"A young man with… a floral cloth covering his face?"

"Very fierce… and very handsome…"

"…Doesn't follow any Jianghu rules…"

"…And has no manners?"

In the yamen room, as the two members of the Green Forest spoke, Zuo Wenxuan felt like he knew who they were talking about.

On the other side, the siblings who hadn't finished bandaging their wounds exchanged glances. Yue Yun slammed the table and stood up.

"Bastard! I know who that is!"

He was about to rush outside when Zuo Wenxuan snapped to attention and stood up. "Stop him! Yinping, stop your brother!"

He was so agitated that he almost spat out his saliva. The constables in the courtyard almost drew their swords. Yinping also jumped up and grabbed her brother's shoulder.

The siblings turned around and saw Zuo Wenxuan pointing at Yue Yun.

"You, you, you… Your case hasn't been cleared yet. You have to go back to the Ministry of Justice with everyone to clear your name before you can leave. Tell me what you know, and I'll handle it. And… these two people, give them to me. I want to take them away!"

"I'll take responsibility for this. Don't cause any more trouble."

Since returning from the southwest, Zuo Wenxuan had seen the Jurchen army formations and felt that nothing was a big deal anymore. He usually appeared calm, but this time he was flustered and even stuttered. Fortunately, he found an excuse to worry about Yue Yun causing trouble. After a while, in the room filled with fishy smells and medicine, he saw Tie Tianying, who had been initially treated.

The old man was covered in bandages, leaning against the headboard, his face pale, but his eyes were still clear. With Zuo Wenxuan's martial arts, he couldn't immediately tell if the situation was serious.

"Lord Tie."

"Wenxuan is here."

When they met, Tie Tianying's voice sounded weak, with a slight pant. "How is Houguan?"

"Everything is on track and going smoothly. I heard about the situation here and came immediately. How are you feeling, Lord Tie? Is your injury serious?"

"I won't die." Leaning against the bed, Tie Tianying spoke slowly, pausing slightly after each sentence. "The mastermind behind the scheme has been identified. It's my former colleague from the Six Doors, Golden Eyes Thousand Feathers, Fan Zhong. I failed to capture him, it was my miscalculation, and I've dragged everyone down…"

"This…"

Zuo Wenxuan shook his head and was about to speak when he heard another sentence.

"But the person you arranged, Wenxuan, has already gained their trust, right?"

Zuo Wenxuan looked ahead. In the slightly dim room, Tie Tianying's gaze was weakly and playfully looking over. The room was silent for a long time. Zuo Wenxuan frowned and cupped his fist in salute.

"Actually… it wasn't exactly my arrangement…"

He spoke with some reservation. Tie Tianying nodded.

"It seems you at least know about it. Then my wounds weren't in vain…" He closed his eyes slightly, recalling the scene at the time. "Although I haven't fought people from the southwest for many years, I can still recognize the inner strength of this person's saber technique, which originates from the Badao. It's different from the military skills you learned, and his skills have reached this level, meaning he has inherited the Badao martial arts. Moreover, he attacked in anger because he saw me use a move of the southwest saber technique, which aroused his killing intent. It's clear that this person has a deep connection with the Liu family, but he's not one of the disciples who came with you…"

Tie Tianying's martial arts had reached the Grandmaster realm. He was particularly sensitive to the enemy's emotions during life-and-death struggles. This time, he suffered several knife wounds and almost died, but he still gleaned these key pieces of information. Zuo Wenxuan frowned slightly, speechless. Although they were on the same side and trusted by the higher-ups, entering the core of power, the old man's words contained a serious accusation.

For a long time, the young people from the Zuo family who had returned from the southwest had a special and detached status in the southeastern court. Many people had no doubts about their abilities. But the most common criticism was whether the Zuo family's loyalty was to the Wu Dynasty or to the Black Flag of the southwest.

Even Zuo Duanyou, who was highly respected in his time, was seen by many as disloyal to the Wu Dynasty for sending a group of children to Xiaocang River to be tempered. His flexible views on Confucian orthodoxy were often criticized by conservative Confucian scholars. These young people from the southwest seemed to be serving the Wu Dynasty and looking for a way out, but if the southwest really fought and conflicted with the Wu Dynasty court one day, where would these young people stand? It was hard to say.

Such discussions were common in the lower levels of the court. Strangely enough, at the upper levels of the court, the most reassured and open-minded person was Emperor Junwu. He often told people that the current matters had not been handled well, so why worry so much about the future? It was simply worrying unnecessarily.

But those below, including Zhou Pei, Li Pin, Tie Tianying, Cheng Zhouhai, and Wenren Bu'er, actually had some concerns about this matter in their hearts. In this case, if, in addition to the members of the Zuo family from the southwest, there were also some intelligence personnel that the court did not know about, and the Zuo family was secretly maintaining contact with them, then such concealment from the court would be a very dangerous situation. If accused, the matter could be big or small.

