Chapter 85: The Life-Threatening Message

Lord Lord Murong, his face haggard, reported: "Brother Jiang Xingqiu, we have turned over every corner of the city, yet still cannot find the trace of that cook, Che Che Hongda. He likely took advantage of our unpreparedness and the cover of the blizzard to escape Shangmu through another city gate."

Rage he could not conceal showed on his sinister face; he was clearly extremely frustrated by this failure.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu let out a cold sneer and said with contempt: "To escape from right under my nose in broad daylight, this Che Che Hongda indeed has some skills. That Huang Huang Chaoran actually harbors such a formidable figure; I truly underestimated him."

Lord Lord Murong instinctively flicked his orchid-finger gesture and asked in confusion: "My lord, how can you be certain it was Huang Huang Chaoran's doing, and not the Prince of Qi acting in secret?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu frowned, working his stiff shoulders and neck, while analyzing: "First, I have just formed a grudge with Huang Huang Chaoran, so the timing fits. Second, although the Prince of Qi desperately wishes to put me to death, he would not use such despicable poisoning methods; in his arrogant eyes, killing me is no different from crushing an ant, and he would not go to such great lengths. Most crucially, I heard the Inspector reveal that the Emperor is very dissatisfied with the Prince of Qi's actions on the border, and his situation has become extremely unfavorable. At such a critical juncture, he would absolutely have no time to spare to deal with me, an irrelevant minor character. Therefore, the mastermind behind this matter can only be Huang Huang Chaoran."

Tu Tu Kesiluo, who had just entered, heard only the last sentence; his eyes filled with blood, his whole body trembled, and he shouted in anger: "My lord, let us go to the provincial capital to arrest him."

Tu Tu Kesiluo, his face now covered in stubble and his hair disheveled, looked like an injured wild beast.

Having hated Huang Huang Chaoran to the bone for many days, he finally found an outlet for his rage; his whole body radiated overwhelming hatred and killing intent.

"As long as we capture Huang Huang Chaoran, this subordinate does not believe that the torture devices in the prison cannot force him to confess the truth."

Tu Tu Kesiluo ground his teeth, his eyes gleaming with cold light; he was mentally calculating various tortures to inflict upon Huang Huang Chaoran, devising every possible method to force him to submit.

With his beard unshaven, he clearly meant that if Jiang Jiang Mingyu merely nodded, they would immediately charge toward the provincial capital.

He clenched his fists tightly, his muscles tensed to the breaking point by anger, as if he were about to rush out on the spot to fight the enemy to the death.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu shook his head: "Without evidence, on what basis would we arrest him?"

At this moment, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's expression was calm, his eyebrows slightly furrowed, concealing the turmoil within his heart.

He understood the matter was of great consequence and could not act impulsively like Tu Tu Kesiluo.

"Even if Huang Huang Chaoran is at his worst, he is still the former Chief Clerk of the provincial capital, backed by the powerful Huang and Zhu families; this is impossible."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's tone was calm, but his mind was already considering myriad possibilities.

The Huang and Zhu families possess deep power; to deal with such a formidable force, one must be extremely cautious and cannot afford any slip-up.

Tu Tu Kesiluo was finding it hard to hold back his anger: "My lord, are we really just going to swallow our anger and give up?"

At this moment, Tu Tu Kesiluo's eyes were bloodshot, and his whole body radiated a hot-blooded aura.

The anger accumulated over many days was barely containable; he wished he could immediately tear his enemy to pieces.

Although Lord Lord Murong said nothing, his eyebrows were tightly knitted, and his burning gaze fixed on Jiang Jiang Mingyu as he waited for his decision.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu sneered: "I fear that even if we wish to give up, Huang Huang Chaoran will not agree."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled contemptuously, but he knew full well that this war of revenge was far from over; Huang Huang Chaoran would surely return.

Lord Lord Murong made the orchid-finger gesture again: "Does Brother Jiang Xingqiu mean that Huang Huang Chaoran's conspiracy will strike again in the future?"

Lord Lord Murong appeared calm on the surface, but his mind had already plotted countermeasures. He knew he must devise a way to resolve this crisis in advance.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu spoke with a calm and affirmative tone: "Not only did this official send Zhu Zhu Tianxiang to prison, but he also stripped him of his office. Even his father-in-law, He He Dachuan, and his brother-in-law, He He Muchen, died at this official's hand. If it were you, would you let it go?"

