Chapter 5, The First Meeting

Those weapons are merely for practice!" Lin Zhen smiled slyly: "Poisoning, hidden weapons, and close combat are the skills we truly need. A spy has much to learn, especially women; they must acquire some knowledge in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. One must also delve into martial arts and pharmacology! Among us sisters, only about two or three out of ten who have been in the training room since we were seven or eight years old are qualified to be sent to Jiangbei. The majority still have to remain here and endure!"

"Farewell, farewell! Let us meet again tomorrow!" Yan Ming and Shang Ping watched Han Feng leave, observing his figure disappear into the night. Yan Ming scoffed, saying, "He is merely the unremarkable son of Han Zhuozhou, yet he carries himself with such airs. Does he really think that we brothers would stoop to flatter him?"

Han Feng understood that relationships with colleagues were quite important, especially since he was not very familiar with the place. He needed to get to know these local figures a bit. Thus, he replied, "Since it is Manager Yan's invitation, how could I dare not to attend?"

In fact, there is nothing wrong with this! Han Feng smiled and said: "The court provides food and accommodation, and you also receive a salary. If you are never sent out for your entire life, it is not a big deal. Are you worried that you won't be able to get married in the future..."

Are you afraid that your small frame won't satisfy this fierce woman? Do you want to drag me into the fray? I won't do it; in matters like this, I, Lao Shang, have always preferred to eat alone!" Shang Ping laughed heartily and punched Yan Ming in the chest.

Lin Zhen smiled self-deprecatingly; although she was slightly older than Han Feng, she appeared much more mature. Under the moonlight, her garments fluttered gracefully, and her figure was enchanting, as if she were a celestial being from the Moon Palace strolling amidst the shimmering silver light.

The official laughed and said, "The Jin people occupy half of our territory. Back in the day, General Yue Fei led the army to the north, but unfortunately, his great ambitions were unfulfilled, and he died before his time. The common people in the north have been oppressed by the Jin for decades. As a lone girl who escaped from the north, who among us does not harbor a deep-seated hatred for the Jin? Who does not wish for our royal army to restore order in the Central Plains?" Lin Zhen's face showed a hint of sadness: "But what can we weak women do? Just surviving is already a blessing, let alone being in a position where we have no worries about food and clothing in the Intelligence Bureau!"

Yan Ming, the monk, stepped forward to greet Han Feng. Yan Ming chuckled, saying: "Today, I am not in the reading room as I have matters to attend to with Lord Shang. I just returned and saw your figure from afar. I was just telling Lord Shang, when did the reading room have such a robust and spirited hero? I guessed it must be Brother Han who is about to take office! Indeed, I was not mistaken. It is regrettable that we were unable to host a welcoming feast for Brother Han today; that is my oversight. Please do not take offense, my younger brother. Tomorrow, I will go to Shaoxing Prefecture and find a good place to host a banquet for Brother Han. I hope you will honor us with your presence then!"

Shang Ping greedily gazed at Lin Zhen's silhouette, stroking his chin as he said: "This little flirt hasn't been out for a while, and she has become even more alluring. Just look at the way her hips sway..."

Indeed, Yan Ming and Zhao Ruyu have no relation. However, Zhao Ruyu's nephew, Zhao Fei, serves as the magistrate in Shaoxing. A few years ago, this magistrate took a seventh concubine, who happens to be Yan Ming's sister. Yan Ming transformed from a mere idler in the streets to the head of the teaching and reading department. The saying goes, when one person rises to prominence, even their chickens and dogs ascend with them, and this is precisely the case!

Oh, your ambitions are quite lofty!

Han Feng felt that this topic seemed somewhat heavy, so he asked, "I will soon take over the teaching and reading room. However, I still do not know what you female agents need to practice. Do you also need to train with swords, spears, and halberds?" Han Feng pointed to the weapon rack.

Han Feng was about to say something when he noticed Lin Zhen's苦笑, as if she wanted to speak but hesitated. Just as Han Feng found it strange and was about to ask, he suddenly heard someone calling from a distance: "Is it Manager Han?"

