Chapter 111 - Uncovering the Mines

Mafan had to be cautious and climbed on a tree to hide, waiting for Qinfen. After a few hours he thought it was Qinfen whom he heard approaching the mines. He was about to climb down when he noticed the footsteps were more than just one. 

"I fear what you say is true. There has been some evidence that a lot of people were here not too long ago."

It was a voice that seemed familiar to Mafan. He waited for the person to get near and as it did, his whole body went cold.

It was Ming and Xinyi with the estate guards behind them. The former saw some rocks piled in an open area while tools were left on the ground. Fresh footsteps were also clear as day.

Mafan was flabbergasted. "What? Why are they here? How did they find out? The workers couldn't have let the cat out of the bag after my hypnotism power." He couldn't think of anyone selling him out. "Damn, I won't let you stop my plans when the stone is already within my grasp." 

He lightly punched the tree trunk in frustration. Their sight annoyed him. He knew they would soon find out about the hole but, "I won't allow you to stop me." He would wait for a chance to go in. For now, he was on the lookout for Qinfen and didn't want Ming to get his brother, his only usable ally at the moment.

It puzzled Ming to see the tools and the multiple footprints. "Who are these men? How did they get inside that easy?" The only people that came into his mind were the workers in Anjing Pavilion and the one in charge was Qinfen.

He ordered a few guards to look for Qinfen and to check on the workers. Ming also ordered his guards to search the area. They didn't know that Mafan was around, listening and watching them. 

"Sir! Over here!" Alas, a guard shouted when he saw the hole at the small hill. They walked where the guard pointed. 

"Governor, these areas have been cleared," another guard called their attention. They all went there as well. Ming and Xinyi could tell these were stone mines too.

"I think someone is inside, Governor. A man can fit in this size. If we enter, we can capture whoever is digging here." The guards waited for his signal to enter. 

Ming hesitated, but he knew these were his best men. Surely, whoever was inside couldn't beat my men that easily. However, his instincts told him not to let them in, thinking the man might not be inside after opening a hole and could only be lurking around. He also doubted because... 

"No, there could be over one person and laying in wait if they are inside. They can also be outside or somewhere watching us. Search the whole west side first." As the men left, he shouted, "Wait," and gently added, "Please, be careful."  

"Yes, Sir!" the man replied with vigor and ran by group, glad to know their governor was deeply concerned with their well-being.

---- o ----

Mafan moved nearer to where Qinfen might pass. Just as he saw Qinfen a man suddenly appeared out of nowhere. It had braided blond hair but not wearing any armor, just plain clothes. 

"A Godingan?" And before he knew it, the man grabbed Qinfen, carried him on his shoulder like a sack, and ran off. 

"Wai…," Mafan was stunned stupid. He assumed it could be one of General Lofey's men. He thought of following but it went off in a beat. "That's a knight and for sure it could be the general's right-hand man, Tyriece."

Seeing his ally and explosives taken away gave him a headache. He hid somewhere far from prying eyes, behind the bushes. He needed to think on his next move.

"Will I give up this time or not?" His mind said No but his heart said Yes. "I can't just give up when I've reached this far. There could be a way." He waited and would go in when the opportunity presented itself. He had to give up on Qinfen. What was important was that Ming didn't see Qinfen or else he would have known his identity. 

---- o ----

Tyriece ran in the shadows and brought Qinfen to the guest house with no one noticing them. His other hand held the explosives.

"Look who I've found with some interesting objects with him?" Tyriece said.

The general saw Qinfen staring blank and understood the man was under Mafan's control. He also confirmed that the commotion had something to do with Mafan. 

"Mafan is controlling the Governor's brother. We have to tell the Governor right now." General Lofey stood up and let Tyriece lead the way where Ming was, bringing Qinfen and the deadly items with them. 

Mafan was also busy after his loss. He controlled a guard and exchanged outfit. He left the poor guard sleeping and well hidden under a bush, wearing his clothes.