Chapter 971: Jailbreak

Editor: Henyee Translations

Chu Tang clicked his tongue. The border army was too corrupt. “When did they last contact you?”

“Five days ago,” Qu Wu replied. “They stole a batch of arrows five days ago.”

Chu Tang asked, “Do you know how they managed to steal them?”

Qu Wu shook his head. “I don’t know. I led the guards away, and I didn’t see anything. I’m puzzled myself.”

For the arrows to be removed from the storage tent, even with the guards distracted, there should be some evidence. Chu Tang felt challenged. “Do you think the person who contacted you is someone you know?”

Qu Wu was certain, “No, I don’t recognize the voice, it was very unfamiliar. But I know he’s from this camp; he had the presence of a soldier.”

Chu Tang waved him aside, “Stand over there.” He then motioned to another person by Chen Yi’s side. “Come here.”

After questioning all three, Chu Tang concluded that their tasks were identical—to distract the guards. Additionally, many others in the camp seemed to be involved.

As he pondered, Chu Tang’s gaze flicked to the pile of firewood. “How was this brought in?”

All three answered in unison, “We don’t know.”

It dawned on Chu Tang that he had overlooked something. The large amount of firewood must have been brought in somehow, and since the entire route from entering the camp to the storage needed scrutiny, the smugglers must be a chain of people, each covering for the others. Moreover, the arrows might have been swapped before even entering the store, not necessarily stolen as assumed.

“Chen Yi, take me to the quartermaster.”

“Right away, Brother Chu.”

The quartermaster’s tent was located at the entrance to the storage area, a large tent where the quartermaster’s officials worked.

Two guards at the entrance stopped Chu Tang as he approached, demanding he leave the restricted area.

Chen Yi stepped forward to intervene, but Chu Tang produced a token, “Can I enter now?”

Recognizing the token, the guards immediately stepped aside, showing deep respect, “Please, go ahead.”

Chu Tang entered the tent.

Inside, twelve officials were quietly working at their desks. The one at the front left side scolded Chu Tang, “Get out, this isn’t a place for you!”

Chu Tang slammed the token on the official’s desk, “Is this official perhaps feeling guilty?”

The official stuttered on seeing the token, which held as much authority as Chen General himself, granting free access to any part of the camp.

Instantly, all eyes in the tent turned to Chu Tang, filled with inquiry.

After verifying the authenticity of the token, the official’s demeanor softened, “I was not aware of your status, but if this is under Chen General’s orders, I will cooperate.”

“Good attitude.” Chu Tang pocketed the token and as if flickering light touched his eyes, he said, “Insiders, step forward.”

Chen Yi and Chen Er watched in shock as officials from the right side of the tent stood up, their faces pale.

The rest of the officials were stunned.

Chu Tang folded his arms, “Chen Yi, Chen Er, aren’t you going to arrest these people?”

They snapped out of their daze and rushed to bind the accused, then hurried to inform General Chen. When General Chen heard the news, he came immediately.

“Chu Tang, are you certain you haven’t wronged them?” General Chen couldn’t believe that half of the quartermaster’s officials were traitors.

“I never wrong anyone,” Chu Tang assured him before addressing the officials, “Soon, General Chen will question you. Be honest.”

After finishing his instructions to General Chen, Chu Tang said, “I’ll leave this matter to you. I’m going to speak with the quartermaster officials who were imprisoned.”

A couple of things still bothered him: the firewood appeared after the arrows were found missing, and the previously stolen arrows’ location remained a mystery.

General Chen sighed, “Go ahead.”

Under the guidance of Chen Yi and Chen Er, Chu Tang headed to the city’s prison.

In the city prison, managed by one of Tang Jinghong’s trusted aides, Chu Tang prepared to meet this person.

The dungeon was dark and damp, with a foul smell that made one uncomfortable all over. As soon as Chu Tang arrived, he coincidentally encountered a jailbreak attempt.

The prison guards shouted, “Secure the gates! Don’t let them escape!”

Just as Chu Tang, accompanied by Chen Yi and Chen Er, reached the main gate, about seven or eight prisoners prepared to escape, brandishing knives with a desperate ferocity, “Get out of the way, or we’ll kill you!”

Chu Tang, with a casual gesture, grabbed a thick stick nearby and swung it lightly forward.

The stick flew out, knocking all the escaping prisoners back, hitting them on the heads and knocking them out cold.

Chen Yi and Chen Er were left gaping; Chu Tang’s display of internal strength was clearly at a masterful level.

The prisoners behind, who had hoped to escape, hesitated and then retreated in fear. Chu Tang, who looked gentle and clean, evidently possessed lethal skills.

The guards quickly approached, “Surrender now, or face the consequences!”

Faced with the choice between certain death and possible imprisonment, the prisoners chose the latter—survival meant there was still hope.

However, there were still those unafraid of death. One burly man with a round face charged at Chu Tang with a knife, seemingly intent on a suicidal attack.

Chen Yi and Chen Er moved to protect Chu Tang.

Chu Tang grabbed the stick again and swiftly struck the round-faced man on the head with speed that was almost imperceptible to the onlooker.

The man’s advance halted abruptly; his eyes widened in disbelief as blood trickled from his hair. A moment later, his eyes slowly closed, and he fell to the ground, dead.

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