C208 – Being Uncovered

Throughout the confines of Crane Metropolis Prefect’s yamen, Lin Zhihao reclined with a cup of tea, observing as his family servants diligently packed their belongings.

Having obtained confirmed intelligence concerning the emptiness of the capital’s governorship and having charted his course accordingly, Lin Zhihao awaited the Ministry of Personnel’s official switch decree, poised to depart with palms clasped behind his again.

As for Duke Zhen’s affairs at that juncture, they bore no relevance to him. Even when they did, Grasp Lu’s destiny probably lay with the pirates; their whereabouts have been a thriller.

With a carefree demeanor, Lin Zhihao hummed a tune, basking within the heat of the afternoon solar.

“Milord,” Clerk Hee entered cautiously, murmuring, “The port has grow to be more and more congested, with quite a few untoward incidents. Ought to we handle this matter?”

Lin Zhihao dismissed the priority with an informal wave, remarking, “They’re merely a rowdy bunch. They’ll disperse in due time.”

The extended absence of Lu Zheng and Zuo Shaoqing’s occasion had incited unrest amongst their kin, who frequented the port looking for info. Inevitably, with elevated numbers got here escalated tensions and conflicts.

Clerk Hee, suppressing his apprehension, cautioned, “Sire, if Grasp Lu encounters hassle, we could discover ourselves implicated as nicely!”

Dismissing the notion, Lin Zhihao sipped his tea leisurely, asserting, “Lu got here for naval affairs. Our duty ceases the place his absence from the ocean begins. In addition to, I’ve gone out of my solution to safe a civilian vessel for Lord Zuo. We’ve accomplished our half.”

“Certainly, the switch order ought to arrive shortly. Upon my arrival within the capital, I shall endeavor to facilitate your switch. Within the meantime, it’s possible you’ll proceed your duties in Crane Metropolis peacefully.”This chapter is up to date by nov(e)(l)biin.com

Expressing gratitude for the consideration, Clerk Hee acknowledged, “Your concern is duly famous. After so a few years underneath your governance, it might be prudent for me to stay and keep our ties with Crane Metropolis.”

Lin Zhihao chuckled, acknowledging the clerk’s foresight, “You’re fairly considerate certainly. Crane Metropolis boasts wealth aplenty, and my passage to the capital has incurred substantial bills. Stay right here for the interim.”

Clerk Hee’s expression soured; he regretted having been swayed by the attract of Crane Metropolis’s riches, steadily dropping sight of his ideas.

Saluting dutifully, he acquiesced to Lin Zhihao’s association, cognizant that the long run lay past the prefect’s jurisdiction.

At Crane Metropolis Port, a throng eagerly awaited, poised to catch sight of their returning family members on the earliest alternative.

“Tch!” These deceitful distributors, even a easy steamed bun is now priced at fifty cents!” grumbled a member of the Cao Sect, munching on a plain mantou as he navigated by way of the bustling crowd, sweat dripping from his forehead.

Taking a chunk of the steamed bun, which tasted as bland as wax, he fretted, “San Ye promised to return in simply ten days. It’s been half a month already. Do you assume every little thing’s alright?”

Ke You Liang, dwarfed by burly males surrounding him, remained inconspicuous within the midst of the throng. Regardless of this, his phrases held sway, even amongst members of the Cao Sect, to a level.

“Sir, en route right here, I made inquiries. Not solely did you inadvertently disclose your scheme to Grasp Lu, however…” “It’s rumored that in your tenure, you accepted bribes, facilitated theft, and even aided pirates!”

“What?” Lin Zhihao was dumbfounded. When had he ever collaborated with sea raiders?

“These imbeciles!” The Grand Grasp consoled indignantly, “Your Excellency, these are baseless accusations from outsiders. Rumors are dispelled by discerning minds; you needn’t fret!”

Clerk Hee harbored much less optimism. Mere accusations of conspiring with pirates to hurt Grasp Lu might value Lin Zhihao his life, not to mention the extra allegations.

Lin Zhihao was aware of the gravity of the state of affairs. He dismissed his trusted aides and hastened to instruct his spouse to arrange for departure.

Confounded, Madam Lin inquired, “We’ve lengthy ready for our journey to the capital. What is occurring exterior?”

Lin Zhihao instructed her to collect his important possessions, choose a couple of kids and two favored concubines, and discreetly flee to the coast with a handful of servants.

With years of dealings with retailers, he was nicely conscious of the existence of nations past Nice Yang. As soon as he departed from the coastal areas, Lu Zheng’s threats appeared inconsequential.

But, he had underestimated Lu Zheng. Understanding himself to be the perpetrator, Lu Zheng wouldn’t permit him to flee Crane Metropolis so simply.

By his cautious orchestrations, each exit from the prefectural compound was blocked by incensed commoners. Earlier than Lin Zhihao’s carriage might traverse a couple of steps past the rear gate, it was intercepted by the gang.

“Shortly, somebody come!” “The wrongdoer is trying to flee!”

“Their actions will need to have been disgraceful. Why else would they attempt to run away?”

“Hurry, seize him! We should search justice for these whose lives have been ruined!”

With one particular person taking the lead, increasingly more individuals joined the throng. By the point the yamen runners arrived, Lin Zhihao’s carriage lay shattered, surrounded by concentric circles of civilians.

Fortunately, they retained their composure, recognizing the dire penalties of assaulting authorities officers. In any other case, Lin Zhihao might need met a grisly destiny.

Confronted by unarmed civilians, the yamen guards hesitated to take motion recklessly. Moreover, upon studying of Prefect Lin’s misdeeds, they have been disinclined to help him, opting as an alternative to keep up a fringe to make sure Lin Zhihao’s security.

Zuo Shaoqing loved a restful sleep. After enduring a number of days of sea journey, he succumbed to slumber the second his head touched the pillow.

Upon awakening to the brightening sky and the absence of Lu Zheng, he stretched, patted his abdomen, and resolved to take pleasure in a hearty meal.

Exiting his chamber after freshening up, he encountered the gatekeeper from the Cao Sect, who hurriedly reported, “Grasp San, there’s somebody exterior looking for your viewers!”