Suspicion

Pan Yun nodded.

Xuan Miao's heart stirred, and she asked, "What cargo was loaded on the ships?"

Pan Yun paused, her gaze sweeping over the three battered sea vessels and the Ming Dynasty flags on their decks. Her thoughts raced. "Two hundred thousand taels of silver..."

Xuan Miao stared steadily at her. "Who knows about this?"

"Even Yang Shan doesn't know," Pan Yun said. "Only some people in the mining area, along with Cao Jixiang of Quanzhou's Maritime Trade Office and a few of his subordinates."

Pan Yun grew increasingly suspicious as well. "Fourth senior sister, do you suspect they mistook the target and robbed the wrong ships?"

After thinking it over, Xuan Miao asked, "Were those two hundred thousand taels of silver all yours?"

Pan Yun bared her teeth in a grin. "No, it was all tribute for the Imperial Court."

Xuan Miao said coolly, "Then how was that any different from robbing an official ship of the diplomatic mission?"

Pan Yun's voice turned icy. "There was no difference."

The two Senior Sisters exchanged a glance, both determined to drag out whoever was hiding behind the scenes.

"A venomous snake in a gutter—if you don't catch it and pull out its fangs, one day it will strike from the shadows and bite again."

Though Wang Cong and the others slowed their ship, they still drew closer to the island.

Not knowing the full situation, they changed course, intending to give the place a wide berth.

Miao Zhen climbed up to the ship tower with a flag and waved it at them.

Wang Cong could not understand her flag signals, but he could see her through the spyglass. He immediately ordered, "Head over."

When the diplomatic mission's officers and soldiers saw the Ming Dynasty flag flying from the large ship,