Chapter 100: Besiege Wei to Rescue Zhao, Outskirts Exchange

Chapter 100: Besiege Wei to Rescue Zhao, Outskirts Exchange

The outer city’s taverns were eerily quiet, while those in the inner city buzzed with life. Once stability returned, the wealthy always found ways to indulge.

Though tucked into a secluded corner, Sun Yun found himself surrounded by lively chatter as every table filled with patrons.

He couldn’t fathom why Su Chen had chosen such a public place to discuss serious matters. Shouldn’t they have found a secluded spot—or at least a private room?

Discussing plans so openly, as if unconcerned about eavesdroppers reporting to Tao Dingfang.

Despite his frustration, Sun Yun sighed and joined Su Chen in a quiet conversation over his meal.

“You’ve heard the news. Any thoughts?” Sun Yun asked, slurping noodles.

Su Chen chewed slowly, then nodded. “Yes. But I’ll need your help.”

“Oh? What’s the plan?” Sun Yun’s eyes lit up. He raised his cup, only for Su Chen to stop him.

Su Chen signaled the waiter for more dishes. “Let’s finish eating first.”

Sun Yun froze, suspecting Su Chen might be a hungry ghost reincarnated.

Later, as Su Chen wiped his mouth clean, Sun Yun dropped his chopsticks. “Now can we talk?”

“You want to discuss plans here?” Su Chen scoffed. “With this crowd?”

Sun Yun barely restrained himself from shouting. “Then why did you bring this up here?!”

“I was waiting for you to finish eating,” Su Chen replied, wiping his lips with exaggerated dignity.

Sun Yun clenched his teeth. “Fine. Where next?”

“A secluded spot, of course.”

“Then let’s go.”

Sun Yun stood, only to be halted by Su Chen. “Wait. Pay the bill first. I’ll owe you.”

Sun Yun’s eye twitched violently as Su Chen strolled out, his calm demeanor making Sun Yun’s urge to punch him unbearable.

Outside, Su Chen frowned at the delay. “Why the holdup?”

Sun Yun ignored the question. “Where now?”

“The Fragrant Pavilion.”

At the pleasure house, Sun Yun raised an eyebrow at Su Chen’s intentions—until Su Chen knocked out the two courtesans and laid out his plan.

The strategy was simple: shift from defense to offense. Instead of waiting three days to rescue Zhang Wan’er’s group, they’d force Tao Dingfang to bring them to a meeting. Advantageous for both rescue and confronting their enemy.

After weighing risks, Sun Yun agreed. “What’s the detail?”

Su Chen smirked mysteriously.

Moonlight faded under gathering clouds as stars twinkled over White Stone City’s tranquil streets. But the peace shattered with a scream:

“County magistrate missing!”

Panic erupted at Tao Manor. Bailiffs, guards, and imperial soldiers scoured the estate—no sign of Tao Wenxuan.

County Clerk arrived, soon joined by Tao Dingfang from the courthouse.

“Still gone?” Tao Dingfang’s voice was icy.

“Gone without trace. But…” The clerk produced a letter found in Tao Wenxuan’s quarters.

Tao Dingfang’s pupils narrowed as he read. “Cunning Su Chen!”

The letter revealed Su Chen’s midnight abduction of Tao Wenxuan: a trade at Xiahe Town’s outskirts at noon tomorrow. Missing even one captive meant dire consequences for Tao Wenxuan.

“Shall we comply?” the clerk asked.

Tao Dingfang’s eyes gleamed with murderous intent. “Humor him—for now. This delay plays into my hands.”

Outside the city, Sun Yun and Su Chen moved through woods.

“Aren’t you checking Xiahe Town first?” Sun Yun asked. “What if the city authorities set traps?”

Su Chen shrugged. “Let them try. I’ll just pick another spot.”

Sun Yun imagined Tao Dingfang’s fury at a last-minute change—and his own grim satisfaction.

At dawn, Su Chen found Sun Yun at Xiahe Town.

“They here yet?”

“Arrived. Tao’s men are hiding, but I spotted them.”

Following Sun Yun’s gesture, Su Chen noted hidden Ironclad Legion soldiers. A smirk played on his lips.

“When Tao arrives, send him a message—change the exchange to the roadside three li west.”

“And you?”

“I’ll wait there.”

Sun Yun glared at Su Chen’s retreating figure, resentment brewing. “Damn him!”

Tao Dingfang’s fury boiled as he read Sun Yun’s message. The mockery steeled his resolve.

“Move!” he roared.

The Ironclad Legion abandoned stealth, hastening to the new site. There stood Su Chen, waiting.

Tao Dingfang halted ten paces away, voice cold. “Where’s my uncle?”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end