Chapter 136: Another Mastermind Behind It All

Chapter 136: Another Mastermind Behind It All

Mo Jiuya knew that these three men had some silver to their names and didn't wish for them to suffer the same fate as him, sleeping outdoors. So, he made up an excuse.

"You can go explore the city and gather information on the Salt Gang while you're at it."

"Understood!"

After acknowledging his command, the trio vanished from sight.

Back in the tent, Mo Jiuya shared with He Zhiran what he knew about the Salt Gang.

"Four years ago, the Salt Gang's villains wreaked havoc around the salt lakes, growing more powerful by the day. Upon learning of this, the Emperor issued an edict ordering my third brother to lead an expedition here to suppress and eradicate the gang.

"After a month of widespread investigation, third brother finally located the Salt Gang's hideout and captured the gang leader along with several key elders."

Consequently, there was a period of tranquility. Unexpectedly, just a few short years after Third Brother was ordered to eradicate the Salt Gang, they had managed to rebuild and expand to such an extent."

Upon hearing Mo Jiuya's account, He Zhiran first thought that there must have been someone pulling the strings behind the scenes for the Salt Gang to regain its power so swiftly after being suppressed by the imperial forces.

"Have you ever considered that, on the surface, the Salt Gang might appear to be formed by profit-hungry individuals, but in reality, there is another person entirely controlling everything from behind the curtains?"

This was not a haphazard speculation on He Zhiran's part. Throughout history, which dynasty's Salt Gang did not have a mysterious, powerful figure backing them?

Mo Jiuya pondered for a moment before nodding. "That's not entirely out of the question."

However, he could not fathom who the true mastermind behind the Salt Gang was.

Now that the gang had once again flourished, it would be the Emperor Shunwu who should be concerned.

Mo Jiuya's discussion with He Zhiran was merely idle chatter!

In any case, they would leave this place early the next morning. The Salt Gang's future was no longer their concern.

Glancing at the sky, Mo Jiuya reminded, "It's getting late. We'll need to travel tomorrow, so we should rest early!"

Indeed, He Zhiran was feeling quite weary. After tidying up, the two of them fell asleep.

In the depths of the night, they were suddenly roused by a commotion.

Both Mo Jiuya and He Zhiran emerged from their tent to investigate.

Flames illuminated the perimeter of the forest.

"Hey! Guards, did any of you see a few men with swords?"

Zhang Qing had just taken over a shift to rest and was now irritated by the disturbance.

"Who are you, shouting and causing a scene here?"

The leader of the Yan Bang, brandishing his leather whip, approached Zhang Qing with displeasure, ready to strike.

"Brazen fellow, to show off your might in our Yan Bang territory – I think you've grown tired of living, haven't you?"

Seeing Zhang Qing in potential danger, Peng Wang hastily rushed over to intervene.

"Refrain from violence, let's discuss this like civilized people, let's discuss this," Peng Wang said, clearly lacking confidence in his voice.

As the saying goes, a mighty dragon doesn't suppress a local snake – on the Yan Bang's territory, he dared not act high and mighty as an official.

He had heard rumors that the Yan Bang members were ruthless killers, and there was surely someone powerful backing them. They were not to be trifled with by a mere low-ranking eighth-grade official like him.

Seeing Peng Wang back down, the Yan Bang leader snorted and retracted his whip.

"Hmph! Consider yourselves lucky. I won't hold it against you today. Now, tell me, did you witness who killed those people in the woods?"

Peng Wang quickly shook his head, feigning great surprise. "We just arrived here and didn't witness anything."

In the midst of their conversation, Peng Wang couldn't help but steal a glance at Mo Jiuya. He knew that his brief departure with He Zhiran and Mo Chuhan must have been related to the Yan Bang's search for someone.

However, there was no way he would reveal this.

Mo Jiuya never expected the Yan Bang to be so audacious nowadays.

He had already prepared to take action, but held back when Peng Wang managed to smooth things over.

The Yan Bang leader ordered his men to search the camp with torches. Only after confirming that the person they were looking for was nowhere to be found did he give the order to leave.

Watching the Yan Bang members retreat into the distance, Peng Wang finally let out a sigh of relief.

He turned to scold Zhang Qing, secretly reminding Mo Jiuya at the same time.

"How many times have I told you? Don't cause trouble when we're out and about. Why can't you learn from your mistakes?"

Zhang Qing scratched his head, still shaken from the encounter.

"Boss, I was wrong."

Peng Wang smacked the back of his head.

"Knowing one's mistakes is the first step toward correction."

"I shall certainly reform."

...

With the situation pacified, everyone returned to their tents to rest.

Intent on leaving this place of strife as soon as possible, at the break of dawn, the officials, following Peng Wang's instructions, roused everyone to continue their journey, skipping breakfast altogether.

Carrying their packed provisions, they arrived at the dock only to be informed that due to an important dignitary's visit these few days, the harbor was temporarily closed.

Now, there was no way for Peng Wang to leave, no matter how much he desired to.

He had no choice but to steel himself and lead his group back the same way they came, planning to rest for a day before setting off early the following morning.

Both Mo Jiuya and He Zhiran were currently speculating about the identity of this "important figure" mentioned by the dock supervisor.

However, this was indeed a rather challenging question for them.

There were many who could be deemed as significant figures.

The higher-ranking officials in the capital were often addressed as such.

Since they couldn't think of an answer, the pair tacitly decided not to waste any more mental energy on it.

Out of curiosity, they resolved to investigate under the cover of darkness.

With the rare luxury of not needing to rush, He Zhiran planned to have a good day of rest.

She intended to gather her strength, for there might be action at night.

Neither of them had managed to leave the place, and that included Tang Mingrui.

At that moment, he was hiding in the basement of the Tang family's ancestral home, searching for some makeup and a few dresses that the female members of the family hadn't had time to take with them.

After applying the cosmetics for a long while and styling his hair into a woman's bun, changing into a dress, he felt secure enough to exit the cellar.

His first thought was that his benefactor would be unable to leave the premises today. If the Yan Bang members caught on to something suspicious, it could be perilous.

Thus, he decided to go and give them a gentle reminder.

Upon arriving at the camp, however, He Zhiran and Mo Jiuya were both resting in their tent, leaving Tang Mingrui without an opportunity to meet them. But observing the calm demeanor of the group, Tang Mingrui inferred that his benefactor was likely unharmed, which reassured him enough to depart.

He Zhiran and Mo Jiuya had announced that they needed rest, ensuring that others would not disturb them. The two then entered the spatial farm together, indulging in delicious food while savoring the tranquility it offered.

It was undeniable that this farm space was remarkable; the crops and vegetables they had planted had grown tall and robust. The fruit trees on the mountain had also increased in height, creating a lush green landscape from a distance. Cattle and sheep grazed contentedly in the pasture, and even the newly introduced mules seemed to have quickly adapted to their new surroundings, lazily rolling about in the open field.

For He Zhiran and Mo Jiuya, this scene was like a paradise on earth. They spent a leisurely day within the space, finally reaching the depths of night.