Chapter 141 - 108: Bai Family Takes Action, Total Lockdown

Chapter 141: Chapter 108: Bai Family Takes Action, Total Lockdown

"Once they completely lock down the land and water routes, getting on a boat to investigate will be harder than reaching the heavens."

Hearing this, Kui Shan didn’t hesitate. He abruptly stood up. "Wen Ling, get the others, grab our gear, and head to the docks immediately!"

"I’ll go with you to save time." Lu Jing’an also stood up.

Two black sedans drove through the streets of Yin Mountain County Town, heading toward the docks.

Inside Lu Jing’an’s car, Lin Qingya sat in the passenger seat. She stared silently ahead, her profile appearing somewhat aloof amidst the shifting light and shadows outside the window.

Wen Ling and Lu Jing’an sat in the back. The car jolted slightly as it rolled over the bluestone-paved road.

Watching the rapidly retreating streetscapes outside, Wen Ling suddenly asked, "Young Master Lu, the Bai Family is coming on strong this time. Can your Lu Family... withstand it?"

Lu Jing’an shifted his gaze out the window. Looking at the familiar shops and signboards, he slowly shook his head. "I don’t know."

He paused. His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried a firm resolve.

"But we have to withstand it, even if we can’t," he continued. "There is no turning back now. ℯℓ.

"The Bai Family and the Voiders want to sever the connection between the three counties and control the waterways. My Lu Family is a thorn in their side. Perhaps they’ll target the more troublesome Hu Family first, but no matter what, this is a hurdle we cannot avoid."

Wen Ling opened his mouth, wanting to offer some words of comfort or encouragement. However, he realized that any words would pale in comparison to the current situation. In the end, he merely let out a soft sigh.

The cars soon arrived at the bustling docks. The river breeze blew against their faces, carrying the metallic scent of water. The masts of various boats and ships formed a dense forest, while the chants of coolies, the blasts of steam whistles, and the cries of hawkers intertwined into a chaotic symphony.

Seeing Lu Jing’an’s car, a member of the Water Patrol Bureau immediately jogged over. He neatly opened the door, stood at attention, and saluted. "Chief!"

Lu Jing’an stepped out and gave a brief order. "Pick a squad of reliable brothers and prep the Ironclad Ship. You will be assisting these officers from the Anping Bureau on a patrol of the Canglan River. Follow Director Kui Shan’s orders for all operations."

"Yes, Chief!" The patrolman accepted the order and ran briskly toward the dark, steel-plated Ironclad Ship moored at the private dock.

About thirty minutes later, everything was ready. The patrolman ran back to report, "Chief, the ship is prepared. We can depart at any time."

Lu Jing’an nodded to Kui Shan and the others. "Gentlemen, please. Keep me updated on the situation on the river at all times."

Kui Shan cupped his fists. "Thank you for the trouble."

With that, he led Wen Ling, Lin Qingya, and the rest, following the Water Patrol members toward the Ironclad Ship.

Just as Lu Jing’an watched them board, black smoke billowed from the Ironclad Ship’s smokestack. As the engine began to RUMBLE, a Water Patrol member sprinted frantically from the direction of the dock office, panting heavily. He waved his arms as he ran, shouting anxiously, "Chief! The ship can’t leave! Chief, wait!"

Lu Jing’an’s gaze narrowed. Instead of calling a halt, he gave the Water Patrol members on the ship a hand signal to depart immediately.

The Ironclad Ship untied its mooring lines and slowly pulled away from the dock. Cleaving through the murky river water, it sailed upstream.

The patrolman finally dashed up to Lu Jing’an, his chest heaving violently as he gasped for breath. "Ch-Chief! The ship can’t leave!"

Lu Jing’an’s expression remained calm as he looked at him. "Why not? What’s wrong with my Water Patrol Bureau’s ship patrolling the river? Do I need to take orders from you?"

The patrolman shuddered in fright, his face paling as he quickly stood at attention. "This subordinate wouldn’t dare!

"I-It’s just that we received an urgent telegram from the Provincial Capital Defense Command! Because the rebel faction in Xiao County is running rampant, to prevent them from fleeing, the Defense Command has ordered a complete takeover of the key land and water routes at the border of the Three Provinces to implement temporary control! Without a transit permit issued by the Defense Command, no vehicles or vessels are allowed to cross the border!"

The river breeze suddenly strengthened, causing Lu Jing’an’s clothes to flap wildly. He gazed in the direction the Ironclad Ship was departing, then glanced at the panicked patrolman.

The lockdown order had arrived faster than he anticipated.

And this, he feared, was only the beginning.