Chapter 284
Book 25 Chapter 07 - Unorthodox Interrogation
Lord Changwen chased up to Xiang Shaolong from the back. Riding side by side, their horses unhurriedly galloped along the road while the Guardians and Lord Changwen’s bodyguards carefully scrutinized their surroundings for any signs of danger. Armed with human-sized s.h.i.+elds and holding their bows, they kept a strict lookout for possible a.s.sa.s.sins. It was a tense atmosphere.
Xiang Shaolong casually checked: "Don’t you need to attend to Crown Prince?"
Lord Changwen shook his head and probed: "What are Shaolong’s plans against the rebels? Can you share some information with me? I may be able to lend you a hand."
With an air of indifference, Xiang Shaolong grilled: "Was it Crown Prince who ordered you to chase up to me and ask these questions?"
Revealing a stunned look, Lord Changwen is unable to answer him.
Xiang Shaolong smiled: "You can save it. I understand your difficulties."
His face darkening, Lord Changwen shamefully implored: "Can Shaolong help me out?"
Xiang Shaolong narrated: "You can report to Crown Prince that I have laid my hands on a bunch of clues, allowing me to take down Guan Zhongxie and the a.s.sa.s.sins of the six States in one fell swoop. Nevertheless, I would need to operate under full secrecy for my strategy to succeed. Therefore, with lesser people aware of my plans, the better it is for me."
Lord Changwen hastily enquired: "What’s the purpose behind Shaolong’s request for the Tiger Seal?"
Xiang Shaolong secretly thought: Of course it is a life preservation tactic. Instead, he answered: "Because I would need to deploy thirty thousand Imperial Cavalry soldiers in my quest to exterminate these trespa.s.sing invaders."
Pausing, he asked in return: "What is Wei Liao’s present rank?"
With a look of dilemma on his face, Lord Changwen lowered his head and responded: "I am not very sure."
Xiang Shaolong sighed to himself. Ultimately, Lord Changwen is inferior to his elder brother in terms of brotherhood loyalty. Sharing weal is easy; sharing woe is a different story.
Thinking about this, Xiang Shaolong cannot be bothered with his company.
With a "Please return!" Xiang Shaolong and the Guardians sped away. Back at his Command Centre, he immediately summoned the three men: Teng Yi, Jing Jun and Wu Guo. After updating them about the Tiger Seal incident, he a.s.serted: "Presently, we are considered untouchable. Unless Yingzheng personally leads an army against me, n.o.body else can lay a finger on us."
Teng Yi frowned: "However, Yingzheng can issue a decree to confiscate Third Brother’s military authority."
Xiang Shaolong grinned: "That’s the best part. To make sure that I get rid of Guan Zhongxie, Yingzheng would not recall the Tiger Seal before the coronation. By the time he wishes to act against my interests, he would discover my absence at Yongdu. During that period, we could enjoy a few days of complete freedom and focus all our energies on countering Lu Buwei."
Wu Guo nodded: "In this case, I must make my getaway before the end of the coronation ceremony."
Jing Jun wondered: "Are we really going after Guan Zhongxie?"
Xiang Shaolong sighed with a breath: "Just take it that we are giving Yingzheng a huge farewell present before our departure!"
Teng Yi agreed: "We must do it; otherwise, if Traitor Lu happens to succeed in his scheme, we can forget about enjoying our days in peace."
Xiang Shaolong proposed: "As long as we can capture all the members of one of the a.s.sa.s.sination teams that are concealed in the mountains or wilderness, and with Tu Xian concealing this development from Lu Buwei, we could execute our torturous interrogation methods and discover the location of Guan Zhongxie."
Wu Guo was puzzled: "I am still confused; instead of using the opportunity to head to Yongdu, why are the a.s.sa.s.sins still loitering near Xianyang."
Jing Jun questioned: "Three days later, Yingzheng shall proceed to Yongdu. When does Third Brother plan to strike?"
Revealing a self-satisfying and self-confident smile, Xiang Shaolong simply decided: "Tonight! Let these men have a taste of our well-trained and seasoned Wu Family Special Forces."
The three men stammered in shock: "Special Forces?"
Xiang Shaolong contentedly nodded.
Because of his 21st century scientific knowledge, Xiang Shaolong is able to recreate this ancient Special Forces team that employs the best battle techniques, allowing him to accomplish many missions that were originally insurmountable. Out of the blue, he can feel his chest swelling with infinite fighting spirit.
Under the brilliance of the bright moon, Xiang Shaolong who was disguised as Wu Guo is in a p.r.o.ne position with Ji Yanran beside him. They are waiting patiently on a cliff about six miles south of Xianyang City.
Armed with foldable crossbows, they are dressed in light jungle clothes. Underneath their clothes is a special armored vest, something similar to the 21st century bulletproof vest.
Now lying on the soft gra.s.s of the cliff, Xiang Shaolong reached out and patted the thigh of Ji Yanran who is sitting beside him. He softly remarked: "I hope Wu Guo don’t screw up."
Tonight is the first time Wu Guo is entering the limelight with his Xiang Shaolong disguise. Accompanied by Teng Yi, they are meeting Xu Shang for a discussion, a.n.a.lyzing how the Imperial Cavalry and Imperial Infantry can work hand in hand when Yingzheng is absent from Xianyang.
This tactic is to allay the suspicions of Xu Shang.
If Xu Shang learns that Xiang Shaolong has left the City, it will set off alarms in his head.
Lightly whining and brus.h.i.+ng off Xiang Shaolong’s invading hand, Ji Yanran frowned her brows: "Don’t touch me. With your Wu Guo disguise, I forbid any intimacy."
Xiang Shaolong was humoured: "Outer beauty is deceptive; inner beauty is genuine. Even our Talented Lady doesn’t realize this?"
Ji Yanran faintly sighed: "It is easier said than done. How many people can really forgo one’s appearance? If a choice is available, who would choose ugliness over beauty."
At this juncture, Jing Jun crept towards both of them and whispered: "The enemies numbered between twelve to fifteen men and