Zhao Jin expressed his judgment, and Cao Lei certainly knew that he would not make a mistake. The timing of Dong Hu's death was so coincidental, and the previous meeting between the two in the restaurant further showed that Ling Shu was closely related.
Perhaps Zhao Jin and Ling Shu had a private grudge, or perhaps Ling Shu wanted to target Chen Ping, who was the matchmaker.
But no matter who it was, he was too arrogant and domineering. He dared to bribe people from Kowloon Hall to do things for him, and even robbed them several times.
Cao Lei bit his back molar, which was too disrespectful of himself.
After Zhao Jin came back, he met with Chen Ping and others privately and told them everything that happened.
Chen Ping asked worriedly: "Why did Ling Shu drink the wine first?"
If Ling Shu wants to investigate them, shouldn't he target Hejia Buzhuang and Tianxiang Pavilion?
"Did he also start to doubt Brother Zhao?" Ye Chongwen said worriedly.
"I don't think so. Firstly, our contact with Brother Zhao has always been hidden. Secondly, Brother Zhao has cooperated with him. Wouldn't it be easier to investigate directly from the direction of cooperation? Why rob goods in a roundabout way?" He Qingxuan said.
Don’t think so.
"Before he had any evidence, Brother Zhao was still Brother Xie's 'cousin'." In Chen Ping's view, the three of him were more dangerous.
After all, among the players He Qing, Liu Bi’s house is truly owned.
"The situation is unclear, so it's better to just let nature take its course and see how he makes his moves. We'll just show him his moves!"
Several people discussed it or decided to stay put for the time being.
The next day, Zhao Jin went to Cuiyun Tower again and told Ling Shu happily that the robbers had been eradicated by Jiulong Hall.
Naturally, Ling Shu congratulated him repeatedly. As for how he felt in his heart, only he himself knew.
......
Beijing, Xie Mansion.
Xie Zhiyuan sat in the study, holding Chen Ping's letter, frowning and said.
"This Lingshu has been active recently. It seems that Qianzhou won't be able to calm down for long. How are you doing when you come to check?"
"Zhou Chenggong, a native of Gyeonggi Province, is over 10 years old but unmarried and has no children." Zhang Li replied awkwardly: "Sir, we have been watching him for so long, but we haven't seen him in private contact with anyone. He stays in the restaurant every day." "It sounds like he is just a loner." Xie Zhiyuan said coldly, "A restaurant owner, you haven't found any useful information for so long."
"Sir, please calm down, it's because we didn't do our job well." Zhang Li quickly knelt down and admitted his mistake.
After Xie Zhiyuan returned to the capital, he began to investigate Yingke Lai Restaurant, but the progress was very slow.
This week's success was achieved, and the background was so seamless that it was so monotonous that one had nowhere to start. Being able to hide one's wealth information in the capital so rigorously, the people behind it should not be underestimated, so it was a bit constrained.
"That's all," Xie Zhiyuan said in a deep voice, "keep watching and don't let your guard down. As soon as you have any news, tell me as soon as possible."
"Yes, sir!"
......
At the end of February, good news suddenly came from the northern battlefield.
"Wanchang City has been recaptured!"
As soon as Chen Ping walked into the backyard of He Mansion, he heard Zhao Jin's hearty laughter.
Ye Chongwen was even more outraged, "After a few months, we finally took the city back! The new year is off to a good start!"
"It's not inevitable," He Qingxuan poured cold water on them, "In the battle of Wanchang, there were heavy casualties. We lost 30,000 soldiers before we killed 10,000 enemies. Such losses are too great."
"But no matter what, our Dayu territory is finally back!" Zhao Jin said seriously.
Ye Chongwen nodded, excited and excited.
Chen Ping also echoed: "There is a saying in the Han family: Those who invade our land will be punished no matter how far away they are! This is indeed worthy of celebration, it can not only boost morale, but also inspire the people's hearts."
Although I say so, I can't help but wonder why the foreign enemy, after occupying the city, suffered several times less battle damage than our army, but finally abandoned the city and fled. This is really unbelievable.
