Wanjin Lady

Chapter 463 Converting merit into crime
"I'm listening." Wei Zheng completely covered her hand with one hand, while taking the opportunity to slid his other hand into Wen Wan's sleeve. His hot breath sprayed on Wen Wan's earlobe. "Go on... Japanese swords... Are you trying to say... that they not only smuggle weapons, but also manufacture them, and most likely maintain private soldiers."

"Mo Sufang is a remarkable woman." Wen Wan pushed away the burning chest behind her, her face stern. "She's a well-known merchant in the Tianshui area, but secretly she's involved in smuggling and even has tens of thousands of private soldiers. Wei Zheng, I've observed carefully and can confirm that Mo Sufang is the mastermind behind the smuggling case you've been investigating. There's no bigger conspiracy behind her."

"Also, I suspect..." Wen Wan's face was solemn, "I suspect she has more than one lair. They go out to sea at irregular times, which means they may go back and forth to several islands. These islands are not discovered by the patrolling navy, which is enough to prove that they are colluding with the government. Wei Zheng!"

Wei Zheng wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on the crook of her neck, greedily sniffing her scent. He struggled with his remaining sanity to listen to her words, "I know... this matter is very tricky."

"And..." Wen Wan frowned slightly and turned around. As Wei Zheng pressed closer and closer, she leaned her back against the windowsill, her hands supporting her chest as he drew closer and closer. "I suspect... Mo Sufang is one of Prince Fu's men—"

The man behind him froze, "Are you saying Prince Fu is not dead?"

"I heard from my adoptive mother that after Prince Fu lost the palace struggle, he fled to sea with his family. Some of his rebellious ministers also fled along the way. Mo Sufang might have been one of them. She once said that her father was an aide to Prince Fu, but he was a man of great scheming, so I can't confirm whether this is true or not."

"It's extraordinary that Mo Sufang, a woman, could run such a large smuggling team. And I've met some of her trusted men, and they're definitely not ordinary people."

"Also, the last time the tribute wine delegation came to Bozhou, she wrote to me to inform me of the tribute wine selection process. It seems that she knows everything about the imperial court."

Wen Wan's voice was as firm as iron, "If this man is not eliminated, he will be a great threat to Tianshui Prefecture... and even the entire Chen Dynasty!"

The young lady's eyes flickered. "Wei Zheng, Mo Sufang pretends to trust me, but she's not completely dispelling her suspicions. She allowed me to roam freely on the island, but she never allowed me access to their account books, elite soldiers, or their stilt houses. In two days, they'll be setting sail again. Find a way to board that ship and bring back the island map to find reinforcements."

Wei Zheng pursed his lips, "What about you?"

"I'll try to persuade him. If he can get on the boat, we'll go together. If not, then we'll go one by one."

Wei Zheng's jawline tightened. He knew this was not a good idea, but at the moment... there seemed to be no choice.

Wen Wan held his hand and said, "Don't worry. Mo Sufang still hopes to use me to hold the emperor hostage to control the princes, so she won't touch me for the time being. I will be safe on the island. I can also lurk here and gather information."

This was not Wei Zheng's intention.

Originally, Wei Zheng wanted to take Wen Wan with him after he arrived on the island.

But this is an isolated island, all the ships are heavily guarded, and Wen Wan is being watched, so it would be extremely difficult for both of them to escape at the same time.

Torches flickered in the distance. Agui, who had gone to get the pancakes, turned back and walked through the forest. They both knew that their time was running out. Wei Zheng kissed her again, "Tomorrow night...send that troublesome Agui away, and leave the door open for me."

Well, an affair?
Is it so exciting to play?

Wen Wan felt a heavy blow on her lips, as if she was being crushed by someone. Agui's footsteps were getting closer and closer. Wen Wan was panicked and punched Wei Zheng in the chest. Wei Zheng let go because of the pain.

——Wow.

The door was pushed open. Ah Gui was still holding the ceramic tray. When he entered the room, he saw the pitch-black room and the gentle figure on the windowsill. He couldn't help but wonder, "Why didn't my wife turn on the light?"

When Wen Wan turned around, Agui's eyes stayed on her lips, "Madam, why is your mouth bleeding!"

Wen Wan touched her slightly swollen lips and said calmly, "There are a lot of mosquitoes on the island. As soon as the lights were turned on, all the mosquitoes came in." A Gui thoughtfully suggested, "Mr. Dong and the others are going out to sea the day after tomorrow. Why don't you ask them to bring back some insect repellent?"

Speaking of going out to sea——

"Agui, have you ever been out to sea?"

Agui shook his head, "Only able-bodied men can board the ship and go out to sea."

"Your husband often goes to sea, but have you ever heard him mention where he goes? Bingzhou?"

"Not really. They say there are a few small islands in the sea, and sometimes they go there to resupply. More than that... the higher-ups won't let him say."

Wen Wan's heart skipped a beat.

She had guessed right. Mo Sufang had more than just one island.

Overall... a conservative estimate is that there are tens of thousands of private soldiers.

Is this a rebellion?
Wen Wan taught the children on the island that afternoon, and then went to meet Mo Sufang at the stilt house that evening. After going through numerous inquiries, Wen Wan finally met with Mo Sufang and explained her purpose. "Mrs. Mo, I've been on the island for over a month and am already familiar with most of the affairs. I'd like to go out to sea with you."

Mo Sufang smiled and said, "Going out to sea is like licking blood and knife. Madam Wen is on the island. Her personal safety is guaranteed, which also makes me feel at ease."

Wen Wan sneered, "It seems that Madam Mo still doesn't trust me."

"It has nothing to do with trust." Remembering how Wen Wan had stabbed the so-called Duke of Wei without hesitation, Mo Sufang's heart softened. She put down her pen and sighed softly, "The coastal areas of Bingzhou are in turmoil. Ever since you were captured, the government has posted notices everywhere, and Wei Zheng's men nearly dug up the entire Tianshui Prefecture. If you were to go out to sea now, you'd most likely be recognized by the soldiers and implicate us all."

Seeing Wen Wan's expression falter, Mo Sufang continued to persuade her, "Wait until things are peaceful again, and then you can go out to sea with us. Miss Wen, don't worry. There will be plenty of opportunities to make achievements in the future."

"But..." Wen Wan's face flushed with suspicion. She looked around cautiously and then lowered her voice, "When I was in Bozhou... Wei Zheng forced himself to sleep with me day and night, and I..."

The young lady's blush deepened. "This man is a beast in human form, committing adultery in broad daylight. I really can't resist... Anyway, I'm feeling a little uncomfortable in my lower body. I could bear it a while ago, but now... I want to go out to sea and find a wealthy doctor to see me."

Mo Sufang's gaze suddenly fixed on Wen Wan's face.

Wenwan's face showed just the right amount of shyness.

"You reminded me." Mo Sufang ignored Wen Wan's pleading. "There's a shortage of doctors on the island. We need to find one this time. Madam Wen, please be patient for a few days. The doctor and medicine will be back soon."

A look of gratitude appeared on Wen Wan's face, "Thank you so much, Madam."

It seemed that Mo Sufang was still wary of her, and she might not be able to go out to sea for a while. Wei Zheng had to leave as soon as possible and send reinforcements.

When she returned to the thatched cottage, Wen Wan remembered what Wei Zheng said last night about "leaving the door open".