinate has deep hatred with Kunlun Mountain. As long as Your Lordship gives the word, this subordinate will set out tomorrow to investigate these bandits’ whereabouts. This subordinate has many friends in the martial world—with detailed inquiries, I’ll definitely find their traces.”
Liu Angtian said: “Listening to Suguan, these bandits seem to have considerable martial skills. Are you confident you can capture them?”
Wu Dingyuan knelt on one knee in indignation: “Your Lordship can be completely assured! Even if this subordinate’s life is lost, I must cut these bandits into a thousand pieces to comfort the spirits of the entire Yanling Escort Agency in heaven.”
Though Wu Dingyuan was usually mature and shrewd, for the Yanling Escort Agency case he had not only lost his position and fled for his life, experiencing life-and-death dangers several times, but had even been suspected by martial world people of improper conduct. He had this concern day and night. Now that Liu Angtian asked, he was naturally agitated beyond control and determined to stake his life.
Everyone saw his indignant expression and tragic words, as if he had endless blood feuds, and were all shocked. Liu Angtian and Yang Suguan exchanged glances, both shaking their heads slightly with expressions of deep concern.
Qin Zhonghai thought: “Looking at Commissioner Wu’s life-or-death attitude, when he encounters Zhuo Lingzhao, he’ll probably ruin things instead. I don’t think His Lordship will send him out.”
Having followed Liu Angtian for a long time, Qin Zhonghai knew he was conservative in his actions. Given Wu Dingyuan’s current indignant fury, Liu Angtian naturally wouldn’t trust him with this task. This case would definitely be entrusted to someone else.
Indeed, Liu Angtian turned to ask Wei Zizhuang: “Do you know the whereabouts of the Kunlun Mountain people?”
Wei Zizhuang shook his head: “Since the Mount Hua gathering, that Zhuo Lingzhao has vanished like smoke, completely absent from the martial world. Who knows where he’s gone.”
Liu Angtian sighed: “If we can’t find these people, this case will be difficult…” He looked at Yang Suguan: “Does your Shaolin Temple have any news?”
Yang Suguan nodded: “Regarding these people’s whereabouts, you can all rest assured. According to news from our temple, the Kunlun Mountain disciples have gone to Jiangnan.”
Wu Dingyuan stood up abruptly and shouted: “So these bandits went to Jiangnan! Let’s go hunt them down immediately!”
Liu Angtian saw his agitated state and couldn’t help frowning, though Wu Dingyuan didn’t notice and continued gnashing his teeth.
Yang Suguan coughed lightly: “I heard that after Zhuo Lingzhao’s defeat by Ning Bufan, his body and spirit were both wounded. He hid in Jiangnan to bitterly devise new sword techniques, wanting to duel Ning Bufan again. But his subordinate bandits couldn’t stay idle and have been killing in the Jiangnan area, already destroying over ten weak sects.”
Hearing this, Wei and Wu were furious and said in unison: “These bandits are truly completely evil!”
Liu Angtian considered for a moment: “In that case, we shouldn’t delay—we should act quickly.” He said to Lu Yun: “You’ll be going to Jiangnan to take office in a few days, right?”
Lu Yun nodded: “Correct. This subordinate will set out the day after tomorrow to take office in Changzhou.”
Liu Angtian nodded: “Good. After Nephew Lu reaches Jiangnan, first handle affairs for a few days. Then I’ll memorialize the court and request Suguan to inspect river defenses. This time, Nephew Lu and Nephew Yang will go to Jiangnan together—we won’t rest until these bandits are brought to justice!”
Lu Yun and Yang Suguan stood up together and cupped their hands: “We respectfully obey Your Lordship’s orders!”
Liu Angtian took out a command token and placed it in Lu Yun’s hands: “If you encounter Kunlun Mountain people, directly mobilize the Jiangxia garrison to arrest them. There are thirty thousand troops stationed there—we needn’t fear these bandits won’t submit. But unless it’s the last resort, don’t fight them directly.”
Lu Yun responded: “This subordinate understands.”
Wu Dingyuan, hearing he wasn’t included in this assignment, couldn’t help being shocked and trembled: “Your Lordship, I… I’ve always had enmity with Kunlun Mountain. Why aren’t you sending me?”
Liu Angtian said: “Military affairs have been busy lately. I’d like you to stay in the capital a few more days. Anyway, Nephew Lu is also going to Jiangnan—this case might as well be left to him.”
