Chapter 35 A new storm Ⅳ

　　"Report, Inquisitor Zhou, a woman named Lu Ying claims to have confidential information to report."

　　In the middle of the night, Zhou Ge was sound asleep when he suddenly heard the commotion. He immediately roused himself and summoned the woman.

　　Dressing quickly, he followed the attendant to a side room in the front courtyard. Inside, a woman awaited. After a moment of recognition, he realized it was indeed the woman named Lu from the Zhou family's tavern, though her attire was much improved since he last saw her.

　　"You're Lu Ying, I recall. You have a father named Lu Sheng. Why isn't he here?"

　　At the mention of her troubles, Lu Ying's tears flowed like rain.

　　After hearing the full account from Lu Ying and the attending soldiers, Zhou Ge and the others present were deeply moved.

　　Allowing the woman a moment to compose herself, Zhou Ge inquired about the confidential matter.

　　Lu Ying handed over a letter and waited beside it.

　　Zhou Ge's eyes widened in surprise as he read. Firstly, the letter was from the fugitive Hao Yun. Secondly, it stated clearly that Qing Hu had not left but had gone to Hutou Mountain outside Xu Town, intending to do something to Zhou Ge.

　　Just then, Ji Yanshi arrived in haste, "Zhou, what's going on?"

　　"Ji, take a look at this," Zhou Ge said, handing over the letter.

　　Ji Yanshi read the letter and looked at Lu Ying, unable to determine its authenticity.

　　He inquired about the events, and Lu Ying recounted everything honestly, stating her intention to earn a reward for her efforts, not for any other reason but to have a meal and perhaps stay on as a servant, even if it was just as a maid or menial laborer.

　　Zhou Ge, experienced in such matters, first sent two constables to investigate the tavern where they had eaten, and then dispatched someone to deliver a message to the prefect's mansion.

　　Ji Yanshi spoke up, "Zhou, let me handle that." Grabbing the letter, he rushed off.

　　Both locations were not far, and it wouldn't take long to reach them.

　　Within a short while, Shen Huan arrived at the Tribunal.

　　Upon seeing Lu Ying, he inquired further about the events.

　　After hearing her account, he inquisitord that the matter was likely eighty percent true.

　　Soon, the scouts returned with confirmation that the tavern indeed housed Hao Yun and Qi Xiang.

　　Zhou Ge asked, "Shen, what do you think?"

　　"Arresting them at the tavern would be like beating the grass to startle the snake. The best approach would be to investigate Hutou Mountain."

　　Shen Huan had his own reasons for this suggestion. Initially, the information about Hao Yun had come from him, and now that he had brought timely news again, arresting him on the spot would be embarrassing and indeed like beating the grass to startle the snake. Furthermore, there was a chance that he might provide valuable information in the future.

　　With that, they set off immediately, riding horses toward Hutou Mountain.

　　Back at the Tribunal, they waited in the side room. Ji Yanshi asked, "Zhou, what are your plans for Lu Ying?"

　　Zhou Ge looked perplexed, "Ji, do you have any suggestions?"

　　"Why not marry her?" he joked.

　　"Uh... I have an arranged marriage."

　　"An arranged marriage? This is the first I've heard of it. Perhaps we should discuss it further."

　　"It's just a betrothal, there's nothing to talk about. Maybe Miss He can arrange for her."

　　"Your sixth senior sister handles the administrative affairs of the prefecture. She doesn't have time for this. I think it's best to keep her here at the Tribunal."

　　Zhou Ge looked at Lu Ying and asked, "Besides acrobatics, what else can you do? Can you cook?"

　　Lu Ying felt a sense of relief, "Yes. I can prepare home-cooked meals."

　　"I have quite a few people here, including myself and the constables on duty. Can you handle cooking for about a dozen people? As for accommodation, there are plenty of rooms in the side courtyard. You can choose one."

　　"That sounds good. What do you think, Ji?"

　　"It's great. Finally, our Tribunal can have some decent meals."

　　The constables and soldiers present, upon hearing that there was a new cook, and a female one at that, were all pleased. There were no objections.

　　Someone was sent to escort Lu Ying to the side courtyard, while Zhou Ge and Ji Yanshi waited in the hall.

　　The wait wasn't too long, and Lu Ying soon returned with two cups of fragrant tea, before retreating to her room. She felt very at ease and fortunate to be able to work at the Tribunal, thanks to the help of her benefactor and the kindness of Zhou Ge.

