Pearl Order [Complete] - 16

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Chapter Twenty-One: Carelessness Leads to a Trap

. Ling Junyi said, "Search me first."

Leng Chaozong hesitated slightly, saying, "This subordinate..."

Ling Junyi smiled and said, "Elder Leng, please search. As the chief protector of the flowers, it's natural for me to start with you."

Leng Chaozong said, "Since you say so, Chief, I will respectfully comply." After saying that, he carefully searched Ling Junyi's body for a while, taking out a short sword and a flat wooden box, and said, "That's all."

Ling Junyi smiled and said, "Thank you, Elder Leng." He casually opened the water box and said, "This is my disguise tool, not the 'Senluo Token'." He glanced at Haitang standing to the side, and a strange light seemed to flash in her eyes. Ling Junyi saw this and couldn't help but secretly think. He quickly put away the wooden box and the short sword and said, "Now, I'll trouble you two, Leng and Cai, to search each other first, and then we'll search the others in turn." Leng Chaozong and Cai Liang agreed, first searching each other's bodies, then searching each other individually. Because this involved the assassination

of the Supreme Lord, no one dared to be careless; the search took the time it takes to eat a meal before it was finished. Leng Chaozong and Cai Liang bowed simultaneously and said, "Reporting to the Commander, we were ordered to search the six protectors and eight flower protectors present, but we found nothing."

Ling Junyi said, "Thank you for your hard work." He then turned to the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader and said, "Now that the body searches are complete, we will begin searching the cabins. However, the cabins are cramped; please send someone to search with the lower-ranking members of the entourage."

Shaoyao said, "Elder sister, I'll go."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader nodded and said, "Very well, you can take Fourteenth Sister with you; she has seen that blue robe before, perhaps she will recognize it."

Haitang bowed and said, "Your subordinate obeys." Ling Junyi said, "

Elder Leng, please come with me. Elder Cai, please stay in the hall. All brothers, please stay in the hall and do not leave under any pretext. We will await the results of the room-by-room search." Leng

Chaozong asked, "Chief, where shall we begin the search?"

Ling Junyi smiled and said, "Naturally, we will begin with your bedroom." He then beckoned, "Vice Chief, please."

Shaoyao smiled resolutely and said, "Brother Ling's room, of course, you should go first."

Ling Junyi replied, "No, the Vice Chief represents the Chief and is the chief search officer, especially since my bedroom is being searched. I should avoid suspicion. The Vice Chief should go first."

Shaoyao smiled sweetly and said, "It's you, with all these sour arguments." "As expected, they headed towards Ling Junyi's bedroom. Nine-Finger Judge Leng Chaozong stepped forward and opened the door for Shaoyao, who went in first. Ling Junyi followed behind her, stepping through the cabin door, when he suddenly felt something was wrong! When he left, the window hadn't been open, but now the curtains were fluttering, and a latticed window was open. Especially at the open door, he vaguely smelled a faint scent of perfume in the room, definitely not the fragrance of plum blossoms or chrysanthemums. Clearly, someone had sneaked into the bedroom through the window. Ling Junyi's heart suddenly tightened, and he quickly thought, "Could someone have infiltrated and planted this?"

Shaoyao stopped in the room and turned back to ask, "Brother Ling, how should we search this?"

At this point, Ling Junyi had no choice but to bite the bullet and say, "This place isn't very big. Vice Chief, you can have Miss Haitang search it."

Shaoyao nodded and said, "Alright, Haitang, since Brother Ling has said so, please search carefully."

Haitang said, "Your subordinate obeys." She glanced around the room. Besides a plank bed, there was only a small table and two chairs—a very simple layout. The only place to search was the bed, so she walked towards it. The bed had already been made; besides a pillow, there was only a neatly folded quilt. Haitang's first action was to reach out and lift the pillow. Underneath, a silver box gleamed. Ling Junyi's eyes flashed coldly, and he gritted his teeth, thinking, "That villain! He's finally caught me!"

Haitang picked up the box and asked, "What is this?"

In that instant, Ling Junyi calmed down and smiled slightly, saying, "This is the 'Senluo Token'."

Shaoyao's expression changed drastically, and her body trembled slightly. She exclaimed, "The 'Senluo Token'..."

Ling Junyi calmly said, "The Vice Chief should have Miss Haitang search again. Perhaps the 'Green Robe' is also on the bed." "

Peony's face was pale. She asked, 'You...' Leng Chaozong crossed his arms, his nine fingers hooked, his eyes blazing as he stared at Ling Junyi, clearly ready to attack. Ling Junyi didn't even glance at him, but simply smiled and said, 'Didn't the Vice Chief see the window was wide open? If the thief is intent on framing us, we're all in the hall, he can set things up at his leisure.'

Just as he finished speaking, Haitang lifted the quilt, and with a gentle shake, a blue robe, tucked inside, was revealed. She shrieked, 'Vice Chief, it's here!' She unfolded the robe, pointed to her right sleeve, and said, 'This is it. There's a small hole here, the one I just shot through with my hidden arrow.'

Peony's face darkened with anger. She snorted, 'Brother Ling is right. This villain really is trying to frame you. This matter must be thoroughly investigated. Let's go out.'" Turning around,

Haitang followed Shaoyao out, holding the "Senluo Token" in one hand and her green robe draped over the other. Leng Chaozong had assumed that once the stolen goods were found, the deputy leader would order Ling Junyi to be subdued first, but judging from her tone, she seemed to be protecting him. He was secretly taken aback. He knew this deputy leader was a favorite of the Supreme Leader; how could he dare to act rashly? He slowly lowered his hands and said in a low voice, "Chief, what... should we do?"

Ling Junyi smiled calmly and said, "Since the items have been found in the brother's room, there's no need to search the other rooms. Let's talk outside." Leng Chaozong thought to himself, "This kid is quite calm."

As Ling Junyi stepped out of the room, everyone saw the green robe with the "Senluo Token" found in the Chief Protector's room. Everyone in the hall was deeply moved! Some shook their heads secretly, while others, upon seeing Ling Junyi, revealed hatred and anger in their eyes. Haitang was holding two items and reporting the search to the gang leader. The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader slowly said, "Could such a thing be?"

Yulan interjected, "This subordinate believes the Chief Envoy couldn't possibly be that kind of person."

Shaoyao said, "Third Sister is right, someone must have deliberately framed us."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader said, "We should hear the Chief Envoy's opinion." Of course, the sisters knew Ling Junyi's background, but since they were in front of everyone, they couldn't reveal their true feelings.

Haitang interjected, "The Grand Envoy said his room window was wide open, and that thieves framed him. But I think the tall, slender figure I saw might be him, which is why I didn't dare say it directly without evidence. As for the open window, it's possible someone entered his room through the window to place stolen goods. But it's also possible he floated down from upstairs, entered through the window, hid the items, and then came out. Because of the time crunch, he didn't have time to close the window, so perhaps he deliberately left it open so that if someone discovered it, he could claim someone framed him. In my opinion, this matter should be reported to the Emperor for his judgment."

Shaoyao angrily snorted, "But searching the room was Brother Ling's suggestion." "He hid things in his room, why would he deliberately send someone to search?"

Haitang dared not contradict her, only saying, "The Vice Chief is right, but these two items were clearly found in his room, that's a fact."

The Hundred Flowers Chief raised her eyes and looked at Ling Junyi, saying, "Chief Envoy, this humble concubine would like to hear your opinion."

Ling Junyi felt that everyone in the hall was focused on him, but he remained calm and smiled, saying, "Right and wrong will surely be judged by justice. I think Miss Haitang is right. Since these two items were found in my room, I am naturally the most suspicious. It's best to report to the Supreme Elder and let him decide what to do."

Peony, hearing this, grew secretly anxious. She glared at him intently, thinking, "If this matter isn't thoroughly investigated before it's reported to the Supreme Emperor, will you even survive?" In her haste, she couldn't help but say, "Eldest Sister, I think someone is clearly framing us. We should investigate thoroughly before reporting to the Supreme Emperor."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader hesitated, looking at Magnolia and asking, "Third Sister, what do you think?"

Magnolia pondered for a moment before replying, "I think the Chief Envoy's opinion is absolutely correct. This matter is clearly a frame-up by a vile person. How could the Supreme Emperor, in his wisdom, not see through such treachery? Reporting the facts to the Supreme Emperor is the best way to clarify this matter."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader nodded, "Then let's do it this way. Second Sister, Chief Envoy, let's go see the Supreme Emperor." With that, she stood up. Although Peony was unwilling, she couldn't openly side with Ling Junyi, so she could only pout and follow her eldest sister.

Yulan gestured to Ling Junyi, saying, "Please, Chief Envoy." Ling Junyi smiled casually and walked away.

Yulan followed behind him, while Haitang, carrying two items, followed behind Yulan. The others followed behind Haitang, and they hurried towards the third floor of the stairs like a gust of wind. Cai Liang, the Three-Eyed One, watched them walk away and shook his head, saying, "I'm the first to disbelieve that our leader is a spy for the Black Dragon Society who attempted to assassinate

the Supreme Emperor." Leng Chaozong, the Nine-Fingered Judge, chuckled sinisterly, "With all the witnesses, how could it be fake?" As the Left Protector, he was gloating because if Ling Junyi made a mistake, he could easily ascend to the position of Chief Protector of the Flower Envoy, and he feared that Ling Junyi wasn't a spy.