Tomorrow, let's test the waters with him. If he can be of help, we will bring him along! It wouldn't hurt to win over Han Tan's son. Yan Ming said softly, "If he continues to put on this arrogant act and gives me attitude, hmph, I have no need to let him know whose domain the Teaching and Reading Room truly is"

As Han Feng looked up, under the moonlight, two men walked over side by side. The one on the left was dressed in a blue official uniform, while the one on the right wore the attire of a military general, exposing his chest and appearing quite robust

The two were laughing and joking when one turned around to see that Han Feng's expression was not quite right. Yan Ming asked with concern, "Brother Han, are you feeling unwell?"

I know this! Han Feng and Lin Zhen are walking side by side together

Yan Ming let out a few cold laughs. The Zhao Xiangguo mentioned by Shang Ping refers to the current Right Chancellor, Zhao Ruyu. He comes from a royal lineage and is also a top scholar. Presently, Zhao Ruyu not only holds the position of Right Chancellor but also serves as the head of the Privy Council. He wields significant power in the court and enjoys the deep trust of Emperor Guangzong

Han Feng looked at them, and before he could respond, Lin Zhen quietly explained beside him: "On the left is Yan Ming, the head of the male department of the teaching and reading room. On the right is Shang Ping, the stationed officer of the teaching and reading room."

Yan Ming laughed and said: "What’s wrong, Old Shang? Are you missing that little hoof? But to be fair, there are women in the reading room who are prettier than her, and some who are more voluptuous. However, when it comes to the skills in bed, Lin Zhen is still the best. The way she twists on you... it’s enough to make your soul fly away. Old Shang, if you miss her, just call her out another day, and we brothers can have some fun together"

Indeed! As the saying goes, "The water from the fields should not flow to outsiders." These women will eventually go to Jiangbei. Once they reach the Jin Kingdom, what won't they do to gather intelligence? Since they are benefiting those Jin people, it would be better for us to enjoy the first taste ourselves, wouldn't it be wonderful? In the end, we can say that their bodies were first given to us Song people. Hahaha!

Han Feng felt a wave of discomfort in his heart. Having heard Lin Zhen speak in such a manner before, and now listening to Yan Ming's words, he felt a surge of frustration. He clasped his fists and said: "It is late at night, and I have traveled to Shaoxing today. I am truly a bit fatigued. I apologize to both brothers; I would like to return and rest now"

Shang Ping was clearly associating with Yan Ming, and took the opportunity to say: "Han Tongzhou, hum, can he be greater than the current Prime Minister Zhao? Han Feng is really overestimating himself."

Director Yan glanced at Lin Zhen. Lin Zhen, being clever and astute, naturally understood his meaning, and said to Han Feng: "The subordinates will take their leave first!" After saying this, she walked straight towards the women's department.

Yan Ming often felt that his connections, although he had taken several twists and turns to establish a relationship with Zhao Ruyu, were indeed his own assets, and he frequently boasted about them to others. Over time, even Yan Ming himself began to believe that his backing was not Zhao Ruyu's nephew, but Zhao Ruyu himself

Yanming and the monk Ping burst into laughter, laughing unabashedly and in an indecent manner

Han Feng raised an eyebrow and asked in a low voice, "Since everyone is working in the reading room, why is Lin Zhen so poorly regarded in the mouths of the two esteemed individuals?"

Therefore, there is much for the sisters to learn! Lin Zhen seemed to be lost in memories of the past, pointing to the distant attics that still faintly glimmered with light, and said: "The teaching and reading house often seeks out young orphan girls from the common folk to supplement the intelligence agency, starting their training from a young age. Most of us orphan girls have lost both parents, are displaced, and have no one to turn to. The teaching and reading house can provide us with a meal; as long as we can survive, what does it matter what we do? At least, being an intelligence agent allows us to be self-sufficient, and we won't have wasted food!"

Han Feng clasped his fists and said: "I am Han Feng. What a coincidence to see both of you here?"

This is the training ground! Lin Zhen pointed to a large open area, where five weapon racks were placed. The weapons, wrapped in cloth at the tips of the spears and blades, appeared somewhat eerie under the moonlight. Lin Zhen explained: "Sir in charge, we women are all affiliated with the Secret Service of the Privy Council. In other words, we will eventually be sent to the Jin and Western Xia to serve as spies!"

Brother Han, you are new here and may not be aware of the matters concerning the teaching and reading room. Shang Ping explained: These women are all orphans taken in by the teaching and reading room. To be honest, the person who adopted them back then had an eye for beauty that rivaled that of the top courtesans. Each one is a beauty in the making. Once they grow up, they will be irresistible!