Volume 2: Eagle vs. Dragon Chapter 79: Another Visit
"Is Haoguan's case this time particularly dangerous?" Tietou Junba said, "I have followed Haoguan for several years, and I have never heard you, Master Zhou, say such lies. But you suddenly said such a long speech today, probably to strengthen the hearts of Master Ci and Charlie."
The principles of medical treatment, divination and litigation are indeed connected. Zhou Yijin understands these knowledge, but his foundation is still inclined to the Confucian school, so he never talks about these things. At this time, Tietou Junba said something, and Zhou Yijin did not deny it, and said: "Charlie's character comes for the benefit, and Ciye's character will leave when the power is gone."
He did not say anything disdainful of the two because of this, but continued: " This is also human nature. We don't need to make it difficult for them, this way we can live together for a long time."
Tietou Junba said: "So, Haoguan's situation is even more dangerous than last time."
Zhou Yijin said: "Compared with last year, each has its own difficulties. Last year's situation was more difficult than this year, firstly because the incident happened suddenly last year, and secondly because Hao Guan didn't have as many good cards in his hand last year as this year. But in terms of danger... this year may be more dangerous than last year."
Tietou Junba's right eyelid twitched twice - as the saying goes, "left eye twitching means good fortune, right eye twitching means disaster", other people's right eye twitching means they are afraid of disaster, but when Tietou Junba's right eyelid twitches, it means he wants to kill someone - but he just said in a normal tone: "Do you want me to prepare some manpower, so that when we really can't hold on, we can rescue people from the prison?"
Zhou Yijin said: "It's useless. If the affairs of the court are not handled properly, you, me, and Hao Guan, none of us will be able to escape. We will all die."
Tietou Junba raised his eyebrows and said, "Is it that serious?"
"Let's not talk about this anymore." Zhou Yijin said, "There is something very difficult that I want you to do. You have to find a way to get rid of the surveillance temporarily, at least for half an hour."
Tietou Junba didn't even say a word and just waited for Zhou Yijin to give the order.
Zhou Yijin said: "Go find Lao Gu first. Since you have been targeted, this matter cannot be done, so you have to find Lao Gu."
Cai Qiaozhu got up early the next day, and before she even left the house, some relatives came to visit Cai Shiqun. Knowing that Cai Qiaozhu was at her mother's house, they visited the eldest daughter-in-law of the Wu family.
These relatives who came to visit all had some business connection with Yihehang. Cai Qiaozhu knew the intention of the relatives and knew that their visit to Cai Shiqun was fake, and their real purpose was to come to her to test her mind. The words of these relatives revealed deep worry, but they did not change their faces immediately like last year. Perhaps it was because Wu Chengjian's comeback last autumn was still impressive.
Cai Qiaozhu said a few words of comfort casually, without responding to a single truthful word. After a perfunctory moment, she said goodbye and went to the kitchen herself to get the prepared breakfast. Then she rushed to the prison. The jailer had not gotten up yet and was still sleepy, but when he saw the silver, his eyes opened and he let Cai Qiaozhu in.
Wu Chengjian was a little surprised to see her come again early in the morning after just one night, and asked, "Sister-in-law, is there something wrong at home?"
"No." Cai Qiaozhu looked around and saw that there was no one in the cells on both sides. Wu Liu was guarding outside, so she whispered, "I was staying at Daxing Street yesterday. My father made a plan. I thought it made sense, so I came to discuss it with you."
Wu Chengjian frowned and said, "What's the matter?"
Cai Qiaozhu then told Wu Chengjian Cai Shiqun's analysis and suggestions. Wu Chengjian did not interrupt her until she asked, "Hao Guan, what do you think?"
Wu Chengjian said, "Uncle Cai has good insight. This plan is really for the benefit of our Wu family. There is no adulteration in it. Very good. Sister-in-law, please thank Uncle Cai for me later."
Cai Qiaozhu saw that Wu Chengjian had a good opinion of Cai Shiqun's idea, and secretly breathed a sigh of relief and said, " Then we..."
Wu Chengjian interrupted, "Sister-in-law, don't worry about this! And don't ask too many questions."
Cai Qiaozhu asked: "What is this?"
"This matter is much more complicated than what Uncle Cai knows or thinks." Wu Chengjian said, "Sister-in-law, it won't help if you know about it. Anyway, I have already made arrangements for this matter."
Cai Qiaozhu was silent for a while before she said, "Chengjian..." She hadn't called him that for a while since Wu Chengjian took over the family. "You know I don't want to get involved in outside affairs. But this time is different from the last time. Last time, except for the last night, you were still at home and outside. I knew I could discuss and ask you if there was anything. But this time... We can still come in to visit you now, but we may not be able to come in to see you at any time. When the news is cut off, we will not know what to do if something happens. The master has lived a comfortable life for more than half a year, but his health is getting worse day by day. Second uncle is not a useful person, Guang'er is still young, and the Wu family can't find a pillar without you. At this time, if you don't tell me the truth... how can we feel at ease outside?"
