Chapter 36: The Waters of Ghost Mountain Pass Run Deep and Murky

After all, Li Duo knew in her heart that her man was no ordinary person. And she was not the type of small-minded woman who relied solely on a man.

"I know. I will return to the camp at noon and divide our forces into three groups as you requested. In two or three days at the latest, I will have them bring the people here to settle down and handle the logistics."

Chen An grasped Li Duo’s small hand. "You aren't coming?"

His gaze, filled with a touch of anticipation, was like an arrow released from a string, striking straight and true into the depths of Li Duo’s heart. Though she was quite pleased, her maidenly reserve made her pout as she replied:

"Don't they always say you men love to keep your eyes on the pot while eating from your bowl? You’ve already taken advantage of me—don't tell me you’re hoping I’ll stay behind before you’ve even finished your meal?"

Hearing this, Chen An smiled slightly and pulled her closer with a bit more strength.

"Who says that? I am not the type to abandon my principles once I’ve gained an advantage," Chen An said. "I still have many ideas that need your help; if you could come, I would be overjoyed."

With the acknowledgment of her abilities and the reassurance regarding their relationship from the man she cherished, Li Duo felt her heart bloom. She said with a hint of bashfulness, "You certainly know how to talk."

"However, there is no need to rush this," Chen An explained. "My thought is for you to go to Ergou’s place and purchase some daily supplies; as long as they arrive within seven days, that will be fine."

"Why?"

"The waters at You-Shan Pass are still quite murky, and there are some things I haven't quite figured out yet..."

***

At the Feng residence in You-Shan Pass, Feng Sen was frowning deeply over a letter.

"Father, what does Prefect Cheng say in the letter? Why do you look so troubled?" asked Feng Qing, who was sitting nearby.

Setting the letter aside, Feng Sen furrowed his brows. "Prefect Cheng wants something to happen to Chen An."

"Isn't that great!" Feng Qing said, his interest piqued. "I’ve long found that fellow Chen an eyesore. Now that there’s finally an opportunity, we absolutely must not miss it."

"Shut your mouth!"

Feng Sen’s sudden shout caught Feng Qing off guard.

"You troublesome wretch, all you know how to do is cause trouble for me. Tell me, besides chasing women and indulging in debauchery, what else are you capable of?" Feng Sen complained, frustrated by his son's lack of promise.

Although Feng Qing was unhappy, he steeled himself and asked, "Father, what did I do wrong this time? Why are you scolding me again?"

"I say you don't use your head when you encounter problems, and you refuse to believe it," Feng Sen analyzed. "You had a conflict with Chen An just the day before yesterday, and if something happens to him tomorrow, isn't that clearly putting us in the line of fire?"

"But this is Prefect Cheng’s order..." Feng Qing explained. "We can't just ignore it, can we?"

"This is why I say you’re like mud that can't be plastered onto a wall. You and Chen An are about the same age—he might even be a year younger than you—but in this regard, you aren't even worth a finger of his."

Feng Sen continued, "Haven't you heard the saying: 'A county magistrate is no match for the official on the spot'? Besides, Chen An is not an ordinary citizen; he is a military man with over a hundred soldiers under his command. He has only been here a few days—who knows what kind of background he has?"

After Feng Sen finished speaking, he noticed Feng Qing was silent, and his tone softened slightly.

"Qing'er, you must always understand one truth: you can fight against heaven and earth, but you must never fight against the bureaucracy. It may sound harsh, but that is the reality." Feng Sen sipped his tea and advised earnestly:

"Setting aside Chen An’s true identity, just based on the hundred-plus men he has, we cannot act blindly. We are over a hundred miles away from the Prefect's office; it takes a full day for a fast horse to go back and forth. If those soldiers refuse to listen to us, or if they kill us in a fit of rage, do you really think Prefect Cheng will clear our names?"

"Son, I know that forcing you to do things might backfire, which is why for all these years, I have never expected you to achieve greatness. As for your daily recklessness, I have always found ways to clean up the mess."

"But in matters of power struggles and life-and-death stakes, we cannot afford to be careless. Your father is retired, and while we live better than the average family, we are walking on thin ice. One wrong step, and we will be shattered to pieces."

Although Feng Qing was arrogant and domineering, he respected his father greatly. Hearing these profound words made him feel a sense of shame.

"Father, what should we do now? We can't just ignore Prefect Cheng's instructions."

"Ignoring it is not an option. Prefect Cheng is narrow-minded; if he discovers we are paying lip service while defying him, he will never forgive us." Feng Sen pondered for a moment and said, "Do this: take my calling card and go to the Wei family. Tell Uncle Wei that I have an urgent matter to discuss with him."

***

Late that night, at the Feng residence.

"I thought it was something major; it's just killing a man," said Wei Dong, the head of the Wei family, who was unaware of the complexities.

"Brother Wei, this Chen An is no ordinary person. I believe we should plan this more carefully."

Faced with Feng Sen’s well-intentioned warning, Wei Dong was dismissive:

"Hmph, if Heaven wants to take someone, it is hard for us to keep them here. But if we want to send them to Heaven, isn't that much simpler?"

"Chen An is a military man with many guards by his side. It might not be very convenient for us to act."

"No matter. Professional matters should be left to professionals," Wei Dong reminded him.

"You mean?" Feng Sen suddenly realized something.

"Zhong Miao is currently in You-Shan Pass."

"You mean that Zhong Miao whose 'Soul-Chasing Arrow' technique is divine?"

"Exactly. The Wei family is famous in You-Shan Pass for keeping martial arts mercenaries, and we are considered loyal customers of Zhong Miao."

Wei Dong said confidently, "With Zhong Miao taking the lead, this matter is as good as done."

"Good, then the Feng family will provide the silver." Feng Sen slammed his hand on the table.

After seeing Wei Dong off, Feng Qing asked, "Father, is this plan feasible?"

"It’s hard to say for now," Feng Sen said suspiciously. "That is why your father has kept a backup plan."

"Father, is that why you had Uncle Wei go find Zhong Miao?"

"Exactly. Wei Dong lacks foresight; having him do this saves us a lot of trouble."

"Even if something goes wrong in the end, it will be hard for Chen An to find trouble with us."

"Conversely, if it succeeds, we will have an explanation for Prefect Cheng."

...

After two consecutive days of peace, Chen An finally had some rare leisure time. The rushing and campaigning since the day he joined the army had left him physically and mentally exhausted, so he decided to take Zhang Xiaojing and the others out for a change of pace to hunt in the mountains.