IDWBE -Chapter 235 Eyes and Ears

Qi Peng asked, “You want to know?”

Fang Pi nodded. “Of course I want to know. Trees have shadows, people have shadows, so how can a shadow be paired with a footman?”

Qi Peng smiled. “If I tell you, it means there’s no turning back. The day you quit will also be the day you die.”

Fang Pi frowned. “But the prince sent me here.”

Since he was already here, was there any turning back?

Qi Peng’s expression grew serious. “A shadow is the prince’s eyes, the prince’s ears. Whatever the prince wants to know, a shadow will do everything possible to let him know.”

Fang Pi cautiously asked, “A spy?”

He had vaguely suspected Qi Peng’s role before, but he never imagined that one day he himself would become like Qi Peng.

“Yes,” Qi Peng said, rolling closer on his wheels. “The only difficulty is that from now on, Brother Fang, you can’t speak freely. The first thing you must learn is to keep your mouth shut. Even in death, you mustn’t reveal me. If I am revealed, the prince loses his eyes and ears.”

“I—”

Fang Pi suddenly felt nervous. He had never considered life and death seriously before, much less discussed it with anyone.

Qi Peng quietly said, “You understand that speaking too much leads to mistakes. Starting tomorrow, Brother Fang, you’ll move into the side room next door. Stay there for a month, like the chief steward and Wen Zhaoyi in seclusion. Don’t leave, don’t speak to anyone.”

Fang Pi asked in confusion, “Why? How is this different from being a prisoner?”

Qi Peng replied, “As I said, the most important thing for a shadow is to keep secrets. You’re young and naturally impulsive. Staying in the room for a month will help temper your character. Also, as I said, unless you die, there’s no chance to back out now. You’d better listen to me. From now on, you may call me the Shopkeeper.”

“No.”

Fang Pi shook his head.

“Why not?”

Qi Peng smiled at him.

Fang Pi braced himself and said loudly, “The prince taught me that a man must have backbone. I don’t like you, and your threats won’t work. Even in death, I won’t be intimidated by anyone.”

Qi Peng suddenly laughed, and it was a joyful laugh.

“What’s so funny?”

Fang Pi was angry.

“Backbone,” Qi Peng said, smiling. “You have backbone. The prince truly has an eye for talent—people with backbone are perfect for being shadows.”

Fang Pi, pouting, said, “I’ve decided to quit. Are you going to kill me?”

“I won’t kill you, nor do I have the right. Because you belong to the prince’s household,” Qi Peng shook his head. “But since the prince sent you, will you betray him?”

“Fine, I’ll move my things tomorrow,” Fang Pi added, “But remember, that’s because of our prince!”

“Remember, call me Shopkeeper,” Qi Peng said, then added, “Guan En will follow you from now on.”

The servant behind him bowed, “Understood, Shopkeeper.”

Fang Pi, still reluctantly, called him “Shopkeeper” once, then turned and left.

Just as he walked out the gate, he saw Dao Scar Face—Jiang Chou—standing there with his sword, speaking little as Ma Gui talked to him.

“He’s going to be a gatekeeper?”

Fang Pi asked, pointing at Jiang Chou.

Ma Gui smiled, “Isn’t he?”

“He is.”

Fang Pi sighed.

Ma Gui laughed, “Fang Pi, explain the rules of the mansion to him. Jiang Chou, remember, being allowed into the mansion is the prince’s favor.”

“Yes.”

Jiang Chou nodded expressionlessly.

Meanwhile, newly promoted Nanzhou Chief Constable Jiang Zhen had been extremely busy. First problem: manpower. The applicants were eager, but most had no martial training.

Even those who had practiced martial arts lacked internal strength, which disappointed her greatly.

Second, Qinyuan City was vast. With 200 borrowed soldiers from Ji Zhuo, it took a full day and night to patrol everything.

Being new, she had no clue about the city and relied on former gatekeeper Jiang Yi for guidance.

Helpless, she tried recruiting from Baiyun City’s civilian office to supplement her constables. Despite her persuasive words, not a single one agreed.

The civilians’ reasons were simple: they didn’t want to leave home, and the pay was too low.

Ji Zhuo handed her a cup of tea to calm her. “No need to rush. This isn’t Baiyun City. You’ll get used to it.”

Jiang Zhen, holding the tea cup, smiled. “General Ji, could I borrow another 500 men? I plan to split them into two groups for night patrols.”

Ji Zhuo smiled. “Chief Constable, don’t worry. Your job is just to replenish your manpower and train them well. I’ll handle the night patrol arrangements.”

Jiang Zhen said, “Night patrol is our duty anyway.”

She drank the tea, picked up her sword, and left the office.

At the gate, she saw her father, Jiang Tuhou, peeking around.

“Father.”

“Ah, daughter, you’ve lost weight again?”

He glanced into the courtyard. “Was it that Ji guy upsetting you? I never trusted him anyway. But don’t worry, I’ll report it to the prince if he causes trouble!”

“Of course not. He’s been helping me all along. Without him, I wouldn’t even know what to do,”

Jiang Zhen waved him off impatiently. “Father, don’t worry about me. Once your cargo is delivered, just go back. Mother and brother are home, so don’t worry.”

“What’s there to worry about?”

Jiang Tuhou shouted, “Baiyun City’s security is solid. Who would dare bother them? It’s just that Qinyuan City is chaotic. Last night, a gang killed an entire family in the south city—brutal stuff. Even as a chief constable, you need to be careful. If anything happens, let your subordinates handle it—don’t do everything yourself.”

“Got it. You can go back now.”

Jiang Zhen mounted her horse, waved to Jiang Tuhou, and rode off down the empty street.