Chapter 18 Section VII
As soon as Lian Shou stepped into Pang Wenying's mansion—now officially Yu Runsheng's mansion—he saw two children squatting on the open space in the front yard playing marbles.It was Yu Agou and Heizi.Both children were dressed in new and beautiful clothes, and their hair was neatly tied up in braids.Agou is a few years older than Heizi, and is patiently teaching Heizi the rules of the game.Heizi, who is only four years old, grows faster than ordinary children, and his height is not far from Agou.He stared at the round eyes quietly, looking at the stone bullets rolling on the ground.
As soon as Agou saw the sickle head, he ran over excitedly. "Uncle Fifth!" Lian Shou smiled and picked him up, turning around a few times in mid-air, making Ah Gou laugh and bark.
Sickle put Agou back on the ground, stroked his hair, and walked towards Heizi.Heizi stood up, sucking his thumb, his eyes fixed on the man he didn't know was his father.
Looking at this rarely seen son, Lian Shou felt strangely complicated in his heart.He stepped forward and knelt down, trying to touch Heizi's face.But before the contact, Heizi had already walked away, ran straight to the front door of the mansion, and stood in front of the steps again, looking back at the sickle.
Sickle stood up and looked back at him with helpless eyes.
—What is he thinking? ...Mother? ...
——What kind of man will he become when he grows up?He looks a lot like me...he's going to resent me? ...
——What can I give him... When Xiaoyu and I have a home, will he be willing to be with us?
Heizi finally walked into the house.Lian Shou stood blankly, and stroked the hairpin in his arms through his clothes.
He began to understand: In the past, the boss and Baidou worked so hard to build the "Big Tree Hall", what kind of force behind them drove them.
——In order to protect what you cherish...
When the seasons change, the owner of the most famous tailor shop in the capital "Chang Bao Ji" will personally bring 20 to 30 sets of clothes to visit the mansion where Rong Jijiu is, and let Mr. Rong try and choose. All kinds of light summer clothes are neatly arranged on the huge bed.Standing in front of a bronze mirror of equal height, Rong Xiaoshan carefully inspected the bronze-colored scholar's robe that he was trying on.Boss Chang nervously adjusted the robe corners, cuffs and lapels for Mr. Rong.This is the seventh set of clothes that Mr. Rong has tried on, I hope he can catch his eye this time.Two petite maidservants stood behind Rong Xiaoshan, combing his hair carefully and putting on a hat for him. Meng Zhen and Mao Gonglei have not spoken since they entered the bedroom.Rong Xiaoshan continued to look closely at himself in the mirror, and then seemed to remember the existence of the two subordinates. "Not yet?" Rong Xiaoshan said impatiently. Meng Zhen still didn't speak, just looked at Boss Chang. Rong Xiaoshan noticed it, and said with a smile: "What are you worried about? So what if he hears it? Old Chang, you won't betray me, will you?" Boss Chang didn't know how to answer, so he smiled forcedly. "It's better to invite Lao Chang out first." Meng Zhen insisted. "If you don't say anything else, just get the hell out of here." Rong Xiaoshan turned his head to look directly at Mengzhen, his originally relaxed and handsome face immediately turned livid, and the change of mood and anger was astonishingly fast. The two maidservants were so frightened that their bodies trembled slightly, their faces were forced to be calm, and they stood still and did not dare to move.They all know how terrifying an angry Mr. Rong is.The best way to deal with this situation is not to react at all, otherwise it will attract his attention and become the target of his anger at any time. The faces of Meng Zhen and Mao Gonglei did not move.They have long been used to Rong Xiaoshan's temper. "Okay." Meng Zhen nodded slightly, and began to report to Rong Xiaoshan the recent movements of Yu Runsheng. The most important news is of course the successive attacks on the "Ershibapu General League", "Lianchang Shuilu" and "Yufang".Sixteen cases occurred within half a month. Among them, two warehouses of "Lianchang Water and Land" were attacked on the same day. One was set on fire and the other was robbed of its contents.There was a bloody incident in the Guicifang market the next day. Because the place was too big, the "Shuangmasi" men had no way of catching the enemy's coming and going. "Now people on the road are talking about the sickle." Meng Zhen said without any fluctuations in his voice. "Some people have begun to compare him with Pang Jijiu back then." Rong Xiaoshan continued to look at the