I slaughtered my way through the border at the start, I am the Great Ming's Night Raider!

Chen Yuan sat there, looking at the bunch of keys and the ledger.

Four million seven hundred thousand taels.

Zhu Zhanqi.

Yang Shiqi...

The clues are piling up, and the net is getting bigger and bigger.

He put away the keys and ledgers, blew out the candles, and left the duty room.

The government office was deserted; most people had gone to admire the lanterns.

Only two captains were on guard at the gate. When they saw him come out, they quickly saluted.

"Is Commander Chen returning to the palace?"

"No," Chen Yuan said, "I'll go for a walk in the streets."

He walked out of the government office and joined the crowds of people celebrating the Lantern Festival.

The streets were indeed bustling.

Men, women, young and old, supporting the elderly and leading the young, shoulder to shoulder.

The shouts of vendors selling candied hawthorns, masks, and lanterns rose and fell.

There were also acrobatic troupes, including fire-breathing performers, sword swallowers, and bowl-balancing acts, surrounded by crowds.

Chen Yuan walked slowly through the crowd.

He was dressed in plain clothes, carried no knife, and looked like an ordinary scholar.

No one knew that the secret this young man carried was enough to shake the entire imperial court.

When he got near Zhengyangmen, he suddenly stopped—there was a mask stall ahead, and the stall owner was helping a little girl try on a rabbit mask.

The little girl giggled, while her mother looked on tenderly beside her.

It's a very ordinary scene.

But in Chen Yuan's eyes, it was somewhat jarring.

He thought of Chen Jin, and also of the young emperor.

What is that child doing in the palace now? Is he admiring the lanterns? Or studying? Or...thinking about him?

Just as I was thinking this, someone suddenly patted my shoulder.

Chen Yuan instantly became alert, his hand resting on his waist—he didn't have a knife, but he did have a dagger.

"Brother Chen, what a coincidence."

It was a familiar voice.

Chen Yuan turned around and froze.

It is Wei Qinglong.

The leader of the Azure Dragon Society, dressed in the brocade robes of a wealthy young master, smiled and waved a folding fan at him.

He was accompanied by two attendants, both dressed in plain clothes, but with sharp eyes.

"Boss Wei...?" Chen Yuan didn't expect to meet him here.

"It's the Lantern Festival, so I've come to the capital to join in the fun," Wei Qinglong said with a smile. "Brother Chen, won't you invite me for a cup of tea?"

The two found a teahouse and went up to a private room on the second floor.

Outside the window is a bustling market, brightly lit and filled with the sounds of people.

"Boss Wei came to the capital not just to see the lanterns, right?" Chen Yuan asked bluntly.

"Of course not." Wei Qinglong closed his folding fan. "I'm here to discuss business."

"What kind of business?"

"A big deal." Wei Qinglong lowered his voice. "I know Brother Chen is going to Jiangnan. I'm going to Jiangnan too—the Green Dragon Society's roots are in Jiangnan. The chaos in Nanjing damaged our strength, and we need to go back and clean up. We can... travel together."

Chen Yuan looked at him: "Just colleagues?"

"Of course not." Wei Qinglong laughed. "Brother Chen, I can also help you investigate Zhu Zhanqi. The Qinglong Society has more informants in Jiangnan than the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Besides... I also have some old scores to settle with Zhu Zhanqi."

"What old grudges?"

"Three years ago, he robbed a shipment of my goods and killed twelve of my brothers." A cold glint flashed in Wei Qinglong's eyes. "The rules of the underworld are blood for blood."

Chen Yuan pondered.

With the help of the Green Dragon Society, things are indeed much easier.

But Wei Qinglong is too shrewd and too dangerous.

"What does Boss Wei want?"

"Simple," Wei Qinglong said. "After it's done, I'll ask for a title. For example... the right to guard the Jiangnan canal transport, or a share of salt permits. Brother Chen is now a favorite of the Empress Dowager, so this shouldn't be difficult for him."

Another transaction.

Chen Yuan suddenly felt a little tired.

In this world, it seems like everyone is trading, and everything has a price.

"I can try," he said, "but I can't guarantee it."

"Brother Chen's words are enough." Wei Qinglong raised his glass. "Let's toast with tea instead of wine and wish each other a pleasant cooperation."

The two drank together.

Outside the window, a huge firework burst open in the sky, its gold, red, blue, and green hues illuminating half the night sky.

