"Yes, yes, let's hurry."
Xu Yi answered and quickened his pace.
He had never imagined he would stumble upon such a stroke of fortune. He had only just arrived, yet he was about to unravel the mystery that had always eluded Zhu Shisan.
But on second thought, it wasn't that Zhu Shisan was incompetent. He simply hadn't had all the information.
At a time like this, Xu Yi didn't dare ask too many questions, afraid that the slightest slip would give him away.
After all, Ming Liding was also searching for the Old Prefect's treasure. No one knew how far Ming Liding had gotten.
If some careless move of his inspired Ming Liding and led him to the treasure, that would be a minor concern. If it exposed Xu Yi's identity, though, the price would be far too high.
Upon entering the jade hall, Xu Yi met Ming Liding.
The dignified Commander Ming whom Xu Yi usually saw on the generals' platform had become remarkably affable. He drew Xu Yi into easy conversation and praised and encouraged him at length.
Thanks to Zhao Ling's advice, Xu Yi knew that what Ming Liding cared about most was the tribute from Dongshan Prefecture.
Since the tribute was a matter for the future, Xu Yi thumped his chest and promised he would deliver. He piled on the flattery, knowing that, one way or another, he first had to secure his position as Prefect of Dongshan Prefecture.
The rest could wait.
Ming Liding had never dealt with Xu Yi before. He knew only that this was a newly emerged fierce general under his command. He had assumed Xu Yi was merely a man of brute force, but hadn't expected him to be so quick-witted. At last, Ming Liding felt entirely at ease.
Though Ming