Daming: Brother, there is no future for monks, let's rebel

Zhu Han smiled slightly: "It seems that you know me, so you shouldn't hide it."

The man's expression changed several times, and he finally said dejectedly: "This batch of goods... is prepared for a mountain stronghold in Jiangnan. Their people will come to pick it up soon."

Zhu Han's eyes turned cold: "Jiangnan village? Who is behind this?"

The man hesitated for a moment, and when he was about to speak, he suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood and fell to the ground motionless.

Zhu Han quickly squatted down to check, but found a trace of black poison at the corner of the man's mouth. His face was gloomy, and he whispered: "He was poisoned, and he was obviously being secretly monitored."

Lin Chuan frowned: "I'm afraid there are other people watching the secret room. We may have been exposed."

Zhu Han sneered, "So what if we are exposed? Huang Ming's men will arrive soon. We cannot let the enemy escape easily this time."

He raised his head and looked at the chaotic situation in the courtyard, his eyes were like torches: "Tonight, I will not stop until I catch the person behind this."

Zhu Biao galloped over from a distance, dismounted and walked quickly towards Zhu Han: "Uncle, Huang Ming has already brought his men here, and they can surround this house in less than half an hour."

Zhu Han nodded, his eyes deep: "Very good. Next, we must control this batch of goods and the remaining troops, and not let a single fly escape."

"Yes!" Zhu Biao accepted the order, but frowned slightly, "Uncle, did that man just give out any useful clues?"

Zhu Han smiled coldly: "He confessed that the target was a mountain stronghold in Jiangnan, but he was poisoned to death before he could reveal more. It seems that the people behind them are very well prepared. But it doesn't matter, we have the clues firmly in our hands."

Zhu Biao's eyes flashed with murderous intent, and he said in a deep voice: "The enemy is so cruel, there must be a bigger conspiracy behind it. Uncle, we must not let them have any chance to escape!"

Zhu Han patted his shoulder, his tone slightly relieved: "Biao'er, you need to go all out in today's battle. But remember, when planning and strategizing, what you are competing for is not your momentary strength, but your control over the overall situation."

Zhu Biao nodded solemnly: "Yes, uncle, I understand!"

While the two were talking, Lin Chuan walked quickly from the direction of the secret room, his expression solemn: "Your Highness, Prince, the others in the mansion seem to have noticed something strange and are gathering quickly. The number of guards is increasing."

Zhu Han's eyes shone, and he said in a cold voice: "These people may have realized that there is a traitor and want to forcibly transfer the goods. In this case, we will cut off the source of the trouble."

"How to do it?" Zhu Biao asked.

Zhu Han narrowed his eyes, his tone was cold: "They think this place is well guarded, so we will use the strategy of making a feint to the east and attacking in the west to disturb their minds. Let Huang Ming's people feint to attack from the main gate, and Lin Chuan and I will break into the secret room. Biao'er, you take a team to guard the backyard and make sure to cut off their retreat."

Zhu Biao responded without hesitation: "Okay! Everything will be arranged by my uncle."

As he was speaking, Huang Ming arrived with dozens of escorts, looking stern. He clasped his fists and said, "My Lord, Your Highness, I have brought all the men with me, and we are just waiting for your orders."

Zhu Han nodded and said, "Master Huang, you have worked hard. Next, I want you to feint an attack on the main gate. Remember, the louder the better, but try to avoid casualties. The purpose is to attract the enemy's attention."

Huang Ming showed a respectful look: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I know how to act."

Afterwards, Zhu Han made some simple arrangements, and Huang Ming led a team of escorts to press towards the main gate. Soon after, deafening shouts and cries of killing came from the front of the house, accompanied by the sound of swords clashing, and the whole house was suddenly in chaos.

Zhu Biao looked at the chaotic scene at the main gate and sighed in his heart: "The emperor's uncle is indeed very good at predicting things. The enemies at the main gate are in chaos, and the backyard must be empty."

He then shouted in a low voice: "Everyone follow me, remember, if you encounter an enemy, capture first and kill later!"

He led his men to the backyard quickly and found that there were only a few guards. He waved his sword and said, "Quick battle, quick decision!"

After a brief confrontation, Zhu Biao successfully controlled the backyard. He stood under a dead tree, his expression grim: "Seal all exits, don't let anyone escape!"

On the other side, Lin Chuan led several secret guards to sneak into the blind spot of the secret room. He was as ghostly and fast as lightning, and in a flash he had subdued the two guards at the door.

"Do it!" Lin Chuan shouted in a low voice, and several secret guards quickly cooperated to subdue the enemies in the secret room one by one.

Zhu Han then entered the secret room, glanced at the boxes on the ground, and sneered, "It seems that this batch of goods is their last resort."

