Chapter 194: It's You, You Shameless Scoundrel!?

Chapter 194: Is It You, You Shameless Wretch!?

Thirty thousand taels of silver!

Thirty thousand taels?!

Even Xiao Dongchen, who had spent over a decade in the Bureau of Border Affairs, who prided himself on his mastery of internal alchemy, was struck speechless by that number, his spirit overwhelmed by the shock of it.

Yet such a vast sum of silver—had it not been for him, and even if it were the two Commissioners themselves, it would surely be difficult to contain their greed.

But that was not all.

While Xiao Dongchen stood in stunned silence, Chen Yi, unperturbed, produced a torch and lit it, casting a brilliant light.

Then, from his sleeve, he withdrew a bundle of thick silver notes, holding them up outside the carriage.

Bathed in the faint glow of the torch, the documents gleamed brightly before Xiao Dongchen.

"Provided you agree to join forces with my younger brother, these silver notes are yours."

Chen Yi spoke slowly, his fingers gently unwrapping the stack of bills.

One after another, the right corner revealed the seal of the Wei Bank in large characters, each note bearing the mark of a thousand taels.

Under the torch's light, the seal appeared as a dark, blood-red imprint.

It made Xiao Dongchen, who had been able to clearly see the silver notes, momentarily blind, his breath growing heavy and labored.

As a participant in the Bureau of Border Affairs, he had often been responsible for collecting taxes from merchants and commoners in the Shu region, handling millions of taels in silver over the years.

Naturally, he could discern the authenticity of silver notes at a glance.

Just a single glance, and Xiao Dongchen whispered low: "Truly authentic..."

In that moment, his mind raced with thoughts.

The intentions of the Liu family from Jingzhou, their plans to enlist him, and above all, the insatiable greed of those who sought to claim those silver notes as their own.

Yet there was one thing he could firmly determine—the person in the carriage must indeed be from the Liu family of Jingzhou.

After a long pause, Xiao Dongchen regained his composure and asked in a low voice: "What does your younger brother wish to accomplish by joining with me?"

Chen Yi did not answer immediately.

Instead, he tucked away the bundle of silver notes, extinguished the torch, and the carriage fell once more into darkness.

Then, with a soft smile, he said: "You should understand my younger brother's intentions."

"Throughout, he has only wished to win your sister, Miss Xiao Wanyue, as his bride."

"If you, Sir Xiao, can assist my younger brother in achieving this wish, not only are these silver notes yours, but my younger brother will also help you become the head of the Xiao family."

Xiao Dongchen furrowed his brow, hesitating. "This matter... I cannot agree."

"Is it a matter of propriety, or simply beyond your capacity?"

"Both."

"Miss Xiao Wanyue is the eldest daughter of the main residence, deeply cherished by Lord Hou. Moreover, she is ill, and if she herself does not consent, Lord Hou would not approve of your brother's proposal."

Xiao Dongchen knew that if he were to become involved in this matter, either directly or indirectly, it would draw the attention of Lord Hou, inevitably affecting his future schemes and arrangements.

Chen Yi, of course, understood this well, and thus did not expect anything different.

After a brief pause, he continued: "I believe there must be a way. What do you think?"

Xiao Dongchen's heart stirred slightly, carefully considering the matter.

After a moment, he suddenly spoke: "If the Xiao family were to suffer a great upheaval, and urgently needed funds, there might be a possibility."

What he had in mind was not something else.

Following the burning of the grain supplies in the three towns, internal strife would surely erupt within the Xiao family.

At that time, whether they could find the perpetrator, let alone that, the most pressing matter would be finding a way to secure the grain and supplies for the Xiao family.

If the Liu family could provide a sum of money or supplies, perhaps Lord Hou would agree to the marriage in order to stabilize the army at Qingdong.

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi's lips curled into a cold smile.

He had been waiting for Xiao Dongchen to say exactly that.

"I always knew you were a man of great talent, and I would not wish to disappoint my younger brother."

Chen Yi said this, then dismounted from the carriage, waving his hand toward Xiao Dongchen. "Come, please move aside, Sir Xiao."

Seeing this, Xiao Dongchen's heart eased slightly, took a deep breath, and walked over.

When he reached the carriage, he clearly saw Chen Yi's face—a young man of striking beauty—and couldn't help but praise: "I've seen you up close—you must be a talented young fellow. My younger brother's ability to secure your assistance is truly like having a tiger as an ally."

Chen Yi slightly bowed his head and smiled: "Sir Xiao, you are too kind."

"To prevent restless nights, please come with me and Liu to another place for a detailed discussion."

"Once we have concluded our arrangements, Liu will also be able to return quickly to inform my younger brother of the good news."

