Return to Yanggu County!

"When Gou Buyi was executed earlier, I specifically gave the order to give him a quick death. Haven't I already thanked you in advance for that?" The two sides were already at odds, and he had no interest in playing coy with the other party here.

Gou Buren was not angered by Jiang Che's words, merely stating indifferently:

"Young people shouldn't be too presumptuous; it's not useful."

"Young people, we just want things to be quick and satisfying."

Gou Buren stared at him and smiled, then turned to leave.

Watching Gou Buren's receding back, the smile on Jiang Che's face gradually faded, and a hint of solemnity appeared in his eyes.

He was naturally suspicious, and Gou Buren's arrival this time was too coincidental. If it had been any earlier, there would have been no casualties, and if it had been any later, the Zhu family's dependents would have met their deaths.

Coupled with his explanation just now, it was truly difficult not to suspect him.

It was just a pity that he had no evidence.

Under Jiang Che's arrangements, all the soldiers and Zhu family guards were buried on the spot. After a brief period of rest, the group continued their slow journey, but compared to before.

The escort force this time was even stronger.

"Commander Jiang, thank you so much this time."

Madam Zhu expressed her gratitude to Jiang Che in person. It was clear that Zhu Qingqing had already mentioned Jiang Che saving her to her mother.

Jiang Che declined, saying he didn't deserve it.

She, however, stated that upon their return, she would definitely inform Zhu Sheng of the day's events, and he would express his gratitude. This was precisely the purpose of Jiang Che's risky move to block Song Ji's attack earlier.

After experiencing an ambush, the entire convoy became even more cautious. Most of the defensive tasks were handed over to Gou Buren, and the latter had not spoken to Jiang Che again after their initial exchange of words.

The journey was peaceful, but Jiang Che was contemplating the ambush on Crouching Tiger Mountain. He had a feeling that there were significant issues at play.

As the Captain of the Wind Camp and recently promoted to County Lieutenant of a county, Zhu Sheng's influence extended to several surrounding counties. However, Crouching Tiger Mountain had shown no respect, clearly intending to ambush them.

Wasn't he afraid of Zhu Sheng cracking down on bandits after taking office?

Even if he wasn't afraid, why provoke them?

And also...

This time, Jiang Che was escorting Zhu Sheng's family to Yanggu County. During the journey, he had kept a very close watch. Apart from the scouts sent out, no one had ever left his sight.

But how did the other party manage to set up an ambush at such a precise location and time?

It was he who had informed Madam Zhu of the Zhu family's relocation plans.

This naturally led him to deep thought.

Regarding Yanggu County, Jiang Che was both familiar and unfamiliar. He was unfamiliar because since his transmigration, he had been in the Auxiliary Barracks and had never been to Yanggu County.

But by accepting the original body's memories, it felt so familiar.

When he saw the large characters 'Yanggu' at the city gate, those memories surged back into his mind.

Jiang Che was born and raised in Yanggu. His ancestors had even been a prominent family in Yanggu County, possessing considerable wealth. Unfortunately, his father was incompetent and squandered the family fortune.

What was left for him were only a few dilapidated houses and a fishing boat.

When he was inexplicably conscripted, he had tried to use connections, but it was of no use. He was even placed under strict surveillance. At that time, he only had a little over ten taels of silver left, which he had spent on Gou Buyi.

If he hadn't been reborn here, he could have imagined how difficult the original body's fate would have been.

The Cao Gang...

This local bully of Yanggu County was the culprit that had reduced him to this state.

However, even now, he didn't understand... who exactly was it that wished him dead.

Zhu Sheng had purchased a residence in Yanggu County in advance, located in the eastern part of the city, near the county yamen. It was a spacious three-courtyard, three-entrance mansion. As the news of Zhu Sheng's transfer had spread, no one dared to cause trouble.

Thus, another two days passed, and Zhu Sheng officially took office, entering Yanggu County with dozens of followers. On that day, Jiang Che, Madam Zhu, and others were at the city gate to welcome him.

In addition, the Magistrate of Yanggu County, the Deputy Magistrate, and various dignitaries and influential figures in the county all showed Zhu Sheng great respect publicly. This was also the first time Jiang Che had encountered the upper echelons of Yanggu County.

"This time, it's all thanks to your early vigilance and your desperate protection. Tell me, what reward do you want?" Not long after returning to the Zhu residence, Jiang Che was summoned by Zhu Sheng to his study.

It could be seen that Zhu Sheng's expression was not good, a stark contrast to the beaming face he had when meeting the dignitaries and influential figures of Yanggu County at noon.

Of course, this was only natural.

If Jiang Che's family had been ambushed and nearly killed, he would likely have been even more enraged.

Although he had many calculations in his mind, Jiang Che appeared unfazed by external matters and directly stated, "Your Excellency entrusting such an important task to your subordinate is, in itself, my duty."

"Don't be so formal with me. You've been promoted too quickly without experience or merit. The position of Commander is impossible for now, but I can reward you with some financial assets. You are not allowed to refuse."

After the ambush, Zhu Sheng and Jiang Che had become much closer, clearly valuing him.

Jiang Che deliberated for a moment and then whispered, "I have an elder who treated me very well when I was young, but his health is failing. I consulted a doctor, who said he needs some Deer Blood Grass and Bone Strengthening Flower, but I am short of funds..."

Whether it works or not, he had to try.

These past two days in Yanggu County, he hadn't been idle. He had visited several pharmacies in the county to inquire about Deer Blood Grass and Bone Strengthening Flower. The answers he received were that Deer Blood Grass was extremely precious, with a market price of ten taels of silver per stalk.

As for Bone Strengthening Flower, it was a precious medicinal herb for cultivation, available in name but not in supply.

They were often bought at a high price as soon as they appeared, so it wouldn't be easy for him to get them.

"Deer Blood Grass and Bone Strengthening Flower," Zhu Sheng said with a knowing smile as he looked at Jiang Che. Deer Blood Grass was indeed a top-grade blood replenisher, but Bone Strengthening Flower was different; it was something only martial artists could use.

However, he didn't expose Jiang Che, only saying:

"You've certainly put thought into this. Go to the storeroom tomorrow and collect them."

These items were valuable, but it depended on who you were. To him, at least, they were nothing.

"Thank you, my lord."

Jiang Che was overjoyed. It seemed his escort mission hadn't been in vain, as the most difficult items were directly resolved.

"What are your thoughts on that ambush?"

After bestowing the reward, Zhu Sheng returned to the main topic.

Jiang Che looked up and said solemnly:

"Your subordinate believes this was a show of force from those in Yanggu County." He then elaborated on some of his speculations from the journey.

However, he didn't steer the conversation towards Gou Buren. As a deputy commander, he had to be cautious without evidence.

Last time he could get rid of Gou Buyi, but this time he couldn't use the same method against Gou Buren.

Zhu Sheng tapped his fingers on the table, his expression somewhat grim in the candlelight. After a long pause, he finally spoke:

"Then what do you think I should do to respond?"

"To break, one must first build. My lord, now that you have ascended to the position of County Lieutenant, if you want to obtain what belongs to you, you must seize it from their mouths. It would be better to use this ambush as a pretext to start the first fire."

If there was no chaos, how could he profit from it?

"You will accompany me to tonight's banquet."

Zhu Sheng neither agreed nor disagreed, instead changing the subject.

"Yes!"