CHAPTER 239: CHAPTER 236 ASSASSINATION

After Nanny Liu left, Cui He went to the backyard.

The two Death Warriors were sitting in the room, meticulously sharpening their daggers.

Cui He stood watching for a while, then finally said, "Do you know what to do tomorrow?"

The two men responded, "We know."

And there was nothing more to say.

Cui He knew some would train Death Warriors, using unknown methods to make them fearless of life and death, only understanding to obey the master’s orders. Even if caught, they would unhesitatingly swallow poison. Even if they were lucky enough not to die, no matter how severe the torture, they would never divulge their master’s name.

Previously, when Cui He heard the term "Death Warrior," a hint of fear would rise in his heart. Now, facing these two, he felt both saddened and guilty.

To transform a person so radically shows how terrifying the methods for training Death Warriors are.

Cui He left the room, outwardly calm but internally in turmoil. He knew he would be sleepless tonight.

...

In a courtyard in Mingzhou.

Third Master Du had been busy for several days. Now that the situation was about to settle, he could finally take a rest. He chose to stay here because Mingzhou was close to Xingzhou, and with fast horses, he could reach it within an hour. He could always be informed about the situation at the Chen Family Village’s Xingzhou warehouse.

Secondly, although there was still some distance to Xingzhou, he could observe from afar, avoiding suspicion.

The steward reported respectfully to Third Master Du: "Every day, many shops return goods. After all, Chen Family Village is a small place, and they surely don’t have much Silver Coin left. In a few days, they won’t be able to hold on."

Third Master Du opened his mouth, and the maid next to him immediately fed him a peeled fruit.

Third Master Du’s eyebrows raised, revealing a smug expression: "Are they in chaos?"

"They are," replied the steward, "The people from Chen Family Village still bring out goods to sell every day, but thread tassels aren’t selling well." Every day people crowd at the warehouse gate waiting to return Silver, who would dare easily buy Chen Family Village’s goods?

What surprised the steward, however, was that many shops were unwilling to return goods unless instructed by the Du Family, with eighty percent keeping the Chen Family Village thread tassels.

If it were someone else, they’d have long been unable to sustain, but it shows the people of Chen Family Village have some capabilities.

The steward continued, "Miss Lin has also sent word, ten-plus women are rushing to make thread tassels, and they can produce quite a lot in just two days."

Third Master Du’s lips curled up; even a small Chen Family Village dared to oppose him. He waved his hand to dismiss the steward.

The servant next to him stepped forward, smiling, "Now Third Master can rest easy."

Third Master Du kicked the servant: "It’s merely Chen Family Village, nothing I’ve taken seriously."

The servant still kept a smile on his face: "Does Third Master want to go out and relax? I’ve inquired about the flower house in Mingzhou; a new girl has arrived at the one you usually visit."

Third Master Du’s eyes brightened: "How is she? Is she prettier than their top girl?"

Knowing his master’s preferences, the servant had already gone to inquire: "Not yet fourteen, she’s fresh and delicate, they say she’s also versed in poetry, painting, and hasn’t entertained guests yet."

The servant’s words hit the spot for Third Master Du.

Third Master Du stood up and walked out, the servant quickly moved ahead to lead the way.

Unbeknownst to Third Master Du, several shadows quietly pursued them.

...

As soon as dawn broke, Xie Liangchen got up to wash.

After eating, she left the warehouse with Liu Erniang and Chen Zhongdong.

Just as they exited the city gates, a veiled woman immediately approached; it was the Second Steward of the embroidery workshop.

The Second Steward spoke softly, "The embroideress is in a village towards the east. We’ll take the back roads so as not to be discovered."

Xie Liangchen nodded, and Chen Zhongdong scanned the surroundings before shielding Xie Liangchen and Liu Erniang, following the Second Manager forward.

"In Zhang Family Village, the womenfolk all do some needlework. The embroideress I mentioned is very skilled," the Second Steward explained as they walked, "I was the one who brought her to the embroidery workshop, and that’s why she tells me those things in private."

Xie Liangchen nodded.

The Second Steward continued, "But those who are used to hardships have small courage. A little scare and they wouldn’t dare say a thing. We’ll have to persuade her slowly."

Xie Liangchen responded, "I’ll follow Second Steward’s arrangements."

The Second Steward said, "You’re so young, yet managing such a large warehouse. When I was your age, I was just betrothed, my mind filled only with serving elders, husband, and teaching children, but alas... Many things are beyond one’s control... My parents-in-law and husband passed away one after another, with no foothold, my father and brothers wouldn’t let me return home. If I didn’t come out to work, I’d starve."

Xie Liangchen replied, "This time last year, people in Zhenzhou were still starving. Fortunately, the battles stopped. Nowadays Zhenzhou is different, though tiring, walking the right path always leads to seeing the clear skies."

The Second Steward paused in surprise, then said, "You’re right."

Xie Liangchen did not continue, and the Second Steward remained silent too. Walking along the narrow path, the road ahead became increasingly difficult.

Xie Liangchen stopped, panting urgently, seemingly exhausted.

Chen Zhongdong couldn’t help asking, "Where are we headed? Exactly where is the village?"

The Second Steward pointed ahead: "There’s a mountain blocking the way; we’ll circle around the foot, and you’ll see it."

Liu Erniang looked forward, spotting hunters’ thatched shelters on the mountain.

The Second Steward said, "Let’s go; once past this section, it’ll be fine."

They continued walking.

The forest was dense, blocking out sunlight, sporadic bird calls sounded. The Second Steward took advantage of Xie Liangchen and the others being distracted to stealthily glance upwards.

Just a bit further ahead...

Once she leads them there, someone will naturally take action.

Thinking of the silver ingots in her house, those Silver Coin would soon be hers.

Suddenly, a crisp sound echoed not far away, like someone stepping on a branch, followed by Chen Zhongdong shouting: "Someone."

A shadow flickered in the distance.

The Second Steward’s face showed surprise; they hadn’t yet reached the designated spot, but someone lying in ambush exposed themselves prematurely.

Chen Zhongdong tugged at Xie Liangchen: "Sister, let’s go, I saw him."

Chen Zhongdong removed the hunting bow from his shoulder, quickly shooting an arrow. He hadn’t intended for it to hit anyone, but surprisingly, as the arrow sped forward, the shadow moved again.

The arrow firmly embedded into flesh.

Stunned, Chen Zhongdong realized the person seemed to deliberately want to be hit, but there was no time for further thought, as he shielded Xie Liangchen and Liu Erniang, heading out of the forest.

As Xie Liangchen and the others fled, three figures appeared in pursuit, with one clutching an arrow wound on the shoulder, urgently telling a companion: "Stop chasing, leave with me..."

The two men in black paused for a moment but did not stop. They drew sharp weapons from their waists and charged at Xie Liangchen and the others.