11: fishing

"Imperial Son-in-Law, please slow down!"

"Old Lu, if you keep this up, I'm turning around and leaving."

As soon as they left the Palace Gates, Lu Qianyuan immediately approached him, acting like a Eunuch, blocking his path. Mo Yingqi was so amused he laughed, genuinely turning to leave. Lu Qianyuan quickly grabbed him, chuckling as he said, "Aren't I just happy for you? This immense fortune, even storybooks wouldn't dare write it this way!"

Lu Qianyuan was in his thirties, sporting a full beard, looking somewhat thin, yet holding a wild goose feather saber. He appeared to be smiling, but his eyes held a hint of viciousness and hatred, like a rabid dog.

"I don't know if this is a blessing or a curse..." Mo Yingqi shook his head. "Let's not talk about this. Did you bring everyone?"

"Of course, take this." Lu Qianyuan handed him a Centurion Token. "Commander Qianhu asked me to bring it. The Pacification Commissioner has been holding back our promotions to Centurion, likely because he's worried that Commander Qianhu will take his position, so he's deliberately suppressing us."

Having said that, Lu Qianyuan pointed to the men he had brought nearby: "Among our men, it's hard to guarantee there isn't one of his spies. I'm afraid catching that damn rogue today... will be a bit difficult."

As he spoke, Lu Qianyuan's hand gripping the saber suddenly tightened, his knuckles turning white. Mo Yingqi saw this, sighed, and patted his shoulder: "Don't be anxious. His old man sent people to clean up his mess back then, and he is, after all, an ally of Grand Chancellor Zhou. We can't rush this. But Old Lu, you know what's important..."

"Don't worry, Commander Qianhu saved my life; I won't ruin his and Eunuch Fang's plans." Lu Qianyuan smiled dismissively, glancing at the Flying Fish Guard waiting nearby, then lowered his voice. "Since The Emperor ascended the throne, Grand Chancellor Zhou has obstructed him everywhere. His disciples are spread across the land, and he was highly trusted by the Late Emperor. Since The Emperor's foundation is still unstable, I fear this is meant to give The Emperor a warning."

"It might not be rebellion, but he probably truly sees himself as the Lord of Nine Thousand Years." Mo Yingqi gave a cold laugh. "Although the Shen Family commands the troops, the Marquis of Anding also holds military power. Moreover, Grand Chancellor Zhou's disciples have already infiltrated every prefecture and province, and he is the leader of the Righteous Officials... I'm afraid it won't be easy for The Emperor to move against him."

"Therefore, we can only start with the Marquis of Anding." Lu Qianyuan nodded. "Tsk, I doubt that will be smooth either, right? The Xu Family holds the iron certificate of immunity personally bestowed by the Founding Emperor. As long as that damn rogue doesn't commit treason, even if we go there, we won't be able to throw him into the Imperial Prison..."

"No rush, and how do you know he won't commit treason?" Mo Yingqi blinked, his smile carrying a hint of profound mystery. "Let's not talk about that for now. Where is he?"

"He has already gone to Yunmeng Terrace. While he was away previously, that damn rogue racked up a pile of debts. If officials from the Bureau of Music and Dance go there, it must be recorded." Lu Qianyuan thought for a moment before speaking. "What do you say? Should we go directly, or..."

"Find two trustworthy people, have them change into civilian clothes, and go to Yunmeng Terrace." Mo Yingqi said, handing him a Bank Note. "Xu Fengzhang is a man who only has good looks; his insides are rotten. Moreover, he has a fiery temper and always acts like he's second only to heaven. Just provoke him a little, and then..."

Mo Yingqi whispered a few words to Lu Qianyuan. The latter smiled knowingly, but quickly grew serious again: "It's just that if we trip him up so overtly, I'm afraid the Pacification Commissioner..."

"We eat the Emperor's Grain, so naturally, we obey The Emperor. Besides, who told this Young Marquis to run up bad debts?" Mo Yingqi shrugged. "That's the duty of the Pacification Bureau, and... it's quite reasonable for our people to go to Yunmeng Terrace as spies, isn't it?"

"You rascal..." Lu Qianyuan swore with a laugh. "Are you sure he'll fall for the trap?"

