Snake-Catching Plan (Part Two)

After hearing this, Di Renjie closed his eyes in anguish and slammed the table. "Butchers!"

Hu Jinghui asked curiously from the side, "Dayou, what are those caves for?"

Lu Dayou replied, "I don't know. They weren't there before. Judging by the timing, they appeared after the mountain was sealed off. There were probably five or six caves, and they were very deep. After the water drained away, I went in with a torch and saw many wooden racks inside."

Di Renjie said gravely, "This is why the authorities sealed the mountain. We leave at dawn tomorrow, straight for Xiaolianzi Village."

Lu Dayou hurriedly acknowledged the order.

Di Renjie said to Hu Jinghui, "Jinghui, I'll leave the affairs here to you."

Hu Jinghui said, "My lord, I should go with you. His Majesty entrusted your safety to me. If anything happens to you, I won't be able to answer for it."

Di Renjie said, "Don't worry. I'll take the guards with me, as well as Earl Li to protect me. There won't be a problem. Jinghui, Youzhou has only just been pacified. You must be careful in all matters."

Hu Jinghui immediately said, "Rest assured, my lord."

Di Renjie said, "Good. You may go."

After the two men left, Di Renjie immediately entered the inner room and pulled out a hidden box from beneath the bed. Inside lay Li Er, who had previously been declared dead. Li Er's complexion had already returned to normal.

Di Renjie examined him, administered some more acupuncture, then gently pushed him back inside.

Outside the window, a black-clad figure silently watched the scene, utterly astonished. Li Er was still alive!

Early the next morning, outside the Youzhou Governor-General's Office.

Li Xiao and a group of guards were waiting for Di Renjie.

After Di Renjie came