Night breeze gently caressed the air, distant lights shimmered, and carriages could be seen traveling on the nearby streets. It wasn't too late into the night yet. Seeing the main character and several companions enter through the front door, Ning Ji abandoned his surveillance of the woman—since he couldn't see anything inside the wooden tub anyway—and quickly descended from the second floor, rushing towards the front hall through the darkness of the courtyard.

The courtyard was nicely decorated, but the overall area was only three layers deep. It wasn't Ning Ji's first time here, and he was already familiar with the surroundings. He was slightly excited, his steps quick, and in the blink of an eye, he crossed the central courtyard, nearly bumping into a servant who was coming out of the living room and onto the corridor. He reacted quickly, however, and with a swish, hid behind a flowering tree, instantly transitioning from extreme motion to stillness.

After the servant passed, Ning Ji cautiously peeked out at the living room, and a moment later, like a nimble mouse, he swiftly darted into the living room, climbed onto the roof beam along the pillar, and hid behind a cover board.

Laughter gradually approached the front door of the living room, and then five people entered. Four of them were dressed in long robes, with slight differences in color and style, but they were all likely scholars. The other one was dressed in relatively expensive yuanwai attire, but his demeanor suggested he was a merchant who traveled around a lot.

Among these five people, Ning Ji only recognized one who was leading the way. It was a middle-aged Confucian scholar with a goatee, whose appearance and eyes seemed kind and reliable. He was also the current owner of this mansion, named Wen Shoubin.

The group entered the living room, and after some trivial chatter, without much substance, they simply complimented the elegant decoration of the house. Wen Shoubin then briefly introduced the place, saying that it originally belonged to a certain merchant, who used it as a villa to house his mistress. Later, when the merchant left the Southwest, he heard that Wen Shoubin was coming, so he sold the house to him at a reasonable price with complete land deeds. The Huaxia Army recognized it, and there were no loose ends.

Hiding on the beam, Ning Ji pulled down the black cloth on his face, rubbed his cheeks that were inexplicably a little hot, and took a few deep breaths before continuing to cover his face. From the shadows, he looked down and saw the five men seated. An old Confucian scholar with half-white hair took the main seat, and only after he sat down did the other four, including Wen Shoubin, dare to sit. Ning Ji immediately realized that this person had some status. The others called him "Mountain Master" or "Master Haoran." Ning Ji wasn't familiar with the literati in the city, so he simply remembered the names, intending to ask the Huaxia Army intelligence department to inquire about him later.

He had been eyeing this mansion for several days, of course, not because he was relying on his martial arts skills and had developed a habit of secretly peeping into people's privacy. During these days, he had taken up swimming in the river at night as a boring hobby, swimming around Chengdu every night. An accidental stop allowed him to hear Wen Shoubin talking to someone, and that's when he started watching this small courtyard.

He had been secretly peeping and eavesdropping at this small courtyard for several days, and he had roughly figured out that this Wen Shoubin was an old Confucian scholar who was well-versed in poetry and books, worried about the country and the people. He had a lot of schemes in his heart, had cultivated many "daughters," and had come to Chengdu to stir up trouble and vent his anger for the Wu Dynasty.

Earlier, he had inquired about the whereabouts of Ning Yi's eldest son, and later mentioned that the younger son would also be acceptable. As a last resort, he could also investigate the children of Qin Shaoqian and several high-ranking military officers. During this process, it seemed that others had some prejudice against him, causing him to be given the cold shoulder when he went to visit some Wu Dynasty comrades during the day. At night, he would sigh and complain that those fools were rigid and didn't know how to adapt.

In addition to this, the old man would often sigh with the "daughter" he kept in the back, lamenting that he had ambitions but couldn't fulfill them, and that others didn't understand his loyal heart. The "daughter" would then cleverly comfort him, and he would urge the "daughter" to have loyalty, remember hatred, and serve the Wu Dynasty. The scene of the "father" and "daughter" encouraging each other made Ning Ji feel a little sympathetic towards him, feeling that those Wu Dynasty Confucian scholars shouldn't bully people like this. They were all on the same side and should unite.

For this kind of "clumsy thief," there was no point in exposing him right now, so Ning Ji came every day to listen to Wen Shoubin's sighs and ramblings. He had new tricks every day, complaining in a very interesting way. Sometimes, his sighs would be interspersed with some stories from Jiangnan, which made Ning Ji admire him, "Oh, oh, there's such a thing..." and felt that his horizons had been broadened.

In addition to complaining, the old man was also repeatedly defeated during the day, trying to find relationships and contact various helpers. Today, it seemed that he had finally found this interested and reliable "Mountain Master." The two sides sat down, and the servants had already brought up expensive tea, snacks, and iced drinks. After some polite greetings and flattery, Wen Shoubin began to sell his plan in detail.

"...The Black Flag has been working hard for ten years, enduring hardship and humiliation, and forcibly defeated the Jurchen Western Route Army from the front. Their high-level military personnel may already be impeccable... This time, they are using Chengdu as a game, opening their doors wide and inviting guests from all directions, taking risks, but also indeed creating momentum for their upcoming formal establishment of a court, to be able to compete with my Wu Dynasty..."

