Chapter 925: Chapter 924: Probing the Truth
Since we’ve decided to explore the secret realm of the Cloud Fort, we must first do our homework. We can’t skip gathering intel, especially on the real intentions behind Cloud Fort opening the Cloud Realm. We can’t be foolish and become pawns.
The task of gathering information was entrusted to Tang Shi. Wufu also sent Chi Liu along. In Wufu’s eyes, this seventeen-year-old boy showed great potential as a scout.
Avoiding Tang Shi, Wufu privately taught Chi Liu a few tricks. After all, ’a person of his own,’ and having received the word of instruction, he naturally had to impart what he considered comprehensive reconnaissance skills.
As for whether Chi Liu would avoid Tang Shi and act on his own, that was up to him.
The next day, Tang Shi and Chi Liu rode off, heading towards the Cloud Fort. Whatever they discovered, they would naturally return to the Imperial City to report.
Meanwhile, Ah Jiu and his group headed towards Lin Family Village.
Lin Family Village was merely a small village built against the mountain. Rather than calling it a village, it was more like a small estate, surrounded by mountains on three sides, with a hidden location.
At the entrance of the village, Yi Er had been waiting there, having switched guard duties earlier.
"Master." Yi Er clasped his hands in salute upon seeing the group ride up.
Ah Jiu reined in his horse, dismounted, and said, "You’ve had a hard time these past few days."
Yi Er beamed, "It’s no trouble at all. For such tasks, I’m willing to do several more." After all, dealing with a Silver Mine, that’s gleaming Silver.
"Are the people in the village all arranged?"
"Rest assured, Master, everything has been arranged meticulously. Now in this village, apart from the village chief’s family, practically everyone is one of ours," Yi Er replied. "This village chief, Wang Laoshi, is one of Young Master Jin’s people. His ancestors have lived here, and they have no intention of leaving to live elsewhere, so they stayed. He’s also the only person who knows the entrance to the Silver Mine, not even his family knows."
Ah Jiu nodded, "Everyone’s been vetted?"
Yi Er said, "Yes, their backgrounds are clean. His little grandson caught my eye as being quite sharp, so I’ve arranged for him to work as an apprentice at Qianjin Hall."
Ah Jiu followed him to a house with mud walls and a thatched roof. An old man nearing his sixtieth year stood there. Upon seeing Ah Jiu’s group, he hurriedly stepped forward to salute.
"This old farmer greets the young master," Old Man Wang said trembling.
Ah Jiu gave a faint smile, "No need for such formality, elder. The scenery in this village is splendid. We are merely here for a pleasure visit."
Old Man Wang shifted aside, "I have prepared some simple tea at home. If the young master doesn’t mind, please accept my invitation inside for a refreshing drink."
"Very well." Ah Jiu entered.
Wufu also followed into the farmhouse. An elderly woman came out, and upon seeing Ah Jiu and his group, she froze for a moment.
Old Man Wang said, "Honored guests are here, take your eldest daughter-in-law to kill a couple of chickens and prepare a meal to host them."
"Ah, ah." The old woman promptly called out twice into a room, and a heavily pregnant sister-in-law emerged, her head wrapped in a kerchief. Seeing that all the men were dressed elegantly, she became slightly flustered, unsure where to place her hands and feet.
A little girl followed her out, curiously staring at Wufu and the others. When Wufu smiled at her, she blushed with embarrassment.
Inside the farmhouse, hot tea was served, naturally first tested by Yuan Ye and them for any poison.
Ah Jiu seemed like a local leader making rounds, exuding great kindness, inquiring about the crops, how the family was doing, and how many people lived there, giving the full impression of inspecting civilian life, which raised a slight eyebrow from Wufu.
If he were an official, this demeanor would indeed resemble that of a good official.