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Xu Fu summoned Gu Changjin.

In years past, as soon as autumn arrived, coastal bandits were at their most rampant. On this journey to Yangzhou, you have two tasks: First, while the sea pirates launch an assault, assassinate Liang Xiao, the Commander-in-Chief of the Yangzhou Garrison. Second, lay the blame for Liang Xiao's death upon Liao Rao."

Liang Xiao is a prominent general under the reign of Emperor Jiayou, having once served as the commander of the Imperial Guards. Presently, he holds the dual appointments of Vice Commissioner of Military Affairs in Yangzhou and Superintendent-General of the Garrison Command, with the specific responsibility of overseeing coastal defenses in Yangzhou and the adjacent prefectures.

"General Liang and Governor Liao have dedicated themselves to safeguarding Great Yin's coastal defenses these years. Is Her Grace planning to ensnare both of them in one fell swoop?" Gu Changjin frowned. "If that happens, the maritime defenses along the Jiangzhe region will crumble completely."

Xu Fu chuckled. "Liang Xiao is indeed an unwaveringly loyal man, always fulfilling his duty to repel the sea bandits. But Liao Rao can by no means be considered a hero. Do you wonder why the sea pirates in the Jiangnan region have persisted despite numerous attempts to eradicate them?"

Gu Changjin lifted his gaze slowly. "Aunt, do you mean that Liao Rao has been nurturing the pirates for his own benefit?"

Xu Fu nodded. "As long as the pirates remain, no one can threaten his position as the Governor of Jiangsu and Zhejiang. That region is the wealthiest and most fertile land in Great Yin. After the sea ban, many Great Yin merchants risked it all to collaborate with the pirates. Liao Rao, on one hand, received the government's funds for eliminating pirates, while on the other, he turned a blind eye to their activities and accepted 'tribute' from these merchants. His wealth might rival the country's tax revenue for a year or two."

Gu Changjin's eyes darkened in disapproval. "If that's the case, then Liao Rao deserves his death. But if General Liang is loyal to the country and its ruler, why does Aunt wish to take his life?"

"Faithful to the ruler?" Xu Fu sneered. "To which ruler? Do you know that he was once the commander of the Imperial Guards, sworn to serve your father till death? If not for him opening the city gates, how could Xiao Yan have so easily entered the capital and seized the throne without a single drop of bloodshed?"

Fixing her eyes on Gu Changjin, Xu Fu spoke deliberately, "Those who betrayed your father must die. Yan'er, do you understand? The vows you once made must never be forgotten, even for a day!"

Gu Changjin met Xu Fu's gaze, and after a moment, he solemnly nodded, "Aunt, rest assured, I will avenge Father."

Three days later.

A dusty carriage made its way through the Phoenix Tree Lane towards the ferry.

Chang Ji stroked his stubble and asked, "Does my appearance resemble Scholar Pan?"

Chang Ji was a meticulous person. Even when he was merely driving a carriage, he would ensure he was clean and tidy. To impersonate Pan Xueliang, he hadn't washed his hair or shaved for three days, and his clothes were in tatters.

Glancing at him, Gu Changjin said seriously, "Don't smile, maintain a serious demeanor."

Chang Ji quickly suppressed his grin.

To reach the Pingjin Ferry from the capital, they had to pass through a pebble hill in the western outskirts. If all went well, they could traverse the hill and arrive at the ferry within about two hours.

Chang Ji rubbed his face, practicing a solemn expression throughout the journey.

The carriage window was open, allowing gusts of wind to blow in. As they approached the end of the pebble hill, Chang Ji suddenly dropped his hands and exchanged a look with Gu Changjin.

A faint scent of saltpeter lingered in the wind outside.

Both Rong Shu and Chang Ji's faces paled simultaneously.

"Heng Ping, there's gunpowder!"

Upon Chang Ji's exclamation, the three figures hastily darted away from the carriage.

A tremendous explosion echoed, and a corner of the Pebble Hill was blasted apart. Enormous boulders tumbled down the mountain, crushing the carriage into fragments.

The commotion was loud enough to catch the attention of those waiting at the ferry crossing.

Luoyan's ears perked up, and she frowned, looking towards the direction of Pebble Hill.

Noticing her grave expression, Rong Shu hurriedly asked, "Sister Luoyan, what was that sound?"

After a moment of contemplation, Luoyan replied honestly, "It sounded like someone ignited gunpowder. The amount might not be substantial, but it's better to err on the side of caution. We should try to board the ferry as soon as possible."

For this trip, Rong Shu had only brought Mama Zhang and Luoyan along. Upon hearing this, she turned to Mama Zhang and said, "Mama, go inquire with Elder Guan about when we can set off."

Mother Zhang promptly agreed and soon returned from the pier, reporting, "The boatman said we'll set off in another hour. At present, Shen Family's dozen cargo ships are still blocking the way. Our passenger ship can't depart until they move."

Rong Shu glanced at the sky, understanding that haste would not help. She could only nod and say, "Let's wait a bit longer then."

Fortunately, half an hour later, the cargo ships finally began to move.

The Shen Family's business sprawled across the entire Great Yin, with their own merchant fleet and good relations with the grain transport guild.

Rong Shu was traveling on one of the Shen Family's passenger ships. The boatman in charge, whose surname was Guan, had escorted her back to Yang State Prefecture when she was young, as well as when she returned to the capital from there.

Upon boarding the ship, Rong Shu greeted him with a smile, "Uncle Guan."

The lively old man replied cheerfully, "It's heartening that Miss still remembers an old man like me. Don't worry, Miss; I'll surely deliver you safely to Yang State Prefecture."

Saying this, he instructed someone to lead Rong Shu to her cabin.

The cabin had been meticulously prepared, equipped with a bed, table, music stand, and the four treasures of the study. A private restroom had also been set aside, enclosed by four large screen panels.

At that moment, a three-legged incense burner emitted a faint smoke, while the windows were polished to a shine. The thin smoke floating in the air took on a graceful form under the light.

As the noon hour approached, Mama Zhang left to arrange for lunch.

Luo Yan was busily packing when she heard a faint rustling sound coming from the washroom. She quickly stepped in front of Rong Shu, drew her sword, and pointed it at the surrounding screens, asking sternly, "Who's there?"

Rong Shu's heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively held onto the bracelet on her wrist, which concealed a dozen tiny needles laced with numbing poison.

However, the moment she recognized the person emerging from behind the screens, she released her grip, surprised. "Chang Ji?"

With Gu Changjin slung over his back, Chang Ji's bloodied face managed a weak smile as he addressed Rong Shu. "Madam, I apologize for the intrusion."

When the explosion rocked the mountain earlier, their master had shielded him, getting struck by debris and passing out. Before losing consciousness, he had still remembered to instruct Chang Ji, "Go to Yangzhou, don't delay."

By coincidence, when Chang Ji and the other man carried their unconscious master to a secluded forest near the ferry, they discovered that Rong Shu was also there.

For them, it seemed fate had not completely forsaken them.