Chapter 160

Zhao Kuangyin's visit set deeper undercurrents in motion.

A few days later, late at night, the lamp in the interrogation room behind the Lo County yamen was still lit.

Chen Wen was reviewing the draft of the "pleading poverty" document that Zhang Cheng had submitted, intended for delivery to the Bian Liang envoy.

It listed in detail the population, farmland, and granaries of the three counties.

As well as the various expenses incurred since last year for settling refugees, constructing waterworks, and forging armaments.

The data were thorough, the wording earnest, vividly portraying the plight of "willing to serve the country but powerless to turn the tide."

A faint owl hoot came from outside the window—the signal Qian Gui had agreed upon with him.

Chen Wen set the document down and said in a low voice, "Come in."

The door slid open silently; Qian Gui slipped in like a shadow, then gently closed it.

He still wore that inconspicuous gray cloth outfit, his person carrying the slight chill of night dew.

"My lord."

Qian Gui bowed deeply, his voice kept extremely low.

"Any findings?"

Chen Wen looked at him.

Since the day Zhao Kuangyin left, he had ordered Qian Gui to assign more personnel and focus surveillance.

"Yes."

Qian Gui lifted his head; under the dim yellow light, his gaze was sharp as a hawk's.

"After leaving Lo County, Zhao Yu-hou did not return directly to his garrison but instead stayed a day at the Black Wind Station thirty li away."

"During that time, his personal cavalry commander, Wang Yansheng, once left the camp alone."

"He lingered for about half an hour at the 'Liu Ji' blacksmith shop on the northwest corner of the station town."

"A blacksmith shop?"

Chen Wen frowned slightly.

It is common for military officers to send men to repair weapons and armor.

But Wang Yansheng going alone and staying so long is rather suspicious.

"I found it suspicious, so I sent two capable subordinates disguised as merchants to infiltrate near the blacksmith shop and investigate."

Qian Gui continued.

"That blacksmith shop appears ordinary, but its rear yard keeps several fine horses."

"The wear pattern on their horseshoes differs from that of ordinary official or civilian horses, resembling more… a northern style."

"Moreover, when Wang Yansheng entered, there was no hammering inside; only after he left did sporadic clanking begin."

Chen Wen's fingers lightly tapped the tabletop.

"Who did Wang Yansheng meet?"

"His face could not be seen clearly."

Qian Gui shook his head.

"According to my men's report, Wang Yansheng entered the inner room, and the person he spoke with always had his back to the window, his silhouette indistinct."

"Only a broad-shouldered, upright seated figure could be made out—nothing like a typical blacksmith."

"When Wang Yansheng emerged, his expression was grave, and he carried no weapons or armor for repair."

A blacksmith shop without the sound of hammering.

Yet it keeps northern-style fine horses, and an unidentified mysterious person receives Zhao Kuangyin's trusted commander……

The implications are thought-provoking.

"Furthermore……"

Qian Gui added, his tone even more grave.

"Our men, watching Wang Yansheng return to camp, noticed that the side pouch of his saddle seemed to contain an extra small parcel, square in shape."

"And about a quarter-hour after his departure, the side gate of the blacksmith's rear yard opened, and three horsemen led their mounts out."

"They did not linger in the station town but rode straight north under the cover of night."

"Those three…… though dressed as Han Chinese, possessed superb horsemanship and sturdy builds."

"The sabers at their waists also differed from the usual military issue, the hilts slightly curved and equipped with guards."

Hilts slightly curved, with guards……

Chen Wen's pupils contracted slightly.

That feature instantly brought to mind the nightmare‑haunting figures—the Iron Crow Army!

Their customary narrow horseman's saber is exactly this pattern!

Zhao Kuangyin's trusted aide secretly meeting an unidentified person possibly linked to the Iron Crow Army!

This news, like a cold bolt of lightning, split the fog in Chen Wen's mind.

Before the Battle of Gaoping, the Iron Crow Army's target seemed to be merely someone like him—a "variable".

But now, their reach has somehow extended to Zhao Kuangyin?

What do they intend? To support Zhao Kuangyin? Why?

Recalling Zhao Kuangyin's visit, his seemingly cheerful yet probing demeanor.

Recalling his barely concealed astonishment and wariness toward Chen Wen's administration of the three counties.

In Chen Wen's mind, a vague yet alarming outline gradually took shape.

The Iron Crow Army, that mysterious and powerful foe, appears to have changed its strategy.

They no longer rely solely on direct force to eliminate; instead, they try to place their own pieces on the board of this world.

And Zhao Kuangyin is very likely the target they have chosen!

Who else knows about this? Chen Wen asked in a low voice.

Only the two core subordinates who infiltrated to investigate and their subordinates know; there has been no leak. Qian Gui answered confidently.

Well done.

Chen Wen nodded in approval, pondered for a moment, then gave the order.

This matter is of great importance; do not spread it.

Increase personnel and strictly monitor Liu's Iron Smithy and any other suspicious places that may have contact with Zhao Kuangyin's subordinates, but absolutely do not startle the snake.

I need to know what moves they will make next and who they have contacted.

Understood.

Qian Gui received the order, hesitated a moment, then still asked.

Sir, should we also strengthen surveillance on Commandant Zhao's side?

Chen Wen fell silent for a moment, then shook his head.

For now, it's not necessary. Zhao Kuangyin is no ordinary person; excessive surveillance would only make him notice and cause trouble.

The focus should still be placed on those 'outsiders' who come into contact with his subordinates.

I'd like to see what tricks these sneaky rats are up to!

His eyes turned icy and sharp.

The involvement of the Iron Crow Army made the already complex situation even more perilous and unpredictable.

This is no longer a simple warlord struggle or court intrigue.

But rather involves that mysterious force attempting to 'correct history'.

Also!

Chen Wen added.

Remind our people planted everywhere to be cautious lately and not activate unless necessary.

The opponent is more cunning than we imagined.

Yes!

Qian Gui responded solemnly, his figure retreating once more into the darkness outside, as if he had never appeared.

In the divination room, only Chen Wen remained.

He walked to the window and pushed it open.

The night wind brought a chill, stirring the strands of hair on his forehead.

In the distance, most of the lights of Luo River City had gone out, leaving a profound stillness.

But beneath this stillness lurked a surging undercurrent.

Zhao Kuangyin…… Iron Crow Army……

These two names kept swirling and intertwining in his mind.

Planning to kill with a borrowed knife? Or… raising a tiger to invite disaster?

Chen Wen muttered to himself, a cold curve appearing at the corner of his mouth.

No matter what you intend to do, since this pool has already been muddied, let's see who can finally catch the big fish.

He closed the car window, shutting out the chill, but the vigilance and fighting spirit in his eyes grew ever fiercer.

The undercurrent has already begun to stir; a storm may not be far off.

And he must, before this storm arrives, let his foundations take root deeper and stronger.