“Master is right. It’s just that your time is precious. Why spend so much effort on a boor? In my opinion, it’s better to get rid of him directly. That lowly life is like grass. What right does he have to delay Master’s time?”
The butler spoke softly.
Old Master He merely crossed his hands and chuckled,
“This is a unanimous decision after discussion with the three heads of the Lu, Chen, and Huang families. This person surnamed Guo likes to meddle in other people’s business. He stood up for some bumpkins and disturbed our business, everyone in the city knows about it.
I don’t know how many people in the dark who say that the grapes are sour because they can’t eat them are secretly cheering for him. However, our four families have always been on the same side. If we don’t punish him ruthlessly, where will our face go?”
The butler rolled his eyes and asked curiously, “Then, Master, what should we do with Guo after he’s crippled?”
Old Master He chuckled and said calmly,
“We’ll think of a way to get him out. We won’t let him die in jail, instead let him be a beggar with crippled limbs wandering around An Lin Prefecture. Didn’t he cause a commotion all over the city previously? Then we’ll let him beg all day long.
It’s a good opportunity for those unruly people to see clearly what the consequences of going against us are. The consequence of doing so is that we can do whatever we want… With this living example, those unruly people won’t dare to disobey us in the future.”
Hearing this, the butler immediately flattered him with a face full of smiles, “Wonderful! It’s really a brilliant move! Master’s methods are extraordinary. He’s really a hero of an era!”
The corners of Old Master He’s mouth curled up in approval of the bootlicking.
…
On the other side, in the south of the city, Lu Manor.
Lu Ancheng got the butler to send dozens of servants to follow Wu Zheng to snatch back the family assets.
In the courtyard, dozens of servants had already gathered and were being inspected by the butler.
Beside him, Wu Zheng had already changed into a set of clothes for long travel. At this moment, he was politely thanking Lu Ancheng.
“Old Granduncle, I will remember your help. In the future, I will definitely repay you generously.”
Lu Ancheng also had a friendly expression on his face as he chatted with Wu Zheng. He reminded him, “Young man, be careful on this trip. If the villagers are too drunk on the sudden windfall, they might take the risk to attack you. I specially chose two guards with strong martial arts to accompany you. They can protect you.”
As he spoke, he clapped his hands. Two muscular martial artists walked over and cupped their fists towards Wu Zheng.
This kind of guard was not a servant, but an expert hired from outside. They possessed martial arts, and many large and wealthy families had such experts as their retainers.
“Thank you, Granduncle.” Wu Zheng hurriedly bowed again.
Lu Ancheng stroked his beard and smiled.
As long as Wu Zheng took back the land property, they would sign a contract for him to take care of it. The Lu Manor would then be able to temporarily rent these properties… However, it would only be rented in name, and they would in reality be the actual owners.
However, Lu Ancheng did not intend to ruin Wu Zheng’s life and devour these properties.
After all, the two families had a “good relationship” and could barely be considered relatives. There was no need to go overboard, and the Lu Manor did not lack these lands as well. In comparison, it was more meaningful to invest in Wu Zheng to obtain an honorary title.
Even if Wu Zheng was ranked on the Golden Ranking List, he still needed help in his career progress. The Lu Residence, which was quite powerful, could serve as one of the bastions he could rely on. Wu Zheng should know this very well.
With this relationship, when Wu Zheng became an official in the future, would he still be afraid that the former would not repay the kindness to take care of the Lu family, who had “helped him in his hour of need”?
At that time, the farm property of the Wu Village would be a small sum compared to the benefits they could obtain by being close to him!
With such great benefits, there was no reason for Lu Ancheng not to invest.
Of course, if Wu Zheng let down his investment, these farm products would be used as compensation. It was not a loss anyway.
The two of them had their own thoughts, but on the surface, they were polite, like an elder and nephew who had a harmonious relationship.
Soon, Wu Zheng left with two guards and dozens of servants.
“I’ll definitely be able to recover my family assets.”
Wu Zheng was calm.
With the powerful Old Master Lu backing him, he did not have to worry about not being able to take back his family business. He was full of confidence.
Although he still had to “lend” it to Old Master Lu in the end, it was better than being divided up by the villagers… At least there would be some benefits if the family property was given to a powerful family, but if it was given to a bumpkin, he would not get anything out of it.
…
An Lin Prefecture, magistrate’s mansion.
A few servants carried a golden silk box into the back hall and placed it in the room.
A butler from the four noble families followed beside him. The man opened the golden silk box to reveal a few gorgeous and precious jade artifacts.
Then, the butler bowed and smiled at Magistrate Lin.
“My master happened to obtain a few treasures recently. Thinking that Lord Lin usually loves rare treasures the most, he sent me to deliver them to show his respects to Lord Lin.”
Magistrate Lin stood up and strode forward. He took out an exquisite tiger-shaped jade carving from the box, casually playing with it as he replied,
“Yes, your master is too kind.”
The butler put on an even more sincere smile and said, “My master remembers the magistrate’s previous help and doesn’t dare to forget it.”
Magistrate Lin waved his hand indifferently,
“What, about Guo Haishen? He spoke wildly and punished him according to the law. To me, it’s just business.”
With that, Magistrate Lin returned to the main seat and took a sip of tea.
Seeing that the butler did not leave, he put down his teacup and asked casually, “Is there anything else?”
The manager cupped his hands repeatedly and said, “My master will hold a banquet at Spring Rain Restaurant in three days. He wants to invite you to join in the banquet. I wonder if you’re free?”
Magistrate Lin looked up and said casually, “What does your master wish to talk to me about?”