Turning the Tables

"My lord, after much planning, your subordinate has finally caught the trail of those bandits!" In the study of Zhu Manor, Jiang Che bowed to the other party, his eyes gleaming.

Yes, as soon as he had agreed on a time with Kou Yuansheng, Jiang Che had swiftly turned the tables.

Kou Yuansheng's expression showed no outward signs of anything unusual, but Jiang Che felt a deep-seated sense that something was amiss.

Ever since he learned that it was Kou Yuansheng's wife who had been targeting him, he had been on guard. Especially after Gou Buyi had said before his death that someone was planning to kill him through Gou Buren.

This indicated that the other party likely had some connection to Gou Buren.

His killing of Wang Chengen had already alerted the enemy. As long as the other party wasn't foolish, their next move against him would undoubtedly be a fatal blow. Especially since Kou Yuansheng hadn't waited for his response before saying he would send someone to confirm, appearing somewhat impatient.

As for Jiang Che "fleecing" the Cao Gang, that was merely going with the flow at the time. Kou Yuansheng's late-night visit meant that, by all accounts, Jiang Che was no match for him and could only play along.

All these possibilities made Jiang Che suspicious.

Furthermore, even without these possibilities, Jiang Che had intended to finish this last deal and then break ties completely, never allowing himself to fall into a dangerous situation.

If his guess was correct, Black Mountain Valley would be a trap set for him tomorrow.

If he was right, he would gain something.

If he was wrong, he would suffer no losses.

Of course, Zhu Sheng would need to be involved.

"Hm?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Sheng's expression changed rapidly. He leaned forward, fixing his gaze on Jiang Che, and asked:

"What's going on?"

Jiang Che straightened up and recounted the entire affair, starting from Kou Yuansheng's late-night visit. He had presented some harsh conditions to brush the man off, but today, Kou Yuansheng claimed to have found what he was looking for and needed him to retrieve it personally.

At the same time, he also revealed his past grievances with Kou Yuansheng's wife.

Zhu Sheng would eventually learn about these matters anyway, and it was better to tell him sooner rather than later.

Zhu Sheng's gaze swept over Jiang Che:

"So, you already had a grudge against the Cao Gang, and you deliberately incited me to conflict with them in order to get your revenge, is that it?"

"Yes."

"Aren't you afraid that in my anger, I'll dismiss you and have you investigated?"

Zhu Sheng snorted coldly.

"Although your subordinate has personal motives, my loyalty to you is as clear as the heavens. When I offered you advice back then, I was thinking from your perspective.

Your subordinate has a clear conscience about this. As for my personal vendetta, it was merely taking advantage of the situation. If you wish to punish me, I ask that you do so after this matter is resolved."

Jiang Che replied with his head lowered.

"How can you be so sure Kou Yuansheng will arrange for people from Crouching Tiger Mountain to ambush you?" Zhu Sheng's face was hidden in shadow, making it impossible to discern his anger or pleasure. His tone was very calm.

"I believe Your Excellency can also see that while the forces in Yanggu County seem chaotic, the primary influence in the martial world is the Cao Gang, and in officialdom, it is Magistrate Zhao.

Crouching Tiger Mountain operates independently, but it cannot be self-sufficient. Its connection with the Cao Gang must be deep. The Cao Gang is too conspicuous to act against me directly, but Crouching Tiger Mountain is different.

Furthermore, I learned that the predicament faced by the previous County Lieutenant can almost certainly be traced back to an ambush originating from Crouching Tiger Mountain – a long-planned conspiracy against Your Excellency.

In this regard, Your Excellency cannot retreat or yield; you must fight to the end!"

Jiang Che's words were decisive and powerful, as if he were truly speaking from Zhu Sheng's perspective.

"Then, by reporting this to me, are you planning to ambush them in return?"

"Your Excellency is wise; you see through my arrangements at a glance."

Jiang Che nodded.

Zhu Sheng was not particularly swayed by such rudimentary flattery and merely said casually, "What are your plans?"

"I hope Your Excellency can mobilize the Wind Camp forces to set up an ambush in Black Mountain Valley," Jiang Che said solemnly.

"The Wind Camp... it seems you don't trust Commander Gou."

Zhu Sheng looked at Jiang Che with a half-smile.

"That's right, your subordinate does not trust him."

"Give me a reason."

"There was actually another hidden reason why Gou Buyi targeted me back then..." Jiang Che then revealed the connection between Kou Yuansheng's wife and Gou Buren in its entirety.

Zhu Sheng tapped his fingers on the table, his expression thoughtful.

"There is one more reason besides that."

"Speak."

"For Your Excellency to establish your position, you must display your strength. Once the Wind Camp moves, everyone in Yanggu County will know that even if Your Excellency is transferred, you can still control the Wind Camp.

This will greatly enhance Your Excellency's prestige!"

"We'll do as you say, but you'd best remember this: if there's a next time, I won't be letting it go so easily," Zhu Sheng said calmly.

Jiang Che understood what Zhu Sheng meant. He had, after all, instigated Zhu Sheng to clash with the Cao Gang, essentially using him. This was a significant taboo in official circles.

"Your subordinate remembers."

Jiang Che bowed respectfully, then placed the wooden box he had prepared earlier onto the study desk.

"What is this?"

Zhu Sheng frowned slightly.

"This is the most famous Osmanthus Cake from Yanggu County. Please try it and see if it suits your taste, my lord."

Seeing the smile on Jiang Che's face, Zhu Sheng brought the wooden box closer. He clasped his hands together, opening a gap in the box to reveal several neat rows of silver ingots arranged inside.

A smile then appeared on his face. The silver wasn't much, but it represented Jiang Che's attitude. He immediately closed the box again and nodded, saying, "The pastries are good, I accept them. But there's just a little too little; it won't fill my stomach."

"The Cao Gang has accumulated wealth for over ten years. I imagine their storerooms hold no small amount of pastries. As long as we can find proof this time and eradicate them in one fell swoop, my lord won't just be full, he'll be stuffed."

Jiang Che's smile held a deeper meaning.

Zhu Sheng closed his eyes, as if weighing the matter. After a long pause, he finally spoke, "This matter is of great importance. You must be cautious."

"Your subordinate understands."

Jiang Che nodded.

The next day, at noon.

Jiang Che arrived at the inn as arranged and met the person from the Cao Gang who was expecting him. Without any unnecessary words, the man confirmed the time and immediately took Jiang Che to Black Mountain Valley.

During their journey, Jiang Che learned of the man's identity.

His surname was Ren, and he was a Protector of the Cao Gang, usually staying close to Kou Yuansheng.

It took about an hour and a bit for the two to finally reach Black Mountain Valley. At first glance, it was a vast expanse of black, like the ashes left behind after a mountain fire.

"Commander Jiang, please follow me. The Yin Sha Land is within the valley."

Protector Ren appeared respectful and courteous.

"Protector Ren, please lead the way."

Jiang Che nodded.

Upon entering the valley, the scene opened up dramatically. Black ironwood trees covered the mountainside. After walking for another short quarter of an hour along the path, Protector Ren stopped and pointed to a cave ahead, saying, "This is the Yin Sha Land that Commander Jiang wanted. Years ago, demons who practiced demonic arts often appeared here. We only managed to find it with great difficulty recently."

"Thank you for leading the way, Protector Ren. Your task is complete."