Chương 239: A Missed Opportunity

To Fan Li's surprise, the old man wasn't only humble, in fact, he was incredibly talkative. It seemed the weight of years had settled into him, transforming into a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Fan Li, having lived two lifetimes, found himself struggling to keep up with Old Man Hu's boundless conversation, covering topics ranging from the heavens to the earth, from the mundane to the profound.

"Traveling north to purchase goods at a time like this isn't wise," Old Man Hu said with a smile. "Yunzhou City is in the midst of a war. Although the trade routes haven't been disrupted, there are still many uncertainties."

Before Fan Li could respond, Han Yue spoke up. "You're right, sir. But winter is approaching, and fur garments are in high demand. If we miss this season, we'll have to wait another year before we can resume our fur trade."

"Hahahahahaha!"

Old Man Hu burst into laughter, surprised to hear a woman speak so eloquently about trade and commerce.

Fan Li was also amazed. Was this truly the Sage Ruler Han Yue he knew?

The aloof and proud sword cultivator, a woman who stood above worldly concerns, was now convincingly playing the role of a merchant's wife?

"Speaking of which…"

Old Man Hu studied Han Yue.

"This old man has some knowledge of medicine. Judging by your complexion, Madam Fan, it seems you haven't borne any children yet? Perhaps I could take your pulse and prescribe a tonic. Perhaps you'll be holding a son in your arms by next year, young friend Fan?"

"No, thank you!"

Fan Li and Han Yue responded in unison, their voices firm, rejecting the old man's "kind offer."

"Oh?" Old Man Hu looked at them suspiciously.

Filial piety was highly valued in this era. The Great Ming Dynasty, in particular, prided itself on ruling through filial piety.

It was said that filial piety was the foundation of all virtues, and having no heir was the greatest unfilial act.

A young couple, childless yet unconcerned about producing an heir? Something was clearly amiss!

Fan Li also grew suspicious. Was the old man testing them?

It seemed plausible. After all, his claim of being a Yunzhou City official was likely true.

A Yunzhou official encountering a "merchant" unafraid of wartime chaos? It was only natural to investigate.

According to the laws of the Great Ming, during wartime, the old man had the authority to detain them and bring them back to the city for questioning.

He was being surprisingly polite.

"No, thank you!"

Han Yue spoke again, her voice colder, her annoyance evident.

Fan Li was startled. He had no idea what she was planning. He feared she might inadvertently reveal their true identities. If so, killing the old man was their only option.

Fan Li felt a surge of anxiety. He couldn't discern the old man's cultivation level.

This meant the old man was likely stronger than Golden Core realm?

Thankfully, Sage Ruler Han Yue was with him. If she decided to attack, the old man wouldn't stand a chance.

The only problem was, did the old man have accomplices hidden nearby?

If even one escaped, their secret would be exposed!

"Please don't be angry, Madam Fan," Old Man Hu said calmly, his smile unchanging. "I meant no offense."

Han Yue shook her head firmly. "Thank you for your concern, sir, but it's truly unnecessary. I suffered an injury many years ago. I can no longer conceive."

"Ah, I see!"

Old Man Hu acted as if he had just realized his mistake.

He hastily bowed, apologizing to Han Yue. Turning to Fan Li, he said, "I spoke out of turn. I deserve to be punished."

He raised his hand as if to strike himself, but Fan Li quickly stopped him.

"Please don't! Your intentions were good. We appreciate your concern."

Fan Li and Old Man Hu exchanged pleasantries, their words empty, their smiles forced.

Just then, a young servant, leading a horse, approached the lake.

"Gover… Master, it's getting late. You should return home."

The servant shouted, then quickly changed his address upon noticing the two strangers.

"Oh?"

Old Man Hu shook his head regretfully.

"My superiors have been giving me a hard time lately. I've been feeling quite down. It's rare to meet a kindred spirit like you, young friend Fan. What a pity we only have half a day together.

Once you return from your northern expedition, please stay in Yunzhou City for a few days. Allow me to show you our hospitality."

Fan Li nodded politely, but inwardly he scoffed.

The old man hadn't even bothered to offer a contact address or a way to find him. He clearly had no intention of hosting them.

Besides, if Fan Li ever entered Yunzhou City, it would be at the head of the Great Chu army, conquering the city. He doubted the old man would be interested in a leisurely chat then.

They bid farewell.

Old Man Hu mounted his horse, and the servant, leading the way, headed towards Yunzhou City.

Fan Li watched them disappear, then suddenly slapped his forehead.

"Oh no!"

"Something's wrong!"

He finally understood.

The old man had invited him to Yunzhou City but hadn't provided any contact information. This wasn't because the old man was being dismissive or insincere.

On the contrary, it was because the old man was genuinely sincere in his invitation. He held such immense authority within Yunzhou City that the moment Fan Li set foot there, he would be discovered.

That was why he had phrased his invitation in such a way!

"Yunzhou City… Such authority… And that age… If his surname truly is Hu…"

Fan Li's expression changed rapidly.

Damn it!

He wanted to slap himself. He had finally realized the old man's true identity - Hu Zongxian, the Grand Coordinator of the Great Ming Dynasty's northern territories!

If they had killed Hu Zongxian, Yunzhou City would have been theirs for the taking! They had missed a golden opportunity!

"Han Yue!"

Fan Li, consumed by regret, looked at the woman beside him.

"What is it?" she asked, confused.

"Can you…" He started to speak, then stopped himself.

Impossible.

Asking a Sage Ruler from the Pure Land to be his assassin?

He mocked himself inwardly. What a ridiculous thought!

"What are you trying to say?" Han Yue frowned, tilting her head.

"I…"

"Speaking of which, how did you come up with those lies? Pretending to be my wife, saying your family lives in Beiting Alley? I have to admit, your performance was flawless!"

He pretended to be curious by complimenting her skills.

"Hmph!"

Han Yue, although flattered, raised her chin haughtily, as if his praise meant nothing to her. But the smile in her eyes betrayed her true feelings.

"I have a sister who lives in the Great Ming capital. I often hear her speak about the local customs and traditions. I know Beiting Alley well. I even learned the Great Ming official language from her during my free time."

So that was it.

Fan Li nodded, but he was still surprised.

Given Han Yue's personality, even among the known Sage Rulers of the Pure Land, she didn't seem to have any close friends. She was always alone, her solitude a defining feature.

"Let's go," he said, still regretting their missed opportunity with Hu Zongxian.

"Back to the camp."

…

Yunzhou City, headquarters of the Grand General of the North.

Crown Prince Wanli was reading a letter. The paper was stained with blood. Even more shocking, a man's body lay on the ground nearby. The corpse was riddled with wounds, barely a single inch of skin left unscathed.

The most gruesome injury was a gaping hole above his left breast, where an old wound had been reopened, piercing his heart!

"Reporting to… the Grand General."

A Great Ming scout knelt on the ground, looking as pale as death. He looked at the corpse.

"This man was undoubtedly one of the Great Chu army's most elite scouts! Our scout battalion suffered heavy losses. Even Captain Hou was killed during his final counterattack. Therefore, the intelligence contained within this letter must be accurate and reliable…"