General, you should rest now; the lady is even more ruthless.

"Master, everything has been arranged. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Cui Zhi will definitely make a move within three days," Sixteen reported.

"Three days?" Shen Luo calculated the distance and asked, "Can it be any faster?"

Speed ​​is of the essence in war; judging by this time, His Highness should be arriving soon.

As early as when the imperial edict had just been issued and they had just set off to Longcheng, Shen Luo sent someone to deliver a message to the eldest prince, Chen Chengjin.

He knew that the disparity in numbers and combat capabilities between the two sides was enormous, so he secretly contacted the eldest prince, who was stationed in the western border of Nanyue.

The letter expressed the hope that he could bring a small detachment of soldiers to attack from both sides.

The number of people doesn't need to be too large.

Although the rebels were slightly stronger, they had few combat experiences and had little combat experience.

If, when the battle reaches its most intense stage, a surprise force suddenly joins our side, the morale of the opposing army will inevitably collapse.

……

Faced with his master's question, Sixteen lowered his head and thought for a moment.

After a long pause, he shook his head: "Master, this is already the fastest it can be."

It took them only five days to turn Cui Zhi, the local tyrant of Longcheng, from being full of confidence to being trembling with fear, which was already quite an achievement.

“I have a way,” a clear female voice interjected.

Jiang Qiqi strolled leisurely into the house.

Sixteen bowed to her: "Your subordinate Sixteen greets Madam."

"Sixteen?" Jiang Qiqi smiled and nodded at him. "Nice to meet you."

“Your fake identity was very successful; Wu Ming had no suspicions whatsoever.”

Sixteen nodded: "You flatter me, Madam."

Jiang Qiqi sat down in the chair next to Shen Luo, holding a piece of white paper in her hand.

"If you think three days is too long..."

“I have another fire here, I can add it to Cui Zhi’s fire.”

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

After Wu Ming left, Cui Zhi's face darkened.

He can now conclude that Wu Ming has a problem.

But Wu Ming had followed him for many years, and he still couldn't believe that Wu Ming would do such a thing.

He still harbored a sliver of hope, thinking it might just be a coincidence that Wu Ming hadn't betrayed him.

But the matter is far from over.

"Dad—" Cui Ling called out as she ran over.

Already in a bad mood, Cui Zhi was even more furious when he saw her like this, and scolded her: "You're such a big girl, what kind of behavior is this, making such a fuss?"

Cui Ling stopped, panting, and said, "Dad, something terrible has happened."

Cui Zhi's brow twitched.

"what's up?"

"Today I went to the general's residence. When I got inside, I found no one there. I saw a piece of paper on the table, so I picked it up and looked at it."

Seeing that no one was around, Cui Ling took out a crumpled piece of paper that she had hidden in her sleeve.

The note contained only one line: "The evidence of Lord Cui Zhi's crimes will be sent to the brothel later."

"Yihong Courtyard," Cui Zhi read it aloud. He knew this place; Wu Ming and Wu Ju liked to go there.

Who betrayed him?

His expression was grave: "Ling'er, don't tell anyone about this. I'm going out for a bit."

“If anyone asks, I will say that I have contracted the plague and cannot see anyone.”

"What? Father, you've contracted the plague?"

Cui Ling covered her mouth and nose and took a few steps back.

Cui Zhi: "..."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Wu Ming arrived at the Yihong Courtyard as agreed.

Previously, Lord Gong only had one guard by his side, but now he is accompanied by seven or eight people.

To show his sincerity, he came alone this time.

Wu Ming straightened his clothes in front of the door, walked in, ignored the madam and the girls' greetings, and went straight to the third floor.

Cui Zhi, who was hiding in the crowd drinking, witnessed the whole thing and his face turned gloomy.

......

Wu Ming...it really was you!

If Wu Ming was involved, the whole thing makes perfect sense.

No wonder those people suddenly changed their plans and occupied Riyuan;

No wonder he hasn't seen the people Wang Liang sent yet;

No wonder Shen Luo wasn't worried even though he hadn't found anything after so long.

It turns out he had already colluded with these people behind the scenes.

Wu Ming wants to take this opportunity to replace him!

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

When Wu Ming met "Lord Gong," he found that the other party didn't seem to be as urgent as the message he sent him had said.

After chatting for a while, Wu Ming finally couldn't hold back any longer.

"Lord Gong, you wrote to me saying there was something important. May I ask what it is?"

Perfect timing, we've had enough time to get down to business.

Jiang Qiqi said in a serious tone, "Lord Wu, let's be frank. If you can successfully become the Prefect of Longcheng, it will be very beneficial for both of us."

Wu Ming nodded: "Of course, if I become the governor, I will definitely remember your kindness, sir, and Lord Wang as well. I will follow Lord Wang's lead without question."

Jiang Qiqi nodded with great satisfaction, then looked conflicted: "But..."

"But what? Sir?" Wu Ming asked anxiously.

"But Cui Zhi is, after all, an official appointed by the imperial court. Even if Lord Wang were the Vice Minister of Revenue, or even the Minister of Personnel, he could not easily appoint or dismiss a mere fifth-rank prefect."

“Yes…” Wu Ming suddenly realized this.

"But sir, now that you've come, doesn't that mean Lord Wang has already found a solution?"

Jiang Qiqi smiled and said, "I knew I hadn't misjudged you. You are indeed clever."

Wu Ming looked at the other person with expectant eyes.

“Indeed, Lord Wang has a solution, but you are the one who will implement it.”

"Me?" Wu Ming pointed to himself.

“Yes,” Jiang Qiqi affirmed. “Cui Zhi has certainly committed many illegal acts over the years. As long as you can provide some evidence of his crimes, Lord Wang will petition to have him removed from his post… or even lose his head!”

"A head on his neck!" Wu Ming's eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't expected Wang Liang to want Cui Zhi's life too.

However, he wasn't a good person either, and the principle he believed in was:

Weeds and roots.

"My lord, this matter involves many aspects. Could you please give me a few days to think about it?"

It wasn't that Wu Ming didn't want to pay, nor that he didn't have the money.

That's right, his previous statement that he destroyed the evidence of Cui Zhi's crimes was actually false.

Over the years, he kept evidence of everything he had done for Cui Zhi, just in case.

He needed to think about it because these things were not only evidence of Cui Zhi's crimes, but also evidence of his own.

If you hand it over rashly, and the other party goes back on their word, you'll be doomed.

Jiang Qiqi wasn't in a hurry: "I'll stay in Longcheng for another two days. I urge Lord Wu to make a decision as soon as possible."

"Yes, Your Excellency will reply on time."

"it is good."

Jiang Qiqi came out of the "Yihong Courtyard" and saw Sixteen in the corner nod to her.

She knew it was done.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

In the darkness of night, in the howling wind of the canyon, the dust kicked up by flying hooves slowly settles to the ground.

A man on horseback galloped wildly northward.

This person was none other than Cui Zhi, who had just come from Longcheng.

He knew better than anyone that every single thing he had done in the past was enough to warrant the confiscation of his property and execution.

Now all the power in Longcheng is in the hands of the General Zhenguo. Once Wu Ming submits his incriminating evidence to the general, his continued stay in the city will be like catching a turtle in a jar.

Realizing this, Cui Zhi immediately returned home, packed his bags, mounted his horse, and left the city.

Of course, he wouldn't be willing to surrender so easily.

He still has one last option.