Looking north towards the rivers and mountains

Chapter 146 Methods

"Zhu Ding is definitely on guard against assassination, that's for sure." In a hidden warehouse of Yang's Grain Shop, everyone gathered together, and Shao Shuyi spoke first: "But no matter how much we guard against it, there will always be times when we are careless. If we use more methods, we might succeed. Even if it doesn't work, Zhu Ding may not necessarily suspect us. Let him, Wang Zongsan, Chen Xianwu, and Zhao Yangui suspect each other."

"Brother Meng is absolutely right," Wang Huadu glanced at Shao Shuyi and said, "The Thirteen Protectors under Zhu Ding aren't the same group as before. There are frequent deaths and injuries, so their skills are just so-so. This time, let's bring two muskets, find a good position, fire a couple of shots at him, and then charge. I don't believe that so-called Thirteen Protectors will still have the courage to fight."

"Be lenient in your assessment of the enemy," Shao Shuyi advised.

Wang Huadu chuckled awkwardly and said, "Brother Meng, you're in charge."

"Didn't Madam Liu say that Grand Protector Li Xiao often sits on the third floor of Dayanlou drinking tea?" Gao Daqiang sat there with his arms crossed and said, "We have to find a way to kill him, and then let Master Cheng occupy a good position, looking down from above to intimidate the thieves."

"Okay, that's a key point." Shao Shuyi nodded, looked at Yu Yuan, and said, "Little scholar, write this down."

Yu Yuan quickly wrote it down, then said, "Brother Gongming, we can't make too much noise killing Li Xiaoshi. We need to think of a better way."

"What a tragedy! Yu She, such a refined scholar, has become a meticulous murderer after just over a year," Wang Huadu mocked. "What are you saying, you swift-witted dog?" Yu Yuan said, bowing his head. "I just wanted to give Brother Gongming some advice."

"Then tell me, how do we deal with Li Xiao? He might have others around him," Wang Huadu asked.

"We can use muskets to launch a sneak attack, or we can sprinkle some lime on their faces," Yu Yuan said.

Wang Huadu was stunned for a moment.

Upon hearing this, Wu Heizi couldn't help but look at Yu Yuan.

Scholars are ruthless. They have no regard for martial ethics and fight to the death with every move. They have no concern about whether it conforms to the rules of the martial arts world. They just want to do it this way, so what?

Shao Shuyi coughed and said, "Tomorrow we'll go to the third floor of Dayanlou to take a look, then we'll have a better understanding. Now let's talk about how to ambush Zhu Ding. No matter which door he leaves through, we need a plan. Hei Zi, you go first."

The group discussed the matter in the warehouse until midnight, going over all sorts of methods for murder and arson, and their ideas gradually became clearer.

On the 18th, Madam Liu, accompanied by several attendants, drove away early in the morning.

At noon, Shao Shuyi took a few trusted confidants to Dayanlou Restaurant, where they ate lunch and secretly surveyed the area.

By evening, both parties had returned to Yang's Grain Shop almost simultaneously.

"Out all day, huh?" Inside the old room, Shao Shuyi crossed his legs and leisurely sipped his tea.

Liu rolled her eyes at him and said, "Isn't it all because of you?"

"Thank you for your hard work." Shao Shuyi nodded, then pointed to the food box on the table and said, "There's a dish called 'Forbidden Delicacies' from Dayanlou Restaurant. I found it to be quite delicious, so I bought it."

Upon hearing the words "forbidden possession," Madam Liu's expression changed slightly.

Shao Shuyi looked at her quietly and said, "Yesterday you said you wanted to study history with me. Today I'm giving you a lesson, teaching you through food. Why are you giving me such a hard time?" Liu was slightly taken aback.

"When Emperor Yuan of Jin first arrived in Jianye, he was in dire straits. One day, he obtained a pig, the meat on its neck being particularly delicious..." Shao Shuyi began to tell a historical anecdote in a leisurely tone.

After listening, Liu sat down quietly, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"What were you thinking about just now?" Shao Shuyi glanced at her and asked.

Liu had recovered and simply accepted the pork neck meat happily without saying a word.

What could she say? Did she think Shao Shuyi was taking advantage of her, treating her like his own possession, and was unhappy that she was out all day?

No explanation needed, just focus on eating the meat.

The possessing old ghost is quite meticulous. He must have been very good at coaxing women in his previous life, knowing that she had been busy all day and might not have eaten dinner.

However, on the other hand, this dish at Dayanlou is indeed very famous, but did Shao Shuyi actually intend to use this opportunity to order it? "How is it?" Shao Shuyi's voice came from across the table.

"It's delicious, thank you."

"I'm asking how your investigation went," Shao Shuyi said helplessly.

Liu remained silent.

Shao Shuyi's gaze fell on her face, his expressionless.

"Zhu Ding will come at the end of the month," Liu said.

"Which day?"

"It's hard to say," Liu shook her head slightly.

"Why at the end of the month?"

"The new prefectural magistrate has only been in office for half a year and has not accepted Zhu Ding's invitations to meals or gifts until last month. He finally relented, but then had to go to Hangzhou on business and stayed for more than a month. He will probably return to Jiangyin at the end of the month," said Madam Liu.

Shao Shuyi seemed to understand something and asked, "The person you know is the Tongzhi, right? Or his wife?"

