Chapter 253 Even Heroes Can't Resist the Charm of a Beautiful Woman (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
No wonder the general thought that way.
He had previously heard from "Falcon" Ge Laosan and "Tiger" Lou Yuxue that:
"Liu Wu claimed to be a member of the Liu family of Jingzhou, Liu Zhaoxue."
"Killing Liu Wen was to clear the way for Liu Zhaoxue so that she could have a smooth career in the main branch of the Liu family."
"However, judging from the result of the burning of the summer grain in the three towns, the Xiao family actually benefited the most."
Jiang Xing watched Liu Zhaoxue walk into the house, his face showing deep thought.
What if Liu Wu was telling the truth back then?
Is he really Liu Zhaoxue's man?
If that's the case, then the truth is—
Liu Wu delivered the 300,000 taels of silver to the Xiao family through Xiao Dongchen, ostensibly to relieve the Xiao family's immediate crisis.
But what's the reality?
In reality, he did this to mislead the Liu family of Jingzhou into believing that Liu Wen had been murdered by the Xiao family.
In this way, no one would have guessed that Liu Zhaoxue was the mastermind behind it all.
General Xing exhaled softly and said silently, "What is false can be made real, and what is real can be made false."
"Liu Wu is quite shrewd!"
Although General Xing had never actually met Liu Wu, based on the information he had gathered from various sources, Liu Wu's martial arts talent, intelligence, and temperament were unparalleled in his life.
Especially regarding the incident of "burning the summer grain in three towns".
It seems that the White Tiger Guards have gained some benefits and achieved certain goals, but the biggest beneficiary is only "Liu Wu".
Even the Xiao family, who successfully prevented the summer grain from being damaged in the three towns, were losers in a way.
Only Liu Wu managed to deceive Mingyue Tower and gain the opportunity to go to Tiebi Town.
They then used Liu Wen's name to lure Xiao Dongchen into a trap, and then murdered him.
He eventually killed Liu Wen in Iron Wall Town and framed the Xiao family for it.
Through one incident after another, Liu Wu almost perfectly erased all traces.
If it weren't for the involvement of several Silver Flag officers from the White Tiger Guard, who had contact with Liu Wu, it's likely that no one would have been able to fully understand what he had done.
"No wonder the Pavilion Master said that internal strife has broken out in the Liu family."
"With Liu Wu's help, how can Liu Zhaoxue not gain power in the main branch of the Liu family?"
Among the sons of the Liu family in Jingzhou, the eldest son, Liu Yong, is undoubtedly the one with the best chance of success.
The second son, Liu Wenben, also had the opportunity to become the head of the Liu family because of his birth mother, but he died in Shuzhou.
The third young lady, Liu Zhaoxue, was known as the most beautiful woman in Jingzhou and was greatly favored by her father.
The fourth brother, Liu Wu, is a disciple of Langyue Mountain in Jingzhou. He has exceptional martial arts talent and his cultivation has now reached the fourth rank.
Most of the other offspring did not have the opportunity.
Thinking of this, Jiang Xing glanced at the two characters "Liu Mansion" on the house one last time, then turned and disappeared into the rain.
It is unknown why "Liu Wu" helped Liu Zhaoxue.
Could it be... that even heroes can't resist the charms of a beautiful woman?
It's not impossible.
Liu Zhaoxue could not possibly know about the general's spying.
After returning to the house, her face, which could be both happy and angry, still showed a hint of coldness as always.
"Shuzhou, I'm back."
Although it had only been twenty days since she returned to Jingzhou, standing here again, she felt as if she had been in another world.
Especially when she thought about her experiences in Jingzhou these past few days, she felt even more grateful for this hard-won opportunity.
Looking at the kneeling maids and servants in the house, Liu Zhaoxue recalled her father's admonition.
"I know you're unwilling, but you were born into the Liu family, so there are some things you can't do as you please."
"This time, I'm only giving you six months. Whether you succeed or not, you must return to Jingzhou."
