Chapter 110

Chapter 108: Silver

No wonder it was so effortless tonight!

In an instant, Shen Zechuan understood many things. He turned abruptly but held back from speaking as he looked at Xiao Chiye.

"Taihu," Xiao Chiye said hastily, "send two thousand men to guard this place. Ding Tao, ride northeast of7 Chizhou and inform the ambushers to head south and block the road south of Chizhou. The rest will follow me back into the city."

This ploy to lure the tiger away from its mountain had been planned for a long time, probably since before Lei Changming left Luoshan. The dispatches sent from Luoshan to Chizhou were all vague descriptions, with the most common being that they saw the bandits of Luoshan building earth ovens. This made it unclear how many men Lei Changming had, leading everyone to speculate that the 40,000 men were just a bluff. Real or fake, true or false, they had lured them into believing that the enemy would not dare to launch a sudden attack, only to find out that the other side never intended to fight Xiao Chiye head-on.

"Kong Ling won't fail to recognize Lei Changming," Shen Zechuan said as he climbed onto his horse with Xiao Chiye's help. "I now suspect that all the rumors about Lei Changming are fake. 'Lei Changming' is just a disguise for this person."

Xiao Chiye threw the umbrella to Tan Taihu, draped Shen Zechuan in his cloak, and turned his horse around, saying, "Kidnapping Kong Ling won't do him any good. He must be counting on Kong Ling to open the gates of Chizhou for him. That way, he'll be inside, and we'll be outside."

The reason Xiao Chiye could face off against Lei Changming's "40,000 men" was because he had the granaries of Chizhou backing him up, allowing him to settle this battle swiftly and decisively, cutting down these worn-out soldiers with one swift stroke. Yet, the enemy knew all his weaknesses and did not engage him in a direct battle. Instead, they took advantage of their strengths, turning Xiao Chiye into a stray dog in the wilderness, reversing their positions. Now, the Imperial Guards were wandering outside, without provisions.

"He's been hiding in the shadows," Shen Zechuan said, huddled under the cloak against the wind. "He knows every move we make."

"Chizhou isn't our territory after all. There must be spies for him within the city, while we know nothing about him." Xiao Chiye suddenly laughed. He tightened his grip and said, "What a character!"

By now, the rain had subsided, leaving only a few stray raindrops in the night breeze. The sound of hooves trudging through mud echoed as they raced towards Chizhou. However, they could not match the speed of their pursuers. Kong Ling had already entered the borders of Chizhou.

Since leaving the mountains, Kong Ling had been a frail scholar, and at nearly forty-five years old, his bones felt like they were being shaken apart as he tried to control his horse. Gasping for breath, he slid off his horse and was supported by the man, bowing repeatedly. "T-Thank you, brave warrior, for your assistance. Otherwise, the consequences would have been dire."

"Nonsense, sir," replied the robust man, who had been attentive to Kong Ling throughout the journey. "I fear the pursuing soldiers may catch up soon. Have some water, sir, then let's continue. We must hurry to the city gate and request it be opened."

They stopped at an inn still lit by lanterns, not to rest but to give Kong Ling, whose legs were trembling, a chance to sip hot tea and regain his composure. With a sore side from the ride, he held the teacup in the main hall. As they rested, they suddenly heard the sound of approaching horses. Though the man remained seated, his hand stealthily found the hilt of his waist knife. He slightly turned his body, hiding his face in the shadows, watching the entrance.

A group of weary travelers, all tall and broad-shouldered, entered the inn, led by two men of similar stature. Strangely, they all possessed long arms and narrow waists, exuding an imposing presence despite their simple clothing.

One of the men removed his cloak, revealing a stubbled face. A lock of hair fell across his forehead, casually sweeping over the two men drinking tea in the hall. He smiled, threw a pouch of money at the innkeeper, and said, "We'll stay here. One superior room and three large common rooms. Do you have any cooked food? Bring some steamed buns and braised beef with some fiery liquor."

"Why be so frugal when you have the means?" asked another, who also removed his cloak, revealing a majestic figure. He emptied the money bag and told the innkeeper, "Everyone gets a superior room!"

