The next day, someone discovered that Cao Shaoqing had disappeared. Investigators came and found Throwing Darts and signs of a fight in the room. Not daring to delay, they immediately reported it and sent a carrier pigeon to the Eastern Depot. The information eventually fell into the hands of Depot Director Cao Zhengchun.
Cao Zhengchun narrowed his eyes and gritted his teeth. "They dared lay hands on Eastern Depot men? They must be tired of living. Send people to investigate. We must drag the culprit out."
At the same time, a secret letter reached the hands of Yu Huatian, the director of the Western Depot. Setting down the letter, Yu Huatian smiled elegantly. "A provincial judicial commissioner and military inspector was killed just like that, and they cannot even find the body. The Eastern Depot is as useless as ever."
"Director, should we investigate? If we uncover it before them, we can surely disgrace the Eastern Depot."
Yu Huatian shook his head. "Cao Shaoqing is Cao Zhengchun's godson. We should just enjoy the show."
Putting aside other matters, Jiang Hao's carriage was slowly making its way toward Jinling. Inside, Jiang Hao lay with his head on Xiaoxiao's lap, his eyes closed as he pondered matters. Xiaoxiao gently combed through his hair with her fingers. A month had passed, and Jiang Hao's hair had grown considerably, though it was still too short to tie up.
Ping'er sat by Jiang Hao's feet, holding a treasured sword as she repeatedly drew it and sheathed it. This was the sword-drawing technique Jiang Hao had taught her.
The sword made a sharp clang when it left the sheath and gave a cry when sheathed. Jiang Hao had said that when Ping'er could draw and sheath the sword without making a sound, her sword-drawing technique would