Wu Chengjian opened his mouth, but held it back.
Cai Qiaozhu asked, "You don't trust me?"
Wu Chengjian hurriedly said, "Sister-in-law, what are you talking about! We are uncle and sister-in-law, but in fact we are no different from real siblings. How could I not trust you?"
Cai Qiaozhu said: "So, you think I'm a woman and you're afraid I'll mess things up?"
"This..." Wu Chengjian wanted to speak, but he held back and said, "Sister-in-law, it's not that I don't want to tell you the truth, it's..."
He wanted to say that he had no idea at the moment, but if he said that, his father and sister-in-law would probably get even more flustered, so he changed his words and said, "I have arranged everything."
"But……"
Wu Chengjian said, "I'm inside. Even if Cai Qinghua changes his mind and doesn't let you in, I still have Yi Jin. He can make the decision for me."
Cai Qiaozhu said, "What if one day the Governor's Office uses you as an excuse to seal off your home, or even detain Master Zhou?"
"If that day comes, you won't have to do anything." Wu Chengjian said, "Remember, don't do anything. I'll make all the decisions. If I really have any plans, you'll know."
Cai Qiaozhu opened her mouth and almost said, "If you are gone...", but she couldn't bear to say it out loud. She wanted to ask, "Have you made up your mind to take responsibility with your own life?" but couldn't say it out loud.
For the first time, the uncle and sister-in-law didn't know how to talk to each other, as if there was something between them.
The two were silent for a long time, and Wu Chengjian said, "Sister-in-law, the cell is dirty, you should get out early. If you don't have anything to do recently, don't come in person. It's not good to come too often. If you need food, just ask Wu Liu to deliver it. I'll ask Wu Liu to convey my words."
Cai Qiaozhu nodded and walked out.
After leaving the prison and getting on the sedan chair, Wu Liu asked outside the sedan chair: "Madam, are you going back to Xiguan?"
Cai Qiaozhu said, "Let's go to Daxing Street first..." But then she paused and said, "Forget it, let's go back to Xiguan. The master must be getting anxious waiting there."
Lao Gu came over the wall and then walked away over the wall again.
After sending Old Gu away , Zhou Yijin called Wu Xiaojiu over and asked him to make a pot of strong tea.
Wu Xiaojiu said: "Master, you haven't slept for two days. How about taking a nap first?"
"I can't sleep..." Zhou Yijin said, "There's something I still can't figure out."
Wu Xiaojiu asked: "What's the matter?"
Zhou Yijin moved his lips, but Wu Xiaojiu could hear nothing.
Just then, the sound of a bell was heard downstairs.
Wu Xiaojiu hurried down to open the door, and then he heard his clear voice: "Master Cai, why are you here?"
His voice was deliberately loud, so it could be heard from the courtyard to the upper floor. When Zhou Yijin heard it, he knew that Cai Qinghua had arrived, so he hurried downstairs. When he reached the stairs, he vaguely heard Cai Qinghua laughing outside the door: "This small courtyard is small, but it is also unique."
Zhou Yijin came to the door and greeted him with a smile, "Master." Then he asked, "Can I call you Master now?"
Cai Qinghua patted his shoulder and said, "Outside the warehouse, you and I each serve our own masters, so I treated you like that. Are you really mad at me?"
"How could that be?" Zhou Yijin said, "Official business is official business, and the relationship between master and disciple is the relationship between master and disciple."
Cai Qinghua smiled and said, "Why don't you invite me upstairs for tea?"
Zhou Yijin led the way, went up the small building, closed the courtyard gate and the door of the room. Wu Xiaojiu made some tea, and then went downstairs with Cai Qinghua's servant, staring at each other.
Zhou Yijin served tea to Cai Qinghua. They drank a cup each. Zhou Yijin then asked, "Master, are you here today for official business or for personal matters?"
Cai Qinghua said: "Since you asked whether it was a public or private matter, does that mean you are now Hao Guan's strategist?"
Zhou Yijin smiled slightly and said, "That depends on your opinion, Master."
Cai Qinghua asked: "What?"
Zhou Yijin said: "If I am still Hao Guan's strategist, and if Hao Guan fails this time, will Master let me go?"
Cai Qinghua said: "Don't worry, no matter what happens, I will do my best to save your life."
Zhou Yijin said: "Okay, then I am indeed still a member of Haoguan."
"I know you are." Cai Qinghua sneered, "The Wu family's actions are, firstly, to expose you if the plan fails, and secondly, to facilitate your actions in secret. It's just a pity that in the face of the general trend, these calculations are in vain! Let me tell you directly, now this net is loose on the outside but tight on the inside. Chuan Longci, Short-legged Charlie, and that Iron-headed Military Scar are all being watched. No matter what you want to do, forget it."
Zhou Yijin hummed and said nothing.
Cai Qinghua added: "That guy called Lao Gu, known as the Eight Generals of Xiguan, just left your room, right? Haha, this guy has also been targeted."
