27 Newfound Cousin - 8.3 (1/2)
After showing Jun Qiao around, both he and Wu Zhang He retreated to Wu Zhang He's study where a servant quickly served them some snacks and refreshments before quickly going out and leaving the two alone.
Glancing at young man sitting in front of him, Wu Zhang He expertly poured the both of them tea before voicing out what was on his mind.
”So what are your plans now Jun Qiao?”
Hearing the question, Jun Qiao didn't immediately answer and instead picked up a cup of tea and took a sip before meeting Wu Zhang He's gaze.
”I plan to stay here for a while. I'm still looking for her and if I keep moving around as I have been, I might soon draw some unwanted attention. I would prefer to stay inconspicous to avoid my enemies from putting up their guard, that is of course, until I find her...”
”Hmm... Well staying here is indeed a good plan, that way you'll be able to set up a base of operations and give you a chance to slowly build up your strength and expand your reach in regards to influence and intelligence gathering.”
”Exactly! For now I just have to planand then act accordingly.”
Nodding his head in agreement, Wu Zhang He sipped his own tea as he ruminated Jun Qiao's words.
”Then what do you need to do first? Anything I could do to help?”
Pausing, Jun Qiao carefully considered his plans before answering, ”Well I need to find a place for myself first that is both private yet easily accessible... Actually in regards to this, I have something I'd like to ask Uncle Zhang's help with.”
Surprised, Wu Zhang He instantly responded, ”Tell me then, what is it that you need?”
”First, I's like to ask if you know who owns the residence perpendicular to here? The one just past yours with the closed gate and two guards and if there's any chance that I could perhaps acquire it.”
Startled, Wu Zhang He looked at Jun Qiao before slowly smiling at him and shaking his head while letting out a few chuckles in between which made Jun Qiao frown in confusion.
”Did I say something weird Uncle Zhang?”
”Haha... Not at all, not at all! But do tell me, is that you're only concern for now?”
With brows still drawn together, Jun Qiao answered, ”Yes, it is.”
”Then let me handle it! The residence you're currently eyeing is actually vacant as of the moment. I know the previous occupants and I have a pretty good relationship with them. I can go ahead and ask if they are willing to sell this land to you.”
Curious, Jun Qiao asked, ”Then may I know the previous occupants were?”
”Oh, it was the Fan family who used to live there. They moved about a decade ago to the other side of the city near the foot of the mountains after a large expanse of land there was given to them by the emperor because of their family's help with the unexpected demonic beast wave that happened ten years ago.”
”Help? What did they do?”
”Well mostly it was due to the efforts of General Fan Hui Zhong, the current head of the Fan family at the time. He was able to hold the beasts back with the help of the Fan family's personal army; the Lei Ji Army.”
Feeling that he's heard the name of the army before, Jun Qiao remained silent as his brows furrowed before realization spread through him.
With a brow raised up in question, Jun Qiao gave a measuring look to Wu Zhang He before asking, ”Lei Ji Army... Is that the same army that was supposed to be under the Lei Wangye?”