piratefiction Chapter 94 Seizure
Chapter 94 Seizure
Chapter 93 Seizure
When Xu Zhi returned from Xu Feng's place, his face was deathly pale and his palms were covered in cold sweat.
He had become suspicious when he noticed Yang Wei's shifty eyes in the warehouse. Upon returning and investigating, he discovered the Dongshan Cold Iron Mine, and his expression changed drastically.
His first thought was that it was transported from the Xu family, but just now in Xu Feng's study, as soon as he mentioned the Dongshan Cold Iron Ore, Xu Feng ordered his men to close the door, and the gentle smile that was usually on his face vanished.
"Some things are better left unknown than known."
Xu Feng picked up his teacup, blew away the foam, and said, "The Qiao family's current improvement is due to the Xu family's connections and the fact that you are surnamed Xu. Although your father is gone, the Xu family still remembers our past relationship and is willing to lend you a hand."
Xu Zhi's throat went dry: "That batch of ore—"
"What happened to the mine?"
Xu Feng looked up, his gaze icy. "There are too many goods piled up in the warehouse. Do you have to question every single one of them? Just be a good son-in-law of the Qiao family, wait to become a father, and mind your own business."
"Don't worry, I'll have someone dispose of the things in a bit. Just pretend you know nothing and be a good son-in-law of the Qiao family."
Having said that, how could Xu Zhi not understand?
He returned home in a daze, his mind in turmoil. He also noticed that there were several spies outside the Qiao residence.
It's unclear whether Xu Feng was wary of them, or whether Liang Cheng from the Martial Academy had already detected the unusual activity at the Qiao residence.
We have to go.
In the past, he might have simply walked away.
But now that Qiao Zhi is pregnant with his child, how could he just leave?
Things haven't gotten to the worst yet.
Xu Feng agreed to dispose of the Dongshan Cold Iron Mine immediately, which put Xu Zhi at ease. He thought that as long as it was transported away tonight, everything would be fine.
However, early the next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Zhao Yuan led more than ten martial arts academy deacons and disciples, along with two teams of black-armored guards from the city lord's mansion, to surround the west warehouse of the Qiao residence.
"By order of the garrison commander, seal off the warehouse and inspect the goods!"
Zhao Yuan's voice was cold and hard as he revealed Liang Cheng's warrant. The old steward of the Qiao family was so frightened that his legs went weak, and he scrambled to inform Qiao Zhi.
Qiao Zhi was helping her mother pick out patterns in the warm pavilion when she came out after hearing the news, only to find that the door to the Qiao family's storeroom had already been sealed off.
"On what grounds have you sealed off the Qiao family's treasury?!"
Her face turned pale with anger, and she pointed at Zhao Yuan, "Where's Liang Cheng? Tell him to come see me!"
"Miss Qiao, please calm down."
Zhao Yuan clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, speaking in an official tone, "Zhan Shou is currently assisting the Martial Arts Academy in investigating the robbery case. This batch of goods is suspected to be cold iron ore that was robbed from Dongshan Mine before the New Year. It has been sealed off and is awaiting inspection in accordance with the law."
"The garrison commander specifically instructed that, considering your pregnancy, you will not be asked to go to the yamen for questioning for the time being. However, the Qiao family is requested to cooperate with the investigation and not to take any rash actions."
With a trembling voice, Qiao's mother asked, "Zhi'er, what exactly happened? The goods in the warehouse—"
Qiao Zhi's face paled, but she quickly regained her composure: "Young Master Zhao, this batch of goods is temporarily stored here by the Xu family. My Qiao family is only lending out the warehouse. We have no idea what it is."
She turned to Xu Zhi: "Husband, don't you think so?"
Xu Zhi's face turned ashen. He opened his mouth, then finally lowered his head in dejection: "That's right. I've never been involved in business matters. I've only occasionally signed off on some goods for them to store temporarily."
That is indeed the case. Otherwise, Qiao Zhi would not have trusted Xu Zhi and believed that he was wholeheartedly good to her.
Zhao Yuan watched coldly, then waved his hand and ordered, "Search! Take all the ledgers and invoices away!"