At this moment, a burst of hurried footsteps suddenly came from the depths of the secret room, and a tall and thin man rushed out with a knife. His eyes were red, and it was obvious that he was fighting for his life: "If you want to touch this batch of goods, ask about my knife first!"

Zhu Han snorted coldly, dodged the opponent's blade with a flash, and then slapped the man's chest with his backhand. The man groaned and retreated several steps, but still held the knife tightly in his hand, obviously unwilling to give up easily.

"Being stubborn is a good thing, but not knowing how to adapt to the times is stupid." Zhu Han said coldly, with a hint of disdain in his eyes.

The tall and thin man gritted his teeth and roared: "This batch of goods is prepared for the Jiangnan heroes! You court lackeys, don't even think about getting your hands on it!"

Zhu Han raised his eyebrows when he heard this: "A righteous man from Jiangnan? Oh, you are so arrogant. You colluded with the traitors in the court, is this what you call a 'righteous man'?"

The tall and thin man stopped talking and rushed towards Zhu Han again. However, Zhu Han had already seen through his movements. Zhu Han dodged to the side and grabbed the man's wrist. With a slight twist, he took the knife out of his hand and then kicked him to the ground.

"Lin Chuan, take him away and interrogate the mastermind behind this." Zhu Han said lightly, as if everything that had just happened was just a trivial matter.

Lin Chuan took the order and escorted the man out.

All the enemies in the secret room had been subdued. Zhu Han walked to the boxes and slowly opened the lid of one. The swords and knives in the box shone coldly, and were obviously carefully crafted weapons.

Zhu Biao also rushed to the secret room at this time. Seeing the scene in front of him, he couldn't help but take a breath and said, "Uncle, if these weapons flow into Jiangnan, there will be chaos in the Jiangnan area!"

Zhu Han's eyes were cold and stern. "That is why we must seal up all these weapons and thoroughly investigate the person behind the scenes. We must not let this conspiracy succeed."

"I understand!" Zhu Biao responded solemnly.

Soon after, Huang Ming also led his men to control the main gate of the mansion. He hurried over and reported to Zhu Han: "Your Majesty, there are no more enemies in the mansion."

Zhu Han nodded slightly: "Very good. Next, I want you and Lin Chuan to escort these weapons and prisoners back to Jinling respectively. Be sure to act carefully and not make any mistakes." Huang Ming and Lin Chuan responded in unison: "Yes, sir!"

Zhu Han turned to look at Zhu Biao, with a look of approval on his face: "Biao'er, although this operation was fraught with dangers, you performed very well."

Zhu Biao said modestly: "Uncle, you have taught me well. I am just following your plan."

Zhu Biao lowered his head in deep thought. The secret room was filled with a depressing atmosphere. Zhu Han glanced at him and patted his shoulder: "Biao'er, this is just the first step. The person behind the scenes will never give up. The road ahead will only be more dangerous."

Zhu Biao raised his head, a determined light in his eyes: "Uncle, I understand. If we can't completely eradicate this force, Nanjing will never have peace."

Zhu Han nodded slightly: "Very good. Remember, Jiangnan Village is just one of their bases, the real core must be hidden deeper. We must follow this line and continue to track down."

At this time, Lin Chuan walked in quickly, clasped his fists and said, "Your Highness, the tall and thin man has given some clues. He admitted that this batch of weapons was prepared for a mountain stronghold called 'Qinglong Mountain' in Jiangnan, but he was not sure who was in charge. He only mentioned that the person behind the scenes would meet with the leader of the mountain stronghold at a market in half a month."

Zhu Han heard this, and a cold light flashed in his eyes: "Half a month later? Their actions are indeed cautious. However, it also gives us time to make arrangements."

Zhu Biao frowned: "Uncle, if their plan is so secretive, why do they have to meet at the market? Wouldn't it be easier to be exposed there?"

Zhu Han sneered: "Biao'er, it is precisely because there are so many people in the market that it is the safest cover for them. The more people there are, the harder it is to be targeted. But this time, they encountered us."

Zhu Biao nodded and clenched his fists: "Uncle, I am willing to go there in person and try to find out who is behind this."

Zhu Han looked at him deeply, and after a moment's silence, he said, "Okay, but you can't act alone this time. I will let Lin Chuan and Huang Ming's men secretly assist you. At the same time, you must conceal your identity and not reveal it at all."

Zhu Biao clasped his fists and said, "Understood, I will definitely act with caution."

A few days later, in the morning mist of Jinling City, the sound of horse hooves could be heard. Zhu Biao changed into an ordinary blue cloth robe, with only a simple long sword on his waist. He led the horse and walked side by side with Lin Chuan, followed by several escorts who were disguised as merchants.

