Temporary Return (3)

Zi Nu did not deliberately lighten her pace.

Ye Qingcang didn't have any either.

Startled Salamander instinctively used some techniques.

Because she is an assassin.

But Zi Nu and Ye Qingcang were so swaggering that before they even entered the house, just as they reached the door, they heard Han Fei's voice from inside. "Miss Zi Nu, Brother Ye, and Miss Startled Salamander, please come in... How was your harvest today?"

Han Fei's martial arts skills were indeed not high.

But it still only reached a third-rate level.

They are roughly equivalent to the Four Elites of Qingcheng in The Jianghu.

It's neither particularly strong nor particularly weak.

It's okay for beating up ordinary people.

Any seasoned veteran who can survive in the Jianghu would be better than him.

So, listening to footsteps is still achievable.

Zi Nu didn't stand on ceremony with Han Fei.

Besides, this is Zilan Pavilion. Whether or not to knock is a matter of manners. If word gets out, it will only make sense that Zi Nu kicked Han Fei and the others out. In the end, Zi Nu is the master of this place.

That's why Zi Nu didn't give way.

Push the door open and enter.

Looking at Han Fei, who was sitting at the table, unusually not drinking, but instead writing and drawing on a bamboo scroll; Hong Lian, who was sitting at the corner of the square table with her back to him, fiddling with an unknown object; and Wei Zhuang, who was standing by the window admiring the scenery, he thought for a moment and asked a useless question that he could use to join in, "We're doing alright... By the way, where's Nong Yu?"

"Miss Nong Yu..." Han Fei temporarily put down the bamboo scroll in his hand and the writing brush in his other hand, carefully arranging the two items to ensure that the ink wouldn't spill everywhere. Then, with an innocent expression, he said, "I don't know where she went... Brother Wei Zhuang and I just got back, practically right after you. I hadn't even warmed my seat when you returned. I thought she had gone with you... By the way, does Hong Lian know?"

"Ah?"

Hong Lian looked up with a blank expression.

Meeting Han Fei's gaze.

I turned around instinctively.

Seeing Zi Nu, Ye Qingcang, and Startled Salamander, who had just returned, made all three of them notice the ink stains on her face at the same time.

Startled Salamander, however, didn't feel anything.

However, Zi Nu and Ye Qingcang still showed obvious signs of suppressing laughter.

However, whether it's Zi Nu or Ye Qingcang.

They still have basic control.

Seeing that Hong Lian didn't seem to understand, Zi Nu repeated Han Fei's question, and only then did Hong Lian give a belated answer.

"You mean Sister Nong Yu?"

"It seems some guests were causing trouble earlier, so she went to take charge."

"I wonder how the hosting went."

"It should be on the second floor."

After Hong Lian finished speaking, she seemed to realize something.

I subconsciously rubbed my face with the back of my hand.

Then, looking at the ink stains on the back of his hand, he unconsciously fell into deep thought.

Zi Nu breathed a sigh of relief upon learning the answer.

She went with Ye Qingcang and Startled Salamander to handle Li Kai's matter.

Han Fei and Wei Zhuang went to handle the matter of military pay.

Only Nong Yu and Hong Lian remained.

If something goes wrong, she cannot accept it, regardless of whether it is Hong Lian or Nong Yu who suffers the accident. One of them is a current member of Quicksand, the sister of the leader of Quicksand, and the most favored Princess of the Han Kingdom. The other is her confidante.

If the former dies, Zilan Pavilion will inevitably be thrown into turmoil.

If the latter were to die, it would be like losing a right or left arm.

But since it's just dealing with troublesome guests, there's not much to say.

Because Zilan Pavilion is a place of pleasure and romance.

Even though those who come here are all high-ranking officials and dignitaries.

But there are also those spoiled brats.

It is well known that drunk people love to fight, and they often turn a one-on-one fight into a group brawl, until someone actually dies.

Zilan Pavilion has been operating in Xinzheng for over ten years.

We've handled at least eight hundred, if not a thousand, similar disputes.

It happens almost every month.

Since she wasn't there, Nong Yu naturally helped coordinate.

The process is correct.

Of course, she had considered this issue before setting off: whether it was right to leave Nong Yu and Hong Lian, two girls with relatively low martial arts skills, in the Zilan Pavilion. Nong Yu's martial arts were only third-rate, about the same as Han Fei Fei's rudimentary skills, while Hong Lian was all show and no substance. Her moves were good, though. In Wei Zhuang's words, Hong Lian's swordsmanship had reached the so-called first-rate standard in the Jianghu, but she lacked the proper energy cultivation method. In addition, Hong Lian herself did not cultivate internal energy, so even if she had the energy cultivation method, she would not have the Internal Force.

Put these two newbies here.

Even if Zilan Pavilion is very safe.

They are also very vulnerable to unexpected events.

But the problem was: besides her, no one else could stay and keep things in order at that time!

Can Wei Zhuang do it?

Cannot!

As the main force in tonight's operation, Wei Zhuang dared not neglect his duties in any way!

