Chapter 1379: Impostor

**Chapter 1364: The Impostors**

“Is there any reason my efforts would fail?” Oh, right, he came today to discuss this very matter, he almost forgot. “They’re already ready. When do you need them?”

“No rush, just keep them prepared. But you said these things are unstable; will they truly obey you?”

“Barely, but they’re functional enough. Don’t expect too much.” Dong Rui rubbed his stomach, genuinely hungry. “By the way, did Xue Zongwu fall for it?”

“Several mines and trading posts have received demands from the Shuangxi County government to re-submit their financial records for the past five years, sparking widespread complaints.” This is just what the Yangshan Merchant Association has managed to find out; there’s no telling how many others have received similar demands. “It seems Xue Zongwu has caught on and is starting to suspect Qingyang is targeting him. Haha, he still has smart people around him.”

That’s good; it saves us from further arrangements.

“Actually, his suspicions aren’t wrong; Qingyang was going to deal with him sooner or later. We’ve just accelerated the process.” He Lingchuan shook his head. “If all the ledgers had been burned, Xue Zongwu might have thrown caution to the wind. By leaving him half, he’ll think there’s a chance to rectify them and will be busy with that for the next few days, perhaps preventing him from thinking too much about other things.”

No sooner had he spoken than a muffled clap of thunder, long suppressed, finally exploded, bringing with it a storm.

He Lingchuan had just jumped off the railing when footsteps sounded on the stairs. Jiang Lishui rushed up, panting, to report:

“Master, Envoy Fan Shuang has arrived.”

Fan Shuang had returned from visiting other allied leaders. As agreed, He Lingchuan was to travel to Yaoguo with him.

He Lingchuan asked Jiang Lishui, “Are the congratulatory gifts for the King of Yao all prepared?”

“Yes, they’re ready. Thirteen boxes of various sizes. They’ll be sealed after Envoy Fan’s inspection.” Once the King of Yao’s envoy approves them, they won’t need to be unsealed when crossing borders.

“Prepare three more, the largest ones,” He Lingchuan instructed. “As for the gifts to be packed, I will choose them personally.”

“Yes, sir.” Jiang Lishui didn’t ask further questions and went downstairs to carry out the order.

“Three boxes?” Dong Rui thought for a moment, then let out a long “Oh,” understanding.

He Lingchuan smiled, “We’re going to send Yaoguo a few more grand gifts. It’s said that you can never be too generous with presents.”

As he descended the stairs, a figure flashed outside the door: Wan Si-liang had arrived.

Before any long journey, there were always countless matters, one after another.

Upon seeing He Lingchuan, Wan Si-liang’s back instinctively straightened. “My Lord!”

“Hmm, what’s the situation?”

“News from the northeast: the chief of the Mubang tribe has publicly declared himself to be the renowned Emperor Jiuyou, and his tribesmen, when clad in armor, are the swift and elusive Black Armored Army!” Wan Si-liang tried to be as objective as possible while reporting, but his mouth still curled downwards in annoyance.

“This news has caused quite a stir in the northeast. I’ve heard that commoners nearby are already flocking to the Mubang tribe’s territory, hoping to catch a glimpse of the real Emperor Jiuyou.”

They were the ones who killed so many villains and shed their blood and sweat, yet those shameless scoundrels from the Mubang tribe dare to impersonate their Black Armored Army just by opening their mouths?

“Oh?” He Lingchuan wasn’t angry; he just found it very novel. “Finally.”

Usurping the titles of Emperor Jiuyou and the Black Armored Army brings many benefits: reverence from the common people, fear from neighboring regions, and more leverage for their own tribe.

“What do you mean, ‘finally’?” Dong Rui was also displeased, speaking curtly. “Weren’t those two men in black from Shuangxi also impostors? If there are two impostors, there could be twenty, or even two hundred!”

“The Mubang tribe? They seem to be a belligerent tribe as well.” He Lingchuan asked Wan Si-liang, “If they dare to call themselves the Black Armored Army, they must have some basis, right?”

“Last year, they fought Zhao Guangzhi over territory, and Zhao Guangzhi lost.”

“That’s all?”

“And then…” Wan Si-liang coughed. “Among the villains recently slain by the Black Armored Army, three or four were killed in the vicinity of their territory.”

He Lingchuan thought for a moment, then smiled, “Alright, no matter.”

Wan Si-liang waited, but seeing He Lingchuan turn to leave, he had no choice but to brace himself and say, “My Lord, if you plan to teach them a lesson, please include me.”

“Teach them a lesson?” He Lingchuan glanced at him. “Do you really want to go?”

“These people are impersonating us, taking credit for our achievements, and acting smugly!” Wan Si-liang gnashed his teeth. “I can’t stand their brazen faces!”

“Have you seen them?”

“No… but our people heard Mubang tribesmen in a tavern bragging while drinking, describing their experience of killing villains so vividly that it sounded like they actually did it! Dammit, all they do is copy or fabricate stories with their mouths!”

He Lingchuan didn’t respond, simply staring steadily at him.

Wan Si-liang was initially filled with righteous indignation, but under He Lingchuan’s steady gaze, his anger quickly dissipated, and he couldn’t help but lower his head.

Only then did He Lingchuan pat his shoulder. “Impatience can ruin great plans. Your temper still needs work.”

This young man’s temperament had already improved greatly since he first left the Yangshan Islands.

“Yes, My Lord.” *This impulsive habit of mine is so hard to change.*

He Lingchuan then added, “The Mubang tribe won’t be smug for long; just wait and see.”

Wan Si-liang’s face instantly brightened, and his voice grew louder. “Yes, My Lord!”

He now admired his Lord wholeheartedly. If Emperor Jiuyou said the Mubang tribe wouldn’t last long, then they were surely like grasshoppers in autumn, their time almost up; there was no need to doubt.

Watching Wan Si-liang’s retreating figure, Dong Rui, who was standing nearby, stretched lazily. “Interesting. I didn’t see you do anything to him, yet this kid, who doesn’t even respect Wan Si-feng, only respects you.”

He Lingchuan smiled without a word. Sometimes, actions speak louder than words.

Dong Rui then asked him, “You’re not planning to go after the Mubang tribe, are you?”

“No.” *Where would I find the time? I’m about to visit Yaoguo.*

Besides, He Lingchuan was well aware that he faced numerous troubles. Matters had priorities, and insignificant ones like the Mubang tribe could be put aside, or even left for others to resolve.

“I told you earlier, beware of impostors! We work so hard, and others reap the rewards, gaining both fame and fortune, tsk!” In truth, Dong Rui felt unbalanced by it as well. “How about I take the trouble, make a trip for you these next two days, and teach them a lesson?”

He Lingchuan shook his head. “No need.”

“Oh? What tricks do you have up your sleeve? Tell me.”

“None.”

Dong Rui was dissatisfied. “Hey, that’s not fair. You’re hiding it even from me?”

Would He Lingchuan let impostors who stole fame and deceived the world go unpunished? Dong Rui didn’t quite believe it. Letting them off the hook wasn’t He Lingchuan’s style.

“Someone will teach them a lesson for us. We just need to watch the show from the sidelines,” He Lingchuan said with a smile. “The names of Emperor Jiuyou and the Black Armored Army are a double-edged sword. The Mubang tribe cannot enjoy the benefits without bearing the consequences.”

Even He Lingchuan himself wasn’t willing to bear those consequences, otherwise why would he need to wear a mask and conceal his identity when acting?

“Since they dared to impersonate so rashly, they will soon taste the bitter fruit.”