Half a year.
Liu Zhaoxue sighed and waved her hand gently, saying, "Get up and go about your business."
"Yes, Third Miss."
After the maids and servants had left, Liu Zhaoxue looked at the steward dressed in cotton clothes to the side and gave him an order:
"Uncle Fu, go and invite the managers over. We'll have a meeting here in half an hour."
The butler, who appeared to be around fifty years old, nodded and bowed, saying, "Miss, should we summon the accountants as well?"
"Have them come along, and remember to bring the account books from the pharmacies these past few days."
"yes……"
Liu Zhaoxue watched him walk away before leading several attendants to the main hall of the western residence.
Three guards in blue robes stood watch at the entrance.
Two maids stood quietly behind her.
A moment of silence.
One of the maids looked up and surveyed her surroundings, then suddenly spoke:
"Miss Zhaoxue, this place is nice."
Liu Zhaoxue paused, then instructed another maid to prepare tea before calmly saying:
"How could something found by Uncle Liu Hong be bad?"
Despite wearing a short orange outfit, the maid's oval face didn't exude warmth; instead, her eyes held a hint of cunning.
"It's close to Quchi and the North Gate, making evacuation convenient."
"Near Kangning Street, there are many scholars there, mostly from prominent families in Shu Prefecture, and their information is very readily available."
She paused, looked at Liu Zhaoxue, laughed a few times, and continued, "What do you think?"
"As long as you're satisfied."
"Miss Zhaoxue, you're being too polite."
"Ling'er is now your maid, so of course everything is up to you."
The maid named Ling'er blinked her bright eyes, feigning ignorance:
"Besides, our Five Poisons Sect has already lost an elder for you, why are you still so wary?"
Liu Zhaoxue turned her head to look at her, examined her for a moment, and said, "You should know very well why."
"You know my purpose."
"But what your purpose is, no one has ever told me."
"Even Elder Yan Fusha only said one sentence before—'You want to use Xinglinzhai.'"
Liu Zhaoxue paused, seemingly observing Ling'er's reaction. Seeing that her expression remained unchanged, she continued to ask:
"So, Miss Ling'er, could you please tell me a thing or two?"
Ling'er looked at her with a half-smile, "Miss Zhaoxue, please rest assured, no matter what my Five Poisons Sect does, it will not involve you."
Liu Zhaoxue turned her head away and stopped looking at her.
"not necessarily."
"Last time Elder Yan Fusha kidnapped Pei Guanli of the Mountain Clan. Now that you've come back with a vengeance, won't you provoke the Mountain Clan?"
Ling'er's smile froze, and she pouted at the back of her head.
"meeting."
"Therefore, in addition to me, the Grand Elder has brought several altar masters with him this time."
"Where are they now?"
“Miss Zhaoxue, please don’t be impatient. Right now, your most important task is to successfully expand Xinglinzhai. I will report the rest to the Grand Elder.”
Upon hearing this, Liu Zhaoxue said softly, "That would be best."
She was aware of her situation.
If it weren't for her father's help, she would never have been able to return to Shuzhou this time.
She was even nearly sent to Kyoto Prefecture by her second brother Liu Wen's biological mother and several elders of the clan to warm someone's bed.
Therefore, Liu Zhaoxue cherished this opportunity.
Even knowing the perilous situation in Shu Prefecture, she would not give up.
Suddenly.
Chen Yi's image flashed through Liu Zhaoxue's mind, and she silently thought:
"If I could have someone like Mr. Qingzhou to help me, what would I have to worry about in achieving great things?"
She still remembered what she saw before leaving Jingzhou—a gunslinger at the Perfect Realm rescued Chen Yi and Pei Guanli with Liu Lang.
In her opinion, the two people must have helped the Xiao family because of Chen Yi.
Liu Zhaoxue thought to herself, "What a pity..."
Unfortunately, she had no one like that around her.
Otherwise, she would never have cooperated with the Five Poisons Sect.