Moreover, given that this was the first time they had dealt with the Night Curtain.

He broke off all ties with Ji Wuye.

Seek stability in everything.

If it doesn't work, then retreat.

This is the main idea.

As a martial artist at the Innate Realm, especially a disciple of the Ghost Valley School, personally leading the team undoubtedly added an extra layer of security to this operation.

Wei Zhuang is absolutely irreplaceable!

So, could Han Fei do it?

Obviously, that's even more impossible!

If Han Fei leaves, who will trick Ji Wuye?

This is a trick to lure the snake out of its hole.

This can minimize time loss.

This also allows you to hide as many cards as possible until later, when you can find an opportunity to play them.

Where is Zi Nu?

Just kidding, if Zi Nu stayed, how would she contact Li Kai in the future?

Li Kai's side was handled entirely by Zi Nu.

The training lasted for half a month.

Let's test the waters now.

Moreover, Zi Nu will be in charge of all communication with Li Kai from now on.

Just to be on the safe side.

Zi Nu had to take Li Kai through the process.

I'll also check on the makeup touch-up results.

Only then can I come back.

Ye Qingcang appeared as the suppressor, instantly killing Liu Yi's guards and capturing Liu Yi himself in the suburbs.

Although Liu Yi's body was depleted.

I've never stopped playing all these years.

It is certainly true that alcohol and women can harm one's health.

However, Liu Yi himself had a deep foundation. When he became Li Kai's deputy, Liu Yi's level was first-class. In a low-level martial arts world like The Jianghu, Proud Wanderer, it would be no problem for him to be comparable to Yue Buqun before he cultivated the Evil-Repelling Sword Manual. Otherwise, he would not have become Li Kai's deputy, or even colluded with the Three Wolves with Cut Hair to massacre the Fire Rain Manor.

Don't underestimate the Three Wolves with Cut Hair just because they're not good people.

It's possible to cooperate with this kind of person without suffering any backlash.

This is enough to prove that Liu Yi's personal strength is evenly matched with that of the Three Wolves with Cut Hair.

Therefore, even though I have neglected my martial arts skills over the years.

What I'm unfamiliar with is only my combat skills.

The only thing that decreases is physical fitness.

Internal Force will not change.

Even a second-rate martial artist couldn't defeat him.

Even First-Rate Martial Artist couldn't take him down silently.

In contrast, Li Kai...

In his youth, he was also a First-Rate Martial Artist.

His martial arts skills are superior to Liu Yi's.

But what kind of life has Li Kai been living all these years?

They were not enough to eat or wear.

The hidden injury recurred.

Damaged meridians.

Being able to defeat a second-rate martial artist is already a stroke of good luck.

Don't even think about beating First-Rate Martial Artist.

Therefore, even with Zi Nu in charge, it would still be impossible to abduct Liu Yi silently, especially since Liu Yi doesn't leave the city of Xinzheng. To kidnap Ji Wuye's lackey without anyone noticing under Ji Wuye's nose, unless Grandmaster like Startled Salamander intervenes, it would be impossible.

But then again...

Should Startled Salamander and Zi Nu go on a mission together?

Are they afraid that Startled Salamander might run away halfway?

Or were they afraid that Startled Salamander wouldn't make a move against Zi Nu?

Perhaps Startled Salamander really didn't dare to gamble, because Startled Salamander couldn't be sure how many Flying Thunder God marks Ye Qingcang had left on her body. Even though Ye Qingcang had acted very gentlemanly during the days she was a prisoner, who knew if Ye Qingcang had touched Ye Qingcang all over her body during the time she was knocked unconscious? She really didn't dare to gamble her life with Ye Qingcang.

But Ye Qingcang also didn't want to gamble with Startled Salamander.

Because you can't see into someone's heart.

Even though he was confident in his own advice.

But he knew the importance of not being too confident or too greedy.

It's always good to have a backup plan.

Therefore, Startled Salamander must team up with Ye Qingcang.

Wherever Ye Qingcang goes, Startled Salamander must go.

vice versa.

In short, Ye Qingcang would never send Startled Salamander Ni to team up with Zi Nu, nor would he leave Startled Salamander Ni behind to look after the Zilan Pavilion.

This is the disadvantage of not having enough manpower.

As for Zhang Liang...

This man would later Sage of Strategy.

He was never good at martial arts.

In addition, the Zhang Family family has strict rules, so Zhang Liang can't just go out and play whenever he wants. Even if he did, his mediocre skills are no better than Han Fei's.

In this way...

The team members were then fixed.

On Nong Yu's whereabouts.

Ask Hong Lian, you won't go wrong.

Zi Nu then changed the subject, asking Han Fei with barely concealed satisfaction, "Ninth Young Master, how was your harvest today?"

"The Emerald Tiger truly lives up to its reputation of being richer than a country."

"They have a lot of money."

"Just talking about gold, that's 350,000 taels."

"Silver and the like are too much in quantity, too low in value, and there's not enough time."

