The Imperial Guards' Olive Branch

Chapter 31: An Olive Branch from the Imperial Guards

Zhou Long sheathed his sword and quickly approached Bai Yan, cupping his fists in greeting.

"Today, we are truly indebted to Captain Bai for your timely reinforcement. Otherwise, if these rebels had succeeded, I fear this general would deserve a thousand deaths."

If the Bozeguo delegation had been robbed, or if the princess had suffered any harm, even if he had escaped the rebels, he would have no way to account for it to the Emperor.

Not only would he die a terrible death, but his family would likely be implicated as well. Bai Yan's timely arrival had undoubtedly saved his life, and Zhou Long was naturally grateful.

Bai Yan looked at Zhou Long and cupped his fists with a smile.

"General Zhou, you are too kind. We both serve His Majesty, and protecting the delegation is our duty."

"Furthermore, without General Zhou leading the Imperial Guards to fight desperately, the Princess of Bozeguo would have already been abducted."

"Just for your unwavering courage in the face of battle, General Zhou is a man of merit."

Zhou Long felt a surge of satisfaction upon hearing this and let out a hearty laugh.

"Not at all, Captain Bai, you flatter me."

Bai Yan courteously replied, "It's not flattery, I'm merely stating the facts."

In the official world, one must learn to praise others; this is the art of conversation. Zhou Long was being polite to him, so Bai Yan naturally wouldn't let him lose face.

Zhou Long then sighed with emotion.

"I had heard of Captain Bai's reputation some days ago. To have broken through to the Innate realm at such a young age, your talent is truly extraordinary. It's a pity I never had the chance to meet you. Today, meeting you in person is even more impressive than hearing about you."

"These rebels had three Innate Masters, yet they couldn't withstand even a single move from you. Even their Grandmaster was heavily injured by a single palm strike from you. Your martial arts are truly exquisite."

Bai Yan humbly replied, "General Zhou, you are too kind. My Lightness Skill is just slightly better than average, nothing worth mentioning."

Seeing his modesty and composure, Zhou Long's admiration grew. He said, "Thanks to Captain Bai's assistance this time, I will report your merits truthfully and will not forget your contributions."

Bai Yan nodded.

"Then I will trouble General Zhou."

Zhou Long, rarely encountering a Jin Yi Wei he approved of, was in high spirits and couldn't help but say a few more words.

"Captain Bai, your innate talent is extraordinary, and your future is bound to be bright with promotions. Perhaps in the future, I will have to rely on Captain Bai's guidance."

After speaking, Zhou Long shouted towards the distance, "Leave a squad to secure the scene. The rest, organize the convoy and prepare to return to the city!"

Ren Hong and Li Kaiyao came over to report. They had already interrogated one of the rebels and learned their origins.

These people were from the martial arts sect, the Wandering Fish Gang.

"The Wandering Fish Gang?"

Zhou Long's expression darkened upon hearing this, and killing intent flashed in his eyes.

"To think it was those wicked scoundrels! They truly deserve to die!"

While Bai Yan didn't know much about the Wandering Fish Gang, he knew a thing or two. The Wandering Fish Gang sounded like a river-based gang, but that wasn't the case. It was actually a notorious sect in the martial world, one of the evil factions. The term "wandering fish" had nothing to do with fish in the water; it referred to people. The Wandering Fish Gang specialized in human trafficking, especially beautiful women, whom they favored the most. Such women were rare commodities; whether sold as concubines to wealthy families or to brothels, they could fetch a high price.

To think they had targeted the Princess of Bozeguo this time. A human trafficking gang daring to set their sights on a princess arriving for a political marriage—the Wandering Fish Gang was truly audacious.

"After I report this to His Majesty, I will certainly request that the Emperor send troops to exterminate these scoundrels of the martial world!"

Zhou Long's eyes blazed as he gritted his teeth and said.

"A mere Wandering Fish Gang dares to rob the Bozeguo delegation? I suspect this matter is not as simple as it seems," Bai Yan suddenly interjected.

"Oh? Captain Bai has other insights?"

Perhaps it was because Bai Yan's strength had earned Zhou Long's respect, but he paid close attention to Bai Yan's words, gesturing for him to continue.

Bai Yan said gravely, "The Wandering Fish Gang is despised by the righteous factions of the martial world and already struggles to survive. Why would they offend the imperial court at this critical juncture?"

"Plundering the Bozeguo delegation and disrupting the peace between our nations is tantamount to treason. If exposed, it would lead to the annihilation of our entire clans. They couldn't possibly be unaware of the severe consequences."

"In my opinion, a mere Wandering Fish Gang wouldn't dare to do something like this."

