Chapter Fifty-Four: The Eve of the Banquet

This was precisely Li Zisheng’s plan: to draw out the power behind the Lingzhou military camp directly. In this way, he could avoid exposing his own ace outright. By shifting the trouble eastward, he was following the proper course—this was the most beneficial approach for himself at this moment.

As for how to lure out the figure behind the scenes, even without much thought from himself, Ashina Zanghe would undoubtedly spare no effort. It was obvious that Ashina Zanghe had come specifically for the person behind the Lingzhou camp, even if it meant sacrificing his own life. This clearly showed that Ashina Zanghe had already resolved to die for this cause. If that was the case, then the matter would be much simpler.

Ashina Zanghe’s actions, if Li Zisheng could outwit and eliminate him, would save a great deal of trouble.

On this point, Li Zisheng was very clear.

Mr. Zhong and Ashina Zanghe exchanged only a few words. Lingering too long would be detrimental to Mr. Zhong’s safety, so they parted quickly. Even at the end, Mr. Zhong did not reveal any information about himself to Ashina Zanghe. It was obvious that Mr. Zhong had seen through Ashina Zanghe’s intentions and chose not to disclose anything. However, he also withheld any details about that old scoundrel from Li Zisheng.

Mr. Zhong had made his position clear. It was also evident why he had discerned Ashina Zanghe’s purpose. Reflecting on Mr. Zhong’s earlier words, it became clear that if Ashina Zanghe involved himself in this matter, he was bound to meet a fatal end. This meant that Mr. Zhong had long known that Ashina Zanghe’s true objective was the power behind the Lingzhou camp.

From this deduction, it was clear that even before arriving in Lingzhou, Mr. Zhong was the one concealing himself the most deeply. It was only because Mr. Zhong did not attempt to scheme against him that Li Zisheng hadn’t perceived the extent of Mr. Zhong’s own fate. It was only through Ashina Zanghe’s involvement that Li Zisheng understood Mr. Zhong’s hidden intentions.

Truly, officials—especially civil and military alike—were no fools.

Li Zisheng followed Mr. Zhong step by step as they left the Turkic camp. He did not notice the young girl deep within the Turkic camp, whose eyes were filled with longing as she watched Li Zisheng’s retreating figure.

Returning to the camp, Mr. Zhong immediately parted ways with him.

Back in his own tent, Bajiang hurried over to Li Zisheng, expressing concern and asking if anything had happened. He recounted that when General Deng Qing arrived, he flew into a rage and even broke the legs of several unruly warhorses, sending them off to the Turkic side. Bajiang’s heart was heavy with worry.

After all, Bajiang did not know what had transpired on the Turkic side. But judging by those who returned, it was clear that neither his young master nor Mr. Zhong had come back, which meant something serious must have occurred. Bajiang felt uneasy and restless, silently hoping his young master had not been ambushed by those Turkic scoundrels.

Upon seeing his young master, Bajiang couldn’t help but ask several questions. Fortunately, Li Zisheng appeared unharmed, though even Bajiang noticed his master’s troubled expression. Whatever had happened, Bajiang was deeply concerned.

Li Zisheng, naturally, noticed Bajiang’s anxiety but had no intention of revealing the cause or details. Even if he did, it would serve no purpose.

So, after glancing coolly at Bajiang, Li Zisheng simply said, “Bajiang, I’m hungry. Go prepare something to eat.”

Li Zisheng knew Bajiang was unaware of the true reason but had a close relationship with the camp’s cooks. Even in the dead of night, Bajiang could procure some food. This pleased Li Zisheng greatly. Back in Tianshui Village, whether it was his grandmother or mother, they often gave him snacks late at night, and over time this had become a habit—he loved having late-night meals.

When he entered the county academy, the strict curfew forced him to suppress this habit.

But now, in the Lingzhou camp, Bajiang’s remarkable social skills had restored this suppressed habit.

Hearing Li Zisheng’s instructions, Bajiang sensed his master’s unwillingness to speak and simply followed orders. Luckily, knowing his master’s late return, he had already prepared some food, which he promptly brought to Li Zisheng.

Li Zisheng was accustomed to Bajiang’s swift efficiency. Watching the steaming dishes brought before him, though unaware of where Bajiang had found them, he knew effort had been made.

Li Zisheng gave Bajiang a grateful look. Bajiang understood the sentiment and silently stood aside without further words.

Li Zisheng ate while pondering how best to draw out the figure behind the Lingzhou camp.

His first focus was to understand the camp’s current greatest objective and what exactly General Deng Qing’s grand plan entailed. Li Zisheng was no fool—in fact, he was quite meticulous. He had originally thought that General Deng Qing’s plan was merely to wipe out the Zhou family in one fell swoop, concoct some charge against them, and ensure they could never recover. That was Deng Qing’s plan.

However, after this journey to the Turkic camp, if he still believed that, Li Zisheng would have truly lost his wits. Although the Zhou family was indeed targeted by Deng Qing, they were not his ultimate goal. They were merely a small but indispensable part of his larger scheme. That was why Deng Qing had repeatedly restrained himself and refused to yield, even under pressure.

What exactly was Deng Qing plotting?