"So, that's it? Do you think someone might've been admitted through Commander Zhao? Should we have someone keep an eye on that side?"

"That possibility isn't ruled out. The military base is outside the city. Can your people get close to him?"

Xu Yintian confidently responded, "I've had those arrangements in place for years, but I've never had to use them until now." As the lord of a city, Xu Yintian undoubtedly had his own network of connections. Especially since he had also inherited a portion of the Zhu family's network. As long as he kept funding them, they were happy to serve.

"Fine, let's proceed with your suggestion discreetly. The assassin spoke genuine Beijing dialect. The person must be from the Dawn City."

"They dare to strike so brazenly now? Has something happened within the Central Corps?"

"If there's any recent upheaval, it would be that Gu Zhuo of the Gu family has been promoted to a senior general last month. Rumor has it he could be promoted to the rank of Marshal in three years." Shao Qi was clearly displeased mentioning this.

"The Gu family is getting too greedy. Any scheming should wait until after Gu Zhuo's promotion. After all, the Gu family started in trade. They climbed to their current status with wealth. Their ambition is too grand."

"There are many with great ambition. The Zhu family is even more ambitious. But what's the use of mere ambition? The Gu family actively lobbies, and ever since Gu Zhuo was taken as a disciple by the Shaolin Abbot, their arrogance has inflated with increased flattery."

"Still, one should be cautious. Open threats are easy to dodge, but hidden ones are not. Given your martial prowess and having an expert like Mr. Zhou by your side, a direct confrontation wouldn't harm you. After surviving an assassination attempt and with pursuers outside, are you still planning to leave the city?"

"Yes, if they dare come, I'll ensure they receive a proper reception." Shao Qi descended the stairs with him, and as Zhou You saw the two, he remarked, "The snow outside is getting heavier. Lord Xu, why not stay for a meal before departing?" The snow was so heavy that the road had disappeared.

Xu Yintian declined the offer, "The snow just started. I should leave while it's still not too deep. The broken bridge won't be rebuilt in time, but thankfully the river freezes quickly in this snow. Even large vehicles can pass over it."

Zhou You escorted him out and gifted him a jade token, a token of appreciation he had chosen with Shao Qi.

Xu Yintian was pleasantly surprised. Gifting was typically from juniors to seniors, and he had been hesitant about offering anything to Shao Qi. Yet, he thought, "Thank you, Mr. Zhou. We've recently obtained some unique local produce from the mountains. I'll send it over soon. It'll make a nice addition to the New Year feast."

"Thank you." In these times, the most valuable items were naturally produced. Although farmed food was abundant, people traditionally believed that natural products were the best, making wild game a popular gift.

Xu Yintian admired Zhou You's character and had intended to invite them over for the New Year. He felt that introducing him to his own family member would be good, suspecting that they might get along well.

After dinner, Zhou You and Shao Qi left the city under the cover of night. Once they departed the base, news of their movement reached Commander Zhao. And when Zhao made a move, Xu Yintian was informed almost instantly. Yet, this wasn't enough evidence to connect him to the group that attempted to assassinate Shao Qi.

The vehicle pulled up close to the ranch. Zhou You and Shao Qi quickly moved their belongings inside. As soon as the lights flicked on, Bai Hu, the white tiger, came trotting over. With the heater on and the cozy ambiance, the two men and the tiger settled around a traditional pot, relishing a hot pot meal on the carpet.

"Hot pot always tastes best when cooked in these old-fashioned copper pots," Zhou You said, taking generous bites of meat and occasionally feeding Bai Hu a piece or two. However, for Bai Hu, the thinly sliced meat was merely a teaser. It soon grew restless and, yawning, trotted off to another side of the room to nap.

"I'll keep watch tonight. You get some sleep. Tomorrow, we should fortify our defenses, so we can sleep without disturbances," Zhou You suggested.

"There's no need to stand guard. We have Xiao Bai (the white tiger). Its ears are far more alert than ours," Shao Qi responded.

Looking at the twitching ears of Bai Hu, Shao Qi cheerfully commented, "Indeed, bringing it along was a wise decision."

"Aren't you bothered that it's intruding on our time together?"

"Nonsense! It's not human. We still have our moments together."

Chapter 158: New Year

"Come, have a drink. This wine is made from a newly popular fruit. It's nutrition-rich and beneficial for health. This is my first time trying it," Shao Qi said, pouring them each a glass. The wine was an alluring pale purple, resembling fruit wine.

Zhou You recalled that Shao Qi had picked up this bottle at the supermarket. It wasn't a prestigious brand. There were tales that wines like Moutai from decades ago would be worth a fortune today, even though experts insist that modern wines are just as good, if not better.

Zhou You raised his glass, took an exploratory sip, and was met with an initial sweetness that gave way to a robust spiciness. It was deceptively strong and burned on the way down, but its initial flavor was undeniably delicious.

"What's the alcohol content in this?"

After examining the bottle, Shao Qi remarked, "Only about forty-something percent. It might taste strong, catering to the preferences of martial artists. With your skills, you could down ten bottles and still be sober."

Taking Shao Qi's words to heart, Zhou You gulped down the remaining half of his glass. The warmth permeated his entire being, even heating his core. The health benefits were evident as they indulged in several bottles alongside their hot pot. Initially, the sensation was pleasant, but after a while, the warmth transitioned to dizziness.

"Didn't you say I could handle ten bottles?" Zhou You, seeing double, was certain he'd overdone it.

Shao Qi, although marginally better off, maintained a sober facade, even going so far as to serve Zhou You more food, teasing, "Must be your low tolerance. Have some food to offset it. Look at me, perfectly fine."

Unwilling to admit defeat, Zhou You retorted, "I'm not... not drunk. I'm just full. Need to use the restroom." After relieving himself and letting in some cold air to sober up, he returned to see Shao Qi pouring himself another drink. Thinking he was just a lightweight, Zhou You poured himself another.