Undercurrents Stir Again

The journey passed without incident, and seven days went by in the blink of an eye.

The Luo River flowed eastward. Along its straight channel, a fleet sailed steadily beneath the gentle autumn sunlight.

Once word arrived that the fleet was returning, all merchant vessels and passenger boats had been cleared from the river, making room specifically for the West Depot's fleet to prevent any collisions that might send the gold sinking to the riverbed.

Moreover, imperial troops had already assembled along the riverbank. As far as the eye could see, men stood packed together, every one armed with a saber or sword and clad in full armor.

Among them were soldiers from the Kyoto region and operatives of the East Depot.

At their head stood a man in a purple python robe and a pointed hat. His bearing was imposing, his face ruddy. He was none other than the East Depot's newly appointed director, Cao Zhengchun.

Beside him stood another man in a python robe, with a sinister face and pale eyebrows. He was staring darkly at the approaching fleet.

"Director, the West Depot successfully brought back the Great White Upper Kingdom's treasure this time, and they slaughtered so many people that all the major martial sects now tremble at the mere mention of them. Yu Huatian's name is on everyone's lips throughout the martial world. Someone even gave him a nickname-the 'White-Clad Killing God.' The West Depot has stolen all the limelight!"

Cao Zhengchun raised his thick brows at this and said mildly:

"Sometimes, too much limelight isn't necessarily a good thing."

The White-Browed Man said gravely, "But the West Depot's reputation has already surpassed ours. Even the court officials have started currying favor with their officers. If this continues, the West Depot will inevitably snatch away all our power."

Cao Zhengchun glanced at him and smiled faintly.

"Remember this: whether we belong to the East Depot or the West Depot, we eunuchs receive our power from His Majesty. It isn't something anyone can simply snatch away. What others think doesn't matter. What matters is what His Majesty thinks."

The White-Browed Man frowned. "But the West Depot brought back the treasure. His Majesty is sure to be delighted and value them even more. And lately, His Majesty has been unable to attend court after falling into the water and catching a chill. Many matters will surely be entrusted to the West Depot. What will be left for us?"

"Don't be impatient."

Cao Zhengchun chuckled. "The West Depot may have brought back the treasure, but Yu Huatian also offended almost half of Ming's martial world in the process. Those people avenge even the slightest grievance. Sooner or later, they'll come knocking. The real storms are still ahead."

"All we need to do is sit firmly on our fishing platform. Watch him raise his lofty tower, watch him feast his guests, then watch him... as his tower collapses!"

"When that day comes, what threat will the West Depot pose to us?"

The White-Browed Man looked thoughtful.

"Enough. Don't overthink it. Come, let us welcome this great servant of Ming."

Cao Zhengchun waved a hand and walked slowly toward the riverbank.

The White-Browed Man looked up and saw that the fleet had indeed docked. Not daring to delay, he hurried after him.

"Director, we've docked!"

Outside the cabin, Ma Jinliang and the others were in no hurry to disembark. They stood respectfully outside, waiting.

After a brief silence, the cabin door opened. Yu Huatian stepped out, already dressed in a fresh python robe with a silvery-white cloak draped over his shoulders. His skin was fair, his face handsome, and his delicate features showed no trace of womanishness. With the Heavenly Sword hanging at his waist, he looked like a sword immortal who had stepped out of a painting.

"Greetings, Director!"

At the sight of Yu Huatian, the West Depot operatives aboard the ship bowed in unison, their expressions reverent. Then they moved to either side, clearing a path down the middle.

Yu Huatian emerged from the cabin and paused briefly at the sight of the throng on the riverbank. "Quite the lively gathering."

Ma Jinliang glanced back, then stepped forward and cupped his hands. "Director, we heard His Majesty was delighted to learn that we had brought back the treasure. But apparently, while His Majesty was touring Ming Lake, an accident befell the Treasure Ship he was aboard, causing him to fall into the water and catch a chill. Otherwise, His Majesty might have come to welcome us personally..."

Before Ma Jinliang could finish, Yu Huatian's expression changed. He immediately raised a hand to interrupt him and stared fixedly at him. "What did you say? His Majesty fell into the water?!"

Ma Jinliang froze, then nodded. "Yes. Apparently, it happened a few days ago. I only just received the news myself. But His Majesty is unharmed. According to the imperial physicians, he merely caught a chill, and it isn't serious. Since you were in seclusion, I didn't disturb you..."