At this moment, Ling'er heard footsteps from outside in the distance. Her eyes darted around a few times before she stepped forward and bowed, saying:
“Miss Zhaoxue, Ling’er is new to Shuzhou and would like to go out for a stroll. I hope you will allow me to.”
Liu Zhaoxue glanced at her and nodded slightly, saying, "Miss Ling'er, please feel free to do as you please."
"Okay."
After everyone left, several shopkeepers arrived at the west residence with their respective accountants.
Liu Zhaoxue composed herself and got up to greet them.
"Greetings, Third Miss."
"Uncles and elders, please don't stand on ceremony, please come in..."
Amidst the pleasantries exchanged here, in the East Residence, separated by only a wall...
Chen Yi and Liu Lang exchanged a glance, and then waited a few more moments.
"Boss, Liu Zhaoxue is back."
"Yes, she'll be back sooner or later."
A smile appeared on Chen Yi's face as he recalled what happened that day.
To be honest, Liu Zhaoxue's return came at just the right time.
If the general were to see her, it might even mislead his judgment.
Looking at his smile, Liu Lang subconsciously shivered and asked in a low voice:
"When are we leaving?"
"No rush, let's hear what Miss Zhaoxue's plans are before we leave."
That's what they say.
Chen Yi's main purpose was to avoid the general and the pursuers who might follow from the West Market.
After all, he didn't care about Xinglinzhai expanding its business in Shuzhou.
What he cared about was how ambitious Liu Zhaoxue was, and what the Five Poisons Sect's purpose was in coming to Shuzhou.
"Judging from what Liu Zhaoxue just said, the Five Poisons Sect wants to use Xinglinzhai to achieve some kind of goal, which is rather strange."
Chen Yi originally thought that the Five Poisons Sect came to Shu Prefecture to seek revenge against the mountain tribes.
In retrospect, their target was never the mountain tribe.
Think about it carefully.
That's to be expected.
Although the people Yan Fusha brought last time had some strength, they were no match for the mountain tribes and were simply throwing eggs against rocks.
With such a small group, there's no way they could retaliate against the mountain tribes.
Even their abduction of Pei Guanli was due to their calculated attack on an unsuspecting person.
If you really run into Granny Shan, the outcome will only be worse.
Looking at what Ling'er said this time, it seems that some powerful figures from the Five Poisons Sect have arrived.
"Elder, Master... we don't know the strength of these people from the Five Poisons Sect."
Chen Yi pondered for a moment, then shook his head to himself, deciding not to think about it anymore.
Regardless of the newcomer's cultivation level, he could not possibly be the leader of the Five Poisons Sect.
Right now, Liu Hong is the person he really needs to deal with.
A moment of silence.
After listening carefully to the conversation at the west house, Chen Yi gained a better understanding of Xinglinzhai.
It's better to say something than to say it.
The fact that Xinglinzhai has been able to be passed down in Jingzhou for a century is truly remarkable.
Even without those renowned medical experts in charge, Xinglinzhai's internal regulations and staff quality are far superior to other pharmacies.
The Xiao family's pharmacy, which was established later in life, needs no further introduction.
It can be said that Xinglinzhai has developed a set of rules that can be replicated in other prefectures from scratch.
From the procurement of medicinal herbs and escorting goods to the methods for developing and expanding pharmacies, and so on.
Every aspect, big or small, has detailed requirements.
Even the specific tasks and required skills of each person in each pharmacy are detailed in the regulations.
It is undeniably meticulous.
Liu Lang, who was standing to the side, also listened to everything, but he didn't have many thoughts about it.
He peered through the cracks in the doors and windows and asked in a low voice:
"Boss, why doesn't Liu Zhaoxue move to this house?"
"The east is considered the most important place, but she has always lived in the west house. Now that Liu Wen is dead..."
Chen Yi smiled upon hearing this and replied, "That's where Liu Zhaoxue's intelligence lies."
"She is ambitious and intelligent, but lacks demonstrable contributions."
