Chapter 493: Pushing you into a trap (1/2)
Chapter 493: Pushing you into a trap
Translator: Sparrow TranslationsEditor: Sparrow Translations
Spring was a calming and comfortable time.
Fang Zhengzhi wasn't rushing to the examinations. He was in no hurry. In fact, there was nothing pressing that he had to attend to currently.
Fang Zhengzhi hummed a little tune as he rode along.
In his previous world, spring was enjoyed by everyone! The weather was one reason. People also enjoyed the flowers, greenery, and burst of life.
”How long more to the capital?”
”Young Master Fang, we are still about 100 miles out. If we push the pace, we can arrive tomorrow. If we...” One of the members of the Yan Cloud Cavalry replied.
”Mm, then we will find a place to rest for a few days up ahead.”
”明白!”
”I understand!”
...
In a quiet valley at night, there was a huge army camp. The Red Pinion Squad and Yan Cloud Cavalry stood guard around the perimeter in their shining armor.
In one of the tents, there was a light on the table.
Fang Zhengzhi leaned back in his seat and looked at the figure who had entered the tent.
”My Lord, what is it?”
”Mm, I received news from the capital that the Emperor is holding a banquet at the Ten Mile Lake. Yan Qianli is the VIP and he has accepted the invitation. King Duan asked us to be careful when entering the city. I was thinking if we should enter the city after the banquet is over. We could wait till Yan Qianli rejoins us.” Chi Hou replied.
”Which option are you leaning towards?”
”I think that the timing on this is too much of a coincidence. If we want to play it safe, then we should wait until the banquet is over.”
”If you wanted to play it safe, then you wouldn't have come to find me.” Fang Zhengzhi smirked.
Chi Hou was a bloodthirsty general...
Safety and insurance...
They were not his favorite options.
”Ahem... what I meant was that... according to the rules, the Red Pinion Squad and the Yan Cloud Cavalry can only set up camp outside the city.” Chi Hou was slightly embarrassed.
Fang Zhengzhi had read him like a book. He had no intention of waiting outside the city. In fact, his initial plan had not accounted for Yan Qianli.
Why should he back off now?
”And so?” Fang Zhengzhi added.
”I am afraid that if it's just me, you, and Yan Xiu, something bad will happen. After all, you are a criminal. Even though I am bringing you in under the pretext that I have arrested you, certain precautions must be taken.”
”So I should spend some time in a cell?” Fang Zhengzhi asked.
”Ahem, I would not let that happen if we can avoid it. However, rest assured that King Duan and I will make the necessary arrangements. After I have met with the Emperor, I will have King Duan trial you. The Emperor would not reject that proposal.” Chi Hou cleared his throat.
”You came here just to tell me this?”
”Mm, the current situation still favors the Crown Prince. I think that we should still play it safe. If we went according to my plan...” Chi Hou added sincerely.
”I don't recall promising that I would follow the orders of yourself and King Duan.” Fang Zhengzhi interrupted.
”You did not agree to it. However, I need to ensure your safety as we enter the city. I am sure you won't make things difficult for me, right?”
”My Lord, rest assured that I will not make things difficult for you.” Fang Zhengzhi nodded. He knew what Chi Hou was thinking.
Chi Hou was basically leading him into a trap.
He came here on the pretext that he was helping Fang Zhengzhi. If Fang Zhengzhi played along, he would realize along the way that...
He was past the point of no return!
”So you're saying that... you agree?” Chi Hou's excitement was palpable.
”No, but I will keep a lower profile.” Fang Zhengzhi shook his head.
”Keep a low profile?”
”Yes.”
”How low?”
”Very very very low!”
”Erm... okay then. I do not have to worry then.”
...
During the evening three days later, a group of more than 10 men walked towards the capital. There were two rows of spectators by the side of the road.
”Fang Zhengzhi is entering the city!”
”He is doing so without bothering to disguise himself?!”
”He must have been forced by the Divine Constabulary! Else, why would he do such a thing? He is a wanted criminal!”
”Forced by the Divine Constabulary? Does he look like he is being forced? More importantly, I heard that he showed himself in Huai An County on his own accord...”
”I have no idea what he's thinking. Is he courting death?”
The citizens watched Fang Zhengzhi from the side of the road. None of them could believe their eyes.
They had never seen a wanted criminal enter the capital in such fashion before.
Chi Hou turned to look at the citizens calmly. He had a feeling that something was about to happen.
Fang Zhengzhi entering the capital...
This was bound to create a buzz.
Chi Hou had prepared for this. However, he never expected that there would be two rows of people standing by waiting for them at the city gates.
What was happening?
Chi Hou knew that something was amiss. He had already tried to avoid the peak hours!
However, there were clearly more people here than there were entering the city at dawn.
As for Fang Zhengzhi...
Chi Hou didn't want to say anything more. He remembered telling Fang Zhengzhi his concerns three days ago. Fang Zhengzhi agreed to keep a low profile.
Yet today, he was wearing his trademark blue long-sleeved shirt!
He didn't even bother to change his dressing!