Cai Liang, the Three-Eyed One, sneered, "Even the dumbest person in the world wouldn't shoot themselves in the foot. If the Chief knew the item was on the bunk, would he have suggested searching the room? Would he have led people to search his own room? If he were truly an assassin, he could have easily thrown the item into the river when he fell from the third floor; why would he have hidden it on the bunk? Based on this alone, it's obvious someone framed him." He wasn't entirely on Ling Junyi's side; he simply didn't want to see the role of the Chief Protector fall into Leng Chaozong's hands. It was better for Ling Junyi to take the fall than for Leng Chaozong, given their long-standing rivalry.

Because it was on a ship, the third floor was naturally smaller than the second. The Emperor lived in the middle cabin, with a living room in front containing several purple armchairs and a small round table with a Taihu stone top. The innermost room was the Emperor's bedroom. To the left of the living room were two more rooms, with embroidered curtains hanging low at the entrances; these were the bedrooms of the gang leader and deputy gang leader. From this, it seemed the window of the Supreme Elder's bedroom must be on the starboard side of the ship. Ling Junyi stepped into the living room, and the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader raised his hand, saying, "Please sit

, Chief Envoy." Ling Junyi bowed slightly, saying, "This subordinate is in a state of confinement; how can I have the honor of sitting?"

Just then, the curtain to the inner room was lifted, and two maids in colorful robes lifted it on either side, allowing the Supreme Elder to slowly emerge. The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader, Peony, Ling Junyi, Magnolia, and the others bowed in unison, saying, "This disciple greets the Supreme Elder." Of course, only Ling Junyi referred to himself as "this subordinate." The Supreme

Lord's gaze slowly swept over the crowd, and he nodded, saying, "Very good, have you found the assassin?"

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader said, "Your Majesty, the 'Senluo Token' and the green robe have been found, but..."

The Supreme Lord walked to the purple armchair at the head of the table and sat down, interrupting her before she could finish, "It's good that they've been found."

Peony said anxiously, "Your Majesty, although those two items were found in the Chief Envoy's bedroom, I believe it's highly likely that a vile person deliberately framed the Chief Envoy, planting them in his bedroom."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader chimed in, "I also feel that this matter is clearly a frame-up, and I humbly beg Your Majesty to see the truth."

The Supreme Lord raised his gaze and slowly said, "What do you mean?" Peony then recounted in detail Ling Junyi's suggestion to search the bedroom and the process of the search.

The Supreme Lord remained noncommittal. He raised his eyes and said, "Begonia, bring the items here for me to see."

Begonia respectfully replied, "Yes." She presented the silver flat box and the green robe together. The Supreme Being picked up the "Senluo Decree." After examining it carefully for a while, she said, "What a vicious thing! It was indeed a counterfeit, and the craftsmanship is so skillful that it's indistinguishable from the real thing." She put down the silver box and asked, "Haitang, you said you shot a hidden arrow from your sleeve. Did it hit its mark?"

Haitang bowed and said, "Your Majesty, there is a small hole in the right sleeve of my blue robe. It was pierced by the hidden arrow."

The Supreme Being asked, "Did you see the assassin's back? Did it resemble Ling Junyi?"

Haitang hesitated for a moment before answering, "This person's movements were extremely fast. I didn't see his face clearly, so I dare not speak rashly. But judging from his back, he does bear some resemblance to the Chief Envoy."

The Supreme Being nodded and said, "That's it. " "Upon hearing this, the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader, Peony, and Magnolia all felt a jolt in their hearts and couldn't help but exclaim in unison, "Your Majesty!" The Supreme One waved his hand slightly, stopping them from speaking, and his gaze fell on Ling Junyi's face. He

slowly said, "Ling Junyi, what else do you have to say?" Ling Junyi's expression remained unchanged, and he bowed slightly, saying, "What I wanted to say has already been fully reported to Your Majesty by the Vice Gang Leader. Your Majesty is wise and discerning, able to clearly see right and wrong; I will obey Your Majesty's orders." The Supreme One's face was veiled in black, so her expression could not be seen, but Peony, Peony, and Magnolia all felt as if lead was pressing on their chests, making it almost impossible for them to breathe.

The Supreme One turned to Begonia and said, "You discovered the assassin and fired a hidden arrow?" Begonia bowed and replied, "Yes." Taishang then asked, "How far apart were you from him then?"

Haitang thought for a moment and replied, "About three zhang."

Taishang nodded and said, "Very good. Ling Junyi, turn around and walk forward one zhang and fifteen chi."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader, Shaoyao, Yulan, and the others, unsure of Taishang's intentions, were all secretly worried for Ling Junyi. One zhang and fifteen chi was already outside the cabin. Ling Junyi did as he was told, turning around and walking about one zhang and fifteen chi outside the cabin. Taishang said, "Alright, stop. Just stand there." Ling Junyi stopped as instructed.

The Supreme Master continued, "Now I want Haitang to shoot a hidden arrow behind you. You are not allowed to dodge, you can only flick it with your sleeve, understand?"

Ling Junyi, understanding the Supreme Master's meaning from the phrase "only flick it with your sleeve," quickly replied, "Understood." The

Supreme Master said, "Haitang, prepare yourself."

Haitang replied, "Disciple obeys."

The Supreme Master said, "Good, shoot his right shoulder." Haitang, having already grasped the hidden arrow in her palm, raised her right hand as soon as the Supreme Master finished speaking. With a "whoosh," a hidden arrow, swift as a shooting star, shot straight towards Ling Junyi's right shoulder. This time, Ling Junyi deliberately showed off, not even turning his head. He waited until the hidden arrow was about to hit him, then slowly raised his right hand and gently flicked it behind him. This move was not only graceful and extremely elegant, but most importantly, it was perfectly timed. A slight flick of his sleeve met Haitang's arrow head-on. "Clang!" A pure steel sleeve dart struck as if it had hit an iron sleeve! It not only emitted a clear, ringing sound, but was also bounced back with a "pop," embedding itself perfectly in the boat plank three feet in front of Haitang. Haitang was startled and quickly leaped aside.

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader and Shaoyao were naturally both surprised and delighted by this move. Although they knew Ling Junyi's skill was extremely high, they didn't know exactly how high. The Supreme Elder was satisfied. She nodded repeatedly and smiled kindly, "Truly worthy of being the successor of Master Butong. Come back."

Ling Junyi stood before the Supreme Elder as instructed and bowed, saying, "What else does the Supreme Elder command?"

The Supreme Elder said gently, "Let everyone see if the right sleeve corner was pierced by the sleeve dart?" The sleeve dart bounced back, leaving the sleeve completely unharmed. If it couldn't pierce a sleeve at a distance of fifteen feet, then at three feet, it was even less likely. Peony's face blossomed into a smile, and the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader and Magnolia secretly breathed a sigh of relief, their hearts finally at ease.

Begonia bowed her head and said, "The Grand Envoy's divine skills are unparalleled; this disciple had misjudged him." As it turned out, her tone had changed as well.

The Supreme Being gave a soft "hmm," her two piercing eyes fixed on Ling Junyi. She slowly said, "If I lacked the ability to judge character, would I have appointed you as the Chief Protector of the Flower Sect? And since I appointed you as Chief Protector, would I have so easily believed those who framed me?" Ling Junyi

, who had just been framed, had managed to maintain his composure. But upon hearing the Supreme Being's words, sweat beaded on his forehead, and he said in a flustered voice, "Your Excellency's extraordinary favor is something I can never repay in my lifetime." This was naturally not from the heart, but in front of the Supreme Being, he had no choice but to say it this way.

The Supreme Elder's voice suddenly turned stern. "Ling Junyi," she said, "though I forgive you, you are responsible for finding the thief who attempted to assassinate me. Can you do that?"

Ling Junyi bowed and replied, "It is my duty. I will apprehend him as soon as possible."

The Supreme Elder said, "I demand you solve the case within a specified time."

Ling Junyi asked, "How much time can Your Majesty grant me?"

The Supreme Elder slammed her hand on the table and snorted angrily, "He dared to attack me! How can I allow him to escape justice? I give you time to apprehend him before dawn, or you will be held responsible." It was past midnight, only a little over a watch away from dawn. This was a headless case, a mystery without a trace. How could they possibly catch the culprit? This order was practically a death sentence! The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader opened her mouth, intending to plead for leniency, hoping the Supreme Elder would grant her more time.

Before she could even speak, Ling Junyi bowed and said, "Your Majesty's decree is accepted." He had actually agreed immediately. This surprised the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader, Peony, and Magnolia, who couldn't help but look at him. The

Supreme Elder nodded, smiling approvingly, "I know you have such talent."

Ling Junyi said, "Your Excellency is too kind, but I have a problem..."

The Supreme Elder said, "What is your problem? Just tell me, and I will take care of it for you."

Ling Junyi said, "Although I am the Chief Protector of the Flower Clan, my authority is limited to the lower decks. For example, the third deck is beyond my jurisdiction..."

The Supreme Elder, with a smile already visible beneath her black veil, nodded and said, "Good, good." After saying this, she turned to a flower-clad maid behind her and instructed, "Liuhua, go and fetch my Flower Goddess Token and pass on my order. From now until dawn, I authorize Chief Protector Ling to exercise my authority on my behalf. From the Clan Leader and Deputy Leader down to the Flower Maidens, all are at my command. Anyone who dares to disobey will be severely punished." The flower-clad maid bowed and accepted the order, about to turn and walk inside.

Ling Junyi hurriedly said, "Please wait, young lady." He then cupped his hands towards the Supreme Elder and said, "Your Majesty's words are enough; there's no need to request the jade token again." As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly turned around and smiled at Yulan, "Your Majesty has authorized me to act on your behalf. I presume the Steward has already heard this?"

