The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 89

The short man first went into the city and met a man. The man then led him to a courtyard on the south side of the west gate of the city, and they entered through the back door.

During this process, another tall guy followed behind, and Xiao Wu could only follow behind him.

About fifteen minutes later, the short man came out of the yard with a bag in his hand, which jingled, probably containing money.

After the short man left, the tall man did not immediately follow, so Xiao Wu could only wait.

Not long after, two more people came out from the back door. Although one of them covered his face with a cloth, Xiao Wu felt from his figure and demeanor that he looked very much like Zheng Zhu, whom he had met a few days ago. This person got into the carriage, and the other person was responsible for driving the horse.

Xiao Wu heard the horse driver ask for directions, and the person inside the carriage said to go around to the south of the city and enter through the south gate. Judging from the voice, it was indeed someone surnamed Zheng.

After the carriage left, Xiao Wu followed the tall man and watched as he met up with the short man and they returned together. The two of them even took a detour around the street along the way.

After listening to Xiao Wu's explanation, Xu Tian fell into deep thought; this matter was not so simple.

These two kidnappers have now gotten involved with Zheng Zhu. It's unclear what their relationship is. Judging from the descriptions, they are wary of each other and don't seem like acquaintances or friends.

Upon careful analysis, the kidnapping incident last year should have nothing to do with Zheng Zhu. At that time, he was still a traveling doctor, and from the subsequent interactions, no abnormalities were found.

"Could it be that Zheng is up to something bad, but he doesn't want to do it himself, so he hired these two people?" Wang Anping suddenly said.

Upon hearing this, Xu Tian suddenly felt enlightened. It was indeed very possible that Zheng Zhu and the kidnapper had a transactional employment relationship.

“What Brother Anping said is indeed very likely. Here’s what we’ll do: Ma Yuan and Xiao Wu will stay here and keep an eye on their movements today. If those two are planning to leave Xiangyang, one of you should immediately go back to the shop and inform us. Of course, don’t work too hard. Eat and drink whatever you like, and don’t worry about spending money where necessary.”

“Okay,” Ma Yuan replied.

Xu Tian, ​​Wang Anping, and Zhao Zhong left the teahouse and returned to their shop. He felt he needed to calm down and think of a solution.

Back at the shop, they learned that Zheng Xie had arrived, seemingly looking for Xu Tian.

As Xu Tian walked upstairs, he couldn't help but think about Zheng Xie and Zheng Zhu. They differed by only one character, yet their personalities were so different. One was a refined and cultured scholar, while the other was almost a scoundrel.

"Brother Zheng, you've come again. How have you been these days?"

"Not so good." Having met so many times, Zheng Xie has become less particular about his words.

"My buddy said you were looking for me."

"It's nothing important, I just wanted to let you know that I'll be leaving for another place in a few days and won't be in Xiangyang anymore," Zheng Xie said unhurriedly.

"Brother Zheng, are you going on a business trip? Where are you going?"

"It's not a reassignment, it's a transfer. You're being transferred to another post, and you won't be in Xiangyang anymore."