mirror, turned sideways to see if the robe fit well. "Is he that powerful? Gong Lei, have you seen him make a move in Piaocheng? How was it?" "I can say that he is three points more powerful than what people think now." Mao Gonglei replied. "Oh?" Rong Xiaoshan asked curiously: "Then are you sure to defeat him?" Mao Gonglei smiled but didn't answer - he doesn't like to lie.But asking him to admit that he has the possibility of defeat is something he absolutely can't say. "Why did Yu Runsheng provoke them?" Rong Xiaoshan plucked his temples in the mirror. "Obviously it's to snatch the reconstruction business of Wuchang and Hehe Erfang." Meng Zhen said. "That's a big fortification. The 'San Tiao Zuo' was determined to win, and perhaps the negotiation for the distribution of benefits had been settled long ago. But when Yu Runsheng was killed in Hengli, they were beaten to their knees at once, and it was too late to fight back." "Santiaozuo" is the general name of the three gangs of "Ershibapu", "Lianchang Shuilu" and "Yufanghao".In the ten-year melee of the underworld in the capital, these three gangs surrendered to "Feng Yilong" at the last moment, and made contributions to the hegemony of "Feng Yilong".Because of the covenant made that year, "Sanjoza" has been able to survive under the wings of "Toyoshitaka" for fifteen years, operating various relatively minor businesses in the capital.Boss Han concentrated on expanding the lucrative private salt trade, and didn't bother to annex them. Rong Xiaoshan was not interested in hearing this.He doesn't take "Three Seats" seriously at all.Compared with "Toyo Yoshitaka" who is rich and powerful and has court contacts, even if the power of "Sanjoza" is combined, it is not enough to form any decisive influence. "It's not that they didn't have time to fight back, but they didn't dare." Rong Xiaoshan said. "Yu Runsheng is from 'Feng Yilong'. Do they dare to move?" Meng Zhen nodded. "Therefore, I estimate that in the near future, the 'San Tiao Zuo' will definitely send people to ask Rong Jijiu for help, asking for permission to declare war on Yu Runsheng, and even want to get Rong Jijiu's military assistance." Meng Zhen paused and looked at Rong Did Xiao Shan listen attentively before asking: "What plans will the young master have?" Rong Xiaoshan raised his thick eyebrows. "What about you? What will you do?" "If Yu Runsheng really monopolizes the reconstruction work of the two squares, he will make a lot of money. And he can take advantage of this long-term construction opportunity to gradually insert his troops into the capital." Meng Zhen Tell me your analysis. "Yu Runsheng is not a simple man. If it were up to me to decide, I would use the 'Three Seats' to frustrate his momentum. Don't let him gain a foothold in the capital so easily." "Stupid." Rong Xiaoshan showed a superior and proud smile when he said it. "Isn't that contrary to my father's order? My father just wants to support him to deal with Zhang Shuai. If you want to raise a dog that bites people, can you not feed it? Listen to me: if a person from 'San Tiao Zuo' comes to see him, Just block it back for me. I don't bother to care about their lives." The teased Meng Zhen didn't respond at all, just bowed his head and said: "Yes." Rong Xiaoshan waved his hand, and he and Mao Gonglei exited the room knowingly, leaving Mr. Rong to continue trying on new clothes. When the two were walking in the corridor, Mao Gonglei couldn't help laughing.Meng Zhen saw it and frowned. "Not here," he whispered.Mao Gonglei immediately restrained himself. But Mao Gonglei couldn't help but think in his heart: The conversation and the result just now were all within the expectation of the eldest brother, right? ... They walked across a lotus pond.Under the shade of a tree by the pool, a noble young woman was sitting on the grass, playing and laughing with a five or six-year-old girl.Under the reflection of the early summer sun, the skin of the mother and daughter looked even whiter, as if the surrounding bodies were emitting light.They smiled and squinted their big eyes that were equally agile. When Mao Gonglei saw the mother and daughter, his expression darkened, and he stole sideways glances at Meng Zhen's reaction. Meng Zhen just stood in the corridor with his hands behind his back, watching the mother and daughter from afar.They were playing on their own and didn't see him. Meng Zhen watched silently for a while, then continued to walk forward.Mao Gonglei also followed closely behind silently. "You don't need to wait any longer." Meng Zhen suddenly said in a low voice. Only Mao Gonglei, his righteous brother for many years, knew the meaning of his words.
