Chapter Eighteen: The Target

"Now, let's get down to business." Mu Chengyao looked at the map and traced his finger over Yancheng. "Liu Huzi's target should be Yancheng. Let's consider exactly where he might settle."

Everyone reacted just as Ji Cang had earlier, startled and finding it hard to believe. Yet, the officers of the Third Division didn’t question it; instead, they followed Mu Chengyao’s train of thought. Mu Fusheng wanted to refute, but recalling their previous disagreement—when Mu Chengyao turned out to be right—he kept silent.

Li Youguang, though aware of Mu Chengyao’s abilities, had never worked with him before. He harbored doubts about this rather speculative judgment. Looking around, and seeing no one else daring to speak, he braved Mu Chengyao’s intimidating presence and asked, “Commander Mu, could you share the reasoning behind your deduction?”

Although Mu Chengyao appeared unapproachable and had dealt with Mu Fusheng rather forcefully just now, he replied surprisingly affably, “The recent pursuit left Liu Huzi severely weakened. The first thing he’ll do after shaking us off is recover his strength.”

He traced a line on the map with his slender finger. “Following his escape route, his destination is north. The northern mountains connect to Yancheng and several small villages. Liu Huzi is cunning and greedy; to recover quickly, he’ll target wealthy families for ransom. Moreover, our failed encirclement must have made him underestimate us, making him confident he can pull off a big job and then retreat safely.”

He tapped Yancheng on the map and fell silent; the others understood at once.

After all, with the army on his heels, Liu Huzi didn’t have time to carefully choose a target. The best strategy would be to lie in wait near the main trade route outside Yancheng, giving him an excellent chance of catching a big fish. After a successful raid, he could flee swiftly and then lay low to regroup.

Everyone drew in a sharp breath. If the notorious bandit caused trouble right on their doorstep, it would be a huge disgrace.

Mu Chengyao circled several locations on the map and was about to assign tasks when he remembered that his mother had gone to Qianyun Temple outside the city. He paused, picked up the map again, and studied it.

“Commander, is something wrong?” Ji Cang, careful not to use the familiar address with outsiders present, knew Mu Chengyao best and couldn’t help but ask.

“Do you think Liu Huzi might go to Qianyun Temple?”

If the men had been anxious before, they were now nearly beside themselves. Qianyun Temple was always crowded with worshippers; the wives and mothers of political and business elites were all regulars, including the family members of those present. If Liu Huzi struck at Qianyun Temple, the consequences would be unimaginable.

The thought that their own families might be there left no one able to sit still.

“Commander, allow me to go to Qianyun Temple!”

“Commander, my unit barely suffered losses in the previous fight. Let me go!”

“Commander, my men are itching to redeem themselves. Please give us the chance to make amends!”

“Commander, I—”

Mu Chengyao raised a hand for silence. “I’ll lead the team to Qianyun Temple myself. There’s no time to lose—let’s move!”

He briskly assigned tasks to each officer, then donned his cap and prepared to depart.

Mu Fusheng, having waited in vain for his orders, saw Mu Chengyao about to leave and hurried after him. “Commander Mu, what about my assignment?”

“You’ll stay by my side.” Before Mu Fusheng could protest, Mu Chengyao continued, “The Imperial Guard has suffered heavy losses. Are you sure you can still command them?”

Mu Fusheng’s eyes dimmed. He said nothing more.

Li Youguang, bringing up the rear, waited until the two top officers had left, then slung an arm around Ji Cang’s shoulders with brotherly warmth. “Once this operation is over, let’s get together—just us brothers. I hope you’ll honor me with your presence.”

Ji Cang shot him a sidelong glance, his meaning clear.

Li Youguang grinned shamelessly. “Come on, brother—Mu is Mu, the Imperial Guard is the Imperial Guard. Back in Yancheng, we’re all under the Marshal. To tell you the truth, if you’re uneasy about this mission, we’re not exactly thrilled either. Frankly, at least you have Commander Mu’s protection—even if things don’t go smoothly, it’s just a matter of credit. We’ve truly suffered losses. The power struggles above have nothing to do with us, right?”

He lowered his voice. “When we get back, I’ll report everything truthfully to the Marshal. Don’t worry.”

Ji Cang understood that the Imperial Guard was trying to show goodwill through him. He responded with a cheerful grin, “That’s what I like about you—straightforward. When we return, drinks are on me at Changde Tavern. We won’t go home until we’re drunk!”

“Deal!”

...

Lu Yalan was still unaware of the gathering storm outside. Ever since she woke, she hadn’t left her bed. The bitter medicine she’d been taking made everything taste unpleasant, but today, finally allowed to get up, she felt a rush of excitement as her feet touched the ground.

Hongxing couldn’t help teasing, “Miss, you’re so happy just to get out of bed?”

“Try lying in bed for seven or eight days! My bones are sore. You’re lucky—after you recovered, you could run around as you pleased.”

