Zeng Xianglin indeed granted Peng Fangming an official position—a rank eight clerk. Though not high-ranking, it was a respectable starting point for entering officialdom.
That evening, Shaoyao brought back Yu Weiwei's letter.
Gu Yanxi leaned in. "What does it say?"
Hua Zhi handed him the letter and went to unfold the topographic map.
After skimming the contents, Gu Yanxi walked over to A Zhi. Both their gazes fell upon the place name Xinyi.
"Xinyi ranks third among the places Yu family's ships visit most frequently."
Xinyi is located in Yizhou, adjacent to the Jiaxing River. Due to its riverside location, residents of Xinyi and surrounding areas habitually travel by boat. For a county town, Xinyi is decent in all aspects, but its westernmost position limits external population inflow, primarily serving local convenience.
However, the Jiaxing River converges here with the Yuan River, whose source lies in the northwest, flowing eastward after reaching the west.
Hua Zhi's slender index finger traced the map—starting from Xinyi, passing through Yongzhou, Yuzhou, Jizhou, entering Yanzhou, and finally merging into the sea there.
Despite a more straightforward route to Yanzhou, who would have thought they'd take such a detour? If not for Yu Weiwei noticing Qi Qiu's gaze lingering on Xinyi while studying the map, and spotting a black dot resembling an accidental fingerprint on that spot, they would never have considered this direction. After all, Xinyi lies in the far west, while the Chao Li Tribe's territory is in the extreme east.
"Where could it be?" Hua Zhi pointed at three suspicious locations in Yanzhou: Lingui, Pengkou, and Songzhu.
"With a direction, we can find it. Wang Hai."
Wang Hai entered promptly. "At your command."
"Go to Xinyi. Check if their ships unload cargo there, reload onto larger vessels, and enter the Yuan River toward Yanzhou."
"Yes."
During the waiting period, Zeng Xianglin wasn't idle either. Shortly after Peng Fangming entered officialdom, Zeng bluntly revealed his intent: either hand over the gambling den operations, or evidence of the Peng family's collusion with the Chao Li Tribe would be exposed.
Gu Yanxi nearly laughed in anger. This was the epitome of a thief crying "stop thief"!
"Though crude, it's a straight punch that hurts," Hua Zhi remarked, equally surprised by Zeng's move. It exposed himself entirely—once the Chen family found an opportunity, they would strike back fiercely.
Hua Zhi frowned. "Why does this feel unlike Zeng Xianglin's usual style?"
Gu Yanxi nodded slightly. "I agree. They're far from desperate, yet Zeng is acting as if cornered. Given his temperament, he wouldn't resort to this even as a last resort."
"I thought I was overthinking. Is it possible... he knows someone backs Peng Fangming, so he's dragging them into the mud this way? Once involved, it's hard to stay clean."
"Quite possible. I'll investigate further."
Wang Hai returned just before the city gates closed five days later. Having followed the ships and ridden back on horseback day and night, even his robust physique was barely holding up.
Shaoyao promptly examined him, then had Bao Xia bring food and drink. After hot tea and a warm meal, he gradually recovered.
"Master, you guessed correctly. Their ships unload at Xinyi, then transfer to larger vessels departing via the Yuan River. I've arranged for someone to board the ship."
"Immediately dispatch backup to follow and support. Leave marks at docks along the route.""Yes."
"You may go."
Wang Hai took his leave and departed.
Gu Yanxi turned around with a serious expression. "A Zhi, it's time for you to return to the capital."
"Is it time to close the net here?"
"Yes. After settling matters here, I must rush to Yanzhou."
Hua Zhi tilted her head. "Afraid I'll be implicated?"
"I don't want even the slightest possibility of you getting hurt." Gu Yanxi walked over and knelt before her. "Zeng Xianglin won't surrender without a fight. With his intelligence, he might already suspect you. What if he uses Yu Weiwei to threaten you? It's better to leave early and avoid that possibility. What do you think?"
"Will Yu Weiwei be safe?"
"She'll be fine. To Zeng Xianglin, she means nothing if she can't be used to control you."
After some thought, Hua Zhi nodded. "I'll bid them farewell tomorrow and leave the day after."
Gu Yanxi smiled, resting his head on A Zhi's knees, his entire demeanor softening. "I might not return for some time. Be careful in the capital. Try to go out less often, and when you do, make sure to bring more people with you."
"Alright."
"I'll return as soon as possible. Wait for me to go to the northern lands together."
"Alright."
"Take your medicine properly, take good care of your health. You mustn't lose any more weight."
"Alright."
"Think of me."
"Alright." After a pause, Hua Zhi added, "I will think of you. This time your opponent is the Chao Li Tribe. You must be careful. Two fists are no match for four hands. Even if they have a Wise Man, there's only one. They won't all suddenly become enlightened. I'm somewhat worried they've studied you and know how to deal with you. Be extremely careful."
"Alright." Gu Yanxi lifted his head and smiled at her, raising his hand to caress her face. They had separated countless times, yet he still hadn't grown accustomed to it, still couldn't bear it—worried she wouldn't eat well, worried she wouldn't sleep well, worried she might be bullied, worried her health might deteriorate again...
From the moment he understood his own feelings, the place by A Zhi's side was where he most wanted to be.
He didn't want to leave even a single step away.
Soon, once the Great Qing's crisis was overcome, such days could become reality.
Just needed to deal with the Chao Li Tribe!
With this thought, Gu Yanxi instantly felt filled with fighting spirit. Although the Great Qing's national power had declined somewhat, some aspects were far better than in the Taizu era. At least they wouldn't lack weapons and have to take up farming hoes to fight the enemy.
The next day, Hua Zhi made one last trip to that residence. No one was surprised to learn she was leaving. After all, she had only come here for leisure, and it was natural to leave after having her fill of fun. They were more concerned about whether she would return, genuinely feeling she was a good person and willing to maintain contact with her.
"We'll see. If there's an opportunity, I'll come. The capital isn't particularly far from here."
"That's true. It only takes two and a half days by boat. You must come."
No one mentioned going to the capital. All their freedom was confined to Jin Yang itself; traveling far away was absolutely impossible unless they married outside, but who would want to marry far from their maternal home?
Hua Zhi also visited the Yu family. Yu Weiwei panicked momentarily upon learning she was leaving, but when she saw Hua Ling wink at her, she steadied her racing heart and exchanged some polite words.
"I don't know if I'll have another chance to come back." Hua Zhi stood up and opened her arms. "Won't you give me a farewell hug?"
Yu Weiwei pressed her lips together, walked over, and embraced her. "You must come again. I hope I'll have the chance to visit you too."Hua Zhi whispered "don't worry" in her ear, then told her to remember the name "Shi Zhai" - if she ever had the chance to visit the capital, she should look for her there.
"Thank you."
Yu Weiwei whispered her gratitude. There was so much she wanted to thank her for, yet only these two words could find their way out.
Hua Zhi hugged her more tightly. "Goodbye."
OpenNovel