Qiang Jin Jiu (Author : Tang Jiuqing 唐酒卿)

Chapter 85 : Assignment

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With such a great misfortune befalling the Xi Clan, and with Xi Hongxuan having no children to take over the mantle, the shops in the various localities all temporarily suspended operations. The shopkeepers sent letters to Qudu, ready to set up a mourning hall in their old home and to discuss plans for the future.   

Sitting on the chair, Shen Zechuan instructed, “This journey is a far one to make, and you’re also bringing along womenfolk. I don’t feel reassured. Xiaowu, lead a few of our men to escort this Elder Brother Xi there.” 

Xi Dan understood the meaning in Shen Zechuan’s words. Afraid to doubt him, he hurriedly kowtowed to show his gratitude.

“There’s only the Eldest Mistress who can head the Xi Clan now.” Shen Zechuan glanced at the account books before him and said, “Pay some attention when you go back. Other matters are of no rush; stabilize the current situation first. Don’t lose your head. The deal we had discussed a few days back can be temporarily set aside as well. Once you obtain the keys, keep a low profile, and check the money vault’s entryways. A man’s wealth is his own ruin by rousing greed in others. Now that you have to look after such a big business and also manage the money vault, you’re bound to encounter some trouble.”

Xi Dan naturally understood that he could only bank on Shen Zechuan for protection now. He was a smart man who, having followed Xi Hongxuan, knew best to assess the situation. Going all out to work for Shen Zechuan was precisely to prevent himself from being regarded as a sacrificial chess piece to be discarded by the latter.

“With such guidance from Master, this lowly one dare not be sloppy. I’ll do my best to stabilize the business for Master when I return to my hometown.”

“Xi Hongxuan trusted you that much all because you have the capabilities to speak of. He was overbearing and domineering in the past, and was only willing to get you to work on the accounts. But it’s different now, and I’m giving you the chance to show your mettle.” Shen Zechuan set the account book aside without looking at him. “Be honest in your work and play by the rules, and there will be plenty of chances for you to be in charge in the future. But if you deceive me, even by just one word, then I will claim this tongue of yours.” 

He said it lightly and breezily, but Xi Dan felt chilled to the marrow on hearing it. He hurriedly kowtowed again, not daring to look at Shen Zechuan further. 

It was noon after Shen Zechuan dismissed Xi Dan and when Ge Qingqing returned. Ge Qingqing entered and removed his blade, and the errand-runner at the side came over to serve him tea, which he downed in one gulp. 

“No one.” Ge Qingqing pulled out a chair and sat down. He said, “All the Xi Clan’s residences in Qudu have been thoroughly searched. There’s no sign of Teacher and shifu whatsoever.” 

Shen Zechuan said nothing as he leaned against the chair in silence with a displeased expression.

“Could they be in a manor outside the city?” Ge Qingqing wiped his sweat. “The Xi Clan has many manors out there too. Who knows, he might really have hidden them outside.” 

“Shifu isn’t Teacher. It has been so long. He would surely think of a way to come back and see me. But he didn’t.” Shen Zechuan’s heart sank. “This shows that he’s trapped somewhere; he can’t come back.” 

Ji Gang was not Qi Huilian, who was too weak to truss even a chicken. There was almost no one who was his match in Qudu. Perhaps there was a highly skilled expert among the men from the martial fraternity whom Xi Hongxuan had hired with a large sum of money. But now that Xi Hongxuan was dead, this group of martial artists should have already scattered and fled, busily dodging the pursuit of the imperial court. So, where in the world would they care about the detainees?