Ling's determination reignited. She needed to regain Nanny Wang's trust and continue monitoring Chenheng.
"Ling, I'm pleased with your work," Nanny Wang said, her eyes narrowing. "But don't think you can deceive me again."
Ling bowed, her mind racing. "Thank you, Nanny Wang. I won't disappoint."
She began to subtly gather information, observing Chenheng's movements and alliances.
Meanwhile, Si Kong's internal conflict intensified. He patiently waited for Li Jin's plan, but after a week of silence, anxiety gripped him.
"What if he's not who he claims to be? What if he's someone Master Chenheng sent to test me?" Si Kong trembled at the thought.
The next night, a figure leapt into his window with ease. Si Kong recognized Li Jin.
"Finally, you arrived. I thought you were a fraud for a second there," Si Kong said, relief mingling with suspicion.
Li Jin chuckled. "Captain Kong doesn't trust me, no?"
Si Kong raised an eyebrow. "Let's cut to the chase. What's the plan?"
Li Jin's tone turned serious. "We'll use my masked identity to create a group. You'll infiltrate the Pei family guards, one by one. Ensure you bring only those forced to be loyal, like yourself."
Si Kong's face darkened. "Will you be the only one running this operation?"
"No," Li Jin replied. "You'll assist from behind. Ling will monitor Chenheng's movements inside the house, while you monitor his movements outside, leveraging your position as his most trusted aid."
"After creating this new faction, I'll unite other powerful factions threatened by Chenheng, like the Mu and Chen factions. I'll assure them I can protect them, and I'm more powerful." Li Jin chuckled. "Only I, Li Jin, can save a thousand people from Chenheng."
Si Kong's expression betrayed complicated emotions. He wondered, "How powerful is Li Jin, exactly?"
"Captain Kong, I've outlined the plan. Do your part, and I'll do mine. Farewell." Li Jin jumped out the window.
Si Kong knew he had no choice but to follow Li Jin's plan if he wanted to bring down Chenheng. Sleep eventually engulfed him.