Whoosh!

The instant those words fell, Yu Huatian spun around and fixed his eyes on Lu Wenzhao among the crowd. Murderous intent flashed in his gaze.

In an instant, the atmosphere plunged into an icy abyss.

Everyone felt a chill run through them. Lu Wenzhao was equally bewildered. He had not heard what Ma Jinliang had said to Yu Huatian. Seeing Yu Huatian staring at him, he thought he must have unwittingly caused trouble again. His heart lurched, and he hastily lowered his head and bowed.

"I acknowledge my mistake! Please forgive me, my lord!"

His mistake?

Yu Huatian stared coldly at him. "What mistake did you make?"

The corner of Lu Wenzhao's eye twitched. He had no idea how he had offended Yu Huatian, so he could only steel himself and tell the truth. "I... I don't know."

He didn't know?

The murderous intent in Yu Huatian's eyes almost took physical form.

The emperor had gone on a boat excursion, and an accident had conveniently struck the Treasure Ship, sending him into the water. This was the plot of the film Brotherhood of Blades. In the original story, Ming's Prince Xin, Zhu Youjian, had conspired with Lu Wenzhao and the others to eliminate the emperor and place Zhu Youjian on the throne.

Thus, the moment he heard that an accident had struck the emperor's Treasure Ship, Lu Wenzhao was the first person Yu Huatian thought of.

Although Lu Wenzhao had accompanied him on this mission and had an alibi, that did not mean he had nothing to do with it.

Yu Huatian stared coldly at him. "If anything truly happens to His Majesty, I will kill you!"

Even though Yu Huatian himself very much wanted to eliminate the emperor, all his current status and power had been granted by the emperor.

Until he had made every necessary preparation, the emperor absolutely could not die!

Anyone who dared plot against the emperor was setting himself against Yu Huatian!

"You had better pray His Majesty is all right!"

With that, Yu Huatian swept another cold glance over Lu Wenzhao, then turned and headed ashore.

By now, however, Lu Wenzhao's face had gone deathly pale, and his heart was filled with terror.

The moment Yu Huatian mentioned something happening to the emperor, he understood what was going on. Unless something unexpected had occurred, Prince Xin must have ordered it.

And Yu Huatian's suspicions were correct. Prince Xin had only a handful of useful men under him, and whoever had carried this out was indeed connected to Lu Wenzhao.

But he could not understand how Yu Huatian knew he was involved.

Turning to watch Yu Huatian's retreating figure, Lu Wenzhao recalled the murderous intent in his eyes and felt icy cold all over.

This director of the West Depot was not merely meticulous and ruthless. He also seemed to know everything, his mysteries so profound that Lu Wenzhao could not see through him at all.

With such a man protecting the emperor, could Prince Xin's plan really succeed?

A chill settled in Lu Wenzhao's heart.

By then, the others had no attention to spare for him. Each cast him a glance before following Yu Huatian off the ship and ashore.

The previously relaxed atmosphere had grown tense after what had just happened.

At the front of the group, Yu Huatian's face remained cold. Seeing Cao Zhengchun approaching, he had no intention of exchanging pleasantries. He walked straight up and asked coldly:

"I heard His Majesty fell into the water and caught a chill. How is he now?"

Cao Zhengchun, who had been smiling and preparing to offer a few polite greetings, froze briefly. Then he smiled warmly. "Eunuch Yu's loyalty to His Majesty is truly beyond question. You've only just returned, yet your first concern is His Majesty's health."

"But rest assured, Eunuch Yu. His Majesty is in no serious danger. The imperial physicians say he merely caught a slight chill. Since his health was already somewhat poor, the illness has confined him to bed. But with proper rest, he will gradually recover."

Only after receiving Cao Zhengchun's confirmation did Yu Huatian finally breathe a full sigh of relief. His expression eased a little.

Then he glanced at the densely packed capital troops and East Depot operatives ahead and cupped his hands to Cao Zhengchun. "Sorry for the trouble, Eunuch Cao, but I'll leave escorting the gold into the treasury to you. I'll enter the palace first to visit His Majesty and report on my mission."

With that, Yu Huatian walked straight past Cao Zhengchun.

