Chapter 42: Ruthless Hands Destroying Flowers

  Lu Haoshan is not a saint, nor a god of wealth. He has no reputation that spreads far and wide, no impressive background, and no exceptionally talented subordinates. All he has is an unyielding heart that refuses to be ordinary. However, in a chaotic world, one must have some achievements and cannot rely solely on empty ideas and eloquence. One needs their own power, which consists of multiple factors, including talent and wealth as two important elements.

  Taking down Chen Gui at once, apart from removing the largest stumbling block, it can be said that one move gains multiple benefits. The biggest advantage is to obtain a large sum of development funds and bind the county government up and down for personal use. As for Chen Gui and his family, Lu Haoshan directly used them to benefit the civil servants led by Zhou Dayuan and the military personnel led by Cao Hu, giving them some sweet rewards, making it easier to use them in the future.

  Zhou Dayuan was right, although the Jiangyou County government and others were in cahoots, Chen Gui took the biggest share, but as a low-ranking official, he didn't get much benefit. Not giving them a share of such a big cake is indeed unreasonable. Moreover, Chen Gui has been operating for many years, no one knows what his backing is, if they let his family go, it's like releasing a tiger back to the mountain, who knows if it will bring disaster in the future. Lu Haoshan made up his mind and gave Cao Hu a hint: once out of Jiangyou County, he would eliminate him completely.

  Cutting grass without removing the roots, spring breeze blows and it grows again. Now Lu Haoshan has nothing except for a newly obtained county order. He naturally has to be cautious in doing things, sometimes he needs to be harsh on himself, can't afford to make any mistakes. Fortunately, Chen Gui's family is not good people, so the guilt in his heart is not too heavy.

  If one can't be a saint, then just be a petty person; rather die with honor than die in poverty.

  The arrow shot from the bow has no return. From the moment he killed Li Xiangcai, Lu Haoshan knew that he had embarked on a path of no return.

  Zhou Dayuan and Cao Hu were both clever people. After hearing Lu Haoshan's words, the two of them exchanged a glance, with joy in each other's eyes. They replied in unison: "Yes, sir."

  If I were Cao Cao or Liu Bei, with a multitude of talents at my disposal, Lu Haishan would not have given these two incompetent individuals a second glance. However, currently, aside from the even more useless Liu Jinzhu, there is no one else available, so I can only make do and hope to use benefits and tactics to first recruit them, then slowly plot their development.

  "Cao, when are you going to let us drink the wedding wine with you and Yunniang? You can't be stingy about this cup!" Lu Haoshan said with a smile after discussing the distribution of benefits with the two.

  Anyway, now can only entrust to the virtual snake, it's very important to win people's hearts, Lu Haoshan also began to consciously win over this subordinate who still needs to rely on him.

  As soon as he heard Yunniang, Cao Hu's face immediately turned into a flower, and he said with joy: "Definitely, definitely, without the master, there would be no today for me Cao Hu. At that time, I must show respect to the master with a few cups, just afraid that the master will not give me a chance."

  "I'll be there, and I'll definitely drink the joyful wine." Lu Haoshan said with a smile.

  "Right, sir," Cao Hu seemed to remember something and frowned, saying: "That Chen Zi is Chen Gui's person, placed by Chen Gui beside the master to monitor him. How does the master plan to deal with her? She has been lurking beside the master for a long time, I estimate she knows many secrets, do you want me to take care of it?"

  Cao Hu said as he made a throat-slitting gesture with his hand.

  Zhou Dayuan, who was standing beside him, saw a hint of hesitation on Lu Haoshan's face and smiled, saying: "Cao younger brother, it's just a woman, not even a relative, what's the fuss about? The master has already made arrangements in his heart, you don't have to worry."

  Cao Hu thought of saying something ruthless, like cutting the grass and eliminating the roots. However, thinking that Chen Gui's third concubine had already been welcomed back home and was preparing for a wedding, he couldn't find any reason to question County Magistrate's decision. After all, it was just a servant girl. He nodded and said: "Yes, sir is wise and powerful, you must have made up your mind, I'm just being overly cautious."

  Lu Haoshan also had some contradictions now, and didn't know how to deal with Chen Zi. Upon hearing this, he smiled slightly and said: "Alright, all of you go and attend to your duties. Remember the official's instructions, each of you must restrain your subordinates, can't let them act recklessly. Also, hurry up and let those sealed shops resume business, no matter what methods you use, within three days they must be operating normally. The entire county government, from top to bottom, relies on those dozen or so shops for survival."

  "Yes, sir." Zhou Dàyuan and Cao Hu hurriedly replied.

  After the two withdrew, Liu Jinzhu finally came in, looking at the room full of gold and silver treasures. He touched this and that, his eyes almost popping out as he excitedly said: "It's great, it's great! I, Liu Jinzhu, have never seen so much silver and such good things since I was a child. I've become rich, I've become rich!"

