Xu Jixin shrugged, deliberately lowered his voice, and winked at Cheng Muyun, "Zhou Minhai is here, which means he can't sit still anymore. The Japanese want that batch of weapons back, and he has no choice but to comply."
Xu Zhuohua looked up at Cheng Muyun, his dark pupils surging with a reassuring composure.
Cheng Muyun gently flicked her reddened nose with his finger, his warm breath brushing against her ear: "Don't worry." Cheng Muyun tightened his grip on her hand, his fingertips gently stroking the fine lines on the back of her hand.
The three of them finally reached the front hall, where the Xu family members were all sitting. Zhou Minhai held up a gun, blocking the doorway.
Xu Jixin whistled and shoved Zhou Minhai's men aside: "You're here, aren't you looking for me?"
The heater under the octagonal table emitted a warm glow, making the room even more fragrant.
Xu Shinong sat upright in the armchair, her jade ring lightly tapping the armrest. The First Madam had her hands folded on her lap, holding a hand warmer in her hand. Her back was straight, and her eyes and brows exuded the grace of a matriarch of a noble family, adding to her majesty.
Sister-in-law Xu gently stroked her high, protruding belly. The undisguised pregnancy did not diminish her composed demeanor at all. Xu Jixiao stood upright beside his wife.
The charcoal in the brazier in the front hall crackled, and the flying sparks cast flickering light on everyone's faces.
Xu Zhuohua couldn't help but admire them, saying they were truly a family of unwavering integrity.
Zhou Minhai deliberately left his military uniform collar open, revealing his gleaming medals, intending to intimidate others with his imposing presence. However, under the open gazes of everyone in the room, he felt a strange tightness in his throat and couldn't muster any aura.
Cheng Muyun took Xu Zhuohua's hand, and the two sat down in the armchair. Cheng Muyun leisurely raised one leg and looked at Zhou Minhai with a sharp gaze.
"Director Zhou, what an honor to have you here," Xu Jixin said, taking a sip of his tea. The ripples in the tea seemed to radiate composure. "Did you come to see me?"
Cheng Muyun took the hand warmer from the maid next to him, placed it in Xu Zhuohua's hand, and patted it gently.
As Zhou Minhai watched the loving scene between the two, a faint ruthlessness appeared in his eyes.
"I heard it's freezing outside. Would you like a bowl of ginger tea to warm yourself up, Director?" Cheng Muyun asked kindly, but his voice was as cold as the ice outside.
Zhou Minhai's carefully prepared rebuke got stuck in his throat, turning into an unnatural cough.
Inside the room, everyone sat calmly and quietly.
The newly added charcoal in the brazier exploded with a loud bang, and the sparks landed on Zhou Minhai's boots. He subconsciously took half a step back, only to realize with a start that he was sweating profusely despite the warmth of the room.
"No need for tea. I have a transportation contract here provided by the Japanese, with Young Master Xu's stamp on it. It concerns smuggling arms, and I hope Young Master Xu will come with me."
Xu Jixin raised an eyebrow. "Oh? I'm not one of your officials, why should I go with you?"
Zhou Minhai swallowed hard. "It concerns weapons. According to the law, civilians are not allowed to sell or transport weapons privately."
Xu Jixin smiled and said, "Oh? I see. I just don't know which law Director Zhou is referring to."
"Naturally, it is the law of the Republic of China."
“I see,” Xu Jixin stood up and slowly walked to Zhou Minhai. He was a head taller than Zhou Minhai and looked down at him. “But I work for the consul of the French Concession. I don’t know if the French are required to abide by your laws?”
Zhou Minhai was taken aback by Xu Jixin's words and asked, "What evidence do you have to prove that you were working for the French consul?"
"Why don't you just go and ask around? Do you expect me to invite Zhu Zhishui, the police chief of the French Concession, over? You don't celebrate the New Year, but don't they?"
Zhou Minhai had been keeping an eye on them in Xinhai City, so how could he not know that Cheng Muyun and Chen Hede had dealings?
However, under normal circumstances, Zhou Minhai would not want to alarm the French. They are arrogant and domineering, and any dissatisfaction would be reported to their superiors, thus exposing his purpose in coming to Xinhai City.
“Very good. The Xu family did not smuggle weapons, but Young Marshal Cheng, who was personally appointed by the President, actually transported weapons for the French with the Xu family. The situation is serious. Please come with me, Young Marshal.”
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