Chapter 145: What Is There to Panic About

With a matter as big as the one in Shuo City, it is impossible for other powers in the North not to know anything at all.

Major news always spreads very quickly.

The Zhao Family has planted personnel in the territories of other powers, and the other powers have done the same. They may not know everything about the matter concerning Zhao Shaozhu, but they can still manage to find out a thing or two.

The wealthy and influential families in the territories of the Six Great Powers have turned their own ice cellars, secret rooms, and such places upside down to check them thoroughly!

After checking, they began to ponder: the first "strike" of the "decapitation" operation did not succeed, alerting the enemy, and it would be difficult to find another opportunity later; it would inevitably come at a greater cost.

The Six Great Powers of Beidi cannot start a war and maintain a delicate peace, but that does not mean they are unwilling to see other families run into trouble.

Hearing that the assassination of the Zhao Family's young master did not succeed, the people of the other five great powers felt quite regretful.

How could it not have succeeded? What trash!

Instead, it let the Zhao Family learn from their mistakes and clear out unstable elements within.

However, putting it another way, if one were to swap positions and empathize slightly: if one's own family encountered such a situation, could they survive?

Difficult!

And no one knows who exactly is the mastermind behind it.

Regardless, first sacrifice a few imperial clan members to calm the nerves!

Consequently, in various places, some imperial clan members suddenly met with accidents or died of mysterious illnesses.

Shuo City.

Several days have passed since the attack on Zhao Shaozhu in the cellar of the Gao Family Old Residence, and the follow-up investigation has been ongoing.

Yet the focus of the investigation has shocked many people.

The wealthy families are well-informed, and upon confirming that Zhao Shaozhu is focusing his investigation on Gao Lao Er, they are all struck with astonishment.

How could it be Gao Lao Er?

That well-known loafer of Shuo City?

Hiding so deep?

"Gao Lao Er? He has such great ability?!"

Pang Silang learned this news from his father and was so surprised that his jaw could not close.

"So—many times Gao Lao Er looked down on me with eyes like he was looking at rotten mud?"

Pang Die pointed out coldly and ruthlessly: "He is a disguised good-for-nothing, but you are a true fool! He really looks down on you!"

The guest room of the Shuo City magistrate's office.

Wen Gu heard the news about the Gao Family and did not feel surprised.

When the disturbance broke out in Shuo City, the fact that those few places had problems proved that this person Gao Lao Er was definitely not what he appeared to be on the surface!

And the further investigation and interrogation of the Gao Family by the Patrol Guard Division confirmed that Gao Lao Er was the one who truly called the shots in the Gao Family!

Gao Laoda was the president displayed on the surface, while Gao Lao Er was the chairman hidden in the shadows.

It is Gao Lao Er who truly has connections with the big figures behind the scenes!

Gao Laoda is just a lackey who follows orders to do things.

Now the Zhao Family wants to dig out the bigger backer behind them to eliminate future trouble!

This day, Zhao Shaozhu received a secret letter.

The scholar nearby saw the young master's complexion change suddenly, his expression extremely serious, yet he had no intention of explaining it to everyone.

After pondering for a moment, Zhao Shaozhu went to find Wen Gu.

No one knows what Zhao Shaozhu talked about with Wen Gu; even the confidants around the young master do not know.

Wen Gu came out of the room to the open space in the courtyard to practice swordplay and loosen his muscles.

Xiao Liu was feeding Matuan.

The volume of tasks for delivering letters back and forth has increased recently; he must not be exhausted.

Seeing Wen Gu, Xiao Liu was a bit worried and wanted to ask something, but stopped himself abruptly.

Now that he is working beside Zhao Shaozhu, he cannot have too much curiosity, and some things cannot be asked here.

Seeing this, Wen Gu smiled: "Don't worry, it's nothing, just a little extra burden on my shoulders."

This matter does not need to be hidden; everyone will know soon enough.

Xiao Liu did not quite understand.

What burden?

Wen Gu said: "It's fine, it has nothing to do with you."

He patted Xiao Liu on the shoulder: "Work hard beside the young master and seize the opportunity!"

Xiao Liu understood this!

Because of the attack on Zhao Shaozhu, many people were lost, and some personnel are still under investigation, so Xiao Liu was chosen by Zhao Shaozhu and has been highly valued recently.

Who knows, he might even be able to move up a bit!

Xiao Liu was very happy.

Save up more money and grain, and return home in glory for the winter! Bring his family over from his hometown!

After Wen Gu left, Xiao Liu touched the shoulder that had just been patted and suddenly realized.

Extra burden on the shoulders—a good thing?!

The next day.

Everyone suddenly learned that Wen Gu was preparing to return to Xinzhou City.

Zhao Shaozhu specially pulled together a team to escort Wen Gu back.

This decision was made in a hurry and was also beyond everyone's expectations. But these two cousins seemed to have no intention of explaining much to the others.

Before Wen Gu left, he chatted with Zhao Shaozhu for a while.

This time there were others around, so they did not discuss official business.

