The Fort Master’s words made everyone present draw a sharp, cold breath.
Feng Jiu’er not only possessed peerless martial arts, but the forces under her command numbered far more than mere thousands. If she truly wished to destroy the Southern Barbarian Fort, it would be no difficult feat.
The hall fell quiet for a moment before the Nanmen Captain spoke in a low voice: “By that reasoning, the idea of this being the Ninth Prince’s doing is next to impossible.”
“Overthrowing the court’s order versus reclaiming our Black Gorge — which weighs heavier is plain to see.”
“It cannot be the idea of Zhao Family Stronghold either,” the Deputy Fort Master said softly.
“If Zhao Family Stronghold truly wanted to unify the entire Black Gorge, while the Old Master is still alive, they would never let an outsider handle such a matter.”
“The Deputy Fort Master speaks correctly.” The Fort Master gave a slight nod. “So the key still lies with Feng Jiu’er.”
“Why, precisely, has she entered the Southern Barbarian Fort?”
His thick brows furrowed, and the Fort Master let out a shallow sigh.
“This matter — I will handle it personally. For now, as long as both sides can avoid open conflict, it is best to maintain the current state of affairs.”
“Yes, Fort Master,” replied the man who had just reported on the situation from Feng Jiu’er’s side, inclining his head.
The Fort Master swept his gaze over the assembled men and waved his hand.
“The Deputy Fort Master and the two Elders remain. Everyone else, withdraw.”
“Yes.” Everyone rose and answered in unison.
In an instant, those who were to leave turned and departed, leaving only a handful of people behind.
……
Feng Jiu’er, Jian Yi, and Qiao Mu returned to the brothers’ encampment inside the Southern Barbarian Fort in time to eat a warm meal of steamed rice and braised meat.
After the evening meal, the three of them left the Southern Barbarian Fort to rendezvous with Zhao Yusheng, Xing Zizhou, and Xiao Yingtao.
Having confirmed that nothing unusual had occurred, Feng Jiu’er gathered some clothing and returned to the Southern Barbarian Fort with Qiao Mu and Jian Yi.
The three had barely returned to the stone grotto the Fort Master had prepared for them that day when a small servant girl came rushing forward to greet them.
“Miss Feng, greetings!” The small servant girl curtsied.
“What is it?” The moment Feng Jiu’er saw her, she sensed nothing good could come of it.
After a whole day of exhaustion, nothing sounded more appealing than a hot bath and getting into bed.
At that thought, Feng Jiu’er spoke immediately: “Go prepare the bath water. This miss intends to wash up. Thank you.”
Without giving the small servant girl any chance to speak, she turned and strode into the stone grotto.
The small servant girl raised her eyes for a glance and could only bow her head. “Yes, Miss Feng.”
Bucket after bucket of bath water was brought and emptied. By the time Jian Yi had finished washing up, both Qiao Mu and Feng Jiu’er had already lain down in bed.
Suddenly, there came a knock at the outer door. Feng Jiu’er rolled her eyes, then stood up.
As she walked out of the inner chamber, Jian Yi, who had just finished washing up, appeared before her.
“You can refuse — you do not necessarily have to go,” Jian Yi said quietly.
“Unfortunately, this is an offer that cannot be refused.” Feng Jiu’er let out a shallow sigh and stepped forward.
She had known all along that the Fort Master would not let her off so easily. For the sake of convenience, she had even dressed herself fully before getting into bed.
Qiao Mu came out from the inner chamber, rubbing her eyes. “Jian Yi, what is going on?”
Jian Yi paid her no mind, turned, and followed in Feng Jiu’er’s footsteps.
The knocking continued. Feng Jiu’er walked straight over and pulled open the door.
“What is it?”
“Miss Feng.” The small servant girl curtsied, then raised her eyes to glance at Feng Jiu’er.
“What happened to you?” Feng Jiu’er fixed her gaze on the bruises on the girl’s face, her slender brows furrowing slightly.
“It is nothing.” The small servant girl immediately lowered her head. “Many thanks for Miss Feng’s concern!”
“Miss Feng, the Fort Master has extended an invitation for you to join him for a gathering. He has prepared fine wine and delicacies. Would it be convenient for you to go over now?”
