Chapter 499 - 298: "Dragon Tiger" Liu Wu
Chapter 499: Chapter 298: "Dragon Tiger" Liu Wu
"Grain prices continue to rise. They’ll reach a critical point soon."
"The three counties downstream on the Chishui River are suffering from famine, and they’ll be affected too. Add a plague to that..."
"Heh heh, all that’s missing is the final fuse. Just that one fuse."
"When that time comes, Shu State will surely erupt in rebellion. The Imperial Court... the Imperial Court will issue an order, and the Dingyuan Army will have no choice but to suppress it..."
"That lord of mine can also use this as an opportunity to meddle in Shu State and lead the Northern Soldiers south."
"Once the rebellion is crushed, even if the Holy Emperor wants to launch a northern expedition, this situation will force him to shift his attention south."
"If the southern campaign is successful... I’ll be able to turn the tables in a single stroke!"
"At that point, who will still question what I’ve done in the past? Who would dare?!"
A vicious glint appeared in Liu Hong’s eyes, his face twisting into a savage snarl. "But this entire scheme is about to be utterly ruined by a few bastards!"
"Dragon Spear" Liu Wu.
"Jackal" Du Cang.
King Landu, Yuan Jingxuan, Asutai, and even Duke Dingyuan, Xiao Yuan—they all deserve to die!
Liu Hong wished he could take a blade and stab them all to death, one by one.
"They all deserve to die!"
A murderous aura, imposing and cold, swept out like a dagger’s slash, snapping countless banana leaves.
「A long while later.」
Liu Hong calmed down and asked in a low voice, "Has any news come from the outside?"
Hearing his voice, Zhao Liuan, who had been waiting at the courtyard gate, hurried over. His face and clothes were covered in water, though it was unclear if it was sweat or rain.
"Reporting, Lord Liu. It’s been confirmed that ’Jackal’ was killed by Liu Wu."
Liu Hong seemed to have expected this. "And Asutai?"
"I have confirmed with the Cao Gang. The ship has now left the Prefecture City’s vicinity and is heading south."
"The Government Office? The Xiao Family?"
"The Xiao Family’s eldest daughter has returned safely. The army garrisoned outside the city sounded the retreat, as did the City Guard Army and others."
"Only the Prefectural Magistrate’s Office and the Imprisonment Department are working through the night to interrogate the captured people from Poshisu Country. As soon as there’s any news, I will report immediately."
After speaking, Zhao Liuan glanced at Liu Hong’s expression, then gritted his teeth and continued, "There’s been no movement from the Xiao Family for now."
"However, I learned that a white-headed eagle was sent from the Xiao residence this evening. Judging by its direction, it should be headed for the Wu Mountain Mutual Market."
The corner of Liu Hong’s mouth curved into a cold sneer. "As it should be."
"Xiao Yuan is old. After an incident like this, the first person he could think of would only be Xiao Jinghong. It could only be Xiao Jinghong."
"That’s good. Heh heh."
With Xiao Yuan making no moves, he, the Left Governor, was safe for the time being.
"What about the Ancient Tea-Horse Road? Was it really King Landu’s scouts clearing out loiterers in preparation for a great battle?"
Zhao Liuan hesitated for a moment before shaking his head. "We can’t be certain yet."
"For some reason, none of the spies I sent there earlier have reported back."
Hearing this, Liu Hong frowned slightly. He turned his head to look at him and ordered in a tone that brooked no argument, "You must investigate the situation there thoroughly."
"If necessary, you may use my Seal to dispatch the Hidden Guard. Have them cross the Ancient Tea-Horse Road and attempt to make direct contact with the Peacock King Banner."
"Yes, sir!"
Just as Zhao Liuan was about to step back and leave, he heard Liu Hong continue, "Has any letter come back from the north?"
Zhao Liuan froze, quickly lowering his head even further. "I... I have not seen a message eagle yet."
Liu Hong was silent for a moment, then waved his hand. "You may go."
Zhao Liuan bent low at the waist in a deep bow, took a few steps back, then turned and hurried away.
Once the courtyard fell completely silent, Liu Hong’s expression grew even more ferocious. A strange cackle, like that of an old crow, escaped his lips.
"No reply. Heh heh, no reply, haha..."
"It seems he’s sensed something is wrong and wants to sever ties with me. Good, very good!"
To think that he, Liu Hong, had served him so loyally for so many years. Which task, which matter, had he not carried out according to that lord’s wishes?
Even when asked to risk his own head to create chaos in Shu State, he hadn’t hesitated.
But now, at the first sign of a setback, that lord was ignoring his letter asking for help.
It was truly disheartening!
It truly made him want to laugh!
’Since it has come to this, then you can’t blame me, a discarded pawn, for being "ungrateful"!’
Just then, a chuckling voice came from the side. "My apologies, Lord Liu. I’ve arrived a step late."
Liu Hong immediately schooled his features. As he turned, a slight smile appeared on his face as he looked at the newcomer.
He was dressed in black with his face obscured, wearing a bamboo hat, revealing only a pair of vertical pupils like a venomous snake’s.
"Elder Yan, your esteemed presence graces us. I have failed to welcome you properly. It is I who should be asking for forgiveness."
"Lord Liu, you are too kind. I am but a humble man from the mountains, unworthy of your praise."
"I have heard of the name Yan Jingchen of the Five Poison Sect since I was young. Seeing you now, your grace is as impressive as ever, Elder."
The two exchanged a few pleasantries.
Liu Hong then led him into a quiet room, offered him a cup of tea, and asked with a smile:
"I truly didn’t expect you to come in person, Elder Yan. Was your journey smooth?"
Yan Jingchen pulled down the black cloth covering his face, revealing a fair complexion that didn’t seem to belong to an old man. Sipping his tea, he said:
"Smooth enough. However, the Mountain Race got word of it in advance, which forced me to go to a bit of extra trouble."
"The Mountain Race... Heh heh, I had forgotten that your Five Poison Sect has a deep-seated grudge against them."
But as soon as Liu Hong’s voice fell, Yan Jingchen set down his teacup and shook his head.
"I wouldn’t call it a ’deep-seated grudge.’ It’s just an old affair."
"Oh? Does this mean you no longer wish to seek revenge on the Mountain Race, Elder?"
"That was merely a means for me to revive the Five Poison Sect. In the face of true power, grudges and favors are fragile things."
Liu Hong understood now. He said with a half-smile, "After this, perhaps you’ll change your mind, Elder Yan."
The Five Poison Sect had been nearly wiped out by the Mountain Race in the past. He didn’t believe that a man named Yan wouldn’t want to avenge that bloody feud.
Yan Jingchen said with a smile, "I hope so."
They made small talk for a few more moments. Then, Liu Hong’s smile faded, and he asked with a serious expression, "What is the situation over there?"