Zhao Shaozhu thought about how Wen Gu had previously discovered the problem with the second son of the Gao Family through Pang Silang, so he asked: "Is this person, Pang Silang, very familiar with Shuo City?"

Wen Gu nodded and suggested: "If you have time, you could invite Pang Silang over to chatter for a bit; this person can talk and act, he's quite interesting, and you might just discover some new details."

Consequently, Pang Baba was dug out of bed by his parents again, scared awake once more, and his whole body was trembling.

Who doesn't know that the Young Master was recently attacked!

Who doesn't know that the Gao Family collapsed just like that!

Now the Young Master has his eyes on me?

Damn mouth! How can it cause so much trouble!

Compared to Pang Baba's cowardice, the other members of the Pang Family felt this was a good opportunity. Risk is accompanied by opportunity!

Wen Gu made the decision to return to Xinzhou City and acted swiftly.

This is currently only the first wave of the Ghost Tide; after it disperses, they will be sporadically distributed throughout Xinzhou. It is not yet particularly numerous, and the density is not high.

Later, when the Ghost Tide from the south comes over, stacking up time after time, the quantity will be high, and it will not be easy to deal with outside.

According to past experience and estimates, the recent half-month period should be relatively safe.

Take advantage of the present and set off as soon as possible!

Wen Gu planned to go to Lishan Station first to take a look and also have a chat with Cheng Xu.

Upon learning this, Zhao Shaozhu said: "I will write a letter; there are some things he will not tell outsiders. I will write him a letter, and if you have any questions, ask him directly; he will tell you."

After writing the letter, Zhao Shaozhu hinted: "The place chosen for Li Mountain is indeed quite good; just like the earthen wall in front of Shuo City, the construction locations were all guided by an expert."

Wen Gu understood.

The cousin's meaning is that the Zhao Family indeed still has an expert who understands Feng Shui and geomancy!

In consideration of the fact that those two Fire Powder products saved a life, Zhao Shaozhu also let Wen Gu remind Qingyi Daozhang at the appropriate time not to go too far with things; some tricks others don't understand, but some people do!

He is not the only such "Immortal Elder," Wen Gu thought to himself: Hmm, he indeed needs to be warned; I will spur him on again when I return.

One must act swiftly in this season, and Wen Gu is not the truly frail type; he chose to travel by horse.

Zhao Shaozhu was uneasy and asked repeatedly, but still followed Wen Gu's wishes.

"If a few more stations were built, the safety would be even higher," Zhao Shaozhu said.

Traveling far by horse in the spring and summer seasons allows for more security. One can rest inside a station after riding a stretch, and if a situation arises, there is a place to stop and resolve it in time.

Wait until the end of autumn this year to vigorously build Defense Posts!

Li Mountain.

Cheng Xu, leading a team of men, had just finished burying Plague Ghosts at Li Mountain.

After the Ghost Tide receded, a few sporadic ones would pass by here from time to time, and they would deal with them in time.

Seeing Wen Gu bring people over, he was very surprised; wasn't he in Shuo City? Why is he suddenly here?

At the same time, he also realized there must be an emergency!

Cheng Xu hurried over: "Cousin? Is the Young Master safe?"

"He is safe now," Wen Gu dismounted, "I will explain in detail later."

Seeing that there was no look of anxiety on Wen Gu's face, Cheng Xu also suppressed the curiosity in his heart.

Knowing what Wen Gu wanted to hear, Cheng Xu spoke about the situation of the Ghost Tide's impact at the time and also about the post-war handling.

"————Now that things have quieted down, I am planning to take advantage of the clear weather to repair the outer wall of the station."

When the Ghost Tide passed through, the outer wall on the south side of the station was left with many obvious scratches. If not repaired in time, it will be easier to climb when the next wave of the Ghost Tide comes.

The outer wall of the station is coated with a layer of special "mud" that is harder; it was requested by the Cousin and refined by Qingyi Daozhang.

Because the output is limited, it can only be used sparingly now; the south side of the station, which is more easily impacted, is coated thicker, while the north side is slightly thinner.

Wen Gu carefully looked at those marks on the outer wall of the Defense Post, withdrew his gaze, and asked: "Are there any other issues with the station?"

"Uh————this time the response was a bit hurried and experience was lacking; after experiencing it a few more times, perhaps there will be more discoveries."

Actually, in Cheng Xu's view, such a Defense Post was already very good!

Being able to hold out under the impact of the Ghost Tide this time, and without consuming much military strength, was already very easy and very encouraging to the troops' morale!

In Cheng Xu's view, it was perfect, with nothing that needed changing.

Wen Gu then said: "Please, Station Master Cheng, write an extra copy regarding the problems with the outer wall; I will take it back to Xinzhou City to ask Qingyi Daozhang to see if it can be improved further."

Spur him on again when I go back, and perhaps we can get an upgraded version!

Cheng Xu was very happy to hear this; of course, it would be better to have a harder outer wall.

However, Cheng Xu's excitement only lasted for a short while; the two returned to the station and went upstairs for a private talk.