"Your Highness, this operation is of great importance. You must pay attention to safety." Lin Chuan reminded in a low voice, his eyes scanning the surroundings vigilantly.

Zhu Biao smiled slightly: "Lin Chuan, don't be too nervous. Even if the people of Qinglong Mountain are cunning, they would not have thought that we would find clues so quickly. This time, we must not only find out who is behind the scenes, but also try to avoid alerting the enemy."

Lin Chuan nodded and silently placed his hand on the dagger at his waist, ready to deal with any emergency at any time.

The group walked all the way to a remote town at the foot of a mountain. Although the town was small, it was very lively because of the market. There were many vendors on both sides of the street, hawking sounds were heard one after another, and pedestrians were shoulder to shoulder.

Zhu Biao looked around with a steady gaze: "Lin Chuan, will they meet in a place like this?"

Lin Chuan replied softly, "Yes, according to the confession, their method of contact was extremely covert. Both parties would only use specific items as signals and then move to a remote place to discuss."

Zhu Biao nodded and glanced between the stalls: "In this case, let's split up and keep an eye on those suspicious people."

Lin Chuan took the order and quickly disappeared into the crowd. Zhu Biao walked nonchalantly to a small stall selling pottery, pretending to choose some porcelain.

"Sir, these celadons are top quality goods. Would you like to take a look?" the stall owner greeted enthusiastically.

Zhu Biao picked up a small porcelain bottle, but his eyes inadvertently swept across the teahouse across the street. He noticed that a window on the second floor of the teahouse was slightly open, and a man in a gray cloak was looking down at the street with a flickering look.

Zhu Biao pretended to chat casually with the stall owner and tapped the porcelain vase lightly with his fingers: "This thing is good, but a bit ordinary. Do you have anything more exquisite?"

The stall owner smiled and said, "Please wait a moment, sir. I will go to the back and get a better one."

When the stall owner turned around, Zhu Biao quickly put the porcelain bottle back on the stall, turned around and disappeared into the crowd. He walked straight to the teahouse and deliberately entered quietly through the side door.

After entering the teahouse, he whispered to an escort, "Stay downstairs and don't let anyone come up."

The escort nodded his head and Zhu Biao lowered his footsteps and carefully approached the second floor. His hand rested lightly on the hilt of the sword, his eyes as sharp as an eagle.

Around the corner, he heard a low conversation.

"The higher-ups are already very unhappy about the missing goods. If there's any mistake again this time, none of us will survive." The voice was low and hoarse.

"Don't worry, there won't be any problems with the connection this time. I've arranged people to keep an eye on it. If there's any sign of trouble, immediately notify the brothers on the mountain." The other voice was lowered, but it was faintly anxious.

Zhu Biao smiled slightly, and his grip on the sword loosened a little. He quietly retreated to the stairs, jumped out of the window, and disappeared into the crowd on the street.

"Lin Chuan," he whispered, "We have locked on the target. The man in gray cloak and his companions on the second floor are from Qinglong Mountain. Their accomplices are secretly watching in the market. We must make sure that no one escapes."

Lin Chuan replied in a deep voice: "Understood, I will arrange for someone to close the net right away."

Zhu Biao waved his hand, "Don't worry. They haven't contacted the person behind the scenes yet. We have to wait until the fish is fully hooked." He raised his head and looked at the bustling street market. His tone was as cold as the winter night wind. "This time, we want to win with one strike."

The hustle and bustle of the market gradually subsided, and the afterglow of the setting sun sprinkled on the streets, marking a brief end to people's busy day. However, under the surface of tranquility, undercurrents are still surging.

Zhu Biao stood at the corner of the street, looking deeply in the direction of the teahouse. He clenched the sword in his hand and whispered to Lin Chuan beside him: "Let the secret guards keep watching those two people. Remember, no one is allowed to act rashly without my order."

Lin Chuan nodded slightly and then disappeared into the crowd. Zhu Biao took a deep breath and walked towards a brightly lit pub. He had to make sure that his presence would not attract the other party's attention.

The tavern was filled with the aroma of wine, and several rugged men were sitting around talking and laughing loudly. Zhu Biao found a seat by the window and ordered a pot of wine, but his eyes never left the teahouse across the street.

Soon after, he noticed a subtle movement. The window on the second floor of the teahouse opened again, and the man in the gray cloak stuck his head out and exchanged a very brief glance with a man carrying a load on his shoulder on the street. Then, the man carrying the load quickly turned around and walked deeper into the market.

"It seems that the fish is starting to move." Zhu Biao raised a sneer at the corner of his mouth. He stood up, put the wine money on the table, and followed quietly. (End of this chapter)