Chapter 984: Meeting Opponents
Editor: Henyee Translations

“General Tang, the vassal state is also a subject of Dalin; you shouldn’t treat them unfairly. Please deal with their issues immediately,” urged Dong Denyu, inwardly hoping to resolve the domestic smallpox crisis so he could continue his power struggle.

“Are you teaching me how to do my job?” Tang Jinghong raised his head, his piercing eyes filled with cold detachment.

“No, no,” Dong Denyu hurriedly backpedaled, fearing he had angered Tang Jinghong. He quickly changed the subject, “General, I’m just pleading with you.”

“Go back. I have it under control.” Tang Jinghong was truly annoyed by Dong Denyu’s mannerisms; his mere presence was irritating.

“Then, please hurry,” Dong Denyu said reluctantly as he left.

Tang Jinghong set aside his paperwork and took a sip of tea to calm himself. How could there be such men?

…

In Shu City.

“Where are you going?” a voice called from the rooftop. Chu Tang paused and looked up, her eyes flashing with a hint of murderous intent.

Shang Zixing hastily retreated, “Don’t get rough, I haven’t offended you, it’s just a coincidence.”

Chu Tang glanced at the room next door; he must have followed the siblings here. Her voice was filled with chilling intent, “What exactly do you want?”

“I want to be your companion,” Shang Zixing said with a radiant smile, seeming very straightforward.

“Get lost!” Chu Tang’s dagger flew towards Shang Zixing, showing no mercy.

Shang Zixing quickly retreated, his heart racing with the close call. Chu Tang was incredibly fast, and he patted his chest in relief, “How about this, I sell you some information, and if you find it good, we can travel together, how about that?”

“Speak!” Chu Tang’s voice was icy, really wanting to rid himself of this persistent annoyance.

Shang Zixing was cautious, aware of Chu Tang’s sudden movements, “Are you looking for Jiang Zhaoyong?”

Chu Tang acted immediately, her figure a blur, too fast for the naked eye.

“Cough, cough…” Shang Zixing’s eyes widened as he was suddenly choked, feeling suffocated by Chu Tang’s unexpected move.

Shang Zixing grabbed Chu Tang’s hand, “Cough, cough, let’s talk properly.”

Chu Tang demanded coldly, “How do you know Jiang Zhaoyong?”

Under compulsion, Shang Zixing answered, “I’m Jiang Zhaoyong’s partner. We came here together to complete a mission, but we separated after arriving in the eastern border to investigate individually.”

Chu Tang was surprised, a fellow investigator? She released Shang Zixing, “Then what are you doing looking for me?”

“I’ve seen your skills; I need your help,” Shang Zixing said. He had seen Chu Tang dealing with bandits on a mountain and decided he needed help to complete his mission alone.

Chu Tang thought for a moment, “Is your mission the same as Jiang Zhaoyong’s?”

“It’s the same. The emperor sent four of us here, but I don’t know where the other two are,” Shang Zixing confessed under the spell, speaking nothing but the truth.

“Do you know where Jiang Zhaoyong is now?” Chu Tang probed, hoping as fellow operatives, they would share information.

“I don’t know. He suddenly cut off contact ten days ago, and I’ve been unable to find him since,” Shang Zixing said, frowning.

Chu Tang glanced at the moon, “Ten days? Did he tell you what he was going to do?”

“He didn’t say. He just mentioned that the road ahead would be very tough and to be cautious. Then he disappeared,” Shang Zixing handed Chu Tang a note, “This is what he gave me.”

Chu Tang read the note, which confirmed what Shang Zixing had said. “What have you discovered so far?”

“We’ve learned that the King of the eastern border has information on an ancient family. He’s been investigating for years and some say he’s preparing to excavate.”

“Excavate?” Chu Tang was skeptical, “After hundreds of years of searching, how could he suddenly be ready to dig?”

“It’s just rumors on the street; the King himself isn’t sure where to dig,” Shang Zixing added, shaking his head.

Chu Tang pondered for a moment, “Let’s go and explore the King’s mansion tonight.”

Shang Zixing nodded, “Let’s go.”

The King’s mansion was heavily guarded, with patrols and many hidden experts. Chu Tang crouched down, neutralizing two guards silently and then disguised herself as one of them, taking up their post.

Shang Zixing admired Chu Tang’s martial prowess, feeling out of his depth with her capabilities.

As Shang Zixing was lost in thought, a housekeeper accompanied by a maid approached with a tray bearing medicine. They stopped at the entrance to the King’s chamber. “Your Highness, it’s time for your medicine.”