Chapter 463: Chapter 470: Cooperative Relationship
 

“Let him in,” Sikong Ling knew that once Han Yu’s man arrived in Chang’an, he would definitely make contact with him proactively. However, the manner of entry seemed somewhat provocative, yet Sikong Ling didn’t consider that the people he had sent in the past were even more arrogant, having broken directly into Han Yu’s study each time. At least this time, the visitor had merely bypassed the guard at Sikong Mansion but had the courtesy to stop outside the study and announce his presence.

It wasn’t long after Sikong Ling finished speaking that a man in black, wearing a mask, entered. The sheer presence of the man was extraordinary, not to mention his martial arts prowess. To infiltrate Sikong Mansion so silently without alerting any bodyguard was a feat few in the Daming Dynasty could achieve. After all, Sikong Mansion wasn’t like Han Yu’s study back then, easily penetrated; with layers of guards, and as you got closer to the more secretive areas, experts were stationed on guard. However, speaking of Han Yu, he had trained quite a number of people by now. It would seem impossible to break into the study as before. This man in black’s martial arts skills were only better, not worse, than those of Sikong Ling’s subordinates.

Zhai Mo had no arrogant intention to storm Sikong Mansion, as such an act would undoubtedly consume considerable effort, even for someone of his formidable martial arts skills. What place was Sikong Mansion? With layered guards and abundant mechanisms, many experts who came met their downfall here. It was only because his master had specifically instructed him to meet Young Master Sikong in this manner that he had used the most draining method to do so.

Han Yu was certainly not a person with a narrow mind or one to haggle over every small detail, but that also depended on the context, especially considering Sikong Ling, who had once coveted his daughter-in-law. Although it was just coveting without any actual action taken, and he had never done anything excessively out of line—the most extreme being blocking Han Yu at the Su Family gate to speak those words, even helping him many times—this did not make Han Yu any more ‘fond’ of Sikong Ling. Han Yu inevitably felt uncomfortable at the mere mention of the man, and it didn’t help that Sikong Ling’s subordinate was so arrogant, flaunting his abilities and showing no respect to Han Yu as the master.

It was only obligation that dictated a response to such things. Now that Han Yu had the capability, he naturally had to return the frustration he had bottled up inside. In fact, he also harbored another thought: to make Sikong Ling aware that he was no longer the man he once was, that he had sufficient ability to protect his daughter-in-law, and to dissuade Sikong Ling from harboring any further wild thoughts about her.

“I am here by my master’s command to see Young Master Sikong,” Zhai Mo said with a cupped-fist salute, his face obscured by a mask rendering his expression invisible, yet his voice carried a chill. With a naturally reticent disposition, his family’s downfall and the weight of his subsequent responsibilities had rendered him even more detached, not to mention that his master’s implication was a directive not to be overly polite.

Zhai Mo, having followed Han Yu for so long and being so close to Han Yu’s heart, had a rough understanding of the grudge between Han Yu and Sikong Ling. He certainly harbored no goodwill towards the man who coveted his mistress.

“You are the one sent by Han Yu? Don’t you know the rules, barging in like this? This Sikong Mansion is not a place for the likes of you. With layered guards and mechanisms everywhere, one mistake could cost you your life. I would have a hard time explaining to your master should something happen!” Sikong Ling, knowing well that Han Yu might have orchestrated this, did not let Zhai Mo’s act pass without reproach, his words carrying a warning.

“Young Master Sikong need not worry, if something indeed happened to me, it would only show my incompetence. My master is always clear about right and wrong and would not blame others for such a thing unfoundedly. However, the master did have a message for me to relay to Young Master Sikong—Han Mansion’s guards are not as they once were. If anyone again intrudes recklessly and happens to be seriously injured or crippled by accident, it won’t be good,” Zhai Mo replied confidently, unshaken by Sikong Ling’s imposing demeanor. After all, not only was he working with Han Yu now, but as the Young Master of the Zhai Family, his status allowed him to be on equal footing with Sikong Ling.

Sikong Ling observed Zhai Mo, finding himself more and more wary of underestimating him. Zhai Mo’s bearing did not befit that of a mere servant; in fact, his presence was comparable to Sikong Ling himself. That such a person was willing to work for Han Yu signified increasingly cunning means.

“Your master sure found himself a capable servant, quite eloquent indeed. I just hope he’s as competent in other things as well, hmph!” Sikong Ling snorted, disdaining to stoop to Han Yu’s level.

Sikong Ling was unaware that to bystanders, his behavior appeared almost petty. He was typically a person of cool and deep composure; it was solely in dealings with Han Yu that he exhibited actions unbefitting his status.

Naturally, Zhai Mo did not react to Sikong Ling’s comment. However, his master had not sent him to Sikong Mansion for idle chitchat, but for matters concerning Marquis Beian Mansion. Thus, Zhai Mo did not dawdle and directly stated the purpose of his visit.

Upon moving to official matters, Sikong Ling’s approach immediately changed, sharing with Zhai Mo the rough details his subordinates had gathered and passing on the relevant information.

“After all, Chang’an is Wang Mang’s domain. Our Sikong Mansion is also stepping back, thus we have no intention of confronting Wang Mang openly—we can only support you clandestinely. This means that you will face even more challenges. With Wang Mang setting the stage like this, it’s clear he’s targeting the Second branch of Su Family. You must be cautious in every move, and if there’s any news, I will dispatch someone to notify you at the first opportunity.”

Even though Sikong Ling was working with Han Yu behind the scenes, his cooperation was based on not compromising the interests of Sikong Family, which Zhai Mo naturally understood, nodding in agreement.

“Actually, Wang Mang isn’t without his defenses against my Sikong Family. This approach might yield better results. Also, you can try to get closer to the Shangguan Family on the surface, not necessarily needing much contact, as they have now become Wang Mang’s minions. Creating such an illusion will suffice, making Wang Mang suspect the people from Shangguan Family. Only then can we find a good opportunity. This scheme, although more beneficial for my Sikong Family, affects your interests as well, since we are in a partnership, aren’t we?”

Zhai Mo frowned, “The Shangguan Family is not to be trifled with; plus, it could easily expose my men. Isn’t this unnecessary?”

“It’s not unnecessary, not at all. I have my reasons for this arrangement. Many of the guards overseeing the Prison are from the Shangguan Family, making my people’s actions extremely difficult, and they could impede the rescue of Marquis Bei’an and his son. Only if Wang Mang harbors doubts about the Shangguan Family will I have the chance to insert my own people. Although this strategy is largely in favor of my Sikong Family, let’s not forget our cooperative relationship: my benefit is tied to yours, right?”

Sikong Ling said with a hint of mischief, a calculating glint clearly present in his eyes as he spoke—though mainly targeted at the Shangguan Family, who, since becoming Wang Mang’s claws, hadn’t missed a chance to trip up the Sikong Family. He intended to use this opportunity to his advantage. As for the tasks needed from Zhai Mo, they were to be considered as the compensation for the help he was offering Han Yu this time.