Chapter 360 - Chapter 360: Chapter 360: Capture the Main Culprit l (1/2)
Chapter 360: Chapter 360: Capture the Main Culprit l
About the length of time it takes to burn incense had passed when the commotion outside ceased, and the Qianfu Inn was once again plunged into silence.
Soon after, Wei Ruo heard the footsteps from the corridor outside. They echoed from near to far, moving through the staircase towards the ground floor.
Once most people had left, Xu Zhengyong returned to the room where Wei Ruo and the others were staying.
“We caught them and interrogated one. It was indeed that bastard’s doing! That bastard wanted to get ahead of us and find out the origin of the Thunderbolt Bullet, and then reach the maker of the Thunderbolt Bullet before us. If the way of recruiting them in advance is concealed, he could get the Thunderbolt Bullet before us!” Xu Zhengyong exclaimed indignantly.
“Hm.” Wei Ruo wasn’t surprised.
She had known this might happen when she set up the trap.
Intercepting the merchant ship and depriving the military camp of these Thunderbolt Bullets was too risky. After the recent grain hijacking incident, a similar move would easily expose her.
But, contacting the merchant in advance and bribing them with silver to learn the source of the Thunderbolt Bullet would be much safer.
Having men hide in the inn was probably a precaution. If the ship merchants refused to cooperate, they could silence them, ensuring no one would gain access to the Thunderbolt Bullet.
Xu Zhengyong continued, “The Seventh Prince is preparing to lead the men back to the camp. He already launched the signal flare earlier. If Mr. Wei sees it, he should act immediately.”
“Hm.” Wei Ruo nodded.
Although she disliked Chu Lan, she did recognize his capability to handle matters. He wouldn’t dare to be the male lead without some courage.
Then, Wei Ruo said to Xu Zhengyong, “You go and meet with the Seventh Prince first. Do not be absent for too long to avoid suspicion; we will discuss the subsequent matters when we have time in a few days.”
“Alright, you and Second Brother Wei take care, and go home earlier.” Xu Zhengyong advised.
“Hm, go ahead without worries.” Wei Ruo responded.
Xu Zhengyong nodded and left the room to meet with Chu Lan.
After he left, Wei Ruo and Wei Jinyi did not leave immediately but waited until all the people from Chu Lan have retreated before leaving the Qianfu Inn.
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In the military camp, the main commander’s tent.
Commander Zheng was standing before the sand table, adjusting the layout on it.
“Commander, Mr. Wei requests an audience.”
The soldier on duty outside the tent reported.
“Oh? Mr. Wei has returned? Let him in.” Zheng Zhongye said.
Then Wei Mingting entered the tent.
Upon seeing Wei Mingting, Zheng Zhongye smiled and beckoned him over to the sand table, “Mr. Wei, come and take a look. If we adjust the defense like this and then launch a surprise attack on this southeastern corner, can we wipe out all the Japanese Pirates entrenched along the southeast coast at once?”
Wei Mingting walked over, glanced at the sand table, but didn’t comment. Instead, he asked Zheng, the guard commander: “Commander Zheng, you have a remarkable military record, so why do you commit treason and collude with the enemy?”
Commander Zheng was taken aback, his smile disappeared.
After a while, he turned to look at Wei Mingting, a new trace of a grin on his face: “Mr. Wei, what are you talking about? Colluding with the enemy and committing treason?”
“Why did you hijack the grain provisions? Why did you want to secretively swallow the Thunderbolt Bullet? What good does it do you?” Wei Mingting queried, bewildered.
Commander Zheng was of humble origin, after serving in the military for over twenty years, he had risen from a common soldier to his current position as Guard Commander, having accumulated numerous military achievements.
“Mr. Wei, when you say these words, you have to present proof. Slander against a superior is a serious crime. I can directly put you on trial in military court, regardless, you will be detained.” Zheng Zhongye said coldly.
“Those you sent to Qianfu Inn have all been captured alive.” Wei Mingting said.