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader, standing to the side, was truly incredulous. Why had the Supreme Elder suddenly become so agreeable? What puzzled her most was Ling Junyi; what was he really up to? Peony shared the same suspicions as her elder sister, her beautiful eyes fixed intently on Ling Junyi. Upon hearing Ling Junyi's words, Yulan hurriedly bowed and said, "Your subordinate heard."

Ling Junyi smiled casually and cupped his hands, saying, "Then I trouble the Steward to pass on my order, instructing all the servants to come here."

Yulan said, "Your subordinate obeys." She turned and walked away.

Ling Junyi bowed to Shaoyao again and said, "I also have a matter to trouble the Vice Chief."

Shaoyao glanced at him and smiled, "What does the Chief Envoy want me to do?"

Ling Junyi said, "I would like to ask the Vice Chief to guard the cabin door. If anyone attempts to escape without my permission, the Vice Chief must detain them and, if necessary, kill them without hesitation."

Shaoyao said, "Do you need to tell me that? I won't let anyone who dares to escape escape."

Ling Junyi said, "Vice Chief, be careful that someone might use the 'Senluo Token' in a moment of desperation."

Shaoyao said, "I know. As soon as he tries to reach into my clothes, I'll strike first and chop off his arm."

Ling Junyi added, "But the Vice Chief must follow my instructions."

Shaoyao chuckled and said, "I know, I'll do as you say."

Ling Junyi bowed again and said, "Thank you, Vice Chief. Please stand at the door then." As expected, Peony walked to the door, placed her hand on her sword, and stood still.

Ling Junyi raised his hand to the leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang and said, "Please sit, Leader."

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang looked at him with affectionate eyes and asked, "Chief Envoy, have you assigned me any tasks?"

Ling Junyi said, "No, please sit down, Leader." As he spoke, he sat down at the left side of the small round table. Since Ling Junyi was acting on behalf of the Supreme Elder, the leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang immediately sat down in a chair to his left. The Supreme Elder sat upright in a rosewood armchair at the head of the table, quietly watching Ling Junyi deploy his troops without saying a word.

Seeing that Ling Junyi ignored her, Haitang couldn't help but ask, "Chief Envoy, is there anything else?"

Ling Junyi smiled and said, "Miss is the only one who witnessed the assassin's back. The key to solving the case tonight lies entirely with you." He pointed with his right hand and continued, "Please stand below the Leader." "Haitang agreed and stood below the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader as instructed.

At this moment, the curtain opened, and Yulan entered first, followed by eleven attendants: Plum Blossom, Lotus, Peach Blossom, Chrysanthemum, Jade Pear, Rose, Crape Myrtle, Hibiscus, Impatiens, Jade Stamen, and Poppy. Plum Blossom and Chrysanthemum walked unsteadily, their faces slightly flushed, and they blushed even more when they saw Ling Junyi. Yulan bowed to Ling Junyi and said, "Reporting to the Chief Envoy, all the attendants have arrived." The eleven attendants, led by Plum Blossom, stepped into the cabin and saw the Deputy Gang Leader standing at the door with one hand on his sword. They were all startled and hurriedly bowed down, saying in unison, "Disciples pay respects to the Supreme One."

The Supreme One clapped her hands and said, "Rise. You have all met the Chief Envoy. Tonight, he will represent me to handle an important matter. You must obey his orders and not disobey." The eleven attendants already knew someone was plotting to assassinate the Supreme Emperor, but now, judging from the Supreme Emperor's tone, this newly appointed Chief Protector of Flowers was actually acting on his behalf, and the gang leader was even sitting below him. Each of them

couldn't help but secretly wonder. The most surprised was Wen Wanjun, disguised as Rose, who couldn't help but steal a glance at Ling Junyi. Then, they all bowed to Ling Junyi, saying in sweet, melodious voices, "Your subordinates greet the Chief Protector." Ling Junyi raised his hand and said, "Attendants, please don't stand on ceremony. Please stand opposite me." Yulan led the eleven to stand in a row opposite Ling Junyi.

Ling Junyi raised his eyes, looked at Rose, and said, "Rose, please come here."

Rose was the ninth among the twelve attendants, and Wen Wanjun obeyed, walking to stand in front of Ling Junyi. Ling Junyi pointed to a chair opposite him and said, "Please sit." Wen Wanjun hesitated slightly before sitting down opposite him across the small round table.

Ling Junyi said, "Please remove your mask, Miss." Knowing that Ling Junyi had already disguised Wen Wanjun, she wasn't afraid of being exposed. Hearing Ling Junyi ask her to remove her mask, she didn't hesitate and slowly peeled it off her face.

Ling Junyi's eyes gleamed as he observed her face for a moment, then nodded, saying, "Alright, please put the mask back on, Miss."

Wen Wanjun did as he was told, then gently smoothed her temples and cheeks with her palms, asking, "Is there anything else, Chief Envoy?"

Ling Junyi said, "Please return to your original seat, Miss." Wen Wanjun gracefully stood up and returned to her seat beneath the magnolia tree. Ling Junyi

raised his gaze and said again, "Please come here, Miss Ziwei."

Ziwei sat down opposite him. Ling Junyi said, "Please remove your mask, Miss."

Ziwei, obeying the Emperor's command, dared not disobey and removed her mask. Opposite her sat a handsome, dashing young man, the very woman of her heart. Removing the mask, her face flushed crimson. Ling Junyi examined her face carefully for a moment, then ordered her to put the mask back on and return to her place. Next came nine women: Plum Blossom, Lotus, Peach Blossom, Chrysanthemum, Jade Pear, Hibiscus, Phoenix, Jade Stamen, and Poppy. Only Jade Stamen appeared most natural. Plum Blossom and Chrysanthemum, having just offered themselves that evening, were the most embarrassed. The other seven were also blushing deeply, overcome with shyness.

The scene was truly reminiscent of Tang Bohu and Qiu Xiang, each removing their masks before him for his close inspection. For a moment, the eleven attendants blushed deeply, their necks lowered, each displaying a shy and bashful demeanor. Ling Junyi had seen the true faces of the eleven attendants, but without asking Haitang to remove her mask, he stood up, cupped his hands in greeting, and said with a smile, "Now, ladies, you may return. Miss Rose, please stay; I have another matter to ask you to attend to."

Wen Wanjun bowed and said, "Your subordinate obeys." Ziwei, Wurong, Fengxian, Yurui, Yumeiren, Meihua, and the others bowed and withdrew together.

Haitang asked, "Chief Envoy, am I alright?"

Ling Junyi smiled and said, "As I just mentioned, tonight's case-solving will rely entirely on your assistance, so you will naturally stay." He then said to Yulan, "I will trouble the steward to ask the twenty flower maids accompanying us to come up."

Yulan said, "The flower maids are under the management of Fifteenth Sister; I will go and inform her to bring them up." After saying this, she turned and went out, quickly returning. Not long after, Yu Meiren lifted the curtain and entered, bowing and saying, "The twenty flower maids are all outside the cabin. Would the Grand Envoy like them to come in?"

Ling Junyi smiled and said, "This place isn't very big. I think it's better to let them in one by one."

Yu Meiren bowed and said, "The Grand Envoy is right." She turned and waved towards the cabin entrance, and a flower maid walked in first.

Yu Meiren said, "The Grand Envoy wants to see you all. Go quickly."

The flower maid, seeing that the Supreme Elder and the Gang Leader were all present, was already a little timid. She lowered her head, walked to Ling Junyi, and bowed, saying, "Your subordinate greets the Grand Envoy."

None of the flower maids were wearing masks, so Ling Junyi didn't need to ask them to remove them. He simply smiled, glanced at her face, asked her name, and then waved her away. The twenty flower maids were all questioned in less than the time it takes to eat a meal. He then stood up, cupped his hands in a

gesture of respect to Yu Meiren, and said, "Thank you for your trouble, young lady. You may take them away now." Yu Meiren thought to herself, "You called them up, and each of them only asked one question—what's the point?" But because the Supreme Elder was present, she didn't dare ask aloud, and instead bowed slightly, saying, "In that case, this subordinate will take his leave." She led the twenty flower maids away.

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader and Peony, seeing Ling Junyi's actions as bordering on absurd, were equally puzzled. Strangely, the Supreme Elder hadn't shown any reaction from beginning to end, as if Ling Junyi had done nothing wrong! Everyone had left, but Ling Junyi had left Rose behind alone. Could Rose be a spy? Peony, who had been standing at the door, saw that everyone had left and asked, "Envoy, am I alright now?"

Junyi hurriedly replied, "No, you can't leave yet."

Haitang said, "The figure I saw was a man. Envoy, you only asked about us sisters, why didn't you ask about the men?" Ling Junyi smiled and said, "I'm only unfamiliar with the twelve attendants and twenty flower maids. As for the guardians and flower protectors who accompanied us, I've been with them for two days, and I know each of them clearly, so there's no need to ask again."

Haitang said, "Then has the Envoy already found out?"

Ling Junyi shook his head slightly and said, "Not yet." As soon as he finished speaking, he raised his eyes and said, "Now, please sit down, miss, and take off your mask so I can see you too."

Haitang felt a little shy. "Does the Grand Envoy suspect me?" asked

Haitang. Ling Junyi replied, "Please don't misunderstand, young lady. I had no such intention. Just now, all eleven attendants removed their masks, so naturally, you cannot be an exception."

Haitang had no choice but to sit down on the chair opposite him, saying, "I'm so ugly!" With her hands, she gently peeled off a thin, gossamer-like human skin mask from her temples. Haitang had a small, round face with a rosy complexion, paired with a pair of lively eyes and thin cherry lips, truly living up to her name.

