The Prefect of Hejian Commandery, Feng Xing'an, was inspecting the people's conditions outside the city.
Suddenly, he heard a report from the yamen runners below that several thousand troops had arrived from the capital.
They were currently stationed three li south of the Hejian South Gate.
He immediately led his men back to the city.
Were there any outsiders who entered the city?
At the city gate, Feng Xing'an asked a guard.
Replying to the Prefect, yes, there were. About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, nineteen people entered the city together.
Moreover, they were clad in bright silver armor, and the leader was a youth, holding a Rearguard General's token. This humble soldier dared not stop them.
The soldier recounted everything that had happened previously.
Did anyone follow them?
Feng Xing'an asked.
This humble soldier ordered Xiao Ba to tail them from a distance. If they found a place to stay, he was to report back immediately.
Well done! I have noted this. When Xiao Ba returns, have him see me at once.
Keep up the good work, I have noted your actions.
Feng Xing'an was very pleased with the soldier's actions.
As he left, he patted the soldier's shoulder to show his encouragement.
Meanwhile, Fang Er had already located the Zheng family's residence.
This was merely a branch of the Xingyang Zheng clan, a courtyard with four entrances.
The Zheng family, old and young, had no idea that their act of colluding with the enemy had brought retribution upon them.
After observing for a while, Fang Er, along with his eighteen cavalrymen, found an inn to stay at.
He sent Lu Bo out of the city, instructing Zhu Zi to dispatch men to guard the four gates of Hejian from a distance.
This time, Fang Er had no intention of letting any member of the Zheng family escape!
Moreover, he would make them die in despair!
Colluding with the enemy and selling out the country was but a single bullet; that would be too lenient for them.
Feng Xing'an did not wait long in his yamen.
That Xiao Ba came to report the situation.
Reporting to the Prefect, those people are staying at the Yuelai Inn in the west of the city. One of them has gone out of the city; should we send men to apprehend and question him?
No need. I will go personally. I want to see who these people are!
After Feng Xing'an spoke, he led a few attendants out of the yamen.
They made their way to the Yuelai Inn and, after asking the innkeeper, confirmed that Fang Er and his group were indeed staying there.
After also finding out which room they were occupying.
Feng Xing'an then had someone go up to knock on the door and summon them.
Fang Er was in the room, rubbing his sore lower back, feeling that the days of galloping on horseback had nearly shaken his waist apart.
As he was rubbing, he heard a knock on the door from outside.
Master, the Prefect of Hejian has arrived and wishes to see you.
Outside the door was Guan Long's voice.
Very well, then I shall meet this father official of Hejian Commandery.
Fang Er opened the door and walked down the stairs.
In the main hall on the first floor, Feng Xing'an was seated by a window.
You are the Prefect of Hejian?
Fang Er directly plopped down opposite Feng Xing'an and said rather impolitely.
I am Feng Xing'an, the Prefect of Hejian. May I ask who you are, General?
Feng Xing'an was not angered.
Hejian Commandery, while called a commandery, was merely a lower commandery.
In terms of rank, it was only two levels higher than Fang Er's Rearguard General.
The Great Tang, unlike the Great Song, valued martial prowess.
Tang and Han were both dynasties that esteemed the military.
To become a Rearguard General undoubtedly meant distinguished military achievements. Therefore, Feng Xing'an saw no need to create friction with such a person.
I am General Fang Anzhi, leading an army called the Heavenly Fire Guard. We are currently stationed outside Hejian City. Prefect Feng, have you come about this matter?
Fang Er poured himself a cup of water and said, looking at Feng Xing'an.
Precisely. May I ask the General your purpose for coming?
Thousands of troops stationed outside the city may cause unrest among the populace. I request the General's clarification.
Feng Xing'an sat motionless, his eyes never leaving Fang Er's face.
This young man was too young!
At the age of teens, he held the position of Rearguard General.
His family background was likely not simple either.
Within your Hejian Commandery, there is a traitor who colludes with the enemy and sells out the country. My purpose here is to eliminate this traitor for the nation.
I already inquired about this upon entering the city.
This Prefect served honorably enough, but due to the obstruction from the Zheng family, he was unable to act freely.
Therefore, Fang Er stated without reservation.
What did you say!
Anger showed on Feng Xing'an's face.
He slammed his palm on the table.
The chopsticks holder on the table jumped up and then fell back down.
Chopsticks scattered everywhere.
Prefect Feng, please calm yourself and sit down to talk.
Fang Er gathered the chopsticks on the table and put them back in place, then motioned for Feng Xing'an to calm down.
Feng Xing'an also realized his previous action had drawn too much attention.
Looking around, indeed, many diners were now looking in their direction.
He quickly sat back in his chair.
Then, in a lowered voice, he asked Fang Er.
General Fang, whom did you mention as the traitor? Do you have evidence? You have brought an army here; do you have the Emperor's decree?
Feng Xing'an's expression was solemn.
How could he not take such a matter seriously occurring within his jurisdiction?
What, Prefect Feng wishes to intervene?
Fang Er smiled.
How can I, the Prefect, stand idly by when a traitor to the country appears within my jurisdiction?
Feng Xing'an's expression was resolute.
What if I say that person is from the Zheng family?
Fang Er intently watched Feng Xing'an's reaction, his eyes fixed on him.
You mean, it's the Zheng family?
Feng Xing'an sounded somewhat incredulous.
However, his tone did not betray any sign of faltering.
Even if it truly is the Zheng family!
He would not stand aside!