The crowd in the market cheered, and the children jumped and pointed to the sky.

In this prosperous and peaceful era, flowers bloom and the moon shines brightly.

But Chen Yuan knew that beneath this prosperous era lay countless undercurrents; behind the flowers and moonlight, countless swords clashed.

"By the way," Wei Qinglong suddenly said, "there's something Brother Chen might be interested in."

"What is it?"

"Yang Shiqi—Yang Rong's son—went to Suzhou last month and met someone," Wei Qinglong said slowly. "That person is Zhu Zhanqi's middleman in Jiangnan, who manages his business."

Chen Yuan's heart skipped a beat: "How did you know?"

"Because that person used to be a member of my Green Dragon Society," Wei Qinglong sneered. "He later betrayed us and joined Zhu Zhanqi. I've always wanted to clean house, but I haven't found the opportunity. If Brother Chen wants to investigate Yang Shiqi... I can help."

The clues have connected.

The embezzled funds of Yang Shiqi, Zhu Zhanqi, and Cao Jixiang...

A large net is gradually becoming clear.

"Okay." Chen Yuan nodded. "We'll cooperate on the trip to Jiangnan."

"Great!" Wei Qinglong laughed. "Then we'll meet in Jiangnan. I have a villa in Yangzhou. When you get there, just give me my name."

The two chatted for a while longer before Wei Qinglong got up to take his leave. As he reached the door, he suddenly turned back and said, "Brother Chen, there's something I'm not sure if I should say."

"Please speak."

"The imperial court is a treacherous place, and the world of martial arts is a dangerous place." Wei Qinglong looked at him. "But the path you've chosen is the most dangerous. Be careful; only by staying alive can you do what you want to do."

After saying that, he went downstairs and left.

Chen Yuan sat alone in the private room, looking at the lights outside the window.

Yes, that's the most dangerous.

But now that he's already on this path, he can't turn back.

He was about to head south to Jiangnan.

Before that, he still had a lot to do—organize evidence, select personnel, and arrange matters in the capital...

Also, go see the Empress Dowager to make a final request.

He got up, paid the bill, and left the teahouse.

The hustle and bustle of the street continued, but he had no heart to appreciate it.

It was already midnight when they returned to the Embroidered Uniform Guard headquarters.

The yamen was quiet, except for the light in his duty room, which was still on—it was lit by Chen Jin.

"Brother Yuan." Chen Jin greeted him from inside. "Why are you only coming back now? The Empress Dowager sent people to ask twice."

"The Empress Dowager is looking for me?"

"Yes, I'm having you enter the palace tomorrow morning." Chen Jin lowered her voice. "It seems... there's something urgent."

Chen Yuan nodded: "Okay. Go to sleep."

"Brother Yuan, you..." Chen Jin hesitated, unable to finish her sentence.

"What's wrong?"

"When you go to Jiangnan this time... take me with you," Chen Jin said. "I can help you. I've learned a lot in the past six months, and my martial arts have improved..."

Chen Yuan looked at him.

This younger brother has indeed grown up.

His face has lost its childishness and gained a more resolute look.

But Jiangnan is too dangerous, and he doesn't want Chen Jin to be in danger.

"Chen Jin, you have more important things to do in the capital."

"What is it?"

"Keep an eye on the court for me," Chen Yuan said. "The Empress Dowager needs someone trustworthy by her side. You're in the palace; you can relay messages for me, and you can also... protect the Empress Dowager."

Chen Jin's eyes lit up: "Really?"

"Really." Chen Yuan patted his shoulder. "But remember, be careful. The imperial court is not as simple as the martial world."

"I understand!" Chen Jin nodded vigorously. "Don't worry, Brother Yuan, I'll definitely do my best!"

Seeing Chen Jin's excited expression, Chen Yuan felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

No matter how dangerous the imperial court is, or how wicked the martial world is, at least there is this younger brother, and this family bond.

He walked to his desk and began to write a letter.

A secret report to the Empress Dowager concerning account books, Zhu Zhanqi, and Yang Shiqi...

The candlelight flickered, and the pen tip scratched across the paper.

Outside the window, the lanterns for the Lantern Festival gradually went out.

The hustle and bustle subsided, and the long night returned to silence.

But Chen Yuan knew that an even longer night lay ahead.

The trip to Jiangnan will be another tough battle.

But he was already prepared.

Because he was the night clerk.

Because he is... Chen Yuan.