Chapter 965: Digging Three Feet Deep

Editor: Henyee Translations

As Chu Qingzhi’s voice faded, a guard’s voice came from outside, “General, General Chen from the border army requests to see you.”

The two exchanged glances; it was too coincidental—they were just discussing the border army when someone from there showed up.

Chu Qingzhi quickly hid behind a screen, and Tang Jinghong looked around and said, “Let General Chen in.”

“Yes.” The guard lifted the tent flap, “General Chen, please come in.”

General Chen, clad in armor, was a man of towering stature with a broad and sturdy build, straightforward yet possessing a keen mind for military strategy, an invaluable general talent. He bowed slightly as he entered, greeting loudly, “General Tang, a pleasure to see you.”

Tang Jinghong returned to his seat, “At ease, General Chen. What brings you to my tent today?”

General Chen looked troubled, “General Tang, you must help an old friend.”

Tang Jinghong invited General Chen to sit and asked with concern, “Has something happened at the camp?”

General Chen sighed deeply, “A serious matter has arisen.” He lowered his voice, “Overnight, all the arrows in the camp disappeared without a trace. We’ve searched everywhere, but found no clues.”

Tang Jinghong pondered, “Have you dug three feet into the ground?”

“We did,” General Chen replied with a furrowed brow. “I had my men dig around a ten-meter radius, and still, nothing. General Tang, do ghosts really exist in this world?”

Tang Jinghong, a disbeliever in ghosts, reassured him, “General Chen, you must have overlooked something.”

General Chen was clearly worried, “General Tang, the state of Xia Sang has been restless lately, with frequent troop movements suggesting imminent war. With this happening now in the camp, I’m truly concerned.”

The balance of power between the Dalin, Xia Sang Country, and Ningyuan Country had always been delicate, with each viewing the others as adversaries.

In their younger years, these nations had been locked in a relentless conflict, from which generals like Tang Jinghong, Xia Qi, and Ning Shangfei emerged. It took ten years of war to stabilize the region.

Now, as each country was recuperating, these generals strove to maintain peace, knowing too well the horrors of war. They all hoped to spend their remaining years in peace, and anyone daring to disrupt it would be severely dealt with.

Hearing this, Tang Jinghong also became worried, dreading the outbreak of war the most, “General Chen, rest here for now. I’ll discuss this with my officers and send someone to investigate.”

General Chen stood, expressing his gratitude, “Thank you, General Tang.”

Tang Jinghong instructed, “Someone, show General Chen to a tent to rest.”

“Yes, General.” The guard opened the tent flap, “This way, General Chen.”

General Chen cautioned, “Please hurry, General Tang. I’m afraid any delay might lead to severe consequences.”

Tang Jinghong nodded in understanding, “I am aware.”

Once General Chen left, Chu Qingzhi emerged from behind the screen, “Jinghong, it seems there really is an issue with the border army.”

Tang Jinghong’s expression grew serious, “I’m not sure what the situation is now.”

Chu Qingzhi pursed her lips thoughtfully, “I’ll go and check it out myself, and it’s a good opportunity to investigate the matter concerning my fourth sister.”

Tang Jinghong gently embraced her, relieved by her support, “I’m glad you’re here.”n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Chu Qingzhi smiled slightly, “Is there anything else? If not, I’ll start preparing.”

Tang Jinghong replied, “Nothing for now. If anything comes up, I’ll contact you with the Golden Phoenix Feather.”

“Alright, I’ll be off then.” Chu Qingzhi transformed into Meng Shengdong’s appearance and left the camp.

…

At the headquarters of the Bright Organization.

“What did you say?” Li Hongyu was shocked, “My elder brother died on a boat?”

A subordinate reported, “Master, we just received the news. Everyone is heading to the riverbank, do you want to go?”

Li Hongyu composed himself, dismissively saying, “Why bother? He wasn’t really my brother; he always bullied and mocked me when he was alive. Good riddance.”

The subordinate pondered briefly, agreeing, “Indeed, it’s for the best.”

“But…” Li Hongyu hesitated, then asked, “Do you know how he died?”

“Drowned,” the subordinate informed.

Li Hongyu waved his hand, asserting confidently, “I tell you, my brother was cautious of assassination attempts and learned to swim and even dive. He couldn’t have drowned.”

The subordinate mentioned with concern, “Everyone is saying there were ghosts, and even others who knew how to swim drowned.”

Li Hongyu pondered thoughtfully, “That’s strange. Could it really be that some supernatural force was involved?”

The subordinate asked, “What do we do now, Master?”

Li Hongyu replied, “We do nothing for now. We can’t afford any misunderstandings with my father; he strongly disapproves of sibling rivalry ending in violence.”

The subordinate understood, “Yes, Master.”

After a moment of contemplation, Li Hongyu left the headquarters and headed towards the Yun Organization’s outpost. Coincidentally, just as he arrived, Chu Tang was also returning, “Brother Chu, wait.”

Chu Tang narrowed his eyes slightly, inquiring, “What is it?”

Li Hongyu was direct, “My elder brother Li Hongjin has died. Did you know about it?”

Chu Tang internally noted how quickly news had spread, with many already aware, “I heard. Is there a problem?”

Li Hongyu frowned, “They’re saying he was killed by a ghost, but I don’t believe it. My brother was very skilled in water. He couldn’t have just drowned.”

Chu Tang, outwardly unfazed, responded casually, “You’re wrong. Remember, those who drown are often swimmers.”

Li Hongyu disagreed, “Don’t you find that odd? Even if what you say is true, how do you explain the others?”

Chu Tang looked at Li Hongyu, “What exactly are you trying to say?”

Li Hongyu, unexpectedly, proposed, “I want to hire you to investigate this matter.”

Chu Tang was taken aback, “…”

The situation was ironic—Chu Tang was responsible for the death, and now he was being asked to investigate it. This was a new and peculiar circumstance for him.