Chapter 999: Too Insidious

Editor: Henyee Translations

The King of the eastern border remained unfazed, smiling instead. “I agree with the General’s ideals, but why strive for the unattainable? Isn’t that self-torment?”

Tang Jinghong’s expression was calm. “Then what does Your Highness consider unattainable? And what is achievable?”

The King of the eastern border looked at the vast landscape and, after a moment of silence, said, “General Tang, do you think I am suitable to be the King of the eastern border?”

“All lands under the heaven belong to the king; Your Highness is not suitable,” Tang Jinghong stated clearly.

The King of the eastern border’s face darkened instantly. “General Tang, do you know who you are speaking to? Do you believe I can’t make sure you never leave the eastern border?”

“Many wish for me to never leave the eastern border, but my comings and goings are not for anyone to decide.” Tang Jinghong found it laughable that this King of the eastern border, who exploited and enslaved the people, aspired to be their ruler.

The King of the eastern border glared at Tang Jinghong. “Do you really think you’re so indispensable? Do you think Daling can’t function without you?”

Tang Jinghong’s expression remained placid. “I never thought that way. However, the Emperor entrusted me with this task, and I must fulfill my duty.”

The King of the eastern border slammed his hand on the railing, displaying his anger. After a while, he suppressed his rage and spoke in a calm voice, “Tang Jinghong, how about working for me?”

Tang Jinghong’s tone turned severe. “I only support the rightful ruler.”

The King of the eastern border shouted, “Tang Jinghong!”

Tang Jinghong, unfazed by the King’s outburst, asked, “May I ask, Your Highness, if you desire the eastern border so much, why do you allow it to fall into such chaos and misery?”

The King of the eastern border turned his head to stare at Tang Jinghong, a complex struggle flashing in his eyes. “Do you think I want this? None of this is under my control.”

With the truth laid bare, Tang Jinghong got straight to the point. “Your Highness, do you have any leverage held by the Yun Organization?”

The King of the eastern border’s expression stiffened. “Tang Jinghong, the eastern border’s waters are deeper than you think. I advise you to withdraw while you can.”

“I’ve come this far, there’s no turning back now.” Tang Jinghong softened his tone. “Your Highness, why not tell me plainly, who is Lord Yun?”

The King of the eastern border closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and said, “If you’re so capable, find out yourself. But I’ll tell you this much—he’s not from the eastern border!”

Tang Jinghong’s face changed slightly. If that was the case, it made sense. After all, using something as toxic as the opium on one’s own country was self-destructive.

“Your Highness, let me remind you, act while there’s still a chance for redemption.” After saying this, Tang Jinghong cupped his hands in salute and left the garden.

The King of the eastern border straightened slightly, his hands behind his back, staring ahead with a look of helplessness and complexity.

On the cliff.

Tang Jinghong stood with his hands behind his back, his tall and well-built figure clad in black exuding an imposing aura.

Yan Zihao approached quickly. “General.”

“At ease.” Tang Jinghong did not turn around. “You mentioned you had something to report. What is it?”

Yan Zihao glanced at Tang Jinghong’s back. “General, I have traced the whereabouts of Wei Zhongqing’s money.”n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Tang Jinghong paused. “Where did it go?”

Yan Zihao replied, “It was given to the Second Prince, who then amassed wealth and sent it to the Second Prince of Chen’an. The Second Prince is training private soldiers, planning to seize the throne through a coup.”

“With a plague ravaging Chen’an, these princes still vie for power.” Tang Jinghong felt a deep sorrow for the people of Chen’an. “Any other news?”

Yan Zihao shook his head. “None for now.”

“Retrieve the thirty thousand taels of silver I gave you. It’s time to pull back.” The matters ahead were beyond Yan Zihao’s reach and involvement would mean certain death, an unnecessary sacrifice.

“Yes, General.” Yan Zihao was moved by Tang Jinghong’s concern for his life.

Three days later, the rumor of Grand Master of Divine Music absconding with thirty thousand taels of silver spread through Shu City…

In a side hall, Tao An spoke to Madam Wei. “Madam, our Qiu Yan is truly not a match for your young master. Let’s call off the engagement.”

Madam Wei was furious. If anyone should call off the engagement, it should be the Wei family. How dare a mere merchant family insult them!

With this in mind, Madam Wei’s face was stern towards Tao An. “Tao An, do you realize what it means for the Tao family to annul an engagement with the Wei family?”

Tao An replied calmly, “Just call off the engagement. The rest is none of Madam’s concern.”

Fearing that further delay would spread rumors of the Wei family clinging to the Tao family, Madam Wei gritted her teeth, feeling humiliated. “Xiao Tao, bring Miss Tao’s name card.”

“Yes.” The maid retrieved Tao Qiuyan’s name card.

Madam Wei glanced at Tao An, and the maid promptly handed him the card. Tao An handed the young master’s name card to the maid, severing the marital ties between the two families.

With the name card in hand, Tao An left with Tao Qiuyan.

Tao Qiuyan tore up the name card immediately, relieved. “Thank you, Father.”

Tao An remained calm. “Go pack your things. We’re leaving Shu City for Linzhang City.”

“Why?” Tao Qiuyan didn’t understand the sudden move.

“Staying means inevitable revenge from Madam Wei. Leaving early is better.” Tao An knew he deserved retribution, but his family did not. He would save them if he could.

“Father is right. I’ll pack right away.” Tao Qiuyan felt a shiver of fear.

That night, the Tao family left the city and headed to Linzhang City.

In a certain residence.

The Great Elder was incredulous. “The Sixth Elder, Eighth Elder, Ninth Elder, Tenth Elder, and the Left and Right Emissaries are all missing?”

The subordinate bowed. “Yes, we cannot contact them at all.”

The Second Elder was doubtful. “How could this be? Did they provoke someone they shouldn’t have?”

The Third Elder’s face darkened. “Who do you think has the capability to capture all of them?”

The Fourth Elder looked serious. “The urgent task is to find this person.”

The Great Elder turned to the Fourth Elder. “Do you have any good ideas?”

After a long silence, the Fourth Elder said, “The opponent is clearly targeting the Yun Organization’s elders. We need someone to lure them out, then we can trap them.”

The Second Elder pondered. “A good idea, but who will be the bait?”

Silence fell.

The Third Elder suddenly spoke. “Send the Fifth Elder. He doesn’t know about this yet.”

The others looked at the Third Elder, thinking this was too insidious.

The Third Elder glanced at everyone. “If you don’t agree, then you go.”