Chapter 639: A Master Thief

Translator: Henyee Translations | Editor: Henyee Translations

Hiding in the shadows, Chu Qingzhi nudged Tang Jinghong, whispering, “I’m a bit puzzled. You said the figure you saw earlier seemed familiar, but how could he be associated with Yaqing?”

Tang Jinghong pondered, then a lightbulb went off in his head, “He’s Yaqing’s cousin.”

“Cousin?”

“Twenty years ago, An Huai Kingdom sent a princess over. That princess was the current emperor’s elder sister. She married Duke Chai’s eldest son and gave birth to three children. This person should be the eldest son, Chai Wenjian.”

“Yaqing really knows how to utilize her resources.” Chu Qingzhi stepped out, and as they did, they reverted to their true appearances, “Yaqing.”

Seeing Chu Qingzhi, Wu Yaqing was pleasantly surprised, “Qingzhi, what are you doing here?”

“After finishing our task, Jinghong and I were heading home when we saw someone being carried in a hurry. Curious, we followed and ended up here, not expecting it to be your arrangement.”

Wu Yaqing held Chu Qingzhi’s hand, “Qingzhi, I just feel sorry for Lu Yichen. You must not reveal this to anyone.”

“We won’t say anything, but Lord Zhang is powerful. Isn’t it too risky for you to do this?”

“Don’t be afraid. My cousin is a master thief. Lu Lizhangwill never suspect it was him.”

Chu Qingzhi glanced at the man nearby, “A master thief?”

Wu Yaqing openly stated, “Chai Wenjian, my cousin, apprenticed under a master thief and, being exceptionally talented, became a master thief himself.”

Chu Qingzhi didn’t know what to say.

Chai Wenjian frowned in complaint, “Wu Yaqing, I didn’t expect you to sell me out so easily.” He turned to Tang Jinghong with a bow, “It’s an honor to meet General Tang.”

Tang Jinghong helped Chai Wenjian up, “There’s no need for formalities, my lord.”

Dressed in night attire, Chai Wenjian’s eyes were piercing, “Everyone says General Tang is down-to-earth. Seeing you today, it indeed holds true.”

Tang Jinghong never cared about these formalities, “I didn’t expect the lord to assist the princess.”

Chai Wenjian lamented, “Had no choice. My mother, thrilled to find someone from her homeland, insisted I do whatever Yaqing asks. I was so hassled I had to help, though it put me in a tough spot.”

Wu Yaqing playfully jabbed Chai Wenjian, “Don’t twist the truth. You were the one itching to steal, so I had you steal from Lord Zhang’s wife.”

Chai Wenjian pinched Wu Yaqing’s cheeks. “After all the help I gave you, you’re still so fierce?”

Seeing this intimate moment, Lu Yichen, who just came out, scowled and pulled Wu Yaqing away, warning, “Keep your hands to yourself.”

Chai Wenjian paused, feigning seriousness, “I am her cousin.” He pointed to himself, “If you offend me, I’ll be the first to oppose your relationship.”

Lu Yichen felt slightly embarrassed, “Even if you’re her cousin, you shouldn’t be touching her.”

Chai Wenjian narrowed his eyes and looked at Lu Yichen. This person was quite possessive. “I’m curious, under what role or identity do you make such a statement?”

Lu Yichen opened his mouth but couldn’t respond to that question.

Chai Wenjian pulled Wu Yaqing closer, “She’s my cousin, and I need to protect her. Let me be clear, I don’t trust you, and you should stop seeing her from now on.”

Wu Yaqing secretly pinched Chai Wenjian, signaling not to overdo it, or she’d deal with him.

Chai Wenjian hissed, giving Wu Yaqing a side glance, “You hit hard. Be careful, or I’ll write to my aunt, making her take you back.”

Wu Yaqing glared back, daring him to try.

When Lu Yichen saw the two of them exchanging glances, he was furious. However, he didn’t have the status to say anything, so he was even angrier.

Chu Qingzhi and Tang Jinghong silently took a step back and distanced themselves from the three of them.

Seeing that Lu Yichen was silent, Chai Wenjian pulled Wu Yaqing away.

Wu Yaqing was unwilling, but she did not know any martial arts, so she could only be dragged away. During this time, she kept turning her head to look at Lu Yichen, but Lu Yichen was in a fit of anger and ignored her, allowing the two of them to leave.

Tang Jinghong couldn’t help but say, “Brother Lu, aren’t you going to stop them.”

Lu Yichen, agitated, responded, “I don’t know what to say.”

Tang Jinghong advised, “You don’t need to say anything. If you want her to stay, just keep her here. Wiry so much hesitation? This isn’t like the Lu Yichen I know.”

Lu Yichen suddenly understood. “Brother Tang, I understand, but it’s too late today. Let her go back and rest. I’ll look for her tomorrow.”

Tang Jinghong patted Lu Yichen on the shoulder, “Take good care of your mother. We’ll be leaving now.”

Lu Yichen cupped his fists at Tang Jinghong solemnly. “Thank you.”

Nodding, Tang Jinghong and Chu Qingzhi left together.

After escorting Chu Qingzhi to the Ning Residence, Tang Jinghong said, “Qingzhi, get some rest early.”

“You too.” Chu Qingzhi flew into the Ning Residence.

Suddenly, she noticed someone sneaking out from the Ning’s third branch and hurried onto the street, appearing anxious as if in a rush.

After a moment’s consideration, she decided to follow.

Tang Jinghong, not yet far off, saw Chu Qingzhi fly out and followed, “Qingzhi, why are you out again?”

Chu Qingzhi pointed down, “That person just came out from the third branch. I plan to see where he’s going.”

Tang Jinghong looked and frowned slightly, “That seems to be Yuting’s coachman.”

“The coachman?” Chu Qingzhi recalled, “The one who survived when Yuting fell off the cliff?”

“Yes.” Tang Jinghong explained, “By chance, I was with Yuting on the street when we encountered the coachman, and Yuting told me.”

Chu Qingzhi pondered, “I have a question. The coachman was also in the carriage, so why did he survive? Even if he was incredibly lucky to survive, why didn’t he come down the mountain to find Yuting after the incident?”

Tang Jinghong agreed, “As a coachman, that indeed doesn’t make sense.”

Chu Qingzhi added, “Considering the coachman’s current behavior, I suspect

Yuting’s fall might not have been so straightforward.”

Tang Jinghong concurred, “Let’s follow and see what he’s up to.”

“Ok.”

The two of them carefully followed the coachman. The coachman looked a little down and out. He was holding something in his arms and looking around, but he looked very excited. He passed through the streets and alleys and arrived at… a gambling den.

Chu Qingzhi and Tang Jinghong exchanged glances. Had the coachman developed a gambling addiction?

The coachman hurried into the gambling den.

Inside, the gambling den was bustling with noise and excitement, a stark contrast to the quiet night outside.

Disguised once more, Chu Qingzhi and Tang Jinghong entered the gambling den.

Upon their entrance, an attendant immediately greeted them warmly, “You two look new here. Is this your first time?”

Tang Jinghong nodded, “It’s our first time.