Chapter 948: Taking Down the Plain
Editor: Henyee Translations
Tang Jinghong said, “Now, I’m giving you all a chance to live, which is fortunate enough. If you don’t seize this opportunity, what awaits you won’t be pleasant.”
More of the black-clothed men began to feel the temptation to surrender, gripping their knives tightly as sweat dripped down.
The man quickly said, “Don’t listen to Tang Jinghong’s bewitching words; he won’t spare you. He’s only saying this to make us turn on each other.”
His words slightly stabilized the men’s resolve, knowing even if Tang Jinghong spared their lives, he wouldn’t let them off easily.
Tang Jinghong continued, “Even if you escape now, you’ll be hunted endlessly. Is a life of constant fear and looking over your shoulder really what you want?”
Negotiations in the face of battle are also a tactic.
More and more of the black-clothed men were internally conflicted. Tagged by Tang Jinghong, they had no escape; even if they fought to the death and left this place today, they would live under constant threat of assassination.
However, no one acted yet; everyone was watching, knowing if they were the only ones to act, they would be killed instantly—so what about the future?
Seeing his men waver, the leader spat out blood, “Tang Jinghong, you deceitful villain!”
Tang Jinghong retorted sarcastically, “Against someone like you, there’s no need for the methods of a gentleman—you’re not worth it!”
The man grew angrier, which often led to mistakes. “Tang Jinghong, I will kill you!” He charged towards the cave entrance, simultaneously firing arrows in an attempt to assassinate Tang Jinghong.
Tang Jinghong picked up a stone and, as he moved from one side of the cave wall to the other, threw it.
All the arrows flying towards him were knocked down by the stone, and the man was forced to retreat as his foot was also struck by the stone.
Seeing their leader so easily repelled, the black-clothed men grew even more fearful of Tang Jinghong’s strength. Could they really escape?
The men looked at each other, seeing the retreat in each other’s eyes.
The man gritted his teeth in hatred towards Tang Jinghong, “Come out and fight me fairly if you dare!”
Tang Jinghong remained unshaken and spoke calmly, “Whether I’m capable isn’t up to you. Save it, and think about how you’ll escape and protect your harmful substances. Otherwise, once we destroy them, you’ll not escape the consequences.”
Thinking about the potential retribution from the organization chilled the man’s heart, “Tang Jinghong, I won’t listen to you; the master will plead for me.”
Tang Jinghong chuckled coldly, “You think he will plead for you? Or maybe he’ll let you take the fall…”
The men took a step back in fear. If this place was taken by Tang Jinghong, they all would end up scapegoats, growing fearful in their hearts.
“Mas… Master…”
The man shouted, “Shut up! It’s Tang Jinghong trying to make us turn on each other. Can’t you see that?”
“But if the opium poppies here are destroyed, we’re definitely doomed.”
“You are guards of the organization and yet you fear death?!”
“Master, aren’t you afraid?”
“Shut up!”
The men retreated another step, drawn by the desire for money and an easy life, not wishing to die bearing a bad name.
The man seeing them retreat, roared, “What are you doing?”
“Master, don’t blame us. We just wanted to earn money and enjoy life, not die with infamy.”
“If you leave today, the organization won’t let you go either. Have you thought about your families?”
Indeed, their families were still under the organization’s control; they couldn’t escape, and everyone was caught in a dilemma.
Tang Jinghong said, “The organization’s downfall is inevitable; they’re too busy to threaten your families.”
The man roared, “Tang Jinghong, shut up, don’t spread panic. Even you, you’re no match for our organization.”
Tang Jinghong smiled faintly, countering, “Then how did Linzhang City fall into my hands?”
At that moment, Meng Shengdong returned, handing Tang Jinghong his heavy bow.
Taking the bow and arrow in hand, Tang Jinghong aimed at the man. If the man died, this place would be in his pocket.
The man said, “That was just your luck, catching us unprepared…”
Before he could finish, an arrow flew, piercing his chest, passing through his body, and pinning him to the tree behind along with another person.
The black-clothed men, seeing this horrific display, instinctively stepped back in fear; Tang Jinghong’s strength was overwhelming.
The man knelt down, facing the direction of the city, and then his head drooped, signaling his demise.
Tang Jinghong, holding the bow and arrow, stepped to the cave entrance and declared, “Those who surrender, will be spared!”
The black-clothed men quickly threw down their crossbows, moved aside, and raised their hands in surrender.
Tang Jinghong walked towards the plains, stating, “Be wise. Now go and pull out all the opium poppies and burn them, not one should remain.”
“Yes,” the men responded without delay, beginning the task immediately.
Soon, Meng Shengdong led the main army to the site, and together they eradicated the opium poppies.
Half a day later, all the opium poppies in the area were completely destroyed.
“Take them back to the county town!” Tang Jinghong ordered.
At the county town’s entrance, Jiang Zhanglin was waiting, “General, how did it go?”
Tang Jinghong replied, “The opium poppies have been destroyed. Now, gather the villagers and allocate the plains to them. Start planting crops immediately.”
Jiang Zhanglin saluted, “Yes, General.” He took Yi Chuanchuan and some soldiers to the villages.
Tang Jinghong entered a room and briefed Chu Qingzhi about the situation.
After hearing the news, Chu Qingzhi asked, “Did you see the map I sent? The map indicating the storehouses of the organization within the city.”
Tang Jinghong responded, “I’ve received it, and we’re currently verifying it.”
Chu Qingzhi said, “I will assist with the verification tonight. Hopefully, we can find the second batch of military provisions.”
Tang Jinghong played with the ring Chu Qingzhi had given him and said, “Qingzhi, be careful.”
“I will,” she assured.
…
At the Jianshan Temple.
Xu Yuan asked nervously, “Grand Master of Divine Music, the silver we offered has been stolen, what should we do?”
Yan Zihao, disguised as Grand Master of Divine Music, took a deep breath, facing a tricky situation right upon his arrival, “When was it stolen?”
Xu Yuan replied, “It was there last night when we checked, but it was gone when we got up this morning.”
Grand Master of Divine Music asked sternly, “Who was on duty last night? Didn’t they hear anything?”
Xu Yuan nervously replied, “They were all killed.”
Grand Master of Divine Music inquired, probing, “How much silver was stolen?”
Xu Yuan, panicking, said, “All thirty thousand taels are gone.”
Grand Master of Divine Music gasped, “Thirty thousand taels! How wealthy is this cult?”
Wait, he just said that this was the offering silver. To whom was it offered?
Before Chu Qingzhi left, she mentioned that the cult had ties with the crown prince of the eastern border. Could this silver have been meant for him?
“Start searching with your men while I think of what to do.”
Xu Yuan bowed, “Yes.”
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