"Before that, she had to keep all her thoughts to herself and not overstep any boundaries in order to win over some people quietly."
"I see..."
Of course, that's not all.
Chen Yi was well aware of the situation of those of low status within a family.
Just like him, the "son-in-law who married into the family".
It was within the Xiao family that Xiao Wan'er, Xiao Jinghong, and even Old Master Xiao Yuan treated him well.
If it were a place like the Liu family, he would probably have been beaten and driven out of the Xiao family long ago when he tried to escape the marriage.
It is easy to imagine the difficulties and criticisms Liu Zhaoxue will face if she wants to succeed.
Therefore, Chen Yi could understand Liu Zhaoxue's decision to join forces with the Five Poisons Sect.
His only displeasure was that Liu Zhaoxue had set her sights on Xiao Wan'er and even allowed the Five Poisons Sect to attack him and Pei Guanli.
Based on these two points alone, he would never allow Liu Zhaoxue to succeed.
After waiting a while longer.
When the managers and accountants of Xinglinzhai were about to leave, Chen Yi picked up Lü Jiunan and called Liu Lang to leave.
"Boss, where to?"
"Let's go back to the house on Chuanxi Street first."
Although Chen Yi did not know where Jiang Xing and the others were, there were many people and eyes on Kangning Street, so he could only choose the east or north.
Returning to Chuanxi Street would be the perfect time.
Before long, Chen Yi and Liu Lang arrived at the house on Chuanxi Street without alerting anyone.
After listening for a while and seeing that only Zhang Dabao was inside, they quietly went in.
Upon seeing them, Zhang Dabao quickly bowed and said, "Sir."
Chen Yi nodded, put Lü Jiunan aside, glanced around, raised an eyebrow, and asked:
"Is the quiet room already set up?"
"Reporting to you, sir, the shopkeeper personally led several disciples from the Tianshan Sect to make the arrangements this afternoon."
"It only took one hour to install partitions on the doors, windows, walls and roof."
"The shopkeeper also said that he would instruct those guards to come again tomorrow to continue to reinforce the area."
Chen Yi waved his hand, "Go back and tell them they don't need to come."
Now that Lü Jiunan has arrived here, the fewer people who know about it, the better.
Moreover, he planned to have Pei Guanli hide here with Asutai, so that no one could find this place.
Let's chat for a bit.
After Chen Yi had Zhang Dabao disguise Liu Lang, he sent him ahead to Baicaotang.
After Zhang Dabao removed his disguise, he gave the following instructions:
"Try not to go out these days and stay here."
He pointed to the quiet room and instructed, "Just give him some food and drink every day."
"If he shouts, gag him to prevent people from discovering the situation here."
Zhang Dabao glanced in the direction of the meditation room and nodded, saying, "Don't worry, sir, I will definitely guard this place well."
Chen Yi smiled and patted him on the shoulder, "You'll have to work hard for now. Once things settle down in Shu Prefecture, I'll allow you to make one request."
"My lord, I won't..."
"Don't refuse, consider it my compensation for not achieving the 'two-finger' title."
"Thank you, sir!"
Chen Yi smiled and nodded, then picked up his oil-paper umbrella and left the house, heading straight for the Xiao family.
It was already late at this point.
But as the rain stopped, the twilight sky was filled with beautiful clouds.
Travelers on the road are no longer in a hurry; most of them walk leisurely after a busy day.
The same goes for Chen Yi.
But when he arrived at the Xiao family's gate and saw Xiaodie anxiously waiting at the entrance, he couldn't help but quicken his pace.
When Xiaodie saw him, the anxiety on her face vanished instantly, and she patted her chest, saying:
"Young master, you're finally back."
Chen Yi pretended to look at the sky, "It's not dark yet."
"It's not that it's dark, it's that Miss is worried about you."
"oh?"
"We received news from the West Market that a thug committed murder in the street. Miss and I were both very worried about you..."
(End of this chapter)
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