In a relatively quiet courtyard, Tang Minjie sat on a chair and looked at the crumpled letter in his hand. The man on the other side of the table was dressed like a beggar. He was the member of the Huaxia Army who contacted Tang Minjie after Lu Mingfang left.
The letter was written in code and was relatively time-consuming to decipher. Tang Minjie read it once and frowned, then slowly tore it apart.
"The battle in Jiangnan has begun. The Golden Crow Technique is very fierce in Yangzhou … Now it seems that the most surprising thing is the siege equipment he used. Ten hollow stone bullets in a group, thrown up the city wall by catapults, and hit the top of the city wall. The Jin Kingdom has been processing stone bullets on a large scale. We thought they were used for mines or other purposes. We also felt that their control of delayed detonation was not enough. We didn't expect them to solve the problem. This is our negligence. "
The man on the other side nodded. "Fortunately, the catapults are not easy to assemble. They are only suitable for siege."
Tang Minjie shook his head. "If Zong Bi used this thing on the attack on Xuzhou, many of our people would be injured. Of course, he rested in the north of Xuzhou for a whole winter and made hundreds of catapults. It is enough. That is why General Liu was not chosen as the primary target of attack … "
His eyes turned as he pondered, "Hmm, one is to delay the fuse, and the other is to throw the catapults. The timing must be very precise, and the catapults won't be hastily assembled. In addition, one catapult will throw ten catapults at a time. It's hard to say if there will be one or two catapults that explode on the city wall. The Battle of Tianchang alone probably used five thousand. Zong Bi in the East and Zong Han in the West can't keep fighting like this. Now we need to investigate and estimate how many of these stone bullets Xi Yin has secretly made in the past few years. The people in the South should have a good idea. "
"Well, I will think of a way to get the number from the Great Construction Institute. As for the number of these stone bullets made in the Jin Kingdom, it may not be easy to find out … I guess even Wanyan Xi Yin himself may not have a good idea."
"It is good to have a rough number. Also, this matter is very strange. The person next to Xi Yin did not leak any information before. Xi Yin really hid it well this time. The combination of the shells must have been done elsewhere … Either that person has defected, or …"
"That madam defected? It is unlikely, right?"
"I don't think it's possible either." Tang Minjie nodded and rolled his eyes. "That is to say, she was also completely kept in the dark by Xi Yin. This is very interesting. This madam should not have missed such an important piece of news … Xi Yin already knew about it? How much did he know? Are we still safe here? "
At this point, Tang Minjie looked at his companion, who was also stunned. "We don't have a close relationship with that madam. If … I mean if she's exposed, we shouldn't be dragged out …"
Although he said that, he wasn't sure either. Tang Minjie revealed a thoughtful smile. "Forget it, I'll be more careful in the future. In any case, the possibility of that madam defecting is not high. After receiving the battle report from Yangzhou, she must be more anxious than us … In the past few years, the Wu dynasty has been spreading the news that Huang Tiandang defeated Wu Shu. This time, Wu Shu is suppressing his anger and attacking Yangzhou. I don't think Han Shizhong can withstand it. Since Boss Lu isn't here, I'll have to find a way to meet up with that madam in the next few days and sound her out … "
His companion nodded and Tang Minjie said, "In addition, we have to do a review of this matter. Such a simple thing, if it didn't fall in Yangzhou but in Xuzhou, we will all be responsible. "
"Yes."
"Then … there's nothing else?"
"The brothers that Wanyan Chang sent over from the south will arrive in two days …"
"I know about this. You go and settle the matter of the artillery shells. "
Tang Minjie nodded and said no more. His companion also nodded and said no more.
This meeting ended. Tang Minjie walked out of the room. The sun was shining brightly in the courtyard. On the afternoon of the fourth day of the seventh month, the news from the south came in an urgent form. Although the request from the north only mentioned the matter of the "heavenly maiden scattering flowers", Tang Minjie could still clearly picture the situation in the south that was engulfed in the flames of war in his mind.
The mistake in his work made his thoughts somewhat resentful. He reflected slightly in his mind. In the past year, he had been constantly planning how to destroy in Yunzhong. He had not paid enough attention to this kind of thing under his nose. This matter had to be vigilant in the future.
After standing in the courtyard for a while and waiting for his companion to leave, he also went out and walked towards the chaotic flow of people in the market at the other end of the road.
The area in front of him was the slum area of the Yunzhong Manor where crooks mixed with honest folk. After passing through the market and another street, it was Gehenna where all sorts of people gathered. In the afternoon, Lu Mingfang drove a large cart through the street and glanced at Gehenna.
He did not go in.
In the teahouse that Gehenna used as an excuse, one of the chief constables of the Yunzhong Manor, Mandudaru, slightly lowered the brim of his hat and casually drank his tea. His deputy came from the opposite side and sat down at the table.
"There are some problems. The wind doesn't sound right." The deputy said, "This morning, someone saw the 'shit-eating dog' Long Jiuyuan. Someone borrowed the road from Yegai in the south of the city."
