Chapter 1604: The Confucian Sect Moves Out I (2/2)
At the western gate, Li Junxian was wearing a white Confucian robe, exuding a transcendent air. His eyes were slightly closed as he motionlessly stood.
”Yes, Young Master!”
The Confucian Sect expert lowered his head and bowed.
”Has there been any movement from the Wang Clan?”
Li Junxian had a pensive look as he spoke once more.
”Following Young Master's orders, we have eyes all around the Wang Family Residence, and we're intercepting any messenger birds trying to get to the residence before they can get close. In addition, we've found an expert in our sect who can imitate writing styles and written a letter to the King of Foreign Lands saying that the time of arrival will be delayed by four hours. So for this time period at least, the King of Foreign Lands should be unaware,” the Confucian Sect expert reported.
The Confucian Sect had made ample preparations for this operation and considered all the scenarios.
”In addition, in order to prevent any mishaps, we have sent men to all four city gates. We cannot allow a single misstep to cause failure.”
”Very good. Keep a close eye on the movements of the King of Foreign Lands, and keep an eye on his subordinates as well. If they leave his residence, immediately attack them. If necessary, you can even heavily injure them. The King of Foreign Lands will protect his subordinates, inevitably causing delays. I need you to delay them at any cost!” Li Junxian sternly said. Such was the importance of the border incident that he did not mind using a few lowly tricks.
”Yes, Young Master!”
The Confucian Sect expert quickly left. Meanwhile, any messenger bird heading toward the Wang Family Residence or the Wang Clan Residence was intercepted in the skies of the capital by special hawks.
When it came to training birds, the Confucian Sect had a special method that had been passed down over its long history.
This method did not require capturing the fiercest of gyrfalcons or Arabian falcons. Instead, these were birds that were hand-trained and that were assisted by special claws forged by the Confucian Sect. The success rate of this method wasn't very high, but it provided enough birds for the Confucian Sect to intercept important information.
In any dynasty, intelligence was always of utmost importance. Without such methods, the Confucian Sect would have found it very hard to develop.
Outside the capital, that group of black-armored cavalry was moving faster and faster, getting closer and closer to the capital.
”Young Master, we've confirmed their location. They are less than forty li from the western gate!”
”Young Master, we've found them! They are less than thirty li from us!”
”We've found the target. They are only ten-some li away…”
At the western gate, countless carrier pigeons were descending, reporting on the cavalry force's position. As time passed, the tension in the air increased. Confucian Sect experts stood in both the light and the shadow, waiting for that final moment to arrive.
In this entire process, the Confucian Sect experts were keeping an eye on the cavalry force, always keeping Hulugan and Ashide in their sight.
”Young Master, there's movement from the Wang Family Residence. Wang Chong's subordinate Old Eagle has sensed that something is wrong and is riding toward the residence.” At this moment, news came from the Confucian Sect experts watching Wang Chong, and the air grew even tenser. Everyone looked toward the white-robed Li Junxian.
”Stop him!”
Li Junxian finally opened his eyes, which exuded an intimidating light.
”But, Young Master, it's day right now and Old Eagle is riding a horse through the streets. Many people are watching!” the reporting Confucian Sect hesitantly said.
”Stop him regardless!” Li Junxian firmly ordered. ”If there's a problem, I'll deal with it. Everyone get ready to seize Ashide and Hulugan!”
Li Junxian's eyes were incredibly dark.
At this moment, the rumbling of hooves could be heard in the distance, and a group of cavalry appeared on the horizon, headed toward the gate.
”Everyone, prepare to strike!”
Seeing that group of cavalry, Li Junxian immediately mounted his horse and rode off. At the same time, the net the Confucian Sect had laid out around the western gate began to rapidly close. King Qi's Penal Court soldiers and the Imperial Army soldiers mobilized by the First Prince also began to act.
”Milord, not good! There's a problem!”
One of the black-armored Tang horsemen sensed something, his expression grimacing. The white-tasseled general felt his heart sink.
”Immediately inform His Highness. Everyone, withdraw!”
A thunderous voice came from the distance. ”You there, hear this decree! Stop at once! The Great Tang's Secretariat Advisor is here! Hand over Hulugan and Ashide. Those in defiance will be harshly punished!”
The white-tasseled general had reacted very quickly, but the other side had reacted even more quickly.