After giving Yan Sihai some instructions and agreeing on covert channels for future contact.
Gu Chenfeng took the Broken-haft Battle Axe and boarded the carriage with Gu Yanshuang.
Ding Si of the Blood Tiger Guard drove them back to the Imperial Capital, accompanied by a group of Gu Lineage warriors.
On the return journey.
Gu Chenfeng traced the patterns on the axe with his fingers and began discussing with Gu Yanshuang.
Their next steps against the Huangfu faction.
First, Gu Chenfeng had been repeatedly targeted by schemes.
Then came the recent smearing of the Gu Lineage's reputation in the Imperial Capital.
And finally, the attack on Gu Chenfeng in the Gorge last night.
Their enemies had struck time and again. Naturally, the Gu Lineage could retreat no further.
Gu Yanshuang's gaze was as cold and sharp as a blade.
"I'll discuss and devise our counterattack at court with our colleagues on all sides.
"But we can't forgo retaliation in private, either. Strike a snake seven inches below its head-this time, we must strike straight at the Huangfu Lineage's vulnerable heart!"
Gu Chenfeng's eyes lit up.
"What's their vulnerable spot?"
"Money!"
"Money?"
The answer took Gu Chenfeng somewhat by surprise.
After all, the Huangfu Lineage had operated in the Great Li Dynasty for years. As one of the Imperial Capital's foremost lineages, money should have been the last thing they lacked.
Then Gu Yanshuang explained, "The Huangfu Lineage has spent years establishing itself. Naturally, its foundations are substantial, and its wealth is staggering.
"But their money comes from dirty sources.
"The largest share came from large-scale smuggling to the northern Barbarian Tribe through secret channels."
Gu Chenfeng was not particularly surprised to hear this.
Although the Great Li Dynasty had driven the Barbarian Tribe into the northern Frozen Expanse and established