"You said what? Senior Qin Ke is dead?!"
Cui Yongfeng looked at his subordinate with disbelief written all over his face.
"Not only Senior Qin Ke, but also the leader of the Iron Wolf Gang. When we arrived at Iron Wolf Pass, all of the Iron Wolf Gang members were already gone. Young Master, there's no Iron Wolf Gang anymore."
Cui Yongfeng's figure swayed and he sat down heavily on a chair.
First, there was White Moonlight, and now there's a swordsman who can kill ninth-ranked experts. Just what is the background of the Shen Nong Hall?!
At this moment, Cui Hao walked in, his face stern as he looked at Cui Yongfeng. "The matter with Shen Nong Hall ends here. Don't cause any more trouble."
This time, Cui Yongfeng lowered his head, not daring to say anything.
Now, even if he wanted to stir up trouble, he didn't dare to do so. Ninth-ranked experts were not easy to come by. His father had used connections to hire three ninth-ranked experts to guard the Cui family, and now he had lost one.
Located on the border, Rongcheng had even been attacked by Beiyen in the past. Even though his father was the commanding general here, personal safety wasn't guaranteed.
Senior Qin Ke was dead, and the other two seniors were likely to have thoughts as well. He couldn't let them have any intentions of leaving.
Shen Nong Hall... let's leave it alone!
Li's residence.
The wound on Li Er Ya's arm was as wide as a palm, so deep that the bone was visible. Although she kept saying she was fine, the pain in her pale face was hard to ignore, which made Li Wu Ya frown.
They had thought the matter with Shen Nong Hall had been resolved, but they hadn't expected the Cui family to still persist.
It seemed that the lesson they gave Cui Yongfeng last time wasn't enough. Otherwise, they wouldn't have dispatched people to target the Nine-Border Trading Company so soon.
Also, even though they were not going to touch the Cui family because Shen Nong Hall still needed to operate in Rongcheng, they needed to intimidate them thoroughly.
"You're lost in thought, sis. What are you thinking about?"
"I'm thinking about how to completely deter the Cui family so that they won't dare to meddle with Shen Nong Hall and Senior Qin anymore." Li Wu Ya's gaze flickered. "I know what to do now!"
Five days later, when the commanding general's carriage set out of the city gates, Li Wu Ya and Li Qi Lang immediately followed.
Outside the city, by the Azure Wave Lake, melodious sounds of the zither and flute echoed, causing the fish in the lake to leap out in excitement.
When the commanding general's carriage arrived here, it came to a halt as the scene met their eyes, and they couldn't help but stop.
As Cui Hao stepped down from the carriage, the soothing and pleasant zither and flute music suddenly changed, becoming sharp and vigorous. It was as if everyone who heard it was immediately transported onto a battlefield where thousands of troops and horses clashed.
As the scene unfolded, the two ninth-ranked experts who were guarding Cui Hao looked on high alert. While loudly ordering the soldiers to protect Cui Hao and withdraw, they quickly flew toward the direction from which the intense music originated.
"Clang!"
An invisible sound wave was shot out along with the vibrations of the zither strings. It traversed the water's surface, causing a blade-like ripple to appear on the lake.
One of the ninth-ranked experts had just flown a few meters from the shore when he encountered the invisible blade-like ripple on the water's surface.
"Pluff~"
Struck by the sonic force, the ninth-ranked expert spat out a mouthful of blood in mid-air, then fell back like a sandbag.
Seeing this, the other ninth-ranked expert's expression turned into one of shock, and he hurriedly moved forward to catch his companion.
"Retreat!"
The remaining ninth-ranked expert's face turned pale, and he swiftly shouted, urging his comrade to retreat while carrying him.
Just as the two were preparing to retreat, the intense sound of flutes followed.
In an instant, they felt their minds shaken, their blood surging. One covered his ears tightly, while the other swayed unsteadily away from the lake.
The zither and flute music played faster and faster, reaching a crescendo. Just when the two ninth-ranked experts were about to collapse, a cavalry suddenly appeared.
The zither and flute music abruptly stopped!
"Go!"
"What's happening, sis? I was really getting into the music."
"Governor Cai and Director Zhuang are here."
"Why would they be here?"
"You're asking me? Who should I ask?"
By the time Governor Cai and Director Zhuang arrived at Azure Wave Lake, the surface of the lake was filled with fish floating belly-up.
Cui Hao, still shaken and pale, was helped over by someone. When he saw Governor Cai, he immediately bowed and expressed his gratitude, "Thanks to the timely arrival of Your Excellency, I might have lost my life here today."
