Chapter 96

Zhuge Yu scratched his messy head, confused: "Tang Cheng’an is the Regional Military Commissioner of the state capital—he’s naturally under Inspector Wang Zhe. Why ask that?"

"Master, are you too tired? You’re starting to talk nonsense."

"We’re going to Heifeng Ridge tomorrow. You should get some rest. I’ll find a place to sleep too."

As he spoke, he lifted his buttocks; the chair scraped noisily across the floor as he turned to leave.

Jiang Mingyu panicked. He leapt from his chair, and seeing Zhuge Yu’s back already crossing the threshold, he shouted: "Wait! I didn’t mean that!"

Zhuge Yu, one foot already outside, tilted his head to look back, his eyes full of bewilderment—like a lost puppy.

Jiang Mingyu rushed forward in three strides, blocking his path, and hurriedly explained: "What I meant was—does Tang Cheng’an have any powerful patrons in the capital?"

"You’ve been in Yasimo Regional Military Commissioner’s office a long time—you must know. Tell me."

Zhuge Yu suddenly understood, nodding: "Ah, you mean that? Tang Cheng’an is a disciple of the Rabbit Chancellor. What of it?"

Hearing this, Jiang Mingyu’s vision darkened. His face turned deathly pale, as if struck by a fist. He stared fixedly into Zhuge Yu’s eyes and repeated slowly: "Are you telling the truth?"

Zhuge Yu blinked his large, confused eyes, hesitating before nodding: "Yes. Who in Yasimo Regional Military Commissioner’s office doesn’t know this?"

"Master, why do you look like that? What’s wrong? Are you alright?" Zhuge Yu gripped Jiang Mingyu’s hand in concern.

Jiang Mingyu’s face was ghastly, as if trampled underfoot. He forced himself to speak calmly: "The very thing I feared has come to pass."

Tang Cheng’an is the Rabbit Chancellor’s man. He must have been sent to secretly observe my current situation in Shangmu.

Everything happening in Shangmu is now known to Tang Cheng’an. He will return to the capital at once and report everything in detail to the Rabbit Chancellor.

Jiang Mingyu stared blankly at the bright moon in the night sky, his mind adrift in thought. His brows were knotted into a tight knot, deep wrinkles carved into his forehead, lips pressed into a straight, rigid line.

Though I have no deep grudge against the Rabbit Chancellor, my ties to the Crane Chancellor are well known. Moreover, the Rabbit Chancellor has always been close to Prince Qi. If he learns of my recent large-scale recruitment and arms buildup in Shangmu, he will immediately inform Prince Qi, who will strike against me.

Then countless hidden daggers and open spears will turn toward me. How will I survive this sudden peril? Waves of regret and self-reproach drowned Jiang Mingyu’s heart.

Worse still, I’ve only completed one-third of my campaign against bandits. If I now abandon my mission and rush back to Shangmu to prepare for the Rabbit Chancellor’s move, how will I explain myself to the people and the city garrison?

Jiang Mingyu paced anxiously through the mountain stronghold, muttering to himself, his footsteps echoing in the empty fortress. His expression grew more lost, his frown deeper.

What should I do? How can I possibly do this? Jiang Mingyu was trapped in immense suffering. The entire stronghold fell silent. Everyone held their breath, waiting for his decision.

…

As Jiang Mingyu divided his forces into four columns, preparing to attack Mount Sanqing, Tang Cheng’an’s carriage entered the state capital.

Though Tang Cheng’an had traveled nonstop all night, his delicate face still wore an excited smile: "Finally arrived!"

Every thought of finally seizing Wang Zhe—and helping the Rabbit Chancellor crush the Crane Chancellor—filled him with exhilaration. He hadn’t slept a wink last night. Yet within his smiling, peach-blossom eyes flickered a hint of cruelty and malice: "Besides Wang Zhe and the Crane Chancellor, that damned Jiang Mingyu must also fall."

"He dared force me to kneel before him—how utterly hateful. Wait, Jiang Mingyu. You will pay dearly for this."

Back at his residence, Tang Cheng’an ignored washing and meals. He seized his brush and wrote furiously, detailing everything he’d witnessed in Shangmu. His handwriting was messy, strokes swift, ink bleeding across the paper—revealing his frenzied excitement.

When finished, he summoned a trusted servant, lowering his voice: "Take this letter to the capital immediately. Deliver it personally into the Rabbit Chancellor’s hands. This is critical—be careful. No mistakes allowed!"

Before the servant could take the letter, a loud voice shouted from outside: "Inspector Wang Zhe is here!"

At this moment, how could Wang Zhe suddenly appear here! Tang Cheng’an froze. The secret letter slipped from his hand and clattered to the floor.

