Chapter 186
Chapter 186 - Ya Yuan
Teng Yu's arrival this time was exceptionally grand, causing a huge commotion wherever he passed. However, the group did not stop, and by the time most officials received the news, they had already left the area.
After rushing all the way to Yunjin City, Teng Yu squinted at the high walls and said, “Go, beat the gongs and notify the entire city. I'm coming down, let the officials of Yunjin City prepare for my arrival.”
The two fast horses sped forward and galloped toward the city gate.
“Your Highness, why don't we go into the city?” Han Qing dismounted and approached Teng Yu.
“No rush, we'll set up camp outside the city first.” This time, not only did Teng Yu bring the three hundred and fifty guards, but he also brought three hundred of his own bodyguards.
Teng Yu didn't choose a special place to stay, instead, he camped at the city gate, leaving only a narrow path for passersby.
The soldiers at the city gates had already informed the civilians, so even if they wanted to complain, they wouldn't dare to say anything.
An hour later, the sound of hurried footsteps came from within the city. Dozens of officials, escorted by a group of yamen runners, anxiously ran over without even sitting in a palanquin.
It had been a month since Yunjin City was activated. Since the incident with the Salt Protector, the city's officials had been worrying daily, fearing for their lives.
“Your Highness, this official didn't welcome you well. Please enter the city. This official has been waiting for you for half a month; now we finally have a backbone.”
“Hehe, is that so?” Teng Yu glanced at him in confusion, immediately scaring the Prefect, who had a round belly, out of his wits.
“Of course, Your Highness!”
Teng Yu allowed the large group to remain outside the city and only brought a dozen of his trusted aides into the city. Initially, Han Qing disagreed, thinking it was too dangerous.
He swaggered into Yunjin City, allowing the entire city to witness his true appearance. Some in the crowd quietly left after seeing this scene.
The wealthiest family in Yunjin City was the Xiao family, which was also the wealthiest in the entire Jiangnan Province.
At this time, in the study of the Xiao family's head, a man dressed in black sat.
“It's been many years since we last met. You've grown up. How is life at the school? I heard that the Sect Leader has gone into seclusion.”
“No.” Xiao Feng coldly replied and didn't say much.
“Back then, when I sent you to the Sky Piercing Sect, I was forced to do so. Our Xiao family cannot lack our own sharp blades. Since normal house guards are useless, we must rely on you for the safety of our family.”
Xiao Feng lowered his head and didn't say anything. The man opposite him couldn't help but frown.
Just as he was about to reprimand him, there was a knock on the door.
“Didn't I say that no one is allowed to disturb me?”
“Manager, didn't you ask me to check the news?”
Manager Xiao suddenly remembered and loudly ordered him to come in.
The person didn't expect anyone else to be in the room and hesitated for a moment.
“What are you standing there for? Why aren't you reporting?”
“Yes. The Third Prince has arrived with nearly a thousand guards stationed outside the city, and he only brought a dozen or so people into the city. The Prefect has arranged for him to stay in the elegant garden in the center of the city.”
“Send people to keep an eye on him and report his every move. Also, find a way to send some people in. Since I've heard that His Highness doesn't like women, tell Young Master Yuxi to go and give it a try.”
The man was shocked to hear this. The boss was actually going to send Young Master Yuxi out? In the past, the Prefect wouldn't even let him be seen.
“Yes, I'll do it right away.” Before he left, the person shot another glance at the man in black. He felt a cold, murderous aura from him, so chilling that he didn't seem like a living person. He didn't know who this person was, but he was sitting in front of the manager.
After they left, Xiao Feng spoke up, “Are you thinking of that person?”
“Of course not. Our Xiao family follows the law; how can we make an enemy of the imperial government? That would be suicide.”
Xiao Feng caught the disapproval in his eyes and smiled. This man was as bold as ever.
The Xiao family's wealth and status in Jiangnan were not due to luck. Several generations of bosses had been willing to risk their lives and sacrifice everything for benefits.
Xiao Feng didn't remind him of anything. Knowing the Third Prince, one of the goals of this trip was likely the Xiao Family.