  As he spoke, he hugged a large pile of silver, looking as if he was embracing a stunning beauty, savoring the pleasure and intoxication.

  Half a year ago, I was still a little rascal who had no money and no status, just looking at others drinking a bowl of wild vegetable porridge would make me drool. But now, I've changed overnight, becoming the county magistrate's most trusted personal attendant, eating well, living well, every day feasting on big fish and meat, every night sleeping with different beautiful women in my arms, living like a god. In the past, even in dreams, I never imagined having so much gold and silver.

  The silver in this warehouse alone is enough for a lifetime of food and drink.

  Only when you're starving can you appreciate the sweetness of food, only when you're desperate can you feel the hardship of life, only after failing can you realize the preciousness of success, and only after losing something can you learn to cherish it. Liu Jinzhu is now truly too satisfied, too satisfied.

  Lu Haoshan was also very pleased, but having seen the rise and fall of empires in his past life, he didn't lose his composure like Liu Jinchu. Looking at Liu's greedy face, he didn't say anything and instructed him to take care of the warehouse before walking away calmly to the rear courtyard.

  Chen Gui is dead, without Chen Gui's protection, the Chen family can no longer withstand the extortion of those corrupt officials and evil clerks. Lu Haoshan has also arranged for Cao Hu and Zhou Dayuan to handle this matter with full authority. Anyway, more than 80% of the property and shops have been confiscated, and Chen Gui's case has become an ironclad one. The whole thing has already been arranged properly, now only the last step is left: Chen Zhi.

  Chen Gui arranged his own pawns around himself for surveillance.

  Lu Haoshan hesitated for a long time, mainly because Chen Zi was a kind person and also the first woman he had met here. She had made an effort to please him and had been very considerate towards him in her daily interactions. Although she had been keeping an eye on him, Lu Haoshan had also used her to pass on many false messages to Chen Gui, including attempts to drive a wedge between Chen Gui and Cao Hu. In the end, she was also a pitiful person.

  "Adult" Lu Haoshan was walking, and Cao Hu rushed to salute him as he approached.

  Lu Haoshan finally came to his senses, saw Cao Hu had changed into casual clothes, and couldn't help but laugh and ask: "Cao Hu is preparing to go where? Won't you be going home to indulge in romance?"

  Cao Hu's old face turned red, and he hastily explained: "Your Honor, I'm afraid she's just thinking wildly, so, so..."

  "All right, no need for explanation, just go back and take a look. However, before you leave, do one thing for this official."

  "Please give your instructions, sir."

  Lu Haoshan beckoned Cao Hu over, whispering a few words in his ear. Cao Hu listened intently, nodding repeatedly, and as soon as Lu Haoshan finished speaking, he immediately replied: "Yes, sir is wise, I'll prepare right away."

  "Go."

  After Cao Hu left, Lu Haoshan shook his head and went straight back to the backyard where he lived. However, when he pushed open the door and took a look, he was stunned: He saw Chen Zi kneeling on the ground, with a beautiful jewelry box and a small package on the table beside her. As soon as she saw Lu Haoshan return, she immediately bowed her head and called out softly: "Master."

  "Zi'er, why are you kneeling on the ground? What's going on?" Lu Haoshan hastily asked.

  Chen Zhi didn't dare lift her head, her head hung low, and she said with a sob: "Your Honor, this servant girl is guilty."

  "What crime have you committed? Whatever it is, stand up first and then speak."

  "No," Chen Zhi was still kneeling on the ground, weakly shaking her head and saying: "Sir, I believe you now know that this servant is actually Chen Lao Ye, no, it's Chen Gui who arranged for me to be by your side to monitor you. This humble servant has also reported Sir's information to Chen Gui many times, betraying Sir. Knowing my guilt is unforgivable, please punish me, Sir."

  This Chen Zi was indeed a clever woman, knowing what could and couldn't be done. Before Lu Haoshan had a chance to interrogate her, she confessed everything herself.

  Lu Haoshan was no longer in a hurry, looking at Chen Zi who was kneeling on the ground and shrinking like a small cat, he casually asked: "What's wrong, packing up and getting ready to leave?"

  "I don't dare, sir. The jewelry box contains the gold and silver ornaments and trinkets that you have rewarded me with over time. I didn't dare to use them arbitrarily, now I return them all to you. As for the small package, it's my personal clothes, which I've already packed up. If you want to kill or beat me, or give me away to someone else, I will not harbor any resentment." Chen Zhi said with some sorrow.

  She had already made the worst plan, a young and promising person like Lu Haoshan, where there is no shortage of girls around him, if she betrayed him, she would definitely not be tolerated by him, it's better to be self-aware.

  Lu Haoshan didn't say a word, casually opened the jewelry box, and saw that it was filled with gold and silver jewelry, as well as gold leaves, silver ingots, and fragmented silver, all neatly arranged. These were all gifts he had given her, and to his surprise, not one item was missing. He counted them again, and even the silver ingots hadn't been reduced by half. This Chen Zi was quite frugal.