Xiao Dongchen took a moment to observe him, his eyes sweeping past Liu, and stepped forward into the carriage.

When the curtains were drawn closed, Chen Yi glanced around, then sat beside Liu, gesturing: "The residences in the East Market."

Liu, with a toothy grin and protruding tongue, nodded enthusiastically, cracking his whip and urging his horse toward the eastern market.

As they rode along, he kept a steady gaze on the composed Chen Yi, his heart filled with a thousand emotions.

Looking inwardly, he asked himself:

If he were in Xiao Dongchen's place, faced with that temptation of thirty thousand taels, even if he knew Chen Yi had ulterior motives, he would probably have agreed.

After all, Xiao Dongchen himself coveted the position of head of the Xiao family.

Yet this also made Liu realize the true purpose behind Chen Yi's actions toward Xiao Dongchen.

Had the timing not been right, he would have truly wanted to inquire about Chen Yi's identity, and why he went to such lengths to help the Xiao family.

Chen Yi paid no heed to Liu's thoughts.

As they rode, he occasionally spoke to Xiao Dongchen, his words meant to steady him, to prevent him from overthinking or changing his mind.

It was also his opportunity to speak in Liu's favor—perhaps praising Liu's deep affection for Xiao Wanyue at first sight.

Playing the role in full.

Not long after, the carriage passed through the East Market and arrived at a residence near the southern part of the city, in a district where fireworks lit the night.

Chen Yi gestured for Liu to light the lamps and prepare paper and ink, while inviting Xiao Dongchen into the main hall.

Just as he was about to speak, a few lines of text drifted past before his eyes.

[Daily Intel·Mysterious Grade B: At the witching hour, five intervals past midnight, in the western outskirts of Shuzhou City, the dark guards of the Marquis of Dingyuan’s mansion were ambushed and pursued by evil cultists. Only a small chance of survival remained.]

Chen Yì glanced at the message, his expression shifting slightly.

Dark guards from the Xiao family under attack by evil cultists in the western city?

Dark guards—

His first thought was the black-clad figure he’d encountered earlier at the Western Market, the one who’d waved a large spear.

That man was now being pursued by evil cultists…

Was this connected to the black teeth of the Black Bone Society at the Bright Moon Tower?

Had he uncovered the truth behind the “burning the summer provisions of the three cities” incident?

Chen Yì furrowed his brow, his mind already calculating the time, his voice remaining as still as stone:

“My lord Xiao, time is pressing. I beg you, speak plainly.”

Xiao Dongchen, too, was not without concern. Fearing delay might alter the course of events, he spoke as he had rehearsed in his notes:

“My lord Xiao, the two most urgent matters for our family are these.”

“First, the Dingguo Army’s military pay and supplies.”

“Second, the inter-market we’ve built with the mountain clans…”

Chen Yì listened quietly, pen in hand, recording every word. Though Xiao Dongchen harbored some doubts, he said nothing, assuming Chen Yì feared missteps might complicate his report to Liu Wen.

Even after uttering the phrase “burning the summer provisions of the three cities,” and seeing Chen Yì’s eyes brighten, he offered no further explanation.

“If all goes smoothly, your young master may take refuge at the Xiao estate during the chaos. I believe Lord Hou should have no objection to this marriage.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Yì set down his brush, clapped his hands, and smiled:

“Not to be outdone by Lord Xiao, with such schemes and cunning, you’d rise to lead the Xiao family even without my young master’s aid.”

Xiao Dongchen shrugged noncommittally: “Lord Liu, you flatter me. I merely suggested a possibility.”

“After all, to set fire to the summer provisions of the three cities is no small feat. That I might… well, it’s not impossible.”

He understood clearly—the Liu family of Jingzhou had allied with Hubei, even struck a deal with the Tiger and Leopard clans.

Yet the matter had two sides.

To achieve his goal, he’d have to take some risks.

Chen Yì raised an eyebrow. “My lord Xiao, if you have something to say, speak plainly.”

“I have some eyes within the Dingguo Army. If your young master is willing, I could contribute my part. But…”

Xiao Dongchen feigned hesitation: “As for the silver, it’ll cost a bit more.”

Chen Yì paused, half-smiling, half-serious: “Thirty ten-thousand strings isn’t enough?”

“No offense, Lord Liu, but those soldiers in Dingguo haven’t seen silver in ages. Their appetites are vast.”

“Thirty ten-thousand strings may seem like a lot, but spread across the three cities, it’s not much per person.”

“Besides, I need some silver to grease the wheels for my superiors—and for those who must be compensated.”

Chen Yì: “How much silver does my lord Xiao require? Just say it.”

