In the courtyard dedicated to training outside the Shen family’s mansion, Mo Qing was practicing with Shen Qiu’s personal guard, Ah Zhi. Ah Zhi was currently the most skilled guard in Shen Qiu’s crew, but Mo Qing was actually on par with him. When Shen Miao introduced Mo Qing to Shen Qiu, Shen Qiu wanted to test Mo Qing’s ability. It turned out that Mo Qing far exceeded his expectations.
Shen Qiu was naturally very happy. There were no weak soldiers under a strong general. The more strong soldiers he had, the more famous the Shen family’s army would be. Ever since he recruited Mo Qing, Shen Qiu had been praising Shen Miao for having a good eye for talents. Occasionally, he would pester Shen Miao to go and find more talents like Mo Qing for him, but Shen Miao said no with a roll of her eyes. In her previous life, she only knew one commander. It was not like everyone could be a commander.
After practicing with Mo Qing, Ah Zhi was so tired that he was sweating profusely. He took a big gulp of water and said, “It’s really satisfying to fight with Brother Mo! Brother Mo’s swordsmanship is really superb.”
Mo Qing cupped his hands. “Brother Zhi, you flatter me. My sword technique is not superb. There is always someone better than me.”
“Is there anyone better at swordsmanship than Brother Mo?” Ah Zhi smiled and said, “Then I really want to see him!”
Mo Qing did not speak, but what appeared in his mind was that night at the Wolong Temple. He carried Shen Qing to change rooms with Shen Miao. That night, a man in black rushed in from the window and easily snatched his sword. In front of that person, Mo Qing felt as weak as a child. He heard Shen Miao call him, “Young Marquis Xie.”
That young man’s swordsmanship was truly superb.
Ah Zhi sighed and said, “I wonder how satisfying it will be to kill enemies on the battlefield with Brother Mo. I actually can’t wait. Unfortunately, General has to stay in the capital for another half a year for Fifth Miss. If you want to defeat the enemy with us, you have to wait for half a year.” He looked at Mo Qing. “Speaking of which, Fifth Miss is really good at finding talents. Someone as rare as you is not easily found.”
“Fifth Miss is indeed an amazing person,” Mo Qing said. Over the days being with Shen Miao, he did look down on some of the things she did. As a woman, Shen Miao was cruel, heartless, vicious, and cold, but she could not be hated because the people she dealt with were all people who wanted her dead.
Mo Qing remembered that day when Shen Miao lifted the curtain of the carriage and asked him with a smile, “Are you willing to serve my family with your martial arts?”
Talents are all eager for someone who can appreciate them. In a way, Shen Miao was his benefactor.
Ah Zhi elbowed him. “Tomorrow will be the Jade Rabbit Festival. You must make sure Fifth Miss is safe and sound.”
“Huh?” Mo Qing suddenly looked up.
“What’s wrong?” Ah Zhi followed his gaze and said in confusion, “There’s nothing.”
“I was probably being too vigilant.” Mo Qing shook his head, ignoring the strange feeling in his heart.
On the other side of the wall, there were two people leaning against the wall. These two people were both wearing hemp clothes and bamboo hats that covered their faces tightly.
One said, “There are indeed many talents in the Shen family. Even a guard is so trained. We were almost discovered.”
“That’s right.” The other one lowered his voice and said, “There are many guards outside the Shen family, and Shen Xin’s soldiers are also around. I’m afraid it’ll be hard for us to make a move.”
“The higher-ups gave us an order.” Another one said, “Capture her and get the information we want. We are so close to becoming rich and powerful. How can we give up now?”
“Of course we can’t give up.” The man in the bamboo hat chuckled. “Didn’t the two guards say just now that Shen Miao will be going out tomorrow for the Jade Rabbit Festival? At that time, the streets will be crowded and it will be easy for us to make a move. We just have to separate her from her guards and take her away.”
“Do it cleanly.” The man’s words were cold and ruthless. “In order to get rid of future troubles, tie her up and throw her into the lake when you get the information. Don’t have any designs on her.”
“Got it.”