Crossing the Mountains

Chapter 205 Assassination Plan
Shen Tu Zhuo chuckled self-deprecatingly.

He said, "On the day we left the city, she mingled in the crowd at the city gate, her gaze lingering on me, and also on you. She recognized you, no matter what you looked like."

Shen Tu Heng smiled and wrote in the sand with his hand: Jealous?
Shen Tu Zhuo readily admitted, "Yes, it's so sweet. She doesn't even know that you are her rightful husband, but she still pays a lot of attention to you. I guess your heroic appearance in the valley that saved her family is unforgettable for her, and she subconsciously remembers you, so that she always relies on and respects you."

Shen Tu Heng wrote: You're overthinking it. I hadn't even met her back then.

Shen Tu Zhuo sighed: "Perhaps, but brother, please give me a chance to compete with you fairly."

Shen Tu Heng asked in confusion: What?
"I want to take her away from you, and take her away legitimately."

—Just smash my memorial tablet.

"...I'm being serious!"

—Once this matter is settled, I'll have my mother release her from this incestuous relationship with me, thus freeing you from this shackles of illicit incest.

“That’s not what I meant.” Shen Tu Zhuo shook his head and looked at his brother. “I want her to completely let go of her admiration and guilt towards you, to let go of the kindness you have shown her time and time again, and to choose me sincerely. Brother, I have never been as good as you in anything since we were little, but this time I really want to beat you.”

—She doesn't like me; at most, she just wants to repay me. She likes you, so what are you struggling with?
"Is that so?" Shen Tu Zhuo retorted. "Once this matter is settled, you can regain your original identity. By then, you two will still be married, and she will be both deeply in love with you, having regained what she lost, and even offering herself to you. What will I be then? A poor brother who wishes his brother and sister-in-law a long and happy marriage?"

After this unreasonable argument, Shen Tu Heng was quite exasperated: So what exactly do you want?

Shen Tu Zhuo finally revealed his purpose: "I want to avenge her father and brother's murder, so that she will no longer be trapped in nightmares. Brother, don't try to take this credit from me."

Shen Tu Heng understood what he meant, but did not reply.

Shen Tu Zhuo continued, "You must have received His Highness the Crown Prince's secret order. I am in the open, and you are in the dark; this is double protection, which shows that the Eastern Palace is determined to succeed in this matter."

He threw the water bag back to him, but Shen Tu Heng remained silent.

The Crown Prince gave the two brothers the following orders: First, to thoroughly investigate all merchant caravans and obtain transaction records of the sale of refined iron weapons to Ti Nu. Second, to take the opportunity to assassinate General Ti Nu, who was colluding with Qi Zhengchu, and seize evidence such as secret letters, thus completely thwarting the Grand Minister's plan to cooperate from within.

The first task was relatively easy; after this trip, whether by robbery or theft, he could get his hands on the prize. But the second task was extremely risky, practically a gamble with his life.

Shen Tu Zhuo claimed he wanted to win Cai Zhu'er's affections, but in reality, he wanted to take on this dangerous and risky job all by himself.

Seeing that his brother did not respond, Shentu Zhuo said, "Now the Fengtai caravan has no suspicion of me, a lazy and cunning guide. They are even counting on me to lead them back to the city. They either want to drag me down with them or they will kill me after using me. They will not be too wary of me, so I am the easiest target."

Shen Tu Heng chuckled: After going through all this trouble, it turns out you just wanted to steal the credit.

Shen Tu Zhuo laughed and said, "That's right. If I bring down the Grand Minister, I will not only rise to prominence, but I will also have a chance to win the heart of a beauty. Brother, please let me have my way."

Shen Tu Heng carried the heavy cargo box on his back, hunching over as he carried it onto the cart, pretending to trip over it.

From afar came the voice of a Fengtai worker calling out: "Ah Zhuo, that's enough. Don't wear this mute out. We're counting on him to load and unload goods."

Turning around, Shen Tu Zhuo reverted to his slick, roguish demeanor: "I didn't do anything underhanded. I was just teasing him out of boredom. He fell down on his own."
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The journey to transport the goods went relatively smoothly. To avoid the patrols of the Zhenxi Army, they often took secluded paths, which led them to encounter two groups of bandits. However, these people seemed like tough nuts to crack, and the bandits weren't fools either. After circling them twice and finding that they were completely unafraid and even drew their weapons to resist, they quickly retreated.

Afterwards, Azhuo vaguely sensed something was wrong and asked the team leader, "Did we take the wrong road? This isn't the road to Wuxu, is it?" Faced with his question, the team leader said dismissively, "We'll only pass through Wuxu on the return trip. We only deliver small quantities of goods there. Our large shipments have other buyers."

"A big shipment?" Azhuo looked back at the carts being pulled by the camel caravan, then at the leader's expression. He knew he was probably on a sinking ship, and adhering to the principle of "better to avoid trouble," he chose to keep quiet.

"What, are you scared now?" The team leader didn't care. They had come this far, and it was impossible for this man to get away now. The handover was scheduled for tomorrow morning, so there was no point in hiding it from him. He simply said, "That cart in front is carrying silk. Guess what's in the cargo box behind it?"

“I… I guess it’s more valuable silk,” Azhuo replied timidly.

"They are forged weapons," the team leader readily informed.

"A weapon...a weapon?" Azhuo was on the verge of tears. "This will cost you your head!"

“If you dare to do this business, you’re naturally not afraid of losing your head,” the leader said. “Trading a few scraps of fine iron weapons for iron ore for crossbows and horses is a very profitable deal.”

"Iron ore can be smuggled into the interior disguised, but I really have no way to get the horses."

"The horses are raised in special stables and have special customs clearance channels. You don't need to worry about it, you little punk. Do you really think you're someone important?"

"Oh, oh, that's good."

"Your life is in our hands right now, so you'd better be sensible..."

"Don't worry, sir! I understand. I won't say anything. It's not like I don't want to live!"

In the middle of the night, the two Shen brothers met in a crevice in the mountain wall.

Shen Tu Zhuo gritted his teeth and said, "Exchanging fine iron weapons for large quantities of iron ore and warhorses, this business is incredibly audacious. Is Qi Zhengchu plotting a rebellion? How many private soldiers does he have?"

Shen Tu Heng wrote on the ground: Supporting the Fifth Prince is tantamount to treason.

Shen Tu Zhuo had already made up his mind: "Brother, the handover will take place tomorrow morning. I'll go first then..."

Before he could finish speaking, Shen Tu Heng delivered a chop to the back of his neck and then lit two specially made incense sticks from Fufeng, sticking them near his head to completely knock him unconscious.

Then he held his breath and left the hidden crevice.

The desert night was as cool as water.

Shen Tu Heng fed himself the antidote for the mute poison, and a moment later he vomited a mouthful of black blood.

The tightness in his throat subsided, and he stood up straight, a smile playing on his lips.

Looking up, the silver moon was like a plate.

Just like the night they first met in the valley, the light was out of place.
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　Next chapter: No need for one more person...

　　(End of this chapter)