Chapter 923: Arriving at the Theater

Editor: Henyee Translations

In the military camp.

Worried about the safety of the medicinal herbs, Chu Qingzhi accompanied Xue Gui back to Dalin. The journey there took a few days, but the return trip stretched over ten days, making Chu Qingzhi anxious to hurry everyone along.

Chu Qingzhi didn’t return to the military camp upon arrival; instead, she went to meet Zeng Huo to catch up on the events of the past twenty or so days, particularly concerning the Yun Organization.

She handed over the medicine and prescriptions to Xue Gui to give to Tang Jinghong.

Inside the main tent.

Xue Gui saluted Tang Jinghong, then presented the prescriptions and medical records, saying, “General, I’ve brought back the medicinal materials and the items you requested. Miss Chu has other matters and said she would come to see you this evening.”

“Remember, keep quiet about anything related to Qingzhi,” Tang Jinghong instructed as he took the items and inspected them. “Thank you for your hard work. You can rest now.”

“Thank you, General.” Xue Gui bowed and then left the main tent.

Tang Jinghong handed the prescriptions to Meng Shengdong, “Take the turmeric and these prescriptions to Doctor Fang, and tell him he’s in charge of what comes next.”

“Yes, General.”

Tang Jinghong changed clothes and headed to the kitchen to prepare a welcome meal for Chu Qingzhi.

Before long, an announcement was posted at the entrance of Linzhang City’s government office: “Those wishing to quit smoking, come to the government office for treatment.”

Half a month later, the entire city of Linzhang had successfully quit smoking, and life in the city slowly began to return to normal.

…

In an inn, Lou Ze sat on a stool eating osmanthus cake, with a teacup beside him emitting wisps of steam. He waved his hand through the steam, quickly filling the room with a fragrant aroma.

Zeng Huo flew in through the window, “Sorry, it took me a while to shake off someone tailing me.”

Lou Ze took a sip of tea and asked, “Did you expose yourself?”

Zeng Huo was also puzzled, “I don’t know. Hong Feiyun has people following me.”

Lou Ze was not particularly interested in that detail and said, “Let’s skip over that for now. Tell me about any changes in the organization these past few weeks.”

Zeng Huo explained, “Quite a few changes. First, the Lord of the Left has come over personally to direct operations against Tang Jinghong. Second, Hong Feiyun is preparing to assassinate Tang Jinghong himself. Third, the organization has started to recruit members on a large scale. Fourth, members in Linzhang City are now moving to the commercial city.”

After hearing this, Lou Ze picked up another piece of osmanthus cake and began eating, “Prepare yourself, we’ll also head to the commercial city.”

Zeng Huo asked, “When are we leaving?”

Lou Ze thought for a moment, “Not sure yet, just be ready, and I’ll let you know.”

“Okay.” Zeng Huo agreed and then flew out through the window.

After finishing his cake, Lou Ze clapped his hands, went to bathe and change clothes, eager to meet Tang Jinghong since it had been nearly a month since they last saw each other.

…

Tang Jinghong personally cooked several dishes and took them to the camp, surprising everyone in the kitchen.

The last time Tang Jinghong had cooked was at the border when General Fan came to the camp with health issues from traveling too hastily, and Tang Jinghong had personally prepared some nourishing soup for him.

Who could he be cooking for this time?

Regardless of the soldiers’ speculations, after cooking, Tang Jinghong bathed, changed into casual clothes, and sat at the table, handling military affairs while waiting for Chu Qingzhi.

Chu Qingzhi arrived after dark, an hour after Tang Jinghong had finished cooking.

A gentle smile appeared on Tang Jinghong’s handsome face, his eyes also filled with warmth as he stood up and gently embraced Chu Qingzhi, “I missed you.”

Chu Qingzhi wrapped her arms around Tang Jinghong’s waist, smiling slightly, “I missed you too.”