Governor Cai frowned, "What happened?"
Cui Hao was both angry and frustrated, "I manage the Commanding Prefecture. I've offended a lot of people in my daily affairs. It must be those people trying to kill me to keep me quiet."
Upon hearing this, Governor Cai was immediately enraged, "Who has the audacity to attempt an assassination on a high-ranking official of the court?"
Director Zhuang glanced at Cui Hao's bodyguards, then at the two ninth-ranked experts, and approached with a smile, "It's unlikely that today's incident was aimed at you, Commanding Prefect."
Cui Hao gave Director Zhuang an unpleased look, "I almost got killed. How is that not aimed at me?"
Governor Cai also looked puzzled, but soon realization dawned on his face. He pointed at the two ninth-ranked experts, "Today's attack was directed at them."
The two ninth-ranked experts were momentarily stunned, but they quickly caught on. The zither and flute music just now had indeed been aimed at them. However, how could they have offended anyone?
Governor Cai looked at Cui Hao, "You've been implicated by your subordinates. The person who played the zither and flute was mainly targeting them."
Director Zhuang added, "Moreover, the attacker didn't go for the kill." With a smile, he looked at the two injured ninth-ranked experts. "You two should think carefully. If it's not a life-and-death feud, it's better to resolve it sooner."
Hearing this, the two ninth-ranked experts were shocked, and Cui Hao's face grew even paler.
At this moment, he seemed to understand the intention of the attacker. They were pressuring the two ninth-ranked experts to leave him!
Instantly, Cui Hao thought of Shen Nong Hall.
It must be because his son had incited Iron Wolf Gang to capture those people from Senior Qin. It had angered the backers of Shen Nong Hall!
As he realized this, the two ninth-ranked experts also did. Their faces darkened, and they avoided looking at Cui Hao.
Seeing this, Cui Hao felt a chill in his heart.
Without the protection of the ninth-ranked experts, his safety would be greatly compromised.
Shen Nong Hall... he had already tried to make peace. Why were they still holding on?!
A surge of anger welled up in Cui Hao's heart. He thought about the pills sold by Shen Nong Hall and immediately said to Governor Cai, "Your Excellency, I've recently discovered a pharmacy selling pills. They are quite suitable for the soldiers in the military, but the owner of the shop is not very cooperative."
Since he couldn't do anything to Shen Nong Hall, what about Governor Cai?
Behind Governor Cai stood the current Emperor. Cui Hao wanted to see if Governor Cai dared to go against Shen Nong Hall. After all, this matter concerned the well-being of the soldiers.
Governor Cai took military matters very seriously. He immediately began to inquire about the situation in detail.
Cui Hao immediately mentioned Shen Nong Hall and emphasized the efficacy and convenience of the pills. This piqued Governor Cai's interest.
Listening on the side, Director Zhuang frowned. After parting ways with Cui Hao, he told Governor Cai, "Your Excellency, both the father and son of the Cui family are domineering individuals. Their words can't be completely trusted!"
Governor Cai laughed, "Do you think I'm unaware of Cui Hao's intentions? Don't worry, I will thoroughly investigate the matter. Even if Shen Nong Hall's pills are indeed beneficial to the soldiers, I won't resort to force."
Director Zhuang smiled, "Your Excellency, your arrival as the Northwest's military and political governor is a blessing for the borderland's people."
Governor Cai chuckled, "Alright, enough with the flattery."
After entering Rongcheng, Governor Cai immediately ordered an investigation into Shen Nong Hall.
When Shen Nong Hall opened, and the subsequent reasons for its closure were all clearly revealed.
"This Shen Nong Hall has some background. It's said that on the night Shen Nong Hall was sealed, Cui Hao's son was poisoned."
"Today's flutist and pipa player are probably related to Shen Nong Hall as well."
Zhuang Yutang sneered, "The Cui father and son set their eyes on Shen Nong Hall's pills, wanting to claim them for themselves. Unexpectedly, they've kicked an iron plate this time."
Though there was a reason behind this, Governor Cai still held a somewhat unfavorable view of Shen Nong Hall. "Hmph, luckily they had some sense and didn't actually lay their hands on high-ranking officials of the court. If court officials behave improperly, the court will deal with them. They have no right to take matters into their own hands!"
Zhuang Yutang looked at the pills in his hand and pondered, "Your Excellency, these pills are indeed beneficial to the soldiers. Should I pay a visit to Shen Nong Hall?"
