Chapter 113: The Safest Place

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Yu Wenshi immediately understood and, showing great tact, looked at Wu Yue and the others, saying, “Then please consider yourselves guests in my residence. All expenses will be on me. If you have any requests, do not hesitate to speak up—I will have my servants attend to them at once.”

“Yes, yes, treat this place as your own home,” Yu Yuanliang eagerly interjected, his eyes fixed intently on Duanmu Qing.

The father and son, now targeted by the people from Xuan Yan Mansion, were like startled birds. They knew the guards they currently had were far from enough to fend off those ruthless villains.

When life itself is at stake, no detail can be overlooked—one small slip could lead to utter ruin.

After much deliberation, Yu Wenshi realized he needed strong reinforcements. But he distrusted unfamiliar people, and those loyal to him now seemed unreliable.

In the end, he decided that Jiang Chen was the most trustworthy. Firstly, this young master had saved him once before; secondly, Jiang Chen appeared to have close ties with the Night Execution Division, yet was not formally part of it, making him easier to recruit.

Thus, the once illustrious Deputy Minister of Justice had to swallow his pride and humbly ask Jiang Chen for help to save his own life.

“Master Jiang, shall we agree on this then?”

Yu Wenshi felt somewhat anxious. He had shown utmost sincerity—surely Jiang Chen would not refuse?

Unexpectedly, Jiang Chen paused before replying slowly, “I see your sincerity, Master Yu. I will stay at your residence for some time as your advisor.”

“However, I only guarantee the safety of your entire family. Beyond that, I am not involved, and you do not have the right to interfere with my words or actions. Is that agreeable?”

“Yes, yes, naturally. Here, let me first toast on behalf of all the Yu family to Master Jiang.”

After Jiang Chen agreed, the Yu father and son were elated. Yu Yuanliang raised his cup, intending to show hospitality and also to smooth over the previous tensions between him and the two young ladies.

But Duanmu Qing and Wu Yue refused to grant him this courtesy, leaving him both embarrassed and helpless.

Jiang Chen was well aware of the dynamics between them. Earlier, Shi Guangjun had tried to provoke Yu Yuanliang into causing trouble for him because Wu Yue was very important to Jiang Chen. Yet, Yu Yuanliang had instead set his sights on the fiercely spirited Duanmu Qing, whose temper rivaled any man’s.

So this unfortunate fellow had brought misery upon himself. Now, interestingly, they were all living under the same roof.

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Jiang Chen had no worries, for he knew Duanmu Qing would tame Yu Yuanliang until he was as obedient as a chick. This reckless youth needed to learn the harsh realities of the world.

That night, the four of them settled comfortably in Yu Wenshi’s mansion. The Night Execution Division made no appearance, nor should they have—who would have imagined a notorious criminal of the court openly residing in the Deputy Minister of Justice’s home?

At dawn the next day, Jiang Chen awoke to find Han Yuyang standing in the courtyard, holding a short blade of dark green, its edge unsharpened.

“The token of the Qishan Iron Cavalry?”

“Exactly. The hilt is made from horsehair, symbolizing the Qishan men’s mastery of horsemanship and battlefield prowess. I originally entrusted this token to Old Duan, but he refused it.”

Jiang Chen was puzzled. “Why?”

“Because he said the Qishan Iron Cavalry is currently under suspicion by the court. It’s not good for him to keep the token. Moreover...” Han Yuyang paused before continuing, “he believes that the older generation will soon retire behind the scenes, and that I am the appropriate choice to lead.”

Jiang Chen suddenly recalled the day when members of the Tianfeng Camp, besides demanding the token, also mentioned two other items vital to Qishan. The situation had been urgent then, so he hadn’t been able to inquire further.

Now remembering, he pressed Han Yuyang about those two items.

Han Yuyang explained, “The ‘Yanwu Cavalry Tactics’ is the cornerstone of our Qishan’s cavalry warfare. When it comes to mounted tactics in this realm, this manual is unparalleled.”

“The other, the ‘Guma Collection,’ was compiled by a former veterinary of Qishan. It encompasses horse care, horse appraisal, and treatments for various equine ailments.”

With this, Jiang Chen understood—these two books were the lifeblood of Qishan. For the Great Qian Dynasty to want to seize them was tantamount to forcing Qishan into rebellion.

As Jiang Chen and Han Yuyang chatted, footsteps sounded outside the lotus-arched gate of the courtyard.

To ensure Jiang Chen and his companions’ comfort and privacy, Yu Wenshi had designated the easternmost courtyard of his mansion for their use and, per Jiang Chen’s request, dismissed all servants.

Therefore, anyone entering here, unless it was Yu Wenshi or Yu Yuanliang, would surely bring ill tidings.

Han Yuyang sheathed the token and swiftly entered the house. He would not involve himself in the Yu family’s affairs.

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“Master Jiang, pardon the intrusion. I was worried you had not yet risen.”

Yu Wenshi arrived in a flurry, followed by twenty well-equipped men wielding swords and knives—some faces familiar to Jiang Chen from when they had accompanied Yu Yuanliang in causing trouble.

“Is there something you need?” Jiang Chen asked with a glance.

“I have carefully selected these twenty men from among my retainers, hoping Master Jiang can spare time to train them. Their current abilities are far from satisfactory.”

“But with a skilled teacher’s guidance, even the dullest should show some improvement.”

Saying this, Yu Wenshi’s men hoisted a heavy chest and brought it to Jiang Chen.

“This is the agreed silver. Rest assured, Master Yu would never shortchange Master Jiang.”

Jiang Chen had the chest opened, revealing it filled to the brim with gold, silver, and jade—undoubtedly worth tens of thousands of taels.

“Master Yu, you are too kind. Since that is the case, leave them here. Give me ten days, and you will see their progress.”

Satisfied, Yu Wenshi departed. Jiang Chen ordered some men to carry the chest into his room, then summoned Duanmu Qing.

“From today onward, Miss Duanmu will be your instructor. All actions are to follow her orders. If anyone objects, they should speak now.”

Jiang Chen called Duanmu Qing before the group. Their expressions varied, clearly displeased about being trained by a woman.

This was expected. Duanmu Qing was accustomed to being regarded differently. She stepped forward at once, inviting anyone to challenge her by any means.

Thus began the rigorous training ahead.