Tang Jinghong kissed Chu Qingzhi’s face and let go, “Are you hungry? I’ve cooked, have some.”

“Sure, I’m actually quite hungry.” Chu Qingzhi brushed her hand over the food, which immediately became steaming hot again. She took a seat cushion, sat down on it, and chose a comfortable position to eat.

Traveling had left her exhausted; her entire body felt lazy.

Tang Jinghong served Chu Qingzhi some soup, “This is black chicken soup, specially prepared to nourish your body. Give it a try.”

“Thanks.” Chu Qingzhi took the soup and began to drink, “It’s perfectly simmered, delicious.”

Tang Jinghong’s eyes were full of affection for Chu Qingzhi, “I’ll cook for you again next time.”

Chu Qingzhi served Tang Jinghong some food, “You probably haven’t been eating well either. Let’s have a good meal today.”

Tang Jinghong smiled and nodded in agreement. “Okay.”

As they ate, they chatted about recent events. Tang Jinghong discussed the happenings in the camp and the city, while Chu Qingzhi shared her experiences in Chen’an Kingdom. By the time they finished talking, they had also finished their meal.

Just then, a letter was delivered. It read, “Chu Qingzhi is performing at the Linzhang City theater.”

Chu Qingzhi glanced at the letter, “Jinghong, this seems like a trap to lure you out.”

Tang Jinghong pondered for a moment, lips pressed tightly, “Since they’ve gone to the trouble of sending this message, I must go and see for myself. You stay here and rest, I’ll check it out.”

Chu Qingzhi grabbed Tang Jinghong’s wrist, “I’ll go with you. I want to see who is impersonating me.”

Tang Jinghong’s voice softened, “Aren’t you tired? Rest here.”

Chu Qingzhi stood up, adjusting her clothes, “It’s okay, I can rest when we come back.”

Tang Jinghong said no more. He fetched a cloak and draped it over her shoulders, “It’s a bit chilly at night, this will keep you warm.”

Chu Qingzhi wasn’t afraid of the cold, nor would she normally feel cold, but she accepted Tang Jinghong’s kindness without objection, “Let’s go.”

They avoided the people in the camp and used their light skills to fly towards Linzhang City, their figures landing on the rooftop across from the theater.

The theater in front of them was an old and expansive building, reputedly constructed a hundred years ago by Linzhang City’s wealthiest man to please his wife. It still looked quite magnificent.

Chu Qingzhi said, “Jinghong, you go inside alone. I’ll follow behind and observe the situation.”

Tang Jinghong replied, “Call me if you need anything.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded. “Okay.”

Tang Jinghong gracefully descended to the theater’s main entrance, looked around, and then walked inside.

Chu Qingzhi flew down into the alley, transformed into the appearance of Lou Ze, and after waiting a bit, entered the theater.

The theater was performing “Man Jiang Hong,” and it was quite busy, with not a single empty seat in the house.

“Excellent!” As the performance reached a compelling part, the audience clapped and cheered enthusiastically, the venue buzzing with popularity.

The arrival of Tang Jinghong caused a momentary hush over the crowd, but it quickly resumed its normal buzz, as if nothing had happened.

He scanned the room and did not see anyone resembling Chu Qingzhi; it indeed seemed like a real trap.

Acting nonchalantly, Tang Jinghong sat down, joining the audience in applause. Many snacks were laid out on a table beside him. Lou Ze, now in disguise, came in, sat on the opposite side, and casually started to eat the snacks.

Lou Ze, unfamiliar to Tang Jinghong, didn’t know if he would be recognized. “Join me.”

Tang Jinghong’s eyebrows raised, sensing something familiar in the eyes of this stranger, though the rest did not resemble Chu Qingzhi. He smiled, “Go ahead, they’re all yours.”

Lou Ze turned to look at Tang Jinghong, “You…”

Tang Jinghong pushed the plate of snacks towards Lou Ze, “They’re all yours, help yourself.”