Wrong Intentions

Zeng Nianzhen felt a little dazed.

What Cen Rubai did not know was that, before coming today, Zeng Nianzhen had still been torn. He did not want his friend to worry, but neither did he want to serve a new patron, even merely as a guest retainer.

He had meant to visit Su Ziji in person, since his friend had mentioned him, thank him for the kind offer, and leave it at that.

But when he entered the tavern and walked toward the young man sitting alone in a corner, smiling as he watched him approach, Zeng Nianzhen suddenly found he could not bring himself to refuse.

What had come over him? Was this the legendary spirit of Lord Mengchang?

Lord Mengchang had welcomed guests from every state, along with fugitives, to his fief in Xue, and worthy men everywhere had yearned to join him. Hearing Su Ziji immediately promise him protection stirred a rush of tangled feelings in Zeng Nianzhen's heart.

Pushing them down, Zeng Nianzhen said, "You are a man of honor, young master. Since you have been so sincere, I will do everything I can to help you. To tell you the truth, quite a few of my brothers came with me when I left the Capital City."

"There are things we can't do and wouldn't know how to do. But when it comes to the martial world, we know our way around."

"We're no use with official business, but give me three days, and I can report every detail of Shunan Prefecture's affairs among the common people to you."

Zeng Nianzhen spoke with confidence. His name rang throughout the martial world, and he counted many of its powerful figures as friends. This investigation might be difficult for others, but not for him.

He had uncovered the