Chapter 17 The Situation

"Can we deliver this fellow to Fuxin Courtyard as he is?" Ye Tao frowned, turning to Liu Yong. "This place is a bit far from Fuxin Courtyard. If something happens, taking care of both ends could be a problem."

After hearing Chen Kai's story, Ye Tao didn't dwell on whether Chen Kai was telling the truth or not, nor did he ponder how sensational the contents of the Canglong Box were. Instead, he first considered how to ensure everyone's safety in the current situation.

"Guan Huan and I will carry him over. There shouldn't be any bumps. It's just a short walk, a little wind shouldn't be a problem," Liu Yong said understandingly, then looked at Guan Huan. Guan Huan nodded indifferently.

Fuxin Courtyard was where Ye Tao and his group were staying. Fuxin Courtyard was originally the largest courtyard in the entire Wanke Manor, where Wang Shi himself had always lived, and his study, which resembled a workshop, was also in Fuxin Courtyard. Ye Tao's words indicated that he was preparing to consolidate his forces and focus on defending Fuxin Courtyard, allowing no loss. The subtext was that what Chen Kai said might be true. Both Chen Kai and the Canglong Box would have a significant impact on the future.

Ye Tao didn't return to his study. Although the disturbances outside hadn't yet affected Fuxin Courtyard, he couldn't completely calm down to decipher the Canglong Box. If what Chen Kai said was true, then the prophecy that the Canglong Box would cause a batch of people to fall every time it was opened seemed about to be fulfilled once again. Treasure? Ye Tao naturally didn't object to having more money and being more financially comfortable. Especially now that Yunzhou was in the early stages of development, requiring significant capital investment to yield large profits and tax increases in the future. Although the people were thriving, the Jinglue Manor, which had to handle various affairs and constantly arm and train the Yunzhou armies, was very poor. If he could obtain the treasure, not only would Yunzhou's development funds be secured, but the construction of the new city could also be rolled out comprehensively and rapidly with ample funding, instead of doing only what could be done with the available money.

But for Dongping, those documents were much more valuable. Once they could grasp the power structure of the Dao Ming Sect, when to take action to cleanse them would be entirely up to Tan Xiaopei's mood. However, in any case, it wouldn't be before Dongping conquered the Northern Liao. For the time being, Tan Xiaopei didn't want to see significant political turmoil in Xiling. Once Xiling was weakened by such internal strife, should he attack Xiling or the Northern Liao? All the preliminary preparations would have to be overturned and restarted. It was very likely that Chunnan would benefit. And once the conquest of the Northern Liao was over, everything would no longer be a problem. As for the imperial descendants, Ye Tao wasn't very interested. Seeing the indifferent expressions of Liu Yong, Bi Xiaoqing, and Feng Zi, Dongping probably had no interest in catering to the descendants of the former dynasty. But this didn't prevent the imperial descendants from being a very interesting card to play.

Chen Kai was temporarily arranged in a small compartment on the side of the main hall of Fuxin Courtyard, usually used by the host for a nap. The consideration was that after a period of thinking, everyone would definitely come up with a lot of questions, so it was more convenient for him to stay near the main hall.

As for Wang Shi, the owner of Wanke Manor, he continued to study the Canglong Box diligently in his study. For Wang Shi, although the manor was now surrounded, he didn't seem to need to worry much. He was overjoyed that someone was willing to die to contribute to the infamous reputation of Wanke Manor and the Wang family of Yizhou. Wang Shi understood very well that the Canglong Box would definitely be taken away by Ye Tao or the Juxian Prince's Mansion. In any case, it wouldn't stay in the manor for him to collect. Every glance was one less glance, so at this moment, the manor owner was even more focused on appreciating this notorious Canglong Box.

In Fuxin Courtyard, everyone seemed to understand what they should do at the moment. All kinds of items were being packed into carriages one by one, so that they wouldn't be too rushed in case they needed to break out and leave. The flamethrowers hidden in the carriage compartments were taken out, distributed, and the instructions for use were emphasized one last time. A guard brought Ye Tao's armor and weapons and placed them in a corner of the hall. The guards had re-examined every corner of Fuxin Courtyard. Some guards climbed onto the roofs or trees, occupying high points. Currently, Liu Yong stayed by Ye Tao's side, Bi Xiaoqing went to oversee the overall defense, communicating with the manor and Chunnan guards at any time, Guan Huan and Wu Ping'an were responsible for taking care of Dai Qiuyan and others' safety, and Zhou Rui, who had broken through the encirclement, was responsible for Feng Zi's life.

