Climbing on the Sparrow Branch – CH 639

Chapter 639: A Way Out

Zhang Ying said awkwardly, “Could something had gone wrong? Perhaps Governor Chi didn’t actually receive our letter?”

He Zheng had a faint sword scar between his brows, which became particularly noticeable when he frowned, adding a touch of ferocity to his already cold features. “It’s unlikely he didn’t receive it. At this point, do you still believe in sharing hardships?”

Zhang Ying was speechless. Their defeat meant they had been betrayed.

Even their former friends, who once drank and talked about the future together, had betrayed them; what more could be expected of Chi Jiayun, with whom they were only involved for personal gain?

“Anyway, let’s not trust Chi Jiayun too much. Let’s prepare for the worst. If Chi Jiayun refuses to lend money, we’ll report him to the Emperor of Jin,” He Zheng said fiercely.

Zhang Ying agreed.

After resting for a while, Zhang Ying took the letter for Chi Jiayun to the governor’s mansion and received a reply about meeting at the teahouse that night.

As night fell, He Zheng took only Zhang Ying to see Chi Jiayun. He had few left for support, so the rest of his men stayed behind. If he didn’t return that night, they would report Chi Jiayun.

He Zheng knew his own strength well. Whether in open or covert struggle, he was no match for Chi Jiayun, so he prepared to die.

When they arrived at the teahouse, the first floor was empty. The waiter led He Zheng upstairs, where he finally saw Chi Jiayun sitting in the center, drinking tea.

Chi Jiayun was just thirty years old, with a short beard and a blue robe. His skin was fair, and he appeared to be a refined scholar.

But He Zheng knew that the man before him, though seemingly kind, was actually more wicked than anyone else.

“Young Master He, please come and sit down,” Chi Jiayun said with a gentle smile.

He Zheng sat down opposite Chi Jiayun and went straight to the point: “Governor Chi, you look quite well. Have you seen my letter?”

“I saw it.” Chi Jiayun took out the letter He Zheng had sent him from his sleeve, speaking slowly and deliberately. “In the letter, you said you wanted me to lend you 500,000 taels of silver to start your enterprise again, but I really don’t have that much money. Just when I was about to reply, I learned that He Xun had sent people to hunt you down, and I was worried that contacting you would reveal your whereabouts. So I waited for you to come to Yongning.”

“Governor Chi, in the past few years alone, I’ve helped you earn no less than 200,000 taels of silver. And your underground casino is a lucrative business.” He Zheng dared to approach Chi Jiayun because he had some leverage. “Governor Chi, our cooperation has always been very pleasant. If you’re willing to help me, I’m willing to let you manage all the medicinal herb businesses in Jiuyi in the future. Then it will be much more than 500,000 taels of silver.”

Chi Jiayun poured He Zheng a cup of tea, then took a small sip himself.

Seeing Chi Jiayun slowly sipping his tea, He Zheng grew impatient. “Governor Chi, what were your thoughts? If you’re unwilling, I’ll find another way.”

“Young Master He, please don’t be hasty,” Chi Jiayun said, setting down his teacup, his tone still gentle. “If you want to reclaim power from the Jiuyi Kingdom, you need not only money but also military strength. Otherwise, even if you had the money, you won’t be able to use it.”

“Does Governor Chi have any insightful suggestions?” He Zheng asked.

Although he told himself not to trust Chi Jiayun, he couldn’t help but ask.

“I have a very easy task for you,” Chi Jiayun said, taking out two portraits of a man and a woman. “These two are criminals who have fled to my territory, Yongning. If you help me capture them, I’m willing to help you borrow 100,000 troops and provide you with 100,000 taels of silver.”

After a pause, Chi Jiayun took a sip of tea and continued, “If you can’t capture them alive, I can lend you 500,000 taels of silver. Whether you capture them alive or kill them, you will not lose out.”

“Who are they?” He Zheng looked at the two portraits. He did not recognize the man, and the woman seemed exceptionally beautiful, but in reality, he had seen many beautiful women and could not immediately place her.

Chi Jiayun, having met Pei Que a few times, pointed to his portrait and said, “The man is Pei Que, a disgraced official exiled to Huludao, but he’s anything but obedient and had recently been hiding in Yongning City. The woman is An Zhi, Pei Que’s wife. Both are very striking; you’d recognize them at first glance.”

As he spoke, Chi Jiayun rolled up the portrait and slowly pushed it towards He Zheng.

“Young Master He, if you want my help, you’ll have to give something in return.” Chi Jiayun looked at Zhang Ying behind He Zheng. “I’ve long heard of the formidable poison masters and assassins of the Jiuyi Kingdom; otherwise, Young Master He wouldn’t have been able to escape all the way here. Young Master He, are you willing to do this deal with me?”

He Zheng smiled bitterly.

Did he have the right to refuse?

“And if I don’t want to, how does Governor Chi intend to silence me?” He Zheng stared intently at Chi Jiayun.

Chi Jiayun gave He Zheng an innocent smile. “Young Master He is joking. We are good business partners. Even if you don’t agree, I won’t force you. However, I can’t fulfill your requests. As for casinos, I don’t know anything about them, but I’ve heard that casino people are very ruthless. If anyone opposes them, murder is easy. When they get angry, they’ll skin people alive, dismember them, and even chop off their hands and feet to make medicinal wine.”

Despite saying the most terrifying things, Chi Jiayun maintained a gentle smile.

He Zheng felt goosebumps rise all over his body. He knew Chi Jiayun had seen through his thoughts and probably had a plan.

“But how can I trust you?” He Zheng asked. “If I kill Pei Que and you refuse to keep your promise, what can I do to you?”

“Young Master He, your question is truly hurtful. I, Chi Jiayun, always keep my word,” Chi Jiayun said, a wounded expression on his face. “Besides, I’ve long coveted the medicinal herb business of Jiuyi. Please rest assured, Young Master, as long as you help me resolve this major concern, I will definitely help you reclaim Jiuyi.”

Leaving the teahouse, He Zheng was still somewhat skeptical of Chi Jiayun’s words.

The night wind mercilessly slipped into his sleeves, making the quiet street seem particularly eerie.

Zhang Ying, seeing his master stop, urged softly, “Master, we need to hurry back, or the brothers will get worried.”

“Zhang Ying, what do you think of Chi Jiayun’s suggestion?” He Zheng asked.

Zhang Ying thought it was a good idea; he was very confident in his martial prowess. “It’s just capturing two people, nothing difficult. Besides, Governor Chi is right; even if we have money, we need a place to recruit soldiers. But the border of the Jiuyi is so well guarded by He Xun that not even a mosquito can fly in. We’ve been out of contact with our spies in the Jiuyi for a long time. Governor Chi promises 100,000 troops; with 100,000 troops, we can march straight back to the Jiuyi. And besides Governor Chi and He Xun, do we have any other way out?”

He Zheng was stunned by the question. After a while, he smiled bitterly. Although he didn’t answer Zhang Ying’s question, he knew in his heart that there was no other way.