Madam Qiao calmed down at this point and took Zhao Yuan's hand. "Young Master Zhao, I am your elder. Could you please ask your senior brother to remember my past relationship with your master and put in a good word for us?"
When Yang Wei was mentioned, Zhao Yuan's eyes softened, but he didn't speak, only nodded.
That night, in the study of the Xu residence.
Xu Tianxing had a gloomy expression. Wu Zhenshan sat opposite him, while Xu Feng stood to the side, personally pouring tea and water.
"Treasurer Wu, the Qiao family has already been investigated. Liang Cheng's men acted too quickly; we simply didn't have time to transfer the goods."
Wu Zhenshan took a leisurely sip of tea and said, "What's the panic? The goods were transported by Xu's Tongyuan Trading Company, but the warehouse receipt is signed by Xu Zhi. If we chase them, we'll chase them to the Qiao family, not your Xu family."
-
"But Liang Cheng isn't stupid!"
Xu Tianxing lowered his voice, "As long as we follow the clues, he'll be able to find out where this batch of ore came from—"
"Then don't let him touch it."
Wu Zhenshan put down his teacup, his gaze icy. "Patriarch Xu, you also cooperated with the Fire Worship Cult. Who is the Xu family relying on to maintain its foothold in Linwu City?"
Xu Feng felt a chill run down his spine.
Wu Zhenshan's tone softened at this point. "Lord Situ's meaning is that a clean break should be made. Since Xu Zhi has already handled this batch of goods, let him bear the consequences to the end. It has nothing to do with the Xu family, don't you think?"
Xu Feng's pupils shrank: "Sir, Xu Zhi is, after all, my younger brother—"
Xu Tianxing interrupted Xu Feng at this moment, "Feng'er, don't talk nonsense. Master Treasurer, we still need your help to turn this dangerous situation into safety. Please."
Wu Zhenshan smiled, "Patriarch Xu, rest assured, after cooperating for so long, Deputy City Lord Situ will not abandon any ally."
Thank you for your trouble.
After seeing Wu Zhenshan off, Xu Tianxing sat alone until late at night, with Xu Feng standing silently beside him. The candlelight flickered, casting an uncertain glow on their faces.
Finally, Xu Tianxing summoned his trusted aides: "Go, move the contents of Tongyuan Trading Company's warehouse away, then set it on fire and burn it to the ground."
"Yes, Master."
The ledgers that Zhao Yuan searched from the Qiao family's warehouse did not contain any records of cold iron ore, but only records of the time and quantity of ordinary iron ore entering the warehouse, as well as a receipt signed by Xu Zhi.
Meanwhile, a fire suddenly broke out at Tongyuan Trading Company, burning all traces to the ground. This made Liang Cheng sigh at the Xu family's extreme decisiveness.
Anyone who believes this fire was an accident is a fool.
"Senior brother, Xu Zhi handled the case. The Qiao family hid the stolen goods, and the Xu family supplied the materials. However, the records show that it was all ordinary iron ore, not cold iron ore."
Liang Cheng flipped through the files, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper.
Has Xu Zhi confessed?
He insisted he knew nothing about it, claiming that his subordinates had deceived him and that the document he signed only contained ordinary iron ore; he knew nothing else.
Liang Cheng closed the file and walked to the window.
As dusk settled, the city lights of Linwu began to illuminate the city.
"Zhao Yuan, do you think the Xu family has the guts to rob the mine and then sell it in Linwu City? Especially since I'm in charge of guarding the Dongshan Mine?" Liang Cheng suddenly asked.
Zhao Yuan was taken aback: "This, Senior Brother, are you saying that perhaps the Xu family was pushed out to take the blame?"
"The Xu family isn't that stupid. Unless they have connections, why would they take such a big risk for a small amount of minerals?"
Zhao Yuan's eyes sharpened: "No wonder the Xu family burned down the warehouse; they were trying to sacrifice a pawn to save the king. So, how do we investigate next?"
"That's enough investigation, let's stop here."
"what?"
Zhao Yuan was incredulous. Liang Cheng patted him on the shoulder and said, "Sometimes, taking a step back is more likely to reveal the truth."