The West Depot men and the Embroidered Uniform Guard followed directly behind him, their expressions stern, not uttering a word.

Cao Zhengchun stood where he was, watching that decisive figure depart, and could not help being taken aback once more.

Then he shook his head with a smile. "This Eunuch Yu truly is a clever man. He knows what matters most."

With that, he turned to the puzzled East Depot men beside him. Without explaining, he waved a hand.

"Get to work. Be meticulous. Count everything carefully, and keep your hands to yourselves. Anyone who dares pocket even a single piece of gold will live to take it, but not to spend it!"

Their hearts tightened, and they hurriedly answered, "Yes."

The Luo River's eastern outskirts dock was still several dozen li from the capital. After leaving all the remaining tasks to Cao Zhengchun, Yu Huatian mounted a horse the East Depot had prepared and led the West Depot men and the Embroidered Uniform Guard straight back to the capital.

News that the West Depot had seized the Great White Upper Kingdom's treasure and returned victorious had already spread throughout the capital.

Thus, once people heard Yu Huatian was returning, spectators crowded the city gates. Among them were ordinary citizens as well as officials who had come to offer congratulations.

As soon as Yu Huatian entered the capital with his men, the officials who had long been waiting rushed forward, all speaking at once:

"Eunuch Yu, what an impressive achievement!"

"We heard you not only brought back the gold, but also killed quite a few martial-world brigands. Many of those villains have been behaving themselves lately. All of it is thanks to you, my lord!"

"My admiration for you is like a surging river..."

Yu Huatian frowned slightly at the chaotic scene. But as the saying went, one did not strike a smiling face. He could hardly turn a cold shoulder to officials offering goodwill. Suppressing his displeasure, he exchanged a few perfunctory pleasantries before finally sending them away and successfully returning to the West Depot.

"Go back inside first."

At the West Depot's entrance, Yu Huatian gave Ma Jinliang and the others that instruction, then turned to the Embroidered Uniform Guard's Thousand-Household Commanders. His eyes narrowed slightly. "You should return as well. I shouldn't need to remind you which side to choose from now on."

Their hearts tightened. They immediately bowed and cupped their hands, pledging their loyalty:

"Rest assured, my lord. From now on, we will follow your lead without question!"

Yu Huatian nodded slightly, then cast another cold glance at Lu Wenzhao in the crowd. In no hurry to settle accounts with him, he turned his horse and rode straight toward the palace.

Everyone remained bowed as they saw him off. Only when Yu Huatian had vanished completely from sight did the two groups depart separately.

The West Depot men returned to their offices, while the Embroidered Uniform Guard left the West Depot to report to the Embroidery Guard Command.

Lu Wenzhao also led Shen Lian and the others away with the crowd. His expression revealed nothing, but he was clearly distracted.

Ma Jinliang and the others, however, did not hurry inside. They quietly watched the Embroidered Uniform Guard leave. Once the crowd had moved far away, a cold gleam flashed in Ma Jinliang's eyes as he studied Lu Wenzhao's group from behind. He whispered to Ding Xiu beside him:

"Your lightness skill is better, so you're less likely to be noticed. Follow him and see where he goes!"

From what had happened at the dock, Ma Jinliang could also tell that something was wrong with Lu Wenzhao-and that it might be connected to the emperor's fall into the water.

Although Yu Huatian had given no orders, some things did not need to be spelled out to a subordinate. One had to learn to take the initiative in easing one's master's burdens.

Ding Xiu said nothing. With the Imperial Guard Saber over his shoulder, he slipped into the crowd and quietly disappeared at the end of the street.

South of the city, at Dragon Guard Mountain Villa.

Clad in a black-and-gold python robe, Zhu Wushi sat imposingly upon a gilded chair. Below him stood Dragon Guard Mountain Villa's three great secret agents-

Duan Tianya, Guihai Yidao, and Shangguan Haitang.

After the events in the desert, the three had not traveled with the West Depot. Instead, they had hurried back ahead of them to report to Dragon Guard Mountain Villa.

Thus, Zhu Wushi already knew the entire course of events surrounding the discovery of the Great White Upper Kingdom's treasure.