  "Alright, it's all in the past now. You were also helpless, let's just consider this matter settled." Lu Haoshan smiled and personally helped her up.

  "Old master, I..."

  "Alright, let's not mention this matter again. I'm not a heartless person either. You've also been working hard these days."

  "Master, I am yours, these are just my duties, it's actually me..." Chen Ziyu said with a moved face.

  Lu Haoshan waved his hand and said: "Alright, let's just drop it. Don't mention this matter again. Ziyu, what are your plans?"

  "What's going on?" Chen Zixuan was taken aback and asked in surprise: "Master, what do you mean?"

  One is the master, one is the slave, the contract of sale in someone else's hands, from now on life and death are controlled by others, where does the master ask the servant what to do? Chen Zhi suddenly had some reaction.

  Lu Haoshan smiled slightly, took out a piece of paper from his bosom and placed it on the table, then took out two gold ingots weighing ten taels each to press down on it. Only then did he speak seriously: "Considering our past relationship, I'll give you two options. One is that you take this contract for selling yourself into servitude and this gold, and I'll return your freedom to you. From now on, you can do whatever you want, and I won't interfere. Hmm, you can also take your personal belongings and the jewelry box with you. Once I give something away, I won't ask for it back. This way, you'll have a secure future."

  "The second option is to follow me, but from now on, you must serve me wholeheartedly and never betray me again. If not, I will show no mercy. What's your choice?"

  What? Let yourself go and still have freedom on top of it, and also receive a large sum of money as a gift?

  Chen Zhi thought she was dreaming, that she had sold out her master. She assumed it wasn't being beaten to death, but rather being sold to a brothel or given away as a reward to underlings. Unexpectedly, Lu Haoshan turned out to be so generous. Chen Zhi lifted her head and looked at the contract on the table, along with two shiny gold ingots. Her thoughts suddenly became lively: With these two gold ingots added to the savings in the wooden box, she would have at least 300 taels of silver. Having this 300 taels, plus the dozens of taels Chen Gui had rewarded her for gathering information, she wouldn't need to worry about her life anymore. Why bother staying here as a maid? With this money, she could find a handsome young husband and live a stable life for the rest of her days.

  Yes, let's go! The dozens of taels that Old Master Chen rewarded us with are buried outside the city. When the time comes, we'll dig them up and leave immediately.

  "Thank you, sir, thank you, sir. Even if I become a cow or a horse in my next life, I will still repay your kindness." Chen Zi bowed her head repeatedly to Lu Haoshan, her face filled with gratitude.

  "Take it away, our fate is over." Lu Haoshan said lightly: "Be careful, I may change my mind again in a while."

  "Thank you, sir! Thank you, sir!" Chen Zhi heard this and quickly got up, picked up the contract of sale, checked it carefully to make sure everything was correct, then carefully folded it and put it in her bosom. She grabbed two gold bars and stuffed them into her waistband, took hold of her own bundle with one hand and hugged the jewelry box filled with gold, silver, and precious stones with the other, and quickly walked out.

  Finally having freedom, she was actually afraid that Lu Haoshan would regret it. Taking advantage of the situation, she quickly left. As long as she got out of this yamen, she would be free. At the moment she stepped out of the main hall, Chen Zi felt her body become light and airy, as if her bones had become several taels lighter. She couldn't help but take a glance at Lu Haoshan, who was sitting in the main hall, drinking tea with an air of nonchalance. In her heart, she didn't feel grateful, but rather a little disdainful: He's really a lovable bookworm, letting me go like this - how will he command respect from others in the future?

  Forget it, anyway it's none of one's own business.

  After Chen Zhi left, Lu Haoshan shook his head somewhat helplessly and muttered to himself: "People are most afraid of not seeing their own situation clearly. Having money? You also need a life to enjoy it."

  As soon as the voice fell, a woman's scream suddenly came from the front hall. Soon after, Cao Hu led two trusted men carrying packages into the room and loudly reported: "Your Honor, we just discovered Chen Zhi secretly taking luggage out of the house. Upon inspection, we found that it contained a large amount of gold and silver as well as personal belongings. It was clear that she was attempting to escape with stolen goods. During the arrest process, she resisted and was accidentally stabbed to death by our officer. Please instruct us on what to do next."

  "This rebellious slave is dead and gone, just bury her." Lu Haoshan said expressionlessly.

  "Yes, sir."

  Cao Hu ordered the servants to put down the luggage and retreated cautiously. Lu Haoshan looked at the small package and said coldly, "I've already given you a chance, didn't you think? The order I gave Cao Hu was that as soon as he saw you taking out the package, he would kill you without hesitation. What a pity, what a pity."

  (Collection sought, recommendation votes appreciated, thank you)