The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 130

"It's simple. Aren't you an official? Just send someone to watch me in the government office, and you'll know whether I've reported you or not."

Sima Liang thought it over and agreed. He then put away the dagger in his hand.

Seeing that he had released the dagger, Xu Tian breathed a sigh of relief, wiped the blood from his neck, and asked with a somewhat dark look in his eyes, "Then how about we make the deal at the Jinzhou post station at three o'clock the day after tomorrow?"

Upon hearing this, Sima Liang gripped the dagger tightly again and looked at him earnestly: "Not tomorrow?"

Xu Tian noticed that his hand tightened in the firelight, guessing that he was plotting to kill him again. He couldn't help but think to himself: He really is a suspicious and sensitive person.

Now that the other party has a dagger, and Sima Liang's skills are not bad either, Xu Tian could only say, "Tomorrow is too rushed. I am just a merchant who came here to expand my business. My things are all in Chang'an."

Sima Liang still looked at him warily, "You're from Chang'an?"

"Yes," Xu Tian said. "Otherwise, look at my face. Have you seen me in Jinzhou?"

Upon hearing this, Sima Liang thought about it and realized it was indeed true.

He had never seen this unfamiliar face in Jinzhou before.

"I'll be able to prepare the things for you the day after tomorrow," Xu Tian said.

Sima Liang, thinking of those strange treasures, was once again filled with greed. "The day after tomorrow it is. I will definitely have someone keep an eye on you these next few days. Be careful!"

The two had just agreed on a time when they noticed someone arriving.

They exchanged a glance, and Xu Tian quickly slipped away from the shadows, repeating to Sima Liang before leaving, "Remember, the day after tomorrow."

Sima Liang nodded as he packed his things and put them back into the imperial mausoleum.

Fortunately, the things he has moved out can be returned to the imperial tomb. Money is no longer important to him; what matters is his life.

After tidying everything up, he extinguished the torch that had been lit and left.

The next day arrived quickly.

Early in the morning, Xu Tian stopped the guards and led the leading guard into the room.

The guard was curious as to why Xu Tian had summoned him.

Xu Tian was in no hurry. After taking a sip of tea, he said, "Someone has trespassed on the imperial tombs here and stolen things from them. You will come with me to investigate tomorrow. But before that, I would like you to help me get some antiques today."

The guard seemed puzzled, and asked with a hint of doubt, "Why not report it directly to the Emperor?"

Xu Tian said, "This probably involves many forces in Jinzhou, and it's not easy to investigate. We'll inform the Emperor once we've confirmed it, which will be much more convenient."

The guard nodded, accepted the order, and went to carry it out.

The guard was very efficient; by evening, he had brought back several antiques, and the money... naturally went into the royal accounts.

Xu Tian looked at the antiques and nodded in satisfaction.

Tomorrow, take these antiques first; that should be enough to fool Sima Liang.