But no matter what, it is a happy thing to regain the lost country.
When Chen Ping returned to Zhuyuan, he received a reply from Su Yiyi and a gift box.
The letter wrote: "My brother's entrustment has been fulfilled. It coincides with the new year. I know that it is not easy for my brother to study, so I will give you something to help you solve your doubts."
In the wooden box, an exquisite small hair pen lies quietly on the plain blue silk satin. The pen barrel is like jade. Just looking at the workmanship, you can tell that it is worth a lot.
It can be seen that some thought was put into this New Year's gift, and Chen Ping should return the favor.
So in addition to replying to Su Yiyi, I also wrote a special letter to Chen Tianrui, asking him to choose several bottles of perfume with different scents and send them to Su Mansion personally as his New Year's gift.
......
Ling Mansion, inner courtyard.
Ling Shu frowned as he listened to the report, looking a little anxious.
"How many goods have not arrived yet?"
"There are also grains from Pushan County and salt from Chengyuan County that haven't arrived yet. They say they are already on the way." The boy replied.
"Hurry up! The date required by the above is coming soon, so you must not delay it."
"Yes, sir."
Ling Shu stood up and looked at the sky, "Is there nothing unusual about the old man Cao Lei?"
"Our people haven't found anything unusual yet."
"I'm still a little worried. When Cao Huowang was still alive, this old guy always looked down on me, so don't say anything you shouldn't say."
The young man felt awe-struck when he heard it. He thought of something and his face turned a little pale. "It's been so many years and he hasn't found anything, right? Who can believe it if it's spread?"
Ling Shu glanced at him, "Of course it won't matter if it reaches the ears of those young boys, but what if it reaches Xue Ren and Xie Zhiyuan?"
The boy suddenly became silent and did not dare to raise his head.
Seeing his cowardice, Ling Shu became even more angry.
"If that idiot Dong Fox had been smarter and asked Xue Ren to break up with Jiulong Hall, why would I be so worried and scared!"
"Master, calm down!"
"Calming down anger is of no use!" Ling Shu scolded: "Why don't you try to hitch a ride!"
The boy was slightly startled, "Master, is this what you want?"
Ling Shu snorted coldly, turned around and walked towards the door.
"Liujiazhuang."
The sky is getting dark, lanterns are gradually lit in the corridor of Liujiazhuang, and a few patrolling people are walking back and forth.
The two stone lions in front of the door cast a shadow, and the concierge yawned, then raised his eyebrows and looked forward.
I saw a green carriage stopped. A young man carrying a few gift bags helped the potbellied Ling Shu get out of the carriage.
The concierge had a strange look in his eyes and joked loudly: "Hey, isn't this Boss Ling? He hasn't been here for several years. Why are you so free today?"
Ling Shu sighed and lowered his posture, "Not long after, it will be the death anniversary of my brother Huo Wang. I am also thinking about Hall Master Cao, so I came to visit. Please let me know."
"That's so nice to say. If you still remember the young hall master, you should have come long ago."
The concierge muttered something and waved his hand casually, signaling them to wait.
After a while, the side door opened.
"Go in," several big men leaned against the door and sneered, "The boss is waiting for you."
Ling Shu's eyes flashed with coldness, and he carefully walked around several people, causing everyone to ridicule and laugh.
"I have lived such a long life in vain, and I am not as calm as Mr. Chen."
"I didn't explain the young hall master's affairs clearly. I really don't know how he had the courage to come."
"Watch and see, there will be good fruits to eat!"
Ling Shu gritted his teeth and quickly walked through the corridor and arrived outside the main hall.
Before he walked in, he saw Cao Lei sitting in the hall. Although he had not seen him for several years, his head was full of white hair, but his eyes were still sharp and captivating.
Ling Shu couldn't help but be shocked by the evil aura in him.
"Uncle Cao! Long time no see. How are you?" Ling Shu came back to his senses with a smile on his face and walked in quickly carrying the gift.
But as soon as the words came out, I heard Cao Lei shouting coldly.