Ling Junyi gazed intently, then suddenly smiled and said, "I suddenly remembered two lines of poetry by the Tang Dynasty poet Han Xin: 'Are the crabapple blossoms still there? I lie on my side and roll up the curtain to look.' Young lady, you are naturally beautiful. I dare not lie on my side to look, so I will sit down and take a closer look!" He actually turned his head to look at Haitang's face. How dare he act so frivolously in front of the

Supreme Lord! The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader found it strange, and Peony and Magnolia were equally baffled. Haitang blushed deeply, overwhelmed with shyness, and lowered her head, saying, "Envoy, please don't make fun of me."

Ling Junyi ignored her, reciting: "I fear the green leaves will fade and the red flowers wither in the sun, the east wind will only add to the sorrow. Such beauty, young lady, is truly rare in this world. Is this your true face?" "

When the leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang heard him recite two lines of poetry, his heart suddenly stirred. He thought to himself, 'The first line quotes Li Qingzhao's poem: "I ask the one rolling up the curtain, who says the crabapple blossoms are still the same. Do you know, do you know, it should be that the green is lush and the red is faded." The second line quotes Du Fu's poem: "The crabapple blossoms are just right, but the east wind is cruel, and the scattered red petals set off the horse's hooves." This clearly refers to her...'

Haitang naturally didn't understand the meaning of his poem. She only heard him praise her beautiful face, which was rare in the world. She was still a young girl, and for a moment she was both shy and anxious. She said, 'Have you seen it properly, Chief Envoy?' She held the human skin mask in both hands and was about to stick it on her face.

Ling Junyi shook his hand and said, 'Miss, please wait.' He reached into his bosom and took out a small wooden box. He opened the lid, picked up a honey-colored pill with two fingers, handed it over, smiled deeply, and said, 'I'm afraid the rouge will stain the color. There seems to be too much rouge on your face. In my opinion, it would be better to wash it off with this.'" "This honey-colored pill is specifically for washing away disguise drugs." Haitang's expression changed drastically, and she suddenly stood up, her right wrist rising abruptly.

Ling Junyi was even faster than her; with a flick of his left finger, a wisp of wind struck Haitang's right wrist's "Quchi" acupoint. He laughed and said, "Miss, please sit down. I have many questions to ask." Just as Haitang stood up, Rose (Wen Wanjun) had already flashed behind Haitang, her hands moving swiftly to strike three major acupoints. Then, she gently pressed on Haitang's shoulder and shouted, "Sit down." Haitang, against her will, slumped into the chair.

The Supreme Lord nodded slightly to Ling Junyi and smiled, "So you did know it was her all along."

Ling Junyi replied solemnly, "Your Majesty is wise; you must have known long ago. When I searched the room that received me, I found the window open, and there was a lingering scent of perfume, very similar to hers. I wasn't sure then, but seeing her disguised face, I'm now completely certain."

The Supreme Lord nodded, "Indeed, your master is a master of disguise. No one in the world can surpass her. Her disguise skills naturally couldn't fool you."

Peony was both surprised and delighted, and gave Ling Junyi a playful glare. "Why didn't you say so sooner?" asked the leader

. Ling Junyi smiled and said, "Didn't the deputy leader see it too? I just confirmed it myself."

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang sighed softly and said, "She's not Fourteenth Sister. I'm afraid Fourteenth Sister has already been murdered." Ling Junyi handed the honey-colored pill to Rose and said, "Please trouble you, young lady. Just apply this to your palm and gently smear it on her cheek to wash off the disguise."

Rose took the pill, nodded, and said happily, "I understand." She did as instructed, applying a small amount of the pill to her palm and then smearing it on Haitang's cheek. Strangely enough, after Rose gently smeared it, Haitang's face changed instantly. She was a woman of about twenty-four or twenty-five years old, quite pretty, and her face shape was somewhat similar to Haitang's. Rose had pressed her "mute acupoint," so she could only blink her eyes and couldn't speak. Ling Junyi glanced at Rose and said, "Miss, release her speech acupoint." Rose raised her hand and gently tapped Haitang on the back of the neck. Haitang let out an "Ah" sound and her mouth moved slightly.

Ling Junyi shouted, "Quickly press her 'mute point' again!" Rose responded and pressed her 'mute point' again.

Ling Junyi said, "Miss, release her 'mute point' again, but press it a little harder." Rose did as she was told, raising her hand and striking the back of her neck. Haitang cried out "Ah!" again and suddenly spat out a small piece of wax the size of a mung bean.

Ling Junyi quickly took it and laughed, "Miss didn't say a word, how could I let you die by poison?"

Haitang glared at him angrily and said, "It's all your fault for ruining my plans, I hate you to death."

Ling Junyi smiled and said, "Miss, you should blame yourself, you shouldn't have framed me, Ling Junyi."

Haitang coldly snorted, "Do you think I would talk? Hmph, kill me or torture me, it's all up to you. If you want to get anything out of me, you're dreaming." Peony sneered,

"You lowly servant, you're already in our hands, and you still dare to act tough? If we don't teach you a lesson, you probably won't know how powerful we are." Saying this, she strode over.

Haitang coldly said, "Everyone in the Hundred Flowers Gang knows you're ruthless and inhuman. What can you do to me?"

Shaoyao's face flushed red with anger, and she retorted, "You think I wouldn't dare kill you..." A flash of her longsword pointed towards the back of Haitang's head.

The Hundred Flowers Gang leader cried out, "Second Sister..."

Ling Junyi's attack was even faster. He flicked his finger, and with a "clang," a wisp of wind deflected Shaoyao's sword tip several inches away. He said, "Vice Gang Leader, don't fall for her trick. She's provoking you to hasten your death."

Taishang, sitting at the head of the table, smiled slightly and said, "Second Girl, you're just too impatient. If I wanted to kill her, she would have been dead the moment she used her 'Senluo Decree.' Do you think I really didn't know? If I couldn't even recognize her footsteps, I wouldn't be Taishang. To be honest, I just wanted to see what tricks she had up her sleeve. At the same time, I also wanted to test Ling Junyi's courage and wit." "Let Ling Junyi handle this matter. If you're so impatient, all Ling Junyi has done will have been for nothing."

Peony blushed and lowered her head, saying, "Master is right."

Ling Junyi stood up, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Your Majesty overestimates me. I am deeply apprehensive."

The Supreme Being smiled kindly and said, "That's the truth. You've solved the case. Now, you're in charge of the interrogation, but you must get her confession."

Ling Junyi bowed and said, "I obey."

Haitang gritted her teeth and said, "Ling, you've discovered my identity, which will earn you the Supreme Being's favor. You'll climb higher, become famous overnight, and become the consort of the Hundred Flowers Gang, fulfilling your wishes. But I can't confess." Ling Junyi smiled

calmly, slowly walked to Haitang's side, and said, "Miss, you heard that. The Supreme Being has ordered me to get you to confess. I hope you'll be sensible. " "

Haitang said, 'You're going to torture me?'

Ling Junyi said, 'It's good that you know, Miss.'

Haitang said hatefully, 'You are a disciple of a high-ranking monk from Shaolin. Aren't you afraid of disgracing your sect by torturing a weak woman?'

Ling Junyi laughed loudly, 'Miss, you're mistaken. My master turned against the Buddha and left Shaolin in the past. I can't be considered a Shaolin disciple at all. Some people say I'm righteous, some say I'm evil, it's all the same to me. The word 'sect' has no binding effect on me. You don't need to try to trick me.' He paused, then continued, 'I want to tell you, Miss, if you're willing to tell the truth and confess properly...' Before he could finish, Haitang suddenly raised her head and spat at Ling Junyi's face. The two were very close, but Ling Junyi still dodged.

Rose, enraged, slapped Begonia across the face, yelling, "How dare you be disrespectful to the Grand Envoy?"

Begonia sneered, "Good! Looks like you've also taken a fancy to that Ling fellow. Humph, Peony, Peony, Magnolia, and even the twelve attendants, every single one of them wants to offer themselves to him..." Hearing this, Peony, Peony, and Magnolia blushed deeply!

Rose, both ashamed and angry, roared, "How dare you talk nonsense!" and slapped her again. Hearing her say such things in front of the Grand Elder and Peony, Peony, and the others, Ling Junyi naturally felt even more embarrassed and ashamed. Chao Haitang said, "You are also a woman, how can you utter such slanderous words? If you are so stubborn, then don't blame me for being ruthless."

Haitang said, "Just kill me then."

Ling Junyi smiled slightly and said, "If you won't listen to my kind advice, I will make you taste the pain of the Blood Reversal Ritual. As long as you don't speak, I will keep you alive. As long as you can endure it, just bear it..."

Shaoyao said, "Brother Ling, why do you need to say anything more to her?"

Ling Junyi said, "No, I've made myself clear so she can consider it."

Haitang said, "I won't say..." "Fine, go ahead and torture me,"

Ling Junyi said. "I'll give you the time it takes to drink a cup of hot tea. Tell me your name, who sent you, how many accomplices are on the ship, and where the real Haitang is."

The fake Haitang's eyes were filled with hatred as she shouted, "I am your master's wife, I was sent by the Buddha of Reversed Hands..."

Ling Junyi's gaze suddenly flashed, and he coldly shouted, "I kindly advised you, but you dare to utter such foul words again. Then I'll have to let you taste the feeling of blood flowing backwards." As soon as he shouted, he flicked his hands and pressed seven or eight acupoints on her body. His movements were extremely fast, like flicking and brushing, clearly different from ordinary acupoint striking. The fake Haitang's body trembled slightly, as if she had shivered, and she indeed felt her blood suddenly reverse and flow to her internal organs.