“Another thirty ten-thousand strings.”

A silence fell over the hall.

Chen Yì and Xiao Dongchen locked eyes for a moment. Chen Yì nodded, then recorded the sum on the paper. At the bottom, he added: “This scheme requires a total of sixty ten-thousand strings. A down payment of thirty ten-thousand strings. Upon success, the Liu family of Jingzhou must pay Xiao Dongchen another thirty ten-thousand strings.”

When he finished writing, Chen Yì set down his brush, took the paper, and dried the ink with his sleeve before handing it to Xiao Dongchen.

“My lord Xiao, examine it.”

Xiao Dongchen took the paper, his once-relaxed demeanor shifting.

He stared at Chen Yì, hesitating: “You, you— what is this supposed to mean?”

Chen Yì gestured for him to continue reading, then smiled: “My lord Xiao, you’re asking on purpose.”

“My young master has the silver and gold at his disposal, but naturally, there must be some safeguards. Consider this a petition. At the end, sign and stamp it. Tonight, you may take those silver notes.”

With that, he withdrew a stack of silver notes from his sleeve and placed them on the table.

The candlelight flickered, causing the silver to shimmer faintly, as though it were radiant with its own light.

Even Xiao Dongchen couldn’t help but fix his gaze on the pile, and Liu Lang, too, stared intently at the silver.

They could even catch the faint scent of paper and the lingering fragrance of the seal’s cinnabar ink.

Yet Chen Yì paid them no mind, his eyes solely on Xiao Dongchen.

It was as if those silver notes didn’t exist before him.

After a long silence, Xiao Dongchen withdrew his gaze, his thoughts murmuring: “If that’s the case, I’ll proceed without further ado.”

Chen Yì nodded: “As it should be.”

Then he handed his brush to Xiao Dongchen, producing a pre-prepared inkstone and pressing it into his palm.

Once Xiao Dongchen had signed and sealed the document, Chen Yì confirmed everything was correct, folded the paper, and pushed the silver notes toward him: “My lord Xiao, please keep these safe.”

Though Xiao Dongchen’s expression was subdued, seeing the silver before him, he could not help but offer a small smile:

“On behalf of Xiao, thank you, Lord Liu.”

“Once this is done, if it pleases your young master, I’ll pay a visit to your estate.”

His words were smooth, but his hand moved of its own accord, pressing against the silver.

He felt the paper’s smoothness, and his smile grew more sincere.

With this silver, he could do many things—hire private soldiers, bribe some of Xiao’s retainers, and so on.

If he could leverage the Liu family of Jingzhou to connect with Governor Liu Hong, his path to office would open. It wouldn’t be impossible to succeed Yang Ye in his position.

In short, this risk, he believed, was worth taking.

Chen Yì paid no heed to Xiao Dongchen’s thoughts, rising as the sky darkened:

“My lord Xiao, Lord Liu wishes to report to his young master. Would you prefer to return yourself, or shall we two escort you?”

“After all, it’s thirty ten-thousand strings. If they’re stolen en route, you can’t blame me for taking precautions. I’d hate for my young master to think I’d cut corners.”

Xiao Dongchen secured the silver, smiling: “Don’t trouble yourselves, my lord. I have my own way.”

Chen Yiwei raised an eyebrow, saying nothing further.

As he escorted Xiao Dongchen away from the residence, he and Liu Lang rode northward in the carriage.

Not long after,

outside the desolate, silent courtyard, Xiao Dongchen emerged from the shadows.

He glanced at the residence, then at the direction the carriage had vanished, instinctively placing his hand over his chest.

Even now, he still felt a strange disbelief.

The thirty thousand taels of silver had come too easily.

But after waiting a while, seeing no suspicious figures appear, he finally relaxed.

"Seems it's true."

"Though the Liu family of Jingzhou must be quite formidable."

At that moment, a cold voice came from the side:

"Wolf, this is my second favor for you—don't forget what you promised."

Xiao Dongchen startled, quickly bowing his hands. "Rest assured."

"I promised, so I won't break my word."

"Tomorrow morning, after I report to the Commissioner of Agriculture and Public Works, I'll hand over that merit to Chen Cheng."

"Then it's best. Let's go."

"Thank you."

Even after those footsteps faded, Xiao Dongchen looked around and followed suit back to the Xiao family's residence.

After a while,

two figures in night-clothing arrived at the spot where Xiao Dongchen had stood.

Their cold, bright eyes scanned the area, finally settling on that courtyard.

After some thought, one ordered: "Tomorrow, find someone to investigate this place."

"Also, those two men aren't weak—send people to contact Liu Wen, see if there's anyone nearby matching their description."

