Chapter 934: Chapter 539: Secret Investigation, Meeting with Zhao Shixiong
In the end, only a bucket of cold water arrived: the backer among the rebel army was unwilling to send troops to suppress it, seemingly worried about mobilizing forces and attracting Zhao Shixiong’s attention.
After receiving the news, Song Jinxi’s actions became even bolder. In less than seven days, he used the manpower of the gangs to spread his network throughout the city.
He gathered a large amount of intelligence.
In the rented room.
"Master, there is no issue with that Feng Xiaolian, her identity has been verified. She is indeed someone from the Huai Royal Mansion and holds a rather important position there. Her public identity in the city now is the shopkeeper managing the under-commissioned industries of the Royal Mansion."
Song Jinxi reported: "The Du family members have also been thoroughly investigated and are not special. That Du Shishi should be a wild mage from the martial world, nothing unusual. Du Ruhui also has nothing special; the only noteworthy point is that long before the rebel army advanced into the Huai River, he resigned from his government office position under some pretext, severing many of his connections. Later, when the rebel army entered the city and recruited a lot of people to work, he avoided all that."
So cautious? To decisively abandon a stable job when the situation is completely unclear, such boldness and foresight are things many officials with rank and status lack... Zhao Douan nodded: "What else?"
Song Jinxi handed him a thick stack of documents: "These are all the intelligence we’ve gathered related to the city’s supervisor, Wang Qi’s is on top. Master, there’s something off about this Wang Qi, he’s too flamboyant. I don’t know if he is fearless or intentionally drawing our attention."
Zhao Douan flipped through the materials, only kept Wang Qi’s, and tossed the rest back, saying lightly: "Notify the Shadow Guards in the city to cooperate with me tonight. Select at least five supervisors from this list and attempt to assassinate them."
Song Jinxi responded, with a smile: "Master, rest assured, killing is what I’m best at. If you leave Wang Qi to me, no matter how careful he is, I’m confident I can eliminate him."
"No need, just do your job well." Zhao Douan waved him off and sent him away, then revisited the materials a few times before burning all the paper.
...
Yunshao Courtyard.
"Has Young Master Dong Ping arrived?"
Zhao Douan entered the main hall of the brothel again, only to be spotted by Feng Xiaolian among the group of women.
This store manager, who had the demeanor of a Jianghu guest in a green robe, was exuding alcohol, with women on both arms and several "strawberry marks" on his face. The women around him were smiling brightly, not in the least bit aggrieved, as if being with him was a rare joy.
He is a man who can make women willingly accompany him, even if it’s for free.
Feng Xiaolian’s eyes lit up and she cheerfully waved Zhao Douan over, exchanged pleasantries, and dismissed others on the grounds of wanting peace.
"Does the governor have any orders?" Feng Xiaolian asked with a smile.
Zhao Douan scanned the surroundings to ensure no one was paying attention, then said in a low voice: "I need to have a conversation with Zhao Shixiong, and require a middleman for the introduction."
Feng Xiaolian was suddenly startled, her expression shifted, and some of the smile on her face faded: "Is the governor serious?"
Zhao Douan glanced at her: "Would I, given my status, bother to have fun with you?"
Feng Xiaolian pondered for a moment, and after a while said: "Zhao Shixiong won’t meet you."
Zhao Douan took a sip of wine, saying mildly: "I also won’t meet him, just want the first letter delivered to him."
So it’s just about sending a letter, communicating through words? Feng Xiaolian sighed in relief, thought for a moment, and said: "What the governor wants is undoubtedly secret letter communication, certainly not wanting too many people to know, right... you can start from Zhao Shixiong’s wife, Gongsun. I can find someone to send the letter to Gongsun, who will then relay it to Zhao Shixiong. However, this matter will take time to prepare, at least three days."