Chapter 277: Delivered Right to the Door

Chapter 277: Delivered to the Door

“What day is this, why do so many blind fools insist on coming to seek death?”

Gui Wang Da’s tone was unpleasant, his plump face gradually losing its smile as he coldly stared at the man claiming to be an envoy of the Hengshi Group.

Today was the day Li Jun had just reported to the Jinyiwei in Quan Shan City. The Hengshi Group’s appearance at this moment seemed to carry an undertone of provocation.

“Master Baihu, please do not be angry. This humble one comes bearing the master’s peaceful intentions, hoping to resolve the misunderstanding between us and Lord Li. After all, we all live under the same roof, and naturally, we wish to coexist in harmony.”

Tian Ping Ba remained composed, his hands pressed against the hem of his jacket, sitting ten paces away from the bath pool, kneeling gracefully on the ground.

Gui Wang Da’s tone was scornful and disdainful: “Even a mouse dares to speak of peace with a cat?”

“Cats hunt mice because it is their nature, while you, esteemed lords, merely fulfill the duties bestowed by the court. The difference between you is as vast as heaven and earth.”

Tian Ping Ba slowly replied: “Moreover, in my humble opinion, you are not cats, but river dragons. And the Hengshi Group is not mice, but mountain tigers. When dragons and tigers clash, one must be wounded. In the end, the one who dies is your own brother, while the one who profits is an outsider. Would Master Baihu wish to see such a senseless bloodshed?”

“Are you threatening me?” Gui Wang Da’s eyes narrowed slightly, a glint of cold light flashing in his gaze.

“I dare not, merely stating the truth. A loyal word is bitter to the ear, a good medicine is bitter to the taste. I hope the two lords will consider this carefully.”

Tian Ping Ba withdrew a flat, elongated wooden box from his spacious sleeve, cradling it reverently before him.

“We have heard that the Jinyiwei of Quan Shan City have fought valiantly, with remarkable achievements in eradicating bandits and rebels. They are a model for the empire. Thus, in gratitude and admiration, we wish to contribute to the peace and stability of the Japanese quarters.”

“Here is ten million silver taels, a token of appreciation from the Hengshi Group for the fallen heroes. Moreover, henceforth, should the Jinyiwei of Quan Shan City require any assistance, the Hengshi Group will spare no effort, sending both men and money without complaint.”

The opened wooden box revealed not only a substantial sum of money but also a long-term stable meal ticket.

As long as the Jinyiwei in the future need anything, they can easily find an excuse such as “dispatching troops to suppress bandits,” and the Hengshi Group will immediately offer a large sum of money.

Tian Ping Ba folded his hands beneath his forehead, bowing respectfully toward the bath pool. On a face unseen by Li Jun and Gui Wang Da, a confident smile lingered.

He believed these two Jinyiwei officers would understand his words and were certain to accept the “sincerity” he brought.

After all, the “poverty” of the Quan Shan City Jinyiwei was somewhat renowned in the Japanese quarters.

One of the two chief flags in the household could only afford a cheap bathhouse, while the other could only drink inferior wine in a poor tavern.

As for Gui Wang Da, the Baihu, he often disregarded his status, personally leading men out of the city to “hunt for autumn,” just to extract more oil from the already destitute bandit warriors.

He had even earned a mocking nickname, “the Bandit’s Nemesis,” due to the frequency of such actions.

Of course, such an unconventional military unit with such obvious needs would inevitably attract people offering money.

However, without exception, they were thrown out along with their money.

But this time, Tian Ping Ba was confident.

Because in his view, the conflict between the Hengshi Group and Li Jun had occurred before his arrival, involving only himself and not the Quan Shan City Jinyiwei.

Moreover, Li Jun was new to the area, and Gui Wang Da, as a Baihu, had no reason to intervene too deeply, so he would inevitably leave the decision to Li Jun.

This was one of the reasons why he had been dispatched immediately upon learning of Li Jun’s arrival.

As for Li Jun himself, according to their intelligence, he was not a rigid adherent to imperial law, but rather someone who valued righteousness and loyalty.

Otherwise, he would not have committed the reckless act of forcing the death of an imperial prince at the Golden Building in Chongqing Prefecture for the sake of the fallen Yan Ba Huang.

Such a disposition, even if he still harbored anger, how could he bear to refuse the Hengshi Group’s sincerity upon seeing the Jinyiwei’s dire situation?

Thinking of this, Tian Ping Ba’s smile deepened.

There is nothing more satisfying in the world than manipulating hearts, than the art of strategy and intrigue.

“Little Li, you handle this matter.”

As expected, Gui Wang Da transferred the decision to Li Jun, reaching out to retrieve the white cloth floating on the water and covering his eyes.

Yet the ripples spreading around his body and his slightly labored breathing revealed that this Jinyiwei Baihu’s composure was not as calm as it appeared.

“Hengshi Yuan accepted Mo Ke’s money to kill me.”

Li Jun’s words seemed abrupt, and if outsiders heard them, they would likely be puzzled.

Tian Ping Ba understood the implication, straightening his back and speaking calmly: “Though Hengshi Yuan is the son of the group’s master, his transaction with Mo Ke was a personal act. The group was unaware of this matter. Now that both have died at your hands, they deserved their fate.”

Li Jun sneered: “Do you think a single sentence can absolve you of the crime of colluding with Mo Ke’s forces to smuggle military supplies? It’s not that simple, is it?”

“The clear will naturally remain clear. If you do not believe me, the Hengshi Group is willing to open all logistics warehouses in the Japanese quarters to fully cooperate with the investigation.”

Tian Ping Ba seemed prepared for Li Jun’s question, answering with composure.

“However, in my humble opinion, since the culprit Hengshi Yuan has already confessed, the main culprit is eliminated, and the sin is extinguished. Why should you trouble yourself further?”

Li Jun raised an eyebrow: “Sin extinguished by death? Is there such a law in the Great Ming Code?”

“Law is but human sentiment.”

Tian Ping Ba smiled: “Moreover, the Hengshi Group prefers to befriend capable individuals. If you accept our goodwill this time, you will surely receive generous rewards in the future.”

“Your words have moved me.”

As Li Jun’s voice fell, Gui Wang Da suddenly trembled.

Tian Ping Ba sighed: “These are words from the heart, naturally moving.”

“You speak so eloquently—are you from the Zongheng sequence?”

A hint of pride appeared on Tian Ping Ba’s face: “Lord Li truly has keen eyes.”

Li Jun nodded: “So you are one of the Honghu people?”

“Ah?”

Tian Ping Ba froze, his expression suddenly darkening: “My lord, such a joke is unthinkable.”

“Speaking honeyed words while offering real gold and silver, daring to bribe the imperial Jinyiwei so openly under the bright moon and clear sky—this is truly brazen of you, Honghu!”

Where was there any openness in this underground deal?

Where was there any bright moon and clear sky?

The situation took a sharp turn, and Tian Ping Ba stared in dismay at the solemn Li Jun until he noticed the contemptuous smirk at the corner of his mouth, and suddenly realized.

This was a blackmail scheme!