The other understood, blinking: "Madam, are you worried those two might be in trouble?"

"Hmm, I didn't hear their conversation, but I know they've struck a deal."

After a pause, she said, "I feel Xiao Dongchen trusted those two too readily, even believing their identities—far too suspicious."

"Anyway, better safe than sorry."

"Yes, madam."

Meanwhile, Chen Yiwei paid no heed to Xiao Dongchen's affairs.

From the moment he received Xiao Dongchen's signature and seal, Chen Yiwei had already deemed Xiao Dongchen and his household—his own second household—dead.

That sum of thirty thousand taels of silver, he considered a grand gift to the old patriarch and the Xiao family.

Or, as a wedding gift for his son-in-law, the Xiao husband.

As for whether Xiao Jinghong or others would eventually uncover the truth, that wasn't something he needed to worry about now.

Still,

Liu Lang couldn't fathom his actions, nor could he understand.

"Boss, you really gave him that money?"

"That was thirty thousand taels, after all."

Even knowing Chen Yiwei had orchestrated Xiao Dongchen, if something went wrong and that silver vanished, it would be a tragedy.

Chen Yiwei didn't answer. He glanced at the sky outside the window, knowing the Xiao family's guards in the west market had already encountered bandits.

After thinking, he ordered: "When we reach Chuanxi Street, let's go to the west market."

"..."

Liu Lang bowed to his boss, accepting the plan, though unable to grasp its logic. He muttered under his breath.

Surely this boss was too mysterious.

Fortunately, he'd already taken Chen Yiwei as an ally, never imagining they'd become enemies—no need to worry about his safety.

As for the doubts, he'd still proceed with his duties diligently.

When they halted the carriage on Chuanxi Street,

Chen Yiwei and Liu Lang hurried to the west market.

But before they reached the market's entrance, a flash of light appeared.

[Opportunity +2]

[Evaluation: Without seeing the scene, hearing the sounds, or witnessing the event, yet opportunities befall him unbidden—this is the nature of a slothful soul.]

Chen Yiwei's steps halted. Was it already over?

At that moment, he saw several figures approaching the courtyard entrance from afar.

Murmurs floated toward him:

"Is that man the scoundrel who humiliated us earlier?"

Then a woman's voice: "No, it's not him."

"The man seems younger, and better at boxing than gunplay."

Another sighed: "Seems so..."

"Never mind that scoundrel—I'll catch him eventually."

"For now, take this man to the magistrate's prison. Get a physician to treat him—he can't die."

"Xia Baihuzu, he's badly wounded, perhaps..."

"Do as I say!"

"Yes!"

Xia Red Sleeve?

An official from the Ministry of Justice?

Chen Yiwei blinked, then signaled Liu Lang to tie a cloth over his face, trailing discreetly behind those officials.

Liu Lang, though unaware of his master's intent, had overheard the officials' conversation, his eyes flickering with restless anticipation.

Since ancient times, the common folk had long despised the eunuchs and dogs of court.

Especially those from the Ministry of Justice, which recruited countless martial artists.

It was a place where one could trip someone up if they wished, kill a few if inclined, naturally a place where grudges brewed.

Liu Lang, naturally, was no exception.

"I wonder if the boss is going to stir up some trouble for these execution commanders. If so... it would suit me perfectly."

Soon.

Chen Yi led Liu Lang to the vicinity of Fang Hongxie and his companions, and instantly spotted the hooded figure they had carried.

Through the long spear held by one of the execution commanders, he confirmed that the hooded man was likely one of Xiao's secret guards.

Though he didn't know how this person had come into the hands of the execution bureau, it was clearly not the time to worry about such matters.

Thinking this through, Chen Yi leapt nimbly and swiftly stepped in front of Fang Hongxie and his group.

Liu Lang followed suit.

Fang Hongxie's expression slightly changed; he signaled the execution commander behind him to halt, and then glared at Chen Yi and Liu Lang, demanding, "Who are you?"

Chen Yi, with his back to them, gave a slight turn of his head, surveyed the surroundings with a light laugh, "Just now Fang Baihu was still grumbling about me. How come you don't recognize me now?"

Saying this, he even imitated Fang Hongxie's tone, "Alright, don't bother with that bastard. I'll catch him eventually."

"Haha, Fang Baihu, who exactly do you want to catch?"

Fang Hongxie's eyes suddenly narrowed, and he bared his teeth, "You, you despicable wretch!?"

There's another monthly ticket extra chapter, remember to unlock it on the extras page.

There's another monthly ticket extra chapter, remember to unlock it on the extras page.

There's another monthly ticket extra chapter, remember to unlock it on the extras page.

Important things said three times.

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(End of chapter)