Chapter 287: Chapter 154: Open Assault and Secret Raid, Setting the Net for the Sparrow

The prefecture government office was quieter than usual.

Strictly speaking, not only were the officials idle, but even the nominal Lord Pei was just sitting under a tree drinking tea, watching the sky darkening and the sunset fading into the west.

A few maidens were serving the "lord," secretly pouting, unable to stop their legs from turning inward, occasionally glancing towards the back hall.

After a busy day, they were hungry as well, thinking to themselves that this man posing as the prefect seemed addicted to the act, strutting around all day as if there were many important matters waiting for his attention.

In reality, however?

In this Xingqing Prefecture, there was practically nothing for the government office to handle.

Ever since seven days ago, when the Thirteenth Prince of Beizhou and numerous Jianghu masters perished, Vice Magistrate Wu’s entire family was executed, and eight million taels of silver were seized from Jinghai Prince’s Mansion, the city had experienced a dramatic shift.

The army entered the city, cleaned for three days, and immediately distributed food to reassure the people.

Not everyone had clothes, nor everyone had food, but at least the streets were filled with laughter and cheerful voices.

The city’s eighteen porridge distribution points were packed every day, and a large number of soldiers were recruiting laborers, unprecedentedly offering silver and food, letting them pave roads, build bridges, and improve agricultural irrigation.

Most surprising was the wealthy merchants in the city, each becoming exceptionally benevolent. They spared no effort to take out over half of their wealth to aid the refugees, and strongly supported Grand General Chen in recruiting soldiers.

"At this rate, our government office will become idle."

One maiden said quietly.

"Xiaocui, be cautious with your words. It’s fine if it’s heard within the mansion, but make sure it doesn’t spread outside. General Chen enforces military discipline strictly, although he does not punish people for their words.

But if outsiders hear, they might think our government office harbors resentment and opinions against him. I think this is quite good."

"Xiaolan, you got five acres of irrigated land divided at home, and your two brothers, having attended private school for two years, were given good jobs, so you speak for General Chen.

Let me tell you, this is just temporary. I feel this situation is somewhat troubling."

"Don’t speak ill of General Chen, or I’ll tear your mouth apart.’

Xiaolan was displeased.

"What’s wrong with days like these, these dirtbags on the streets have mostly died off these days, I’ve heard the Seven-Colored Hall has been completely eradicated, and the high-ranking members of the Changhe Gang have been killed, believe it or not, I can now walk out of the government office and stroll onto the street without worry...

Oh, after we’re off duty later, I have to take a leave for a visit, to see mother... her illness hasn’t improved, and she’s always worrying about my second brother’s marriage, heavy-hearted, Xiaocui do you want to come with me?"

"Don’t meddle too much, let me see, let me see... I’m also pondering, how come this matter seems so odd. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Wasn’t it said the Beizhou Hu Cavalry would invade, the Court was in jeopardy? How come Xingqing Prefecture now looks peaceful, within such a short time."

The two maidens whispered for a while, seeing the "lord" still lounging like a grandfather in the recliner, enjoying a shoulder massage from one sister behind while lightly snoring, they couldn’t resist yawning in boredom.

...

Unlike the peaceful front yard, lazily quiet enough for hair to grow, the government office’s inner courtyard, in the winding and secluded place, stood more than ten men with hands on their weapons.

Their standing positions were carefully considered, capable of sealing off the entire courtyard, missing no blind spot, ready to attack at any moment, showing a high level of alertness.

Clearly, what was happening inside the inner courtyard must not be known to outsiders, thus isolating inside from outside.

A faint voice emerged:

"Found out clearly, indeed at the Cuihu Residence..."

The sky slowly darkened, no lamps were lit inside the room. Pei Zixing at this moment did not hold his head high, but appeared somewhat cautious and respectful.

With hands beside his knees, body slightly leaning forward, it seemed he was reporting.

"Nothing much happening in the city, that Chen Ping likely hasn’t discovered Brother Fifteen entered the city, so he’s not too prepared."

Seven days, they waited seven days, meticulously transporting personnel into the city, then waited for the right moment.

Finally, they waited for this day, waited for the opponent to gradually relax.

All their acts were not in vain.

"Calculating the tiger, the tiger too calculates the human, this matter must never be taken lightly; if we are to act, we strike like thunder, we only have one chance.

Brother Nineteen is dependable in his tasks, but the source of information should still be carefully verified, to ensure its truth."

A man in a white robe, about thirty years old, holding a scroll, a long sword slung casually at his waist, appearing more ornamental than deadly.

He lifted his eyes, took a sip of tea, and leisurely spoke.

It seemed as if the room wasn’t discussing a scheme targeting someone but was speaking of poetry, discussing essays.

But even as he raised doubts, everyone in the room appeared not indifferent, but rather more cautious in their demeanor.

For good reason, this white-robed scholar was Qilin Child Pei Yuan Pei Ziwen from the Jiangdong Pei Family, not only possessing exceptional talent, and unmatched in poetry and prose, but also profound in sword technique and cultivation, ranked sixteenth on the Earth List in Jianghu.

His "Vast Swordsmanship" swept through Jiangdong, instilling fear and terror in Jianghu’s villains.

Don’t be fooled by his scholar’s appearance, he was of a nature that abhorred evil, with countless bloody deeds beneath his sword.

"Nephew Fifteen is right, account for enemies broadly, considering judgment from various sources, if Chen Ping resides among the army, wielding the Azure Dragon Seal, and with the might of the military array, even a sudden strike by us may not guarantee victory, it’s wise to consider matters carefully..."