Chapter 928: Exceptionally Outstanding
Editor: Henyee Translations

“Looks like the next step is to regain the trust of Left Emissary,” Hong Feiyun said, dismissing her own concerns, “What does it matter to me anyway?” She changed the subject, “What does Left Emissary like?”

Zeng Huo looked at Hong Feiyun incredulously, “You’re not thinking of giving a gift, are you?”

“Why not?” Hong Feiyun retorted.

Zeng Huo crossed his arms, shaking his head, “Left Emissary has countless rare treasures. He won’t fancy anything you offer.”

Hong Feiyun asked further, “Then, does this person have any weaknesses?”

Zeng Huo thought for a moment, “There is one.”

“What is it?” Hong Feiyun inquired.

Zeng Huo revealed, “It’s said that Left Emissary has a son who is paralyzed. If you can cure his son, he would surely cover for you regarding this incident.”

“Fine, we’ll use his paralyzed son as our breakthrough.”

…

In a room somewhere, a man wearing an eagle mask stood in front of a window, gazing at the moon in the sky.

Behind him, a subordinate reported, “The assassination attempt at Hong Feiyun’s opera house failed. Except for Hong Feiyun being rescued, the rest were annihilated!”

The masked man burst into laughter, “Well done, well done!”

The subordinate continued, “However, Master, the target Lou Ze you asked us to monitor disappeared after the assassination attempt. We searched the entire opera house and couldn’t find him.”

The masked man’s smile faded, turning to anger, “Vanished into thin air?”

The subordinate knelt, “Master, Lou Ze has always been elusive. We had difficulty capturing his whereabouts. Please give us more time, we will definitely find him.”

The masked man closed his eyes in resignation, not in a hurry, “After you find Lou Ze, don’t bother reporting back to me. Directly tell him that I know the whereabouts of the second batch of military supplies, and have him come to me.”

The subordinate replied, “Yes, Master.”

The masked man waved dismissively, “You may leave.”

The subordinate responded, “Yes.”

…

With matters settled in Linzhang City, Tang Jinghong led his army toward Shang City.

All the officials and citizens of the city came to see them off.

The magistrate watched the departing troops, “Fortunately, we had General Tang and Chu Qingzhi; otherwise, I might still be in a dark prison, and Linzhang City would have been doomed.”

The magistrate’s advisor concurred, “Lord, Chu Qingzhi and General Tang are the lucky stars of the eastern border.”

The magistrate nodded, “Send out an order, if anyone discovers the presence of the ‘Celestial Ointment’ within Linzhang City, they must report it to the authorities immediately. Rewards will be given for contributions, and failure to report will be considered complicity.”

It was essential to maintain the newly achieved peace.

Wen Jun became rode up on a fast horse, “Big brother, I’m going to serve the court now. Don’t worry about me. I’ve made many mistakes before, and now it’s time to make amends.”

The magistrate was greatly relieved; his brother had truly matured through this ordeal, “Be careful, and write to me often.”

“Sure.” Looking towards the horizon, knowing he might not return, Wen Jun became somewhat sentimental, “Big brother, take care of yourself, and look after my sister-in-law and my niece and nephew.”

The magistrate nodded, “I will. I won’t let them suffer like before.”

“Big brother, I’m leaving.” Wen Jun bowed to the magistrate, then rode swiftly to catch up with Tang Jinghong.

Several other righteous warriors who had been observing from afar also decided to join Tang Jinghong. After this incident, everyone saw Tang Jinghong’s determination and had great confidence in him.

…

From Linzhang City to Shang City, the army needed to march for three days.

Three days later, the army encamped on the outskirts of Shang City, with tents stretching for miles, a magnificent sight.

Meng Shengdong entered the main tent, “General, Yan Zihao requests an audience.”

Tang Jinghong was reading a letter. Upon hearing this, he pressed the letter under a book and gestured, “Let him in.”

Meng Shengdong bowed and went to the tent door.

Soon, Yan Zihao entered, “I’ve come to see the general.”

Tang Jinghong looked up, his gaze indifferent, “What is it?”

Yan Zihao saluted and got straight to the point, “General, I wish to earn military merits.”

Tang Jinghong raised an eyebrow, “Earning merits is not as simple as saying so. Are you aware of the possible price, even risking your life?”

Yan Zihao did not hesitate, “I am willing to risk my life.”

Tang Jinghong regarded Yan Zihao with increased interest, “Even if it means getting nothing in return, you’re not afraid?”

“Not afraid!” Yan Zihao said decisively. For someone of his background, living an inconsequential life was the true fear.

Tang Jinghong, seeing Yan Zihao’s determination, decided to give him a chance, “If that’s the case, I’ll assign you a mission. If you accomplish it, I will make full use of your abilities.”

Yan Zihao’s heart leaped with eagerness, “Please tell me, General.”

Tang Jinghong revealed, “I’ve just received intelligence that there’s a secretive cult within Shang City. Your task is to infiltrate this organization, clarify their personnel relationships, and most importantly, identify their leader. If you can confirm the leader, you don’t need to report back; just eliminate him.”

Yan Zihao’s heart tightened slightly, “Yes, General, I will complete the mission.”

Tang Jinghong cautioned, “While I say this, your safety is still the priority. Loyalty and capability are not merely demonstrated by dying; I value results. Do you understand?”

Yan Zihao had an epiphany, “Thank you for the guidance, General.”

Tang Jinghong waved him away, “Go now.”

After Yan Zihao left, Jiang Zhanglin entered, “I’ve come to see the General.”

Tang Jinghong examined Jiang Zhanglin. Although he was a noble son, he had been with the army without a single complaint of fatigue. For this reason alone, Tang Jinghong held him in higher regard, “Are you also here to take on a mission?”

Jiang Zhanglin bowed, “General, I wish to serve.”

Tang Jinghong was surprised, “Do you know that Yan Zihao has also taken on a mission?”

“I am aware,” Jiang Zhanglin paused, then added, “General, you must have assigned him to investigate the cult in Shang City.”

Tang Jinghong was quite taken aback, “Why would you say that?”

Jiang Zhanglin carefully explained, “At this moment, that is the only significant challenge you face, and with Yan Zihao’s eagerness to prove himself, it is the mission you would most likely assign him.”

Clearly one of the top scholars from the Imperial Academy, Jiang Zhanglin’s astuteness impressed Tang Jinghong, “You are correct. If he completes this task, I will indeed credit him with military merits.”

“That is only appropriate,” Jiang Zhanglin agreed.

Tang Jinghong considered him, “You lack martial skills and are too conspicuous, too eye-catching.”

He thought for a moment, “I want you to check out the surrounding villages and towns. I’ll give you three days to investigate. I want results after three days. Can you manage that?”

Jiang Zhanglin requested, “May I ask the General to assign some men to assist me?”

Tang Jinghong tapped his fingers lightly on the table, “There are no men in the army to spare for you. However, you can command Du Zhaolin and others as you see fit. I will issue a military order to that effect.”