Mandudaru held the teacup and muttered to himself, "Is there anything big happening in the city recently?"
"The Black Flag Army is going to take them into the city?"
"The incident with the Black Flag Army is not allowed to enter the city. I've already informed the Qi Family to handle it outside. If something really happened, it should have happened outside the city. The wind in the city, is there someone trying to fish in troubled waters, or is it a deliberate bait …"
"Maybe there's both?"
"What about the Qi Family?"
"They're still opening their doors for the past two days. It seems like they want to tie a bunch of young masters together."
"But there's no movement from the city guards." Mandudaru smiled and said, "Strange."
The afternoon sun was still dazzling. While Mandur Daru felt the strange atmosphere on the streets, some people had gathered in Keio House. Among these people were Xiao Shuqing and Zou Wenhu, who had been in the meeting earlier, the infamous "shit-eating dog" Long Jiuyuan, who was the most unruly and notorious in Cloud City's mafia, as well as several criminals who were already on the government's wanted list.
On the other side of the crowd, there was also a pale-faced, emaciated young master. This was a female noble. Under Zou Wenhu's introduction, this young master stood in the crowd and greeted the bandits who seemed to be on the verge of death.
This was the descendant of a Jurchen state duke. His name was Wanyan Wenqin. His grandfather was a valiant general who followed Aguda in his early years, but unfortunately, he died young. Wanyan Wenqin only had one son. After his father passed away, he relied on his grandfather's legacy. Although his life was better than ordinary people's, he was not valued in front of the nobles in Yunzhong City.
If possible, Wanyan Wenqin was very willing to follow the army to the south and conquer the Wu dynasty. Unfortunately, he had a weak body since childhood. Although he felt that his spirit and bravery were not inferior to his ancestors, his body could not support such a fearless soul. After the southern expedition, other young masters played all day in Yunzhong City, but Wanyan Wenqin's life was extremely depressing.
Now that he saw a group of fugitives who had a deep hatred for the Jin Kingdom, he was not afraid. In fact, his cheeks were even flushed with excitement. He cupped his hands and greeted everyone in a manner that was neither servile nor overbearing. He called out each other's names one by one, and while everyone was slightly moved, he expressed his support for their action.
"… The people of the Qi Family are arrogant and shallow. The son of that old man from the Qi Family was killed by the Black Flag Army, so he asked Wanyan Chang for more than ten Black Flag Army captives. The captives will arrive tomorrow, but they will not be imprisoned in the city. Instead, they will be imprisoned in the Qi Family's villa in the southern part of the city. Not only does that old man want to kill these captives, he also wants to use them to lure out the Black Flag Army's spies in Yunzhong Manor. He really does have a deep hatred for the Black Flag Army. "
As Wanyan Wenqin spoke, he took a deep breath. "Because of this matter, everyone is watching the villa outside the city. As for inside the city, it is not that everyone is not paying attention, but … cough cough, everyone does not care about what happens to the Qi Family. If we want to touch the Qi Family, we will not do it outside the city. We will capture Qi Yan and his three sons, five grandsons, and four great-grandsons in the city. As long as we do not go too far, we will not cause too much of a commotion. "
He paused for a moment. "The Qi family has a lot of treasures. A portion of them are in the city, but there are many others that have been hidden by the Qi family's old man all over the world … The Han people value bloodline the most. Once we capture Qi Yan and his descendants, all of you should properly interrogate them. If the old man has anything, he will naturally reveal it. If you can get the answer, then go and get it based on your own abilities. If you can get it back, I can do it for you … Of course, you are all experienced in the Jianghu, so naturally, you all have your own means. As for the Cloud Manor, if you can take it away on the spot, then do so. If you can't, I naturally have a way to deal with it. What do you think? “
"If something happens in the city, I'm afraid it'll be hard for us to escape." Long Jiuyuan said sinisterly.
Wanyan Wenqin laughed as well. "Heroes, you don't have to lie to me. Firstly, this isn't the first time you've entered and exited Yunzhong. You must have some life-saving means. Otherwise, you would have died long ago if you dared to come here …"
Wanyan Wenqin's words were unkind, and everyone's expression turned fierce, but Wanyan Wenqin showed no fear. "Secondly, I understand that this matter is risky, and I'm afraid it will be difficult to gain your trust with other assurances. I, Wanyan Wenqin, have a worthless life. I'll go with you. Tomorrow, I'll go to the Qi Manor to attend the banquet. Once you're sure that I'm in, you can take action and capture me as a hostage. If I lie to you, you can kill me at any time. And even if something unexpected happens, with me and a bunch of high-ranking officials as hostages, what's there to be afraid of? Can't you leave? Why don't I take you and kill our way out? "
As Wanyan Wenqin said this, he revealed a disdainful and crazy smile. The Wanyan Clan used to roam the world unhindered, and they were naturally domineering. Although Wanyan Wenqin had a weak body since he was young, he had always seen the sharpness of his ancestors. At this moment, his fearless aura shocked everyone present, and they all felt deep veneration for him.
