Chapter Thirty: Sword Drawn and Bowstring Taut

  Seeing San Dangjia's arrogant appearance, Chen Chu was furious. At this time, Chen Chu's eyes were cold and terrifying.

  The two men stood facing each other, like two roosters, the scene was so quiet that a pin could be heard dropping, and the atmosphere seemed particularly oppressive.

  Actually, the third master is also very nervous at this time, but he doesn't show it. His current actions are just to save face! He never thought that the other party would react so strongly to his requests, and if he had known, he wouldn't have made these requests in the first place. If he can't successfully negotiate the Le Ping County matter because of him, when he returns, the eldest master will scold him, and he won't be able to escape a severe punishment.

  At this moment, Chen Chu suddenly smiled and said, "Third Master, don't be nervous. I wouldn't dare to do anything to you! Even if I didn't consider my own safety, I would still have to consider the safety of the people under our rule. We can discuss things calmly, right?" As he spoke, Chen Chu made a polite gesture towards Third Master and gave Wang Han a subtle signal with his eyes, indicating that they should remain calm. Don't think that Chen Chu could accept the other party's arrogance and insults; he was just forcing himself to endure and put on a smiling face. This wasn't the time to turn against them, or else all of Chen Chu's plans would be ruined.

  Seeing Chen Chu's low-key behavior, San Dangjia finally breathed a sigh of relief. However, he didn't dare to pressure the other party too much at this time, otherwise, if things went wrong, not to mention whether he could explain it to Da Dangjia, even whether he could leave safely would be an unknown number.

  "Magistrate Chen, since you don't agree with the plan I proposed, then forget it. However, 100,000 catties of grain for 1,000 taels is a deal that can't be reduced by even one cent."

  Chen Chu revealed a painful expression and replied after a while: "Alright. 100,000 kilograms of grain for 1,000 gold! I won't shortchange the Guixia Village!"

  The third master nodded, "That's good. But when can Mr. Chen transport the money and grain?"

  "After a moment's thought, Chen Chushen said: 'Five days later, I will personally escort the money and grain to your stronghold.'"

  "All right. I'll be waiting at Hu Xiaozhai to welcome your arrival. I hope, Lord Chen, that you keep your word! Otherwise, the consequences will be severe, and I'm sure you're aware of them."

  The three masters immediately stood up and bowed their fists to Chen Chu, "Farewell."

  Chen Chu also made a fist and said, "Forgive me for not seeing you off further."

  After the three masters left, Wang Han suddenly knelt down in front of Chen Chu and said: "Sir, are you really going to give 100,000 catties of grain and 1,000 taels of gold to bandits?" At this time, Wang Han's face was filled with indignation and unwillingness.

  Chen Chu sighed, "Wang Han, you are an upright person, I know your thoughts. But you should also understand that the Tiger's Den is too powerful, it's not something that our Le Ping County can contend with. If I don't hand over these funds and grains, the ones who will suffer in the end will be the people of Le Ping County. Wang Han, I believe you wouldn't want to see the people of Le Ping County being plundered and slaughtered by bandits either!"

  What more could Wang Han say at this point! Wang Han let out a sigh, bowed to Chen Chu and then turned to leave.

  "King Han, take people to the county treasury to withdraw the money and grain required by Hu Xiaozhai, and load them properly. This matter must be done within five days." Chen Chu ordered.

  "Yes, I understand," said Wang Han and others, and then they withdrew from the main hall.

  Chen Chu turned his head to look at Zhang Rui, he saw that Zhang Rui was staring at him with a strange gaze, and her expression was somewhat dull.

  "Ruirui!", Chen Chu called out, but Zhang Rui seemed to have not heard. "Ruirui!", Chen Chu shouted again in a louder voice.

  At this time, Zhang Rui finally reacted. She saw her whole body tremble, as if she had been frightened.

  Zhang Rui only then discovered that Chen Chu was staring at her with wide eyes. Zhang Rui's eyes showed a flustered expression, and her cheeks suddenly turned bright red as she quickly lowered her head.

  At this time, Chen Chu was puzzled: What is Rui'er doing?!

  "Ruirui, what are you thinking about?" Chen Chu asked.

  "No no no! I didn't think anything!"

  Chen Chu felt somewhat perplexed, but didn't pursue the matter further. At this time, Zhang Rui's face turned red as she said to Chen Chu: "Big brother, can you let Rui'er go now?"

  It wasn't until then that Chen Chu still tightly grasped Zhang Wei's palm.

  Chen Chu was stunned for a moment, looked at the slender hand in his palm, and then looked at Rui'er who was shy and embarrassed. His face suddenly turned red like fire, and then he quickly let go of Rui'er's hand as if he had been electrocuted.

  The scene suddenly fell silent, and the atmosphere was extremely awkward.

  After a while, Chen Chu said: "Hmm, Rui'er, let's go back to Longhu Village first."

  Zhang Ruihong nodded with a pretty face and didn't say anything.

  Then the two returned to Longhu Village. Before leaving, Chen Chu brought Wang Han forward and carefully instructed him on some matters.

  Returning to Longhu Village, Chen Chu immediately called Zhang Liao and Deng Gong to the villa.

  Chen Chu's first words upon seeing Zhang Liao were, "Wenyuan, we're going to battle!", his tone was quite excited.

  Zhang Liao was also very excited and hastily asked: "Big brother, is there a battle to fight? Who are we fighting?"

  At the mention of going into battle, his eyes gleamed with excitement, and Zhang Liao proved himself to be one of the most renowned generals of the Three Kingdoms.

  Chen Chu smiled and then carefully told again what had just happened and his own plan.

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