Chapter 44

Zhao Yougong was hiding in Wuxi to recuperate, and the news quickly spread far and wide. Upon hearing this, some people were delighted while others were worried.

In the Tokyo Grand Marshal's residence, Gao Qiu sat at the head of the hall with a stern expression. His gaunt face was cold, as if a block of ice had been hung on it. Lu Qian's heart was pounding, but he still recounted the previous events.

"Your Excellency, I did advise Yao Zhizhi, but he wouldn't listen and even scolded me..."

"Hmm, where is Yao Cheng now? Didn't I tell you to go back and find him?"

"Well..." Lu Qian's face showed difficulty, and he hoped the Grand Marshal wouldn't vent his anger on him, or he would surely be burned to death.

Seeing Lu Qian's hesitant speech, Gao Qiu snorted coldly and lightly tapped the table. "Speak up. Do you want me to beg you?"

"I dare not, Your Excellency. I found Yao Zhizhi and his men yesterday, but... but they were all dead!"

"What?" Gao Qiu shivered inwardly. He knew Yao Cheng's abilities, and he had three skilled warriors from the Hundred Knives Sect with him. Who could have killed them?

"Have you found out how Yao Cheng and the others died?"

"Your Excellency, I examined the scene. Yao Zhizhi and his men all died from sword wounds, and there was a wooden plaque left behind with some words on it!" Lu Qian kept his head down, not daring to look at Gao Qiu.

What words? Gao Qiu frowned, knowing they wouldn't be good. He snorted coldly and said with disdain, "Speak. Has this Grand Marshal seen so little that a few words would upset me?"

"Yes, the plaque said, 'Whoever dares to snatch the meat from this lady will be killed one by one, and if they come in pairs, they will be killed in pairs.'" After saying this, Lu Qian quickly shut his mouth, already hearing the heavy breathing of Grand Marshal Gao.

Gao Qiu couldn't help but be angry. It was too arrogant. Standing up, he picked up the teacup on the table and smashed it on the ground. "Investigate! Find that woman for me!"

"Yes!"

Lu Qian, as if granted a special pardon, hurried out, bowing low. Ah, he knew Grand Marshal Gao would react this way.

After Lu Qian left, Gao Qiu hurriedly put on his official hat and went to the palace.

In the Warm Fragrance Pavilion, Emperor Zhezong was studying calligraphy with Concubine Liu. Upon hearing the report from a young eunuch, he waved his hand and replied, "Let him wait in the Imperial Study. I'll be there in a moment!"

"Yes!"

As Zhezong was about to leave, Concubine Liu naturally felt a bit reluctant. She turned and hugged Zhezong's neck, whispering, "Your Majesty, you finally came to my place, and you're leaving so soon?"

"Ha ha, my beauty, why be upset? I'll be back soon!"

"Your Majesty, don't lie. I'll be waiting for you!"

"Alright!" Zhezong laughed and patted her face, then walked away gracefully.

To be honest, Zhezong was undoubtedly a man of great literary talent and charm, a true romantic. He was more than capable of being a scholar and enjoying the company of beauties, but as an emperor, he fell far short.

Arriving at the Imperial Study, he saw Gao Qiu pacing back and forth in the room. His expression seemed deeply troubled. Raising an eyebrow, Zhezong teased, "Gao Qiu, what's wrong? Did your young son cause trouble again?"

"Your Majesty, you jest. I am here for the matter of Prince Yongning."

"Hmm?" Zhezong frowned and thought for a moment, then waved to the eunuchs serving him. "You all wait outside!"

"Yes!"

Once they were alone, Gao Qiu recounted the assassination at Mount Mang and the incident with Yao Cheng in detail. At first, Zhezong's expression was still calm, but after hearing about Yao Cheng, his face became very expressive.

His face twitched, and in the end, Zhezong couldn't hold back. He glared and sneered, "Gao Qiu, Gao Qiu, what a fine job you've done! Where is that useless Yao Cheng? Have him come see me!"

"Your Majesty, please calm down. I am at fault, but Yao Cheng... is already dead..."

"He died quite conveniently, that good-for-nothing!" Seeing Gao Qiu's fearful expression, Zhezong couldn't bear to blame him further. After all, Gao Qiu did all this for him. The assassination at Mount Mang was not a problem, as it was the territory of the bandits, and any trouble could be blamed on them. But what about Yao Cheng? Regardless of whether Zhao Yougong recognized Yao Cheng, the necessary actions had to be taken.

"Gao Qiu, take care of the rest. I don't want to hear any nonsense!"

"Your Majesty, rest assured. I know what to do, but what about Prince Yongning?"

Gao Qiu had a hidden meaning. Zhezong pondered for a moment and asked, "Do you have any ideas?"

"Not really, but I find Yao Cheng's death unusual. Your Majesty knows that Yao Cheng has served in the Imperial Guard for many years and is quite capable. Could a single woman have killed him?"

"Do you suspect Prince Yongning?"

"Not exactly, but I think we should be cautious, whether or not he's involved."