"Besides, the Qiao family is obviously being used. Master has been so distracted these past few days, let's make him more comfortable."
"Understood, Senior Brother."
Zhao Yuan withdrew, and Liang Cheng looked out the window.
This clearly involves a power struggle among the high-ranking officials of Linwu City, and I'm afraid I've unknowingly become a tool in their scheme. Since that's the case, why get involved?
Perhaps by sitting on the wall and observing, one can see things more clearly.
The lifting of the curfew outside the Qiao residence, with no evidence found, surprised everyone.
Wu Zhenshan doubted his own ears, but it was the truth.
Jubaoxuan.
-
After listening to his subordinate's report, Qian Wanjin frowned.
"What does Liang Cheng mean by this?"
He sat on the sidelines and watched everything clearly. He even gave Zhao Yuan a push, otherwise how could Zhao Yuan have figured out the situation so quickly?
But who could have imagined that it would end like this? Could it be that Liang Cheng was such a sentimental person that he would forgive and forget Yang Wei for the sake of their master-disciple relationship?
In that case, how could he force Xu Zhi and the Qiao family to obtain the item from the Qiao family?
"Go and spread the word. I want the whole of Linwu City to know that the Qiao family has cooperated with the Zoroastrianism and robbed the Dongshan Mine."
Remember not to give anyone any leverage, and make sure the message reaches the City Lord's Mansion, the Lu family, and the Qin family. Let's see how Liang Cheng, as the garrison commander of Dongshan Mine, handles it.
"Also, help Liang Cheng get the evidence of the Xu family's crimes."
"It's easier to slack off when things are chaotic like this."
The rumors spread throughout Linwu City overnight.
"Have you heard? Stolen goods from the Dongshan Mine were found in the Qiao family's warehouse!"
"Why did Garrison Commander Liang release them?"
"I heard that Liang Zhenshou's mentor, Yang Wei, was once a son-in-law of the Qiao family! Qiao Zhi is practically his junior sister!"
"No wonder, they're using the Dongshan Mine case to curry favor!"
"I see."
Whispers filled the teahouses, restaurants, and docks.
The rumors spread like wildfire, eventually leading to the claim that Liang Cheng abused his power for personal gain, suppressed dissent, and protected the Qiao family.
The martial arts academy reacted quickly.
At dawn, more than twenty disciples from the Martial Academy's Enforcement Hall, dressed in uniform black martial arts attire, went directly to various parts of the city to post public notices.
Teahouses and taverns also sent people to directly demonstrate the martial arts academy's stance and support Liang Cheng.
"Six months ago, Liang Zhenchuan wiped out the Black Tide and killed the River-Turning Flood Dragon. Last month, he thwarted the Fire Worship Cult's conspiracy at the Dongshan Mine, killed the Fire Worship Cult's three protectors, and destroyed the Blood Altar. How could such a person be so short-sighted?"
The voice wasn't loud, but it silenced the entire room.
The public notices were posted and seen by all the people in the city, and they were stamped with Yan Song's seal as the chief law enforcement officer.
"The Dongshan Mine robbery case is under the supervision of the Martial Arts Academy. All investigations and arrests are carried out in accordance with the law. Those who make irresponsible remarks about the true teachings and spread rumors will not be tolerated."
Meanwhile, Tianshe disciples Lu Qingzhou, Qin Huaiyu, and others also visited familiar merchant families, all conveying the same message.
"We have all witnessed Brother Liang's character. The case is not yet closed, and it would be too early to say anything that might hurt others or ourselves."
Upon receiving the news, Liang Cheng personally thanked the Martial Academy, but Lü Bingchen and the others only exchanged a few words with him before "kicking" him out. "You are a true disciple of the Martial Academy; the academy will protect you. Why thank me?"
Liang Cheng did not come without consequences for the rumors spread about him; that very day, the banner of the Military Equipment Hall was planted in front of the Qiao residence.
Qiao Zhi was checking the accounts when Wu Zhenshan, dressed in a dark blue official robe, walked into the front hall with a serious expression, followed by more than ten elite soldiers from the Military Equipment Hall, all clad in armor.
"Miss Qiao, I'm sorry to bother you."
