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Chu Qingzhi took a bit of each medicinal herb, wrapped it in mulberry leaves, and then performed some complex procedures. The final product looked almost identical to poppy, even the smell was similar.

Chu Qingning, repelled by the stench, took a step back, covering her nose. She asked, “Fifth Sister, what is this?”

Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang waved their hands to clear the air. The smell was indeed unpleasant.

Chu Qingzhi explained, “This is a kind of medicine that, when burned, can refresh the mind and invigorate the body, similar to the tobacco my grandfather smokes.”

The fake poppies had completely different effects. Smelling the aroma produced by burning these herbs would be beneficial to the body.

Chu Qingning trusted Chu Qingzhi and didn’t press the issue further. “Fifth Sister, did you bring us here just to make this tobacco?”

Chu Qingzhi nodded, “All the herbs here need to be turned into the tobacco 1 have in my hands. Thank you all for your hard work tonight.”

Chu Qingning patted her chest, “Leave it to us.”

Under Chu Qingzhi’s guidance, everyone started working.

On the other side, the surroundings of the Tao Mansion were already tightly monitored. The night was quiet and tense, making people uneasy.

Disguised as an old man guarding the Tao Mansion, carrying a red lantern, someone slowly ascended the tall building in the Tao Mansion to hang the lantern.

At the top of the tall building that resembled a pavilion, with no obstructions around, the lantern could be seen from far away.

Chu Xujin and Ge Lihua had already investigated. Tao Pengnan’s men numbered a total of thirty-five. Tonight’s goal was to capture all of them. If successful, Chu Qingzhi’s plan to impersonate Tao Pengnan and enter the capital could proceed smoothly.

The red lantern was hung on the tall building.

The old man looked at the dark night over Shuiyun County, then walked down from the tall building, heading to the back kitchen.

According to the information provided by the old janitor, Tao Pengnan’s men usually went to his study first after arriving at the Tao Mansion to discuss matters. Afterward, they would enjoy feasting and revelry in the mansion.

They could take the opportunities to take these 35 people down while they were having fun. If successful, this operation could be carried out without needing a fight.

In a certain house.

A woman rushed into the house anxiously, “Second Brother, the lantern is lit at the Tao Mansion.”

The man referred to as Second Brother paused for a moment, then became excited. He slammed the table, “Finally, the lantern is lit. I’ve been waiting for so many days.”

Tao Pengnan had told them that this time, they would do something big. It seemed like the moment had finally come.

The man became excited and said to the woman, “I might be away for several days. Don’t tell anyone about my whereabouts.”

Every time the man went out, he brought back a lot of silver. The woman was happier than the man, “Sure, I’ll wait for you to come back.”

The man picked up his belongings and left happily.

In the city, similar scenes unfolded one after another.

The Tao Mansion’s door was knocked. “Uncle Tao, open the door, Zhao Er is here.”

Uncle Tao deliberately delayed before opening the door, fitting the characteristics of a slow-moving elderly person. “Zhao Er is here; come in, Young Master is already waiting for you.”

Zhao Er tossed a jar of wine to Uncle Tao, “A gift for you. Enjoy it.”

Uncle Tao held the jar happily, saying, “Thank you.”

Zhao Er gestured, showing no suspicion, and went straight into the mansion.

In the study, Tao Pengnan was flirting with a girl, creating an atmosphere that suggested it wasn’t a study but rather a place for amusement.

When Tao Pengnan was waiting for his subordinates, he would usually call a girl in to play with. In the entire county office, only Ge Lihua was most suitable for this job.

The study echoed with the girl’s giggles.

“Young Master…” The girl gently pushed Tao Pengnan, making sweet and cloying sounds.

Zhao Er approached the study and heard the spine-tingling sounds. He was immediately aroused, a lascivious smile appearing on his lips. He had always fancied the girl called Yun Er in the mansion, wondering if Young Master Tao would let him have some fun with her this time.

With delightful fantasies, he knocked on the study door, “Young Master, Zhao Er is here.”

Tao Pengnan slightly turned his face towards the door, glanced at it, and said, “Come in.”

Zhao Er entered, surveyed the scene in the study, then quickly lowered his head. Tao Pengnan had a bad temper and disliked people under him looking directly at him. “Young Master.”

Tao Pengnan’s tone was slightly cold, “Stand aside and wait. They haven’t arrived yet.”

He secretly observed Zhao Er, noting his sturdy and compact physique, and his light and agile footsteps. He was a martial artist of considerable skill, not easily subdued with a single move.

Zhao Er quickly complied, “Yes.”

The success of the plan depended on the young master, and he behaved even more respectfully than usual.

Tao Pengnan continued to play with the girl.

As time passed, more and more people arrived at the study, all with the hope of becoming rich overnight. After arriving, they didn’t dare to provoke Tao Pengnan and stood aside respectfully.

Things progressed to this point relatively smoothly, and Tao Pengnan felt a slight relief.

The girl hooked her hands around Tao Pengnan’s neck and asked in a sweet and coquettish voice, “Young Master, how much longer?”

Tao Pengnan gently tapped the girl’s forehead, smiling, “Very soon.” He then turned and asked, “Why haven’t they come yet?”

Zhao Er, somewhat puzzled, said, “Young Master, aren’t they in another place?”

Another place? What did that mean? Tao Pengnan looked at Zhao Er, realizing that things might not be going as expected.

Seeing Tao Pengnan frowning, Zhao Er quickly added, “Young Master, they should already be waiting in another location.”

Tao Pengnan slowly clenched his fist, feeling a bit nervous. “This matter is secretive. It’s not safe to gather in another place. Who among you will go and bring them here?”

“That place is known only to you, Young Master…” Zhao Er became even more puzzled, and the others also looked at Tao Pengnan, gradually showing suspicious gazes.

At this moment, Zhao Er took out a token from his pocket, with his name, Zhao Er, written on it. “Young Master, it’s time to verify identities!”

Was Tao Pengnan really this cautious?

Ge Lihua’s palms began to sweat, but she remained composed on the surface. “Sure.”

Unable to confirm if he was real or fake, everyone took out their tokens…

All the tokens were taken out, forming a circle, missing only the central piece to complete the circular plate shape.

Ge Lihua felt uneasy; she didn’t know about the identity verification step.

Where could she find her token? “I rushed over just now, and I forgot the token in another piece of clothing. I’ll go get it.”

People had some suspicions, but seeing Tao Pengnan remain calm, unruffled, they couldn’t be sure if Tao Pengnan’s identity was true or false.

Zhao Er clasped his hands and said, “Young Master, we’ll wait for you..”