179: Chapter 179 Zuo Wenshan's Test

“Commander,” one division Commander asked, “since the Red Lotus Sect plans to hold some kind of Redemption Ritual in Mozhou City, it indicates their headquarters might be there. Should we send people over to wipe them out then?”

“No need,” Zongzheng Yue said. “Let’s put the Red Lotus Sect matter aside for now. I’m more interested to see if the Red Coat Sect will show up.”

“But if we let them be, won’t it embolden their arrogance?” the division Commander asked.

“It’s fine. Let them stir up trouble. The more trouble they cause, the better,” Zongzheng Yue waved his hand and said. “As long as they don’t involve the Citizens, the bigger the fuss, the more advantageous it is for us.”

“Understood!” The division Commander said no more.

“Report!”

“Enter!”

“Commander, Mayor Left Wen Shan of Mozhou City is here. He wishes to see you,” a Soldier reported.

“Oh? Alright, bring him in!” Zongzheng Yue replied.

He understood Mayor Left Wen Shan’s intention; he must be here about the Red Lotus Sect as well.

“Commander Zong, long time no see!” Left Wen Shan greeted enthusiastically upon entering.

“Mayor Zuo, is there something you need to see me about today?” Zongzheng Yue asked.

“Commander Zong, I came specifically to thank you today. I understand that it’s all thanks to your recommendation in the council that I could take on the roles of Mayor of Mozhou City and head of the Suiyang Anbu,” Left Wen Shan said.

“It was just a casual mention, and also Mayor Zuo’s good fortune,” Zongzheng Yue chuckled. “The zombie siege happened to occur in Mos last time, and you were also in Mos. So I just brought it up casually.”

“It might be a minor matter to you, but to us, it’s a major decision that determines our future and destiny. These two bottles of wine were given to me by my old partner Gong Kaiming before I took office in Suiyang Anbu. I don’t usually drink, so I brought them along for you,” Left Wen Shan said, placing the wine next to the desk.

“Mayor Zuo, you’re too kind!” Zongzheng Yue laughed, not refusing it.

He took a look; it wasn’t particularly expensive wine, so there was no need to reject his good intentions.

“Haha, it’s nothing good, Commander Zong, please don’t mind it,” Left Wen Shan laughed.

“Not at all, not at all. Mayor Zuo, please have a seat.”

“Alright.” Left Wen Shan sat down in front of the desk.

“Mayor Zuo, I presume there’s something else you’re here for this time?” Zongzheng Yue asked.

“As expected, nothing escapes Commander Zong. It’s like this: I wonder if you’ve heard of the Red Lotus Sect?” Left Wen Shan asked.

“The Red Lotus Sect?… I haven’t heard of it,” Zongzheng Yue pretended to think for a long time before replying.

Since he didn't want to get involved in this matter, it was best to keep himself completely clear.

He couldn't possibly tell him that members of the Red Lotus Sect had escaped from his place a few days ago, could he?

If that were the case, his staying out of it would be a bit unreasonable.

“Is that so?” Left Wen Shan was somewhat surprised by Zongzheng Yue’s answer. As far as he knew, many Settlements nearby had Red Lotus Sect members scattering flyers daily. As the supreme Commander of the Southeast Military Region, it was impossible for Commander Zongzheng Yue to not have even this much intelligence.

“Alright, Mayor Zuo, please speak,” Zongzheng Yue appeared very serious.

“A week ago, a large number of scattered flyers suddenly appeared on the streets of the Settlement. The flyers were distributed by a sect calling itself the Red Lotus Sect, proclaiming that the apocalypse was coming and so on,” Left Wen Shan said.

“Oh? Such a thing happened? Did you bring one?” Zongzheng Yue asked.

“Oh, yes!” Left Wen Shan took out a flyer from his briefcase and handed it over.

Zongzheng Yue took the flyer and looked at it with feigned seriousness.

“There’s nothing to it! It just looks like an internal conflict between the Red Lotus Sect and the Red Coat Sect!” Zongzheng Yue said after reading it.

“Please take a look at this one,” Left Wen Shan handed over another flyer.

Zongzheng Yue took it and continued to read.

“There’s nothing to it. Mayor Zuo, it’s not that I’m lecturing you, but you shouldn’t get involved in cult matters. Just manage your Settlement well, that’s enough,” Zongzheng Yue said.

“Commander Zong may have overlooked that besides being the head of the Suiyang Anbu, I am also the Mayor of Mozhou City. Now that such a big incident has occurred in Mos, I can’t possibly remain completely indifferent!” Left Wen Shan said, looking troubled.

“You’re not wrong in saying that. So, what do you plan to do?” Zongzheng Yue nodded in agreement.

“I came here this time also to hear Commander Zong’s thoughts. If you intend to eradicate the cult, my Suiyang Anbu is willing to cooperate fully,” Left Wen Shan said.

Upon hearing this, Zongzheng Yue couldn’t help but frown. Although Left Wen Shan spoke subtly, he had clearly overstepped. His true purpose was to inquire about the Military Region’s next course of action.

“Oh? How does Mayor Zuo plan to cooperate fully?” Zongzheng Yue asked, his tone already betraying displeasure.

“It’s like this: I plan to negotiate with the Huatong Chamber of Commerce to borrow a sum of money first, to purchase a batch of weapons and equipment, and quickly establish a militia force. We aim to launch a Eliminate of the cultists hidden in Mozhou City before June 29th,” Left Wen Shan stated his plan.