Wu Zhenshan cupped his hands in greeting. "The Dongshan Mine robbery involves a wide range of issues. The City Lord's Mansion has ordered a thorough investigation. There are clues indicating that the Qiao family is suspected of hiding and transporting stolen goods. According to the law, the person in charge needs to be summoned to the yamen for questioning."
Qiao Zhi's face turned deathly pale upon hearing this: "Treasurer Wu, Liang Zhenchuan of the Martial Academy has already investigated, and my Qiao family has no such records—"
Before she could finish speaking, Wu Zhenshan interrupted her, "That was investigated by the Martial Academy, and now the City Lord's Mansion is in charge. Miss Qiao, please."
At this moment, Qiao's mother rushed out from behind the screen and knelt down with a thud: "Lord Wu, my daughter is pregnant, please show leniency—"
Wu Zhenshan bent down to help Madam Qiao up, his tone softening: "Madam Qiao, rest assured, this is just a questioning. If the Qiao family is innocent, Miss Qiao will return safely."
He then turned his gaze to Qiao Zhi: "Miss Qiao, please."
Qiao Zhi bit her lower lip, glanced at her mother, and finally straightened her back and walked out.
The crowd watching outside the courtyard pointed and whispered among themselves.
When the news of Qiao Zhi's detention by the City Lord's Mansion reached the No. 3 courtyard of True Inheritance Peak, Yang Wei was sitting in his room.
After Zhao Yuan finished speaking in a low voice, he carefully said, "Master, Madam Qiao has been kneeling outside the courtyard for half an hour, begging you to say a few words to my senior brother—"
"Never mind that, just go do your thing."
After Zhao Yuan left, Yang Wei got up three times, walked to the door, and then turned back.
The faint sobs of Madam Qiao, kneeling in the courtyard, could be heard as his fingernails dug into his palms.
At noon, Zhao Yuan brought him lunch and noticed that his eyes were bloodshot.
Yang Wei's voice was hoarse, "Tell your senior brother not to get involved in this."
Zhao Yuan was stunned: "Master?"
"My daughter is having a hard time, but isn't Liang Cheng having a hard time too?"
Yang Wei looked up, his eyes bloodshot. "He already let the Qiao family off the hook, causing a huge uproar in the city. Now that the City Lord's Martial Arts Hall is involved, if I speak up again, am I really going to force him to take the blame for covering up favoritism?"
Yang Wei took a deep breath, as if using all his strength: "Let her go back. The Qiao family can walk its own path."
A short while later, a loud wail rang out outside the courtyard gate, then gradually faded into the distance until it could no longer be heard.
Yang Wei felt all his strength drain away, and he collapsed to the ground, tears streaming down his face.
At dusk, Qiao's mother was chanting sutras and praying for blessings in front of the Buddha when Xu Zhi suddenly entered, knelt on the ground, and kowtowed without saying a word.
Qiao's mother quickly helped him up, "What's wrong?"
Xu Zhi, tears streaming down his face, cried, "Mother-in-law, only you can save Zhi'er now!"
"How can we save her? I've already begged Yang Wei, but he won't see me. Now we can only leave it to fate. Besides, if it weren't for the Xu family, how could Zhi'er have suffered such a calamity?"
At this point, she looked at Xu Zhi and said, "Will the Xu family stand up for us? Impossible. I've said it before, Zhi'er. He's always been arrogant and proud. Even if this doesn't happen now, there will be other disasters in the future."
"She never understood that the so-called revival of the Qiao family requires corresponding strength; otherwise, it will either bring fortune or disaster."
"Mother-in-law, it's actually possible. As long as we bring out that item from the Qiao family's ancestors, I'll take care of it. Once Wu Zhenshan accepts the item, he'll definitely release the person."
Mrs. Qiao's expression changed: "What ancestral items? Where did you hear this rumor? There's no such thing!"
"Mother-in-law!" Xu Zhi said anxiously, "Zhi'er won't last long in prison. It's a cold and damp place, and she's pregnant—"
"roll!"
Suddenly, Mrs. Qiao grabbed a teacup from the table and smashed it over her shoulder. "The Xu family has harmed my Qiao family so much, and you still want to spread rumors?"
