Why do I have so many masters?

The Young Master smiled upon hearing, "If even this is considered a mere trick, then what strategy in the world is worth mentioning? Sir, your skills are extraordinary, don't belittle yourself."

Dongfang Ningxin remained silent.

The Young Master already knew that she had a cold and reticent nature, neither fond of speaking nor smiling. Unbothered, he lifted the curtain of the carriage window to gaze at the scenery outside, his mind clear, and chuckled:

"This journey to Liangzhou, although circumstances have changed, was thrilling yet safe. Meeting someone of your character, sir, makes it worthwhile."

"It's laughable that the Great Qin Imperial Court prides itself on having countless heroes, valiant generals, and strategists like rain, boasting twenty-six famous detectives capturing throughout the land. Now it seems they are far from that, truly a mockery in the eyes of the wise."

The Young Master possesses exceptionally pure green eyes and speaks fluent Great Qin official language, yet it seems most of his knowledge is derived from books, utilizing many literary expressions, often awkward or inappropriate.

Dongfang Ningxin adjusted her zither strings and said faintly:

"Tie Lin is upright, Wuxin is cunning; the former can break chaos, the latter reads minds, not ordinary people."

"This time, Wuxin initially saw through the scheme and prepared to act, unfortunately, he typically prefers thorough planning, a single decisive move, which hindered him this time."

"Without the Pillar of the State's intervention, the outcome here would require further decision."

The Young Master is unperturbed by Dongfang Ningxin's esteem for Wuxin, laughs freely:

"Wuxin does have some skills; if he had used step-by-step tactics, it might have caused more trouble, though he insists on a final decisive move."

"Perhaps to minimize the impact on the people?"

"Ha, still an old-fashioned character."

Dongfang Ningxin paused, seemingly reminding, "But next time, he won't be like this. It's rare for a famous detective to make the same mistake twice."

The Young Master's smile paused, a trace of bitter smile appeared on his face, saying:

"So this time actually allowed that cold-faced detective to grow significantly? Indeed, facing such a lesson, anyone would keep it etched in their heart; next time, such a method can't restrain him."

"If we meet again, it may be troublesome."

"Headache, headache."

In his speech, he sighed repeatedly and shook his head, seeming rather vexed—if not for the teacher before him, their best outcome would have been to flee in disgrace. Even encountering this one relied on Wuxin being within the Great Qin system to restrain him.

This kind of person is already troublesome, and will be even more so after this.

The Young Master shook his head, looked at Dongfang Ningxin again, smiled, "But anyway, he's already lost this time; I'm confident with you, we will win next time and the times after."

Dongfang Ningxin remained noncommittal.

The Young Master relaxed slightly, leaned against a soft cushion, eyes half-closed, mumbling, "But the Central Plains remain the Central Plains — vast, resourceful, abundant in people, always producing many headache-inducing figures."

"The Divine Doctor who appeared this time and the Lei Dao Grandmaster who previously assassinated Xu Sixing were quite formidable. Unfortunately, the Divine Doctor seems only a bit smarter than ordinary folks, yet can't perceive the changes in such strategies like yours, sir."

Dongfang Ningxin said calmly, "It's hard to see through when you're in the midst of the situation."

The Young Master chuckled, "Though that's true, it shows he's of little use in plotting, but he's handsome, skilled in martial arts and medicine, which is enough."

"Enough to be an excellent pawn."

"Wuxin Tielin is temporarily caught; with just him alone, without Ministry of Punishment support, it's indeed like finding a needle in the sea, while you and I will immediately leave Liangzhou City. No matter his skills, he can't do anything."

"If it weren't unsuitable to linger here, I'd love to see him overwhelmed and helpless, full of indignation. Such a look on that usually calm, handsome face would be very amusing."

As he spoke, he laughed aloud, the slight gloom from worrying about Wuxin's growth lifted completely. His brows relaxed as he looked outside the window, his green eyes reflecting the streets and people of Liangzhou City, as well as the gradually approaching blue-gray city walls.

Dongfang Ningxin maintained a faint expression, offering no rebuttal.

Yet she also knew that what he said might be true, and this matter was unfolding behind them in Liangzhou City.

She used coercion and temptation, designed earlier, to firmly grasp Blind Old Wu's leverage, prompting him to switch the fake list originally used to mislead Wang Anfeng and others with the real one, facilitating her actions.

Then used Exotic Arts to have the Hu youth in their group leave behind a Jade Pendant.

At this moment, as they were on their way out of the city, Blind Old Wu was likely finding ways to delay Wang Anfeng's steps.

With forty-seven years of experience lurking in Liangzhou City, he could buy a lot of time, and wait until it's anticipated they've left the city before handing over what Dongfang Ningxin had previously given him to Wang Anfeng.

By then, Wang Anfeng likely won't have the mind to think further.

Anyone learning that the death of their parents involves other causes can't remain calm, especially Wang Anfeng who leans more towards martial arts than strategy, similar to the difference between strategists and generals.

A valiant general can defeat thousands, be a foe to thousands, but only a strategist can dictate the overall momentum; no matter how strong the general, they're merely pawns in the progress of a battle.

............

Because of this letter, Wang Anfeng finally grasped the full view of this scheme, yet it seemed already too late. The important thing was what was Dongfang Ningxin's purpose? Where is she now? And where are the two Qunxing Pavilion ruffians, the old and the young?

These matters are what lie before as the most important.

Wang Anfeng calmed down, carefully returned the letter to his pocket, and then went over these matters in his mind, attempting to catch any anomaly for clues to locate these people.

The two are Hu people, one a burly white-haired elder, the other a youth in his twenties.

Able to evade Wuxin's lockdown and pursuit.

That night, even went to rescue Xu Sixing…

First seen on MV4LEMP|YR.

Wang Anfeng glanced outside, at this time the day was fully bright, the gates supposed to open, but the Pillar of the State isn't foolish. By now must have ordered the gates temporarily closed, allowing entry but no exit.

Though sure to cause discontent among the populace, in urgency, acting this way is unavoidable.

With Wang Anfeng's hearing, he faintly heard outside the loud disputes of the people complaining, saying they planned to return to the village today to buy food, and now the gates are closed early, leaving them stranded. Officials, after all, remain officials, ignoring the lives below.

Wang Anfeng helplessly smiled, feeling those grievances elsewhere in his mind, a sense of reassurance. Since the opponents haven't left Liangzhou City, and their strategy is largely deciphered, then perhaps…

Wait!

His thoughts suddenly paused, pupils slightly constricting.

If the inspiration from the opponents led to the unraveling, then is even 'I have deciphered their strategy' a part of their strategy?

It means looking further ahead.

Further than the opponents' strategy.

Meaning…

Wang Anfeng's heart suddenly pounded more strongly, in his mind, all clues rapidly collided and combined within his thoughts, forming an absolutely perfect path.

So that's how it is,

So that's how it is!

He abruptly turned and rushed out.

PS: First chapter of the day presented......two thousand four