When they came out again, Cheng Xu's expression was a bit more solemn and he was more silent than before.

Wen Gu stood upstairs looking down and saw someone holding paper and a brush recording something; after writing for a while, their fingers habitually made some gestures, as if using an abacus.

"A new face?" he asked.

Cheng Xu came back to his senses and looked over there: "Yes, we let them in before the Ghost Tide came; they are refugees who came from the south. That one over there is called Han Lian, who used to be the shopkeeper of a dried fruit and candied fruit shop in a small town."

"Dried fruit and candied fruit? No wonder he could hold out until now."

"Because he can write and calculate, we will observe him for a while; if there are no problems, he can stay and work."

"Very good."

"We heard some news about the south from them; the situation in the south is not looking good————"

The two chatted upstairs about the situation in the south.

Downstairs, Han Lian was checking the account book. This was the task Cheng Xu had given him; they earned some rations this way.

He looked up and glanced over there, asking the station soldier beside him in a low voice: "Who is that young man?"

The station soldier had awe in his eyes: "That is the Cousin!"

Han Lian pointed carefully toward the top of his head: "The cousin of the Zhao Family?"

The station soldier said: "That's right!"

A look of equal reverence appeared in Han Lian's eyes.

This cousin was so young, yet he possessed such prestige!

Cheng Xu's attitude was respectful, and the station guards were even less inclined to hide their emotions; when they looked at that cousin, they did not show the slightest hint of perfunctoriness or disgust, but mostly conviction, and even a bit of fawning.

Han Lian also wore a look of yearning.

However, such a person was not someone small fry like them could easily approach; for now, he would set a small goal: do his current work well, and then ask Station Master Cheng to help him get an abacus!

Wen Gu and the guards stayed at the Defense Post for one night, and set off to return to Xinzhou City the next morning.

Xinzhou City had just experienced a round of "elimination," and even in the wards near the city center, there were residences that had been cleared out.

The powerful and wealthy families were very well-behaved.

The playboys in the city, including the young people from the Zhao and Shen families, had been very obedient these days, fearing that they would be the target of Lao Zhao's displaced anger.

Since these two families had settled down, the others dared not be ostentatious even more.

A good-for-nothing must have the self-awareness of a good-for-nothing; one must absolutely not stick one's head out at a time like this!

What if one got "eliminated" by accident?!

Qingyun Fang was also silent for several days.

After keeping a low profile for a period of time, seeing that the turmoil in Xinzhou City was gradually subsiding, the Chief Captain of House Raiding had not come out to raid houses again.

Qingyi Daozhang's restless heart rose up once more.

He tossed Wen Gu's task list aside and continued to ponder his own great cause of preaching.

"Master! It's bad, it's bad!" the young Daoist ran in hurriedly.

Qingyi Daozhang looked displeased: "What is it again? How many times have I taught you, you must be calm when encountering matters, and have the demeanor of our Daoist school!"

Even if you can't be transcendent and refined, you should at least be steady, right?

Jumping at every little thing, what kind of decorum is that!

The young Daoist panted as he ran closer: "Master, Wen Gu is back!"

Qingyi Daozhang sprang up: "What? Impossible!"

In broad daylight, what kind of nonsense are you spouting!!

That Gou Shusheng shouldn't he be accompanying the young master to build prestige in Shuo City, especially since something just happened there, and it is precisely the time when he needs trustworthy people around him.

Wen Gu should be in Shuo City following Zhao Shaozhu!

The most dangerous time had passed, and the rest was just waiting to collect experience. Instead, there had been some turmoil in Xinzhou City recently.

At a time like this, why did he run back?

Could it be that he was sent back because of a serious injury?

"Is he injured?" Qingyi Daozhang asked.

"I have not heard—and he doesn't look like it," the young Daoist said.

"Did he come back by himself? How many people did he bring?" Qingyi Daozhang asked again.

"He was escorted by an elite troop wearing armor!" The young Daoist described the scene he saw at the city gate.

Although traveling long distances in this season is exhausting, that scene—it looked very impressive!

Qingyi Daozhang sat down slowly.

Something is wrong!

Something is very wrong!

That Gou Shusheng was not injured, had not committed any faults, and had even performed meritorious service; returning with an elite escort meant he definitely wasn't driven back, nor was it his own stubborn, unauthorized decision.

Did Lao Zhao summon him back?!

There must be an ulterior motive!

Qingyi Daozhang's face darkened, though he appeared very calm; he said to the young Daoist: "Hmm, I see, no need to panic. Go to the Danfang and see if the latest batch of pills is finished."

The young Daoist looked at Qingyi Daozhang's expression.

Master is worthy of being Master, still as steady as a mountain! As expected, my own cultivation is insufficient, making a fuss over nothing.

He bowed and retreated, thoughtfully closing the door.

Inside the room, Qingyi Daozhang's face collapsed, thinking it over and over—

He took out the additional task list given by Wen Gu again, and again, and again.

This is not good!

I have a feeling that the sky over Xinzhou City, which had just cleared up, is once again shrouded in a dark cloud!

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