Chapter 1040: The Secret of the Beggar’s Den
Editor: Henyee Translations

Zeng Huo said, “Let’s follow this lead.”

Chu Qingzhi agreed, “Good.”

At that moment, a familiar voice called out, “Qingzhi.”

Both turned their heads to see Mu Meiying approaching quickly. “Didn’t expect to see you in Liang City.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled slightly. “You’ve returned?”

Mu Meiying sighed, looking troubled. “With you gone, why would I stay in Mu City?”

“I had some matters to attend to. You could’ve stayed longer in Mu City,” Chu Qingzhi said, leading Mu Meiying to a nearby restaurant. It was almost noon, time for a meal.

“Never mind me, what are you up to?” Mu Meiying asked curiously, noticing that Zeng Huo had already left.

“We’re looking for something,” Chu Qingzhi replied.

“What are you looking for? Tell me, my family has some influence in Liang City. It won’t be a problem to help you find it,” Mu Meiying eagerly offered.

“If you want to help, find a large quantity of something—one or two thousand kilos. Once you find it, let me know immediately.” With no current leads, extra help was welcome.

Mu Meiying’s expression changed slightly. “You mean the official salt?”

Chu Qingzhi was surprised. “How do you know?”

Mu Meiying smiled mysteriously. “I’m not telling. You didn’t tell me earlier.”

Chu Qingzhi warned, “If you know, tell me. You’ll be greatly rewarded. Also, this is an official matter; don’t spread it around, or it could bring you trouble.”

Mu Meiying, feeling unlucky, hesitated. “Ah?”

Chu Qingzhi’s expression was serious. “I’m not joking. If you know, tell me.”

Mu Meiying stuck out her tongue. “Alright, I’ll tell you. Lucky you met me today, or you might never find the salt.”

Chu Qingzhi was surprised. “You really know?”

Mu Meiying grinned playfully. “Of course! I’m very lucky. Are you busy now? I can take you there.”

Chu Qingzhi looked down at the child tugging at her dress. “I’ll take him to the charity hall first, then we can go.”

Mu Meiying looked at the child. “Who is he?”

Chu Qingzhi led the way towards the charity hall. “A child I found on the road.”

Mu Meiying noticed the child’s dirty appearance. “Poor thing.”

The child glanced at himself and then at Mu Meiying. He indeed felt pitiful but hoped to improve once he grew up.

When they arrived at the charity hall, they were shocked. The hall had collapsed, the sign hanging crookedly, and the place was overrun with spiderwebs and weeds.

Mu Meiying suggested, “Maybe we should take him to General Chen’s camp?”

Chu Qingzhi was puzzled. “To the camp?”

Mu Meiying explained quickly, “Didn’t you know? General Chen’s camp has a place for orphans. They get food, shelter, and education. It’s the best place for him.”

Chu Qingzhi found it reasonable. She asked the child, “Do you want to go?”

The child eagerly nodded. “Yes, I want to go.”

Chu Qingzhi whistled, and soon Zeng Huo arrived. She handed the child over. “Take him to General Chen’s camp.”

Zeng Huo nodded. “Yes.”

The child, holding Zeng Huo’s hand, took a few steps, then turned back to Chu Qingzhi. “Will I see you again?”

Chu Qingzhi smiled. “If we’re fated, we will.”

The child nodded. “Can you tell me your name?”

Chu Qingzhi smiled warmly. “Chu Qingzhi.”

The child bowed deeply. “Thank you, sister. You are my savior. When I grow up, I will repay you.”

Chu Qingzhi hadn’t expected such words from the child. “I look forward to it.”

The child got up and followed Zeng Huo away.

Mu Meiying, touched, said, “Didn’t expect the little one to be so grateful.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled. “Let’s go find the salt.”

Mu Meiying nodded seriously. “Let’s go.”

They weaved through the streets and arrived at the beggar’s den, a filthy, rundown area that no one wanted to visit.

“The salt is hidden here?” Chu Qingzhi released her spiritual sense to investigate.

“Follow me,” Mu Meiying led her to the right. “One night, I couldn’t sleep and went out for a walk. I saw a group of people acting suspiciously and followed them here. They hid something in this place.”

“I didn’t want to cause trouble, so I didn’t mention it. If you hadn’t asked today, I might never have told.”

“Your caution is wise when you can’t protect yourself,” Chu Qingzhi affirmed. She believed in prioritizing one’s safety before taking action.

“Thanks,” Mu Meiying said, feeling proud of the praise.

They reached a relatively intact house. Mu Meiying opened the door and led Chu Qingzhi inside. She moved an oil lamp, revealing a hidden door in the wall.

“How did you know the mechanism?” Chu Qingzhi was curious.

“I disguised myself as a beggar and saw someone use it,” Mu Meiying explained.

Chu Qingzhi, “…”

Truly dedicated!

The hidden room was filled with wooden boxes, all sealed with official marks.

Chu Qingzhi stepped outside and sent up a signal flare. Soon, Tang Jinghong arrived with his men. “Qingzhi.”

Chu Qingzhi gestured. “The salt.”

Tang Jinghong looked impressed. “You found it so quickly?” He ordered his men to inspect the boxes.

Chu Qingzhi pointed to Mu Meiying. “Mu Meiying helped me.”

Mu Meiying bowed. “General.”

Tang Jinghong said, “You’ve done a great service. You’ll be rewarded.”

Mu Meiying, pleased, replied, “Thank you, General.”

After confirming the salt, Tang Jinghong had it transported away. Chu Qingzhi and Mu Meiying headed to a restaurant.

Chu Qingzhi said gratefully, “You helped me a lot today. Order whatever you like; it’s on me.”

Mu Meiying, acting coy, replied, “Then I won’t hold back.”

Chu Qingzhi laughed. “Go ahead.”

…

Meanwhile, Jiang Zhanglin and Yan Zihao, also searching for the salt, had not been as fortunate. However, they discovered something equally important.

Jiang Zhanglin reported, “General, we saw the second and third princes of Dongling arrive in Liang City.”

Tang Jinghong speculated, “Are they here to seize power from the Dongling King? Did you see what they were doing?”