Tie Tianying, as the Deputy Envoy in charge of the Imperial City Guard, was responsible for these problems within the city. Not blowing up on the spot and even dropping a few hints was already giving a lot of face and showing a lot of trust in the Zuo family.

The room was quiet for a long time. Zuo Wenxuan sighed. "I will report this matter to His Majesty. Lord Tie, rest assured, there will be a reasonable explanation."

Tie Tianying nodded and then took a breath.

"…If spies want to infiltrate the enemy, spreading the news of my death would be better. But in this situation, I cannot fake my death. Do you agree, Wenxuan?"

"I didn't have such an idea. Lord Tie, you are in charge of the Imperial City Guard. If people really think the assassination was successful, it would be counterproductive for us. And… this person only recently came from the southwest and doesn't have any mission. He's temperamental, and I can't necessarily control him. This time, it was probably coincidental. I hope you understand, Lord Tie. One day… I would like to shamelessly ask you to… show mercy…"

"I can't promise you that." Tie Tianying squinted at him and then closed his eyes, leaning back. "My grudges with Badao back then were each for our own masters, but they were all small matters in the Jianghu, not worth mentioning. But now, Tie Tianying's life belongs to the Wu Dynasty court and cannot be easily abandoned. This person's saber technique is ruthless, and his skills are first-rate. If he takes advantage of my injury to kill me, I can't promise to hold back. I hope you understand, Wenxuan."

"I'm asking too much. I'll warn him not to cause any more trouble for Lord Tie."

"…He has the Badao inheritance, so his identity must not be simple." The room was silent for a while. Tie Tianying lay there with his eyes closed before slowly opening his mouth again. "Tell him that I won't cause him trouble for today's events. But one day, when everything is over and the world is at peace, I would welcome him to come and spar… I have many insights that I want to share with him."

Having suffered several knife wounds and being attacked by Fan Zhong and Tun Yun, Tie Tianying was already struggling to speak so much. At this point, his voice gradually weakened. Zuo Wenxuan roughly understood the severity of his injury. He cupped his fist and said, "Yes."

Saying goodbye and leaving, Zuo Wenxuan only felt the veins on his forehead throbbing.

The turmoil in Houguan County and today's response are major events for the court. Tie Tianying's injury as the Commander of the Imperial City Guard is also a major event. The implication of the Zuo family colluding with the southwest that he mentioned is also a major event… The sizes of these things vary, but even Tie Tianying probably couldn't imagine that the identity of that rude little thief was probably the most troublesome issue of all.

In previous contact, Zuo Wenxuan had even advised him not to mess around and to try to suppress the grudge with Tie Tianying, just exchanging words was enough. Who knew that this guy would suddenly appear in a killing game involving a group of grandmasters and cut Tie Tianying half to death… He had been a little careless before, but at this moment, Zuo Wenxuan suddenly felt that he couldn't handle it anymore.

The problem is, it's clearly because you're not good enough and couldn't suppress that little brat from being cut half to death, greatly embarrassing the court. Why does it turn out to be my problem now…

Thinking about it, he felt quite unlucky. Originally, everything was fine, but it was all that troublemaking brat's fault…

Maybe next time they meet, he should ambush him with axemen and capture him…

But that kid is as cunning as a monkey in this regard, and it's impossible to surround him…

Damn it…

The sun was high in the sky, and it was almost noon. There were still many things to be handled in the city. Leaving the yamen in Mount Jiuxian, Zuo Wenxuan was troubled and thought about all this…

On the other hand, at Dingtai Teahouse.

The riots in the city gradually intensified and then subsided. As time passed, the people's clamor in the streets rose again. Sitting by the window, Qu Longjun looked calmly at the middle-aged man across the tea table, with inexplicable confusion in her heart.

Cheng Zhouhai.

Qu Longjun naturally knew who he was.

His current official position in Fuzhou is the Chief Envoy of the Imperial City Guard, in charge of the intelligence agency. In reality, he holds countless other positions. Tracing back further, he was a disciple left by Qin Si-yuan, a pillar of support for the current Emperor's ascension. Due to the chaos of the situation and the Emperor's trust, he is basically sent to deal with any tricky matters. His real power is no less than that of the six ministers, almost equal to a deputy prime minister.

Qu Longjun of course knew that she was here to cause trouble.

But such a figure who could make the whole of Fuzhou tremble with a stomp suddenly came to her, chatting with her for half a day, and she couldn't figure out the reason behind it.

Her mood was actually somewhat similar to that of the strategist Zuo Wenxuan. She knew there was an accident, but she didn't expect such a sudden one. This was too unexpected.

