Chapter 25: Chapter 25: The Lord Cannot Be Wrong! A Vicious Ghost Knocks on a Rainy Night

"I’m finished. Take your time." After dismissing the messenger sent by County Magistrate Wang, Pei Shaoqing said to Xie Qingwu, dropped his bowl and chopsticks, then looked to Ye Hanshuang and said, "Summon the five Xiaoqi to Hongbin Tower for a meeting."

"Yes, Brother." Upon hearing this, Ye Hanshuang immediately put down her bowl and chopsticks, stood up, and strode swiftly out the door.

She had a unique fondness for white and loved to wear white clothes. But for ease of combat, her outfits were all a type of tight-fitting martial attire that cinched her waist. She was also tall, and with every step, her pert, full buttocks would sway gently. From behind, one could faintly make out two full, ripe orbs jiggling slightly.

Even Xie Qingwu found herself staring, mesmerized. Although she was also buxom and curvy, it all depended on the comparison. She tore her envious eyes away and looked at Pei Shaoqing. "Off to harm someone again?"

Her feet ached and her heart ached from the previous night, so this morning, the very sight of Pei Shaoqing irritated her. Her words carried a bit of an edge.

Her feet ached from overuse, and her heart ached because she had been forced to throw away an incredibly expensive pair of Ice Silk stockings.

Ice Silk was so rare that even someone of her standing considered it a luxury. But that bastard Pei Shaoqing had treated it like a disposable, and she simply couldn’t afford to burn through them at that rate.

"I’m going to save someone," Pei Shaoqing corrected her.

’Killing Zheng Xuancheng is the same as saving myself.’

Without offering Xie Qingwu any explanation, he then turned and left, calling for Gongsun Yi to accompany him to Hongbin Tower.

He arrived first, and the five Xiaoqi, including Sun Youliang, arrived almost simultaneously. "Greetings, My Lord!"

"Close the door and sit," Pei Shaoqing said.

"Yes, My Lord!"

After the door was closed, the five men sat around the table. It was as if they didn’t even see Ye Hanshuang and Gongsun Yi standing behind Pei Shaoqing; their gazes were fixed on him and him alone.

Pei Shaoqing didn’t speak immediately. Instead, his gaze swept slowly over the five men. Not until they all subconsciously straightened their postures did he say in a heavy voice, "I’ve received reliable intelligence. Hundred Households Commander Zheng is a traitor from the Profound Yellow Sect."

"What!" All five men were aghast, their faces draining of color.

Li Jun, the youngest, most hot-tempered, and least composed of the group, blurted out, "How could the Commander be a Profound Sect traitor? My Lord, are you sure you’re not mistaken?"

"How could His Lordship be mistaken!" Sun Youliang, having recovered from his initial shock, had already calmed down. He unconditionally supported Pei Shaoqing, declaring righteously, "If His Lordship says so, he must have his reasons."

"Indeed. His Lordship is not one to make wild accusations. If he says Hundred Households Commander Zheng is a Profound Sect traitor, then it must be true! Anyone who questions it... could they be one of the Commander’s accomplices?" Song Youcai quickly chimed in.

Li Jun’s face went pale as he realized his mistake. He stammered, "I... I wasn’t questioning His Lordship, of course. I was just worried there might be a misunderstanding."

Shen Zhen and Ye Guoyun both remained silent.

"There’s no need to argue. Li Xiaoqi’s reaction is perfectly understandable," Pei Shaoqing said, his expression gentle and his tone calm. "It just goes to show how well Zheng Xuancheng has disguised himself on a daily basis, how deep his deception runs. He’s fooled everyone."

"Yes, yes, that’s exactly it." Li Jun let out a sigh of relief, nodding emphatically like a chicken pecking at grain.

Ye Guoyun, the eldest of the group, finally spoke for the first time, offering a safe and steady suggestion. "My Lord, nothing involving the Profound Sect is a trivial matter, and this case is of the utmost importance. I suggest we report it to the Thousand Households command immediately."

"If we report everything, when will we ever get a chance to distinguish ourselves?" Pei Shaoqing retorted casually.

Shen Zhen spoke with the utmost respect. "My Lord, you wish to lead us to glory, and for that, this subordinate is eternally grateful. However, Zheng Xuancheng is a Qi Condensation Realm Martial Artist, and there might be other Profound Sect traitors in the city who could aid him. I fear that our group alone will not be enough to take him down."

He quickly added, "Of course, this humble one is not afraid of death. Our lives are cheap, and we would die for the nation without a second thought. I’m just afraid that this man, Zheng, will hold a grudge against you and end up harming your precious self!"

Song Youcai’s small eyes narrowed to slits on his pudgy face. ’How have I never noticed what a smooth talker Shen Zhen is? If this keeps up, my own status is going to be in jeopardy!’

"Insolence!" Sun Youliang barked, glaring at Shen Zhen. "Since His Lordship has decided to personally deal with Zheng Xuancheng, a traitor who has forsaken imperial grace, he naturally has a foolproof plan! What need is there for us to run our mouths?"

He, of all people, knew Gongsun Yi’s strength. ’For him, beating a mere Zheng Xuancheng would be as easy as a father beating his son.’

