Chapter 124
Book 12 Chapter 03 – Exposing The Plot
As everyone rode towards the city gates, the sky is beginning to brighten.
Xiang Shaolong just turned onto the road leading out of the city when he held his horse to a halt.
Teng Yi, Jing Jun, the Eighteen Guardians and Wu Jie, as well as some of the elite brothers hurriedly come to a stop as well.
The cold morning wind is blowing hard at their clothes.
The long road seems deserted but a killing aura can be felt in the air.
With the wind blowing and leaves falling, the trees on both sides rustled.
Xiang Shaolong smiled bitterly: "No matter what, I must fetch Yanran before I can leave in peace."
Teng Yi was dazed and frowned: "She is with Qin Qing and should be safe."
Xiang Shaolong insisted: "I understand but I still feel uneasy. Ai! I am sorry."
Teng Yi and Jing Jun looked at each other and both of them have a helpless look on their face. The trip back to the farms must not be delayed and cannot afford this additional time lapse.
Wu Jie suggested: "Master Xiang! Why don’t you send someone to fetch her?"
Xiang Shaolong and Teng Yi exchanged glances, both feeling nervous about this. They were reminded about the time when they left for Wei and wanted to change their travelling path but was strongly objected by Lu Xiong.
The elite squad members have been through the toughest training. When their superiors are talking, they are taught never to interrupt. Why is this Wu Jie so courageous? Would Xiang Shaolong and Teng Yi be so dim witted to require his advice?
Xiang Shaolong’s suspicions are raised and he lied: "Shall Wu Jie and Master Jing fetch her on my behalf?"
Wu Jie was taken aback and protested: "That would be wrong! I still have to guide Master Xiang and Master Teng, Ao!"
Under Teng Yi’s gestures, Wu Yan Zhu and We Shu rode up from behind. Using their long swords, they held Wu Jie hostage.
Xiang Shaolong’s eyes are s.h.i.+ning coldly and laughed icily: "Wu Jie, do you know where you went wrong and exposed yourself"
Wu Jie’s countenance changed: "I did not! I am not a spy!" The moment he said these words, he knew that he has let the cat out of the bag.
Knowing that Xiang Shaolong has a high standing in the Wu Family and is exceedingly farsighted. In front of him, Wu Jie was psychologically affected and gave his game away.
Jing Jun blew his top and barked: "Pull him down the horse!"
Bang!
Wu Shu delivered a kick and sent Wu Jie falling down from his horse. Before he can stand up, Teng Yi jumped down his horse, held him up by his hair and punched him squarely in his abdomen.
Wu Jie was in so much pain his body curled up. Two of the Guardians held him up and forced him to stand straight.
Jing Jun came in front of him and drew out a dagger. Pressing it against his throat, he coldly promised: "One lie and this dagger will pierce your throat. I will only pierce a reasonable hole so that you will slowly bleed to death in about ten days."
Wu Jie’s face turned as white as snow. Breaking down, he sobbed: "It is Young Master who forced me to do this. Ai! It is all my fault! I owe him a lot of money in the past."
Everyone was enlightened and thanked their lucky stars. If not for Xiang Shaolong wanting to fetch Ji Yanran, they would be ambushed and died a wrongful death.
What a devious plot!
Xiang Shaolong regained some hope and interrogated: "Is Master Wu really dead?"
Wu Jie shook his head: "That is a lie. Everything is the same at the farms. Young Master only wanted to get rid of you three. Otherwise, I will not do it. Ya!"
Wu Shu hit him at the waist with his knee.
Xiang Shaolong could feel his spirits rising and ordered: "This chap shall be handed to Second Brother to be further interrogated. Little Jun and I are going over to Qin Qing’s residence. After we fetched Yanran, we will plan our next step."
After fixing a place to meet, he rode with Jing Jun towards Qin Qing’s residence and was grateful for a narrow escape.
On the road, Xiang Shaolong felt like a brand new man.
If Lu Buwei’s plots all came from this man called Mo Ao, then this man is the most clever and devious man who is also well-versed with psychological attacks.
If this plan succeeded, he will only outlive King Zhuangxiang by two days.
This is a chain plot.
First, Lu Buwei could not kill Xiang Shaolong at the red pine forest. He turned his attention to Wu Tingwei who indulges in wine and women. Using Lao Ai and a courtesan, he made use of his unhappiness with Xiang Shaolong and got him to switch sides.
To gain Lu Buwei’s favour, he disclosed the Wu Family plans to leave. This traitor was then determined to eliminate Xiang Shaolong for good.
The plan to poison King Zhuangxiang should have been prepared much earlier in order to consolidate his power.
So Lu Buwei used the banquet to lure him to Xianyang City. After King Zhuangxiang’s death, he will lure him out of the city and a.s.sa.s.sinate him on the roads.
Now that Qin is in chaos over King Zhuangxiang’s death and Xiang Shaolong is the sworn-enemy of the six states, no one will be bothered if he is killed.
The lie about Wu Yingyuan’s death, chaos in the farm is not without loopholes.
From Wu Jie’s words, Tao Fang seems to be overrated. But King Zhuangxiang has just been poisoned to death. Already mentally unsettled, they will not be surprised if Lu Buwei poisoned Wu Yingyuan as well.
In reality, Wu Tingwei may be useless but he is only anti-Xiang Shaolong and not so heartless to take his own father’s life.
With the potential threat of enemies attacking the farms, they do not have much time to think things over but to hastily rush back to the farm. This way, they will fall straight into Lu Buwei’s well-thought trap.
If not for Xiang Shaolong’s love for Ji Yanran, they will die without even knowing why.
Xiang Shaolong let out a long breath and gathered his courage. Whipping his horse, he and Jing Jun rode along the wide roads of Xianyang City towards Qin Qing’s residence.
In white mourning clothes, Qin Qing received the two men in her main hall.
Without makeup, her original and enchanting beauty overwhelmed them. They dared not look straight at her but could not resist feasting their eyes on her appearance.
Jing Jun was completed awe-struck. When he was served tea by a maid, he held the cup foolishly in the hand and did not even take a few sips.
Qin Qing calmly asked: "Grand Tutor Xiang came here so early in the morning. Is there something urgent?"
Xiang Shaolong can sense the displeasure in her tone. He apologised: "It is nothing urgent. We wish to fetch Yanran back to the farms!"
Finished, he felt that his reason lacked strength. It was decided earlier than Yanran would stay for a few days but they are fetching her before three days has pa.s.sed. In such a hurried fas.h.i.+on and so early in the morning, it is considered a rude gesture.
Qin Qing instructed someone to notify Ji Yanran and furrowed her long eyelashes in deep thought.
Xiang Shaolong sipped the hot tea and looked around him.
The hall was simply decorated without a hint of luxury. Its humbleness reflects the cla.s.s and taste of it female owner.
Qin Qing plainly state: "For Grand Tutor Xiang to change his mind so suddenly, don’t you think you owe me a proper explanation?"
Xiang Shaolong was feeling troubled and remained silent.
He could not bear to lie to her.
Qin Qing softly sighed: "Don’t feel bad. At least you will not tell lies like others. If you leave like this with the recent