He bent quickly to retrieve it—but a rough, large hand reached down first and calmly picked it up.

The hand belonged to Wang Zhe, striding into the room.

Wang Zhe narrowed his eyes, reading the bold characters on the envelope: “For the Rabbit Chancellor’s Eyes Only.” His pupils contracted sharply. He growled: "Regional Military Commissioner Tang—what is this?"

Since learning Tang Cheng’an had secretly left the state capital, Wang Zhe had been restless, sleepless, consumed by dread.

He was certain Tang Cheng’an’s mission was to investigate the scandal of his secret acceptance of 100,000 taels from Jiang Mingyu. If Tang brought proof back to the Rabbit Chancellor, Wang Zhe’s position as Inspector would be lost.

So when Wang Zhe saw the letter, his pupils shrank, his hands trembled, sweat instantly soaked his back. Shock and terror surged like a tidal wave, turning his face deathly white.

Huang Chaoran never imagined his revenge plot against Jiang Mingyu had unwittingly dragged Wang Zhe and Tang Cheng’an into it.

Tang Cheng’an’s face was expressionless as he scrutinized Wang Zhe from head to toe, his voice cold: "Inspector, what wind blew you here?"

His tone dripped with irritation and impatience. His eyes flickered with contempt and disdain.

Wang Zhe gripped the letter tightly, staring into Tang Cheng’an’s eyes: "I heard you left the state capital without permission to travel to Shangmu. Is this true?"

"A Regional Military Commissioner abandoning his post—how can you justify that?"

Facing this old enemy, Tang Cheng’an’s hostility and suspicion flared. His heart tightened. Had word spread so fast? Had Jiang Mingyu already informed Wang Zhe of his trip to Shangmu? Many had seen him at the Shangmu county office—if Jiang had betrayed him, hiding it was pointless.

So Tang Cheng’an forced a humble, obedient smile, speaking stiffly: "Inspector, your information is astonishingly swift."

"As Regional Military Commissioner of this prefecture, seeing no urgent matters here, I decided to visit Shangmu for inspection."

"I merely wished to ease your burden, share some of your duties. I left in haste and neglected to report it. I beg your pardon."

Wang Zhe returned the pretense of humility, bowing slightly: "Regional Military Commissioner Tang, you brave snow and wind to serve diligently—we deeply admire you."

"I suspect your journey to Shangmu yielded considerable insights."

He clenched the letter tightly, shook it, then his eyes sharpened: "What vital state matter did you discover on this trip that required a personal report to the Rabbit Chancellor?"

Tang Cheng’an’s heart lurched. He must not let Wang Zhe see the letter’s contents. If he delayed, this old fox might strike first—eliminate him before the Rabbit Chancellor replied.

He quickly forced a humble, submissive smile, speaking softly: "Inspector, you jest. Inspector Jiang is young but gifted—he governs Shangmu with perfect order. I greatly admire him."

"You know I am a disciple of the Rabbit Chancellor. This was merely a routine visit of respect. You overthink it."

Wang Zhe’s lips twitched. He feigned calm: "I see. Master and disciple, deep affection—I’m heartened. Then let me sign this letter too, as a sign of respect to the Rabbit Chancellor."

"Regional Military Commissioner Tang, we are both high officials of the court. Surely you won’t refuse such goodwill?"

Wang Zhe thought: No matter how slick or cunning you are, today I must see what’s in this letter. I won’t give you a chance to hide anything!

Seeing Wang Zhe still wouldn’t relent, Tang Cheng’an’s face darkened: "Inspector, this..."

Wang Zhe immediately feigned offense: "Regional Military Commissioner Tang, this is my gesture of respect to the Rabbit Chancellor. Your reluctance—what is your intent? If the Crane Chancellor hears of this, he won’t be pleased."

Hearing Wang Zhe invoke the Crane Chancellor, Tang Cheng’an paled: "You..."

He wanted to slap himself. How could he have been so foolish? He’d invented such a pathetic excuse!

But Wang Zhe gave him no chance to explain. He sneered, then tore the envelope open with brute force.

As Wang Zhe scanned only two lines, his earlier fear exploded into raging fury.

His face turned black as a fifty-year-old, unwashed rag. His features twisted into a demonic mask.

Wang Zhe gritted his teeth, wanting to devour Tang Cheng’an alive: "Good. Regional Military Commissioner Tang—I truly underestimated you."

His hands trembled, veins bulging. His fingers, white with strain, clutched the letter. His eyes, brimming with murderous intent, locked onto Tang Cheng’an as if ready to carve him into a thousand pieces.