Chapter 175: Mysterious Woman

Zhang Yu's eyes lit up instantly, and the smile on his face became even more radiant.

"Mr. Jiang, you're being so polite; I feel unworthy of such courtesy!"

While he spoke polite words with his mouth, his hand unconsciously stroked the gold bar, feeling its pleasant coolness.

Seeing this, Jiang Xiaomu secretly chuckled.

This pretty‑face fellow is indeed greedy for money.

He put on an act and said:

"This is just a modest gift, not meant as a sign of respect; I hope you won't disdain it, sir."

"Not at all, not at all." Zhang Yu laughed so hard his eyes narrowed to slits.

"Mr. Jiang, your thoughtfulness moves me deeply."

He put away the gold bar and jade, cleared his throat, and spoke solemnly:

"The prefect's post isn't something you can just easily obtain."

"What you say is true, sir; I have long admired you and know you hold considerable influence in the court."

"That's why I dare to ask for your help; if you lend a hand, I will be eternally grateful."

Zhang Yu pondered for a moment, then spoke slowly:

"Since you hold me in such high regard, I cannot let down your sincere intentions."

"However, court affairs are intricate and tangled; I cannot guarantee success."

Jiang Xiaomu quickly said:

"Just do your best, sir; if you help me, I will surely reward you handsomely."

Zhang Yu burst out laughing.

"Mr. Jiang, you're blunt and straightforward! Good, since you trust me so much, I'll make the trip for you." "However, greasing the wheels in the court also requires a fair amount of silver."

Jiang Xiaomu immediately understood his meaning, pulled another bank note from his sleeve, and shoved it into Zhang Yu's hand.

"Just a small token, not meant as a sign of respect."

Zhang Yu took the bank note, and his smile grew even brighter.

"Rest assured, Mr. Jiang, I'll handle this matter; you'll hear good news within three days."

Jiang Xiaomu left the Imperial Envoy's Office profusely thanking him, yet inwardly he sneered.

This pretty‑face fellow is truly insatiable in his greed.

But if I can secure the prefect's post, what's this bit of money?

After returning home, Jiang Xiaomu did not idle.

He began investigating the cause of Prefect Zhao's death; Prefect Zhao's death was certainly no simple accident.

Moreover, he faintly sensed that this affair was somehow linked to that jade pendant.

Jiang Xiaomu returned home and immediately picked up his pen to write a letter to Ye Ying.

In the letter he detailed his inquiries about Prefect Zhao's connections in the court, whether he had any enemies, and the origin and owner of that jade pendant.

He knew Ye Ying was well‑informed and might obtain some clues from her.

Two days later, Ye Ying's reply arrived; the note contained only a few short lines:

"Prefect Zhao had no obvious enemies in the court; the jade pendant's origin is unknown; no such person can be found."

After reading the letter, Jiang Xiaomu furrowed his brows.

Court relations are tangled and chaotic, compounded by the turmoil of war.

Uncovering the truth is no easy task, so it's understandable that Ye Ying found no leads.

Three days passed in a flash, yet there was no movement from Zhang Yu's side.

Jiang Xiaomu felt anxious; could this pretty‑face have taken the money and fled?

The more he thought, the more uneasy he became, so he decided to go to the Imperial Envoy's Office again.

Arriving at the office, Jiang Xiaomu headed straight for Zhang Yu's study.

Before he even entered, he heard laughter from inside, mingled with a woman's alluring voice.

He pushed the door open and saw Zhang Yu embracing a scantily clad woman.

The two were clinking cups and drinking merrily; upon seeing Jiang Xiaomu, Zhang Yu first startled, then burst into loud laughter.

"Mr. Jiang, what a rare visitor! How come you miss me so soon?"

Jiang Xiaomu suppressed his anger and spoke with a false smile:

"Sir, you're busy with important affairs; I dare not disturb you, but regarding the matter I entrusted you with a few days ago..."

Zhang Yu set down his cup, feigned contemplation, and said:

"Oh, you mean that matter? I've already sent someone to handle it."

"But as you know, court affairs aren't resolved overnight."

"Sir, it's been three days already—haven't you heard anything at all?"

Jiang Xiaomu's tone carried dissatisfaction.

Zhang Yu's face darkened, and he spoke displeased:

"Mr. Jiang, are you questioning my efficiency?"

"I wouldn't dare; I'm just a bit anxious."

Jiang Xiaomu hurried to explain.

"Haste makes waste; Mr. Jiang, you should just be patient."

Zhang Yu waved his hand, then continued to hold the woman and drink and make merry, completely ignoring Jiang Xiaomu.

Jiang Xiaomu burned with anger inside; this pretty‑face was clearly just giving him the run‑around!

He suppressed his anger, turned, and left.

Just as he reached the doorway, he heard Zhang Yu's voice again:

"Mr. Jiang, this official suddenly thought of something; I heard your martial arts are superb—could this official give a demonstration?"

Jiang Xiaomu stopped, a cold smile forming in his heart.

"What medicine is this guy selling in his gourd?" He turned around, clasped his fists, and said:

"What does the official want to see?"

Zhang Yu pointed at the woman beside him and said with a smile:

"Let her spar with Mr. Jiang; if Mr. Jiang can defeat her, this official will personally go to Jingcheng for you."

Jiang Xiaomu looked at the woman; her eyes were seductive like silk, and a provocative smile played at the corner of her mouth.

His heart stirred; this woman seemed frail but actually hid formidable power—could it be…?

Just as he was thinking, the woman suddenly attacked, drawing the soft sword hidden at her waist and thrusting straight at Jiang Xiaomu's throat.

Jiang Xiaomu sidestepped to dodge, his heart sinking in shock; the woman's martial arts bore a striking resemblance to that of the assassin who had killed himself.

Jiang Xiaomu gave a cold snort and, backhanded, drew his short dagger.

"Since the official wants to see, then humble servant will make a fool of himself."

The woman gave a coquettish laugh; her soft sword flicked like a spirit snake, aiming straight at Jiang Xiaomu's face.

Jiang Xiaomu ducked to evade, swung his short dagger, aiming straight at the woman's wrist.

The woman swayed lightly, easily evading Jiang Xiaomu's attack.

The soft sword quivered, transforming into points of cold light that covered Jiang Xiaomu's vital points.

Jiang Xiaomu secretly marveled; the woman's martial arts style was indeed exactly the same as that assassin's.

Her moves were cunning and vicious, and extremely fast, making defense nearly impossible.

He dared not be careless, focusing his mind to respond; his short dagger flew up and down, barely managing to block her assault.

The two traded blows in the study, blades flashing; Zhang Yu watched, dazzled, repeatedly exclaiming in amazement.

"Excellent! Excellent skill!"

Zhang Yu clapped and praised, all the while pouring drink into his mouth.

Jiang Xiaomu coldly sneered inside; this dog official was clearly just watching the show!

He blocked the woman's attacks while seeking an opportunity to counterattack.

The woman's movements were light and agile, her soft sword extraordinarily flexible, making it hard for Jiang Xiaomu to fend off for a moment.

He silently cursed, wondering what kind of background this woman had—her martial arts were surprisingly strong!

He made a slight adjustment, changing his strategy; instead of purely defending, he took the initiative, using offense as defense.

His short dagger thrust out, each move aimed straight at the woman's vital points.

The woman clearly hadn't expected Jiang Xiaomu to suddenly change tactics, and for a moment she was flustered.

She hastily retreated, barely managing to dodge several of Jiang Xiaomu's killing moves.