Cang Lan Dao - Chapter 35.1

Chapter 35.1 

Ambushing Each Other 

Xie Heng paused momentarily before moving his gaze away unnoticeably and said, “It’s okay.” 

Luo Wanqing did not understand what this ‘okay’ meant until she heard Xie Heng call her, “Come over.” 

Luo Wanqing heard this and walked forward, half kneeling next to Xie Heng with her eyes downcast, waiting for Xie Heng and Qing Ya to play chess. 

Xie Heng spoke while laying a chess piece: “Five days later, Li Guiyu will exit Dongdu to inspect the southern camp and pass through the capital’s outskirts. It just so happens a group of traffickers will leave the city five days later. These days, you hide in. Five days later, you ask Li Guiyu for help. After that, let him send you home.” As Xie Heng said, Qing Ya took a map from his sleeve and handed it to Luo Wanqing. 

“The location marked with a red dot on the map is your home. You are the daughter of a hunter named Qingqing, nineteen years old this year, who was abducted and sold by traffickers when she wandered into Dongdu.” 

Qing Ya introduced her identity to Luo Wanqing. When she heard the word “Qingqing,” Luo Wanqing’s heart jumped, but then she realized that this was their effort to create someone remarkably similar to Luo Wanqing.  From the name, age, and appearance, their goal was to resemble the dead Luo Wanqing as much as possible. They thought that Jiang Shaoyan was deeply in love with her due to her tablet memorial, but she knew that Jiang Shaoyan was not such a person. Feelings were there, but it would never affect his choices. 

Luo Wanqing couldn’t help but inquire, “What if he doesn’t send me home?” 

“That would be your task.” Qing Ya smiled as he looked at Luo Wanqing, seemingly reminding her, “It’s better to work harder on your first mission.” 

Luo Wanqing pursed her lips at the words, then said, “Yes.” 

“Don’t force yourself if you can’t accomplish it,” Xie Heng heard her answer and reminded additionally, “It’s important to save your life.” 

“Yes.” Done with the instructions, Xie Heng said nothing and waved his hand, “Lead her to get ready.” 

After receiving the words, Zhu Que, who had been waiting at the side, immediately spoke, “Agent Liu, follow me.” 

Luo Wanqing saluted toward Xie Heng, then got up and followed Zhu Que outside. Walking out of the courtyard gate, Zhu Que handed Luo Wanqing a document, and while walking, he instructed, “This is your identity information. Take a good rest in the daytime and memorize the information. After putting on a disguise, we’ll go out tonight.” 

“Disguise?” 

“Those traffickers are very particular about abducting people. They won’t dare to abduct you if you wear splendidly. Dress up plainer, and I’ll be abducted together with you.” 

“You will be abducted too?” 

Luo Wanqing was curious. Zhu Que nodded, “Yes, it’s your first mission. What if you get slaughtered? I’ll protect you,” said Zhu Que while patting his chest, ”Don’t worry, senior will take care of you.”

Luo Wanqing turned her eyes to look at the teenager, who was about the same height as herself, feeling somewhat subtle. She coughed lightly and respectfully said, “Then I thank Agent Zhu Que.” 

“No need.” Zhu Que waved his hand and spoke before parting ways with her in the corridor, “See you in the evening.” 

Luo Wanqing took the document and map, glanced down, softly laughed, and turned around. She memorized this ‘Qingqing’ information until the afternoon when Zhu Que brought the makeup lady over. Zhu Que himself had already dressed up. He tied a ponytail and wore a short brown coat. He looked like a poor family’s son who was about to dig the river and transport earth at any time. 

Zhu Que pointed at Luo Wanqing and said to the makeup lady, “Go, dress her up.” Hearing this, the makeup lady immediately went forward and dressed her up as requested. 

Of course, a hunter’s daughter must be dressed plainly, with coarse linen clothes, a wooden hairpin, and a clear face without makeup. But even so, it could not hide Luo Wanqing’s beautiful appearance. 

When Zhu Que watched Luo Wanqing finish, he stood up and nodded: “Good! You’ll be abducted with this look!” 

“What do I need to do?” 

Luo Wanqing was puzzled, and Zhu Que waved his hand, “There’s no need to do anything. I’ll take you to those traffickers’ territory later; I’ll find a job so you can just wander the streets and stroll naturally. ” Zhu Que remembered and immediately said, “Be naive. Stupid is better.”

Luo Wanqing nodded, understanding Zhu Que’s intentions. 

Seeing that they were done with the costume, Zhu Que immediately said, “Let’s go.” 

Luo Wanqing followed Zhu Que down the mountain. When she reached the street, it was already dark. Zhu Que led Luo Wanqing to the main street, which was bustling with lights. The two walked shoulder to shoulder on the street. Luo Wanqing surveyed the surroundings and couldn’t help but be curious: “How are you going to be abducted later?” 

She could understand these flower pickers abducting a beautiful woman like her. But what was the point of abducting Zhu Que, a teenager? 

“They have a place specializing in hiring. After the work, they’ll put in some drugs and then ship the victims out of Dongdu. Good-looking ones were sent to the Nanfeng Pavilion, while the ugly ones to the border small countries as enslaved people.” Zhu Que seriously explained, “People are always worth a few.” 

Luo Wanqing frowned, “How do you guys know so clearly?” 

“The informant has been inside for a while.” Zhu Que glanced at Luo Wanqing, “Let’s close the net after we’ve used them for this trip, arrest them all, and leave no one behind.” 

“You guys are in charge of this kind of case?” 

Luo Wanqing was a bit surprised. She had always thought the Inspection Department only handled significant cases. Zhu Que smiled and lowered his voice. “Do you know who the boss behind the scenes is looking after?” 

“Hmm?” Luo Wanqing was curious. 

Zhu Que whispered, “The Eastern Palace.” 

These words widened Luo Wanqing’s eyes, and she couldn’t believe it. “The East Palace still cares about this kind of thing?” 

“There are so many people under the sky. The Eastern Palace won’t care that much. The foxes and tigers are acting like bullies. Who dares to trouble them except for us?” 

Zhu Que was quite proud. Walking through the long street, he patted Luo Wanqing on the shoulder, “I’m going to look for a job; you make yourself at home.” With that, Zhu Que turned around and left. 

Luo Wanqing walked down the long street. She looked at the busy street, turned back, and glanced at the passing teahouse. After thinking about it, she turned to the teahouse, entered the private room, and ordered three cups of Biluochun. 

The waiter heard Luo Wanqing’s remark about three cups of Biluochun and hesitated momentarily before immediately saying: “Okay, I will give you the tea.” 

The waiter left, and Luo Wanqing sat in the private room. After waiting a long time, she finally heard the sound of the door opening. She followed the sound and looked up. She saw the youth with cinnabar between his eyebrows pushing the door in. She was puzzled and only said, “You’ve been staying here all this time?” 

“Just by chance.” Xiang Sizi smiled, stepped into the room, walked across to the tea table, lifted the hem of his coat, sat, and smiled, “You took a long time to think, ah. Did you hear Xie Heng and Li Guiyu’s conversation?” 

Hearing Xiang Sizi’s question, Luo Wanqing did not immediately make a sound. The conversation between Li Guiyu and Xie Heng was only known to her. Alliance or not, right now, Xiang Sizi shouldn’t hear about it. However, Xiang Sizi knew that Li Guiyu would take action, proving he had eyes on Li Guiyu’s side. If something happened to Bai Li, Xiang Sizi should know about it.