Waiting by the Stump for a Rabbit

Chapter 50: Waiting by the Tree for a Rabbit

Hearing this, Qiu Qianlong immediately knelt to beg for forgiveness:

"It is this subject's dereliction of duty, my failure to properly manage my subordinates, that allowed the Demonic Cult rebels to take advantage. I beg Your Majesty to punish me!"

"Enough, get up. This is not your fault."

Emperor Shunying raised his hand to help him up, his tone softening slightly:

"Human hearts are never satisfied, like a snake trying to swallow an elephant. As long as someone is human, they have a weakness – be it greed for wealth, lust, or a desire for power. The Demonic Cult rebels can always find one of these to exploit."

"If these people can be bought, it's only their own greed that's to blame, for being too blatant about it!"

Emperor Shunying's tone suddenly turned cold, and killing intent once again filled the air:

"A bunch of traitors! Was I not good enough to them? Was the salary I gave them not enough? Or did I usually turn a blind eye, letting them indulge their greed to their heart's content?"

"As long as they were willing to work for me, I wouldn't bother with ordinary corruption and fraud."

"But if they dare collude with the Demonic Cult, they have crossed my bottom line!"

"Are they trying to hand this empire over to someone else?!"

Emperor Shunying flung the memorial with the list of names away. His long hair, unbound by the wind, billowed his robes, making them rustle.

An incredibly potent surge of true qi erupted from his body, instantly sweeping through the entire Wangxian Hall.

The flames burning fiercely in the alchemy furnace were actually suppressed and flickered slightly by this surge of energy. The candlelight in the hall all tilted to one side.

Judging solely by the purity and dominance of this true qi, Emperor Shunying's own martial arts cultivation was not to be underestimated.

A moment later, he reined in his true qi, and the anomalies in the hall slowly subsided.

Emperor Shunying's eyes were indifferent as he issued his command:

"Convey my decree: arrest everyone on the list and imprison them!"

"Qiu Qianlong, you will personally lead the Nine Gates Imperial Guard to carry this out. Make sure you skin these people alive for me!"

"I want to see just how much courage they have, to dare collude with the Demonic Cult behind my back!"

"Yes, your humble subject obeys!"

Qiu Qianlong respectfully accepted the order. After kowtowing again, he slowly rose and bowed as he exited Wangxian Hall.

As soon as he stepped out of the hall, he saw a large group of eunuchs and palace maids still kneeling outside, their heads buried so low that even their breathing was cautious.

Qiu Qianlong took a deep breath, feeling a fine layer of cold sweat already on his back.

He looked up into the distance, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, which then vanished in an instant. He murmured in a low voice:

"Demonic Cult rebels, remnants of the previous dynasty... they all deserve to die!"

As soon as he finished speaking, his figure flickered, turning into an afterimage and disappearing from his spot.

Northern Commandery Investigation Bureau, main entrance.

Ever since receiving Zheng Haihan's orders, Bai Yan had been sitting at the entrance of the Northern Commandery Investigation Bureau and hadn't moved.

As long as he guarded here, none of the eight Imperial Guard Company Commanders on the list would be able to leave this gate.

Bai Yan sat in his chair, legs crossed, leisurely cracking melon seeds, with shells scattered all over the ground.

Beside him, Li Kaiyao, carrying freshly boiled hot water, refilled Bai Yan's tea, respectfully placing the teacup before him.

This was top-grade Yuqian Yunlong, said to be hand-picked and stir-fried by young, unmarried maidens. It cost five hundred taels of silver per jin.

As for whether it was truly picked and fried by virgins, no one knew for sure, but that's what they said.

Bai Yan himself couldn't afford such expensive tea.

This tea was a gift from his father-in-law, Ye Youcai, and it was ten jin of it.

He told Bai Yan to keep it if he liked it, and if not, he could use it to give to his fellow Imperial Guards to foster camaraderie.

Bai Yan savored a mouthful of tea, thinking to himself that it was no wonder his father-in-law was a shrewd businessman. His skill in managing relationships was far superior to his own.

What was that saying again? The martial world was never about fighting and killing, but about human relationships and worldly affairs.

A profound truth indeed.

"Yo, Captain Bai, what is this act you're putting on today? Have you been punished by the Battalion Commander and made to guard the gate?"

A Company Commander familiar with Bai Yan passed by and couldn't help but laugh when he saw Bai Yan's appearance.

