Chapter 226: Chapter 194: It’s You, Shameless Scoundrel!?

He glanced at the residence, then toward the direction the carriage had departed, and subconsciously touched his chest.

Even now, it still felt somewhat unreal.

’It felt like the 300,000 silver came too easily.’

But after waiting a moment without seeing anyone suspicious appear, Xiao Dongchen finally let out a sigh of relief.

"It seems it was real."

"Still, the Jing State Liu Family is truly generous."

Just then, a cold voice spoke from nearby:

"Gray Wolf, this is the second time I’ve helped you. Don’t forget what you promised me."

Xiao Dongchen paused for a moment. He quickly cupped his hands and smiled. "Rest assured."

"Since I have already given you my word, I will naturally not go back on it."

"First thing tomorrow morning, after I arrive at the Governor’s Office, I will transfer that merit to Assistant Governor Chen."

"That’s for the best. I’m leaving."

"Thank you."

Once the footsteps had faded into the distance, Xiao Dongchen glanced around before heading back to the Xiao Family.

A few moments later.

Two shadows dressed in Night Clothes appeared where Xiao Dongchen had just been.

Two pairs of cold, bright eyes scanned the surroundings before finally settling on the residence.

One of them pondered for a moment before ordering, "Tomorrow, have someone look into the background of this residence."

"Also, those two from earlier were quite strong. Send someone to contact Liu Wen and see if anyone around him matches their description."

The other person understood and asked, stunned, "Young Lady, are you worried there’s a problem with those two?"

"Yes. I couldn’t hear their conversation, but I know they made some kind of deal."

She paused, then added, "I find it very strange that Xiao Dongchen would trust what those two said—and even their identities—after meeting them just once."

"In any case, it’s best to be cautious."

"Yes, Young Lady."

...

Meanwhile, Chen Yi had no desire to dwell on Xiao Dongchen any further.

’From the moment he got Xiao Dongchen’s signature and thumbprint, Xiao Dongchen and his entire second branch were as good as dead in his eyes.’

’And the 300,000 silver could be considered a grand gift from him to the old master and the Xiao Family.’

’Or perhaps, a betrothal gift from him, the Xiao Family’s live-in son-in-law.’

’As for whether Xiao Jinghong or anyone else would acknowledge it later, that wasn’t his concern for now.’

However, it was clear that Liu Lang, who had witnessed the entire exchange, struggled to understand his actions.

"Boss, did you really give him that money?"

"That’s 300,000 silver!"

Even though he knew Chen Yi was setting a trap for Xiao Dongchen, what if something went wrong and that 300,000 silver was lost? Wouldn’t that be a terrible waste?

Chen Yi didn’t answer. He glanced at the sky outside and knew that the Xiao Family’s Hidden Guard was already being pursued by the Evil Demonic Dao in the West Market.

He thought for a moment, then instructed, "Once we’re back on Chuansi Street, you’re coming with me to the West Market."

"..."

Liu Lang was completely baffled by him. Knowing he wouldn’t get an answer, he couldn’t help but grumble to himself.

’His boss was just too mysterious.’

’Fortunately, he already considered himself one of Chen Yi’s people and had no intention of making an enemy of him, so at least he didn’t have to worry about his own safety.’

Doubts aside, he still carried out his duties meticulously.

After he parked the carriage on Chuansi Street.

Chen Yi and Liu Lang hurried toward the West Market.

But before they even reached the outskirts of the West Market, a flash of light appeared in his vision.

[Opportunity +2]

[Evaluation: To not arrive at the place, hear the sounds, or see the scene, yet fail to seize an Opportunity that falls from the heavens, is the mark of a truly lazy person.]

Chen Yi stopped in his tracks. ’It’s already over?’

Just then, he saw several figures hurry past the entrance to a distant alley.

He could faintly hear their voices drifting over:

"Do you think this could be that bastard who embarrassed us before?"

A woman’s voice replied, "It’s not him."

"That man was clearly younger and excelled at the Fist Dao, not the Spear Dao."

Another person sighed. "I guess you’re right..."

"All right, forget about that bastard. I’ll catch him sooner or later."

"For now, let’s get this man to the inner prison at the Government Office. Then find a Physician to treat him. We absolutely cannot let him die."

"Hundred Households Fang, he’s badly wounded. I’m afraid..."

"Just do as I say!"

"Yes!"

’Fang Hongxiu?’

’Someone from the Imprisonment Department?’

Chen Yi paused for a moment, then signaled for Liu Lang to cover his face as they began to stealthily follow the Imprisonment Officers.

Though Liu Lang was unsure of his boss’s plan, he had overheard the Imprisonment Officers’ conversation, and a flash of eagerness appeared in his eyes.

Since ancient times, Jianghu People have always held the "hunting dogs" of the Imperial Court in contempt.

This was especially true for a Government Office like the Imprisonment Department, which recruited heavily from the Jianghu.

They would trip them up whenever they got the chance, and kill a few if the opportunity arose. In short, the two sides couldn’t stand the sight of each other.

Liu Lang was no exception.

’I wonder if the boss is planning to cause some trouble for these Imprisonment Officers. If he is... that would suit me just fine.’

Soon, Chen Yi led Liu Lang closer to Fang Hongxiu’s group and immediately spotted the black-clothed man they were supporting.

Seeing the Long Spear held by one of the Imprisonment Officers, he confirmed his suspicion—the man in black had to be one of the Xiao Family’s Hidden Guards.

He didn’t know how the man had fallen into the hands of the Imprisonment Department, but now was clearly not the time to dwell on it.

With that thought, Chen Yi leaped forward, landing in front of Fang Hongxiu’s group in the blink of an eye.

Liu Lang followed close behind.

Fang Hongxiu’s expression changed. She signaled for the Imprisonment Officers behind her to halt, then stared at Chen Yi and Liu Lang and demanded in a low voice:

"Who goes there?"

With his back still to them, Chen Yi glanced over his shoulder and chuckled.

"A moment ago, Hundred Households Fang was just muttering about me. Don’t you recognize me now?"

As he spoke, he mimicked her voice in a high-pitched, mocking tone, "All right, forget about that bastard. I’ll catch him sooner or later."

"Haha! Hundred Households Fang, who is it you’re planning to catch?"

Fang Hongxiu’s eyes narrowed, and she gritted her teeth. "It’s you! You shameless scoundrel!"