Chapter 413 - 413 410 Assassin_1

Chapter 413: Chapter 410: Assassin_1 Chapter 413: Chapter 410: Assassin_1 Second, Emperor Mingzhao, the founding emperor of the Jin Kingdom. Emperor Mingzhao and the ancestor of the Bai Clan, Bai Yi, joined forces to establish the empire. Their relationship as sovereign and minister was as close as brothers. Emperor Mingzhao dared to delegate power to Bai Yi, granting him the right to act first and report later. As long as it benefitted the nation, Emperor Mingzhao never blamed him. Emperor Mingzhao’s capacity to tolerate powerful ministers showed his broad-mindedness.

Third, the Duke of Zhen. The Bai family army he led was an invincible force. The loyalty and spirit of the Bai family army made even their adversaries deeply admire them.

Now, Xun Tianzhang did not hesitate to insult the Bai family to force Bai Jinzhi into a hasty battle. Could it be that something happened in the Daliang court, compelling Xun Tianzhang to act this way?

Bai Qingyan thought it over several times and called Steward Liu, instructing him to send someone to ask Xiao Rongyan’s men if something had happened in the Daliang court.

Bai Qingyan indeed had limited manpower, while Xiao Rongyan’s shops were spread across various countries, making their information naturally more accessible than Bai Qingyan’s.

“What does Uncle Liu think of Zeng Shanru?” Bai Qingyan asked Steward Liu.

Steward Liu nodded, a smile forming on his face. “He is a practical person, though he speaks little. Yet, whenever he does speak, it’s to the point! This also has its advantages, making him appear steady and reliable!”

“Before Lu Ping left in a hurry, he gave me a list, asking me to test the loyalty of those on it to see if they could be of use in the future! A few days ago, I took it upon myself to test Zeng Shanru’s loyalty, and it was unexpectedly resolute. If you wish for Zeng Shanru to take over the mine affairs, he is a good candidate!”

When the Bai family was still in Dadu, Bai Qingyan had discussed with Lu Ping about cultivating useful personnel. Presumably, that list was chosen by Lu Ping.

Bai Qingyan nodded. “Then please have Uncle Liu guide Zeng Shanru further. When the time is right, transfer this task to him.”

“Rest assured, this old servant knows what to do!” Steward Liu said.

Before evening, Steward Liu brought Wang Jiuzhou, who was at Xiao Rongyan’s side, to the Bai Mansion, saying there was urgent business to see the Princess of Zhen.

Bai Qingyan put down the bamboo slip in her hand, changed clothes, and went to the front hall.

Seeing Bai Qingyan enter the main hall with the help of Chun Tao, Wang Jiuzhou hurriedly put down his teacup and bowed. “Greetings, Commandery Princess!”

Wang Jiuzhou already knew his master’s feelings for Bai Qingyan, so he was exceptionally respectful towards her.

“No need for formalities, Steward Wang. I hear from Uncle Liu that you have urgent business?” Bai Qingyan sat in the main seat, looking at Wang Jiuzhou.

“Indeed, there is an important matter to discuss with you…” Wang Jiuzhou glanced at Chun Tao, who was standing beside Bai Qingyan.

Bai Qingyan understood and signaled Chun Tao to leave first.

After ensuring no one else was present, Wang Jiuzhou spoke. “Commandery Princess, Xiliang has sent silver taels and apologies for you and the Crown Prince into Jin this time. However, this escort team hiding more than a dozen assassins. This information reached me long ago, but I didn’t understand why Xiliang would hide assassins in a team entering Jin until yesterday. These assassins disguised themselves and entered Shuoyang City, inquiring about your military training and bandit suppression. It seems they are targeting you, so I came to inform you for precaution.”

Bai Qingyan’s expression didn’t change much, likely guessing this was Li Tianfu’s doing.

“Your Mr. Xiao… indeed has well-informed intelligence!” Bai Qingyan chuckled softly, then asked, “I wonder how many years Mr. Xiao has laid out this network for Yan to have such an intelligence system.”

Wang Jiuzhou smiled awkwardly. Matters concerning Yan were indeed hard to disclose truthfully, but this was his master’s beloved.

Honestly revealing, this intelligence network had been secretly arranged since Empress Ji was alive. What if his master and the Princess of Zhen didn’t end up together?

Just as Wang Jiuzhou hesitated to reply, Bai Qingyan spoke first. “Mr. Xiao and Steward Wang informing me of this is a sentiment I will remember. Thank you!”

“Not at all!” Wang Jiuzhou bowed deeply. “If there’s nothing else, I shall take my leave first.”

“Has there been any movement in the Daliang court? Can Steward Wang inform me?” Bai Qingyan inquired.

“Commandery Princess, the latest news from Daliang has not arrived. But the last we heard, the Fourth Prince of Daliang returned to the capital and advised the Emperor to cease hostilities. The Emperor of Daliang has always favored the Fourth Prince; he might heed his advice.”

She nodded. “If there is any definite news, please let Steward Liu know immediately. My heart is uneasy with my fourth sister in Chunmu Mountain.”

“Rest assured, Commandery Princess. Once there’s any definite news, I will inform Steward Liu at once!”

“Thank you!” Bai Qingyan looked at Steward Liu. “Uncle Liu, see off Steward Wang for me.”

As Steward Liu escorted Wang Jiuzhou out, Bai Qingyan lightly stroked the edge of the table. She hadn’t been to the training ground for days. After hearing from Wang Jiuzhou that the assassins planned to sneak into the training ground, she decided to frequent the place, making them think it easier to strike there.

Those assassins must have been sent by Li Tianfu!

The assassins sent by Li Tianfu would undoubtedly be elites. Teaching some talented commoners skills would also be a good use of Li Tianfu’s kindness in sending these people from afar.

On May 23rd, the Crown Prince’s envoy delivering Xiliang’s apology gift to Shuoyang was ambushed, shocking the court.

Upon hearing this, the Princess of Zhen, Bai Qingyan, led the Bai family guard to Kongtong Mountain but only saved the Crown Prince’s guards. Xiliang’s apology gifts were all stolen.

The Crown Prince felt the loss of Xiliang’s treasures and, in his anger, ordered the local officials of Shuoyang to assist Bai Qingyan in suppressing the bandits without fail.

Yet, training civilians as soldiers required time, making it currently impossible to confront the bandits.

The Jin Kingdom’s Chunmu Mountain front was tense, and the court couldn’t spare troops to suppress the bandits. The Princess of Zhen recruited bandit suppression personnel among the populace for the second time. Even people from neighboring counties rushed to sign up, making Shuoyang City bustle with activity.

Shen Yanzong and Bai Qingping, following Bai Qingyan’s instructions, meticulously monitored the newcomers. Those with martial skills had their names recorded separately. Anyone who could withstand ten moves from the Bai family guards could become a Corporal. If they outmatched the guards, they could be promoted to instructors, teaching alongside the Bai family guards.

Soon, Shen Yanzong and Bai Qingping delivered the list of martial-skilled newcomers to Bai Qingyan.

“Any findings of hidden martial artists?” Bai Qingyan asked.

Bai Qingping was about to speak when Shen Yanzong replied. “Commandery Princess, anyone with martial skills can’t escape my scrutiny.”

Bai Qingyan continued to look at the list without lifting her head, noticing some names circled. She asked again. “What about these circled names?”

“These are people I think are suspicious!” Shen Yanzong added. “Their skills are extraordinary, and their accents are odd. All claimed to have come from southern frontiers, saying they came to support the Princess of Zhen’s military training and bandit suppression.”