Chapter 4381 — The Fall
The Blossom Guardian · Page 2 of 2
"No wonder!" Wei Zhao said, only now understanding. That explained everything. At such a critical juncture, the Dragon Boat Escort Agency's sudden merger with the Poison Eye Mercenary Corps must surely be in preparation for the Nanzhou Escort Gathering—drawing skilled hands from the mercenary corps to compete in the assembly. That was only to be expected. As the strategist of the Poison Eye Mercenary Corps, Wu Baoliang's name being on the list followed as a matter of course.
This was convenient indeed. If Wu Baoliang had stayed cooped up inside the Poison Eye Mercenary Corps, then even knowing of him would have done Wei Zhao little good—after all, he could hardly charge into the Poison Eye Mercenary Corps alone and cut the man down. With Wei Zhao's present strength, that was pure fantasy, and the odds of success all but nonexistent.
But since Wu Baoliang was confirmed to be attending the Nanzhou Escort Gathering, that was a fine opportunity delivered to his door. So long as Wei Zhao attended as well, killing him then would be entirely justified—and he could help the Qingtian Escort Agency into the bargain. Two birds with one stone.
"So it seems even Wu Baoliang is calling me to attend the Nanzhou Escort Gathering. If I declined after all this, it would be quite indefensible," Wei Zhao could not help saying with a laugh.
"Haha, if Young Hero Ling is willing to do us this favor, nothing could be better. Great kindness needs no thanks—and we are all friends here, so there is no need for further words. Come, it is all in the wine!" Qi Mingyuan and Qi Wenmo, father and son, exchanged a smile and raised their cups together in a toast of gratitude.
"Heh heh. You see this as my doing the agency a favor, but to my mind, the agency has given me a chance to deal with Wu Baoliang openly and honorably. A matter of mutual benefit—there is nothing to thank me for," Wei Zhao said with a smile, and drained his cup on the spot.
"Straightforward as ever!" Qi Mingyuan and Qi Wenmo, father and son, likewise emptied their cups to the bottom, and Steward Song and the others around them all joined in drinking, raising a thunderous cheer.
"By the way, Brother Qi, has any news come in about my senior brother Lu Bianren?" Wei Zhao asked, turning the conversation.
"On that front there is still no word at all. His distinguishing features are too few, after all. Your senior brother Lu must be a man who keeps a low profile and would not appear at any public occasion; even if he did, he would not draw anyone's notice. So to date we have not turned up anything of value," Qi Wenmo said with a shake of his head, then added: "But rest easy, Brother Ling. I have already put the word out. From now on, the moment your senior brother Lu shows himself, we should catch wind of it here. Just wait patiently for news."
"Mm. For the time being, that is all we can do." Though Wei Zhao was somewhat worried about Lu Bianren, there was no use fretting over a matter of searching for someone; he could only set it aside for now.
The banquet was a thorough delight for host and guest alike. Whether it was Qi Wenmo, whom he already knew well, or Qi Mingyuan, whom he was meeting for the first time, both father and son were kindred spirits to Wei Zhao. There was no need for false courtesy, nor any awkward silences—it was simply the natural ease of friends in one another's company, all harmony and joy.
The meal lasted deep into the night, and only then did the company disperse, each well fed and well wined. At the earnest insistence of Qi Mingyuan and Qi Wenmo, Wei Zhao stayed two days at the Qingtian Escort Agency. During that time he went out once more with Wang Xinyan and Huang Xiaotao; the Morning Star Academy's selection assembly was about to conclude, so this was in the nature of a gathering before their parting. And on the third day, Chai Laoshi arrived. (To be continued..) R527