　　As they drank their tea, Ji Yanshi joked, "Finally, our Tribunal is starting to look like a proper residence."

　　The two chatted and waited, dozing off in their chairs when they felt tired, and waking up to continue waiting.

　　After breakfast, the constables and soldiers changed shifts, and the affairs of the Tribunal continued as usual.

　　In the afternoon, Shen Huan returned on horseback.

　　The three gathered together to discuss what had transpired.

　　That night, Shen Huan had ridden quickly, familiar with the roads. It took him a little over four hours to reach Hutou Mountain.

　　He tied his horse in a secluded spot and quietly climbed the mountain.

　　Compared to Fangding Mountain, Hutou Mountain was shorter, smaller, and less steep. He had visited it more than once and was familiar with every nook and cranny, including where the small paths were and which spots were suitable for concealment.

　　The situation was as described in Hao Yun's letter. There were no patrolling soldiers or guards on the mountain, and the ascent was unobstructed.

　　He arrived at the side of the fortress unnoticed and hid in the shadows to observe.

　　The fortress was dark, with no lights lit. He waited for a long time before seeing a light appear. After a while, a person exited the main hall and then quickly returned. He guessed that the person had gone to relieve themselves.

　　As the sky brightened, he gradually saw the situation within the fortress. The damaged walls and gates had been repaired, and the items that had been scattered about were now back in their proper places. It was clear that someone was living there.

　　When it was fully light, three people exited the main hall and the receiving room.

　　Two of them were familiar faces: Qing Hu and Dang Liaoze, who had negotiated with the prefect. The remaining person he recognized as the one who had accompanied Qing Hu to the battle at crossroads.

　　As stated in Hao Yun's letter, the person he had encountered in the city was the chief of the first stronghold, Qi Xiang. The one remaining at Hutou Mountain must be the chief of the second stronghold, Long Ming. The fact that the three chiefs of Twin Water Fortress were gathered together without any apparent plan was suspicious.

　　At this point, a wisp of smoke rose from the kitchen, and Shen Huan became more attentive.

　　Inside the fortress, Qing Hu finished washing up and began practicing martial arts, while Long Ming and Dang Liaoze sat in chairs chatting idly.

　　Soon, a woman emerged from a room. From a distance, Shen Huan couldn't make out her features or age, but he could see that she wore a white silk shirt and a pink silk skirt. A silver silk sash hung from her waist, and a short sword was suspended from it.

　　The woman seemed to be close to Qing Hu. She walked up to him and took him into the room, while the other two followed suit.

　　After about two periods of time, Long Ming and Dang Liaoze exited, having eaten their fill. The other two did not emerge for a while.

　　Shen Huan continued to observe, but he did not see a fifth person.

　　Fearing that his horse might be discovered, he quickly descended the mountain and rode back.

　　Upon returning to the Tribunal, he recounted his observations.

　　After hearing his account, Zhou Ge fell into deep thought. He wondered what the other party's ulterior motives were for staying. Lu Ying had brought a message warning that they might be targeting him, but how exactly, he didn't know.

　　Ji Yanshi looked very concerned after hearing the news.

　　"Shen, did you manage to find out who the woman was?"

　　"I was too far away to see clearly, and I didn't have the opportunity to investigate further."

　　"I see... Where did Third Brother find her?"

　　"Who knows? She's probably from Yue Region. You've been waiting all night, and you're tired. Get some rest."

　　"Where are you going?" Zhou Ge asked.

　　"Where else to go? Tell Miss He to send someone secretly to keep an eye on it."

　　Two people sent Shen Huan, returned to the hall to continue to discuss this matter.

　　There was no satisfactory result after discussion.

　　Ji Yanshi proposed to: "Zhou, I really can't think of the woman who helped the third brother, so, I also go to Hutou Mountain."

　　"You personally probe?"

　　"I am recorder of the Tribunal, and it is natural for me to investigate the case."

　　"Bring some strong ones."

　　"No need, there are too many people, and it's easy to be discovered. In addition, I would like to investigate, and it is estimated that it will take seven or eight days."

　　Zhou Ge now answer, send away that Ji Yanshi, back to his room.

　　It is rare for this man to be so impatient. Recall that the first time in the Xiyue, he almost lost He Muyu; The second time in the prefect's private residence, He heard that the target is He Muxian; Zhou Ge had a strange feeling this time, even though he was probing an unknown enemy.