The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 131 - The Bargaining Chip

Han Zhi felt confident he could fulfill his promises to Zhang Run. He was never hesitant to calculate with the worst intentions, treating everyone this way without exception. Yet Zhang Run was his first love, the person who'd made him realize he could never truly love a woman. As long as it didn't harm his own interests, he didn't mind keeping someone he genuinely liked.

But living freely was no easy feat—it required sufficient leverage. Han Zhi had deployed additional personnel into the city and surrounding countryside, doubling efforts to track down the people who had previously slipped through their grasp.

Even Wei Yanxi thought it was a hopeless task, wiping his brow and suggesting they try another approach. "We caused a major disturbance last time. They'll be cautious, perhaps even stay hidden for a while. Continuing this search might be a waste." The resources spent were considerable, and the Jinyiwei had already started monitoring them.

"Chen Xiang's network is a bottomless pit; if we keep at this, there's no telling how much silver we'll waste," Guan Shan chimed in. "Wei Yanxi makes a point; it took us two years just to get a lead, and now we've spooked them. They won't resurface any time soon."

But Han Zhi remained unruffled, his patience unwavering. Hearing their pessimism, he calmly reviewed the reports, then smiled. "No, quite the opposite. Our men have been following them for a while, and the reports show clearly that their activities have increased recently. If they're busy, it means they still have work to do. Now that we've destroyed one of their hideouts, they'll have to find another."

He wasn't one to avoid trouble, and he'd been willing to search for two years for those responsible for killing Song Chuning. He had the patience to play this game.

"Some things may seem impossible, like finding a needle in a haystack," Han Zhi explained, dipping his brush in red ink and marking several spots on the map, "but if you think carefully, there's always a starting point." He pointed to the red circles he'd drawn. "If you look closely, you'll see that we often lost track of them around the outskirts of the capital."

With that visual aid, Wei Yanxi and Guan Shan both widened their eyes in surprise.

The saying "a cunning hare has three burrows" came to mind. The house near the Huangxian Temple might just be one of their hideouts, and by this logic, they likely had another hideout in the outskirts.

"Search these suspicious locations in batches," Han Zhi said, tossing his brush casually onto the desk, a familiar cold smile on his face. "Pay Chen Xiang more, stir up more noise, and publicly announce that a few slaves have escaped from the manor. The louder the uproar, the less they'll be able to sit still, and eventually, they'll have to come out and look for an exit."

After several days of a large-scale search, their efforts finally flushed out the prey.

Han Zhi sat in a house they had searched countless times before, sneering without even looking up. "Speak honestly, and maybe I'll be in a good enough mood to spare your life."

This was the first thing all year besides Zhang Run's forgiveness that genuinely pleased him. Despite his sneer, he restrained himself from seeming too cold, leaning back comfortably in his chair with his hands resting behind his head.

The man before him remained silent, his lips tightly pressed together, his expression one of defiant resolve.

Guan Shan, standing behind him, kicked the man in the back of the knee, forcing him to kneel as he glanced at Han Zhi. "Should we use force, Young Marquis?"

Han Zhi smiled, but the smile never reached his eyes. Stretching his leg out, he kicked the man in the jaw, sending him rolling backward. His head hit the steps with a heavy thud, a trickle of dark blood seeping from the corner of his mouth.

Guan Shan had already stepped aside, avoiding the scuffle. Han Zhi dusted off his shoes, then approached, placing his foot on the man's head and speaking coldly. "I gave you the chance to be civil. This place may not be the Ministry of Justice's dungeon, but it's just as effective. Cross me, and I have plenty of ways to make you wish for death."

He scanned the man, his gaze stopping on his hands—thick calluses and old scars across his palms and knuckles suggested years of military service.

Han Zhi's suspicion deepened, and he knelt to examine the man's hand, an inscrutable smile on his face. "Even if you say nothing, I'll uncover your identity. Spare yourself the pain and tell me who sent you. Isn't that more sensible?"

Han Zhi's grip was strong; he bent the man's fingers back until they were nearly perpendicular to his hand. With a snap, the man's index finger broke, falling limp.

Sweat beaded on the man's forehead as his face turned pale, hair plastered to his head with perspiration. Yet he remained silent, gritting his teeth against the pain.

This man, Ma Wangkun, wasn't truly so tough. His only hope had been to see his children married and prosperous. Song Chuyi had treated his family with kindness and ensured their welfare, so he dared not betray anyone. Even if Song Chuyi would let him go, he knew that Cui Shaoting and Cui Yingshu would not.

He had already put his life on the line as a bandit and lived through years of bloodshed. He never expected to live this long. If he died here but secured peace and prosperity for his family, it would be worth it.

Resolving himself to die, even the burning pain in his jaw and finger seemed bearable. Looking up, he met Han Zhi's gaze with a defiant smile, saying nothing.

Han Zhi hadn't expected him to suddenly smile. Seeing the defiant smirk on his face, Han Zhi was enraged but let out a cold laugh instead. He kicked him hard in the stomach, sending him sprawling across the floor, and then turned to instruct Guan Shan, "Spread the word that we've captured one of the bandits responsible for the original crime!"

If this man refused to talk, there were other ways. He would slowly wear him down, making him experience every form of pain until he confessed. Even if he didn't, his accomplices outside would surely grow anxious.

Han Zhi wiped his hands with a handkerchief, then cast a penetrating glance toward the adjacent room, his face breaking into a meaningful smile.