Chapter Twenty-Five: The Troubled Waters Rise Again

  "Brother Tiger, be careful on your way." At the Long Pavilion, a gentle and sweet-looking woman reminded a robust man with a tiger-like back.

  "Yunniang, don't worry, after I finish delivering this batch of grain and get my salary, and borrow a bit from the brothers, I'll have enough for the betrothal gift to marry you. You must wait for me to come back." The man named Huguo exhorted.

  Yunniang nodded and said: "Mm, Tiger brother, we'll be waiting for you, you must come back safely."

  Three months later, when Brother Hu returned, he found that Yunniang, who had been with him since childhood, had married the county magistrate as his fourth concubine. He was heartbroken and it turned out that the county magistrate had taken a fancy to Li Yunniang's beauty and used an irresistible betrothal gift to marry her off. Of course, the county magistrate held great power and could be said to have covered the sky with one hand, so the Li family did not dare go against his wishes. Although Yunniang was unwilling, marriage was a matter of parental orders and matchmaker's words, and as a weak woman, what use was her resistance? In the end, she still got into the wedding sedan in tears.

  Fortunately, Yunniang remembered the old relationship and didn't forget her brother Hu. She recommended him to her husband, and as they were relatives by marriage, the county magistrate also took good care of Hu. In the end, Hu first became a catcher and then, under the magistrate's care, slowly climbed to the position of catch head, becoming the magistrate's right-hand man. Although he didn't get the one he loved, he gained wealth and honor instead.

  Yunniang is the woman in front of him, now Chen Li's wife, the county magistrate is Chen Gui, and Tiger Brother is Cao Hu, the captain of the guards. Cao Hu looks at the woman he loves, and involuntarily recalls the past bits and pieces.

  Unfortunately, the first love is hard to forget. This is why Cao Hu was hesitant at Chen's family gate. He hated Chen Gui for snatching away his Yun Niang, but he also had to thank Chen Gui for giving him a life of wealth and nobility.

  When Yunniang intentionally kept a distance, Cao Hu's heart felt a pang of sadness. He didn't address her as "Madam Chen" or "Mrs. Chen Li", but instead spoke softly: "Yunniang, you've been avoiding me all these years, are you doing alright now?"

  "Good fortune to Officer Cao, the young lady is fine." Yun Niang knew that if she lingered any longer, it would arouse other people's suspicion, and she didn't dare say anything more. She bowed her head and made a curtsy, saying: "Master is waiting for Officer Cao in the side hall, you have important matters to discuss, I'll withdraw as a mere woman."

  After finishing speaking, she ran away quickly without saying a word.

  Just as soon as the shadow of Yunniang disappeared around the corner, Cao Hu took a long sigh and shook his head before forcing himself to cheer up and heading towards the side hall.

  The two of them had a tacit understanding and never crossed paths. Cao Hu also thought he had long forgotten his Yun Niang, because he had deeply buried her in the bottom of his heart. Occasionally thinking of her, he would quickly forget, but unexpectedly, this time when he saw the real person, that feeling in his heart was still there. No wonder he couldn't find a match all along and hadn't gotten married yet - it turned out Yun Niang had always occupied a very important place in his heart.

  No one can replace her position.

  "Cao Hu" saw Chen Gui in the side hall and immediately smiled and said: "Why are you so idle today to invite me for a drink?"

  The person in front of him, although he had snatched his own beloved, still showed the respect due to someone under his roof.

  "No big deal, it's been a while since we've had a good drink together. Now that I hear you're back, this is perfect timing, let's consider it a welcome drink to wash away the dust of your journey." Chen Gui said with a smile.

  Cao Hu said with a hint of surprise: "I don't dare, it's only right that I invite Brother Chen."

  "Alright, let's not be formal with each other. In public, we've cooperated for many years and are like brothers. In private, you're Yunniang's maternal uncle and one of our own people, so let's not stand on ceremony. You're alone, without even a wife at home, it's more convenient for you to stay here with me, no need to be polite."

  "That's it, that's it, bother Brother Chen."

  Chen Gui smiled and then pretended to casually change the subject back to the inspection tour: "It's cold outside, the roads are slippery, you must be tired after going out for a few days?"

  "It's okay, I can still hold on" Cao Hu smiled and said: "Originally, I was on duty at the county yamen, but unexpectedly, the county magistrate asked me to accompany him. At first, I thought it was some kind of hard work, but it turned out to be accompanying the magistrate on a rural inspection tour. Hehe, this is also good, I received many gifts, and there are still many local specialties. Tomorrow, I'll send some fresh ones to Chen Ge."

  "Oh, really? You're concerned." Chen Gui sneered in his heart, but his face remained calm and expressionless as he spoke.

  It's really a white-eyed wolf that can't be raised, obviously to please the new Chen County Master, let him grab this fat job, now with eyes wide open saying nonsense, saying what Lu County Master asked him to accompany, that surname Lu is just a chick, just took office for less than two months, in between was sick for more than a month, where did he know so many secrets, obviously wanting to have his cake and eat it too, treating himself like an idiot, fortunately, I put a dark chess piece next to Lu County Master, otherwise, he would have really sold me out without knowing.

  Right, Ziyu said that this Lu guy also said he has a future, now he's already the captain of the guards, and still wants to have a future, isn't he trying to replace himself?

  What a rebellious act.

  For a moment, Chen Gui felt that Zhou Dàyuan's words were somewhat true again.

  "Nowhere, nowhere, if it weren't for Brother Chen, I, Cao Hu would still be a laborer." Cao Hu said with a grateful face.

  Of course, if it wasn't for snatching away his own Cloud Mother, saying that they were his reborn parents wouldn't be an exaggeration.