However, whether everyone was orderly or like headless flies, Ye Tao wouldn't notice any difference. The name Fuxin Courtyard was indeed very fitting. The sudden appearance of people, the past secrets he had just heard, and the tense atmosphere outside all made everyone in this courtyard, regardless of who they were, regardless of whether they were calm or flustered, have some different thoughts, completely different from before. As for Ye Tao, he let his thoughts shuttle and jump through various things. Being able to step back at this moment and try to look at the entire situation from a macro perspective could be considered a display of Ye Tao's composure.

"Ye-gege..." A soft call disturbed Ye Tao's thoughts. Ye Tao focused his eyes and saw that it was Dai Qiuyan who had come to the main hall.

Dai Qiuyan was holding a flamethrower, and she didn't look like she was preparing to deal with enemies that might come before her, but rather like she was holding a fishing rod during an outing. And on the specially made belt around Dai Qiuyan's waist, there was also a combat knife slightly longer than a dagger. Speaking of which, Dai Qiuyan usually used this knife a lot. The sharp blade and the combat knife that seemed to remain shiny no matter how much it was used were Dai Qiuyan's best tools for cutting paper, opening paint cans, and sharpening charcoal sticks. Ye Tao sincerely hoped that this knife would always be used for such trivial matters.

"Why did you come over? Go back to your room. Or you can stay in the carriage," Ye Tao said affectionately, gently placing his hand on Dai Qiuyan's shoulder.

"Mm. I came to tell you something and then I'll go. I don't know what happened, but please be careful," Dai Qiuyan seemed to have no tension or anxiety.

"Aren't you afraid?" Ye Tao asked with a smile, equally calm.

Dai Qiuyan shook her head and said, "Su Fei-jiejie and you have encountered assassinations together, Dai Yun-jiejie and you have been on the battlefield together, Xin'er-jiejie dared to block a knife for the Crown Prince back then, that courage is also admirable. Although at this time, it's a bit inappropriate... but, I seem to be quite happy to encounter something with Ye-gege."

These somewhat childish words were like a warm current, slowly seeping into Ye Tao's body. Strong emotions didn't need to be set off by grand events. What was needed was this gentle and long-lasting warmth hidden in the little things. He bent down slightly, his forehead touching Dai Qiuyan's forehead, rubbed it, and said, "Now your wish has come true. But just watch the fun. Don't run around if anything happens. Just listen to Guan-dage's words."

Dai Qiuyan was a little embarrassed in front of the others in the hall. She gave a hum and turned to leave.

Ye Tao turned around and looked at the people in the hall. He wouldn't feel embarrassed for the tenderness he had just shown in front of these people who were both friends and subordinates, and he wouldn't think that kind of gentleness would undermine his authority in any way. He asked, "Now, what's the situation?"

Just a few steps out of the main hall of Fuxin Courtyard was a huge viewing platform. The scattered torches on the mountainside below were clear at a glance. These guys skilled in military affairs were constantly grasping the latest developments through these torches, through coordination and liaison with other parties.

"The manor gate is still in a standoff. Although the bandits are clamoring to attack the mountain, they haven't taken any action so far. The Chunnan army that is heading towards here has been identified as the troops under General Yilie of the Chunnan Yizhou Governor's Mansion. It should be General Yilie Fu Chong who has arrived in person. Fu Chong has sent scouts directly into the manor to inform Wang An that he is here to resolve the matter. The bandits at the manor gate did not stop them," Liu Yong briefly explained the current situation.

"Oh? Didn't stop them?" Ye Tao frowned. "There was no conflict, and those hotheads actually let people in."

Liu Yong snorted coldly, "The scout said that Fu Chong has some face in the local area. He also said that the Jianghu gangs at the manor gate have filed a report with the Yizhou Governor, and the person who fled into the manor did indeed commit illegal acts. The Jianghu organization called the Golden Robbery Gang is indeed wrong to gather a crowd to make trouble privately, but after clarifying the situation, the manor shouldn't harbor fugitives either. Handing the person over to Fu Chong for disposal will ensure that both sides have a satisfactory explanation."

"Could it be that Fu Chong is also a hidden line of Xuan Ru? Probably no one would have thought that Chen Kai would reveal his identity to us so easily, actually talking such nonsense. Are the Golden Robbery Gang and Fu Chong colluding with each other?" Feng Zi raised his eyebrows and said.