Ling Junyi said, "Miss, it's not too late to tell the truth now." Haitang closed her eyes and did not make a sound, but everyone could see that in the time it took to say those two sentences, her cheeks had already turned as red as blood. Her whole body trembled, and sweat beaded on her forehead like soybeans, but she gritted her teeth, enduring the excruciating pain of her blood flowing backward, without uttering a word.

Another short while passed, and then Haitang screamed, "You...you kill me!" Suddenly, her body swayed, and she fainted.

Tai Shang coldly chuckled, "What a stubborn, lowly servant!"

Ling Junyi flicked his left hand, releasing the pressure points on her body, then casually pressed two more acupoints. Turning to Shaoyao, he said, "Vice Leader, I would like to borrow your bedroom temporarily. Is that convenient?"

Shaoyao blushed and asked, "What do you want?"

Ling Junyi smiled slightly and said, "You don't need to ask, Vice Leader."

Shaoyao pointed and said, "This is my room. Just go in."

Ling Junyi said, "I thank you, Vice Leader." Ling Junyi beckoned to Rose, saying, "Please follow me, young lady."

Rose hesitated for a moment, then said, "The Grand Envoy..."

The Grand Envoy said, "Rose, the Grand Envoy wants you to go with him, so just go in with him. Don't ask any questions."

Rose bowed and said, "Disciple obeys."

The Grand Envoy stood up and said, "My meditation time is up. You can handle this case with complete authority."

Ling Junyi bowed and said, "Thank you, Grand Envoy. I will capture all the traitors on the ship."

The Grand Envoy nodded and said, "What a good child." He got up and went inside. After

seeing the Grand Envoy off, Ling Junyi cupped his hands to the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader and Peony, saying, "Gang Leader and Deputy Gang Leader, please wait here for a moment." After saying that, he beckoned to Rose again, saying, "Please follow me, young lady." Because of the Grand Envoy's instructions, Rose followed Ling Junyi to Peony's room. The two entered the room, and Ling Junyi casually closed the door.

Wen Wanjun asked in a low voice, "What are you doing?"

Ling Junyi replied, "I need Wanmei to impersonate someone."

Wen Wanjun asked, "Who?"

Ling Junyi said, "Don't ask any more questions, quickly take off your mask." Wen Wanjun obeyed and removed her mask. Ling Junyi quickly took out a disguise box from his pocket, first washing away the original disguise medicine, and then carefully disguised her face. This took a full 24 hours, like the time it takes to drink a cup of hot tea, before he put the box away and tucked it into her pocket, saying, "Now put away your mask, sit in the room, and wait for me to call you before you come out.

" Wen Wanjun softly said, "I'll do whatever you say."

Ling Junyi smiled and said, "Thank you, Wan-mei."

Wen Wanjun rolled her eyes at him and lightly spat, "Who needs your thanks?" Ling Junyi smiled, opened the door and walked out, closing it behind him.

Peony, Peony, and Magnolia, wondering what Ling Junyi and Rose were doing behind closed doors, all turned to look at him as he emerged. Strangely, he closed the door behind him after stepping out, clearly keeping Rose inside. Peony was the first to ask, "Brother Ling, where's Rose?"

Ling Junyi simply smiled faintly and said, "The Vice Chief will know soon enough." He then turned to Magnolia with a smile and said, "Now I'll have to trouble the Steward again."

Magnolia said, "It's alright, Chief Envoy, just give the order."

Ling Junyi said, "Thank you, Steward, go and invite Yu Meiren to bring up four flower maids." He then whispered a few words to her.

Magnolia nodded and said, "Understood." "Having said that, he turned and walked out.

Peony raised her eyebrows, her pretty eyes looking at Ling Junyi, and said, "Brother Ling, what exactly are you up to?"

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader smiled and said, "I think the Chief Envoy already has a plan in mind. Second Sister, why ask so many questions? Just watch patiently and you will understand."

Peony said, "I hate that he keeps keeping us in suspense. It's driving me crazy."

Ling Junyi smiled dashingly, cupped his hands and bowed deeply, saying, "Heavenly secrets cannot be revealed. I have acted on my own initiative. I hope the Gang Leader and Deputy Gang Leader will forgive me."

Peony glared at him and giggled, "Brother Ling is now the only favorite of the Supreme Elder. The Supreme Elder has given you full authority to handle things. Who would dare to blame you?"

Ling Junyi said, "I dare not."

Just then, Yulan lifted the curtain and walked in, saying, "Fifteenth Sister is here."

Ling Junyi said, "Please invite her in." Outside the door, Yu

Meiren responded with a "Yes," and said to the four flower maids behind her, "Maiden, come in with me. The three of you wait outside." She then lifted the curtain and entered. Maiden followed Yu Meiren into the cabin. When she saw that Haitang's disguise had been washed off and she lay slumped on the ground, she trembled slightly and stumbled.

Ling Junyi smiled and said, "Miss Maiden, help her down."

Zhizi agreed and timidly walked to Haitang, about to bend down! Ling Junyi had already swiftly struck a pressure point on her back. Yulan was even more impatient, grabbing her and dragging her towards Shaoyao's room. Ling Junyi quickly opened the door for her, whispering to Rose, "Miss, quickly change your clothes." Yulan entered the room and closed the door behind her. A moment later, the door opened, and Yulan and Haitang emerged together. Everyone knew that Haitang was actually Rose in disguise.

Ling Junyi asked Yu Meiren in a low voice, "Is everything ready, Miss?"

Yu Meiren nodded and said, "I have followed the steward's orders and everything is ready."

Ling Junyi said, "That's good. You can take her away now."

Yu Meiren hesitated for a moment and asked, "Don't you really need to send more people to guard her?"

Ling Junyi smiled and said, "I have already sealed several of her meridians, so she has temporarily lost her martial arts skills. You just need to follow the plan."

Yu Meiren said, "I understand." She turned and walked to the door, beckoning, "Come in one more." Immediately, a flower girl responded and entered. Ling Junyi released Haitang's pressure points.

Yu Meiren pointed at the two flower girls and said, "Take her away." Rose, disguised as Gardenia, and the other flower girl agreed, went forward, picked up Haitang, and walked outside.

Yu Meiren dared not be careless and bowed, saying, "This subordinate takes his leave." She followed the two flower maids, escorting Haitang away.

Shaoyao asked, "Brother Ling, what should we do about the gardenia still in my room?"

Ling Junyi replied, "This person is even more important than Haitang. We must obtain her confession. We'll have the Vice Chief interrogate her personally later."

Shaoyao asked, "Why do I have to interrogate her?"

Ling Junyi smiled and said, "Because the Vice Chief also oversees the Punishment Hall. He enforces the law rigorously. The flower maids of our gang have great respect for the Vice Chief. If the Vice Chief questions her, she won't dare not speak."

Shaoyao pouted and said, "You might as well just say I'm fierce."

Ling Junyi said, "The Vice Chief oversees the Punishment Hall, and the law is strict; naturally, he must be impartial."

Shaoyao's eyes narrowed, and she smiled brightly, saying, "You're very eloquent." Just then, the cabin curtain opened, and Rose returned.

Peony exclaimed in surprise, "Ninth Sister, why are you back again?"

Rose bowed slightly and smiled, "The Grand Envoy instructed me to come and listen in."

Peony said "Oh," and looked at Ling Junyi, asking, "Can we begin now?"

Ling Junyi replied, "It's getting late, so the sooner the better."

Peony turned to the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader and said, "Eldest Sister, please take a seat." Then she said to Magnolia and Rose, "Then please, Third Sister and Ninth Sister , bring Gardenia out." These were

all the maids who served the Emperor, and they were not allowed to enter without being summoned, so Magnolia and Rose had to personally help Gardenia out of Peony's room. Ling Junyi had already given Magnolia a pill specifically for washing away disguises. Magnolia took the pill and quickly washed the disguise off Gardenia's face. Gardenia was only seventeen years old, and the woman who had impersonated her to infiltrate looked no more than sixteen or seventeen. Peony sat down in a chair below the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader and nodded to the two of them. Yulan struck the gardenia's pressure point with a single blow.

The girl disguised as Gardenia opened her eyes, finding herself sitting on the ground. She was startled, then looked up to see the gang leader and the chief envoy all seated, with the steward Yulan and the attendant Rose standing beside her. She was even more shocked, hastily crawling on the ground and kowtowing repeatedly, saying, "Your subordinate greets the gang leader, deputy gang leader..."

Peony raised an eyebrow and snapped, "Shut up! This gang doesn't have a 'flower girl' like you! Let me tell you, Begonia has confessed everything. Aren't you going to tell the truth? Do you want me to torture you?"

The girl disguised as Gardenia trembled, prostrating herself on the ground, crying, "Gang leader, deputy gang leader, your subordinate is innocent!"

Peony clapped her hands, saying, "Ninth Sister, give her a mirror so she can see for herself." Rose had already prepared a mirror and handed it over. The girl disguised as Gardenia, unaware that the disguise on her face had been washed away, was terrified when she saw herself in the mirror. Her face turned deathly pale, and she couldn't utter a word.

Peony coldly snorted, "Begonia plotted to assassinate the Supreme Lord and has already been executed. If you utter even the slightest evasion, you can forget about living." Ling Junyi secretly gave the Hundred Flowers Gang Leader a wink.

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader said slowly, "Maiden, I consider you to be young, and perhaps you were coerced into coming here. If you tell the truth, I might spare your life. If you remain obstinate, Begonia will be your example."