That's right, that's right... Ning Ji nodded silently above, thinking that this was indeed the case.

"...The Black Flag's methods have advantages and disadvantages, but the obvious disadvantages have been prevented by the other side. When we speak and discuss on the newspapers, although we argue back and forth lively, it doesn't cause much damage to the Black Flag Army internally. On the contrary, in the events of the past few days, Duke Huai upheld righteousness and couldn't stand the Black Flag bandits' deceitful words..."

"…He went to the streets to argue with them, but instead, ignorant people on the streets threw stones, hitting his head and causing it to bleed. Isn't this because the Black Flag had already taken precautions..."

That wasn't us who threw it, blame me?... Ning Ji pouted on the beam, disapproving.

Below, there was a clamor: "Ignorant men and women, hopelessly ignorant!"

"Perhaps it was done by the people of the Black Flag."

"The Black Flag is deceiving the public..."

"Mean tactics..."

The Mountain Master said: "Debating in the newspapers belongs to a majestic trend, the way of kings. Although it won't take effect quickly, gradually advancing, the majority will eventually be persuaded by us." He concluded this way, and then said, "But Sun Tzu's Art of War says, 'In general, in war, one engages with the normal and wins with surprise.' As long as multiple methods can be used, there's no harm in having more ways. Brother Wen, please continue."

*Sun Tzu's Art of War* says, 'In general, in war, one engages with the normal and wins with surprise'... This sentence is good, write it down, write it down... Ning Ji silently recited it again on the roof beam.

During this time, the conversation below continued: "...Wen is humble and his lifelong learning is not refined, and he is a bit unconventional, but he has never forgotten the teachings of the sages he has known since childhood! My loyal heart can be seen by heaven and earth! The daughters I have cultivated are all outstanding and hold righteousness in their hearts! Now that the Black Flag has just emerged from a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood, it is easiest to breed a desire for pleasure. Perhaps their first generation is somewhat prepared, but Mountain Master and everyone, think carefully, if you all risk your lives, suffer for more than ten years, and repel the Jurchens, would you still want your children to take this path again..."

"...The second generation of the Black Flag Army is now precisely their biggest weakness. They may not have entered the core of the Black Flag yet, but they will eventually enter one day. We must plant the necessary nails. If we go to war in a few years, it will be too late to plan. We must plant them today so that these second-generation figures can enter the core of the Black Flag in a few years. Then, no matter what happens, we can be prepared."

"...The five daughters that Wen has arranged outside, each with different skills and appearances, are not the most outstanding. These days, they are just pretending to be ordinary civilians from afar, wandering around outside, and they have no reliable information or targets. We only hope that they can use their respective skills to find one if they can, but if there is really reliable information, with proper planning, they can play a huge role..."

"...And Long Jun, the sixth daughter Wen has placed here, is, Wen is not boasting, a first-class talent. I pity her so much. If we can really arrange something properly, think about it, if she enters the doors of the Ning family or the Qin family, even if she is just a concubine at the beginning, she will be of great use in the future, everyone... Although Wen has these daughters, he is troubled by the lack of information and channels. He only saw Ning Yi's eldest son from afar a few days ago. He is unfamiliar with the place and cannot find reliable ways or even make arrangements..."

I'm by your side every day... Ning Ji raised an eyebrow.

"...Fortunately, Mountain Master and everyone came today. Mountain Master's knowledge and status are the leading figures in Chengdu, and who in the world does not admire him..."

"You flatter me, you flatter me..." The old man waved his hand.

"...Wen also knows that this strategy and means are a bit unsavory, but in this situation, Wen is dull and can only think of such methods. Everyone, that Ning Yi keeps saying that he wants to destroy Confucianism. Our students have received the grace of Confucian sages for two thousand years, how can we swallow this anger. Dai Mengwei, Duke Dai, although his methods are radical, what he says is the truth. If you don't use Confucianism and the methods are too radical, then it will just be fifty years of war, and another million people will die... Wen cultivated several daughters, not seeking rewards now, but seeking to serve Confucianism, so that everyone in the world can understand the disaster of the Black Flag, and be prepared for the possible catastrophe in the future, only for..."

He said generously, and then said a few more words, and everyone's faces were solemn and respectful. The "Mountain Master" opened his mouth and asked, "Brother Wen's noble intentions, we already know. As long as it is for righteousness, how can there be a distinction between high and low means? The world is in danger today, and facing such demons, it is the time for us to join hands and accomplish this righteous deed... But Wen, we naturally trust your character. What is the background of this daughter of yours? Is she really so reliable? If we painstakingly plan to send her into the Black Flag, but the Black Flag instead rebels against her and uses her as bait... This possibility must be prevented."

This Mountain Master asked a reasonable question. Ning Ji, on the roof beam, was slightly stunned, and his eyes lit up. That's right, there is such a way of doing things... Immediately, he became troubled again. He initially thought that if this Wen Shoubin kept running into obstacles, he would just watch the jokes, but if he fished out a few big fish, he would strike and kill these fools in one fell swoop. But now... Should I kill them now, or should I not expose this matter?

