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墨書 Inktalez
The so-called gentleman discards flaws to elevate talent; the Warriors sever their wrists to preserve their integrity. Gao Lvxing, the Youzhou Inspector, acts in consideration of the bigger picture. When it is necessary to cut ties, one must do so decisively. If he hadn't sent Yang Ting to apprehend people, the Xu Zhen would have certainly detained Gao Di and brought him to the Prefectural Office for questioning.
Now that Gao Lvxing has shifted all blame onto Gao Di, the Xu Zhen has lost her excuse for seeking retribution and can only allow Yang Ting to escort Gao Di back.
With this settled, there is no longer any reason to obstruct the Xu Zhen from entering the city. Yet, Gao Lvxing still cannot lower himself enough to meet her.
Knowing that Gao Lvxing is scheming against her, the Xu Zhen does not wish to linger in Youzhou. After a brief resupply, she leads her personal guards out of the northern gate and heads towards Yingzhou.
After traveling for half a day, the convoy stops to rest and regroup. Xue Rengui orders a patrol for vigilance. Despite the smooth journey, everyone seems unconcerned, but Xue Rengui feels uneasy. When night falls and they set up camp, he takes it upon himself to stand guard and indeed discovers someone lurking in the shadows. He quickly reports back to the Xu Zhen.
The Xu Zhen is discussing matters concerning Youzhou with Zhang Jiunian when she learns from Xue Rengui that there are spies following them. She smiles knowingly.
Xue Rengui volunteers to capture the spy, while Caesar feels guilty for not having protected Zhang Suling well enough. Frustrated from being idle at Brave Duke's Mansion for too long, he eagerly competes with Xue Rengui. The Xu Zhen understands Caesar's skills in night operations and allows him to take charge of capturing the spy.
Xue Rengui, being a valiant general, feels somewhat dissatisfied. The Xu Zhen merely smiles lightly and says to him, "Brother Xue can go along; whoever captures the spy will be rewarded with this short dagger."
After speaking, she draws a finely crafted short dagger from her boot and places it gently on the table. This dagger was obtained by Gou Renwu from Gao Di's residence; everyone is entitled to a share, but due to urgent circumstances at that time, it was inconvenient to carry. The Xu Zhen chose this easily concealable dagger.
Xue Rengui accepts his orders with enthusiasm and quickly rushes out of the camp. The Xu Zhen and others laugh heartily when they hear a voice disdainfully say, "Isn't it just catching a spy? I can do that too!"
Turning around, the Xu Zhen sees Gou Renwu's little maid named Gem. Mischievous by nature, Gem has been a handful for both Gou Renwu and Qingxiazi. Seeing Caesar's robust figure makes her feel envious; she immediately wants to compete in capturing the spy. The Xu Zhen consults Gou Renwu, who agrees, so Gem eagerly follows along.
The three quickly disappear into the darkness ahead of the camp. Xue Rengui is under thirty years old and in his prime; after joining the army without much opportunity to showcase his skills, he finally seeks to prove himself under the command of the Xu Zhen. Once they enter the night forest, he moves swiftly like a cheetah.
As a top assassin, Caesar can see well at night and moves like a snake; meanwhile, Gem surprisingly knows how to track trails and is as nimble as a spirit cat. The three race ahead without making a sound or leaving any trace!
Seeing each other's skills surprises them all and further ignites their competitive spirit. Soon enough, they encircle the small hill where the spy is located.
Having been comfortable at his noble residence for some time, Caesar finds his skills somewhat rusty while Gem struggles with stamina; thus Xue Rengui takes the lead. However, upon reaching the hilltop, they discover there are actually four or five people on the other side!
These scouts are quite alert as well; Xue Rengui's striking appearance makes him easily recognizable. These scouts are elite fighters who do not shy away from confrontation and immediately draw their weapons to attack!
Xue Rengui found himself in a precarious situation, having inadvertently revealed his position. In order to move quickly, he had not brought his trusty dual pistols and was forced to engage with only a broadsword.
Although the scouts were reckless individuals, their combat skills could not match Xue Rengui's. After several exchanges, they found themselves unable to subdue him, and doubt began to creep into their minds.
At that moment, Caesar arrived silently, his twin blades flashing as he took advantage of the scouts' unpreparedness to strike. Jewel Girl followed closely behind. The three of them, fueled by fervent determination, soon captured the five scouts and brought them back to the camp.
Seeing her subordinates' bravery, Xu Zhen was overjoyed. Since Xue Rengui had played a crucial role in their success, she naturally wanted to reward him with a short dagger. However, Xue Rengui humbly declined and instead gifted the dagger to Jewel Girl.
The young girl was thrilled with the dagger and did not refuse it. With a rare seriousness, she awkwardly expressed her gratitude to Xue Rengui, her stiff movements eliciting smiles from those around.
Zhou Cang and Zhang Jiunian went off to interrogate the scouts. However, these individuals had undergone brutal training and were tight-lipped even under duress. Zhou Cang grew furious and resorted to torture, but the scouts remained resolute, refusing to speak.
In desperation, Zhou Cang and Zhang Jiunian reported back to Xu Zhen. She personally came to inspect the prisoners and noticed that they were all small in stature. Her gaze lingered on one of them, and an idea formed in her mind.
She approached the scout, crouched down, lifted his chin with the tip of her blade, and smiled as she asked, "Young Master, what is your name and who do you serve?"
The scout appeared delicate and refined; he did not seem like a martial artist at all. He had an androgynous charm that was quite appealing. However, upon hearing Xu Zhen's question, he turned his head away and coldly replied, "If you think I am young and easy to deceive, you are gravely mistaken. If you want to kill or torture me, just say the word; don't expect me to reveal anything!"