"According to Captain Bai, these rebels aren't from the Wandering Fish Gang, and they're trying to frame them to cover their tracks?"

Zhou Long frowned slightly, lost in thought.

"Precisely, that's exactly what I mean."

Captain Bai nodded and continued:

"A mere Wandering Fish Gang, whose livelihood depends on human trafficking, usually only dares to bully commoners and engage in shady dealings. They wouldn't have the guts to commit such a heinous act that defies the world."

"If they wanted profit, it would be easy for them to rob ordinary women. Why would they choose the difficult path and target the Princess of Bozeguo?"

"Even if, for the sake of argument, they could actually abduct the princess, who would dare to take her in? What noble family would dare to buy a woman favored by the Emperor? Which brothel would dare to harbor a princess of a nation? This is completely an unsellable hot potato."

Hearing Captain Bai's words, Zhou Long's tightly furrowed brow slowly relaxed, and a sense of clarity dawned upon him.

"Captain Bai makes a lot of sense. I almost overlooked this crucial point."

Captain Bai added:

"The Wandering Fish Gang has always operated within Wuzhou. This, however, is Yongtang."

"If they truly intended to plunder the Bozeguo delegation, they could have done so en route, without needing to wait until the delegation reached Yongtang."

"Yongtang is right under the Son of Heaven's nose. It's teeming with experts from the Imperial Guard, Six Doors, and Eastern Depot, and it's garrisoned by over a hundred thousand troops. Committing a crime here would be pure suicide; it simply doesn't add up."

After listening to Captain Bai's analysis, Zhou Long found it highly convincing and couldn't help but nod:

"Captain Bai is right. This matter is indeed not as simple as it appears on the surface."

"Rest assured, Captain Bai. I will personally interrogate those four individuals severely once I return. I don't believe they won't reveal the truth."

Captain Bai added: "We should also investigate the people within the delegation."

"Captain Bai means...?"

Zhou Long instantly grasped the implication of Captain Bai's words.

"Exactly. 'Repairing the plank roads while secretly crossing the Chencang.'"

Captain Bai swept his gaze expressionlessly over the ten carriages behind them and said in a deep voice:

"When the rebels attacked earlier, everyone was in chaos. It would have been incredibly easy for someone to tamper with things amidst the confusion."

"If there are indeed rebels disguised as members of the delegation, lurking within, and they are later sent into the Imperial Palace..."

Zhou Long's heart suddenly pounded upon hearing this. A fine sheen of cold sweat appeared on his forehead.

If any rebels were to be sent into the Imperial Palace under his watch and endanger the Emperor, the consequences would be dire. Not only his family but his entire clan would likely be implicated, leading to ruinous disaster!

The more Zhou Long considered it, the more plausible it seemed, and the more alarmed he became. He felt as though he had narrowly escaped death. He couldn't help but curse in a low voice:

"These rebels deserve to die a thousand deaths!"

"Fortunately, Captain Bai's mind is so sharp; he saw through the rebels' scheme in advance."

"If we can safely overcome this crisis, Captain Bai will be this general's greatest benefactor. Zhou Long owes you a bow."

With that, Zhou Long took a deep breath and solemnly cupped his hands in a respectful salute to Captain Bai.

Captain Bai quickly waved his hands, saying:

"General Zhou is too kind. These are merely my speculations, and they may not be accurate."

"Perhaps I am worrying unnecessarily."

Zhou Long, however, shook his head:

"Captain Bai is too modest. I, on the contrary, believe this possibility is extremely high."

"If not to assassinate His Majesty, why would they go to such great lengths?"

"Perhaps everything that happened before was merely a prelude to the assassination, a method to cover their tracks."

Speaking of which, his gaze towards Captain Bai grew more appreciative, with a hint of eagerness in his eyes:

"To have discerned the rebels' treacherous plot so quickly, Captain Bai not only possesses outstanding martial talent but also wisdom far beyond that of ordinary people."

"I wonder if Captain Bai would be interested in serving in my Imperial Guards? We are in dire need of talents like yourself!"

"If Captain Bai is willing, I can recommend you for the position of Deputy Commander!"

The position of Deputy Commander in the Imperial Guards was a core strength within the army, holding significant power and prestige, demonstrating Zhou Long's high regard for Captain Bai.

However, Captain Bai had no immediate plans to switch allegiances.

He looked at Zhou Long, smiled, and cupped his hands:

"Thank you for your kind offer, General Zhou. However, the Imperial Guard has treated me well, and Commander Zheng has always valued me. I can only regretfully decline your offer."

Zhou Long's face showed a hint of regret upon hearing this:

"That is truly a pity."