The girl disguised as Maize, recalling seeing Haitang lying on the ground when she entered, was terrified. She crawled on the ground, kowtowing repeatedly and crying, "Chief, Deputy Chief, please have mercy! I was originally a maidservant under Master Shui. Qian Yue'e, who was sent here, said that my appearance and age were similar to Maize's, so she made me impersonate Maize to sneak in. Master Shui has also detained my mother, saying that if I make a mistake, he will execute my mother as well. Please, Chief, Deputy Chief, have pity on me and spare me!" The Qian Yue'e she spoke of was naturally the girl disguised as Haitang.

Peony asked, "How did you sneak in?"

The girl disguised as Maize replied, "I don't know how Sister Yue'e got in. Three months ago, they sent me to the vicinity of the Hua Family Manor. Sister Yue'e invited Maize out, then immobilized her acupoints and led me into the Hua Family Manor."

Peony asked, "Do you know how long Qian Yue'e has been disguised as Haitang and sneaked in?"

The girl disguised as Maize replied, "I don't know, it seems like it's been a long time."

Peony asked, "After you sneaked in, how did you contact the Black Dragon Society?"

The girl disguised as Maize replied, "That's Sister Yue'e's business. I don't know much about it, but it seems someone else was responsible for relaying messages." Ling Junyi nodded secretly but didn't speak.

Rose suddenly interjected, "How do you and Qian Yue'e address each other when you meet?"

The girl disguised as Maize replied, "I call her 'sister,' and she still calls me Maize."

Peony asked, "Have you ever seen the person who delivers messages to her?"

The girl disguised as Maize said, "I saw him once. He was masked, and it was night, so I couldn't see who he was. But since Sister Yue'e is also masked, I'm afraid that person didn't know Sister Yue'e's identity either."

Rose said, "They're both masked, so there must be some other mark when they meet?"

The girl disguised as Maize said, "That time, Sister Yue'e asked me to..." Feng, when we arrived, the man was already there. I only saw the man raising his right hand. Lifting up her index finger, Sister Yue'e made a circle with her hand.

Shaoyao looked back at Ling Junyi and asked, "Is that enough?"

Ling Junyi cupped his hands and said, "As expected, he is the deputy gang leader. That's enough."

Shaoyao said: "Third sister, please touch her acupoints and send her to Haitang room for the time being, and send someone to guard her." "

The girl pretending to be Weizi kowtowed to the ground and said, "Gang leader, deputy gang leader, please forgive me. I have told you everything I know, and every word is true..." Yulan pointed at her acupuncture points and walked her out.

Rose said: "General manager, my subordinates will help you get out.

Yu Lan turned around and said with a smile: "No need, you have your own things to do."

Rose turned around and bowed to Ling Junyi and said, "I wonder if the chief envoy has any other instructions?"

Ling Junyi said: "The girl has heard what she said, so just act accordingly."

Rose said: "I obey my orders." "He bowed to the gang leader and deputy gang leader again, then lifted the curtain and walked out gracefully.

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang frowned slightly, his large, clear eyes wide open. He parted his cherry lips and asked, "Envoy, are there any spies lurking on our ship?"

Ling Junyi pondered for a moment and said, "It's hard to say right now, but if things go smoothly, we should be able to find out soon." He then suddenly cupped his hands and said, "It's almost dawn. The leader and deputy leader have been working hard all night; they can rest a bit. There's nothing more for me to do here, so I'll take my leave."

Peony, seeing that there were no outsiders left, giggled and asked, "How are Plum Blossom and Chrysanthemum?" Peony also glanced at him sideways.

Ling Junyi blushed, "Thank you for your kindness."

Peony smiled and said, "Don't thank us. They all fell in love with you without even realizing it. Although I'm the leader, I'm like a sister to them. How could I bear to let them suffer the pain of unrequited love?"

Peony whispered, "Don't go back either. Just rest with me and my older sister for a while. No one will dare to gossip."

Ling Junyi looked at Peony and saw that she also had a hopeful look on her face. He smiled slightly, stepped forward, and put his arms around both Peony and Peony, leading them into Peony's room. Time naturally didn't allow them to be intimate. The three of them lay on the bed fully clothed, kissing and caressing each other, just enjoying a little tenderness. Even so, Peony and Peony were already very satisfied. At

dawn, as the morning light began to appear, candles were still lit in the dining hall on the ground floor. On the three tables arranged in a triangular shape, several dishes of pickled cucumbers, fermented bean curd, fried peanuts, and other porridge and side dishes were already laid out, along with a large plate of steaming hot steamed buns. It was breakfast time. From the first cabin door, warriors dressed in sky-blue (protectors) and gray (flower protectors) outfits emerged one after another, standing silently on both sides. Then, from the right-hand cabin door opened, the Left Protector, Nine-Finger Judge Leng Chaozong, and the Right Protector, Three-Eyed Cai Liang, also stepped out. The protectors and flower protectors standing on both sides of the dining hall, upon seeing the left and right protectors, as usual, stood up and bowed, saying, "Your subordinates greet the Left and Right Protectors."

The Left Protector, Leng Chaozong, couldn't hide his radiant spirit on his thin and slightly gloomy face. He stroked his sparse beard, his gaze slowly shifting, and nodded, saying, "Good morning, everyone. Please sit down."

Since the "Senluo Token" and the "blue robe" were found in the room of the Chief Flower Protector, Ling Junyi, last night, Ling Junyi had gone to see the Supreme Leader with the gang leader and deputy leader, and no one had heard any news from him since. All that was known was that the flower maids residing on the second floor, led by Yu Meiren, lined up and went up to the third floor. The Supreme Emperor hadn't summoned the Left and Right Protectors, clearly indicating his fury over the matter and that he had secretly executed Ling Junyi, though the news hadn't been released yet. With the position of Chief Flower Protector vacant, it was only natural that the Left Protector should take over.

Leng Chaozong, naturally somewhat arrogant, sat down at the left seat of the head table and looked back. Seeing the empty seat in the middle, he was about to speak, inviting everyone to eat, when the door to the left side of the dining hall opened! Chief Flower Protector Ling Junyi, with the Heaven-Slaying Sword at his waist, his blue robes fluttering, a smile on his face, slowly walked out. Just seeing his composed and carefree demeanor, it seemed that last night's events had already cleared up and dissipated. Everyone was startled for a moment, then immediately stood up. Ling Junyi smiled and said, "Please sit down." He slowly walked to the head table and sat down.

Cai Liang, the Three-Eyed One, focused his gaze and asked, "Is the Commander-in-Chief alright?"

Ling Junyi smiled faintly and said, "Thank you for your concern, Elder Cai.

The Supreme Emperor believes that if it's not my fault, then I'm fine." Leng Chaozong, the Nine-Fingered Judge, said, "There's been an assassination attempt on the Supreme Emperor, and now this has caused trouble for the Commander-in-Chief. It's clear there's a spy lurking on our ship. This matter must be thoroughly

investigated. I wonder what instructions the Supreme Emperor has?" Ling Junyi said, "Elder Leng is right. Although the Supreme Emperor is extremely angry, we haven't been able to find even a trace of this. How easy is it to find him? There's only one way right now..."

Leng Chaozong asked, "What way?"

Ling Junyi said, "Wait until he reveals a flaw himself."

Cai Liang, the Three-Eyed One, said, "If this person doesn't make any further moves, are we really going to be unable to catch him?" Just then, the cabin curtain opened, and the men who had gone out to patrol the river last night returned to report. Protectors Gongsun Xiang and Song Desheng, and Flower Protectors Zhai Tianyou, Zhai Youcheng, Xu Tingchen, and He Xiangsheng filed in one after another.

Gongsun Xiang bowed respectfully and said, "Reporting to the Commander-in-Chief, the river was calm and uneventful last night. Your subordinates have come to report."

Ling Junyi nodded and said, "You've all worked hard. Please sit down." His gaze slowly swept across the six men's faces, intentionally or unintentionally glancing at He Xiangsheng. Gongsun Xiang, Song Desheng

, and the four bodyguards clasped their hands in a salute and returned to their seats. Then, She Qianlin and Luo Gengyun, who were on duty during the day, led the four bodyguards in a bow and withdrew. Ling Junyi raised his eyes and asked, "Are Yang Jiaju and Shen Jianxun still injured?"

Leng Chaozong replied, "They can get out of their bunks and walk around. I felt their injuries hadn't fully healed, so I had the kitchen send food to their room."

Ling Junyi nodded and said, "Very good."

After breakfast, Ling Junyi returned to his room, and Gongsun Xiang followed him in. Ling Junyi didn't say anything to him; he seemed very worried about the doors and windows, and the first thing he did was to go to the windows and carefully examine them. Upon closer inspection, his face paled slightly, and he inwardly scoffed, "This man has quite the nerve."

Gongsun Xiang couldn't help but call out from behind him, "Brother Ling."

Ling Junyi had already turned around, smiling, "Brother Gongsun, please sit."

Gongsun Xiang saw a freshly brewed pot of tea on the table, casually poured two cups, placed them on the table, and sat down, saying, "Brother, I heard something happened on our ship last night."

Ling Junyi asked, "Brother Gongsun already knows?"

Gongsun Xiang replied, "I heard about it as soon as I returned to the ship." Holding the cups in one hand, he looked up and said, "Someone planted a frame in Brother Ling's room. I wonder how Brother Ling will handle this matter?"

Ling Junyi smiled faintly, but before speaking, his gaze suddenly fell on Gongsun Xiang's hand, saying, "Wait a minute, this tea is probably not safe to drink."

Gongsun Xiang had already raised the teacup to his lips, but upon hearing this, he paused, glanced at the teacup, and said with emotion, "Brother Ling believes someone..." "Poisoned the tea?"

Ling Junyi said, "Whether the tea is poisoned or not is still uncertain, but someone came into the room after I left."

Gongsun Xiang asked curiously, "How did you know, Brother Ling?"

