However, at this moment, hurried footsteps were heard coming from the entrance of the long corridor. Hai Dongqing’s heart sank as he turned to see Jin Zhu hastily approaching.

Jin Zhu passed through several cells and stood before the group, asking calmly, "What’s happening here?"

Hai Dongqing quickly cupped his fists and replied, "Reporting to Lord Jin Zhu, this person is hiding something but refuses to confess. I was about to take him to Pipa Hall for interrogation."

Slap.

Jin Zhu slapped Hai Dongqing on the other cheek: "Interrogate? Release him, I’m taking him away."

Hai Dongqing was slapped so hard that stars danced before his eyes, and blood oozed from the corner of his mouth: "Lord Jin Zhu, what does this mean? Without the Prime Minister’s handwritten order..."

Jin Zhu sneered: "Do you think I’m a fool? I’ve interrogated more people in the Imperial Prison than you’ve ever seen. The Korea Envoy case is closed. On what grounds are you detaining him? Release him!"

Hai Dongqing almost bit his molars to pieces but could only swallow his anger and instructed his spies, "Release him!"

Jin Zhu smiled at Hai Dongqing: "What, are you upset?"

Hai Dongqing cupped his fists, "I would not dare."

Jin Zhu laughed heartily: "Good. Huang Yunbo, I know you want to compete for the Goat position, so you’re eager to make achievements. But you’re not skilled enough; even Xuan Snake doesn’t think highly of you and turned to support Gao Yi... Better polish your skills for a few more years. Trying too hard to become a zodiac might put your life at risk."

Huang Yunbo lowered his head, and his voice squeezed through his teeth, "Yes."

Jin Zhu pulled Chen Ji along as they left. After pondering for a moment, Chen Ji added, "Lord Jin Zhu, what do you want from me? You should pay me silver first."

Jin Zhu was slightly taken aback and then, following Chen Ji’s lead, played along: "Don’t worry, you won’t lack silver."

...

As they moved further away, Chen Ji curiously asked, "Who is Gao Yi?"

Jin Zhu chuckled, "Another Hai Dongqing under Xuan Snake."

Chen Ji probed, "Does he have a chance to vie for a zodiac position?"

Jin Zhu mocked, "No, I was just casually stirring things between Xuan Snake’s two Hai Dongqings out of boredom. Over time, you’ll realize that among our Spy Department colleagues, there are never any real friends... wrong, you, me, and Heavenly Horse are true friends!"

Chen Ji smiled, "Didn’t we agree that we’d be at odds in the Spy Department? Why change the plan?"

Jin Zhu sighed, "Things are different now. Xuan Snake is the most vicious, desperately aiming to become one of the Top Three Zodiacs, killing with bloodshot eyes for achievements. Without backing, something might go wrong... Xuan Snake is usually quite smart, working quietly behind Bai Long, but seeing the vacancy among the Top Three has made him restless."

Chen Ji asked casually, "Lord Jin Zhu, aren’t you envious? You also have a chance."

Jin Zhu sneered, "Do you know why there are three in the Top Three and not two or one? Our Lord Prime Minister wants the Spy Department to have a tripartite balance of power. The world knows about my relationship with Heavenly Horse; we’re so close we could wear the same pair of pants. Competing for a Top Three position would be courting death."

Chen Ji smiled and said, "I see."

Jin Zhu walked briskly outside and said loudly, "You don’t need to worry about these matters now. Focus on your practice; it’s more important. Since you’ve joined the Yulin Army, seize this opportunity to practice well, it’s the best place to bide your time and hide your strengths."

Chen Ji responded with a hum.

Jin Zhu seemed perplexed, "Strange, aren’t you under Bai Long? Why hasn’t he come to rescue you? And isn’t your Chen family a group of beasts? They don’t even rescue their own? I’ve been waiting outside day and night; I couldn’t wait any longer so I had to come myself."

Chen Ji paused in front of a cell, looking at the Yulin Army soldier slumped on the wooden bed inside. He turned to Jin Zhu and said, "Sir, please let me take the remaining Yulin Army with me as well."

The Yulin Army soldier inside the cell suddenly raised his head.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com