Young hero, stay put and don't be reckless.

Chapter 128 Trading

"Because Boss Yang's daughter is Helian Jun's mistress," Sun Xing explained. "Boss Yang used this relationship to run a big business in Shuofeng City for several years, doing whatever made money. Helian Jun also profited a lot from it."

"Helian Jun really has the guts to do that," Jiang Xun said casually.

Sun Xing sneered: "Helian Jun is a ruthless, selfish man. Let alone a mistress, even his own father would stand in his way, and he wouldn't hesitate to take action."

Jiang Xun did not respond.

He knew that Sun Xing wouldn't have mentioned Helian Jun for no reason; there must be another reason.

He saw Sun Xing's lips move as if he wanted to say something but hesitated, and suddenly a thought struck him: "Is Boss Yang's daughter also your mistress?"

Sun Xing froze on the spot as if struck by lightning, then knelt on one knee, cold sweat pouring down his forehead: "This subordinate knows his mistake, this subordinate dares not..."

Upon seeing this, Jiang Xun thought to himself, "Just as I thought."

How could Helian Jun, such a cautious and careful person, easily slip up while drunk, and let Sun Xing overhear him?

Most of the time it's just jealousy and turmoil between men and women.

"Alright." Jiang Xun, too lazy to concern himself with his personal affairs, waved his hand. "Where does Helian Jun live?"

"Helian Jun has his own house outside, where he usually lives, but he's been on duty at the city lord's mansion these past few days." Sun Xing didn't dare to look up.

"Isn't Jin Yan always on duty at the City Lord's Mansion? Why has Helian Jun been replaced?"

"Jin Yan has been out of town for the past two days and is not in Shuofeng City," Sun Xing said quickly. "I only found out yesterday when I returned."

Jiang Xun frowned.

It's easier to just ask Helian Jun directly—as long as he's not in the city lord's mansion, we can simply call Tuoba Feng and secretly kidnap him.

But now it seems that this plan is not going to work out.

"Helian Quan is hosting a banquet tonight. Do you know what's going on?" Jiang Xun asked again.

"I don't know," Sun Xing replied readily. "After we returned to the city, we were granted permission to go home and rest, and were only told to wait at the city lord's mansion tonight."

Jiang Xun didn't give a response, but asked a few more questions.

Sun Xing, having been given leverage, answered every question without hesitation, as if spilling beans.

After a while, Jiang Xun felt that he wouldn't get anything out of her by asking any more questions, so she stood up.

"Keep an eye on it. Report any news immediately."

Sun Xing immediately bowed and said, "Your subordinate obeys."

Jiang Xun walked to the door, then suddenly stopped and turned around.

"Sun Xing".

"Your subordinate is here."

"You've been with the Golden Feather Guard for so many years, you should know the rules."

Sun Xing's expression changed slightly.

"Rest assured, my lord, I know what I should say and what I shouldn't say."

Jiang Xun nodded, pushed open the door, and walked out.

It was already broad daylight outside.

The morning light spread across the street, turning the bluestone slabs white. The dew from last night hadn't completely dried, making them a bit slippery to walk on.

A queue formed in front of the steamed bun shop, with stacks of steamer baskets piled high, puffs of white steam rising up, mingling with the aroma of dough and meat, making people's mouths water.

A few children chased a stray dog ​​out of the alley, laughing and joking, and almost bumped into Jiang Xun.

He stepped aside and watched the dirty dog ​​run across the street corner with its tail between its legs, the children chasing after it, their laughter as crisp as shards of porcelain scattered on the ground.

Jiang Xun stood on the street, watching the market slowly come to life, and took a deep breath to dispel the fatigue of the night.

Then I made a decision—to head east of the city.

The Lu residence is located in a quiet alley in the east of the city. The two lanterns at the entrance are still there, but they are not lit during the day. Two strings of faded red tassels hang there, swaying in the wind.

Two guards stood at the entrance, with curved swords at their waists, their eyes wary, like two old trees that had taken root in the ground.

As someone approached, four pairs of eyes swept over him simultaneously, scrutinizing his face.

Jiang Xun walked over and cupped his hands in greeting: "Please inform him that I wish to see Young Master Xiao."

The two guards exchanged a glance, and one of them turned and went inside.

Before long, the man came out, his attitude more polite than before, stepping aside to let him in: "Please come in, young master."

Jiang Xun leisurely stepped over the threshold, then suddenly wrinkled his nose; there seemed to be a burnt smell in the air.

But he didn't ask any more questions. He simply followed the guards through the front yard, around the screen wall, through the moon gate, and into the main hall.

Xiao Rui was already inside, sitting in the main seat, holding a teacup in his hand. He was dressed in a dark gray brocade robe, his hair was tied up neatly, and he still had that elegant demeanor.

The morning light filtered through the carved window lattice, falling on him and casting a soft glow on his brocade robe.

Upon seeing Jiang Xun, he put down his teacup, a slight smile playing on his lips.

That smile was beautiful, gentle and warm, like that of a hospitable host.

Jiang Xun always felt that there was something hidden beneath that smile, like a knife wrapped in silk, its edge hidden but sending chills down one's spine.

"Brother Jiang," Xiao Rui stood up, his smile warm, "What brings you here?"

"Brother Xiao, you're too kind." Jiang Xun returned the greeting with a grin, and sat down casually in the guest seat. "I just had nothing to do, so I came over for a visit."

"Visiting?" Xiao Rui raised an eyebrow, sat down again, picked up his teacup and slowly took a sip. "Brother Jiang seems quite relaxed. Unlike me, I was busy all night and haven't slept a wink yet."

Jiang Xun remained completely calm, even picking up the teapot on the table and pouring himself a cup of tea: "Brother Xiao, what are you busy with?"

Xiao Rui put down his teacup, looked at him, and gave him a half-smile.

The gaze lingered on his face for a few moments, like a dull knife slowly scraping—it didn't hurt, but it made him uncomfortable.

"A petty thief broke into the manor last night." He spoke casually, as if it were a trivial matter. "He made a ruckus for most of the night before it finally calmed down."

"Oh?" Jiang Xun looked surprised, his eyes widening. "Did you lose anything?"

"No, not at all." Xiao Rui shook his head. "That little thief was quite skilled in martial arts, but unfortunately he was unlucky and ran into me. He just got away."

He paused, his gaze fixed on Jiang Xun. "Brother Jiang, do you know who that petty thief is?"

Jiang Xun blinked, looking completely bewildered: "Brother Xiao, you jest. How would I know?"

He picked up his teacup and took a big gulp, then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. His carefree demeanor made him look exactly like a street ruffian.

Xiao Rui stared at him for a few moments, then suddenly smiled.

That smile carried a hint of helplessness, yet also a touch of amusement, as if it saw through everything but was too lazy to expose it.

"That's true," he said. "Brother Jiang runs a legitimate business; how could he get involved in such petty theft?"

"That's right, that's right." Jiang Xun seemed oblivious to the sarcasm in his words, nodding repeatedly with an expression that said, "You understand me."

Xiao Rui frowned, too lazy to beat around the bush anymore: "Just say it, what do you want?"

"Brother Xiao is straightforward, so I won't beat around the bush either." Jiang Xun dropped his playful grin and became more serious. "I've come to make a deal with Brother Xiao."