Chapter 37: The Skynet

"Brother Wang, my eldest brother has arranged for a few distinguished guests to stay with you for a few days!"

A-Si led Liu Xie and his group to a spacious inn. Above the main entrance, a large plaque bore several gilded characters: "Fengxian Tower." A-Si was currently calling out to someone inside.

The area in front of the inn was bustling with people, and those who noticed the carriage procession led by Liu Xie cast curious glances. However, they soon looked away; while carriage processions entering the city were not an everyday occurrence, the scale of Liu Xie’s group was not particularly extraordinary.

"Coming, coming!" A slightly aged voice responded from within.

A man with a robust build emerged from the inn. His gait was steady and powerful, yet his hair was already completely white. This surprised Liu Xie somewhat.

"Since you are Brother Zhang’s distinguished guests, please follow me. I still have a few excellent suites available!" The man wore a welcoming smile as he ushered them into the inn.

"I am the proprietor of this inn; you can just call me Old Wang!" he said, introducing himself naturally while leading the way.

Liu Xie watched Old Wang, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. The man did not seem particularly old, yet his face was haggard and his hair snowy white. He appeared to be a man with a hidden story.

"Brother Wang, how is Xia'er’s illness?" A-Si, who was walking alongside Old Wang, asked.

Upon hearing this, Old Wang’s mood visibly darkened. "It’s still hard to say. I’ve invited all the famous physicians in the commandery, but none of them can identify what the illness is."

Sensing the man's dejection, A-Si fell silent for a moment before saying, "Let me help you look after Xia'er these next two days! Her illness is bound to get better!"

Old Wang laughed, though the sound was clearly strained. "Haha, it’s alright, it’s alright. Xia'er’s fate is just unkind; life and death are destined, and wealth is granted by heaven. Let it be."

"But, I... I am still waiting to marry her!" A-Si said, his own spirits sinking.

"A-Si, I know you love Xia'er, but my daughter is not worthy of you in her current state. If Xia'er were well, I would have happily betrothed her to you." Old Wang paused, then patted A-Si on the shoulder and quickened his pace.

Soon, Liu Xie and his group arrived at the top floor under Old Wang’s guidance.

"Everyone, these are our best suites. All these rooms have been cleaned, so please rest easy!" Old Wang said with a smile.

Liu Xie nodded. "Many thanks, brother!"

"Think nothing of it. Stay as long as you like. I’ll take my leave now, but call for me if you need anything!" Old Wang said cheerfully. He then shouted downstairs, "Little Liu! Look after the guests upstairs! Bring up some wine and food!"

"Understood!"

After hearing the response, Old Wang smiled at Liu Xie and the others. "I’ll go attend to my duties then. Please, don't hesitate to ask if you need anything!"

"Very well, thank you for your hard work," Liu Xie replied. Watching A-Si and Old Wang descend the stairs, he turned to his dozen guards. "You all will stay in the rooms next door tonight!"

"Yes, sir!"

Satisfied with the guards' disciplined response, Liu Xie turned and entered his room with Er Niu.

"Er Niu, go ahead and cast the net," Liu Xie said, standing with his hands behind his back and gazing at the scenery outside the window.

"Yes, sir!"

"Tianwang" (Sky Net) was the intelligence agency Liu Xie was establishing. From the very first day he arrived in this world, the suffocating lack of information had forced him to decide to build his own network. The initial blueprint for Tianwang had begun to take shape in his mind at that time.

Liu Xie had previously purchased a group of slaves at a treasure market in the capital specifically to prepare for this network. He intended to create something akin to the "Jinyiwei" of later generations, so that he could truly hold the world in his own hands. Yuzhang Commandery was the first step in casting this net.

That night, Liu Xie sat cross-legged on the bed, rubbing the jade thumb ring on his hand, his eyes lost in thought. For the past few months, he had been trying to understand the mystery of this ring. It had been a gift from his grandfather in his previous life, and he had not expected it to travel with him.

Liu Xie frowned, staring at the ring. *Grandfather, what exactly is this thing you gave me?*

He shook his head in frustration and was about to put the ring away when he heard a noise outside the door.

"Who’s there!"

"Subordinate Qin Yu, I have a report!"

Hearing the familiar voice, Liu Xie relaxed and slowly withdrew the dagger he had pulled out. Ever since his previous assassination attempt, he had become much more cautious. He knew that many people wanted him dead; countless eyes, both visible and hidden, were fixed upon him.

"Come in," Liu Xie said, steadying his emotions.

The door opened slightly, and a dark figure slipped inside.

"Subordinate Qin Yu pays his respects to Your Majesty!"

Liu Xie sat up straight and asked in a low voice, "How did your inquiries go?"

Qin Yu lifted his mask and reported with his head bowed, "Reporting to Your Majesty, I have discovered traces of large-scale troop movements outside the city. It appears to be the remnants of Dong Zhuo’s forces!"

Liu Xie’s brow furrowed again. "Dong Zhuo’s remnants?"

"Yes. After the battle at Luoyang, the whereabouts of the nearly 100,000 troops led by Hu Zhen and Xu Rong on the eastern front remained unknown. I suspect they have come here."

"Yuzhang Commandery is far from the capital, and the imperial court’s control is weak. With Liu Biao serving as a barrier to the north and the Baiyue tribes to the south, it is a place where one can advance to attack or retreat to defend. I fear they intend to use Yuzhang as a base to plot a rebellion once more!"

"Furthermore, the Assistant Administrator and the Commandant of Yuzhang have not reported this to the court. It is likely they have already colluded with them."

Liu Xie’s gaze darkened. He had anticipated these things long ago; in fact, it could be said that he had allowed it to happen. Letting them go not only served to keep Liu Biao in Yizhou in check, but it would also help him flush out a long chain of conspirators.

Liu Xie looked at Qin Yu and nodded with satisfaction. "Good thinking, you have a sharp mind. Stay here; for the next few days, cooperate with Er Niu to establish the local branch of Tianwang."

Hearing this, Qin Yu felt a surge of excitement. Liu Xie’s words meant he was handing the Southern branch of Tianwang over to him. He had leaped from a mere guard to the head of the Southern intelligence division!

Qin Yu was nearly dizzied by this sudden opportunity, but he quickly composed himself and replied, suppressing his excitement, "Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty! I will not fail you! Within a year, I will ensure Your Majesty is satisfied! If I fail, I am willing to die for my incompetence!"

Liu Xie patted his shoulder. "Work hard. I believe in your ability."

Encouraged by Liu Xie’s words, Qin Yu made a silent vow: since the Emperor trusted him so much, he would build Tianwang to be impeccable.

Liu Xie nodded. "Also, have you found the person I asked you to look for?"