Of course, she was currently playing the role of a rebellious martial arts expert. Even if she was confused, she could only deal with it expressionlessly as it came. After the other party sat down, they first chatted about some topics in the Green Forest, then aimlessly turned to the world knowledge in books, talking about their views on famous mountains and rivers, and also chatting about a few poems. Qu Longjun had no problem with her knowledge, but after chatting for half a day, she didn't know where the other party's purpose and focus were.

At this time, seeing that the riots in the city were gradually subsiding, she took a sip of tea and changed the topic.

"The city is in such a mess today, doesn't Lord Cheng need to take care of it? How do you have time to drink tea here?"

Cheng Zhouhai smiled.

"You may not believe it, Young Hero Long, but I just have a name in the Imperial City Guard. The specific work is managed by that old man Tie Tianying. The game in the city today is led by the young people of the Zuo family, with Tie Tianying coordinating with the Ministry of Justice. I don't really know how it's done… haha, I'm happy to be free. By the way, Tie Tianying is very powerful. Young Hero Long, you have to be careful in your actions in the future. Don't fall into his hands. At that time, I won't be able to save you…"

These words were playful but also contained a hint of warning. Qu Longjun thought for a while and didn't respond.

"I've long heard that Lord Cheng is full of wisdom and resourcefulness, and he's the most difficult person to deal with among the big figures in the southeast. Since you don't care about this matter, perhaps it means that the chaos here isn't the key to the problem?"

Cheng Zhouhai turned the teacup around. "Full of wisdom and resourcefulness, the most difficult to deal with… Where did Young Hero Long hear that?"

"Rumors in the Jianghu, with no real evidence. Does Lord Cheng think it's appropriate?"

"Let's take it as a compliment for now, but speaking of the key to the problem… What does Young Hero Long think the problem in Fuzhou is now?"

"Could it be… money?"

Cheng Zhouhai laughed across from her. After a moment, in the sunlight, his smile gradually turned solemn.

The two sat across the table. In fact, Cheng Zhouhai was more than thirty years older than Qu Longjun. His eyes were clear, but sitting in a high position, his solemn expression had an extremely intimidating presence.

"Money is one way to put it. But the power struggle is a matter of life and death. There were also many cases of family extermination that killed a lot of people last year. The so-called gentry families in Fujian, their connections are not as close as everyone thinks. In the past, resistance was often only in one city or one place, outwardly obedient but inwardly disobedient. But developing to the point where everyone is sending people to Fuzhou City at the same time, causing trouble for the court… I can't help but wonder, who is it that has twisted them into a rope behind the scenes…"

"…Not Chen Shuangran and Pu Xingui?"

"When the Chen family and the Pu family were still around, they didn't have this kind of ability. As of now, they are just pawns in front of the stage, or at best, generals in front of the battle. To convince the top families in Fujian to risk their lives and take action at this time, they can't do it… To collude with each other and make such a big game, the persuader behind the scenes must also have an amazing identity, this identity…"

Cheng Zhouhai looked at Qu Longjun. "…For example, someone from the Central Plains, from the Fair Party, or even… from the southwest, could do some things… Young Hero Long, do you agree?"

"…" Qu Longjun didn't know if the other party's words were directed at her. At this time, she just looked at him, her eyes cold.

"Hahahaha." Cheng Zhouhai laughed and stood up. He looked at the sky. "It's noon. I still have some things to do, so I won't disturb you. I'll take my leave."

Qu Longjun's brows furrowed.

She hesitated for a moment and finally said, "Why did Lord Cheng tell me this?"

"Haha." Cheng Zhouhai casually patted his clothes. "As I said before, the two young heroes acted righteously in Yinqiao Ward. A few days ago, I passed by and took a look. Today, I happened to meet you, so I couldn't help but come over to make friends. It was just a whim to chat."

Qu Longjun was still suspicious. "…With Lord Cheng's status, you would be interested in a few Jianghu people?"

Cheng Zhouhai sighed. "I had a friend back then who was interested in Jianghu people. I asked him the same question. Now times have changed, and it's sad to think about it… Of course, it's also because the court is different now. In the past, the Wu Dynasty had to manage the whole world. I probably wouldn't have the mood to look at small Green Forest matters. Now I only have to manage Fujian and Guangdong. Walking around in Fuzhou City is actually not small, but not big either. When the two young heroes drove away the villain Ni Po in Yinqiao Ward that day, I was nearby. I can't just pretend that nothing happened. Does that clear up your confusion, Young Hero?"

Of course not. But the other party spoke so naturally that Qu Longjun didn't bother to argue. Seeing that this person was about to leave after speaking casually, he suddenly turned his head and threw out a question:

"By the way, Young Hero Long, have you been to the southwest?"