From the center of the group, where the men surrounded, came a muffled cough. An elderly man, still cloaked, whispered, "It wasn't easy to save this silver. We're not there yet, so endure one more day. Tianya, make sure everyone is well-fed and rests. No fooling around."

Qiao Tianya brushed away a strand of fallen hair, took back the money pouch from Fei Sheng, and tossed it to the innkeeper. "Let's proceed as I initially said. Serve the food and drink promptly, no delays. Master, you've endured the hardships of the road with us. How can we let you sleep in a common room here? As your disciple, it's our duty to show respect. Besides, if the master finds out, he won't be pleased. Please rest well; it will be a comfort to us."

Upon hearing this, Fei Sheng, not willing to be outdone, immediately responded, "I apologize for my earlier ignorance, Master. I'll escort you upstairs to rest right away. When the food arrives, I'll bring it to you."

Ji Gang's strength was not what it used to be, so he no longer insisted on declining and allowed Fei Sheng to lead him upstairs.

Although Kong Ling had no idea who these people were, he sensed that they were not to be trifled with. Suspecting them to be bandits due to their knives, he put down his teacup and said to the man beside him, "Fellow traveler, I think I've rested enough. Let's hit the road!"

To his surprise, before the two of them could move, the group had already taken their seats. The inn wasn't large, and all four square tables were occupied. Qiao Tianya, whether intentionally or unintentionally, plopped down next to Kong Ling, blocking his path.

"Oh," Qiao Tianya poured himself tea and casually remarked, "Are the two of you also traveling?"

The robustness in the man vanished, replaced by an ordinary farmer's demeanor. He rubbed his palms together, appearing awkward under this unexpected interrogation, and gave an embarrassed smile. "Yes, we're accompanying my elder brother on our journey."

Qiao Tianya showed no intention of making way, instead sipping his tea and narrowing his eyes as if he had been scalded. He said, "Where are you headed? Perhaps we're on the same route. Our journey hasn't been easy; didn't that Marquis from Qidu rebel? The roads are swarming with officials, all skilled at extorting money, forcing my brother and I to take the backroads. Forgive me, I tend to ramble. Let me ask again, where are you two bound?"

Unable to sit still yet unable to leave, Kong Ling endured the burning pain in his inner thigh. Maintaining his composure, his goatee quivered as he spoke in the Lampshade dialect, "We're heading to Malian Town, do you know it, young lad?"

"The town of Chizhou is right on the way, so we'll head to Mizhou City before reaching Malian Town," Qiao Tianya said, propping one arm on the table as he gazed at the man. "Brother, you seem familiar."

By now, the man had sensed that he was being watched. Catching a glimpse of the figure again from the corner of his eye, he began to piece together what was happening. However, he assumed that this stranger was a disguised member of the Imperial Guards, dispatched to hunt down Xiao Chiye and Shen Zechuan. Suspecting nothing more than the knife at his side, he put on a simple-minded act and said, "I'm an honest farmer from Lantern State."

As he spoke, he fumbled in his bosom and took out a crumpled travel permit and a handwritten household register, both stamped with the official seal of the Lantern State government. He opened them for Qiao Tianya to see and explained, "I'm going to Malian Town to visit my sister who just got married and had a child. We're going to hold a banquet to celebrate."

"It's a joyous occasion," Qiao Tianya was even happier than he was. "I adore children the most, and I particularly enjoy attending full moon feasts!"

Kong Ling observed Qiao Tianya's endless chatter with a forced smile. "Since the rain has stopped, let's continue our journey. Otherwise, we'll have to spend silver on an inn."

Fei Sheng had also descended from upstairs. Initially, he hadn't paid attention, but noticing Qiao Tianya lingering, he too studied the man. Suddenly, he shifted his steps and sat behind the man, sandwiching him with Qiao Tianya.

"What are you chatting about?" Fei Sheng plucked a steamed bun from the tray the waiter brought and took a large bite, eyeing them. "Are you that compatible?"

"We were discussing our sons," Qiao Tianya replied, prodding his chopsticks aside in a warm tone. "Have both of you eaten? If not, join us. Waiter! Bring another pair of chopsticks."

Kong Ling sensed something amiss. He intended to sit down and engage in conversation, but his teacup accidentally toppled, splashing the man. The man hastily stood up, frantically wiping himself with his sleeves while apologizing to Fei Sheng. "My apologies, my apologies!"