  "Alright, it's about time too, let's have dinner first." Chen Gui turned his head and ordered: "Serve the dishes."

  Chen Gui, a seasoned official, was extremely displeased in his heart, but he had a deep and subtle mind, not easily revealing his emotions. Taking a deep breath was just a moment's work, or you could say it was a fleeting thought, but the gains and losses were long-term matters. Cao Hu had been the head of the constabulary for many years and had cultivated the three classes of yamen runners into his own power, no longer being the hard worker he once was. If he wasn't careful, he would be completely pushed to the side of County Magistrate Lu. Moreover, as his trusted confidant, Cao Hu knew too much about the secret matters he had handled over the years. Once forced to desperation, he could bring about a situation where both sides would suffer, and his own foundation and future prospects would be completely ruined.

  "Yes, sir." The butler replied and immediately ordered the servants to serve the dishes.

  Having sat in the position of the catcher for so long, Cao Hu had already trained a pair of fiery eyes and golden pupils. He faintly felt that Chen Gui's attitude was slightly unusual, but he didn't dare ask more questions. Later, it was Chen Gui who was dissatisfied with himself and the new county magistrate's inspection tour.

  If you're not satisfied, then so be it. What's most important is that the benefits are genuinely and truly in your own hands.

  "Where are Brother Chen, his wife and their nephews?" Cao Hu asked curiously, seeing only two people at the table.

  "Don't mind them, they're eating in the backyard. Today it's just us two, let's have a good drink, I said so, no returning without getting drunk."

  "Alright, I'll stake my life on accompanying you, let's have a drink till we can't return." Cao Hu said generously.

  The two of them clinked cups and exchanged toasts, drinking until the late hours of the night before dispersing. Although Chen Gui was not pleased in his heart, he still sent someone to escort Cao Hu back home. The enthusiastic Chen Gui even personally escorted Cao Hu to the door, demonstrating their deep friendship.

  In any case, first stabilize the situation, and when there is a foolproof plan, then make one move to eliminate future troubles.

  "Master, this Cao Hu is not honest, it shows that he has already had a change of heart. Why are we still treating him with courtesy?" Chen the housekeeper said indignantly: "This white-eyed wolf should be thrown out."

  As the old housekeeper of the Chen family for many years, and also as Chen Gui's childhood playmate, study companion, and long-time follower, who finally took the position of housekeeper, Housekeeper Chen knew many secrets, including the intelligence sent by Chen Zhi.

  Chen Gui said lightly: "A momentary gain or loss of momentum doesn't matter, but now that he has grown in power and is being forced into a corner, pushing him to the side of the man with the surname Lu would be unwise."

  "Yes, Master is indeed thoughtful." Chen, the housekeeper, hastily flattered.

  "Alright, let's head back, there are still many days ahead."

  After the Chen family's gate closed with a "peng" sound, the front door of the Chen residence returned to silence, with only two lanterns swaying in the cold wind. After a long time, a person emerged from the shadow of the wall corner, glanced around, and then quickly disappeared into the darkness of night.

  This black figure is Liu Jinzhu, as a hoodlum, things like gathering information and lurking in corners are his specialties. Under the orders of Lu Haoshan, he secretly follows Cao Hu, now hurrying back to report the latest situation to Lu Haoshan.

  .......

  In the study, Lu Haoshan listened to Liu Jinchu's report and said with his eyes narrowed: "Jinchu, did you hear that wrong?"

  "Brother Shan, I, Liu Jinchu, may be a bit greedy, but when you entrust me with something to do, there's not one thing that will go wrong." Liu Jinchu patted his chest in guarantee.

  Lu Haoshan nodded, not bad, the first step of the plan was very successful. Chen Gui and Cao Hu, this pair of partners, finally opened a gap for themselves, making their next move much easier.

  The power distribution in Jiangyou County is very clear. The chief clerk, Zhang Yunhui, is already old and his ambition has been worn away. He just wants to pass the days peacefully and turns a blind eye to everything. The power of the historian is too small and cannot be brought to the fore, so Chen Gui dominates alone. After many years of operation, all six houses are under his control. Lu Haoshan wants to overthrow Chen Gui, first he needs to win over allies, and the best ally is undoubtedly Cao Hu. Firstly, he is a martial artist with few tricks up his sleeve, secondly, he controls the three classes of rapid servants, these are "gunmen"! With people, things can be done more easily. So Lu Haoshan first takes action against Cao Hu.

  "Shan Ge" Liu Jinzhu lowered his voice and said: "Didn't we hear that Cao Hu and Chen Gui's third wife, Chen Li Shi, were childhood sweethearts who were cousins? It turns out they still have a connection now." Liu Jinzhu seemed to remember something and hurriedly added.

  "Oh, and this matter?" Lu Haoshan's eyes lit up in front of him, and he hastily said: "How did you know?"

  Liu Jinzhu smiled complacently and said in a low voice, "There are many trees around Chen Gui's mansion. I climbed up quietly to take a look."

  After finishing, he told the scene of Cao Hu and Yun Niang meeting each other in detail. This kind of gossip made Liu Jinzhu more and more excited as he spoke, while Lu Haoshan's eyes became brighter and brighter as he listened, until finally, a look of excitement appeared on his face.

  With a "slap", Lu Haoshan patted Liu Jinchu's shoulder and said excitedly, "Good kid, you've made a great contribution!"

  "Shan Ge, really?"

  Lu Haoshan smiled and nodded: "Okay, now help me grind the ink. By the way, go get something for me later."

  "Yes, Brother Shan." As soon as Liu Jinzhu heard Lü Haoshan laugh like this, he knew that Brother Shan was up to something again and someone was going to be in trouble.

  Whatever, anyway it's not me who's unlucky.