Enticement

Cai Sheng lowered his head and listened to the scolding, yet said, "This subordinate was only preparing for the worst. What if negotiations fell through and those unruly commoners started fighting?"

Master Wu hurriedly spoke up for Cai Sheng. "Song Dalin brought so many people with him; he may well have intended to hold the officials hostage. Had Imperial Envoy not been benevolent and virtuous, and so skilled at negotiation, I fear none of us would have left safely today."

"Exactly," Cai Sheng said. "Even after we settled everything, he still refused to register their names in the official records. That shows his heart was never sincere. Even if everything has been agreed upon now, we must still guard against him going back on his word."

Yu Qian cast him a glance and quickened his pace.

Cai Sheng hurried after him. "My lord, my lord..."

Pan Yun strolled along behind the two of them. Watching them walk away, she could not help but chuckle. She reached out and lightly tapped the black cat on the nose.

Pan Little Black leaped down from her shoulder, darted through the crowd in a few bounds, and jumped into the grass on either side of the road.

Yu Qian turned his head and swept his gaze behind him. Only after he had put enough distance between himself and Pan Yun's group did he speak. "You said you knew who was among the rebels. How many do you know?"

Cai Sheng said smugly, "Eight or nine out of ten. The list is in the county office."

Master Wu behind him looked as though he wanted to speak but hesitated.

Yu Qian looked straight past Cai Sheng at Master Wu. "You tell me. How many names are on the list?"

Master Wu lowered his head. "All