Upon saying this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu could not help but sigh; Huang Huang Chaoran would surely retaliate in kind, and the feud between these arch-enemies was destined to be difficult to settle.

Lord Lord Murong stroked his chin in thought, his fingers sliding over his beard, his eyebrows tightly furrowed. After a long while, he finally spoke: "The enemy is in the shadows while we are in the light; what can be done?" His tone revealed helplessness and worry.

Tu Tu Kesiluo also spoke in a rough voice: "Yes, we must think of a plan; if my lord were to be tricked by someone, what would become of Shangmu?"

Tu Tu Kesiluo's thick eyebrows drooped, his face covered in stubble, his eyes staring straight at Jiang Jiang Mingyu, his whole body radiating anxiety and submission.

The three exchanged glances, seeing heaviness and worry in each other's eyes. The situation was extremely unfavorable for them; they must formulate a countermeasure as soon as possible, or the consequences would be unthinkable.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu frowned slightly, sinking into deep thought. After a long time, he raised his head, a glint of light flashing in his eyes: "The current plan is to immediately strengthen the guards at the four gates of Shangmu and strictly interrogate all passersby."

"Anyone with suspicious behavior is to be seized immediately and taken to the prison awaiting trial."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's tone was firm and powerful, his words sharp and his expression solemn. He understood he must prevent trouble before it arises and could not give Huang Huang Chaoran any opportunity.

"First, to prevent Huang Huang Chaoran from causing further trouble; second, to prevent foreign spies from sneaking in to probe the true strength of our army."

With his hands clasped behind his back, Jiang Jiang Mingyu paced back and forth, reminding everyone that this measure targeted not only Huang Huang Chaoran but also served to eliminate other potential threats.

"Once we catch Huang Huang Chaoran's fox tail, this official will make him know what regret means."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes suddenly turned cold, faintly revealing killing intent; he vowed that Huang Huang Chaoran must pay a terrible price.

If he could endure such a situation, who in the future would still take him, this Imperial Envoy, seriously?

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's expression was solemn as he weighed the options repeatedly. He understood that this matter was of great consequence; he could not show the slightest weakness, or he would lose all public support and authority.

Lord Lord Murong and Tu Tu Kesiluo exchanged a glance, understanding each other perfectly; they then bowed to Jiang Jiang Mingyu and swiftly and tacitly executed the order to strengthen the defenses to ensure the safety of Shangmu.

Just as Jiang Jiang Mingyu was gnawing on a dry bun and deep in thought, Liu Liu Yifei, whom he had not seen for many days, suddenly arrived.

At this moment, Liu Liu Yifei still wore a red dress, her sleeves fluttering in the wind.

The skin on her melon-shaped face was as smooth as jade; her cheeks were slightly flushed, her delicate eyebrows slightly furrowed, and a hint of worry showed on her clear face. Her gaze revealed anxiety and unease, her hands constantly clasped together as if troubled by something.

The sudden appearance of the graceful beauty made Jiang Jiang Mingyu quickly swallow the dry bun in his hand; then, a brilliant smile once again appeared on his handsome face.

He asked with surprise: "Miss Liu, why have you come? Please, sit." Having spoken, he hurriedly made room and invited Liu Liu Yifei to take a seat.

Seeing that Jiang Jiang Mingyu was safe and sound, Liu Liu Yifei clearly breathed a sigh of relief; her delicate eyebrows relaxed, her tense expression vanished, replaced by relaxation and a sense of relief.

She elegantly bowed to Jiang Jiang Mingyu before speaking softly.

"I heard that my lord was assassinated; my father was greatly worried. However, burdened by affairs, he sent this humble maiden to check on you."

Liu Liu Yifei's voice was clear and melodious; as she spoke, her hands constantly twisted the hem of her clothes, as if she had endured long periods of worry and anxiety.

Nowadays, the news of Jiang Jiang Mingyu sending people to arrest others had already spread like wildfire throughout Shangmu.

This made Liu Liu Yifei even more uneasy, and she finally could not resist coming personally to visit Jiang Jiang Mingyu.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled gently: "Thank you, Master Liu and Miss, for your concern. Look, is this official not perfectly fine?"

As he spoke, he waved his sturdy arms, displaying a vigorous and spirited demeanor, looking full of vitality.

Unexpectedly, Liu Liu Yifei let out a melancholy sigh, her delicate eyebrows furrowed once more, and a glimmer of tears faintly shone in her eyes: "My lord bears heavy responsibilities; in the future, you must be extremely cautious in all matters."

