Chapter 78: The Mission of the Country Bumpkin Cannon

Shanpao paused his chewing, sized up the young man before him, and swallowed the mouthful of chicken with effort. He spoke slowly, "What do you think I should do?"

"It's simple—kill that Ye Xin." The youth's lips curled into a smile. "Once Ye Xin is dead, the engagement will be invalidated, and Xiao Rong will be freed from her suffering."

"That doesn't sound right..." Shanpao tossed the roast chicken aside. "If Miss wants Ye Xin dead, she'd tell me herself. She wouldn't need you to come up with plans."

"Xiao Rong is too gentle. When faced with such things, she only endures it herself. She'd never think of other ways to resist," the youth replied. "Shanpao, believe me—it's the only way."

"Gentle, is she?" Shanpao smiled. After months of acquaintance, he knew Wen Rong was gentle on the outside, but resolute within. "Besides, what makes you so sure Miss is suffering?"

"Isn't it obvious?" The youth grew agitated. "What is Ye Xin? How could he possibly be worthy of Xiao Rong? Ask any of the noble ladies of Nine Cauldrons City—who would ever look at Ye Xin? If Xiao Rong marries into the Ye family, she'll spend the rest of her life enduring scorn and ridicule. How could she not suffer?"

"That's just your opinion," Shanpao shook his head. "If Miss decides, I can take care of Ye Xin. Instead of persuading me, you'd do better persuading her."

"Xiao Rong can't bring herself to do it," the youth sighed. "So I have to turn to you."

"I'm hardly as capable as you," Shanpao grinned mischievously. "You have so many retainers at your disposal. If you sent a few, killing a useless man like Ye Xin would be nothing."

"Ye Xin is the Wolf Marshal's legitimate son. There are complicated ties—I can't act rashly," the youth smiled bitterly. "I'm not afraid of Ye Xin. What I fear is the trouble afterwards. We've only been in Nine Cauldrons City for a short time, our foundation is shaky, and our position precarious. If we harm Ye Xin, we'll be even more isolated."

"That's a joke! You're afraid of trouble, but I'm not?" Shanpao retorted.

The youth fell silent for a moment, then reached to his waist and pulled out a small box, handing it to Shanpao.

"What is this?" Shanpao asked, taking the box.

"There are thirty essence stones inside—a deposit," the youth said calmly. "If you eliminate Ye Xin, I'll give you another thirty. In your Sky Fate City, killing a top-ranked boss would cost thirty or fifty essence stones at most. I'm giving you so many because you'll likely face pursuit from the Wolf Legion, the Commandery, and the City Guard. If you escape, all is well. If not, better to die on the spot, for if you fall into Commandery hands, they have countless ways to make you talk."

"Thirty essence stones?" Shanpao paid no heed to the rest. He opened the box immediately, counting each stone clumsily, like a child.

"As the saying goes, fortune favors the bold. Shanpao, you'd best think it over carefully," the youth warned. "Last time, I could see you're a man of your word. Remember, whatever happens, don't drag our family into it!"

"My young master, that's the way!" Shanpao's demeanor instantly grew warm, his face radiant with smiles. He even reached out to pat the youth's shoulder. "If you'd brought out the essence stones earlier, we wouldn't have needed so many words."

The youth was caught off guard by Shanpao's sudden friendliness. He tried to speak but closed his mouth again.

"Why all the grand talk? Young master, do you take me for a child?" Shanpao poked the youth's nose, forcing him to lean back. "If you want me to take such a risk, you must pay me enough. As long as the price is right, even if you want your monarch Ironheart Sage dead, I'd dare have a go!"

Shanpao's voice grew louder. The youth's face changed, and he glanced around anxiously. "Keep your voice down..."

"What is there to fear?" Shanpao scoffed. "So, your point is—as long as I ruin the marriage between the Ye and Wen families, that's enough, right?"

Shanpao hid meaning in his words. Though a ruthless mercenary, he had no grudge against the Ye family and preferred not to spill blood—this was his own bottom line. If he could accomplish the task without killing Ye Xin, all the better.

"Exactly." The youth was flustered for a moment, regretting he'd come to Shanpao in person. He hadn't expected Shanpao to be so brash, boasting in Nine Cauldrons City that he'd kill Ironheart Sage. If those words reached Ironheart Sage's ears, the consequences would be dire.

He knew there was a mysterious force in Nine Cauldrons City—the Plainclothes Guards. They were scattered everywhere: some infiltrated noble families as retainers, some served in the army, some ran shops, some even begged on the streets. No one knew how many there were, only that they were Ironheart Sage's eyes and ears, a web he'd spun over twenty years.

