Furthermore, we can’t neglect the matter of contacting Huangzhou Prefecture; we just need to be more cautious. Wanting to extricate ourselves from Yelu’s control, we can only scheme from the top. I, Nan Batian, might play the dog for you Yelu for a moment, but I refuse to be your dog for a lifetime.
Nan Batian thought to himself, and then looked up at the sky. Just wait, the funeral three days later, the exposing of Chen Jiusi, the killing of Chen Jiusi, and taking White Tiger Hall into our pocket, then the Fishing Guild can expand its power and find a way to deal with Yelu.
Hehe, Chen Jiusi, I can hardly wait to see you disgraced and in despair!
In Yelu Mansion, watching Nan Batian’s retreating figure, Qimu Ge stepped out and said, "Lord, this Nan Batian harbors wild ambition. Why did you just agree to give him White Tiger Hall after Chen Jiusi falls? Wouldn’t his strength grow and risk him turning to bite us instead?"
Yelu squinted his eyes and said, "Alas, this is a necessary move. If we want Mianshui County to operate peacefully, we must let the Han people govern with the Han System. Chen Jiusi originally was a decent choice, but he has gotten involved with the Zoroastrian Sect. If he can’t be used, then we need to bring back Nan Batian to keep using him, but I’ve had a falling out with him recently. We need to find a way to ease the tension."
Hearing this, Qimu Ge said, "Lord, are you saying Chen Jiusi is really colluding with the Zoroastrian Sect? What’s he after?"
Yelu replied, "I don’t know that, but Nan Batian’s analysis was detailed and made sense. It’s likely that Chen Jiusi could take advantage of the funeral to secretly transport military supplies out of the city in the coffins."
"Nan Batian did not remind me before, and I had overlooked this point. Now that I think about it, there’s a deep strategy at play," said Yelu.
Qimu Ge said, "But I always feel Chen Jiusi wouldn’t be so foolish. The Zoroastrian Sect is detested in the Southern Territory; wouldn’t colluding with them be asking for trouble?"
Yelu replied, "I also find it suspicious, but there are some things we’d rather err on the side of belief than disbelief. Matters of state cannot afford any gambles!"
After listening to these words, Qimu Ge said, "But what if there is nothing wrong with Chen Jiusi?"
Yelu said, "If there’s nothing wrong, then we’ll continue to use him, as is."
"But if he finds out we suspect him, I’m afraid he’ll have other ideas, which would be detrimental to our control," Qimu Ge offered his view. If Chen Jiusi knew that Yelu didn’t trust him, might he no longer be willing to cooperate with Yelu?
Yelu laughed and said, "Who said I don’t trust him?"
"But what you just said to Nan Batian?"
Yelu said, "Right, I told Nan Batian to investigate Chen Jiusi’s coffins. Whether the coffins contain military supplies or if Chen Jiusi is being falsely accused, that’s all on Nan Batian, what does it have to do with me? I certainly did not send our Yelu Mansion’s men to pry open any coffins!"
"If there’s nothing in them, hehe, then it’s Nan Batian’s issue, and we have absolutely nothing to do with it. Moreover, I can also take the opportunity to vindicate Jiu Si. If Chen Jiusi isn’t grateful to me, that’s one thing, but how could he resent me?"
"Wouldn’t it be against all reason?"
Yelu said to Qimu Ge, who upon hearing this thought, right, the one suspecting Chen Jiusi, the one wronging Chen Jiusi, the one wanting to pry open Chen Jiusi’s coffins, that’s all Nan Batian. What does that have to do with our Lord Yelu? We, Lord Yelu, are not carrying this pot!
So you see, whether this affair succeeds or not, Lord Yelu himself suffers no loss; the only ones who stand to lose are Chen Jiusi or Nan Batian.
Let them Dogs bite each other, a mouthful of fur.
"Haha, Lord, you truly have a far-sighted vision!"
Yelu smiled without replying, considering these tiny schemes insignificant.
"However, this matter does indeed require attention. On that day, you’ll lead the Black Cavalry outside the city to stay alert, in case of any issues. Chen Jiusi, although young, is not witless. If he truly has joined the Zoroastrian Sect, then we can’t take this lightly. If he does manage to transport military supplies out of the city for the Northern Rebel Army to use against the court, then we have failed the nation."
Hearing this, Qimu Ge saluted and said, "Yes, Lord, on that day I’ll ensure not even a fly can escape from Mianshui City!"
After hearing these words, Yelu nodded and said, "Good, we will then see whether Chen Jiusi is loyal or a treacherous official!"
A chilling light emanated from Yelu’s eyes.
Chen Jiusi, ah, Chen Jiusi, I hope you won’t disappoint me. I really don’t wish to be the one who destroys you! But if you truly dare to collude with the Zoroastrian Sect and defy the court, then I’m sorry, you are doomed to die.
So, let’s wait for the funeral in three days!
In the blink of an eye, three days passed. This morning, White Tiger Hall was bedecked with white lanterns. Inside the main hall of White Tiger Hall, twenty-eight large coffins were placed, with wreaths arranged in the center, prominently featuring the large character for "condolence".
The entire White Tiger Hall was shrouded in a somber and mournful atmosphere, with crowds of White Tiger disciples wearing white flowers on their arms, bustling about.
The families of these heroes wept together in the hall.
At this time, Chen Jie was also hiding in the Inner Hall, tears streaming down his face as he listened to the cries outside.
Just then, Xiao Hu hurried in, also wearing a white flower, and upon reaching the Inner Hall, said, "Everything is ready. The military supplies are also packed into the coffins."
Chen Jiusi responded, "Hmm, then open the doors to welcome the guests!"