Governor Cai nodded, "Very well, you, as the Commander of Die Ling Pass, can personally visit them. This would also show Shen Nong Hall some face. If they are reasonable, we'll proceed according to protocol and not oppress them."
Zhuang Yutang nodded and went to Shen Nong Hall on the same day.
As soon as he arrived, Senior Qin warmly welcomed him.
Zhuang Yutang smiled at Senior Qin, exchanged a few pleasantries, then got straight to the point, "Is your master not around?"
Senior Qin shook his head, "Forgive me, General. My master is always immersed in studying medicine. He's currently searching the mountains for medicinal herbs."
Zhuang Yutang toyed with a pill, "The pills you sell are quite suitable for the soldiers. His Excellency the Governor sent me to inquire if you're willing to provide medicine for the soldiers?"
Senior Qin immediately responded, "Of course we are willing. General, being able to provide medicine for the soldiers is an honor for Shen Nong Hall."
Zhuang Yutang hadn't expected Senior Qin to agree so readily, "Don't you need to consult your master first?"
Senior Qin smiled and shook his head, "No need. I'll be frank with you. Even before Shen Nong Hall was established, my master had already mentioned that he wanted to provide medicine for the soldiers. However, shortly after opening the pharmacy, it was sealed. When the reasons were sorted out, my master was quite frustrated, which delayed things."
"General, my master has great respect for the defenders of the border. He has instructed me that anything needed by the military will be sold at half price."
This was truly an unexpected delight. Zhuang Yutang hadn't anticipated that the people behind Shen Nong Hall would be so reasonable. He relayed Senior Qin's words to Governor Cai when he returned.
Governor Cai was equally surprised upon hearing it.
Cui Hao was also present, his expression rather stiff.
Zhuang Yutang glanced at him and said, "Senior Qin mentioned that Shen Nong Hall wishes to run their store peacefully, claiming there were misunderstandings with the Commanding Prefect. They wanted me to mediate."
"That matter is long past. I don't even remember it!"
Cui Hao forced a smile, his thoughts in turmoil. He hadn't expected Shen Nong Hall to be so accommodating. Selling medicine at half price was almost like giving it away. If he had known that Shen Nong Hall held such deep respect for the borderland soldiers, he wouldn't have allowed his son to offend them.
Now, his family's three ninth-ranked experts were down to one. Another had been forced away, while Shen Nong Hall had struck a deal with Governor Cai. He had become a complete laughingstock!
Watching Cui Hao leave with an unpleasant expression, Zhuang Yutang sneered, "After the Commanding Prefect returns, he'll probably be regretting his actions."
"By the way, Your Excellency, Senior Qin also mentioned that Shen Nong Hall is planning to open branches in other border towns. They want to make medical treatment more accessible to the people."
"Like the Deworming Pills – they said that once Shen Nong Hall is running smoothly, they will provide them free of charge to the people, to prevent them from suffering from intestinal worms."
Governor Cai was truly surprised, "The people behind Shen Nong Hall seem so righteous. I had misunderstood them earlier. I thought they were arrogant individuals ignoring the court."
Zhuang Yutang smiled, "It seems the Cui father and son went too far."
Jiang Mansion.
Jiang Sheng rushed into Jiang Antai's study with urgent news, "Master, your servant has found out that Li Changsen's entire family is now in Rongcheng."
Jiang Antai's expression changed, puzzled, "How could they all come here? Wasn't Li Changsen at Die Ling Pass?"
Jiang Sheng sighed, "Master, in order to change the military household registration, Li Changsen risked his life to set fire to the Northern Yan army's provisions. That's what earned him Governor Cai's approval."
"What?!"
Jiang Antai stood up abruptly, "He was involved in burning the Northern Yan army's provisions?"
Jiang Sheng nodded solemnly, "Fortunately, Li Changsen has two capable sons. They ventured into the rear of Northern Yan, rescuing Li Changsen from among the dead bodies. Otherwise..."
Jiang Sheng paused, then continued, "Master, Li Changsen is actually the legitimate son of Third Miss."
Jiang Antai's heart churned, "Let me think, let me think..."
Just then, Jiang Antai's second wife's voice came from outside the door, "Younger Brother, why aren't you coming in? Isn't your elder brother in?"
Hearing the voice, Jiang Antai and Jiang Sheng's expressions both changed, and Jiang Sheng quickly hurried to the door. When he opened it, he saw Jiang Anbang standing there, his expression a mix of shock and surprise.