Indeed, no matter what the guarantee was, it was difficult for them to trust him in this matter. However, with his identity, if he directly threw his life away, then there was nothing more to say. Now that they had reached this step of being safe, what was left was naturally to seek riches amidst danger. At this moment, even the most rebellious outlaws couldn't help but say a few words of praise to Wanyan Wenqin and look at him in a new light.
After discussing the next day's steps, Wanyan Wenqin revealed some information to Zou Wenhu. Although it seemed that Xiao Shuqing was the one who contacted Zou Wenhu, Wanyan Wenqin had already obtained some information, such as the situation of the Qi Family's guards and the connections that could be bribed. Xiao Shuqing and the others had also found out about the family backgrounds of the Qi Family's stewards and guards. They were even prepared to capture some of their family members. After a brief exchange, they had a general understanding of some of the Qi Family's rare treasures and storage locations. Moreover, according to Wanyan Wenqin, when the incident occurred, the Black Flag members had already been taken to Yunzhong, and there would be unrest outside the city. The city guards would focus all their attention on that side, and they would only turn a blind eye to the Qi Family's small chaos inside the city.
With these words, everyone naturally understood that Wanyan Wenqin had already colluded with some other people for this transaction. It was no wonder that he had said that he wanted to take all the treasures of the Qi Clan in Yun Zhong Mansion.
Regarding this inside information, no one asked any more questions. If it was just this group of outlaws, it would be beyond their power to divide up the Qi Family's treasures. Above them, there was also a group of important female cultivators who wanted the Qi Family to fall from power. It couldn't be better for them to take advantage of some of the leftovers.
The group of people finished their discussion, said their goodbyes, and left, laughing and joking. However, when they left, they more or less glanced at a wall on the side of the room, but didn't say much. After they all left, Wanyan Wenqin waved his hand, signaling for Zou Wenhu to leave as well. He walked over and pushed open a secret door.
Inside the room, there were three female cultivators sitting. Looking at their appearances, the oldest among them was probably not over forty. When Wanyan Wenqin entered, the three of them looked at him in a new light. "I didn't expect that Wenqin, who looks weak and gentle, would be so decisive."
"In the past, when my ancestor roamed the world, he risked his life for his future. Since childhood, Wenqin has yearned for it. Unfortunately … cough, cough, the heavens didn't give me the chance to kill enemies on the battlefield. In this southern expedition, the world is set. Although Wenqin's family business isn't as big as yours, he still has dozens of mouths to feed. In the future, there will only be more. Wenqin's name isn't to be pitied, but I don't want this family to fall apart in my hands. The world is vicious and the strong prey on the weak. The Qi Family is a good deal, and Wenqin is willing to sacrifice his life. Does any of you have any objections? "
He smiled faintly, his expression fearless. The three of them looked at each other. The oldest man picked up two cups of tea, one for each of them and one for himself. Then the four of them raised their cups and said, "Cheers."
They all drank their tea, and the matter was settled. Wanyan Wenqin smiled and said, "Actually, I'm thinking that you won't be satisfied with the Qi Family, will you?"
The three of them were slightly startled. "Wenqin, don't tell me you want to make a move against those fellows who are risking their lives?"
"There's no point in killing and killing in the world. The world is too small." Wanyan Wenqin shook his head. "In the court and in the army, you are all important people, but there are also heroes in the wilderness. As Wenqin said, after this southern expedition, the world will be settled, and the situation in Yun Zhong Manor will slowly settle down. When the time comes, you are the righteous path, and they are the underworld. Many times, the righteous path and the underworld won't have to fight each other. If the two sides work together, it might not be a bad thing … Brothers, there's no harm in thinking about it … "
The three of them looked at each other. Wanyan Wenqin clasped his hands together and said in a bewitching voice, "In the past, these people were a mix of dragons and snakes. They wouldn't come together, and even if they did, it would be difficult for them to work together. But this is a good opportunity. If this deal is done well, we can unify these people in the future. Even if all the underworld figures in Yun Zhong Manor come under our command, with your relationship and the fact that there are no obstacles in the underworld, what can't we do to make a fortune? I heard that in the underworld of the Wu dynasty, there was a Wulin Hegemon. If there is a Wulin Hegemon, then there must be an alliance … Hey, in this world, we are afraid of alliances. Once we form an alliance, it's different from a motley crew … "
"In this world, we are afraid of alliances?" The oldest man looked at Wanyan Wenqin. "I didn't expect Wenqin to be so knowledgeable at such a young age. This is interesting."
He looked at the other two. "About this alliance, why don't we discuss it?"
The Adept's trip to the south this time was under the banner of destroying the Wu dynasty. She carried great determination, and everyone knew this. When the world was stable, there would be fewer and fewer cases of military exploits. Everyone understood that the Adept who stayed in the north had a greater sense of worry. Wanyan Wenqin's incitement gave everyone a glimmer of hope, and they immediately began to discuss it.
After everyone said their goodbyes and left, Wanyan Wenqin's body swayed slightly. He appeared weak, but his face was flushed. It was obvious that today's events had made him extremely excited.
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