Sitting in his chair, Zhezong thought for a moment and finally smiled. "You're right. Send a letter to Suzhou Prefecture and have Zhu Mian accompany Prince Yongning!"

"Yes, I'll take my leave then!"

"Go ahead!" Waving his hand, Zhezong's smile grew wider. He liked Gao Qiu's loyalty. Although his abilities might not be great, his reliability was enough.

Having Zhu Mian accompany Zhao Yougong would help gather more information about Yao Cheng's death and prevent any mishaps, although the likelihood of mishaps was low.

Back at the Grand Marshal's residence, Gao Qiu summoned Lu Qian. This time, Gao Qiu gave Lu Qian the position of Commander of the Divine Might Camp, but the price was another trip to Mount Mang.

That night, a group of black-clad men sneaked into Mount Mang. Due to his injuries, Mu Yizhao could only hide in the bandit stronghold. He never dreamed that his brother of over a decade would lead people to kill him.

From the hour of Hai, the bandit stronghold was filled with screams and curses, which continued until the third watch of the hour of Hai. All forty-six bandits in the stronghold were captured, and even Mu Yizhao died in his bed.

A fire illuminated the entire valley, and Lu Qian's expression was complex. Was this his fault? No, it wasn't his fault for being ruthless. The blame should be on Mu Sanlang for lacking the ability. He could have had twenty million coins and lived comfortably for the rest of his life, but he failed to kill Zhao Yougong. Since Zhao Yougong was still alive, Mu Yizhao couldn't live, as Grand Marshal Gao wouldn't allow this threat to continue.

At the end of April, a message spread in the capital: Mu Yizhao, the bandit leader of Mount Mang, colluded with the Commander of the Imperial Guard, Yao Cheng, to kidnap Prince Yongning. Fortunately, the Imperial Guard, Lu Qian, uncovered the bandits' plot and eradicated them.

The news spread quickly. When Zhao Yougong heard it, he could only laugh bitterly. Who said Zhezong wasn't ruthless? In such a short time, he had eliminated all the factors that could harm him. Ah, what a pity for Yao Cheng, who died without a good reputation.

The wound on his buttock had healed, and the Wuxi Prefecture government welcomed a distinguished guest, Zhu Mian, the Transport Commissioner of Suzhou and a manager of the Imperial Guard. Upon hearing Zhu Mian's arrival, Zhao Yougong sneered inwardly. Zhezong was very good at playing the role, removing the worries behind him and immediately sending someone to show his benevolence.

Zhezong wanted to silence the world. Didn't people say his throne was seized? Didn't some suspect he killed Prince Chu? Look how well he treated Prince Yongning. If he had really killed Prince Chu, why would he care for his descendants?

Zhao Yougong didn't care about Zhezong's intentions. He only cared about how much he could gain from this. It was said that this Zhu Mian was a very wealthy man. A little scraping would be enough for him to indulge himself.

Huang Yunzhou led Zhu Mian into the back office, and Zhu Mian hurried into the room. "Oh, my little prince, you've worried me so much. The emperor has been very concerned about your injuries!"

Hearing Zhu Mian's words, Zhao Yougong felt as if his whole body was covered in hair. Truly, he was a master of flattery. His words were skillful, flattering both him and Zhezong.

Supporting himself on the table, Zhao Yougong put on a tearful and moved expression, his eyes narrowing and his eyes reddening. "Manager Zhu, I was so afraid I wouldn't see you. You don't know how ruthless that female bandit was, and that Mu Yizhao, he truly deserved to be cut into pieces..."

Supporting Zhao Yougong, Zhu Mian said with feigned anger, "Prince, don't be upset. The emperor has avenged you. The bandits of Mount Mang have been completely eradicated. No one will dare to bully you again!" While speaking, Zhu Mian observed Zhao Yougong's expression. After a while, he was reassured. The prince was still the same, hiding when in trouble and crying when scared. He didn't know what Gao Qiu was worried about. Such a useless person didn't need such caution.

Wiping his tears, Zhao Yougong nodded with great relief. "Yes, I heard. It's a pity I couldn't kill Mu Yizhao myself!"

Kill Mu Yizhao himself? Zhu Mian found this amusing. Given a knife, would you dare to cut Mu Yizhao? Forget killing a person, could you even kill a pig?

After chatting with Zhao Yougong for a while, Zhu Mian didn't forget his purpose. He slightly bowed and said with a raised eyebrow, "Since there's nothing to do, why not go to Suzhou Prefecture with me, little prince, to see the scenery..."

"Scenery? This... this... I wonder if Suzhou Prefecture has... hehe..."

Zhao Yougong's eyes gleamed, and his smile was despicable. Seeing his expression, Zhu Mian was even more reassured. He nodded and smiled, "Prince, rest assured, it does. Have you heard that the Taihu Lake area is famous for its beauties? If you go, I guarantee you'll be reluctant to leave."

"Good, Manager Zhu, you've made me eager. Why don't we leave today?"

Seeing Zhao Yougong's excited expression, Zhu Mian inwardly cursed. What a guy, more eager than he was when it came to women.