Qu Longjun looked up and blinked her eyes. The two stood and sat, looking at each other for a long time.

"…I have."

"Good."

Cheng Zhouhai smiled, turned and left, and soon disappeared from everyone's sight.

…Inexplicable…

Qu Longjun repeatedly recalled everything in the conversation.

Many of Cheng Zhouhai's words seemed to imply something, but all the words were cut off halfway, making people feel like they had entered a maze and couldn't find their way.

This person is the head of the Imperial City Guard. He left such a big mess in the city unattended and suddenly came to chat with her. Moreover, he chatted about everything from north to south. Does he have so much free time?

Mentioning not falling into Tie Tianying's hands, it seems that he heard the rumors that his brother was going to seek revenge?

With the other party's status, chatting with her must be a big deal. Qu Longjun was already prepared and even thought that after the conversation, he would reveal his true intentions and arrest people. But nothing happened.

Also, the key to the problem in Fuzhou is that someone is colluding with all parties behind the scenes? Why tell her this? She just casually brought up a topic. Why did he talk to this extent?

Does he think she and Little Long did it? This kind of guess is too outrageous… Moreover, if he really suspects to this extent, why just mention it a few times and not take action? He should have taken action.

…Rubbing her forehead.

Everything was somewhat incomprehensible.

In the end, her cultivation was too low. She could usually talk about military strategies on paper in front of Little Long and chat about current affairs, but now when she met a real big figure, she couldn't handle it at all…

She was thinking about all this in her heart. Although things were strange, she didn't rush to leave while sitting by the window of the teahouse. After a while, an disguised figure walked past on the road below the teahouse. Qu Longjun gave a predetermined gesture to that side, and the figure immediately left, circled around, and then returned to signal her to go down.

The one who came over at this time was naturally Ning Ji, who had finished his work and escaped the search. Qu Longjun went downstairs, and when she got closer, she pursed her lips with heartache. She saw that Ning Ji's face was bruised in several places, and there were small wounds, showing that he had been beaten black and blue.

"…What happened?"

"I'm fine, just some superficial injuries. What about you?" Ning Ji said. "I circled around. Luckily, no one should be watching you."

"A strange thing happened…"

The two walked forward, and Qu Longjun whispered about the entire process of meeting Cheng Zhouhai in the morning, including some key words and the confusion that followed. Ning Ji frowned.

"Cheng Zhouhai, my dad's side… He once heard Mr. Ning say that he's the most ruthless and difficult person to deal with under the little emperor… Why would he say these things to you…"

"I thought about it again and again, but I couldn't figure it out. But carefully recalling, although he was chatting with me this morning, he actually regarded the two of us as partners. So I think, Little Long, is there some connection between you and him?"

"Connection… I, I grew up in Xiaocang River, then stayed in the southwest, and only recently ran out! How, how could there be any connection. As for my dad… My dad is just a swe… sweeper, and he… shouldn't… have any connection either… And, my dad isn't here…"

The two walked through the long street, and as Qu Longjun mentioned the word connection, Ning Ji panicked, his words slow and deliberate.

As for Cheng Zhouhai, he had never met him, so naturally he had no impression. But when it came to the connection between the older generation and Cheng Zhouhai's group, it was a bit uncountable. There were too many messy possibilities, so he didn't know where to start guessing. His scalp was sore and itchy because he had been beaten earlier.

Shaking his head, he made a few assumptions. With Qu Longjun's intelligence, she could naturally see some of the cover-up in Ning Ji's words. But she already regarded the other party as her life's entrustment. Under the premise of understanding the other party's pure and kind nature, she didn't ask about the slight ambiguity.

This suddenly appearing figure was like a complicated, huge mystery…

It was noon, and the two walked along the way. When they reached a street with few pedestrians, Qu Longjun changed the topic and asked in a low voice about what Ning Ji had done and seen today. Leaving aside the sudden appearance of Cheng Zhouhai, this was the real business.

Ning Ji's martial arts are strong. In Qu Longjun's memory, except for the reunion in Jiangning, this was the first time he had been beaten into such a pig's head. It can be seen that today's meeting with Chen Shuangran was not easy to deal with.

The other party was a vicious woman. Qu Longjun also gritted her teeth and clenched her fists, telling herself in her heart that if there was a chance, she must take revenge for Little Long.

On the other side, Ning Ji's expression became serious. After a moment, he clenched his fist in the air, gnashing his teeth. But unexpectedly, the first thing he cursed was not the wicked woman who was stirring up trouble in the dark corners of Fuzhou City.

"Damn it… The Zuo family's dogs, eating inside and outside, ungrateful, fickle, selling the country for glory… This time's matter is all their fault!"

He was so angry that he was full of idioms.