Seizing the opportunity, the man squeezed past Fei Sheng and took two steps towards the waiter, pleading. "Young brother, could you lend me a handkerchief to wipe off?"

Fei Sheng was already on his feet. He exchanged a glance with Qiao Tianya, and all the seated brothers instinctively grasped their knives. Fei Sheng abruptly stepped out from behind, forcefully colliding into the man's right shoulder blade, lifting his clothes. "Was that intentional?"

The man was actually sent sprawling by Fei Sheng's impact, crashing into the table and chairs opposite with a loud thud, barely managing to keep his balance. His temples glistened with sweat as he fumbled for a place to rest his hands, repeatedly bowing to Fei Sheng in a conciliatory manner. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry..."

This man didn't possess any martial arts skills.

Fei Sheng shot Qiao Tianya another glance and shoved the man again, exclaiming, "What incredibly bad luck!"

The man stumbled backward, sending tables and chairs crashing to one side. His head awkwardly struck the corner of a table, causing him to wince in pain. Kong Ling gasped and exclaimed, "Why did it escalate to physical violence? He's bleeding!"

Just as Qiao Tianya was about to intervene, he said to Fei Sheng, "Forget it, forget it. We're all just travelers, why make things difficult for him?"

Fei Sheng grumbled and reluctantly retreated under Qiao Tianya's persuasion, still shooting a few glare at the man. As they resumed their meal, Fei Sheng stood up again, saying, "I was so angry that I forgot I still need to deliver food to my master!"

Kong Ling had already supported the man to the door. The man, with blood on his hand from the wound at the back of his head, turned around and gave Qiao Tianya and the others a fearful look before quickly lowering his head. He seemed timid and easily frightened. After untethering his horse, he followed Kong Ling into the night.

Fei Sheng finally dropped his disguise and asked, "Why were you interrogating them? We're also wanted, so it's best to avoid trouble before we reach Cizhou."

"Something about that person..." Qiao Tianya sipped his fiery liquor and frowned in thought for a moment. "When you bumped into him, did he really not react?"

"Nope," Fei Sheng munched on some beef. "People can feign ignorance, but once their body is accustomed to reacting swiftly, it's hard to suppress the instinctive blocking movement in a sudden situation. This man is peculiar, but he's definitely not someone who practices martial arts."

"What if he can truly control himself?" Qiao Tianya suddenly asked.

"In that case, he'd be formidable," Fei Sheng gestured with his chopsticks in the air. "He'd have to be at Master Ji Gang's level. Think about it, Lord Hou – his physique is impossible to conceal. His natural strength gives him immense power, and if he were asleep, one wouldn't dare to approach him, let alone touch him. Such endurance can only be achieved through years of rigorous practice. He doesn't look that old, does he?"

Qiao Tianya finished his meal without further inquiry. When the innkeeper tallied the bill and returned the change to Qiao Tianya, Fei Sheng, having nothing else to do, casually fondled the coins. His touch revealed something unusual; the silver's purity and weight were subtly distinct from those issued by the Imperial Ministry of Finance's mint in Qudu.

Fei Sheng, despite his usual competitiveness and flattery, was skilled in his trade. This subtle difference piqued his curiosity, and he held the coin aloft for a closer inspection. He then asked Qiao Tianya, "Zhongbo has been trading with Juexi these past few years, so most of the circulating silver must come from there, right?"

"That's correct," Qiao Tianya replied, leaning against the counter and glancing at the coin. "This new silver isn't common. The illegal trades they engage in are secretive, and ordinary people don't dare use Juexi's silver directly. They usually exchange it for copper coins or use silver issued by other regions. During the Xinde era, the national treasury was depleted, so newly minted silver was scarce. Nowadays, only the Xi family's—"

Only the Xi family's silver vault, which mined the silver.

This meant the money either passed through Shen Zechuan's hands or came from someone who had schemed to drain the Xi family's silver reserves. Either way, it was crucial to their investigation!

In a flash, Qiao Tianya straightened up and declared, "Half of you stay here to keep watch over our master. The rest, follow me. Fei Sheng, you've seriously misjudged this! Chase!"