Chapter 172 - 172 162

172: Chapter 162 172: Chapter 162 The guard’s expression was one of sincere fear and trepidation; he bowed his head in salute and also spoke in the language of the Foreign Country.

“Yes…

Yingzi said that the Prime Minister’s son wants to meet the leader.”

That high-ranking official seemed to understand this language and spoke to the guard in Ancient Xia Country’s language.

“This…” After hearing the high-ranking official’s words, the guard didn’t immediately leave, his gaze shifting to the leaders of the organization.

Hearing what the official said, let’s invite the Prime Minister’s son in.

We’re all our own people here.”

“Yes, Colonel.”

The guard walked out and exchanged a few words with Yingzi.

Yingzi nodded in salute and then elegantly returned to Liu Tao’s courtyard living room.

“Master Liu, our leader has requested your presence.”

“Wow, they really put on quite the airs to have me come to see them.”

“Master, you should still meet with him.

The Chief of Staff who returned with you is also there.” Yingzi appeared to be a maid, but in reality, her status was not low, and she held a minor official position within the organization.

Serving as a maid in Liu Tao’s service was obviously a deliberate arrangement, mainly to monitor his every move.

The organization was collaborating with the Prime Minister, but they were also wary of him turning against them.

Their organization had been hit several times recently, and the external searches were strict, preventing Liu Tao from renting a house, out of fear he might leak information.

Their headquarters wasn’t here; only because their main base might have been exposed did they resort to coming to this place, hiding within the Prime Minister’s residence.

This was merely the residence of their highest-ranking officer on site, while members of the organization were secretly scattered about, disguised as various characters, hidden within Immortal Venerable City and beyond.

For this Immortal Venerable City’s martial arts contest, they planned a major collaboration from both inside and outside.

Their goal was to completely eliminate all the elites from the Sects competing in Immortal Venerable City in one fell swoop.

“Fine…

I shall see what abilities your leader possesses to act so imposingly before me.”

Liu Tao’s face shadowed by a mocking smile, he found his gaze more and more fond of Yingzi.

He strolled along, fan in hand, fluttering it about as he walked, exuding an air of suave grace.

“Yingzi, if your leader says he will betroth you to me, would you be willing to follow this young master?” asked Liu Tao.

“Master Liu, I obey the leader,” Yingzi replied, her head bowed as she walked ahead, her true feelings hidden behind a well-masked facade, her lips curling into a sneer not meant for others to see.

Unseen by Liu Tao, who followed behind with unwavering confidence, surely those staying in his father’s house were his father’s subordinates; how could they dare refuse his request?

Here, he ought to be the master, right?

“Yingzi, in the future, you’ll have to listen to the young master.”

Flying slightly ahead, Yingzi tilted her head up ever so slightly, her expression one of even greater disdain; how could she possibly admire the scoundrel behind her?

Though she was trapped by her identity, forced to follow the orders of the organization’s leadership, if she were commanded to become someone’s concubine, it was an order she could not refuse.

Following orders didn’t mean she had to accept Liu Tao in her heart; just seeing him made her look down on him.

It was the Colonel, the leader, whom she truly admired; yet, he was already married, and her affection could only be harbored in secret.

“Master Liu, we’ve arrived.”

Liu Tao saw a room guarded by a retinue of guards, and Yingzi gestured for him to enter first, then followed behind him.

Upon entering the room, Liu Tao found himself in the presence of the high-ranking official and several individuals wearing rather strange attire.

“You…”

Liu Tao knew some of his father’s affairs, yet he had no idea his father was colluding with people from a foreign country.

This time, the King had assigned him to catch these foreigners and to investigate the case, but he never expected to find such people in his own residence.

He was stunned to realize his father was the traitor within.

After all, Liu Tao was still young.

Although his mind was astute and cunning, he was not as crafty as his father.

Seeing the foreigners sitting together with the high-ranking officials, he was taken aback, and his expression betrayed his thoughts.

“Please have a seat, Young Master Liu.

They are your father’s guests.

You might not know some things about your father.

We are only here to conduct business with them, so please don’t be alarmed,” explained the high-ranking official.

“Really just to conduct business with my father?”

Liu Tao, having heard what his father’s confidant said, was somewhat skeptical.

Could it be all about business when they behaved so secretly?

He sat next to the high-ranking official, his gaze fixed on the group of men.

His doubtful expressions made it clear he did not believe they were businessmen—they looked more like martial artists.

“Young Master Liu, there are some things that it’s better you do not know.

However, since you are staying here, do not speak of the matters occurring in this residence outside.

It would be dangerous if outsiders discovered our affairs, and it could put your father and your family at risk as well,” the official warned.

“Mhmm,” Liu Tao replied, comprehending the advantages and disadvantages based on the official’s words.

“Young Master Liu, I’ve heard that you fancy Yingzi?”

The Colonel glanced at Yingzi, somewhat regretful that such a talent was going to be nothing more than someone else’s beautiful concubine.

Their cooperation with the Prime Minister meant the son’s requests could not be ignored.

Moreover, Yingzi was a member of the organization, originally a Death Servant, sworn to serve the country and sacrifice her life if necessary, much less her body.

Some of the other Colonels also harbored hidden affections for Yingzi, and were now witnessing Liu Tao’s demand for her.

One of the Colonels gripped his hand tightly with an expression of clenched teeth and simmering resentment.

“Yes, I have taken a liking to Yingzi.

She said as long as the leader agrees, I presume you, as the leader, would not refuse, right?”

“Hahaha, Young Master Liu taking a fancy to Yingzi is her good fortune.

As the leader, I agree.

From this moment, Yingzi becomes your beautiful concubine.

You must treat her well, Young Master Liu,” the leader said.

The Colonel wanted to object, but another Colonel held his sleeve, restraining him.

“Of course, how could my woman ever be in a losing situation?”

Liu Tao glanced at Yingzi smugly, his expectations confirmed that these people wouldn’t dare refuse.

Yingzi stood to one side, her head lowered and her demeanor wooden, yet inside she felt profound sadness.

She had never imagined being given away to someone else by her leader; in his eyes, she clearly held no important place.

These people, for the empire’s grand vision, had followed the organization’s orders, joining the organization with no thoughts of ever returning alive.

“That’s even better to hear.

I understand, Young Master Liu, that you are here this time to conduct an investigation,” said the Colonel, eyeing Liu Tao sceptically, not believing the son of the Prime Minister to be as ineffectual as he appeared.

“Yes…”

“Oh, please ensure, Young Master Liu, when you go outside to investigate, not to speak of the matters from this residence,” the Colonel said.

Having worked with the Prime Minister for many years, he feared that the young man couldn’t withstand the pressure, not being on the same page as his father, jeopardizing their grand scheme.

“Yes, you must be cautious,” Liu Tao replied, beginning to guess some of the schemes, yet without any emotional resistance, trusting that what his father was doing was for the good of the family.

“Yingzi, escort Young Master Liu back,” said the high-ranking official, feeling that some matters should still be kept from Liu Tao.