"Exactly! All we need to do is follow His Lordship’s orders. We don’t need to have our own opinions or suggestions," Song Youcai hurriedly agreed.

Shen Zhen immediately lowered his head. "This subordinate was at fault!"

"That’s enough. Shen Xiaoqi was only concerned for my safety. What fault is there in that?" Pei Shaoqing forgave him magnanimously, then pointed to the man behind him. "This is Sect Leader Gongsun of the Bazhou Iron Sword Sect, a master of the Wandering Dragon Realm. He has agreed to lend us his aid."

Gongsun Yi stepped forward and cupped his fist in salute to the men.

Upon hearing this, any remaining worries Shen Zhen and the others had vanished instantly. They declared in unison, "We await your orders, My Lord."

’Pei Shaoqing is the scion of a noble house, after all. He’s new here and has no conflicts of interest with anyone. They didn’t think he had any reason to frame Zheng Xuancheng. And since he spoke with such conviction, he must have solid proof.’

’And taking it a step further, Pei Shaoqing now had both the backing and the power. Even if he *was* framing Zheng Xuancheng, he could surely pull it off flawlessly. Naturally, they had to follow his command.’

’What was the alternative? Go to the grave with Zheng Xuancheng?’

"Good! Gentlemen, return to your posts, gather your men, and prepare your weapons. Tonight at midnight, we eliminate this traitor for the good of the nation!" Pei Shaoqing stood up abruptly, raised his wine cup, and scanned the room.

The five men rose in unison and raised their cups. "As you command!"

.........

DONG! DONG DONG!

"The third watch! All is well!"

The night was as black as ink, the world shrouded in silence. Only the night watchman, making his rounds through the streets and alleys to announce the hour, stirred up a chorus of barking dogs.

The watchman yawned. Suddenly feeling a cold drop on the tip of his nose, he subconsciously looked up at the sky. As more raindrops began to fall on his face, he scurried home.

About half an hour later, the rain intensified. Drops linked into strings, which soon became a torrential downpour, driven by howling gales that scoured the world with abandon.

SPLASH SPLASH SPLASH SPLASH SPLASH!

One after another, black boots splashed through the puddles, kicking up water. In the dead of night, dozens of figures moved like phantoms through the rain, some dashing down the streets, others leaping across the rooftops, until they had the Zheng Mansion completely surrounded.

BOOM!

The tightly-barred main gate of the Zheng Mansion suddenly burst open with a bang. Startled awake, the gatekeeper, Old Qin, tumbled out of bed and scrambled outside to see what was happening, only to be scared witless by the sight.

In the pouring rain, behind the shattered gate, stood a group of Jing’an Guards in straw rain capes and black robes. They were as still as demons, their pale faces grim. The howling wind whipped at the red cloud patterns embroidered on their hems, making them flap and snap loudly.

"What’s going on? What happened?"

"The Jing’an Guard? The nerve of you!"

"Do you have any idea whose residence this is? You blind maggots! Someone, go and inform the master, quickly!"

More household servants rushed over. When they saw the Jing’an Guard who had smashed through the gate, their reaction wasn’t fear, but fury.

Zheng Xuancheng soon arrived, having heard the commotion. He strode forward, a serving girl trailing behind him holding an umbrella over his head.

"Master."

The servants all bowed, then took their places behind him, puffing out their chests and holding their heads high as they stared down the Jing’an Guard outside.

"Insolence! What is the meaning of this!"

Dressed only in a white inner robe, Zheng Xuancheng swept a cold gaze over the crowd outside. His face was grim as he demanded in a sharp voice.

He felt a growing unease, but he didn’t dare let it show.

"I’m the one who should be asking what *you* think you’re doing!"

A voice, carrying over the storm, rang out from beyond the gate.

The Jing’an Guards at the entrance parted to either side.

KABOOM!

A deafening thunderclap exploded as a bolt of lightning tore across the sky.

Clad in a black robe, the imposing figure of Pei Shaoqing slowly ascended the steps, splashing through the accumulated water. Ye Hanshuang kept pace just behind him, holding an oil-paper umbrella over his head.

"Pei Shaoqing?" Zheng Xuancheng’s eyes widened.

Pei Shaoqing stood at the threshold, hands clasped behind his back. He stared across the courtyard at Zheng Xuancheng and declared in an icy voice, "Zheng Xuancheng, you have received the Emperor’s immense grace, yet instead of repaying it, you collude with the Profound Yellow Sect and plot rebellion. Such a crime is punishable by death. Kill them!"

"I’d like to see who dares!" Zheng Xuancheng roared, both shocked and enraged by Pei Shaoqing’s slander.

Pei Shaoqing had no patience for a war of words, nor did he give him any chance to defend himself. With a wave of his hand, he gave the order: "Loose!"

On the surrounding walls and rooftops, some twenty Jing’an Guards armed with Strong Crossbows immediately pulled the triggers. Gleaming Crossbow Arrows tore through the air. Simultaneously, the Jing’an Guards behind Pei Shaoqing drew their blades and charged forward.

’Today is the day we follow Lord Pei, kill the traitors, and earn our glory!’

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