Iron Dynasty Chapter 1091

Ge’s Mansion.

Ren He paced his room in extreme anxiety, like an ant on a scorching surface. The memory of his encounter with Yue Yun and his entourage repeatedly flashed in his mind, robbing him of appetite and sleep.

With Cao Kun’s apprehension, it was inevitable that the list would end up in the court’s possession. Consequently, his safety in Qingzhou was no longer assured.

While anxiously contemplating his predicament, Ren He’s gaze suddenly sharpened. “Cao Kun, Cao Zheng-tong, with your demise, the Merchant Parliament ceases to exist. From this moment on, I am no longer obligated to serve you. Let us each fend for ourselves.”

Having spoken his resolve aloud, Ren He moved towards the window, peering out. After a brief hesitation, he turned and exited his room.

“Elder Ren, may I inquire where you are headed?”

Just as he was about to reach the main gate, Ren He encountered Gao Yuan, the butler of the Ge mansion.

“Ah, I seem to have left something behind in the classroom. I am merely going to retrieve it,” Ren He replied, his expression unchanging, a faint smile gracing his lips.

Gao Yuan responded with a smile, “In that case, allow me to have a carriage prepared for you, Elder Ren.”

With that, Ren He departed the Ge mansion without further ado.

Gao Yuan observed Ren He’s departure with a hint of surprise. He then turned to see Ge Yiren approaching, a contemplative expression on his face.

“What did he say?” Ge Yiren inquired.

“Reporting to the Master, Elder Ren mentioned he had left an item in the classroom,” Gao Yuan responded truthfully.

Ge Yiren’s frown deepened. After a moment’s deliberation, he declared, “This Ren He bears a strong connection to Cao Kun. He might even be a surviving member of the Merchant Parliament. Alas, my reputation has been compromised by believing and harboring him. Should Cao Kun expose him, I fear the entire Ge family will be thrown into turmoil.”

After a pause, his eyes suddenly gleamed with sharp intent. “Immediately gather a few trusted individuals and discreetly pursue Ren He. This matter must be resolved. There can be no room for error.”

Gao Yuan was momentarily taken aback. Only recently had these two been addressing each other as brothers, yet now, in such a swift turn of events, the intent to kill had surfaced. This left him somewhat bewildered.

However, these were Ge Yiren’s direct orders, and disobedience was not an option. He had engaged in acts of violence and theft in Chang’an previously, but such actions had ceased since his arrival in Qingzhou.

This realization instilled a sense of nervousness within him.

Acknowledging the order, Gao Yuan turned to depart. Before he had taken more than a few steps, Ge Yiren’s stern voice echoed from behind, “You must succeed. Failure is not an option. Upon receiving any news, report back to me immediately.”

Following these directives, Ge Yiren promptly arranged for a carriage. His intention was to proceed to the palace and confront Xiao Ming, intending to expose Ren He once his demise was assured.

Simultaneously, a deceased Ren He would be unable to reveal their clandestine plot.

Meanwhile, Ren He, having left the Ge mansion, made his way directly to the Qingzhou railway station. A train bound for Jinling was scheduled to depart that afternoon.

His plan was to escape to Jinling and subsequently travel further south. Although the Empire had achieved unification, its dominion over the southern regions was considerably weaker compared to the north, attributable to the challenging terrain and the distant imperial authority.

His strategy was that upon reaching the south, he could secure passage on a merchant vessel.

While engrossed in his strategic planning, his gaze unexpectedly fell upon three men rapidly approaching. Their faces bore fierce expressions, clearly indicating they were not individuals of good standing.

A shiver coursed through Ren He’s spine. He recognized these three men; they were servants from the Ge mansion. It was evident they were trailing him.

To confirm his suspicions, he deliberately navigated through several turns within Qingzhou City. Regardless of his path, the three men persistently followed.

Pausing before a street-side guard post, Ren He swallowed hard. He understood Ge Yiren’s character all too well.

It was precisely this lack of trust in Ge Yiren that had prompted his decision to flee. However, it was now apparent that Ge Yiren would not permit his departure so easily, given the illicit information Ren He had acquired during his time there.

“Ge Yiren, if you wish for my death, then we shall meet our end together! No one will escape unscathed!” A surge of fury ignited in Ren He’s eyes.

Yet, he quickly regained his composure. His own potential demise was one matter, but his family residing in the south would likely face grave peril.

Before he could exact his revenge upon Ge Yiren, he felt compelled to at least send a message to his family, urging them to escape.

With this thought, he joined the throng of people heading towards the heart of Qingzhou City. Within this bustling area stood a telegraph office, established by the Telecommunications Department.

Through this facility, the citizens of the Empire could dispatch messages to their distant relatives and friends.

Upon entering the telegraph office, Ren He provided the operator with his hometown’s address. He then dictated his message: “I am safe and sound. Do not worry. I am fulfilling my duties.”

After the message was transmitted by the operator, Ren He exited the telegraph office.

Outside, Gao Yuan reached a carriage, facing three servants who were, in truth, assassins employed by Ge Yiren.

Anxiously awaiting news of Ren He, Gao Yuan demanded, "Why is there still no action?"

"Butler Gao, Ren He is sticking to the guards' patrol route. With guards everywhere, we have no opportunity to act," one assassin replied.

"We cannot afford to wait! The master is enraged. He will surely spare your lives once you've eliminated them," Gao Yuan declared menacingly.

Upon hearing this, the three assassins' eyes turned frigid. Since Gao Yuan had issued the order, they felt compelled to proceed with the assassination.

Just as they prepared to act, Ren He emerged from the telegraph office, casting a glance in their direction before breaking into a run.

"Hurry, go!" Gao Yuan, having been spotted by Ren He, bellowed in fury.

The three men, no longer hesitant, drew their daggers and sprinted towards Ren He, who was about ten meters ahead.

Ren He ran with all his might, crying out, "Someone is trying to kill me! Help, somebody help!"

However, being older and with dwindling stamina, he was no match for the three assassins from the Ge mansion. As they closed in, their gleaming daggers poised to strike his back, three sharp gunshots echoed through the air.

Startled, Ren He turned to see the three assassins lying in pools of their own blood.

At that precise moment, the rhythmic sound of marching footsteps approached, and at least a hundred guards suddenly appeared, emerging from all directions to surround him.

A leading guard announced sternly, "Ren He, you must accompany us."

Witnessing this, Ren He collapsed to the ground, erupting into hysterical laughter. After a prolonged period, he slowly rose and declared, "I demand an audience with the Emperor! I possess critical information the Emperor desires. Ge Yiren! If you wish me dead, then we shall perish together!"

"In that case, your wish shall be granted," the guard leader responded in a deep voice. They had received official orders to arrest Ren He.

Furthermore, based on Ren He's accusation, Ge Yiren, a minister in the current Cabinet, appeared to be implicated.

Amidst the onlookers, Gao Yuan's face drained of color. The guards' opportune arrival was clearly part of a meticulously planned operation.

This realization struck him: someone had already initiated their move. With this urgent thought, he immediately raced back to the Ge mansion, determined to deliver this news to Ge Yiren.