Feng Jiu’er was ten thousand parts unwilling, but at this point, convenient or not, she had to make it convenient.
This Fort Master had a truly terrible temper. What he did to his own people was none of her concern, but if she did not go, he might lay hands on her people — and then tonight’s rest would be out of the question.
“Let us go, let us go — we go now.” Feng Jiu’er tossed her dark tresses and set off in the direction of the great hall.
“Yes, Miss Feng, this way, please!” The small servant girl’s demeanor brightened noticeably. She bowed her head low and led the way ahead.
Jian Yi and Qiao Mu stepped forward and followed.
Following the small servant girl, the three of them walked into the great hall, turned at a corner, and entered a side chamber nearby.
The Fort Master was seated alone at the head seat, drinking by himself. On the table before him sat a full spread of fine dishes.
Not only was the head seat set, but on both sides as well — separate tables had been placed, each one laden equally with delicacies.
“Miss Feng, you have finally arrived.” The Fort Master raised his eyes to glance at Feng Jiu’er, set down the wine flask, and rose to his feet.
“Why have you not gone and replaced everything?” He glared at the small servant girl and let out a cold scoff. “Do you intend to make Miss Feng eat cold food?”
“Yes.” The small servant girl inclined her head.
Hearing this, several other small servant girls outside also hurried in.
The fine dishes were swiftly cleared away, leaving the tables spotlessly clean.
“Miss Feng, please be seated!” The Fort Master looked at Feng Jiu’er and waved his hand.
Feng Jiu’er moved toward a seat to one side; Qiao Mu and Jian Yi followed.
“Miss Qiao, your seat is over here, please!” The Fort Master looked at Qiao Mu and waved his hand with a smile.
That evening, both Feng Jiu’er and Qiao Mu had changed into fresh attire.
Qiao Mu had always favored close-fitted garments, and tonight was no exception. Such attire lacked a trace of feminine softness, yet it better accentuated Qiao Mu’s fine figure.
Feng Jiu’er had shed her nighttime travel clothes and now wore a simple white robe — fresh and otherworldly, yet unable to conceal the noble bearing she carried.
Qiao Mu glanced at Feng Jiu’er before turning to walk toward the table on the opposite side.
Jian Yi, as ever, stayed close to Feng Jiu’er, standing guard at her side.
In no time at all, the servant girls who had left came back in once more.
Within half a stick of incense, every dish on the tables had been replaced with a fresh spread.
The meats and vegetables still steamed with heat; the pastries and fruits were arranged in perfect, meticulous order, not a single detail neglected.
The Fort Master waved his hand, and except for the small servant girl who was currently pouring tea for Feng Jiu’er, all the others returned to the main hall, curtsied in unison, and withdrew.
“Fort Master, you are…” Feng Jiu’er looked at the Fort Master and asked softly.
The Fort Master picked up the cup before him and raised it toward Feng Jiu’er and Qiao Mu.
“It is rare to have distinguished guests visit. Today, everyone was too rushed and there was no chance for a proper gathering, so I had people prepare a table of dishes.”
“For Miss Feng and Miss Qiao, this is also your first visit here, so we certainly cannot be remiss in our hospitality.”
Feng Jiu’er truly wanted to voice her complaints, but seeing that this imposing Fort Master had waited here for so long, she could hardly bring herself to decline outright.
This man must have been uncertain of their purpose in coming, feeling unsettled — yet how could she possibly announce to the world that she had come to search for treasure?
“Fort Master, you are too kind!” As she picked up the teacup, the silver needle in her hand probed the tea.
Qiao Mu did likewise. Having stayed at Feng Jiu’er’s side for so long, small things like silver needles were never in short supply for her either.
Feng Jiu’er concealed the silver needle and raised her cup.
Qiao Mu disregarded the Fort Master and also followed Feng Jiu’er’s lead in raising her teacup.
“Fort Master, thank you for your hospitality!” Feng Jiu’er raised her cup toward the Fort Master.
The Fort Master let out a hearty laugh, raised his cup once more toward Feng Jiu’er, and did not forget to cast a glance at Qiao Mu.
“Miss Feng, Miss Qiao, please!”
The three raised their cups together and drank in one go.