The question was a bit beyond his level. For him, who was only fourteen years old and relatively straightforward, it was difficult to calculate a result in a short time. Wen Shoubin below was already explaining:

"...My daughter, Long Jun, is taught and influenced by me every day with righteousness... And she was originally the daughter of General Qu Hanting of the Wu Dynasty. This General Qu was originally a partial general of the Wu Xing Army in the Central Plains. Later, he was conscripted by Liu Yu. In the fourth year of Jianshuo, he fiercely attacked Xiaocang River and died tragically at the hands of the Black Flag Army. Long Jun's family was destroyed and she was bought by me... She has been reading poetry and books since she was a child. She was already eight years old when her father died, so she can remember this hatred, and at the same time, she is ashamed that her father obeyed Liu Yu's dispatch back then..."

"In this way, this woman has great righteousness in her heart, which must be because of Mr. Wen's good teaching."

She has the hatred of killing her father, and she is ashamed of her father for obeying Liu Yu. She has a heart of atonement, and Wen Shoubin has brainwashed her for eight years. In this way, things are relatively credible. Everyone praised her, and Wen Shoubin summoned a servant: "Go call Miss over to meet the guests. Tell her they are all distinguished guests, and ask her to bring her pipa and not be rude."

The servant obeyed and left. After a while, Qu Longjun came gracefully in a long dress, holding a pipa. She knew there were distinguished guests, so there was no deep depression on her face. Her head was lowered just right, and her mouth had a hint of green, bird-like shy smile. She seemed reserved but had the right amount of manners to greet everyone.

Ning Ji looked at her above and thought that this woman was indeed very beautiful. Maybe these stinky old men below would be sexually aroused and do something messy next - he had been with the army for so long, and he had also learned medicine, so he understood the principles of these things except for not having done them - but the old men below were unexpectedly very disciplined.

The "Mountain Master" first asked her name and background gently and kindly, and then praised and encouraged her in a very upright manner. Since he didn't mess around, the other people were all wearing gentle and upright faces. After talking for a while, Wen Shoubin asked the girl to sit aside and start performing the pipa for everyone. The sound of the pipa was melancholic, and Ning Ji thought that she played it quite well.

After playing melancholically for a while, the Mountain Master asked her if she could play something else. Qu Longjun changed her technique and began to play *Ambush from Ten Sides*. The sound of the pipa became fierce and murderous, and her pretty face changed accordingly, her temperament becoming valiant, like a female general.

After the song was finished, everyone finally applauded, sincerely convinced. The Mountain Master praised: "As expected of a daughter of a martial family, this song *Ambush from Ten Sides* has superb technique, making people feel as if they have returned to the life of Overlord..." Then he asked Qu Longjun about her views on poetry, songs, and Confucian classics. Qu Longjun answered them one by one in a soft voice.

Ning Ji developed a good impression of her as well. He then made a decision. If this woman really hooks up with his older brother or someone in the army, it will be inevitable to be sad when they separate in the future. And his older brother already has Sister Chuyi. If he betrays Sister Chuyi in order to catch a big fish and has to pretend to be amiable for several years, then that would be too unacceptable.

Anyway, he wasn't good at long-term fishing, so he didn't need to report it to the superiors too early. When they had exhausted their manpower, planned properly, and were about to act, he would report the matter and take down this woman and a few key figures by the way. Let the staff department not be able to catch big fish either, and just have to arrest people, and that's all.

- Thinking this way, he felt much more at ease.

After a while, Qu Longjun returned to the embroidered building. The five people in the room chatted for a long time before separating. When seeing people off, someone seemed to be hinting to Wen Shoubin that he should send a daughter to the "Mountain Master's" residence. Wen Shoubin nodded in agreement and called a servant to do it.

After sending off the Mountain Master and others one after another, Wen Shoubin returned to the room, looking excited. He went to the embroidered building to greet Qu Longjun, said some encouraging words, and asked her to rest early before going back to drink and celebrate. When he was happy, he didn't ramble like when he was disappointed. When he was drinking, he would just clap his hands from time to time, looking complacent, which was not interesting at all. Ning Ji stopped monitoring him and went to see Qu Longjun. He saw the girl sitting on the bedside in a daze, not knowing what she was worrying about.

Ning Ji remembered her changing face in front of outsiders and her fickleness when playing the pipa, and thought that this woman was really an untrustworthy fox spirit. Wanting to get close to his big brother, she really deserved to be killed.

Anyway, you won't live long, so go be in your daze...

Thinking this way, he left the courtyard, found the wetsuit he had hidden on the dark riverbank, wrapped his hair, and went into the water to swim towards the places he was interested in. He wasn't in a hurry to think about the identities of the Mountain Master and others anyway. Wen Shoubin boasted that he was "the leading figure in Chengdu," so he could easily find him out by asking the intelligence department tomorrow.

Far and near, the lights were dim, and the night was gentle. Ning Ji paddled with a boring dog paddle, splashing past a cruise ship. The night was really much more interesting to him than the day. After a while, the little dog turned into a swimming fish and disappeared into the dark waves...