Chapter 1390: Seeking an Audience with Eunuch Wei

Qi Wang instinctively felt a pressure, and his hand unconsciously drifted toward the saber hilt at his waist, though outwardly he still seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

What was with this group of Eastern Depot agents? Could it be... could they be remnants of Wei Zhongxian's faction, here to stir up trouble?

Just as he was still feeling uneasy in his heart, the big man suddenly stopped in his tracks again.

"Are you Qi Wang of the Embroidered Uniform Guard?" He fixed his gaze intently on Qi Wang.

Though slightly flustered inside, he knew he could not show weakness now.

"That's right!" Qi Wang rallied his spirits, forcibly straightened his back, and faced the other without flinching. "May I ask what business brings you gentlemen here?"

"The lad has some nerve." Watching his awe-inspiring, fearless demeanor, the big man first looked slightly surprised, then sneered and nodded.

Then, with a solemn expression, he asked, "I am of the Eastern Depot, dispatched on orders. You are the ones tasked with escorting Wei Zhongxian, correct? Is Wei Zhongxian here at this moment?"

Since he knew all these details, it seemed he was indeed from the Eastern Depot, no mistake.

"He is." After hesitating briefly for a moment, Qi Wang nodded. "We are indeed under orders to escort him to Fengyang. We have been traveling all day today, so we are resting here."

"Good!" The big man's eyes widened, and he looked at Qi Wang with an air that brooked no argument. "Take me to see him at once!"

Qi Wang fell silent.

He knew the Eastern Depot had always been more overbearing than the Embroidered Uniform Guard, but with his duty at hand, how could he dare to casually let these Eastern Depot agents, whose purpose was unclear, go see Wei Zhongxian?

"May I ask who you are? And on whose orders do you request to see him? Do you have a written warrant or official document?"

The moment these questions were thrown out, the big man instantly flew into a rage.

"Insolence! The affairs of the Eastern Depot need your meddling!"

With this angry roar, he took a few more steps forward, and the silent agents behind him also advanced together.

This posturing not only failed to intimidate Qi Wang, but instead made things a bit clearer in his mind.

These people were acting out of a guilty conscience; they were not here on orders from above to find Wei Zhongxian at all.

He said he was dispatched on orders, but he did not say he was "dispatched on orders to find Wei Zhongxian" — clearly there was deception afoot!

The moment he realized this, Qi Wang immediately felt emboldened. He suddenly drew from his hand the Embroidered Spring Saber he had practiced with countless times, and faced this group with awe-inspiring fearlessness.

"We are carrying out duties by imperial decree — what are you people trying to do?!" He roared back just as fiercely, his voice making the teacups on the table tremble slightly.

Seeing that the situation was turning ugly and not daring to get involved in a dispute between the Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the post station attendants quickly took advantage of their inattention to slip away and hide elsewhere.

This shout from Qi Wang halted the approaching group in their tracks.

The leading big man narrowed his eyes and coldly scrutinized Qi Wang once more.

"Oh, I really didn't expect the Embroidered Uniform Guard could still produce a talent like this nowadays..." He spoke with a mocking tone, then abruptly drew the saber at his own waist. "Fine! I'd actually like to test my mettle against a talent of the Embroidered Uniform Guard!"

Spurred on by him, the agents behind him, who had been wavering somewhat, also drew their weapons, some faster, some slower. In an instant, the entire hall bristled with drawn blades, on the verge of erupting into violence.

Qi Wang gripped his saber hilt tightly, his knuckles showing white. He stared fixedly ahead, his entire body taut.

Although he had mentally prepared for the hardships of this journey from the very start, he had not expected to run into such trouble so soon after leaving the capital.

To say he was not afraid would certainly be a lie, but even though he was afraid in his heart, his feet did not tremble in the slightest; instead, he stood even more firmly, as if rooted to the spot.

What sustained him was a conviction in his heart — since he had received an imperial decree, he must carry out his duty with utmost loyalty, unto death. For the Qi family, which had received imperial favor for generations, there was no other path to take.

And so, under his gaze, this group of Eastern Depot agents drew closer and closer. His grip tightened further, and his entire body gradually hunched down, ready at any moment to strike and fight to the death.

When he had come within just a few feet of Qi Wang, the big man stopped again, staring at Qi Wang with a grim, cold look.

His gaze was terrifying — only someone accustomed to killing would possess such a cruel look. His entire body seemed to tell others that if he made a move, he would absolutely show no mercy.

"I'll say it one last time. Take me to see Eunuch Wei."

Qi Wang merely watched him in silence, thinking to himself how much time he could buy for his Third Uncle.

"Fine!" With this great roar, the big man raised his saber.

"Hold it!"

Just as the two were about to clash, a thunderous shout stopped their movements.

Both men simultaneously looked toward the corridor beside them, and saw Liu Songping, dressed in a flying-fish robe.