Ling Junyi said, "This person entered through the window; how could they have escaped my notice? They probably tried another trick because their attempt to frame me failed. This room is completely open; everyone can see through it. If they wanted to harm me, poison would be the only way."

Gongsun Xiang was stunned and said, "It seems Brother Ling is indeed very meticulous. I usually pride myself on my shrewdness; ordinary tricks from the martial arts world would hardly fool you. But a freshly brewed cup of tea, without any apparent difference, is beyond my ability to discern."

Ling Junyi smiled slightly and said, "I'm only guessing. Whether the tea is poisoned or not, we'll only know after testing it." As he spoke, he casually tore a strip of cloth from the window and dipped it into the tea cup. When the cloth was dipped in the tea, there was neither a hissing sound nor any rising smoke. However, the part of the cloth that had been soaked in the tea turned black, as if it had been burned.

Gongsun Xiang was shocked and exclaimed, "What a potent poison! It's colorless and odorless, completely undetectable." Ling Junyi remained silent, his face grim.

Gongsun Xiang then said, "It seems that framing and poisoning must have been done by the same person."

Ling Junyi thought to himself, "The one who framed me was Haitang, and she's already been caught." But he didn't say it aloud, only shaking his head slightly, "I'm afraid it's not just one person."

Gongsun Xiang asked in surprise, "Brother Ling, do you mean there's more than one spy lurking on our ship?"

"Of course there's more than one." Ling Junyi shook his head and smiled, then said, "What can one person do? Although I'm not sure yet, I won't let them go."

Gongsun Xiang volunteered, "Brother Ling, if there's anything I can do for you, I'll go through fire and water without hesitation."

Ling Junyi said, "Brother, if there is anything I can do for you, I'll let you know."

The second floor was where twenty courtesans slept. The courtesans were all pretty young girls, and every bunk bed was kept very clean. As long as you weren't a woman, stepping into this cabin, you would smell the intoxicating fragrance of perfume, guaranteed to make you feel lightheaded and dizzy! The small cabin was where Yu Meiren, who was in charge of managing the flower girls, lived; she had a room all to herself. There was also a front cabin. In the old days, wooden ships had upward-sloping bows, so the front cabin, like the rear cabin, was sloping and very cramped. Qian Yue'e was imprisoned in the front cabin.

The flower girls only knew that they had caught a spy who had attempted to assassinate the Supreme Emperor the previous night; no one knew that she was Haitang. The Hundred Flowers Gang had a very strict rule: no one was allowed to inquire about things that hadn't been told to them. Especially since Yu Meiren had warned them the previous night not to divulge a single word about what happened, naturally no one dared to speak. Although Qian Yue'e had lost her martial arts skills due to several acupoints being sealed by Ling Junyi, she still needed to be guarded. These guards were sent by Yu Meiren, and four flower girls took turns on duty. These four flower girls, naturally authorized by Yu Meiren, chatted with Qian Yue'e casually during their time guarding her. Because Qian Yue'e had endured Ling Junyi's "reverse blood flow" methods, she hadn't even gotten a single confession. If the flower maids had managed to glean a few words from her during casual conversation, that would have been fine.

But Qian Yue'e was resolute; no matter how persuasive the flower maids guarding her were, she simply kept her eyes closed. She neither asked nor answered a single question. This was understandable; since she had been sent to infiltrate undercover as Haitang, she had naturally undergone training. How could a few inexperienced girls possibly extract even a single word from her? Day after day passed quickly. From morning till night, both flower maids had failed to get a single answer from Yu Meiren. Not only could they not get a single word from her, but she hadn't even glanced at the breakfast and lunch that were brought in, returning the ingredients untouched. She had failed to swallow poison, so naturally she intended to starve herself to death. Now it was dinnertime. A "peeling" sound came from outside the cabin door, and another flower maid came to take over, carrying a food box.

"Sister Xiutan, you can go eat now." It was Maiden. As the cabin door opened, Xiu Tan picked up the lunchbox she had brought at noon, wiped her mouth, and said angrily, "Why did you even bring her food? What bad luck! I've spent half the day with a half-dead person who's barely clinging to life." She stormed out like a gust of wind.

Mastiff just smiled slightly at her, casually closed the cabin door, placed the lantern on the wooden board, and gently put down the lunchbox. Then she turned around and hurriedly walked to Qian Yue'e's side, squatted down, and asked in a low voice, "Sister, are you alright?"

Qian Yue'e, who had been curled up, suddenly opened her eyes, looked at the stick, and said, "It's you!"

Zhi Zi nodded and asked with concern, "Are you alright?"

Qian Yue'e looked at her, struggled to sit up, grabbed Zhi Zi's left hand, lowered her head, and glanced at her wrist pulse intentionally or unintentionally, a strange light flashing in her eyes. Then she shook her head slightly and said, "Little sister, it's good that you're here. That brat surnamed Ling sealed my acupoints, and I can't use any strength at all."

Zhi Zi whispered, "What acupoints did he seal, sister?" "Let me try to unblock it for you. I hope I can release the pressure points."

Qian Yue'e smiled bitterly, "This is a unique technique. Besides, this kid blocked my acupoints, not pressed them. Even if you were ten times more skilled than me, you wouldn't be able to unblock them."

Mai Zi frowned and asked anxiously, "Then what should we do?"

Qian Yue'e said, "There's no way. I can't die, so I have to endure it."

Mai Zi looked worried and asked, "Will they let you go?"

Qian Yue'e gave a cold snort and said, "They want to force me to confess."

Mai Zi was startled and asked, "Did you say anything?" Of course, this was a personal matter, so she was naturally surprised.

“No.” Qian Yue’e paused for a moment before smiling and saying, “Do you think I would tell? What did they tell you when you came?”

Mai Zi lowered her voice even further, softly saying, “When I came, Yu Meiren called me into her room. She wanted me to chat with you casually, and to tell her everything you said, without omitting a single word.”

Qian Yue’e snorted again, “They want to test me? They’re dreaming.”

Mai Zi looked back at the food box and said, “Sister, you haven’t eaten all day. How can you hold on? You should eat something.”

Qian Yue’e said, “No need, I won’t eat. It’s enough that you’re here.”

Mai Zi’s eyes widened, and she asked, “Sister, is there anything you need?”

Qian Yue’e said, “Yes, I have something I need you to do…

” Mai Zi whispered, “Sister, do you want me to inform someone?”

Qian Yue’e countered, “Do you know who I want you to inform?”

"Is it the person I saw last time? But I don't know who he is," Maize asked.

A cold glint flashed in Qian Yue'e's eyes as she said, "You don't need to know who he is."

Maize asked, "Then how do I notify him?"

Qian Yue'e replied, "Just walk back and forth three times on the second deck, starboard side, and someone will speak to you."

Zhi Zi nodded, "That's easy, but... how will this person speak to me?"

Qian Yue'e asked, "Do you know the hand signal we agreed on?"

Maize said, "Yes."

Qian Yue'e thought for a moment and said, "Just say: 'The waning moon isn't very bright anymore, the tide will be high.' Can you remember those two sentences?"

Maize asked, "What's the use of those two sentences?"

Qian Yue'e said, "It's to tell him that I'm in trouble, and that there's news from above, so he can make the decision."

Maize memorized it and suddenly chuckled, "It's a waning moon right now, so even if someone hears it, it doesn't matter." Qian Yue'e gave a soft "hmm."

Banzi seemed to remember something, her brows furrowing suddenly. She said, "But I don't hand over my shift until midnight. What should I do?"

Qian Yue'e said, "Don't worry, we'll agree on a time to contact each other after 4 AM."

Maizi nodded, "I'll remember."

She looked at Qian Yue'e and said, "Sister, you should at least eat something."

Qian Yue'e's face was stern. "No need," she said.

Maizi continued, "But you..."

Qian Yue'e said, "No need to say more. Just do what I asked you to do."

Maizi said, "Sister, don't worry, little..." "I'll definitely handle it well,"

Qian Yue'e said coldly. "If you dare to betray me, someone will take your life at any time."

Mai Zi said timidly, "Sister, do you not even trust me?"

Seeing that she was a little scared, Qian Yue'e's face softened slightly, and she said gently, "Of course I trust you, otherwise, I wouldn't have given you this task. But you still have to be careful. That kid surnamed Ling is more alert than a dog."

Gun Zi said, "I will. I won't let them find out anything."

Qian Yue'e nodded; "Then I can rest assured." Time seemed to pass particularly quickly, perhaps not even midnight yet.

There was another "peeling" sound outside the cabin door, and someone whispered, "Sister Mai Zi, open the door, it's my turn to take over." According to the usual calculation, it was only a little past midnight, so this was naturally arranged in advance.

Gun Zi quickly pushed open the cabin door, picked up the food box, and went out. Another flower girl stepped into the front cabin and quickly closed the door. Mai Zi came out of the front cabin, and the first thing she naturally had to do was to report the course of her shift to Yu Meiren. But after she went inside, not long after, a graceful young woman in a black dress emerged from the opening of the curtain and ascended a wooden staircase on the left side of the front cabin, heading towards the second floor. She was Rose, the ninth of the twelve attendants.

Ling Junyi, naturally, wouldn't go to bed; he was waiting for news. Just after midnight, he heard hurried footsteps approaching! Then, a soft tapping sound came from outside the door, and a young woman's voice called out, "Chief Envoy."

Ling Junyi asked, "Who is it?"

The young woman's voice replied, "This humble servant, Jasmine, has come to invite the Chief Envoy on the orders of the Chief."

Ling Junyi opened the door, nodded, and said, "Please return, young lady. I will be right there." Jasmine responded with a "Yes," bowed, and withdrew.

