Chapter Twelve Preparation

For the entire morning, Xiang Yang discussed with Master Zhou and Steward Zhou the matters concerning the rescue of Miss Zhou. This included how much ransom to offer and how to convert it.

Regarding the future delivery, they discussed how to dispel Black Wind Mountain Stronghold's doubts while ensuring a successful transaction. They also considered what to do if the stronghold had already harmed Miss Zhou and refused to release her, focusing on how to argue for at least a reunion between Master Zhou and his daughter.

"Master Zhou, the ten thousand taels of silver you mentioned is a good sum, but it would be better to convert it into more grain and meat. You see, Black Wind Mountain Stronghold usually raids for gold and silver, but procuring these necessities is quite troublesome. If we exchange goods, our chances will increase by several percent."

Xiang Yang's suggestion was agreed upon by Zhou Fugui and the steward. "Also, does Master Zhou happen to know the preferences of the three leaders of Black Wind Mountain Stronghold? If we can cater to their tastes and please them, I will have more confidence in rescuing Miss Zhou."

"I have inquired. The Great Leader of Black Wind Stronghold enjoys martial arts and usually collects martial arts manuals, but as I am merely a merchant, I have no access to such things. The Second Leader, Poison Scholar, fancies calligraphy and paintings. I have a hummingbird painting from an early period by a renowned scholar, which should be useful. I'll have you take it, young brother Xiang."

"As for Hu Qiang, he is the one who worries me the most. This man is lustful. If my daughter falls into his hands, I fear she will be very difficult to redeem."

As he spoke, Zhou Fugui's face was filled with worry, his hands gripping the table, veins bulging.

His daughter was always intelligent. If she encountered ordinary bandits, she could reveal her identity and wait for the ransom, perhaps preserving her chastity and purity. But if Hu Qiang encountered her, given that man's temperament and his daughter's appearance, alas.

Hearing Hu Qiang's name, Xiang Yang's heart stirred. His primary objective for this trip was actually to get close to Hu Qiang, observe his weaknesses, and prepare to eliminate him in the future.

"Master, Constable Xiang's words are reasonable. Hu Qiang is lustful. If we offer a beautiful woman in exchange, with the Second Leader's persuasion and the temptation of the ransom, Miss Zhou might still be saved."

Despite his thin and upright appearance, Zhou Fu turned out to be a ruthless mute, which made Xiang Yang feel a bit disgusted. If your daughter was being violated by bandits, why drag other innocent women into it?

Fu Da Chun was also somewhat displeased. If it weren't for the county yamen's inaction, their secret dealings with the bandits of Black Wind Mountain Stronghold were already highly improper and punishable. Now they were even considering finding a beautiful woman to send up the mountain to replace Miss Zhou. What kind of logic was that? After all, both Xiang Yang and Fu Da Chun were people from the county yamen, and their duty was to protect the common people.

Seeing the displeasure on Xiang Yang and Fu Da Chun's faces, Zhou Fugui abandoned the thought. He slammed the table, startling several people.

"How dare you suggest such a wicked idea to compromise my integrity? Do not mention this again. Nephew Xiang, rest assured, though I wish to save my daughter, I will never sacrifice others to achieve my goal."

Xiang Yang smiled and nodded. In fact, as long as it wasn't forced, if some noble woman willingly threw herself to the wolves, or even acted as a spy for him, he would be overjoyed. But where would he find such a person now?

"Alright, then please arrange everything, Master Zhou. If possible, I will depart for Black Wind Mountain this afternoon. After all, saving people is urgent, and the sooner the better."

Master Zhou's face lit up with joy, and he quickly ordered Zhou Fu to prepare a banquet. He wanted to have a good drink with Xiang Yang that noon.

As expected of a wealthy family, Xiang Yang had eaten Fu Da Chun's roast chicken that morning and thought it was a delicacy from heaven. But when the spread of eight meat dishes, four cold dishes, and two soups was served, he realized there was no "best," only "better."

The braised pork hock was oily and fragrant, the large prawns were fresh and succulent, and the green vegetables were as tender as willow threads, shaped into flowers and plants, boasting excellent color, aroma, and taste.

Xiang Yang was better, eating with refined manners, but Fu Da Chun was quite unseemly. He stuffed food into his mouth as soon as he touched it, his mouth slick with oil. Zhou Fu, who was serving them, looked on with disdain, but as he had come with Xiang Yang, he dared not show it.

While eating, Xiang Yang pondered his afternoon actions. Master Zhou had offered to lend him a good horse for the journey. By his estimation, they could reach Black Wind Mountain within an hour or two after leaving the city. If things went smoothly, he could return that evening.

Upon reaching Black Wind Mountain, his first priority was caution. The bandits on the mountain had bows and arrows, which could easily shoot him dead. Second, he must absolutely not anger the people in the stronghold. He was going to gather information, not to fight. This distinction was crucial; otherwise, after transmigrating, he would die within days, pointlessly wasting the treasure that was the Wordless Book.

At the same time, he couldn't be looked down upon, or it would be difficult to get opportunities to speak with the leaders. This required careful management.

Simply put, this mission was not particularly dangerous, but it required extraordinary courage, martial prowess, and wisdom. Of course, a silver tongue would be best.

After the meal, Master Zhou had someone bring out the hummingbird painting by the renowned scholar. Xiang Yang seized the opportunity to glance at it. He felt it was mediocre, and he couldn't tell what the subject was. In any case, he didn't find it particularly valuable.

There was also Master Zhou's personal letter, a seal, and bank notes. These were all tokens of sincerity; otherwise, Xiang Yang might have been mistaken for a spy from the government and died without knowing how.

Finally, there was the horse to shorten the travel time, replacing his own legs. It appeared quite docile, its yellow mane feeling a bit rough to the touch. It would snort occasionally, expelling white foam.

Fu Da Chun looked at Xiang Yang with some concern. "Brother Xiang, have you ever ridden a horse? Riding skills aren't something that can be learned in a day or two, let alone you having to depart immediately. If the horse acts up and throws you off, a broken bone would be the least of it."

Master Zhou also realized at this moment that Xiang Yang's family background wasn't very wealthy, so he might not know how to ride a horse. His expression turned a little grim. This meant the journey would take time, and they might not know his daughter's specific situation until the next day or the day after.

Xiang Yang, however, smiled and shook his head. He patted the yellow horse's neck, took the reins, and with a flip, mounted its back. He held the reins in his right hand and the Wild Goose Feather Saber in his left. Coupled with his handsome appearance, he looked very much like a young hero galloping through the jianghu, drawing cheers from the Zhou family servants and Fu Da Chun.

The original Xiang Yang certainly hadn't ridden a horse, but the Xiang Yang from Earth's hometown had two or three old horses, and he had learned some riding skills since childhood. Moreover, Xiang Yang's current physical condition surpassed that of ordinary people. With strength, reaction time, and control, he could easily handle riding a horse without any pressure.

"Hoo!" Xiang Yang rode the horse, circling the backyard of the Zhou residence a small loop before dismounting. Although the Zhou residence was large, it couldn't accommodate a fine horse galloping freely. He would have to experience the thrill of speed outside the city.

"Good, since everything is prepared, I will await news from you, nephew Xiang. I will have the silver and grain at the mansion ready in advance."

Master Zhou felt much more familiar with Xiang Yang after their conversation. He dared to hold Xiang Yang's hand affectionately, speaking in a tone that placed all his hopes on him.

Xiang Yang nodded, but only said he would do his best. He couldn't over-promise; plans never kept up with changes, and he didn't have a hundred percent certainty that he could rescue Miss Zhou.