"The people of Shangmu still hope that my lord can lead us to defeat the foreigners, so that everyone can stand tall and live with dignity."

Liu Liu Yifei's gaze revealed worry and expectation, and her voice trembled, as if she was deeply concerned for Jiang Jiang Mingyu's safety.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled warmly once more and said earnestly: "Miss, I have noted your words."

"By the way, you have reminded this official; in the future, your entire family must also be extra careful."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu shifted his tone, his thick brows knitting together as his expression grew serious and solemn.

Speaking, he explained in meticulous detail to Liu Liu Yifei that the mastermind behind the scenes was Huang Huang Chaoran: "Miss Liu, forgive me for saying what I should not."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's voice was heavy with grief, his gaze profound, and the smile had vanished from his face.

"This matter all began because Zhu Zhu Tianxiang harbored improper intentions toward you, and it was also because you produced evidence that Huang Huang Chaoran lost his office."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu recounted the events point by point, every word ringing clear, allowing Liu Liu Yifei to fully understand the cause and effect.

"Therefore, since Huang Huang Chaoran could attempt to assassinate this official, he will not easily let you go; you must on no account be careless and give a villain an opening."

Liu Liu Yifei's flower-like, delicate face instantly lost its color, fear faintly showing in her beautiful eyes; her voice trembled, and her elegant brows knitted tightly: "What shall be done?" Her jade hands kept clasping and unclasping, clearly deeply terrified by Jiang Jiang Mingyu's words.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu fell silent for a moment, then finally spoke in a deep voice: "Miss, do not worry; this official will immediately send people to guard the Liu family residence day and night."

"Rest assured, even if this official exhausts all his strength, he will not allow a villain to harm you in the slightest."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's attitude was resolute, his tone revealing his concern for Liu Liu Yifei and a strong desire to protect her.

Liu Liu Yifei was deeply embarrassed, her delicate face instantly flushing red; she said in a low voice: "For a common woman like me, to make such a grand effort, my lord, is this not inappropriate?" Her slender jade hands kept twisting the corner of her skirt.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu, however, waved his hand with stern dignity: "What is this? Master Liu has shown much care to the people of Shangmu; this is all within this official's duty."

"Moreover, Miss Liu is also this official's..."

Liu Liu Yifei blinked her bright, watery eyes, and shyly pressed on: "This official's what?"

Seeing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu quickly covered it up: "Moreover, Miss is this official's friend; how could this official sit idly by and do nothing?"

Liu Liu Yifei's shy expression intensified, the blush on her face not fading; she forced a smile at the corners of her mouth: "In that case, I trouble you, my lord."

One day later, the provincial capital.

Outside the window, heavy snow drifted down; the swirling snowflakes danced and spun in the gloomy sky, yet Huang Huang Chaoran's face was colder and more overcast than the wind and snow outside.

His eyes were deeply sunken, his temples streaked with gray, and boundless fury showed between his tightly furrowed brows; he stared fixedly at the assassin who had once used the name Che Che Hongda in Shangmu and questioned, word by word: "What did you say? You failed?"

Che Che Hongda shivered all over, beads of sweat breaking out on his forehead; he sighed with deep regret, his gaze shifting restlessly, unable to look directly into Huang Huang Chaoran's eyes: "After poisoning the food, I hid in the shadows to observe. I saw Jiang Jiang Mingyu about to eat the thing, but who could have thought..."

At this point, his voice choked, and he stammered out to Huang Huang Chaoran the matter of the dead rat that suddenly appeared and thwarted the poisoning plot.

Huang Huang Chaoran's face instantly turned as dark as storm clouds before a tempest, as if punishment lightning could strike at any moment: "That damned beast Jiang Jiang Mingyu truly has a big life."

"You incompetent fool; although you escaped back, he must now be on guard. Tell me, what should be done now?" Huang Huang Chaoran's brows knitted tightly, his expression grim and unsolvable, with killing intent filling the air.

Che Che Hongda, who should have been sighing in despair, instead laughed in a sinister, eerie manner, contrary to his usual behavior: "There is not no way."

"Although this mission failed to kill Jiang Jiang Mingyu, I discovered something, something that could cost Jiang Jiang Mingyu his dog's life."

"If this matter is exposed, even if Jiang Jiang Mingyu had eight heads, they would not be enough for the imperial court to chop off."

Che Che Hongda's mysterious and profound words successfully aroused great interest in Huang Huang Chaoran, who impatiently pressed on: "What matter? Speak quickly!"