Shangguan Haitang wore a solemn expression as she cupped her hands to Zhu Wushi. "Foster Father, we heard the West Depot returned today. Cao Zhengchun, the East Depot's director, personally led men to the dock to welcome them. Apparently, if His Majesty hadn't fallen into the water and caught a chill, leaving him unable to leave the palace, even he would have gone to the dock to welcome Yu Huatian."

"And as soon as Yu Huatian returned to the capital, he went straight to the palace for an audience without even setting foot inside the West Depot. From now on, His Majesty may place enormous importance on him. No one else at court will be able to keep him in check!"

Zhu Wushi remained calm and said mildly, "It's no matter. I understand your concern. But Yu Huatian managed to bring back the treasure despite the involvement of numerous first-rate martial powers, and even agents sent by Great Song, Great Yuan, and Western Xia. That is indeed a tremendous achievement. His Majesty's favor would be entirely deserved."

Duan Tianya frowned. "But Yu Huatian is ruthless and wildly ambitious. If no one keeps him in check, I fear he will soon become another Wan Yulou. Who knows how many innocent people will die at his hands then?"

Zhu Wushi waved a hand. "From what you told me earlier, Yu Huatian should be a clever man. He won't do that."

"Besides, if we can see the things you've mentioned, His Majesty can naturally see them as well. Otherwise, he would not have brought Cao Zhengchun out to take charge of the East Depot. His purpose was precisely to counterbalance the West Depot and prevent it from becoming the sole dominant power."

Duan Tianya frowned. "Cao Zhengchun has been the East Depot's director for quite some time, yet he still hasn't fully stabilized its internal situation. Can he really contend with Yu Huatian?"

Zhu Wushi narrowed his eyes. "You underestimate Cao Zhengchun. While the late emperor was still alive, he was an old adversary of mine. Relying on the late emperor's favor, he opposed me at every turn, and even I could do nothing about him. If Yu Huatian wants to suppress the East Depot and dominate the court alone, it won't be so simple."

"Besides, even if Cao Zhengchun is no match for him, as long as I am here, he won't be able to stir up any storms!"

An unquestionable air of dominance flashed in Zhu Wushi's eyes.

As the late emperor's younger brother and the current emperor's uncle, possessing both the iron certificate of immunity and the imperial sword of authority, he certainly had the right to say such a thing.

As he spoke, he looked at Duan Tianya and the other two, his expression stern.

"You three, on the other hand-I have trained you for so long, yet you couldn't even defeat the Four Great Constables of the Great Song Dynasty's Six Doors. Doesn't that suggest I am inferior to Zhuge Zhengwo, the Divine Marquis of Six-Five?"

"Yu Huatian was right to rebuke you. You truly disappointed me!"

At those words, all three lowered their heads slightly, shame showing on their faces.

Zhu Wushi looked at them, shook his head, and sighed. "Although I am disappointed in you, I have no intention of blaming you. I only hope this incident will help you recognize your shortcomings and improve your strength as soon as possible. Only then can you better protect Ming's realm and its people."

Duan Tianya raised his head and cupped his hands, his eyes resolute. "Rest assured, Foster Father. From now on, we will train even harder and strive to meet your expectations as soon as possible."

Looking somewhat gratified, Zhu Wushi nodded. "In martial training, haste makes waste. You needn't be overly impatient. In truth, you have already met my expectations. You simply need to keep working hard."

"Also, there is something else I must tell you."

"When I founded Dragon Guard Mountain Villa on the late emperor's orders, I trained the three of you to better watch over the realm. But we have always lacked a Yellow No. 1 secret agent."

Duan Tianya and the others nodded slightly. They had always known this and had also been searching for the final Yellow No. 1 secret agent.

Shangguan Haitang's gaze shifted. "Do you mean you have already found this Yellow No. 1 secret agent, Foster Father?"

"Correct!"

Zhu Wushi gave her an approving look, then beckoned to one side. "Cheng Shifei, come out and meet your three senior fellow disciples."

The three turned to look. Footsteps sounded, and a man dressed in yellow emerged from behind the great hall. His features were reasonably handsome, but his face always carried a trace of irreverent humor and slyness.

Cheng Shifei walked straight up and cupped his hands to the three with a grin. "I'm Cheng Shifei, your junior fellow disciple. Greetings to you all."

Seeing his slovenly manner, all three frowned slightly.

--

Two chapters in one. Please send recommendation votes...

(End of chapter)