The second-in-command excitedly told Lu Jin everything He Er had said, his face filled with irrepressible joy. "Madam, think about it, with the help of the county magistrate, wouldn't it be easy for us to take over Meiyan Pavilion? By then, the entire beauty business in Youzhou will belong to our Lu family!"
After hearing what the second-in-command said, Lu Jin sneered, with a hint of disdain in his eyes.
This county magistrate is really greedy, trying to reap the benefits from both sides. It's not certain who he will help!
She frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and then said, "Give He Er a bag of silver and tell him that the subsequent transaction is terminated. We can't cooperate with this kind of people anymore, so as not to bring trouble upon ourselves."
The second-in-command was unwilling to give up and tried to persuade Lu Jin again, "Madam, although the county magistrate is greedy, he has power. With his help, we will have a much better chance of taking over Meiyan Pavilion. One thousand taels of silver may not be a small amount, but if we take over Meiyan Pavilion, we can earn much more than that!"
Lu Jin looked at the second-in-command's impatient, greedy and stupid appearance, his eyes full of disappointment, as if he was looking at a hopeless person.
She spoke coldly, without a trace of warmth in her voice: "What do you know! People like the county magistrate are greedy. They can help us for money today, but they will betray us tomorrow for greater benefits. Cooperating with him is too risky. Just do as I say and stop nagging. I'll fine you one month's salary as a lesson."
As she spoke, she narrowed her eyes slightly, with a hint of warning in her eyes.
When the second-in-command heard that he would be fined his salary, the smile on his face froze instantly. His originally excited expression instantly turned into astonishment. He opened his mouth slightly, as if he wanted to make some excuses, but was forced back by Lu Jin's cold eyes.
He could only lower his head, a flattering smile on his face. Although he was extremely reluctant in his heart, he still whispered: "Yes, ma'am, I understand."
Lu Jin waved his hand impatiently, as if to drive away an annoying fly, signaling the second-in-command to get out quickly.
The second-in-command bowed slightly and walked backwards out of the room. He didn't stand up until the door was closed.
As soon as he walked out, the second-in-command's face instantly became extremely gloomy, and his eyes were filled with viciousness and anger.
He glared fiercely at the closed door and muttered softly, "Humph, what's so great about her! Isn't she just a woman? If it weren't for the Lu family, would you be where you are today?"
He kicked the stones as he walked, "You gave up such a good opportunity. You must have been scared by Wei Che and Su Huaiyue and become so timid. Where did your courage go? You are so soft-hearted!"
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, and his pace became faster and faster. When he reached a tree in the yard, he suddenly stopped and kicked the tree hard, causing the leaves to fall.
"I can't just let this go. This is such a great opportunity! If I can successfully bring down the Meiyan Pavilion, my status in the Lu family will definitely be greatly improved. If she doesn't do it, I will!"
There was a mad glint in his eyes, and he had secretly made up his mind to continue cooperating with He Er and the county magistrate without Lu Jin's knowledge.
"Lu Jin, Lu Jin, just wait and see. Once I accomplish this, I'll see how you can still look down on me!"
He gritted his teeth, clenched his fists, and the muscles on his face twitched slightly with anger.
Afterwards, he straightened his clothes, pretended nothing had happened, and walked outside, ready to find He Er and continue their plan, without realizing the consequences his actions might bring to the Lu family.
After seeing He Er, he said coldly: “Brother, the lady agreed.”
The tone was as if he was giving alms, and he didn't take He Er seriously at all.
When He Er heard this, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and a flattering smile instantly covered his face. "Great! With Madam's support, we will definitely succeed!"
The second-in-command glanced at He Er, pulled out a bag of silver from his pocket, and casually tossed it to He Er. "Here, this is the silver for you. Just do as the county magistrate says and be quick and efficient. When you succeed, you will naturally get the benefits. If you mess up, you won't have a good life."
He Er quickly caught the silver with both hands, weighed it, and the smile on his face became even brighter.
He nodded and bowed, his eyes narrowed into slits, "Don't worry, don't worry! I'm doing things, don't you trust me? I will definitely do it properly!"
Although he was a little confused as to why Lu Jin suddenly changed his mind, these doubts were instantly thrown out of his mind for the sake of the heavy silver.
He Er happily put the silver into his arms and patted it with his hands, as if it was his lifeblood.
"Just wait and see, I'll make sure those people from the Wei family know how powerful we are!"
He looked at the second-in-command with a flattering look on his face, his eyes full of ingratiation.
The second-in-command looked at He Er with even greater contempt, but he still pretended to be satisfied and said, "Remember, don't make any trouble for me. If the lady finds out that we did these things behind her back, both you and I will be in trouble."
As he spoke, he pointed at He Er with a warning look in his eyes.
He Er nodded quickly, "Yes, yes, I understand. I will definitely be careful."
But he was thinking in his heart, as long as he could get the money, he didn't care about the risks.
The second-in-command gave a few more instructions and then turned and left.
After walking a few steps, he looked back at He Er, a hint of viciousness flashing in his eyes, "If you dare to betray me, you will be in trouble."
He muttered softly, then quickened his pace and disappeared around the corner.
He Erze stood there, looking in the direction where the second-in-command left, and the smile on his face gradually disappeared.
He frowned, not knowing how much of the silver the county magistrate would give him after he found out.
He weighed the money in his pocket, looked around, and quickly walked a few meters away. After confirming that no one was watching him, he took out the silver.
He Er carefully opened the bag and took out a small handful. He spread out his hands and counted them. A trace of hatred flashed in his eyes. He gritted his teeth and reached in to take out another handful.
This time when he took the bag out again, it was visibly an inch shorter.
He Er naturally noticed this as well. He swallowed his saliva, stuffed the silver coins he had taken out into his belt one by one, and then walked away with the bag of silver.
The next day, Su Huaiyue received another secret message from the county magistrate, asking her to go to the yamen.
Su Huaiyue felt helpless and annoyed, but she had to go.
Su Huaiyue stepped into the county government office, feeling anxious and disgusted.
She immediately saw the county magistrate sitting on the chair where they had met last time, and his condescending attitude made her feel disgusted.
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