"Water-based search?"
Yelu looked at Tang Ziyue with a puzzled expression, to which Tang Ziyue replied, "Yes, a water-based search, Lord. The boats on the Mianshui River belong to just two groups, the Fishing Guild and Guild Cao, and my Fishing Guild Disciples are spread all across Mianshui."
"The enemy must have been seen if they transported military supplies by boat."
"Seen? Even if they were seen, how could it be confirmed that it was military supplies?"
Qimu Ge asked this on the side, and Tang Ziyue answered with a smile, "Lord Commander, iron is unlike other goods, it’s heavy. When a small boat carries military supplies, it has a certain depth in the water, and these experienced old fishermen can spot it at a glance. So, as long as these people move over the Mianshui River, they will have nowhere to hide!"
Hearing this, Yelu said, "Oh, your Fishing Guild has such a tactic?"
Upon hearing this, Nan Batian finally snapped back to attention and said, "Lord Yelu, rest assured, if the military supplies went by water, they’re bound to leave a trace. I will go back at once and mobilize my forces to search all the boats on the Mianshui River, they won’t be able to escape!"
Tang Ziyue added, "Additionally, we need a letter written by Lord Yelu for the River Patrol Envoys at the state mansions along the route, and our Gang Leader will also communicate with the various Fishing Guilds and Guild Caos along the way for a joint interception of the military supplies. We absolutely won’t let these supplies make it to the Northern lands."
Upon hearing this, Nan Batian said, "Yes, yes, I’ll contact my friends on the river, and we’re sure to find these military supplies for you, Lord!"
Yelu, with a slight smirk and a cheerful expression, responded to Nan Batian’s words, "Hahaha, very well, very well! Guild Leader Nan is truly loyal. Given that, I’ll entrust the inspection to you, and if you can find these military supplies, you’ll still be the top Guild Leader of Mianshui!"
"Thank you for your generous favor, Lord."
Nan Batian quickly bowed his thanks, acknowledging the close shave he had just avoided, with all his powers nearly stripped away. Now the situation had turned, and it appeared he had regained his standing.
Thinking this, Nan Batian said, "Lord, there is also Liu Laoguai’s Guild Cao on the water, and they have the most cargo ships. I’m worried they might not cooperate!"
Hearing this, Yelu replied, "That’s simple. I’ll have Elder Liu cooperate with you."
Upon hearing this, Nan Batian immediately bowed and said, "Then it’s foolproof. Lord, rest assured, if they dare to go by water, I will surely make it impossible for them to slip away. I’ll mobilize all of my riverside brothers, and not even a sparrow will be able to fly over the Mianshui River, they will find escape impossible."
Hearing this, Yelu laughed, "Hahaha, very good, very good indeed."
"With this assurance from Guild Leader Nan, I’m at ease. I will leave this matter in your hands, and if you can find the military supplies, we’ll consider the past grievances forgiven."
Nan Batian immediately bowed, his face breaking into a smile, his power had returned, and it was even greater than before!
Seeing this, Yelu said, "Alright, I’ll leave the rest to you."
With these words, Yelu stretched out his hand, and Qimu Ge pulled a Waist Token off his belt and handed it to Nan Batian, "This is Lord Darugachi’s Waist Token. Holding this token is as if the Lord himself is present!"
With this declaration, Nan Batian’s eyes lit up instantly, and he immediately took the Waist Token. With this token, he felt mighty indeed.
This was the Imperial Sword of Mianshui County.
After giving the Waist Token, Yelu left, but Nan Batian, holding the token, was filled with joy. Turning towards Tang Ziyue, his face beamed with smiles, truly appreciating his most valued strategist for providing aid in his time of need and pulling him back from the brink.
With just a few words, Ziyue had persuaded Lord Darugachi to entrust the important task of searching for the military supplies back to him, and finding them would absolve past faults, ensuring he remained the most powerful person in Mianshui.
Most crucially, with this power in hand, he couldn’t wait to give Chen Jiusi a proper shaking.
All of this was thanks to Tang Ziyue, and Nan Batian couldn’t help but reflect, "With Ziyue by my side, it’s like Liu Bang had Zhang Liang!"
While he was reflecting, Tang Ziyue respectfully said, "Gang Leader, now is not the time for reflections, there are important matters we need to attend to."
"Oh, speak quickly, Ziyue."
Nan Batian looked at Tang Ziyue, who continued, "Seize the docks belonging to Chen Jiusi and Liu Laoguai, and then inventory their boats, especially Chen Jiusi’s. If even one boat is missing, he won’t be able to disentangle himself from this affair, and then, hehe..."
"Brilliant, absolutely brilliant!"
Nan Batian, hearing Tang Ziyue’s plan, couldn’t help but clap in approval. Yes, seizing Chen Jiusi’s docks and tallying his boats. If any were missing, Chen Jiusi would be unable to explain it away, and he would be done for.
Thinking thus, Nan Batian excitedly said, "Great, great! Let’s go, let’s start by sealing off Chen Jiusi’s den at Xiantao Ferry."
Thinking to himself, Nan Batian’s face was full of smiles, "Hehehe, Chen Jiusi, what was it to make me kowtow a few times or lose some men? This time I’ll directly ransack your home, seal your docks and boats, and let’s see how you fight me then."
"You dare to play tricks with me, just you wait, I’ll make sure you understand just how formidable I, Nan Batian, am."
With these thoughts, Nan Batian gestured, "Come, let’s head to Xiantao Village Ferry."
Saying so, the group headed straight for the Xiantao Village Ferry.
Xiantao Village Ferry was one of the docks newly developed by Chen Jie, with most of the cargo ships there, making it Chen Jie’s main transportation channel.
And the person in charge was none other than Uncle Zhong, managing on his behalf.