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Chu Tang sat at a nearby table, resting his chin on one hand. “Nothing, continue playing.”

Lord Yun instructed the maid to bring some tea and snacks for Chu Tang before resuming his playing. “You are the first person to listen to my guqin so attentively.”

The piece lasted a long time.

Chu Tang popped the last piece of snack into his mouth, dusted off his hands, and took a sip of tea before speaking. “What’s your relationship with Lord Yun? Why are you working for him?”

Lord Yun paused, then replied, “I am Lord Yun. I’m not working for anyone.”

Chu Tang tilted his head slightly. “What did I write in my third letter to Lord Yun?”

Lord Yun froze.

Chu Tang thought, judging by his demeanor, this person seemed too detached to be someone who would orchestrate such vicious schemes. “Do you know what happens to those who deceive me?”

Lord Yun remained silent, accepting his doomed fate. He resumed playing the guqin. “I don’t know who this Lord Yun you speak of is. I’m a deposed prince guarding the imperial tomb. A month ago, someone approached me, showed me some things, and then asked me to impersonate someone named Lord Yun.”

It appeared that the real Lord Yun had prepared for this moment long in advance. Finding someone of royal lineage to act on his behalf indicated that Lord Yun held significant power, likely a member of the royal family.

Chu Tang inquired, “Which country’s imperial tomb? What’s your name?”

The man replied, “Xiasang Kingdom, Tenth Prince Xia Yuncheng.”

Chu Tang’s expression turned serious. Xiasang Kingdom was known for its ambition and cruelty. Given their reputation, it wasn’t surprising they would come up with something as vile as Immortal Ointment. “Come with me. Once we resolve things here, we’ll deal with you.”

Xia Yuncheng complied, rising and walking ahead.

Chu Tang followed. “Are the people on this ship yours or Lord Yun’s?”

Xia Yuncheng responded coolly, “His.”

Chu Tang spared the maid and killed the rest. “Tell Lord Yun that hiding won’t work forever. I’ll find him eventually and expose his true, ugly face to the world!”

The maid, trembling with fear, nodded. “I’ll relay your message exactly.”

Chu Tang grabbed Xia Yuncheng and flew to the shore.

Tang Jinghong was waiting at the riverbank. Chu Tang had informed him about the meeting with Lord Yun, and Tang Jinghong had come to see who this Lord Yun was. “Qingzhi, he…”

“He’s the Tenth Prince of Xiasang Kingdom, not Lord Yun.” Chu Tang said, frustrated. It had been a long time since someone had played him for a fool.

Tang Jinghong examined Xia Yuncheng. He had a refined demeanor but seemed too gentle. “So, Lord Yun is likely from Xiasang Kingdom too?”

“Most likely,” Chu Tang replied cautiously. They still hadn’t confirmed Lord Yun’s identity.

As he spoke, something fell from Xia Yuncheng’s clothing. Chu Tang quickly picked it up and saw it was a carved headless fish. “A member of the Xuan family!”

“Are you from the Xuan family?” Chu Tang’s tone became severe.

Xia Yuncheng was startled. How did this man recognize the Xuan family from a single carving? “I’m not from the Xuan family. My mother was. She gave this to me.”

Chu Tang used a spell and questioned Xia Yuncheng again, receiving the same answers. Only then did he feel at ease. “Jinghong, let’s head back. We need to plan our next steps carefully.”

“Alright.”

Back at the Tao residence, Chu Qingzhi prepared some food for Tang Jinghong. After eating, Tang Jinghong said he had to leave.

Chu Tang asked, “Why are you in such a hurry? Can’t you leave after sunrise?”

Tang Jinghong wanted to stay longer but couldn’t. “There are too many things to handle. The military funds issue hasn’t been resolved, Xi Zhaoping asked for my help to rescue someone, and the smallpox problem in Chen’an Kingdom persists. The camp has just settled, and there are many matters to attend to.”

Chu Tang was speechless. “It’s been months, and Chen’an Kingdom’s smallpox outbreak still isn’t under control?”

Tang Jinghong shook his head slowly. “No. I don’t know what they’re doing. Even with Hongjun and Linjiang’s help, they haven’t managed to contain it.”

Hearing the names of his two disciples, Chu Tang felt a twinge of concern. “Once I’ve dealt with things here, I’ll check on my disciples and see how Chen’an Kingdom is faring.”

At this rate, the kingdom might collapse.

Tang Jinghong said, “There’s no rush. They’re restricted to their own country. Whatever they do there doesn’t pose a significant threat to us.”

Chu Tang thought Tang Jinghong was a bit devious. “Alright, we’ll take our time.” He changed the subject, “By the way, why haven’t you resolved the military funds issue yet?”

“The key person went missing.” Tang Jinghong was troubled. It should have been a straightforward task—question the person in charge of transporting the funds and the case would be solved. But that person had vanished without a trace.

Chu Tang speculated, “Could they be from Xiasang Kingdom? Perhaps they’ve taken the funds and returned.”

“That’s a possibility. If that’s the case, a conflict between Daling and Xiasang Kingdom is inevitable.” Tang Jinghong expressed his concern.

If a royal from Xiasang Kingdom had stolen Daling’s military funds, it would undoubtedly lead to major conflict.

Chu Tang felt the weight of the situation. War was something no one wanted. “What’s the situation with Xi Zhaoping?”

Tang Jinghong explained everything to Chu Tang. “That’s the situation.”

Chu Tang nodded. “Go ahead. If I have time, I’ll come help. I enjoy raiding bandits.” There’s nothing like fighting fire with fire.

Tang Jinghong chuckled. “If you do come, let me know in advance so I can welcome you.”

“Sure.” Chu Tang embraced Tang Jinghong before seeing him off.

Returning to his room, Chu Tang found Zeng Huo waiting. “I’ve never seen you so clingy before.”

Chu Tang glanced at Zeng Huo. “What’s up?”

Zeng Huo straightened up. “That second Miss Mu is Liang City’s most beautiful woman. If General Tang rescues her, what if she falls for him?”

Chu Tang was skeptical. “She would?”

Zeng Huo tilted his head, speaking knowingly. “A beauty often falls for her hero.”

“Good point.” Chu Tang turned to chase after Tang Jinghong.