Hongxing consoled her, “Miss, don’t be willful. You’re still weak, and after recovering from illness, you suffered another fright. If you’re not careful, you might develop a chronic condition. I’m strong and eat well, so I recovered faster.”

“Oh, you wicked Hongxing! Are you saying I’m picky with food? See if I don’t give you a spanking!” Lu Yalan grabbed the Buddhist scripture she’d been using to practice reading and pretended to swat Hongxing, who dodged away.

“Amitabha!” Master Lianyuan intoned a Buddhist blessing, making Lu Yalan realize that Mrs. Mu and the master had entered the room unnoticed.

“Master.” Lu Yalan, embarrassed, tried to hide the scripture behind her back. “Master, Aunt Mu, why are you here?”

“The old monk came to inform you that with this last dose, you needn’t take the medicine any longer. However, seeing you still short of breath, it seems you haven’t fully recovered. The old monk will prescribe a few more doses.”

What?

Lu Yalan was delighted at first, but as she listened, she couldn’t help but suspect that the master was retaliating for her playing with the scripture. Yet, when she glanced at Master Lianyuan’s kindly, dignified face, she felt guilty for doubting him.

She held out her wrist hesitantly. “Master, please check. If it’s necessary, I can take a few more doses of that bitter medicine.”

Mrs. Mu stepped forward, took her wrist, and pulled down her sleeve. “No more medicine—every drug has its side effects. Since you’re better, there’s no need. Walk more, and you’ll regain your strength.”

Lu Yalan looked expectantly at Master Lianyuan.

Seeing the young lady’s bright, eager eyes and her subtle effort to please, the master stroked his beard, pretended to ponder, and finally nodded. “The old monk was mistaken. If so, there’s no need for more medicine. Pay attention to your diet and exercise. Your frailty should improve greatly.”

Lu Yalan finally relaxed and couldn’t help but smile.

Mrs. Mu took the opportunity, while the two servants weren’t looking, to glare at Master Lianyuan, who remained unfazed, maintaining his sage-like composure.

A knock sounded at the door.

Hongxing opened it to find a footman from the Lu household. “Miss, it’s Li San.”

“Let him in,” Lu Yalan said, gesturing for Li San to speak. He first glanced at Mrs. Mu and Master Lianyuan.

Mrs. Mu understood. “I was just telling the master that after checking on you, we’d go enjoy some tea at the Rain Pavilion in the back garden. It’s about time. We’ll be off now.”

“Alright, I’ll come find you once I’m done here.”

Lu Yalan watched them leave, then closed the door before speaking. “Now, what is it?”

“There’s news from home. If you’re well enough, you’re to return. Other arrangements will be made separately.”

Li San had accompanied Lu Yalan to the temple as her escort. Before they left, Lu Yabo had called him aside, reminding him that the second young lady had never traveled alone and asking him to be especially vigilant.

Li San knew why Lu Yalan had come to the temple and had expected some trouble. Instead, she deferred to his opinions throughout the journey, and any doubts she had were quickly dispelled by his explanations. Once they arrived, she even checked on the servants’ accommodations before retiring, which warmed Li San’s heart and made him even more protective of her.

Still, as a man, Li San and the others couldn’t accompany their young lady everywhere, and the temple was always considered safe with its martial monks. When Lu Yalan went out the day she fell into the water, she hadn’t summoned her attendants, and Li San hadn’t thought much of it. He never expected disaster would strike in that brief moment.

After the incident, he was wracked with guilt and worried about facing the Lu family. He’d braced himself for punishment, but Lu Yalan, after waking, bore him no ill will. She even wrote a letter detailing the events to clear Li San and the others of blame.

Li San was even more grateful for her kindness.

As soon as the reply arrived, he hurried to report. He stood respectfully. “The old madam says the temple cannot compare to home for comfort, so you should return and rest. The young master has arranged for a carriage in which you can lie down, so you may travel in comfort.”

“Thank you for going to the trouble. It’s been a long trip—you must be tired. Get some rest. We’ll be relying on you again tomorrow for the journey home.”

Lu Yalan was not at all surprised by her family’s response. Matters between two powerful families couldn’t be settled like a girl’s play. The Li family’s eldest daughter had nearly killed the Lu family’s heiress—a knife now in the matriarch’s hand. What she chose to do with it was not Lu Yalan’s concern.

“I dare not accept your thanks. If you have any instructions, I will do my utmost.”

Lu Yalan smiled. “Uncle Li, you’re an old retainer of our family. No need to be so formal. As for my accident, it wasn’t your fault—I went out without calling you. There’s no reason to blame you. Please don’t worry.”

Li San said no more, only bowed deeply. “Second Miss, you’re most generous.” He took his leave.

“Miss, are we really leaving tomorrow?” Hongxing’s face was full of reluctance.

Lu Yalan sighed. “Yes, we’re going home. Who knows when we’ll return?”

She steadied herself, then brightened. “Come on, let’s go find Aunt Mu and Master Lianyuan to say goodbye.”