Chen Jie also startled; people were living just fine, how did they die?
Zhou Chu said, "The day after you left, Nan Batian released news that Huadie, fearing punishment, committed suicide and her corpse was burned, see?"
Chen Jie heard this and said, "A fake death, perhaps."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Chu said, "Hmm, now that you mention it, it does seem likely. By the way, now that we’ve captured Huadie, what can I do?"
"You help me find a place to keep her locked up where no one will discover her. All the places I have in the city can’t hide a person."
Zhou Chu, upon hearing this, said, "That’s easy, just hide her in the Shunfeng Escort Agency. It’s absolutely safe here; no one will know."
Chen Jie responded, "Hmm, okay, I’ll have to trouble you with this matter."
Zhou Chu then said, "Is there anything else I can help you with, Jiu Si?"
Chen Jie said, "Nothing else is needed. My main purpose for coming today was to tell you, I’m back!"
Hearing this, Zhou Chu said, "Hmm, now that you’re back, we brothers have a backbone again."
Chen Jie said, "Alright, you go back and rest up. Tomorrow you’ll be busy."
Zhou Chu’s eyes lit up as he said, "Great, I am willing to be busy, hahaha..."
"Alright, stop drinking and be careful your wife doesn’t beat you when you get back."
Zhou Chu said, "She wouldn’t dare; my status at home..."
"Miss, the son-in-law is right there drinking!"
Just as Zhou Chu was about to boast, the doors of the Shunfeng Escort Agency swung open. Chen Jie saw at once and dodged out of sight while Zhou Chu froze on the spot. Soon, a little maidservant pointed towards the small tavern nearby.
Then from the doorway, a voice came, "Mr. Zhou, I shall cross Shudao Mountain, three..."
Hearing this voice, Zhou Chu immediately signaled Chen Jie with his eyes. Chen Jie looked at him and said, "Your wife, she’s a Sichuanese? Doesn’t seem like Elder Sun would be, right?"
Zhou Chu said, "My mother-in-law is from Shu; my wife follows her mother."
The voice from inside the house spoke again. Hearing it, Zhou Chu bolted over, calling out, "Coming, coming~"
Watching Zhou Chu’s cheerful stride, Chen Jie felt, it seemed he was quite happy indeed.
Chen Jie laughed and shook his head; it was time for big things to happen.
Qimu Ge entered Darugachi’s room while Darugachi was lying on the legs of a Han woman, with two women gently kneading his shoulders and pounding his legs.
He was lying there comfortably, his expression one of immense enjoyment.
Upon seeing Qimu Ge come in, he said, "Qimu Ge, what is it?"
Qimu Ge said, "My Lord, the matter with the White Tiger Hall has been investigated thoroughly. It seems there is the shadow of Nan Batian behind it."
"Nan Batian, huh, too ambitious."
Hearing this, Qimu Ge said, "My Lord, do we need to give him a warning?"
"Hmm, a warning is necessary, but is there evidence for this matter? Although we are chess players, we still need evidence when dealing with Nan Batian. Without evidence, we can’t convincingly deal with him, and we will need his assistance in the future!"
"My Lord, I fear it will be difficult to find evidence; Nan Batian is always thorough in his deeds."
Darugachi frowned slightly and asked, "What’s the situation like over at White Tiger Hall?"
"Nan Batian intends to have Feng Xuan take over."
Darugachi muttered, "How does this man compare to Peng Shizhong?"
"This one is spineless and has been thoroughly tamed by Nan Batian. Before even taking the position, he has ceded Nan Lake, Yongchang Street, and the iron mines to Nan Batian."
"What? The iron mines also given back to Nan Batian?"
Darugachi said, "Then there’s no point in wooing him. Is there anyone else suitable for the task in White Tiger Hall aside from Feng Xuan?"
Qimu Ge answered, "No, there used to be a Zheng Chuan who was quite capable, but unfortunately, he had secret dealings with the Zoroastrian Sect and was dealt with."
"There was also one named Chen Jiusi who could have been suitable, but he was the target of this plot and got scared away. Now, there are no contenders to Feng Xuan in the entire White Tiger Hall."
"This is somewhat troublesome... Nan Batian has indeed played a good move!"
Upon hearing this, Qimu Ge said, "My Lord, regardless, White Tiger Hall must possess independent capability. It cannot be completely subordinate to the Fishing Guild; else the Guild Cao won’t be able to compete against the Fishing Guild. The Jianghu forces of Mianshui will be disrupted, and our control, like it is now, will be difficult."
"Thus, my Lord, we cannot neglect White Tiger Hall!"
Qimu Ge clearly explained the grave implications, and Darugachi pondered for a moment and then said, "Then let’s look into the real cause of Peng Shizhong’s death. Oh, and find that Chen Jiusi to see if he can be of use. If he can, try to replace Feng Xuan. White Tiger Hall doesn’t need a Hall Master who is merely a vassal of the Fishing Guild."
Qimu Ge said and turned to leave, but just then, Darugachi added, "Oh, and the evidence regarding Peng Shizhong’s death must be convincing; we can’t provide people with leverage to criticize us, you understand?"
Qimu Ge responded and was ready to leave when suddenly there was a commotion outside, "Stop right there! Who goes there? There’s an assassin!"
Hearing this, Qimu Ge immediately gestured with his hand and rushed out—what fool dared to intrude upon Darugachi Mansion!
Meanwhile, outside, they saw a man in a bamboo hat standing there, surrounded by Mulan Soldiers wielding long spears, each one prepared for battle.
But the man in the bamboo hat was casually strolling, standing there without a hint of nervousness.
Then Qimu Ge appeared and demanded, "Who are you!"
Upon seeing Qimu Ge, Chen Jie instantly lifted the bamboo hat. Qimu Ge was taken aback, "Chen Jiusi?"
Chen Jie saluted, "I’ve seen Commander Qimu Ge."
"What are you doing in Darugachi Mansion?"
Qimu Ge frowned, and Chen Jie said, "Please forgive me, Commander. I’ve been grievously wronged, and I must report to Lord Darugachi."
Qimu Ge said, "If you’re wronged, appeal to the government, what do you want with Darugachi... Men—"
"Hold on, let him in."
Just as Qimu Ge was about to take action, suddenly Darugachi’s voice came from inside. Qimu Ge paused, nodded, and said, "Yes."
Then he said to Chen Jie, "Come with me."
Saying so, he and Chen Jie entered Darugachi’s room together!