"Don't fight!" Liu Songping deliberately kept his hands away from the saber at his waist to show he meant no harm, then walked step by step toward this group. "We are all carrying out orders from above — let's not damage the harmony!"

When he quickly reached their side, the previously explosive atmosphere finally eased slightly.

"Hmph." The big man gave a cold snort, lowered his saber just a little, and then coldly scrutinized Liu Songping. "You must be Liu Songping, right? At least you understand some reason, better than this hotheaded fool! Look at him, daring to raise a hand against the Eastern Depot!"

"Brother Wang, stop this nonsense!" Liu Songping scolded him, then placed his hand on the back of Qi Wang's blade, pressing it downward. "You eat the court's grain — how can you raise a hand against men of the court?"

Under his reprimand, Qi Wang finally lowered his saber, though his expression still showed some defiance.

He was about to speak, but Liu Songping shot him a look that said, "Let me handle this," suppressing his words.

"This young brother, may I ask your honorable surname and given name?" Liu Songping smiled slightly and faced the big man again.

"Is a mere Squad Leader like you worthy of knowing?" But the big man had no intention of giving him face, and instead shot him a glare.

This arrogant attitude made Liu Songping's expression stiffen slightly, but he quickly swallowed his anger.

"Fine, if you don't wish to say, it doesn't matter..." He surveyed this group of people holding weapons. "You gentlemen are here to see Eunuch Wei, correct? May I ask for what matter you seek Eunuch Wei? Also, has there been any new disposition regarding Eunuch Wei at court? Could you inform us? Otherwise, if a misunderstanding arises..."

"Since when do the affairs of the Eastern Depot need to be reported to the likes of you?" The big man immediately cut him off, his face still full of impatience. "If you know what's good for you, the two of you will obediently take us to see Eunuch Wei. If you don't, well — killing one earlier is one, killing one more now makes no difference..."

"You... you dare disrespect my Third Uncle!" Qi Wang was furious and drew his blade, ready to fight this arrogant, conceited fellow to the death, but was quickly and forcibly held back by Liu Songping.

"Fine, since it is Eastern Depot business, I can take someone to see Eunuch Wei," he said calmly.

"Third Uncle?" Qi Wang was greatly alarmed, but Liu Songping paid him no heed whatsoever.

"Now you're being sensible!" The big man's face lit up with joy.

"However... Eunuch Wei is currently resting. It would probably be improper for so many people to barge in and disturb him." At this, Liu Songping shifted his tone. "So, young brother, we will take just you alone upstairs to see Eunuch Wei. The rest can wait down below."

"What?" The big man's face stiffened again.

"Since we are granting you this accommodation, young brother, surely you would be willing to grant us an accommodation in return?" Liu Songping still wore a smile on his face, but the feeling he gave off was now completely different.

"And if I refuse?" The big man sneered.

"Then we'll just have to fight to the death — there's no other way!" Liu Songping answered decisively. "There are only two of us; of course you can win. If you want to come at us, then come on!"

As he spoke, his hand also moved to the hilt of his blade. Uncle and nephew stood proudly facing the group of men opposite them, showing not the slightest trace of fear.

The big man said nothing more, only kept sizing them up, as if weighing their resolve.

"Is Eunuch Wei really in there?"

"He really is." Liu Songping nodded at once. "If you're not afraid, then come up with me. Surely with so many of your men down here, the two of us couldn't possibly pull any tricks."

"That makes sense... makes sense. Fine! We'll do it your way. Haha, good! So the Embroidered Uniform Guard is producing real talents now, eh? Good! Excellent!" The big man burst into loud laughter, repeatedly shouting his approval, then his face suddenly turned ashen. "When you get back, don't let me run into you in the capital, or you two will have something coming to you!"

After delivering this threat, he slid his blade back into its scabbard, and the men behind him followed suit one after another.

"All right, now take me up!"

Liu Songping said no more. He turned and cleared the way for the big man, while Qi Wangxian, still somewhat indignant at first, saw Liu Songping's stern expression and dared not speak further either, returning his blade to its scabbard.

To be honest, deep down he still felt a measure of relief. After all, he knew the enemy had an overwhelming numerical advantage, and if it had truly come to blows, he very likely would not have survived.

But a young man's pride made it impossible for him to back down before this outrageously arrogant big man, so when they went upstairs, he simply stood off to one side and ignored the man entirely. The big man ignored him as well, merely following behind Liu Songping, step by step, as they walked up.

Liu Songping led him to the door of the room where Wei Zhongxian was staying, then knocked lightly.

"Have you brought him?" A muffled question came from within.

Hearing these words, the big man's brow immediately relaxed.

No mistake — it was indeed Eunuch Wei himself. He knew his mission was already more than half accomplished.

"Yes, he's been brought here." Liu Songping's tone carried an unconscious deference. "My apologies for disturbing your rest. Shall I send him in first?"

"Mm, send him in." Wei Zhongxian gave his assent lazily. "It's no trouble for you to wait outside."