Thus, all families spoke cautiously. Insulting and quarreling among themselves was fine, but when it concerned the royal city, words had to be measured. Who knew which remark might fall on a Plainclothes Guard's ear?

"Leave it to me. Go home and sleep well," Shanpao grinned fiercely.

****

Meanwhile, at the residence of Grand Secretary Han Sanmei, the atmosphere was no less tense.

Iron Book Lantern, his face twisted with anger, paced the hall with hands clasped behind his back. Han Sanmei sat high in the central seat, just as Ye Xin had guessed—his appearance was aged and frail, his face mottled with age spots, and even his white hair and beard seemed sparse.

Han Yuanzi and Han Yunzi looked grim, glancing alternately at Iron Book Lantern and Han Sanmei, silent and subdued.

The incident had happened so suddenly, they truly didn't know how to judge it. If the Ye family had actively sought marriage with the Wen family, they would have stormed over to reason with Ye Xin long ago—did he not know Iron Book Lantern's feelings for Wen Rong? What was the Ye family up to?

But it had happened in the court, with no involvement from the Ye family; it was entirely the result of Wen Hongren's madness.

"Grandfather, won't you say something?" Iron Book Lantern finally lost patience.

"I've already spoken," Han Sanmei replied softly. "You might find a second Wen Rong, but you'll never find another Wolf Legion. Though the Wolf Legion was crippled by Demon Finger Xiao, its backbone remains. The eight camp commanders are still there, as long as—"

"Grandfather, one of the commanders was killed by the Zong family at the night market a few days ago," Han Yuanzi interjected, noticing that his grandfather's memory was worsening with age.

"Even if one died, it doesn't matter much," Han Sanmei glared at Han Yuanzi and continued, "Besides, the Wolf Legion still has remnants. Give them enough soldiers, transfer some warriors from the City Guard and Imperial Guard, and in two or three years, the Wolf Legion will be strong again."

"But Wen Rong..." Iron Book Lantern murmured.

"A true man must know how to take and let go," Han Sanmei said.

"Just now Yunzi suggested there might be a way for the Ye family to withdraw the engagement," Iron Book Lantern pleaded, a trace of hope in his eyes.

"Foolish child..." Han Sanmei shook his head. Though he was indeed growing feeble, his mind remained clear at crucial moments. "If Wen Rong marries into the Ye family, she will become your ally, and the Wolf Legion will serve you as well—a perfect outcome. If you want the Ye family to withdraw... Ha! Leaving aside that the matter was settled in court, do you think the Ye family would want to break it off? Wen Rong's looks, talent, and ability are all exceptional among your generation. With the Wolf Marshal gone west, Sui Feng locked in the Sky Prison, the Ye family is in decline. To welcome such a bride, they are very pleased—why would they agree to your demand?"

"I could compensate Ye Xin elsewhere," Iron Book Lantern offered.

"Fine, let's say the Ye family relents—then what? There's no such thing as a secret that never gets out. Whether the Ye family lets slip, or others deduce the reason for the withdrawal, what will you do? Will Ye Xin still trust you? As for the Wen family, Wen Hongren has already suffered great humiliation. If the Ye family withdraws, they'll be plunged into misery—not just Wen Rong, but Wen Hongren and Wen Yuanren will all see you and the Ye family as mortal enemies! Ye Xin will also grow estranged from you. Count it up—what will you really gain?"

Iron Book Lantern was left speechless.

"Moreover, you're thinking too simply," Han Sanmei continued. "The Ye family has lost everything. Their only remaining asset is the loyalty of old friends. Wen Hongren has given up everything to repay the Wolf Marshal's kindness. If the Ye family withdraws, all the old friends will lose heart. Deng Qiaoying may be muddled in small matters, but she sees clearly in great ones. Even if she doesn't, don't forget—there's still Ye Sui Feng in the Sky Prison. If you send someone to speak to the Ye family today, you won't be friends tomorrow."

"****...****..." Iron Book Lantern forced a bitter smile. "If I can't have the woman I love, what's the point of sitting in the ****'s seat?"

"It's not about what you love, but about what you should love," Han Sanmei said quietly. "That's what makes a true ****."

Iron Book Lantern said nothing, his fists clenched. He knew he could not go to the Ye family. Wen Rong—he would have to give her up.

"Book Lantern... you're still so young," Han Sanmei sighed, seeing his grandson's pain. "Have you considered? If you don't act, perhaps someone else will do it for you."

"The Zong family? Zong Yunjin?" Iron Book Lantern's face changed, then suddenly lit up with joy.