Chapter 361

That counts as expanding territory!

As long as it succeeds, then as this wanes and that grows, Li Kangcheng's prestige within the Joseon Dynasty will far surpass that of the Joseon King.

Or perhaps even advancing further in the future is not impossible.

How could Cui Linyu, tasked with such a difficult mission, possibly remain quiet?

And at this moment, these people were gathered in Cui Linyu's room, quietly discussing something.

Cui Linyu sat in the main seat without speaking.

Everyone's opinions were actually much the same: they felt that after so much time staying in such a small courtyard, it felt like living in prison.

They still bore a mission on their shoulders and felt they should not delay any longer.

They said it intentionally or unintentionally for Cui Linyu to hear.

Cui Linyu drank tea without responding, waiting until their discussion voices gradually faded.

Only then did he set down the tea cup in his hand.

"Finished speaking?" Cui Linyu looked around at everyone, and one by one they closed their mouths.

"Since you have finished speaking, then I will speak!" Cui Linyu stood up. "The mission the General entrusted to us is heavy; you are anxious, and I am anxious too, but anxiety cannot lead to reckless or chaotic actions!"

It can be said that Cui Linyu still held considerable authority.

Not a single person below spoke out of turn.

Observing their behavior, Cui Linyu nodded inwardly with satisfaction.

"Why did I not let you go out? Was it not because I feared alerting the snake? Regardless, we are outsiders; once we enter Great Ming, we will receive special attention, making it very easy to expose our true intentions."

"We have stayed here quietly for half a month; those watching us will discover we have made no moves and will no longer pay attention to us, making it convenient for us to act."

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When he said this, a trace of pride appeared on Cui Linyu's face.

His subordinates immediately began flattering him, praising how wise my lord was and so on.

Cui Linyu enjoyed it greatly; after all, it was a small vassal state, and he was somewhat self-satisfied with his own cleverness.

Fortunately, he still maintained a certain degree of clear-headedness.

"Alright, stop talking for now; everyone has grown tired after staying for half a month. Now we can move!"

"Excellent!"

Upon hearing Cui Linyu's words, everyone became extremely excited.

It can be said that these half a month had stifled them terribly.

They came with a mission, which already carried great pressure, and the prosperity of Great Ming also made them envious, stirring many scheming thoughts in their hearts.

"Good. With so many of us, we will split into two groups: one group will deliberately cause trouble in the city, accepting punishment or beating, but they must cause trouble, preferably with some justification; otherwise, if their heads are truly chopped off, I cannot save them."

"The other group will, according to this list, investigate each person one by one; afterward, we will visit them and attempt to win them over."

"Yes!"

……

Early the next morning, the guesthouse that had been closed for so long finally showed signs of activity.

Su Qiao had just risen to eat breakfast when Ma Kui came forward to report:

"Mr. Su, those people at the guesthouse have moved!"

"Oh? It seems they can no longer hide. Very well, keep watching them; do not lose track."

Su Qiao chuckled and said casually.

"Yes!"

Ma Kui and the Embroidered Uniform Guard had followed Su Qiao for quite some time.

Over this long period, they gradually became convinced by Su Qiao's knowledge and abilities.

215, Yi Hong Lou disturbance!

Just before noon, Ma Kui received news again from his Embroidered Uniform Guard brothers.

He hurried over to report to Su Qiao.

After all, the task Su Qiao gave him was to temporarily keep watch on those Joseon envoys.

Dealing with the Joseon envoys was also a task Zhu Youjian entrusted to Su Qiao.

They could be said to be serving Your Majesty indirectly.

Therefore, Su Qiao commanded the Embroidered Uniform Guard without any difficulty.

"Why are you so frantic? What has happened?"

Su Qiao was reading and chatting with Liu Rushi in the courtyard, enjoying the moment.

The tranquil atmosphere was interrupted by Ma Kui.

Liu Rushi raised her hand to shade her brow, glanced at the sun nearly overhead, and smiled as she stood up, saying, "It is getting late; I will have the kitchen prepare the meal."

"Good, something simple will suffice." Su Qiao smiled slightly and replied.

"Understood." Liu Rushi nodded to Ma Kui as well and, showing great perceptiveness, left the courtyard.

After Liu Rushi departed, Ma Kui then reported to Su Qiao:

"Cui Linyu and his group have split into two parties: one party is wandering around aimlessly and asking questions, seemingly investigating some information, while the other party is causing trouble in the city."

"Causing trouble?"

Su Qiao could somewhat understand the investigation of information.

But causing trouble—what kind of plan is that?

Su Qiao was also somewhat bewildered.

"Where exactly are they causing trouble?" he asked subconsciously.

Ma Kui recalled carefully, "Just now, my subordinates reported Yi Hong Lou, the Zui Xian Lou restaurant, and Tongyue's fur shop—currently those three places."

"Cui Linyu's thinking is quite peculiar; he actually intends to cause trouble."

Su Qiao felt he had a good idea of what Cui Linyu was thinking.

However, he would need to see it with his own eyes to be certain.

"Let's go, first see how they are causing trouble; summon the Wucheng Military Command!" Su Qiao said, rising abruptly.

"Yes!"

Ma Kui was startled, then shouted for men to prepare the carriage.

Su Qiao specifically informed Liu Rushi.

Then he boarded the carriage that had already been harnessed and headed onto the main street.

"Mr. Su, where shall we go first?"

Ma Kui, now replacing the driver Huoji, sat on the board in front of the carriage, still flicking the whip in his hand; his driving skill was clearly not poor.

He was an old hand at it.

"Which side is closer?" Su Qiao asked.

"Yi Hong Lou is closest, Tongyue Fur Shop second, and Zui Xian Lou restaurant third!"

"We've already delayed so long; let's not miss it. Then let's go to Yi Hong Lou!"

Su Qiao said decisively.

"Alright!"

Yi Hong Lou was indeed not far, located diagonally opposite the Imperial Academy.

Who knows what that brothel was thinking; anyway.

Wherever a student society is nearby, there will always be pleasure quarters.

Moreover, the students take pride in visiting brothels and conversing with famous courtesans, yet deep down they look down on them.

Truly, it is terribly contradictory.

Su Qiao's home was actually not far from here, separated by only two streets.

Otherwise, he would not have walked to Yi Hong Lou to see Liu Rushi back then.

While he was mentally complaining.

Ma Kui drove with great skill, neither fast nor slow, perfectly controlled, without bumping into any passersby.

In a short while, he stopped at a position a few zhang away from Yi Hong Lou.

"Mr. Su, we have arrived!"

"Good, let's get off and take a look!"