When the seasons change, the owner of the most famous tailor shop in the capital "Chang Bao Ji" will personally bring 20 to 30 sets of clothes to visit the mansion where Rong Jijiu is, and let Mr. Rong try and choose. All kinds of light summer clothes are neatly arranged on the huge bed.Standing in front of a bronze mirror of equal height, Rong Xiaoshan carefully inspected the bronze-colored scholar's robe that he was trying on.Boss Chang nervously adjusted the robe corners, cuffs and lapels for Mr. Rong.This is the seventh set of clothes that Mr. Rong has tried on, I hope he can catch his eye this time.Two petite maidservants stood behind Rong Xiaoshan, combing his hair carefully and putting on a hat for him. Meng Zhen and Mao Gonglei have not spoken since they entered the bedroom.Rong Xiaoshan continued to look closely at himself in the mirror, and then seemed to remember the existence of the two subordinates. "Not yet?" Rong Xiaoshan said impatiently. Meng Zhen still didn't speak, just looked at Boss Chang. Rong Xiaoshan noticed it, and said with a smile: "What are you worried about? So what if he hears it? Old Chang, you won't betray me, will you?" Boss Chang didn't know how to answer, so he smiled forcedly. "It's better to invite Lao Chang out first." Meng Zhen insisted. "If you don't say anything else, just get the hell out of here." Rong Xiaoshan turned his head to look directly at Mengzhen, his originally relaxed and handsome face immediately turned livid, and the change of mood and anger was astonishingly fast. The two maidservants were so frightened that their bodies trembled slightly, their faces were forced to be calm, and they stood still and did not dare to move.They all know how terrifying an angry Mr. Rong is.The best way to deal with this situation is not to react at all, otherwise it will attract his attention and become the target of his anger at any time. The faces of Meng Zhen and Mao Gonglei did not move.They have long been used to Rong Xiaoshan's temper. "Okay." Meng Zhen nodded slightly, and began to report to Rong Xiaoshan the recent movements of Yu Runsheng. The most important news is of course the successive attacks on the "Ershibapu General League", "Lianchang Shuilu" and "Yufang".Sixteen cases occurred within half a month. Among them, two warehouses of "Lianchang Water and Land" were attacked on the same day. One was set on fire and the other was robbed of its contents.There was a bloody incident in the Guicifang market the next day. Because the place was too big, the "Shuangmasi" men had no way of catching the enemy's coming and going. "Now people on the road are talking about the sickle." Meng Zhen said without any fluctuations in his voice. "Some people have begun to compare him with Pang Jijiu back then." Rong Xiaoshan continued to look at the mirror, turned sideways to see if the robe fit well. "Is he that powerful? Gong Lei, have you seen him make a move in Piaocheng? How was it?" "I can say that he is three points more powerful than what people think now." Mao Gonglei replied. "Oh?" Rong Xiaoshan asked curiously: "Then are you sure to defeat him?" Mao Gonglei smiled but didn't answer - he doesn't like to lie.But asking him to admit that he has the possibility of defeat is something he absolutely can't say. "Why did Yu Runsheng provoke them?" Rong Xiaoshan plucked his temples in the mirror. "Obviously it's to snatch the reconstruction business of Wuchang and Hehe Erfang." Meng Zhen said. "That's a big fortification. The 'San Tiao Zuo' was determined to win, and perhaps the negotiation for the distribution of benefits had been settled long ago. But when Yu Runsheng was killed in Hengli, they were beaten to their knees at once, and it was too late to fight