"Of course. This Young Marquis and I are old acquaintances." Mo Yingqi nodded. "And if I'm not mistaken, the person he hates the most in his life must be me..."

Yunmeng Terrace, the largest den of iniquity in the entire Capital City. Although the Bureau of Music and Dance is present, the imperial court turns a blind eye to Yunmeng Terrace. After all, the biggest boss behind Yunmeng Terrace is actually Partridge Sky... The officials mistakenly believe that by avoiding the Bureau of Music and Dance, they can evade the Imperial Family's notice even in Brothels and Theaters, but they are overthinking things. However, this doesn't change the fact that Yunmeng Terrace is filled with music and revelry every night. Whether they are capital officials, provincial officials coming to the capital to report on their duties, wealthy merchants, or Scions of Aristocratic Families, they are almost all honored guests here.

Although it was already late, Yunmeng Terrace was still brightly lit, with a steady stream of guests coming and going.

"I say, when should we make a move?"

Not far from Yunmeng Terrace, in front of an unassuming small Teahouse, Mo Yingqi and Lu Qianyuan drank tea while occasionally glancing back at the ornately decorated pavilion.

"No rush, we still need to wait a bit longer. I instructed them not to act too quickly." Mo Yingqi appeared completely calm. "Calculating the time, it should be about right. Xu Fengzhang is arrogant and domineering; every time he comes here, he is extremely high-profile, insisting on showing off enough prestige before seeking out a Head Oiran for the night."

"That's what I'm worried about." Lu Qianyuan looked at Mo Yingqi. "You clearly know that he and your half-brother..."

"My surname is Mo, not Zhang." Mo Yingqi smiled slightly. "Don't worry, Grand Chancellor Zhou probably knew the day I entered the Pacification Bureau, and he wouldn't be unaware of who I am. Otherwise, why would the Censor Officials and Imperial Censors be keeping an eye on Commander Fang and me? Even though my investigation into the Rebel Prince's associates has been a bit excessive this past year, it shouldn't warrant Censor Officials impeaching me with a small memorial every three days and a large one every five days, right?"

"Suppressing Commander Fang is because they fear his promotion. The Emperor's dissatisfaction with our Pacification Commissioner is not new; it's just hampered by Grand Chancellor Zhou. As for me, they simply want to crush me. Although they couldn't touch me while I was in the Border Army, entering the Pacification Bureau gave them a more direct opportunity."

"Didn't you also leave the Border Army and give up a great opportunity for promotion for this very reason?"

Lu Qianyuan didn't respond, merely tightening his grip on the Teacup before placing it back on the table.

"Although my Lu Family isn't some prestigious clan, we have guarded the Border Pass for three generations." When Lu Qianyuan reached this point, his face showed a trace of sorrow. "My father fell ill at the border. The superiors appreciated his service and let me fill his vacancy. At home, there was only my old mother and my sister, who had just come of age..."

"My sister had already been betrothed and was waiting to be married in her chambers. Unexpectedly, during the Lantern Festival that year, my sister was spotted by that damn rogue, Xu Fengzhang. My sister preferred death over submission and fell from a building to her death..."

Having said this, Lu Qianyuan suddenly picked up the Teacup on the table and smashed it fiercely onto the ground. The Xu Family was powerful and influential, and the matter was easily covered up. Upon hearing the news, Lu Qianyuan specially returned to the capital and learned the truth from his sister's closest friend in her chambers.

However, the Dali Temple had already closed the case. Lu Qianyuan Beat the Drum to Appeal several times, but the final outcome was always the same.

The Dali Temple was intentionally biased, and furthermore, all evidence had been destroyed. His sister's close friend feared the power of the Xu Family and dared not testify. Lu Qianyuan neither hated nor blamed her; her father was merely a minor official. How could he dare offend the Marquis's Residence?

"Yes, that's why we both know that only by doing this might we have a sliver of a chance for revenge." Mo Yingqi took out some Broken Silver and placed it on the table. "Let's go. I estimate the fish is about to take the bait."

"Old Lu, no rush. We have plenty of time. If they truly die, it would be too easy for them."