Chen Qing returned to Nanze No. 7 Fishery and immediately gathered everyone.
Sun Xiaomiao looked grave as she asked curiously, "Steward, what happened?"
Chen Qing said in a deep voice, "Strengthen the defenses immediately! Double all visible and hidden sentries, expand patrols to the waters three li beyond the fishery, enforce nighttime light restrictions, and do not light open flames unless necessary."
A string of orders was issued with crisp clarity.
Everyone's hearts tightened. None dared slack off as they answered in unison, "Yes! We obey!"
Chen Qing had always felt there was more to the Zheng Family matter. A change was likely to arise before long.
Two days later, Chen Qing looked over the latest issue of the Jianghu Anecdotes Record in his hand.
A huge, startling headline filled the front page.
"Zheng Family Colludes with Nine Waves Island river bandits, Evidence Conclusive!"
The article spared no effort in sensationalizing the matter, laying bare in detail how the Zheng Family had worked hand in glove with the Nine Waves Island river bandits, how they had provided intelligence, supplies, and even shelter, how they had divided the spoils where they sat, and how they had preyed upon merchants and travelers.
Its wording was fierce, every sentence piercing to the heart. It directly named the Zheng Family as Yunlin Prefecture's greatest cancer, while faintly suggesting that the shadow of the Wuji Demonic Sect's infiltration might lie behind their actions. It was a sight that made one shudder with cold dread.
Chen Qing drew a deep breath and murmured inwardly, The Prefecture City is about to be anything but peaceful.
In Yunlin Prefecture, throughout Fenghua Dao, any force that became entangled with the Wuji Demonic Sect would invite disaster upon itself.
Boom!
A deafening explosion tore apart the tranquility of the Zheng