Chapter 991: Destroyed in One Fell Swoop

Editor: Henyee Translationsn/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Tang Camp.

Due to the incident involving Chu Qingning, the Tang Camp had temporarily halted on the road.

A shadow guard reported, “General, our people have discovered that the enemy has taken her to the Shangyun Stronghold. Everyone is now concealed around the Shangyun Stronghold, awaiting your command, General—should we attack or defend?”

Tang Jinghong pondered, “Remain hidden and observe the situation closely. Do not act rashly. Remember, we cannot afford any harm to come to Chu Qingning.”

The shadow guard responded, “Yes, General.”

At that moment, another person entered to report, “General, they are back.”

Tang Jinghong immediately stood up, “To the command tent.”

Tang Jinghong had sent people to intercept Chu Tang and the others on their way back. The soldiers met up with Chu Tang’s group and hurried back to the camp. Thankfully, they made it back in time.

A separate tent in the camp was prepared for Jiang Zhaoyong to recover from his injuries.

Tang Jinghong entered the tent, his first glance was towards Chu Tang, ensuring he was unharmed before turning his attention to other matters.

Jiang Zhaoyong, not concerned about his own injuries, urgently asked, “General Tang, is there any news of Qingning?”

Tang Jinghong replied, “Yes, she has been taken to the Shangyun Stronghold by people from the Yun Organization. Our men have already surrounded the place, ready to act.”

Jiang Zhaoyong felt slightly relieved, “Is she hurt? Did they torture her?”

“There has been no torture. They only want to use Qingning to exchange for something from us; they won’t harm her,” Tang Jinghong quickly reassured Jiang Zhaoyong, who looked extremely worried.

“What do they want to exchange?” Jiang Zhaoyong asked anxiously, his vision darkening with worry, considering the imperial implications of their assets.

“Rest for now. We will rescue Qingning,” Tang Jinghong said, seeing Jiang Zhaoyong’s growing anxiety.

“We must save Qingning, absolutely must,” Jiang Zhaoyong expressed fervently, wishing he could get up and rescue her himself.

Seeing Jiang Zhaoyong’s injury begin to bleed again, Chu Tang knocked him unconscious, “Jinghong, let’s step outside and talk.”

“Alright.” The two men stepped outside to the main tent.

“How was your journey back?” Tang Jinghong began with concern.

“Our disguises for the carriage worked. Once we left Shu City, we headed straight back. There were no issues; it went smoothly,” Chu Qingning reported.

“Are you hungry? Should I prepare something for you?” Tang Jinghong offered.

“I’ll eat when I get back,” Chu Qingning embraced Tang Jinghong, “Jinghong, I’m going to rescue my sister first.”

Tang Jinghong handed her a token, “Take this; they will obey your commands with it.”

Chu Qingning pocketed the token, “Alright, I’m leaving now.”

Tang Jinghong escorted Chu Tang out of the tent, watching him leave.

Shang Zixin, standing in front of the tent, witnessed the scene, his eyes filled with surprise. He hadn’t expected Chu Tang to be one of Tang Jinghong’s people.

…

Shangyun Stronghold.

Tao Qingxiang sat by the window, looking out, when he heard the door open and familiar footsteps. He softly asked, “Father, when is Chu Tang coming back?”

The Left Emissary felt guilty as he responded, “I don’t know, the people I sent to follow him have all lost track.”

Tao Qingxiang adjusted the blanket on his lap, his expression serene, “Then let it be.” His voice carried a hint of resignation.

“Sorry, your leg is like this because of me, and now with Chu Tang’s whereabouts unknown…” The Left Emissary’s eyes moistened; all his wealth and power were useless in saving his son.

Tao Qingxiang remained silent, just staring out the window, coming to terms with the harsh reality.

The Left Emissary watched him for a while before leaving the room, closing the door behind him and returning to his study.

In the study, waiting to report, a subordinate said, “Left Emissary, our message has been in the Tang Camp for a while now, and still, there’s no response.”

The Left Emissary sat down, silent for a moment before ordering, “Bring Lan Qiongzhen here.”

“Yes, sir.” Soon, Lan Qiongzhen was brought in, “Sir, Lan Qiongzhen is here.”

The Left Emissary eyed Lan Qiongzhen, “Do you have any way to make Tang Jinghong return what belongs to me?”

Lan Qiongzhen appeared nervous, “Sir, I was only responsible for leaking information; I don’t handle such matters.”

The Left Emissary slid a stack of banknotes toward her, tempting her, “If you can help me retrieve those items, all this money is yours.”

Lan Qiongzhen’s eyes lit up at the sight of the money, but she was aware of her limitations and knew she was not capable of such a task. “Sir, I really can’t do it.”

“Why bother with her? Look to me instead!” Suddenly, Chu Tang, who had been missing for nearly two months, appeared before them as if out of thin air, startling everyone in the room.

Chu Tang muttered under his breath, noting that despite Lan Qiongzhen supposedly being at the Shangyun Stronghold, there had been no sign of her during his investigations. He wondered where she might have been hidden.

The Left Emissary narrowed his eyes, feeling a mix of resentment and fear, “I thought you wouldn’t come back.”

“Why wouldn’t I? I told you I was just going to gather some herbs,” Chu Tang replied nonchalantly, surprising everyone with his casual demeanor. He quickly formed a hand seal and cast a truth spell on the Left Emissary.

The Left Emissary was taken aback, “What are you doing?”

Chu Tang blinked, “You wouldn’t understand even if I explained. Let’s just get straight to the point. Where is Chu Qingning?”

The Left Emissary, compelled by the spell, blurted out, “Chu Qingning was sent to Shu City.”

Chu Tang was shocked, “To Shu City? Which route? Who’s the contact? Why send her there?”

The Left Emissary struggled against the spell’s pain, giving up resistance, “She was sent to the Qin family in Shu City. The reason is to secure the transaction; Tang Jinghong must return what he took from us, or you’ll never find Chu Qingning.”

Chu Tang grabbed Lan Qiongzhen by the neck, “You’re the informant, aren’t you?”

Gasping for air, Lan Qiongzhen managed, “They forced me! I had no choice; it has nothing to do with me!”

Disappointed, Chu Tang tightened his grip, “And here I thought you had some integrity. Turns out you’re just another greedy soul.” With a swift motion, he snapped her neck and tossed her aside.

The Left Emissary, witnessing Chu Tang’s ruthless action, couldn’t help but feel chilled, “Who are you, really?”

Just then, Hong Feiyun entered the room, “Making big moves as soon as you get back?”

Chu Tang turned to Hong Feiyun, “Where have you been?”

“I went to look for Chu Qingning, but found nothing,” Hong Feiyun replied, standing respectfully to one side.

The Left Emissary, overhearing their conversation, sensed the deep connection between the two, realizing they had been in cahoots for much longer than he had suspected.