The Lucky Heiress

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.

###

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.

Hearing that, Commander Zheng’s face instantly sank, a brutal killing intent flashed in his eyes.

“Wei Mingting, I didn’t expect this from you. When did you suspect me?” Zheng Zhongye said coldly.

“I never suspected you until the grain hijacking incident occurred.”

“I see, that grain hijacking was indeed careless. I didn’t expect the Thunderbolt Bullet to be so powerful, causing all of my most trusted subordinates to be sacrificed.” Zheng Zhongye let go of his pretence.

“Why did you do this?” Wei Mingting demanded.

“Why? Heh, I suppose you can only ask His Majesty the King of the Dead when you are on your way to the netherworld.”

While conversing with Wei Mingting, Zheng Zhongye slowly moved towards his sword. The moment his words fell, he swiftly drew his sword and charged at Wei Mingting.

Wei Mingting was prepared for this and moved swiftly to dodge the attack.

He quickly moved to one side, picked up the long spear resting in the corner, and clashed against Zheng Zhongye.

Streaks of silver light flashed across the tent and the clash of metal echoed resoundingly.

The spear in Wei Mingting’s hands danced like a silver serpent, charged like a flood dragon, the speed of both rivaled the wind and lightning.

His unpredictable yet powerful spear technique left Zheng Zhongye struggling to parry.

Zheng Zhongye had assumed that Wei Mingting was still recovering from his injuries and would not be able to exhibit his full strength.

However, he had underestimated Wei Mingting’s martial arts skills. Even though he had nearly lost his life three months ago, his present fighting spirit and pressure were still tremendous.

After more than twenty moves, Zheng Zhongye was at a disadvantage and was gradually overwhelmed.

In terms of martial art skills, he was no match for Wei Mingting.

At this point, Zheng Zhongye quickly shifted his eyes outside the tent and shouted, “Men, Wei Mingting is attempting to assassinate the commander! Help!”

Several men rushed into the tent from outside, their long spears in hand, and surrounded Zheng Zhongye and Wei Mingting.

“Arrest Wei Mingting! He has committed treason and is attempting to kill me in order to silence me!” Zheng turned the tables and accused.

Within the anti-Japanese army, Zheng Zhongye held the highest rank. When he gave an order, the soldiers should obey.

However, the men who rushed in did not target Wei Mingting as per his instruction, but pointed their spears at him instead.

Seeing this, Zheng Zhongye hastily realized his defeat was inevitable and became flustered.

Wei Mingting saw his distraction and with a flick of his spear, disarmed Zheng Zhongye.

When Zheng Zhongye fell down, his sword clattered to the floor. Without a weapon, he was rendered defenseless.

###

At midnight, Chu Lan arrived at the military camp with his men.

Upon entering the main tent, Chu Lan saw Zheng Zhongye who was bound and kneeling in the center of the tent.

Wei Mingting was standing by the side. Before Chu Lan arrived, he had merely questioned Zheng Zhongye briefly and avoided using any torture.

Chu Lan circled around Zheng Zhongye, re-assessing him once again.

Then, Chu Lan sat down in the commander’s position and started to interrogate, “Commander Zheng, do you know the crime of colluding with the enemy and committing treason?”

“Your Highness, I did not commit treason. The hijacking of the grain provisions and my private inquiry with the ship merchant regarding the Thunderbolt Bullet were all ordered by someone else!” Zheng Zhongye defended himself.

The crime of colluding with the enemy was severe enough to implicate nine generations of his family. It was a claim Zheng Zhongye would not dare bear.

“Who ordered you?” Chu Lan inquired, his eyes stern..