Chapter 106
Book 10 Chapter 09 – Eloquence
Upon his arrival at the Command Centre, Xiang Shaolong’s stomach is rumbling. He recollected that he hasn’t had any dinner yet. He notified Teng Yi to get someone to cook a meal for him.
Instead, Teng Yi pulled him back to the main gate advising: "Third Brother, please suffer in hunger for a while longer. Your wives have sent word on more than one occasion for you to go home for dinner. From now till tomorrow night, you better be careful of what you put in your mouth. If you died from Zhao Mu’s poison, it will be a great injustice! I have got men to monitor our food and drink and place some fish in the well to test if the water is pure. It is better to be safe than sorry."
Xiang Shaolong was astounded by his advice and nodded in agreement. He took the opportunity to ask: "Any news from Little Jun?"
Teng Yi praised: "There is no better spy than him. Within four hours, he has located the tunnel. It runs from Zhao Ming Xiong’s camp all the way to the North City Wall. It is about a hundred metres long. Both sides are ready to be used. They are now finis.h.i.+ng the tunnel by reinforcing it with wooden panels and pillars. It should be put to use tomorrow night."
They arrived at the a.s.sembly ground and their horses were brought to them.
Riding forward, they were escorted by nearly five hundred soldiers, putting on an impressive display.
Xiang Shaolong noticed that only ten over escorts are their own elite troops while the rest are ordinary Zhao soldiers. He is uncomfortable and enquired: "Where did these men come from?"
Teng Yi smiled: "I have sent our brothers to the various strategic locations to strengthen the power of the city defences. These men are from different departments and I have avoided using those who are linked to Zhao Ming Xiong. The background checks have been carried out and they are loyal to us. Handan City is full of hidden dangers and it is better to strengthen ourselves."
Xiang Shaolong updated Teng Yi about Zhao Mu in a low voice. Teng Yi a.s.sessed: "With such precise intelligence, it will be easier to deal with Zhao Mu and Tian Dan. The challenge is how to kill Tian Dan, capture Zhao Mu and escape back to Xianyang."
Xiang Shaolong sighed: "Frankly, I don’t think I can accomplish both of them. Tian Dan will never take part personally. Xiaocheng that muddle-headed king has cowered at the last moment, ordering me not to touch Li Yuan and Tian Dan. We need his cooperation for tomorrow’s night operations. If we have the same strength as the enemy, we will be in trouble." Teng Yi nodded in agreement: "I realize your difficult position. Thank heavens we still have one night’s time to go through our plans. Little Jun is monitoring their situation. If there are any changes, we can react in the shortest time. I have investigated the surroundings. The North Wall is the only entrance to the tunnel. If the enemy is entering the city via the tunnel, only three or four thousand can enter no matter how quickly they move within those hours. If we can prevent Zhao Mu from meeting the Qi people, I have confidence of annihilating them."
Xiang Shaolong sighed: "If not for your input, I will be busy like he11!"
As they spoke, they eventually reached home.
Stepping into the inner hall, he saw Zhao Ya and Ji Yanran were present and are chatting with Shan Rou and Zhao Zhi.
The girls saw him entering and all eyes were fixated on him.
Zhao Zhi asked: "Where is Second Brother?"
Xiang Shaolong sat between Zhao Ya and Ji Yanran, answering: "He went off to deploy our men to defend our residence. This is to prevent wild bees and romantic b.u.t.terflies from coming in to pick these beautiful flowers."
Everyone is amused by his refres.h.i.+ng talk on the bees and b.u.t.terflies and could not help laughing. The stress and depressing mood is gone immediately.
Xiang Shaolong looked over to Ji Yanran: "Yanran is aware?"
Ji Yanran’s jade-liked face turn cold as she promised: "If Lord Longyang is brave enough to follow me, I will kill him at once."
Shan Rou asked: "Do you want to steal the loyalty letters again?"
Zhao Ya implored: "Have you verified Prince Wu Chen’s rebellion? Does that woman believe you?"
As the three girls grilled him incessantly, he can only update them on all the latest developments. After he finished, they were all confused by the complicated and overlapping issues.
Xiang Shaolong continued: "Ya’er must head to Daliang for sure. Lord Longyang has promised to accompany her so Yanran only needs to leave after they have set off and Lord Longyang will be unable to trail you."
Zhao Ya giggled: "I told Yanran to rest easy. You are not the City Commander for nothing. I am sure that Lord Longyang will invite you to keep an eye on Ji Yanran and capture Xiang Shaolong on his behalf." She bowled over in laughter.
Xiang Shaolong is bewildered: "Why are you so cheerful?"
Zhao Ya exclaimed: "You are winning the battle with Zhao Mu and Tian Dan, why shouldn’t I be happy for you! Moreover, I have a nice bodyguard going to Daliang with me!"
Xiang Shaolong faced Shan Rou in alarm while Shan Rou hurriedly pointed at her sister clarifying: "Not me! It’s Zhi Zhi!"
Zhao Mu happily explained: "Sister Ya has to go to Daliang alone so I volunteered to keep her company."
Xiang Shaolong was elated: "That’s very nice of you. Initially, I had wanted you to leave with Mister Zou"
Facing Yanran again, he asked: "Does Li Yuan have any concern regarding your return to Daliang?"
Full of disdain, Ji Yanran chided: "Who is he to hinder my way? All he can say are the same old stuff. I am sick of his