Chapter Eleven Conspiracy

  Liu Ziguang's class went very smoothly, and the students were all top-notch accountants from large factories. They were impressed by this innovative accounting method, which was indeed a pioneering work and extremely clever, with no loopholes. It seems that Liu Daimanager is really talented, worthy of being promoted by the big sister. The young apprentices also followed along to learn, and one of them, named Ding Libin, had strong leadership skills and memory, and could write beautiful characters. He had learned to play the abacus from a young age and could perform high-level movements like the "Lion Rolling Ball". Therefore, he was appointed by Liu Ziguang as his assistant, responsible for serving tea, copying documents, managing the apprentices, and acting as an assistant secretary. The young man was very proud to be the assistant of the deputy manager and worked extremely hard.

  The big sister was slightly surprised that Liu Ziguang quickly settled Ren Dafeng, but more was satisfied with the rapid promotion of compound accounting method. She took Liu Ziguang to visit each operation link from mining ore, smelting, refining, steelmaking, casting, forging tools, weapons, sales, transportation, etc. When visiting the armory assembly workshop, Liu Ziguang suddenly remembered the Taylor system, a capitalist exploitation tactic mentioned in his middle school textbook, and showed off:

  Select the most productive skilled worker, record the time and efficiency used for each process, analyze every detail, eliminate unnecessary actions, establish the most efficient labor method, and set the standard for output quota and different wage grades.

  The big sister stopped in her tracks and looked at Liu Ziguang seriously, this young man's proposal was always so beyond people's imagination, yet so simple and easy to operate, just by changing some methods and systems, the efficiency could be greatly increased, it was worth trying.

  "Mr. Liu, please write a detailed report for me, and also, the acting manager's signature on your account can be removed. Next step is to prepare for auditing accounts, and in the future, we will rely more on you for production matters. As things are busy, thank you for your hard work. From today onwards, you will receive double salary at the managerial level, and you are free to enter all production workshops."

  Liu Ziguang hastily expressed his gratitude. "I will definitely do my best to repay Miss's kindness."

  Liu Ziguang continued to speak in a half-educated, half-illiterate way like people of ancient times, without noticing that when he mentioned the words "thick love", the face of the young lady turned slightly red.

  Far behind them, several guards were wandering around at will. The two eyes of Song Shaoxia, the Wudang warrior who had come to protect his young mistress voluntarily, stared fixedly at the two, as if they would spit out fire.

  Liu Ziguang's proposal, the Taylor system, was first tried out in the armory assembly workshop. Although the total wage increased, the product quantity doubled, and this was still under the condition of reducing a part of novice apprentices. The big sister was very happy and wanted to heavily reward Liu Ziguang.

  As they followed the young lady on her inspection tour to the excavation team, the slave workers saw Liu Ziguang approaching and spontaneously used their tools to strike the ground in unison, shouting "9527! 9527! 9527!" The legend of Liu Ziguang had already spread throughout the ears of the slave workers and fighters, becoming an idol in their hearts. Looking at the eager eyes of these former brothers, Liu Ziguang was moved, secretly vowing that when he gained great power, he would definitely improve their living conditions and free these slaves.

  In the secret room of the accounting house, Director Ding was having a confidential conversation with someone.

  "The young lady entrusted Liu Ziguang to thoroughly investigate the accounts, treasury and silver, and even arranged for someone to take charge of the gold vault, which didn't seem right. Had she already become suspicious?"

  Premier Ding is worried.

  "That Liu Ziguang, isn't he a former slave guard? How did he escape so quickly? Must be some backing behind him. No matter which side sent him, as long as he's under the young lady's wing, it'll affect our plan. Find a way to eliminate him." The mysterious person said.

  "It's not easy, he's definitely going to suspect me as soon as something happens. Besides, this kid has some skills and isn't easily killed." President Ding apparently didn't have much talent for the art of murder.

  "You can't kill, won't you use other methods? Don't forget your old tricks... Besides, the people above have already spoken, we can't wait any longer. Take advantage of the factory owner's seclusion to create an opportunity to complete the task entrusted by the superior." The mysterious person sneered.

  Late at night, in the inner courtyard, in a small room, two people were snuggled up together, satisfied after intense exercise. "In the future, when you become the great aunt's husband, you must treat her well." The speaker was Dongxiang, the maid of the eldest miss, who had her rosy cheeks pressed against Song Qingfeng's bare chest.

  "Don't worry, I wouldn't dare let you make my bed and fold my quilt anyway. The second young mistress's position is yours for the taking. However, recently the eldest miss and that thieving servant have been getting too close, what if the eldest miss loses her heart..."

  "It's impossible, after all, Liu is just a humble servant by birth, how can he compare with someone of your noble stature?"

  "I'm still worried, that thieving slave has many tricks up his sleeve, and the young mistress is already dizzy and confused."

  Song Qingfeng said as he teased Dongxiang's sensitive spots.

  "What should we do then? I'll listen to you..." Dong Xiang panted.

  Song Qingfeng pinned Dongxiang down, "Dongxiang, you're really good..."

  The year-end is here, the factory is decorated with lanterns and couplets, the New Year's goods have been arranged long ago, pigs, sheep, cattle, chickens, ducks, fish, filled the kitchen, the servants set up large pots to fry various pasta, children running around making trouble everywhere, the slaves also received new clothes and fine steamed buns that can be eaten full and meat. The only regret is that no one has fired firecrackers.

  Except for New Year's Eve, it's still business as usual, but everyone is busy and distracted, thinking about the upcoming long holiday.

  Recently, Ding Pengyuan has been very concerned about Liu Ziguang, taking care of him like a kind elder would take care of a promising young nephew. The treasury is a place where only a few people can enter to check and clear, and each time they must be accompanied by at least two people to supervise each other. Liu Ziguang was fortunate enough to become one of the important personnel who could obtain the key to the treasury.

