Chapter 265: Falling Eagle Ridge

Chapter 265: Falling Eagle Ridge

His fingers automatically flipped a page, his eyes casually scanning the page.

The page recorded a place called Falling Eagle Ridge, described as having steep terrain, many birds of prey circling, and being sparsely populated.

At first he paid it no mind, but just as he was about to turn the page, his fingers suddenly stopped mid-motion.

Wait!

His gaze seemed to be firmly drawn to something, sharply focusing on the crudely depicted mountain terrain orientation map.

He saw the two intersecting main ridges, a branch ridge extending from one, and the faint line of a river winding through the valley.

Cheng Ge's eyes instantly sharpened, and his drowsiness and hunger vanished instantly.

He shot upright, almost lunging at the paper.

His fingers traced the lines on the page carefully, his eyes narrowing slightly.

His mind raced, frantically matching it against the fragmented memories from the glimpse he caught that night.

"It's here... a bit like... no, this curve... and the direction of this ridge..."

He fumbled to pull out from under the stack of books the crumpled "map" he had drawn earlier based on vague memories.

He placed the two maps side by side, his gaze darting back and forth between the official depiction in the book and his own rough sketch.

Although his memory was faulty and his sketch rough.

But several key terrain features matched: the approximate angle of the mountain convergence, and the position of the river passing through the valley.

Especially the relative position of the area where he had marked an "X" as a key point...

It's here! Cheng Ge was so excited he almost jumped up, and his previous frustration and exhaustion were swept away.

Falling Eagle Ridge, no doubt about it!

"Wufeng! Jiyue! Now!" He called out sharply, and two figures instantly appeared in the study.

Cheng Ge pointed at Falling Eagle Ridge on the gazetteer: "Focus your investigation here. Go yourselves and learn everything you can about Falling Eagle Ridge and the surrounding area.

Especially remote valleys and caves, or any places with recent unusual people or vehicles. Be careful and absolutely do not tip anyone off."

"Yes!" Wufeng and Jiyue immediately acknowledged the command.

Falling Eagle Ridge is in Wei County, south of Yuanzhou, with steep mountains and rugged roads.

With Wufeng and Jiyue going to investigate, it would likely take at least several days to get solid information.

He summoned Ling Feng and murmured his instructions: "Take two smart and trustworthy men and quietly go to Wei County and the surrounding counties.

The focus is to check the census records and population shifts in these places in recent years, especially the whereabouts of able-bodied men. Remember to be utterly discreet and do not alert the local authorities."

"Understood." Ling Feng accepted the order and immediately turned to leave and make arrangements.

After giving the orders, Cheng Ge's tense nerves relaxed a bit, and the neglected hunger rushed back over him.

He rubbed his growling stomach, planning to grab a bite before carefully considering the next steps.

However, just as he was about to step towards the dining hall, the courtyard guard announced clearly from outside the door:

"My Lord, Lord Zhao Yuanliang from the prefect's office asks to see you. He has arrived at the courtyard gate."

Cheng Ge's steps suddenly stopped, the relaxation on his face vanished instantly, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

Zhao Yuanliang? Why is he here?

It had been a few days since the night he secretly visited the Zhao residence. Cheng Ge had been claiming illness and staying secluded, precisely to avoid arousing the other's suspicion.

Could the other party have sensed something?

Cheng Ge's gaze hardened, thinking that Yuanzhou was indeed full of shrewd people; he must be careful.

He raised his voice to give orders, with a steady tone: "Invite Lord Zhao to the front hall to sit for a while and have some tea. I'll be there shortly."

The guard acknowledged and left. Cheng Ge stood still, quickly straightening his slightly wrinkled robes.

He carefully and neatly gathered up the scattered maps and records on the table, locking them in an inconspicuous hidden compartment of the desk.

In the front hall, Zhao Yuanliang was sitting upright sipping tea, looking perfectly composed.

Seeing Cheng Ge enter, he immediately put down his teacup, rose, and bowed with hands clasped: "Forgive my intrusion, Censor Cheng."

"You're too kind, Lord Zhao," Cheng Ge waved his hand casually and sat down in the main seat.

He even deliberately covered his mouth and coughed lightly a few times before asking with a somewhat sickly hoarseness: "May I ask what business Lord Zhao has at this time?"

Zhao Yuanliang let his gaze drift over, seemingly casually, Cheng Ge's slightly pale face and weary brows, his smile turning more sincere:

"No urgent matter. It's just that I thought Censor Cheng has been in Yuanzhou for some time, and after the welcoming banquet, you've been laboring for the country in the Censorate.

I heard that recently you were overworked and caught a slight cold. I am truly concerned for you.

Today I heard that your health seems to have improved, so I came specially to visit."

He paused his words, his tone carrying just the right measure of concern: "The Censor is the pillar of the court and the right hand of His Majesty. Please take good care of yourself."

Cheng Ge sneered inwardly, but on the surface he looked a bit flattered.

Then, as if reminded of some trouble, he sighed and waved his hand: "Ah, what pillar or right hand? Lord Zhao, don't flatter me.

This Yuanzhou region... looks peaceful, but underneath, I'm afraid there are plenty of problems. Just thinking about it gives me a headache." He rubbed his temples, looking overwhelmed.

A sharp light flashed in Zhao Yuanliang's eyes, and he seized the chance to probe: "Oh? May I ask what matters the Censor is referring to that trouble you so much?

If there is any impropriety in the governance of Yuanzhou, you must speak clearly, and we'll do everything we can to correct it."

But Cheng Ge pretended not to hear him, raised his hand to pour a cup of tea for Zhao Yuanliang, and casually changed the subject.

"Lord Zhao, try this tea. It was gifted by His Majesty, and is priceless and hard to come by."

Zhao Yuanliang was somewhat confused, holding the teacup and about to take a polite sip.

Just then, Cheng Ge spoke again: "It's just a pity... I can't even find a decent set of Yixing clay teacups.

The set I used to use in the capital was a tribute from a previous dynasty. Unfortunately, in my haste this time, I didn't bring it with me."

He tsk-tsked, looking nostalgic and regretful, then glanced sideways at Zhao Yuanliang out of the corner of his eye.

Zhao Yuanliang was taken aback for a moment, then understood and smiled, saying, "I was remiss.

If you like it, Your Excellency, I do have a fine set of purple clay tea ware stored at my residence. I will send someone to deliver it to Your Excellency tomorrow."

"Oh, I couldn't possibly accept that!" Cheng Ge declined verbally, but his eyes lit up.

Then they dimmed again, and he waved his hand, "Forget it, forget it. A gentleman does not take what others cherish. Besides…"

He lowered his voice, with a confiding, helpless tone, "Lord Zhao, you know that we officials have to be honest and above board.

With only a meager salary, I doubt I could afford such fine tea ware. These coarse bowls and cups will have to do, don't you think?"

Zhao Yuanliang: "???" What did he mean by that? What was he hinting at?

Cheng Ge: "Lord Zhao, do you have any extra cash on you?"