Lucky Farmer Girl: I rely on metaphysics to support my family

Chapter 872 Whereabouts
Not only was Tang Wan busy until late at night, but the War King was also busy today.

Late at night, Zhan knocked on the study door.

"Enter." The War King looked up at the doorway.

Zhan Yi strode forward, knelt on one knee, and said in a low voice, "Your Highness, there is definite news from Yongping Ward!"

The War King leaned forward slightly and said, "Speak."

Zhan Yi spoke calmly and steadily: "As per the Prince's orders, our men have been keeping a close watch on Jishantang and that peddler. Today at Hai hour, the peddler reappeared in the back alley of Jishantang, and this time his load was heavier than usual. Scholar Wu personally opened the door to greet him, and the two stayed in the courtyard for about half an hour. Our men approached using concealment talismans and overheard them mentioning that the load was sufficient and that the estate urgently needed it. When the peddler left, his load was empty."

Upon hearing Zhan Yi's words, Zhan Wang's eyes narrowed, and he asked, "Void? Where did it go?"

Zhan Yi continued, "After the peddler left Jishantang empty-handed, he didn't go straight back to the West City tenement. Instead, he circled around the city a few times before finally disappearing near an abandoned brick kiln in the South City. Our men didn't dare follow too closely, but after confirming he had entered the kiln's area, about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a mule cart without any markings drove away from the kiln in another direction. The driver was a stranger, but his build was seven or eight parts similar to the steward in charge of external affairs at the Feng residence."

Zhan paused, his voice growing deeper: "Our men split into two groups. One continued to track the mule carts, while the other infiltrated the brick kiln to investigate. The kiln was empty, but in the deepest corner, we found this."

Zhan Yi took out an object carefully wrapped in oiled paper from his bosom and presented it with both hands.

The oil paper was opened, revealing several dried, dark red to black plant fragments, along with a small amount of powder of the same color.

Zhan Yi lowered his voice and said, word by word, "It has already been identified. This substance is a specially processed residue of 'Crimson Blood Vine'. As for the powder, it is made by grinding Yin Condensation Flower Pollen with several other Yin-type medicinal materials."

The War King took the oiled paper packet, picked up a bit of powder with his fingertips, brought it close to his nose to smell it, and then asked, "Where did the mule cart go?"

Zhan looked up and slowly said, "The mule cart left the south city, taking special routes along secluded paths. Its final destination is Qixia Manor."

The War King seemed to have anticipated this, his expression remained unchanged, and he nodded to signal Zhan Yi to continue.

Zhan Yi continued, "Our men saw with their own eyes that the mule cart entered through the side gate of Qixia Village. The gatekeepers seemed to have been prepared, and the inspection was extremely quick. About 15 minutes after the cart went in, it drove out empty."

After a pause, Zhan Yi continued, "It can be confirmed that Jishantang in Yongpingfang is one of the transit points for medicinal herbs, and ultimately these herbs all flowed to the Feng family's Qixia Manor."

It's finally all connected! And this is all concrete evidence.

The War King slowly placed the oiled paper package on the desk. He was silent for a moment before speaking: "Everyone involved—Wu the scholar from Yongping Ward, that peddler of southern goods, the brick kiln contact, the steward of the Feng family's external affairs, the head steward, and all the servants and guards of the Feng family estate who are involved in this matter—keep a close watch on them! But remember, without my order, you are absolutely not allowed to alert them!"

"Yes!" Zhan Yi quickly replied.

The War King looked out the window, his expression cold, and said, "Double the manpower at Qixia Manor. Make sure to keep a close eye on things, and also hurry up and confirm the exact location of the sacrifice."

Qixia Village had been keeping a close watch, but they hadn't been able to find the specific location of the sacrifice, which made them wary and also the reason why they couldn't immediately take action to arrest the person.

If, during the arrest, the person has already secretly performed a sacrifice to complete the forbidden technique, who knows what terrible consequences it might cause? So we must be cautious now.

"Also, keep a close eye on Feng Yongnian," the War King continued to instruct.

He really wanted to arrest this person right now, but he couldn't; he could only keep a close watch on him.

Zhan Yi quickly responded.

The War King thought for a moment and, seeing that there was nothing to worry about for the time being, waved his hand and said, "Go down and keep a close watch. Report back immediately if there are any new discoveries."

Zhan Yi retreated silently, the study door closing gently behind him. Zhan Wang's gaze returned to the crumbs Zhan Yi had brought back.

The revelation of Jishantang in Yongpingfang is a significant development.

He believed in Zhan Yi's abilities; it was only a matter of time before he found out where the sacrificial ritual was taking place.

But time is precisely what we need most right now, and what we lack most.

How is the sacrifice progressing? Where exactly is the place within Qixia Manor used for the sacrifice?
What stage has the ceremony preparation reached?
Furthermore, the Feng family dared to collude with foreign evil forces and commit such rebellious acts right under the emperor's nose in the capital, indicating that their ambitions must be enormous.

If the matter is not investigated and stopped as soon as possible, the consequences will be unimaginable.

However, the southwest is too far from Beijing, and the people sent to investigate Feng Yongnian and his family's background have not yet sent back any news.

Moreover, Feng Yongnian is the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice. Only with solid evidence can he arrest people and convince the public. After all, he is good at socializing and has good relationships with people in the court. If not handled properly, it could easily cause unrest among the people.

Not only that, but Wan'er will probably have to help us then. I wonder if this guy surnamed Feng has any backup plans.

Moreover, I heard Wan'er say last time that after the sacrifice, one can become some kind of "puppet". I wonder if it will have superpowers. If it really does have superpowers, then we'll be in big trouble.

The War King rubbed his brow, looking somewhat worried.

"I need to discuss this with Wan'er, and I also need to have Wan'er draw some more concealment talismans," the War King muttered to himself.

This concealment talisman is useful, but with so many people watching, it'll probably be used up quickly. It's still best to have some on hand just in case.

Thinking of this, the War King took out the bell, intending to contact Tang Wan.

Suddenly, his gaze fell on the water clock in the corner of the study.

It was already past midnight, and Wan'er should have already rested.

I was too busy to contact them today, and I don't know how the talks with Lady Anguo went, or whether Mr. and Mrs. Tang Bojun agreed or not.

"Never mind." The War King murmured almost inaudibly, then carefully put the bell away.

It was indeed getting late, and it wouldn't be good to disturb people's rest any longer.

The next day, after having breakfast, the War King summoned Zhan Yi and whispered a few instructions to him.

About half an hour later, inside the Tang residence, Tang Wan had just finished breakfast and was chatting with her sister Tang Jing in their mother Wang's room.

Although Madam Wang was preoccupied with the matter of the Duchess of Anguo's marriage proposal, with both of her daughters present, she refrained from mentioning it and instead chatted about everyday matters. She planned to send Tang Jing away later and then ask Tang Wan for her opinion privately.

Suddenly a maid came to report that a man from the Prince of Zhan's mansion had come to see the Second Miss at the gatehouse, saying that he was acting on the orders of his master and had important matters to discuss.

Wang was slightly taken aback and looked at Tang Wan.

Tang Wan's heart also stirred. She wondered what could the Prince of War possibly want. He had just proposed marriage yesterday, and today he was openly sending people to find her.
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