The goodwill that Liu had initially felt towards her dissipated considerably, and she said, "You've broken the rules."

Shao Shuyi withdrew his gaze and said, "Sorry. But..."

Liu lowered her head and ate her meat, too lazy to pay him any attention.

"I'm about to face Zhu Ding in a life-or-death situation, shouldn't I know more?" Shao Shuyi said, "Killing someone in the street is no small matter. If word gets out and the authorities arrest me, I'll be a fugitive. But you'll be perfectly fine and can still wander around the city comfortably. All this killing is for you, I feel like I'm losing out."

Madam Liu put down her chopsticks and said, "Actually, it's nothing. Several years ago, I ran a shop in Jiangning. Once, I went to Hailing to buy goods and met the wife of the Assistant Magistrate. Later, her husband became an official in Jiqing Road, and we often visited each other and became very close. We were separated for several years after she got married, but I still saw her a few times in Taicang and Liujiagang. This time, her husband was transferred to the position of Assistant Magistrate of Jiangyin Prefecture, so she came with me. She wrote to invite me to open a shop here, and we would go out together from time to time. We became very close friends." Shao Shuyi cupped his hands to indicate that he understood.

"She seemed a bit down today and invited me out to confide in me, and I offered her some words of comfort," Liu added. "That's all."

"Can I help?" Shao Shuyi asked casually.

Liu initially wanted to refuse, but after thinking for a moment, she suddenly said, "Go to Taicang and investigate someone."

"Who?" Shao Shuyi became interested.

"Her younger sister has been staying in Taicang recently, and she has been secretly sending and receiving letters to someone through the manager of the restaurant. Moreover, the manager confessed that the person looks like a scoundrel and is not a good person at all." Madam Liu said, "Go and investigate, catch that scoundrel, and teach him a good lesson." Shao Shuyi laughed loudly. Catching the blond-haired scoundrel who seduced the young lady was something he liked.

It's quite interesting to think about. I've only ever seen this on TV before, but this time I'm going to catch them in real life.

That blond guy is the worst. Don't fall into my hands, or you'll be in big trouble. I'll confiscate his tools and the will-o'-the-wisp.

However, as he smiled, his expression suddenly froze.

"Wh...what restaurant?" Shao Shuyi asked.

"The Fei Family Restaurant in Taicang," Liu said.

Shao Shuyi was somewhat dazed.

Am I the "hooligan" they're talking about?

"Uh, I still have that new letter with me. The handwriting isn't Zheng Ning's, it's Xiao Lajiao's. After all, they use the same 'account'..." "Okay, I'll help you check. Tell her not to look for anyone else. I know Taicang very well; no one else can find me." Shao Shuyi added. "Alright. Anyway, most of my people in Taicang have already withdrawn." Liu said.

"Is there absolutely nothing missing?" Shao Shuyi asked.

"What? If anything's been missed, do you dare go and get it?" Madam Liu said with a half-smile, "I have another house in the old city of Kunshan that hasn't been discovered yet, but I don't dare live there. Do you dare?"

"What's there to be afraid of?" Shao Shuyi raised an eyebrow.

"Then you can stay here. I'll let you know the exact location later," Liu said indifferently.

"Okay, I'll go back and take a look tomorrow," Shao Shuyi nodded and said.

"So fast?" Liu asked in surprise.

"Go back and gather your men," Shao Shuyi said. "Even a lion uses its full strength to hunt a rabbit. This time, I want to bring together all the brave and willing fighters, equip them with all the necessary weapons, and make sure to strike with deadly precision."

"When will you be back?" Liu asked instinctively.

"Seven days at most," Shao Shuyi said. "After finishing this by the end of October, whether Zhu Ding is dead or not, I will flee far away and go back to Liujiagang to hide for a while."

After pondering for a moment, Liu laughed and said, "You're a born scoundrel, skilled in murder, arson, fraud, and deception. You're also decisive and incredibly bold. If you were born by Wenhai Lake, you could probably gather a team and start a business with no capital."

"I'm not a bad person by nature, it's just that this world is too wicked, forcing me to be this way." Shao Shuyi also laughed and said, "Alright, that's enough for today. I'll go pack up and leave first thing tomorrow morning. Don't go out these next few days, and don't stay here either. If anyone comes to cause trouble, have someone stall them until I get back. Don't worry, the sky won't fall, I'm here."

Madam Liu hummed in agreement and said, "I'll go stay somewhere else for a few days tomorrow."

"Over in Xiapu?"

Lady Liu smiled but remained silent.

Shao Shuyi understood; this woman had a third hiding place in Jiangyin.

He didn't ask any more questions, cupped his hands in greeting, and left.

On the morning of the 19th, the group, carrying large and small bags, boarded a boat on the Xueqian River and then transferred to a larger boat at the riverbank, sailing downstream and returning to Taicang in one day.

On the 20th, Shao Shuyi didn't rush to appear. Instead, he first sent people to find Qi Le, the clerk of the prefectural government; Qi Erlang, the archer of the Gutang patrol office; Cheng Ji, the head of the Dadu garrison; Yu Chu, the interpreter of the canal administration; and Manager Mo, to inquire about the situation in the political, police, military, canal, and commercial circles. Meanwhile, at the Zheng Ji Greenware Shop under the old locust tree, two customers were waiting for him.