Xu Zhen regarded him with appreciation but merely smiled calmly as she said, "I already know you are from Youzhou Inspector's ranks. If you were ordinary thieves, a few strikes would have made you spill your ancestors' secrets. You think you're tough; little do you know that your defiance has already exposed your identity. Although I am not a paragon of virtue, I keep my promises. If you cooperate fully, I will ensure your release. Why serve someone like Gao Lvxing who is unfaithful and untrustworthy?"
These men were aware of Yang Ting's ruthless methods and were holding out due to fear of his tyranny. They had not expected their identities to be revealed so easily. Doubts began to surface in their minds; however, the young man raised his head defiantly and argued with Xu Zhen: "If we betray our master for our own survival, would that not also be disloyal? The general may be noble; there are rumors among the people about it. Yet we have dedicated ourselves to military service with our mission at hand; we have long since set aside concerns for life or death—what is there to fear?"
"Well said! Truly commendable words from a man of iron will!" Xu Zhen praised sincerely. The scouts felt a wave of relief wash over them as they thought that perhaps Xu Zhen would no longer press them further. Little did they know that she would swiftly change her tone.
"Since you know you are bound by duty in the military, I cannot fault you for that. But if you refuse to speak up, then let us see what methods I have at my disposal!"
Xu Zhen's mood shifted dramatically; many of the scouts turned pale with fear. Nevertheless, she waved her hand decisively and ordered, "Bring this sharp-tongued brat out here and cut off his tongue!"
Zhou Cang was perplexed by Xu Zhen's intentions but complied obediently as they dragged the young man away. The other four scouts clearly cared for him deeply; they shouted angrily in protest as their eyes burned with rage!
After dragging the young man out alone, Xu Zhen coldly said to him, "I respect you as a good man, but if I cut out your tongue, you will never be able to speak again. Now, say your name one last time."
The young man did not expect Xu Zhen to be so capricious. He felt regret in his heart; if it weren't for the circumstances, who would willingly serve Yang Ting?
At this point, the young man could only let out a silent bitter laugh and said softly, "I, Zuo An, only seek to have a clear conscience; what do I care for this life!"
Xu Zhen nodded in satisfaction and suddenly struck, knocking the spy named Zuo An unconscious on the ground.
"Girl, come in."
Xu Zhen shook her numb right hand and called Zhang Suling in. The latter carefully examined the unconscious Zuo An, measuring his facial contours with her fingers. Zhang Jiunian's heart suddenly trembled as she finally understood Xu Zhen's intentions!
Gou Renwu and Xue Rengui were still unaware of Xu Zhen's purpose. She did not clarify and asked Zhang Suling as she stood up, "How long will it take?"
"About an hour."
"Good."
Everyone was extremely curious about what Xu Zhen and Zhang Suling were doing. None of them wanted to rest and instead drank with Xu Zhen in the tent while the unconscious Zuo An was tied up beneath it. His bloodstained clothes had already been stripped away.
After more than half an hour, Zhang Suling finally emerged from her tent. However, apart from Xu Zhen and the elders like Caesar and Zhou Cang, Gou Renwu and others were left stunned because what they saw was a different Zuo An!
Zhang Suling's disguise technique was also highly skilled; even the scars and bloodstains were perfectly replicated. When Zhang Suling opened her mouth, blood blurred her lips, truly resembling someone whose tongue had been torn out!
Xu Zhen circled around Zhang Suling, nodding repeatedly but feeling that something was still off. Suddenly realizing something, she walked over to Zuo An and smeared some blood from his wounds before slapping Zhang Suling on the backside!
Zhang Suling shivered all over. Although she admired Xu Zhen, they were not overly intimate. Now, in front of so many people, Lord actually did such a thing; how could it not make her feel shy!
Caesar's expression was emotionless, but inside he wished he could strangle Xu Zhen. Meanwhile, Zhang Suling changed from her usual mischievous self and blushed angrily exclaimed, "What are you doing, Lord!"
Xu Zhen smiled slyly while wiping her hands and explained, "It doesn't take an hour to cut out a tongue. This Zuo An is delicate and charming, quite appealing..."
Although the Tang Dynasty was not known for male favors, it was not uncommon for some handsome young men to be taken by their male masters. Therefore, when Xu Zhen made this remark, everyone shared a knowing laugh.
Having spent a long time in the Brothel, Zhang Suling understood the implications well. This could eliminate any suspicion regarding the hour-long absence, preventing other spies from becoming curious. However, causing such a scene in front of so many people was truly embarrassing!
Amidst the laughter, Zhang Suling lowered her head and left the tent, escorted back to the cage by Xu Zhen. This girl was quite clever; as soon as she exited the tent, she slightly spread her legs and pretended to struggle with her steps. Coupled with the large patch of crimson blood behind her, it was clear to anyone that this young man had been defiled by General Xu.
Seeing Xu Zhen and Zhang Suling playacting like this caused another round of laughter among the crowd before they returned to their camps. However, Jewel Girl stayed behind to guard Zuo An, as this particular Zuo An had cost her considerable effort to capture and had nearly cost her life.
Zhang Suling, disguised as Zuo An, was thrown back into the cage by Xu Zhen. The other captives were horrified at seeing Zhang Suling in such a miserable state; not only had she lost her tongue, but she also couldn't maintain her purity. They were instantly terrified, their remaining bravado evaporating.
Just thinking about the torment that Zuo An endured for a whole hour sent chills down their spines. Looking at the large patch of blood behind Zhang Suling, they felt an involuntary tightening in their own bodies.
Zhang Suling knew she had achieved a shocking effect. She wanted to speak but as soon as she opened her mouth, blood poured out, further terrifying the captives.
Seeing that it was almost time, Zhang Suling reached into her bosom and fumbled around until she surprisingly pulled out a key!
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