Ling Junyi closed the door. He stepped out of the main cabin and ascended to the third floor. Jasmine and Ruixiang, two maids with swords at their sides, stood at the door. Their eyes lit up when they saw Ling Junyi approaching, and they immediately bowed, saying, "Reporting to the Chief, the Grand Envoy has arrived."

The voice of the Hundred Flowers Chief came from inside, saying, "Please come in quickly."

Jasmine and Ruixiang lifted the cabin curtain on either side and bowed, saying, "Grand Envoy, please."

Ling Junyi stepped into the cabin, where he saw the Hundred Flowers Chief, Peony, Magnolia, and Rose already standing around a small round table. Upon seeing Ling Junyi enter, the Hundred Flowers Chief gracefully stood up and said, "Grand Envoy, please sit."

Peony, Magnolia, and Rose also stood up. Peony then smiled and said, "Brother Ling's brilliant plan really worked! Please sit down and listen to the good news."

Ling Junyi cupped his hands and said, "Chief, Deputy Chief, Steward, and Attendants, please sit down." He then sat down in an empty seat on the left and asked Rose, "Did you manage to find out about her?"

Peony interrupted, "It's more than just getting information out of her! Tonight we can catch all the spies lurking on the ship in one fell swoop."

The Hundred Flowers Chief smiled and said, "Second Sister is too impatient. Let Ninth Sister tell you the details. The Chief Envoy is the one in charge of this plan, so naturally we need to hear more details before giving orders."

Ling Junyi bowed slightly and said, "Chief, you flatter me." He then looked at Rose and said, "How did your trip go, Miss? I think Qian Yue'e is a very cunning person. Did she see through your disguise?"

Rose said, "The Chief Envoy's disguise is superb. She didn't suspect anything." Then she disguised herself as Gardenia and went into the front cabin, explaining in detail.

After listening to her, Ling Junyi looked up and said, "It's only the second watch—there are still two watches until the fourth watch..."

Shaoyao said, "We have plenty of time, so we can make arrangements at our leisure. Now, let's hear your orders, Brother Ling."

Ling Junyi smiled faintly and said, "I dare not give orders. Actually, it's quite simple. If that thief appears on the starboard deck and speaks with Miss Rose, I'm confident I can arrive in no time and subdue him."

Shaoyao said, "What about us? Do you expect us to just stand by and watch?"

Ling Junyi said, "The deputy leader and the chief steward can hide on the third deck on the starboard side and wait until they see the man, Miss Rose, and him..." "After exchanging hand signals and confirming the agreement, you two can leap down and block his path." He paused slightly, glancing at Rose, and said with a smile, "There's just one thing you must remember, young lady."

Rose asked, "What is it?"

Ling Junyi said, "You must pretend to be completely safe. When I suddenly appear, you must feign panic and retreat repeatedly. Do not try to stop him."

Rose asked, "Why?"

Ling Junyi said, "The bandits will undoubtedly carry a deadly hidden weapon like the 'Senluo Token.' Even if you don't stop him, he might suddenly attack you to silence you after the secret is exposed. The 'Senluo Token' is extremely powerful and very difficult to dodge. Therefore, you must pretend to be frightened and retreat more than two zhang away to ensure your safety." Rose's

eyes showed concern as she asked, "What about you? Aren't you afraid he might suddenly attack?"

The leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang chimed in, "Yes, bandits are desperate in their actions, so you must be careful too. "

Ling Junyi smiled faintly and said, "Thank you for your concern, Chief. I will handle him myself." The

Hundred Flowers Chief suddenly exclaimed, "Didn't the Grand Envoy assign me any tasks?"

Ling Junyi replied, "Chief, you are the leader of the gang. Why would you need to personally deal with a lurking spy? You only need to stay here and oversee things."

Just then, Jasmine said from outside the cabin, "Reporting to the Chief, the attendant Yu Meiren has urgent business and wishes to see you."

Peony looked up and said, "Surely let her in." The cabin curtain was lifted, and Yu Meiren, looking tense, hurried in.

The Hundred Flowers Chief asked, "Fifteenth Sister, what happened down there?"

Yu Meiren's chest heaved slightly as she bowed to the Hundred Flowers Chief and said, "Reporting to the Chief, Qian Yue'e, who was imprisoned in the front cabin, has died from gossip."

Peony stared intently and said, "What? That lowly maidservant died from chewing her tongue? Didn't you send anyone to guard her?"

Yu Meiren bowed and said, "After Ninth Sister [Rose] left, Dingxiang went in to guard Qian Yue'e, but she just curled up and ignored everyone. By the time Dingxiang found a pool of blood under her head, she had already chewed her tongue and died."

Peony sneered, "You couldn't even keep an eye on one person? This is a serious criminal who attempted to assassinate the Supreme Emperor."

Yu Meiren lowered her head and said, "This subordinate has come to request punishment from the Chief and Deputy Chief."

Ling Junyi said, "This cannot be entirely blamed on the flower maidservant and Qian..." Yue'e believed she had already sent a message through Maize, her mission was complete, and she was doomed to die anyway, so she chewed her tongue and committed suicide. She arrived without uttering a word. Curled up and ignoring everyone, even we would be caught off guard, let alone the flower maids. Miss Yu, you should hurry down; the news of Qian Yue'e's death must not be leaked.”

Yu Meiren glanced gratefully at Ling Junyi and said, “When I came up, I already told Dingxiang not to divulge a single word.”

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader said, “Then you should go down quickly.” Yu Meiren respectfully replied, “Yes,” and immediately withdrew.

Rose said, “If the Chief Envoy has no further instructions, I will also take my leave.”

Ling Junyi said, “Miss, please remember my words and be careful.”

Rose bowed her head and said, “I understand.” She quickly lifted the curtain and went out.

After they left, Ling Junyi also stood up and said, "There's still more than one watch before the fourth watch. The gang leader and deputy gang leader can rest a bit more. I should take my leave now."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader smiled slightly and said, "Please wait a moment, Chief Envoy. I asked my third sister to specially instruct the kitchen to prepare some snacks for everyone as a midnight snack. After the midnight snack, it will be about time."

Peony opened her pretty eyes wide and said in surprise, "Big Sister, how come I didn't know anything about this?"

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader laughed and said, "I told my third sister not to tell you, so you would be surprised. And there's something you like to eat the most."

Peony laughed and said, "It must be rose cake. Big Sister, you're so thoughtful." Then she said to Ling Junyi, "I just thought it would be better for Brother Ling to stay here. From the third floor, we have a commanding view. Not only can we see clearly, but we can also intercept thieves much faster than from the second floor."

As she spoke, the cabin curtain opened. Du Juan and Qiangwei carried in a silver box, placed it on the round table, and then opened the lid to take out four kinds of delicacies: rose cake, jujube paste pastry, crystal shrimp dumplings, and crab roe shumai. Then Ruixiang brought out a pot of bird's nest porridge, filled a bowl for each of the four people, and then left. Peony picked up a piece of rose cake with her chopsticks and placed it on Ling Junyi's plate, saying sweetly, "I love rose cake the most. It's fragrant, soft, and sweet without being cloying. You should try it first."

Ling Junyi blushed slightly and said, "Thank you, Vice Leader. I'll do it myself."

Peony rolled her eyes at him and said, "You're either 'I' or 'Vice Leader.' Can't you use something else?"

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader also picked up her chopsticks, picked up a shrimp dumpling, and placed it in front of Ling Junyi, smiling sweetly, "This humble concubine likes shrimp dumplings because they are crystal clear and pure white. The Chief Envoy should also try some."

Ling Junyi thanked her repeatedly and said, "Please, Leader, help yourself."

The Hundred Flowers Gang Leader looked at him tenderly and smiled, "Stop talking. Everyone, have a bite while it's hot." Under the soft light, facing three beautiful girls, their words as sweet as pearls, anyone would feel elated. The four exquisite snacks, though delicious, were somewhat unappetizing. The four chatted and ate. Ling Junyi naturally ate the most. Two maids cleared away the bowls and chopsticks, and brewed a pot of fragrant tea to serve.

Time was gradually approaching four o'clock! The waning moon, like a silver hook, hung obliquely in the sky, the starlight dim, and the night hazy. On the ship, all the lights had long been extinguished, and everyone was already asleep. Only in the shadows near the riverbank could a few figures be seen, indistinctly scattered, standing there—the night watchmen.

Suddenly, a slender figure appeared from a wooden ladder in the lower deck, slowly climbing the steps to the second deck. Just by looking at her attire, it was clear that she was a courtesan. Her steps were so light that there was no sound as she slowly walked to the bow, one hand on the railing, her face upturned, gazing at the waning moon, slightly lost in thought. She was, of course, the one disguised as Rose, and tonight she was disguised as the gentle and graceful Lady Mastiff. She stood on the deck for a while: seeing no movement, she slowly turned around and moved towards the starboard side. The night breeze ruffled her dress, making her appear somewhat listless. Each step was slow and deliberate, yet her gait was remarkably graceful as she moved slowly towards the starboard deck. Though her steps were slow, the three people hidden in ambush on the third deck couldn't help but feel tense! Peony hid at the bow, Magnolia at the stern; their mission was to wait for the person to appear, and once they coordinated with Rose (the stick), they would immediately leap down to cut off the opponent's escape route. The main force, however, rested on Ling Junyi. He needed to subdue his opponent the instant he appeared, leaving him no chance to retaliate. Therefore, he concealed himself on the starboard side of the cabin, his body pressed tightly against the hull. While Rose had begun to move, he had already gathered all his strength, like an arrow drawn taut on a bowstring, ready to strike decisively.

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