"In short, they didn't move."

"As for land deeds and other fixed assets... to put it bluntly, these are just pieces of paper with some words written on them. Whether Ji Wuye recognizes them is entirely up to him... as long as Ji Wuye doesn't acknowledge them, they are just worthless pieces of paper."

"Taking it would be pointless, except for getting yourself into trouble."

Han Fei read the data methodically.

Then, he raised his head.

As if she could read minds, she guessed, "Speaking of which, Brother Ye, Miss Zi Nu, you weren't just guessing about what Brother Wei Zhuang and I gained today on your way back, were you...? Based on what I know of you, you shouldn't be someone who cares about such things, right?"

"I guess so..."

Zi Nu chuckled to herself.

He gave a vague answer.

Because she and Ye Qingcang weren't guessing.

It was a bet.

Although the exact nature of the bet is uncertain, it appears to be nothing at present.

But ultimately, it's not an important thing.

Therefore, the tone shifted, and she asked with concern, "Besides the 100,000 taels of military pay, that means we'll ultimately have around 250,000 taels left. How do you plan to allocate this money?"

"Hmm... Brother Wei Zhuang's Seven Absolutes Hall made a great contribution in this operation."

"I think we need to expand the workforce."

"To increase our strength and influence among the people."

"Therefore, take out fifty thousand taels."

"I don't know how far it can develop, and I guess Brother Wei Zhuang doesn't know either... But let's just calculate it based on 50,000 taels of gold. If it's too much, we won't make up for it; if it's too little, we won't refund it. That's about it."

"Then, take out 100,000 taels of gold and buy horses!"

"Build our armed forces!"

"It could also be described as a fixed expenditure for recruiting soldiers!"

"In addition, there are about 100,000 taels of gold left. I will keep them as reserve funds... Although I can't think of any place where I can use them, I need to have funds to counter the competitive tactics that Emerald Tiger may launch in the business at any time."

"For example, Emerald Tiger deliberately belittles Zilan Pavilion, and even launched another brothel to compete with the Zilan Pavilion, including but not limited to using methods such as price reductions... Under such circumstances, in order to protect Zilan Pavilion's customer traffic and basic network of contacts, it is necessary to invest some funds to compete with Emerald Tiger."

"And there are many other aspects as well."

"It's mainly for dealing with emergencies."

Han Fei had a very long-term vision.

It is also quite clear.

One sentence hit the nail on the head regarding Ji Wuye's only remaining means.

Because Bai Yifei hasn't returned yet.

In the Night Curtain, even the sharpest sword has not yet been truly drawn.

In this way...

The Straw Raincoat Guest couldn't stand the light of day.

Those who work in intelligence generally don't operate in the light of day.

The reason why Net can be exposed to the light is because Net is originally an assassin organization.

Just like the Hundred Birds under Ji Wuye's command can see the light.

But for those who are simply engaged in intelligence gathering...

"To be exposed to the light is to perish"—this is not just a saying.

As for the Tidal Nymph...

To date, Han Fei and his colleagues have not even been able to identify this person.

We can only guess based on the prevailing sentiments within the Inner Palace.

Hu Meiren might be Tidal Nymph.

Although Ye Qingcang, as a time traveler, knew that the answer was wrong, because the real "Tidal Nymph" refers to Lady Mingzhu, Bai Yifei's cousin, a bewitching beauty who manipulated King An of Han at will, in the context of the Nine Songs of the Moving Heavens storyline, in terms of looks, she could rank in the top three, or even contend for first place.

But whoever the Tidal Nymph is.

Interference in politics by the Inner Palace is absolutely forbidden.

Even if King An of Han couldn't react in time.

The court officials would not allow this to happen.

Furthermore, the historians of this period were different from those of later generations. As the saying goes, the pen of history is like a knife. If Lady Mingzhu dared to interfere in court affairs, she would be condemned to eternal infamy. Even if Lady Mingzhu did not care much about her reputation, she would still have to consider this matter.

In this way...

The Hundred Birds cannot use their bodies to assassinate.

That leaves only Emerald Tiger as a talent.

Regardless of whether Emerald Tiger is good or bad, he is undoubtedly the number one in the Han Kingdom when it comes to business. Even Ji Wuye is not as good at business as him. This is one of the reasons why Ji Wuye allowed him to join Night Curtain and be on equal footing with the other three.

And in business competition.

No need to even think about it.

It boils down to just two words.

Burning money!

The Zilan Pavilion in money every day, is certainly not qualified to compete with the Emerald Tiger. 100,000 taels of gold can only ensure that the Zilan Pavilion can last for a while longer, but this period of time is enough for Han Fei to turn the tide.

To put it bluntly, Han Fei lacked was time.

If there is no time limit.

Ji Wuye was no match for him at all.

Even against a powerful state like Qin Kingdom, Han Fei was confident he could go toe-to-toe with them.

Although the most comfortable strategy is Three-legged Cauldron.

In a one-on-one situation, the margin for error is still too low.