CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED NINETEEN
Yuan called a deputy over and asked him to call Marshal Han Lan and Chief Marshal Liu Shou.
When both of them came, Yuan immediately went right into business.
"Flesh eating monsters were caught in our Village."
"What?!" Han Lan was so shocked that his voice raised an octave and his body moved back in fright!
Liu Shou did not speak but his face has gone pale.
"I'm keeping the body first for security purposes. Right now, I need you to send dispatch and call the Marshals from other towns. We have to gather here first thing tomorrow morning and discuss what needs to be done."
"Also, an ID was found on the flesh eater's possession. It looks like they know the protocols on the exit and entry of our town."
"How many did you catch?"
"Two."
"Where did you find them? Could there be anymore of them hiding?"
"They were found camping at the mountains. As of now, the mountain is clear."
Yuan looked at his friends with a deadly serious voice.
"I just stumbled upon the flesh eaters by accident. The villagers don't know anything about this incident yet. Let's not cause panic. So choose your messengers wisely."
Liu Shou and Han Lan nodded.
"Yuan, we received a message from one of the expedition teams. They found the General's location."
"Positive?"
"Yes."
"When would be the soonest possible time we can leave?"
Han Lan and Liu Shou looked at each other.
"Do you want the East Garrison to join in our team?" Han Lan asked.
Yuan went silent as he considered the question.
"Either they go ahead, we go first or we assemble a small team with a mix of our people. I don't want a lot of people on this rescue mission. It might alarm the Barbarians."
"They might think we are out to attack them. Its normal courtesy to advise their reigning monarch for permission of entry. If found, we might incite national conflict. The Barbarians we killed was acceptable as they invaded first. They did not retaliate. They just kept silent. But it doesn't mean they are not angry about killing one of their own. They just don't have the right reason to retaliate. But if our covert mission is found out, they will have a reason to declare war or ask for compensation."
"What?! But they kidnapped our General first!" Han Lan shouted in indignation.
"We don't have any evidence of it yet. What if the Barbarians already know of our coming? What if they already relocated even before we could lock on to their position? What if everything is just a trap? We have to consider a lot of things in various angles and perspectives."
"Our hands are already tied dealing with this flesh eaters. I don't want to add Barbarian issues into the mix." Yuan said solemnly.
Yuan sighed.
"Where did the message come from?"
"From our expedition team."
"Do you think the East Military received the same message?" Yuan pondered.
Before someone can answer, Yuan shook his head.
"Nevermind. Send a dispatch to inform them of the General's location and ask for their representative to come here tomorrow morning. Let's have them join the meeting." Yuan declared decisively.
Han Lan and Liu Shou nodded.
"Anything else?"
"It was also mentioned on the message that some Barbarians were reported missing. They don't dare assume what this would imply but they opted to let us know about it." Han Lan reported.
"Considering the dead bodies they found sometime ago, they chose to include this in their report." Han Lan continued.
So the flesh eaters have started their terror. Yuan thought.
"Send a friendly reminder to Alaric about this. At least their clan would be made aware of this unsettling development. Alaric will be able to make some contingencies and maybe he will be able to convince other clans to unite and fight against the flesh eaters. Save us some trouble."
Han Lan's eyes widen in surprise and admiration.
"So you did have a plan when you let those Barbarians go." Han Lan muttered.
Yuan's face remained apathetic.
"Yuan..." Liu Shou called out.
Yuan raised a brow.
"The salt case. The Magistrate wants to have an appointment with you."
"Magistrate Xie Shanlei?" Yuan's brows drew together.
"Yes."
"Why did you think this is about the salt case?"
Liu Shou cleared his throat and answered in a soft and quiet voice.
"Magistrate Xie was seen coming out from the County Head's house."
"I see. He might be pestered by the County Head." Yuan muttered.
"Yes."
"When is the appointment?"
"He said its up to you. But he would appreciate it if you would meet him at your soonest convenient time."
"He won't secretly bring the County Head with him, would he? That would seriously piss me off."
Han Lan and Liu Shou just looked at each other in silence.
"Why not surprise him and just meet him today at lunch? That way, he won't have the time to inform the County Head."
"The County Head only makes me all the more suspicious on his involvement with this salt case. Why does he have to hide behind the Magistrate?"
Han Lan cleared his throat.
"Would you want me to set an appointment with the Magistrate for lunch today?"
"No. My partner and I have an appointment."
"Feifei?" Liu Shou asked.
"Let's have lunch together!" Han Lan excitedly invited himself.
"No."
How can he do what he likes to do if they join them? Yuan snorted at his friends.
-----------------------------------------
Yuan left for lunch in a hurry and went to fetch Feifei.
When he arrived Feifei was already waiting for him.
Yuan wrapped his arms around Feifei and snuggled his head on Feifei's neck.
"You smell so good." Yuan muttered.
Feifei just smiled as he also wrapped his arms around Yuan's waist.
"I'm so captivated by you." Yuan sighed. Blowing warm air on Feifei's neck. Feifei's hair all stood up. He kissed Yuan's head as he stroked Yuan's back in response.
"Baby, you really have me at the palm of your hand. Don't play with me, okay?" Yuan said against Feifei's neck.
Yuan raised his head. He looked down at Feifei for a moment then he lowered his head as he grazed his lips against Feifei's.
He was kissing and nibbling Feifei's lips softly. Then he stopped and just simply pressed their lips together.
"Everytime I look at you, I always think how I ever lived my life without you. Baby, if I lose you, I wouldn't know how to live anymore." Yuan muttered on Feifei's lips.