Chapter 225: Chapter 134: Hidden Crisis
The caravan proceeded brazenly down the main street. At its head, two men in practical attire, one in black and one in white, were chatting idly.
These two were none other than Zhou Hongda’s subordinates, the Black and White Double Slaughter: Ruan Gaolou and Tang Youming.
"Brother Ruan, do you think that Yan Jian fellow will fall for it?" Tang Youming asked in a low voice.
Ruan Gaolou shook his head slightly. "Well... I’m not sure about that."
Tang Youming said, "In my opinion, today is Yan Jian’s wedding day. There’s no way he’ll show up."
Ruan Gaolou tightened his collar. "On a freezing day like this, if it were me, I’d definitely choose to stay home and cuddle my new wife."
"Sigh!" Tang Youming sighed. "This is rough on the two of us. I’m afraid this whole trip will be for nothing.
If Yan Jian has any sense at all, he won’t just blindly believe the word of a servant."
Just then, a squad of City Guard Department Officials suddenly rushed out from a nearby street corner, charging in their direction.
Ruan Gaolou stopped abruptly, a hint of derision in his eyes.
’Looks like Young Master Zhou was right after all. That fellow Yan Jian is so obsessed with earning merit for the Shen Family that he’s completely lost his head.
I just can’t figure out why Young Master Zhou would use this tactic. Is it really just to mess with Yan Jian and send him on a wild goose chase?’
Tang Youming also stopped, raising a hand to signal their subordinates to halt.
The City Guard Department Officials surrounded them. Their leader was none other than Yan Jian.
Also present were Liu Yunfeng and three Chief Constables from the Ruyi Square Sub-Department.
To maintain secrecy, Shen Qingshuang hadn’t even called upon the Chief Constables and constables from the South City District City Guard Headquarters, sending Liu Yunfeng’s men instead.
Chen Cheng and Shen Qingshuang were waiting in a nearby alley, ready to provide support the moment a fight broke out.
"Lord Officers, why are you blocking our path?" Ruan Gaolou asked calmly, taking the initiative despite facing the menacing City Guard Department Officials.
Yan Jian’s expression was stern. "What’s in the carriages?" he demanded coldly.
Ruan Gaolou replied, "Our master is in urgent need of a batch of stone, so he had us transport it through the night."
"Hmph. Transporting stone overnight? Do you think I would believe that?" Yan Jian snorted, then waved his hand. "Search them! If anyone resists, kill them on the spot!"
The Zhou Family’s men showed no intention of resisting and obediently moved to the side.
The constables carefully searched each carriage one by one, only to find they were all loaded with stone materials and nothing else out of the ordinary.
Still not convinced, Yan Jian personally searched every carriage again but still came up empty-handed. His expression soured as he began to lose face.
’The Zhou Family’s Black and White Double Slaughter are here in person. How could they just be hauling stone? It makes no sense!’
"Have your men unload the stone for inspection!" Yan Jian ordered after a moment of thought.
Ruan Gaolou, however, grew reluctant. He cupped his hands and said, "Lord Officer, it’s inconvenient to unload stone in the middle of the night. How about you all follow us to our destination, and we can unload it in front of you there?"
Yan Jian said coldly, "I said unload it, so unload it. Cut the crap."
In truth, one could get a rough idea of whether the carriages were carrying contraband precious metals just by looking at the wheel ruts. He had already checked them and found nothing unusual.
Besides, seeing how calm the Black and White Double Slaughter were, he knew this night’s trip was a waste of time.
’But since I’m already here, I might as well see it through. What if I find something unexpected?
Besides, even if I don’t find anything, Shen Qingshuang will see how diligently I’m working for the Shen Family. My dedication, at least, is commendable.’
"Sigh..." Ruan Gaolou let out a long sigh, the mockery in his eyes deepening. He turned his head and shouted, "Listen up! Unload the stone! Do it slowly, and let the Lord Officers get a good, clear look."
The Zhou Family’s men got to work, unloading the stones from the carriages one by one.
Not far away, Shen Qingshuang shook her head, emerged from the alley, and strode off toward Guangfu District.
After a brief hesitation, Chen Cheng followed her.
"Senior Sister Shen, are we just giving up on this?"
Without turning her head, Shen Qingshuang said coolly, "You can surely see that the Zhou Family was prepared. What else can we do but drop it?"
Chen Cheng was exasperated. ’What was the point of all this? Staying up half the night just to go on a wild goose chase?’
"Senior Sister Shen, should I wait for Chief Yan and the others?" Chen Cheng asked quickly as he saw her pace quicken.
Shen Qingshuang stopped and turned to face Chen Cheng. She said quietly, "Something may have gone wrong with Chief Yan’s plan tonight, but the fact that he’s still working so hard for the Shen Family on his wedding day... that kind of devotion is rare.
Not just me, but my father and second uncle won’t blame him either."
Chen Cheng immediately understood her underlying meaning: even though Yan Jian had failed, his loyalty to the Shen Family was praiseworthy.
It seemed Shen Qingshuang also wanted Chen Cheng to learn from Yan Jian’s example and be just as devoted to the Shen Family.
’What kind of logic is that? It’s utterly foolish!
The proper way to manage people is to reward success and punish failure.
This way of thinking of hers is just misguided compassion. She’ll never accomplish anything great!’
Of course, Chen Cheng wasn’t going to argue with her. After a moment’s thought, he said, "Then I’ll wait for Chief Yan."
"Very good." Shen Qingshuang nodded. Before leaving, she added, "Tell Yan Jian not to be discouraged by this one mistake."
"Alright," Chen Cheng replied. He watched her leave, his brow furrowing unconsciously.
’Logically, Shen Qingshuang is clever, not stupid. But when it comes to judging character, she doesn’t seem so bright.
A man like Yan Jian... his talent in the Martial Dao might be decent, but his heart is crooked and his character is nothing to write home about. What’s the point of putting so much effort into cultivating him?
Is it just because Yan Jian knows how to flatter her and win her favor?’