Xu Zhi dodged the broken porcelain, stared at her for a moment without saying a word, his face filled with despair, and staggered out.
Qiao's mother collapsed to the ground, trembling all over.
The Qiao family's decline was due to this rumor. In fact, the Qiao family did have this so-called ancestral heirloom, which caused the loss of a True Qi Realm expert and led to their downfall.
This thing is ominous; it's not even in the Qiao residence.
However, if it really comes to a last resort, as Xu Zhi said, handing over this item in exchange for Zhi'er's life would be the best thing ever.
However, it wasn't given to Xu Zhi, but to Liang Cheng.
After all, given Yang Wei's connection, Liang Cheng had to show some consideration and would have to invite Yang Wei over to greet him as "Senior Brother!"
Zhao Yuan strode into the study, holding a dark, unyielding piece of ore in his hand, his face beaming with excitement.
"At the black market secondhand market, we found out they had previously sold a batch of Dongshan cold iron ore. After interrogation, they finally revealed that the Xu family's Tongyuan Trading Company was behind it. Here's the purchase order!"
Liang Cheng took the ore and the purchase order.
Where are they?
"They're still in our hands, Senior Brother. Now we have all the evidence and witnesses; the Xu family can't escape!"
Liang Cheng stroked the ore in his hands, remaining silent.
This is such a coincidence.
Yesterday, rumors were all pointing to him, today Wu Zhenshan arrested Qiao Zhi, and then in the evening, irrefutable evidence surfaced on the black market.
It's like someone has laid out the steps, waiting for him to step on them.
Liang Cheng placed the ore on the table.
"Keep a close eye on the secondhand goods and don't let anyone else know. Hold onto the goods for now; we're not in a hurry to move them."
Zhao Yuan was stunned upon hearing this: "Senior brother, this is our chance to bring down the Xu family—"
"Take down the Xu family, and then what?"
Liang Cheng turned around. "Why should you be allowed to seize control of the secondhand Dongbu ore at this crucial juncture?"
"If someone wants to muddy the waters of Linwu City, then let them. Muddy waters make it easier to catch fish, but they can also see clearly what's hidden underneath."
"Yes, senior brother, I understand."
Just as Liang Cheng was preparing to hold back, news suddenly arrived.
Mrs. Joe is dead!
A bundle of white silk; she hanged herself.
Upon hearing the news, Yang Wei immediately sat down on the ground and remained silent for a long time.
Xu Zhi has disappeared without a trace!
This time, Liang Cheng could no longer sit still. He had Zhao Yuan accompany Yang Wei just in case, and personally went to the Qiao residence.
White banners hung down, and paper money was continuously scattered into the brazier.
A simple mourning hall had been set up in the front courtyard of the Qiao family mansion. A thin coffin was placed in the center, but no one was keeping vigil. Only a few old servants of the Qiao family knelt to the side, trembling.
Soldiers from the Armory Hall surrounded Liang Cheng with swords drawn, creating a tense atmosphere. They looked troubled when they saw him. Wu Zhenshan appeared at this moment and said, "Make way."
Then he and Liang Cheng entered the Qiao residence together, and he explained, "The case has been examined; the victim died by hanging. Would you like to see the case file, Liang Zhenchuan?"
Liang Cheng shook his head.
At that moment, he saw the memorial tablet and stood silently for a moment.
But at that moment, Uncle Wang, the old steward of the Qiao family who was kneeling beside him, suddenly kowtowed repeatedly, blood streaming from his forehead: "True disciple Liang! This old servant originally dared not speak, but the lady died unjustly!"
He suddenly looked up and pointed at the coffin: "After Xu Zhi came the night before last, Madam was crying in her room. Last night, when this old servant brought her food, I saw Madam hanging from the beam!"
Wu Zhenshan frowned: "Do you have any evidence?"
Yes! Yes!
Uncle Wang pulled a torn piece of clothing from his pocket. "I pried this out from Madam's hands. It's the brocade robe Xu Zhi wore this morning!"
The Xu family crest was embroidered on the hem of the garment.
A shadow of gloom flashed across the depths of Wu Zhenshan's eyes.