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Long’an looked at Feng Ling, momentarily unsure of what to say. Hearing his indifferent attitude towards his own life made Long’an feel uneasy. What had this man been through in the past?
The individual with the disabled hand, his face pale, looked up at Su Yu. “Who exactly are you? This matter has nothing to do with you. Why get involved?”
“I am Su Yu,” Su Yu replied.
The person lying on the ground widened his eyes in disbelief, staring at Su Yu. Could it be that this was the Imperial Prince Yu who had conquered several cities without shedding a drop of blood?
Was he the same dandy Scholar they had heard about?
“You’re the Imperial Prince Yu?” It was unexpected to see a prince of such high stature in this humble place.
Even Feng Ling gazed at Su Yu. He had heard of the imperial prince’s reputation, but seeing him here was a surprise.
This Prince Yu seemed different from the rumors.
“Different from what you expected?”
“Why would a prince like you leave the capital and come to this remote place?” the person on the ground questioned angrily.
They couldn’t argue their defeat this time; it was all because they had encountered the Imperial Prince Yu.
“Fu’an County is my wife’s fief. Dare to cause trouble on my wife’s land? Are you seeking death?” Su Yu stared coldly at the person on the ground, questioning sharply.
Reminded by Su Yu, the traffickers finally remembered that this was Fu’an County, the domain of the county princess of Changning, who was also the Imperial Prince’s consort.
“I have no regrets losing to the Imperial Prince,” the person on the ground suddenly chuckled, looking at Feng Ling.
“Feng Ling, for the sake of protecting the Long’an family, you’ve exposed your whereabouts. Do you realize that once your location is known, relentless pursuit awaits you without end.”
Su Yu found Feng Ling’s name somewhat familiar. “Does the name Yuan Bao ring a bell?”
“Master Yuan Bao is the top assassin of Wangjiang Tower. Disappeared for years, and yet, unexpectedly encountered here.”
Yuan Bao looked at Feng Ling with interest, even feeling a bit eager to engage with him.
Upon hearing Yuan Bao’s words, Su Yu recalled who this person was. The best martial artist and assassin of Wangjiang Tower, who vanished years ago for unknown reasons, now unexpectedly found in Fu’an County.
Observing Feng Ling closely, Su Yu stroked his chin, making Feng Ling feel uneasy under his scrutiny. Su Yu’s gaze seemed to assess him like merchandise, a look that made Feng Ling extremely uncomfortable.
However, despite his suspicions, Feng Ling sensed no ill intent from Su Yu, so he remained silent.
“Why did you leave Wangjiang Tower?” Su Yu inquired.
“Wangjiang Tower has changed,” Feng Ling replied.
“What about these children?”
“They’re taken back to be trained as assassins.” That’s how Wangjiang Tower’s assassins were brought up.
They didn’t care if these children had families or were still young. They only sought results — children with potential to become skilled assassins.
“They’ve taken more children than just these. Children from other places were also taken. I’ve hidden the children taken from Fu’an County and can send them back anytime,” Feng Ling revealed.
He disagreed with Wangjiang Tower’s practices, which led to his departure.
Under the previous leader, the children that was brought back to be trained came voluntarily, and the methods used to train assassins were not as ruthless.
Wangjiang Tower had transformed from what it used to be, and Feng Ling saw no reason to stay in a place that no longer held value for him. Hence, he chose to depart.
With his skills, ensuring that Wangjiang Tower couldn’t find him was a simple task.
To force his compliance, they intended to target the Long’an family. Eventually, Feng Ling agreed to let them bleed the Long’an family dry.
When Long’an’s father went to purchase land from the county princess, Feng Ling knew that Wangjiang Tower’s dark deeds were on the verge of being exposed to the court.
If Wang Jinhe knew, then the imperial king wasn’t far behind.
Observing Feng Ling closely, Su Yu squinted and remarked, “You’re quite adept at scheming.”
To have included him in the plan was audacious, showcasing Feng Ling’s boldness.
Feng Ling remained silent, acknowledging that he had indeed schemed.
Unable to go in person, with these individuals around, no information could leak out. Thus, he resorted to this method to attract Wang Jinhe’s attention, thereby informing Su Yu of the situation.
“Where are those children?” Su Yu inquired.
“Follow me,” Feng Ling responded, leading Su Yu to where the children were. As for Long’an, he hadn’t yet decided how to handle that situation. For now, this was the plan.
When Feng Ling and Su Yu found the children, they were already asleep.
“They’re all here. Your Highness can have the county officials notify their families to come pick them up, but it’s best to do it tomorrow. It’s late now, and it wouldn’t be ideal for them to come at this hour.”
“Understood.”
“You’re a smart person. You should know that staying here further offers you no benefits,” Su Yu remarked, looking at Feng Ling.
Feng Ling remained tight-lipped, understanding the implication behind Su Yu’s words. Despite knowing what Su Yu meant, he had grown fond of this place during his years here.
The area had a simple and sincere atmosphere, thriving under the leadership of the Imperial prince’s consort. Seeing the local people joyfully chatting and interacting always brought him happiness.
Listening to them speak of the Emperor, the imperial prince, and his wife, Feng Ling finally spoke up, “I don’t want to leave this place,” as the others were preparing to depart.
He truly didn’t want to leave this place.
Even if there was now a rift between him and Long’an due to this incident, he still didn’t want to depart.
“Suit yourself,” Su Yu left, as the individuals from Wangjiang Tower were dragged out like dead dogs by Yuan Bao and the secret guards.
On his way back, Feng Ling noticed Long’an still seated there. Hearing footsteps, Long’an looked up as Feng Ling approached.
Both remained silent until Feng Ling, unable to bear the tension, spoke up, “I’m sorry I deceived you.”
Long’an shook his head in silence. Understanding the reason behind Feng Ling’s actions, Long’an found himself unable to harbor any resentment towards him.
Feng Ling would be found by his past associates because of him.
What right did he have to be angry?
“What are your plans for the future?” Long’an inquired.
“I plan to stay here, although I should leave instead of staying,” Feng Ling replied.
“Why won’t you leave?” Long’an asked.
“Those from the past won’t let me be, but it doesn’t matter to me anymore. It’s not that important to me,” Feng Ling responded.
Long’an remained silent, prompting Feng Ling to look at him and ask, “Will we still be friends in the future?”
Long’an nodded in response. “Yes.”
A smile appeared on Feng Ling’s face. Just with that affirmation, it was enough for him.
“Go back and rest. Let your father know there’s no need to sell your family’s land,” Feng Ling advised.
Long’an nodded gratefully, “Thank you for handling my family’s affairs.”
Feng Ling shook his head without speaking. Strictly speaking, he bore some responsibility in this matter. If it weren’t for him, those people wouldn’t have caused trouble for Long’an’s family. Thankfully, everything had now been resolved.
Su Yu and Yuan Bao brought the individuals to the county office. Upon Su Yu’s arrival, the county magistrate hurried out to greet him.
“Greetings, Your Highness.”
“Take these individuals away. They are human traffickers. Notify the families who have lost children to come and identify them tomorrow,” Su Yu instructed.