He was followed by two Brigade Leaders, who also almost burst out laughing.

But remembering Bai Yan's fearsome reputation, they quickly shut up, biting their lips so hard their faces turned blue.

Their Company Commander had a good relationship with Bai Yan, so he dared to joke, but they didn't have that kind of courage.

Bai Yan put down his teacup and replied with a smile:

"I'm just bored. I heard the scenery at the Pacification Bureau's entrance is quite nice, so I came to enjoy the view."

"Enjoy the view? Here?"

The Company Commander was dumbfounded.

He looked left, right, front, and back. There was nothing but the main gate, stone pillars, and a bare rock garden.

What kind of scenery was this?

As he was speaking, another Company Commander approached. He put his arm around Bai Yan's shoulders, a lewd smile on his lips, and winked.

"Captain Bai, if you're really bored, come with me to Baiwei Tower. It's my treat today. Miss Ruanruan and Miss Huahua are dying to see you."

Bai Yan waved his hand and said, "Not today, I have something to do today."

"Not today?"

Company Commander Song's eyes widened, and he deliberately drew out his words.

"Captain Bai, you... you can't?"

Several familiar Company Commanders burst into laughter, their eyes all glancing at Bai Yan's lower back with mischievous grins.

Company Commander Song shook his head as if in disappointment, putting on a show of being unable to help him.

"Captain Bai, youth is an advantage, but you must also learn moderation."

"You can't just do whatever you want because you're young. You'll regret it later."

Several middle-aged Company Commanders nodded in agreement.

"Old Song is right. We've all been through it. Young people should listen to those who have."

Bai Yan spat and cursed with a laugh.

"Bah! Get lost, you old geezers. My waist is perfectly fine. I can go seven times a night without rest."

"Hahahaha, just say it if you're weak, there's no need to be embarrassed."

Everyone laughed even harder.

"Hehehe, Old Tang, I have a secret recipe here. If you need it, Captain Bai, I'll share some with you."

"As long as you use it, I guarantee you'll be vigorous and strong as an ox!"

"What the heck, Old Tang, you have this kind of good stuff? Why didn't you say so earlier!"

"What, Old Song, do you need it too?"

"Ah, no, that is, I don't need it. I'm asking for a friend. My friend needs it."

"Oh~~"

Everyone drew out their voices and chuckled.

Just as Bai Yan and a few old hands were bantering, a middle-aged Company Commander, accompanied by two Brigade Leaders, walked past them and headed straight out the main gate.

Seeing this person, Bai Yan immediately greeted him with a smile.

"Company Commander Zhou, where are you off to?"

The person Bai Yan stopped was Zhou Zaiwei, one of the eight Imperial Guard Company Commanders on the list.

"Oh, it's Captain Bai, long time no see."

Zhou Zaiwei cupped his hands in return with a smile, his tone very calm.

"I was just idle, so I thought I'd take a few men out for a patrol."

"Oh? Patrol?"

Bai Yan raised an eyebrow.

"Isn't that the job of the constables? Are you trying to steal their work, Company Commander Zhou? Aren't you afraid the yamen officials will come to you for an explanation?"

The smile on Zhou Zaiwei's face remained unchanged. He said, "I'm not trying to steal their credit. I'm just patrolling to pass the time. Even if we catch a thief, the credit will be theirs."

Bai Yan shook his head.

"Forget patrolling, that's hardly a way to pass the time. It's good that we have company here, let's play a few rounds together."

Company Commanders Old Tang and Old Song's eyes lit up when they heard this.

Old Song rubbed his hands eagerly.

"Captain Bai is right. We're idle anyway, so why not liven things up with a few rounds?"

Old Tang chimed in.

"That's right, that's right. I lost several hundred taels of silver to you last time. I must win it back today!"

"Company Commander Zhou, want to join us for a few rounds?"

Several people turned their heads and invited Zhou Zaiwei.

There wasn't much entertainment in ancient times. When the Imperial Guards were idle, besides visiting brothels and drinking, they were left with gambling with dice.

Old Song and Old Tang were both skilled at this, and Zhou Zaiwei also enjoyed it. He often joined them. By all accounts, gambling was his favorite pastime.

But today, Zhou Zaiwei refused. He waved his hand and said, "Forget it, I didn't bring any money with me today, so I won't join the fun."

After speaking, Zhou Zaiwei intended to leave with his men.

The next moment, a black shadow flashed past and blocked his path.