"Not necessarily," Liu Yong said, "Starting a conflict now is not good for either side. Indeed, probably no one would have thought that Chen Kai would explain his identity so quickly, but they should know that someone should recognize the Canglong Box, and even the stupidest person should know that Chen Kai's identity is unusual. However, if things really come to the point of armed conflict, it's not good for any party. Since it's a local fugitive, neither the Imperial Guards nor the Juxian Prince's Mansion's guards have the power to interfere. Handing the person over and pretending not to know anything afterwards, and this matter will pass. And since it's chasing fugitives, the manor side has no reason to obstruct it. The obstacle might be us. After all, we have few people, and even if we guess that the Golden Robbery Gang and Fu Chong are in cahoots, for our own safety, we shouldn't take the risk. Moreover, we are a group of Dongping visitors, and to avoid various troubles, we may not take action in Chunnan."

Ye Tao curled his lips and said, "This calculation is really good. It should be like this. However, since we already know Chen Kai's identity and know what should be in the Canglong Box, we naturally can't hand over the person or the things. If we have to fight, how much chance of winning do we have?"

Ye Tao looked at Liu Yong. Liu Yong thought for a moment and replied, "There is absolutely no possibility of losing. The fifty-odd guards here are all chosen from thousands, even tens of thousands. To say that one of them can fight ten is underestimating them. And with me, Guan Huan, Bi Xiaoqing, and Zhou Rui here, taking care of the experts mixed in with the enemies, the rest are not worth worrying about. I have also instructed them to assemble the folding crossbow cannons hidden under the bottom of the carriages, and load them with Fire Oil Bomb Type II in preparation. If we really have to fight, even if it's just us, it's definitely not a problem to hold out until dawn. What's more, there are two elite forces, the Special Operations Battalion and the elite cavalry team, nearby, ready to come to our aid at any time. In terms of combat power, our side has the advantage."

Liu Yong paused and said, "But once the fight starts, after the situation becomes chaotic, losses are inevitable. Our guards have always been sacrificing pawns to protect the chariot. There won't be any problems for important people like the master, mistress, and Feng Zi, but I don't know about the other attendants. Even with flamethrowers and various weapons for self-defense, they can't stand up to the large number of people. And with a conflict of this scale, it's almost inevitable that Wanke Manor will be reduced to ashes."

Ye Tao nodded, and then ordered, "Zhou Rui, you go out stealthily now. Let the Special Operations Battalion immediately take action to secretly clear a safe passage, but try not to attract the enemy's attention. Then prepare for both possibilities, either to meet us down the mountain, or to prepare to kill in to defend against the enemy."

A flash of light appeared in Zhou Rui's eyes, and he said, "Yes. This subordinate will go now."

Ye Tao said to a clerk, "Go invite Sun Jin over. Also, let Wang Shi, Old Master Wang, and Wang An also come over. If Huo Dong is free, let him come over too."

Then, Ye Tao turned to Liu Yong and said, "Uncle Liu, fire a signal cannon and issue a 'rear attack order' to the cavalry team. Once the army led by Fu Chong makes any abnormal movement, launch an attack immediately. Although it's a night battle, hehe... a night battle, they should have an advantage, right?"

Liu Yong tilted his head, and a guard who had been following him closely ran out to execute the order. Ye Tao smiled and said to Liu Yong, "Uncle Liu, send someone to make a statement. The people and things are all in Fuxin Courtyard. If you want to take them, come and get them with your own ability. But if you hurt the innocent people in Wanke Manor, no matter what the situation, the revenge will be tenfold, a hundredfold."

Liu Yong nodded and said boldly, "Yes. Does the master have any other instructions?"

"Feng Zi, write the simplest document, and let Uncle Liu send it out now," Ye Tao shrugged and finally said.

Feng Zi didn't respond, and casually took the paper and pen from the clerk beside him, placed them on the coffee table, and wrote in one go: "Fortuitously obtained Chen Jia's remnants and the Canglong Box at Wanke Manor, knowing its secrets. Encountered the enemy on this night. Reject the enemy."

This document, which had a very telegraphic flavor, made Ye Tao and Liu Yong extremely satisfied. Liu Yong took the document, casually folded it into a scroll that could be put into the capsule on the eagle's anklet, cupped his fist to Ye Tao, and went out. At night, the eagles were indeed unable to discern everything that was happening on the ground to carry out reconnaissance. But these well-trained eagles, when released at night, would definitely fly to a considerable distance away and land in a safe forest, and then on the second day, as soon as it was light, they would fly thousands of miles towards the direction they were supposed to deliver the message. Having used eagles to communicate for a long time, the eagles rarely made mistakes.