Wu Dingyuan felt hurt and lowered his head, remaining silent for a long time.
Lu Yun consoled: “Brother Wu, don’t be discouraged. You started this case—this younger brother will naturally handle the conclusion properly. I’ll need your guidance then.”
Wu Dingyuan sighed and said quietly: “If there’s anything this Wu can do, I’ll naturally do my best.”
Qin Zhonghai saw Wu Dingyuan’s dejection and knew he was unhappy, so he also advised: “Old Wu! This Zhuo Lingzhao doesn’t just have enmity with you alone—I also have irreconcilable hatred with this beast. Even if you’re itching to kill someone, you can let Brother Lu capture him through strategy, then arrange for you to personally execute him on the execution ground for personal revenge. Wouldn’t that also count as revenge?”
Wu Dingyuan made a sound of agreement and said softly: “General Qin is right—whoever enforces the law is the same.” Everyone saw him compromise and felt relieved.
Liu Angtian said: “Starting from tomorrow, exactly three months later will be December 20th—the time for the court’s great trial of treacherous ministers. We need to capture the Yanling Escort Agency murderers alive and bring them back to the capital before the great trial to use against Jiang Chong. If Jiang Chong remains obstinately unrepentant and refuses to compromise, we’ll unite with Liu Jing and present both cases together to the Court of Judicial Review. No matter how arrogant Jiang Chong is, he can’t withstand such an offensive.”
Yang Suguan immediately stood up and declared: “Your Lordship is wise!” Qin Zhonghai and others also agreed, with only Wu Dingyuan keeping his head down in silence, looking quite lonely.
Liu Angtian said: “Everyone prepare quickly these next few days—you’ll need to depart soon.”
But Yang Suguan said: “Your Lordship, wait—I have another piece of news to report.”
Liu Angtian made a sound: “Please speak, Nephew Yang.”
Yang Suguan said: “These days I heard a rumor from Shaolin Temple—it’s about Liu Jing.”
Seeing his grave expression, everyone was curious and asked: “What news?”
Yang Suguan said quietly: “I heard that this past January, Liu Jing also went to Tianshan.”
Wu Dingyuan was startled: “He went to Tianshan? But I never saw him!”
Yang Suguan said: “This was personally witnessed by my senior brother Lingyin—definitely no mistake.”
Wu Dingyuan made a sound of understanding. He knew Lingyin had safely returned to the temple and had been quite concerned about him these days, but didn’t know Lingyin had had this strange encounter.
Yang Suguan continued: “According to Senior Brother Lingyin, that day he and a Master Li were forced to leave Tianshan’s Divine Mechanism Cave. Just after crossing a wooden bridge, they saw Liu Jing with a wretched-looking man hiding in the woods. The wretched man carried a large hemp sack containing unknown items, and the two hurriedly left.”
Wei Zizhuang asked: “How did Master Lingyin recognize Liu Jing?”
Yang Suguan said: “Years ago when suppressing the Nu Cang Mountain bandits, the two had met once.”
When the three words “Nu Cang Mountain” were spoken, suddenly Liu Angtian, Qin Zhonghai, and Wei Zizhuang all trembled. Lu Yun saw everyone’s faces change drastically and was secretly amazed, not knowing why their expressions were so strange.
Yang Suguan coughed lightly: “It was for this reason that my Senior Brother Lingyin recognized Director Liu that day, but he didn’t recognize the wretched-looking middle-aged man. However, seeing that wretched man’s extremely advanced martial arts, he must be a grandmaster, though we don’t know who.”
Wu Dingyuan thought: “That day in Divine Mechanism Cave, I dimly saw two gray shadows—could they have been Liu Jing and that wretched-looking man? But what were they doing there? Could they also have been looking for the emperor’s remains?” He guessed secretly but couldn’t find any clues.
Liu Angtian said: “In my view, since Liu Jing went to Tianshan, he was probably investigating Jiang Chong’s whereabouts. Now with Iron Head Xu and National Uncle Qiong backing him, this struggle still has much fighting to do. Everyone go back and prepare these next few days—pack your luggage and inform your families, understand?” Everyone naturally responded loudly.
Liu Angtian specially kept Lu Yun behind to instruct him on principles of conduct and affairs, lest he offend wealthy and powerful families upon reaching Jiangnan and cause countless disputes.