He felt no attachment to this family, and after years as an assassin, he couldn't even trust his own name. How could he care about this group of mercenary people?
The reason he was sitting here was to see what this old fellow was planning, but it was clear that he had no intention of revealing it.
“Since you're here, I'll be staying for a while. This time, I'll spend some time with you so that I can borrow your help.”
With a natural expression, Boss Xiao gave orders to the others while thinking of several plans in his mind.
“You're overthinking it. Whether my subordinates die or get injured, the weather has long been bad. Don't you know that?” Xiao Feng said expressionlessly.
“What? Could it be that last time…” Manager Xiao's expression changed, and he pointed at Xiao Feng but couldn't say anything.
The Xiao Family had always secretly supported Sky Piercing Sect, as evidenced by the fact that half of the business operations for Sky Piercing Pavillion were maintained by the Xiao Family.
However, the Jianghu Sect wasn't something that could be fully controlled with money. The authority over Sky Piercing Sect was limited to Sky Piercing Pavillion, making it difficult to manage anything else.
“That last matter was a failure. That Lord is extremely dissatisfied,” Head Xiao said.
“So what if he's dissatisfied? A loss is a loss. I've already returned the money. It's not a violation of the rules,” Xiao Feng said, treating it purely as business. What did his employer's dissatisfaction have to do with him?
The Xiao family head knew his temper and waved him down to rest, starting to ponder how he could take advantage of this matter.
The Third Prince's people were in Jiangnan, far from the emperor. If something happened, the first to handle it would be the officials of Yunjin City.
The Xiao family head was no longer satisfied with being the richest man in Jiangnan. No matter how rich he was, he still had to salute whenever he saw an official.
The elegant garden was located in the center of Yunjin City. Though not very large, it was as elegant as its name. The entire courtyard was filled with flowing water and flowers, making it feel like a paradise.
The garden was situated in a busy city, but it was quiet and natural, showcasing its value.
“How enjoyable, why don't we bring this over?” Yin Xu, lying under the great banyan tree, looked at the exquisite scenery and enjoyed the fine food and wine, even better than what the palace offered.
“What a nice place. Can we come over?” Yin Xu asked with half-closed eyes.
“Of course we can. I think that fat Prefect will easily send the items over.”
“This beautiful garden is quite expensive. Are you sure he's willing to part with it?”
“Compared to his life, his wealth is nothing. As long as he can continue to stay in this treasured land, what does a garden matter?”
“Three years to clear out the government. A hundred thousand snowflakes and silver taels come quickly. Should I find a place to put it?”
Teng Yu pinched his cheek, “Don't. It's not easy for the common people to live. Please be merciful and spare them!”
“Are you so sure I won't be able to do something important to benefit the country and the people?”
“No, I just don't believe you have the heart to do it!” Teng Yu believed that as long as he wanted to do something, he would do it well, even if it was just his wish.
“You really do know me, but for the sake of that white and flowery silver, I plan to put my heart into it.”
Teng Yu pressed down on his neck and leaned in, breathing deeply, “Don't even think about it. If you like, I'll give you a good job in the capital, letting you out for an interview!”
How could he let him go to a place where he had no connections?
Yin Xu frowned and touched the sore spot on his neck. He didn't need to look to know how terrifying the color was. It would take at least three days to heal.
“You want me to meet people like this?” Yin Xu looked at him, eyes shining. Teng Yu looked at his masterpiece and felt a sense of accomplishment. “It's pretty good. This way, everyone will know you have an owner, so don't think about it!”
Yin Xu nodded, “So that's how it is!” Then he moved closer to the corner of Teng Yu's mouth and bit down hard, leaving a clear crescent-shaped mark.
“It's bleeding!” Teng Yu touched the thick, cold liquid.
Yin Xu raised his eyebrows and said nonchalantly, “It's so pretty, rosy in the middle of white!”
The corner of Teng Yu's mouth twitched. What would a man like him do with his skin so white? Moreover, this term was clearly more suitable for Yin Xu, especially in such special situations, making one's heart burn just thinking about it.
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