  Liu Ziguang was alone in his dormitory, and recently the young lady had given him many clothes. He picked out a blue satin long shirt and was considering whether to wear it. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, and when he opened it, it turned out to be Dongxiang, the young lady's maid.

  This girl has never given herself a good face, as if she owed her something, what is the purpose of coming here?

  "Mr. Liu, the young mistress asks you to come to the main hall's side room for a conversation ahead of time, she will be waiting for you there in a moment. There are matters from the banquet that need to be discussed with you." Dong Xiang said coldly and then left.

  Oh, it should be preparing speeches for tonight's grand banquet. Every year at the annual gala dinner, many people are commended and promoted. The young lady might be afraid that she won't speak properly and make a joke, so she specifically entrusted me in advance. Still, the young lady is considerate of others. Liu Ziguang sighed, just wear this blue silk shirt then.

  In the main hall, a large number of servants were busy arranging tables and chairs, food and drink. The private chamber reserved for the inner family was empty, not a single person in sight. Liu Ziguang rushed in, pushing open the door, scanning the room with a puzzled expression, wondering where everyone was. Suddenly, a pair of warm, smooth arms wrapped around his neck from behind. Liu Ziguang was shocked and grabbed the arms, pulling the person to the front. To his astonishment, it was Dong Xiang! Dong Xiang's pink silk jacket had been discarded on one side, her apricot-colored undershirt torn open, revealing a red belly wrap underneath. Her sleeves were rolled up, and her hair was disheveled, with silk threads scattered about. She was still reaching out to unfasten Liu Ziguang's waistband.

  "Winter Fragrance cried out loudly: 'Someone, save me!' Her sharp voice pierced the dusk. A group of servants and women rushed over from the main hall next door, blocking the door to the side room. They were shocked to discover that Liu Ziguang, the recent big shot, and Dong Xiaojie's maid Winter Fragrance were entwined together in disarray. Seeing the crowd, Winter Fragrance shrank into a corner, her hair disheveled, her makeup smeared by tears, using her outer garment to cover her chest, pointing at Liu Ziguang as she sobbed uncontrollably. The crowd immediately understood and surrounded Liu Ziguang, grabbing him with all their might."

  Liu Ziguang did not resist, and if he had resisted, it would have been considered a real crime. Now we can only hope that the elder sister will investigate clearly. Such an old trick is also used to deal with oneself, and according to the elder sister's cleverness, she should be able to find out the black hand behind the scenes.

  After a while, the young lady arrived at the scene after hearing the news. The guests who came one after another also entered the main hall, and the door of the side room was surrounded by people like a flood. Even if he cleared his name, Liu Ziguang would still lose face, and he felt very depressed.

  The young lady asked coldly what had happened to Dongxiang. Dongxiang sobbed and said that she was wiping the table and chairs in the side room when Liu Ziguo suddenly came in, spoke flirtatiously, saying that he would soon rise to wealth and power, enter the iron factory as a son-in-law, marry the young lady as his wife, and take Dongxiang as his concubine. He tried to take advantage of her, but fortunately, people arrived just in time, otherwise she would have lost her chastity and wouldn't be able to live with dignity anymore.

  "Big sister, you must take charge for me!" Winter Fragrance cried out in a hoarse voice.

  "What's going on?" asked the young lady of Liu Ziguang.

  "This is clearly a trap, Winter Fragrance told me to come to the side room and wait, saying that Big Miss had something to entrust, but as soon as I entered the door, Winter Fragrance undressed herself and pounced on me." Liu Ziguang explained.

  There was a buzz of discussion around, expressing disbelief that such a well-behaved girl like Dongxiang would do something so shameful. It must be Liu Ziguo being arrogant and forgetting himself, trying to take liberties with Dongxiang, and now he's even turning the tables on her. How detestable! And to say something as absurd as wanting to marry Eldest Miss is truly unforgivable!

  Seeing the crowd's excitement, the dinner is about to begin. The eldest miss ordered a few maids to escort Dongxiang back to her room. Liu Ziguang also temporarily did not attend the banquet and returned to his dormitory to wait for investigation.

  The banquet began, and the main hall was filled with middle and high-ranking officials from the iron factory, as well as some meritorious workers, technicians, and guards. Dishes were served in rapid succession, and the fine wine was opened, releasing its intoxicating aroma. After waiting for the hostess to give a speech, the guests raised their cups and exchanged toasts, drinking merrily.

  As midnight approaches, children outside throw a large number of firecrackers into the bonfire, making a loud crackling sound, truly a festive atmosphere to bid farewell to the old year. The whole house is immersed in a joyful and festive atmosphere.

  A guard rushed to the hall, whispered a few words in the ear of Ding Pengyuan, the accountant, who was greatly shocked and hastily got up to report to the eldest sister: "Elder sister, the treasury has been stolen, all silver tickets and some gold bricks are gone!"

  Even if the young lady's psychological quality is super strong, the wine glass almost slipped out of her hand, that's hundreds of millions of silver coins, losing liquidity, the factory will immediately stop operating, it's a serious matter!

  Big sister, calm down and ask what's going on. Ding Pengyuan said that when the guards were patrolling earlier, they found that the treasury was wide open and half of it had been moved away. It is said that the last person to inspect the treasury was Liu Zigang.

  The young lady immediately had someone go find Hu Xianzhuo, the captain of the inner guards. The person searched for half a day but couldn't see Captain Hu at the banquet.

  Just then, Hu Xianzhu rushed in from outside and walked up to the eldest sister, reporting in a low voice: "Dongxiang was murdered, and the suspect Liu Ziguo is nowhere to be found!"