back." "Santiaozuo" is the general name of the three gangs of "Ershibapu", "Lianchang Shuilu" and "Yufanghao".In the ten-year melee of the underworld in the capital, these three gangs surrendered to "Feng Yilong" at the last moment, and made contributions to the hegemony of "Feng Yilong".Because of the covenant made that year, "Sanjoza" has been able to survive under the wings of "Toyoshitaka" for fifteen years, operating various relatively minor businesses in the capital.Boss Han concentrated on expanding the lucrative private salt trade, and didn't bother to annex them. Rong Xiaoshan was not interested in hearing this.He doesn't take "Three Seats" seriously at all.Compared with "Toyo Yoshitaka" who is rich and powerful and has court contacts, even if the power of "Sanjoza" is combined, it is not enough to form any decisive influence. "It's not that they didn't have time to fight back, but they didn't dare." Rong Xiaoshan said. "Yu Runsheng is from 'Feng Yilong'. Do they dare to move?" Meng Zhen nodded. "Therefore, I estimate that in the near future, the 'San Tiao Zuo' will definitely send people to ask Rong Jijiu for help, asking for permission to declare war on Yu Runsheng, and even want to get Rong Jijiu's military assistance." Meng Zhen paused and looked at Rong Did Xiao Shan listen attentively before asking: "What plans will the young master have?" Rong Xiaoshan raised his thick eyebrows. "What about you? What will you do?" "If Yu Runsheng really monopolizes the reconstruction work of the two squares, he will make a lot of money. And he can take advantage of this long-term construction opportunity to gradually insert his troops into the capital." Meng Zhen Tell me your analysis. "Yu Runsheng is not a simple man. If it were up to me to decide, I would use the 'Three Seats' to frustrate his momentum. Don't let him gain a foothold in the capital so easily." "Stupid." Rong Xiaoshan showed a superior and proud smile when he said it. "Isn't that contrary to my father's order? My father just wants to support him to deal with Zhang Shuai. If you want to raise a dog that bites people, can you not feed it? Listen to me: if a person from 'San Tiao Zuo' comes to see him, Just block it back for me. I don't bother to care about their lives." The teased Meng Zhen didn't respond at all, just bowed his head and said: "Yes." Rong Xiaoshan waved his hand, and he and Mao Gonglei exited the room knowingly, leaving Mr. Rong to continue trying on new clothes. When the two were walking in the corridor, Mao Gonglei couldn't help laughing.Meng Zhen saw it and frowned. "Not here," he whispered.Mao Gonglei immediately restrained himself. But Mao Gonglei couldn't help but think in his heart: The conversation and the result just now were all within the expectation of the eldest brother, right? ... They walked across a lotus pond.Under the shade of a tree by the pool, a noble young woman was sitting on the grass, playing and laughing with a five or six-year-old girl.Under the reflection of the early summer sun, the skin of the mother and daughter looked even whiter, as if the surrounding bodies were emitting light.They smiled and squinted their big eyes that were equally agile. When Mao Gonglei saw the mother and daughter, his expression darkened, and he stole sideways glances at Meng Zhen's reaction. Meng Zhen just stood in the corridor with his hands behind his back, watching the mother and daughter from afar.They were playing on their own and didn't see him. Meng Zhen watched silently for a while, then continued to walk forward.Mao Gonglei also followed closely behind silently. "You don't need to wait any longer." Meng Zhen suddenly said in a low voice. Only Mao Gonglei, his righteous brother for many years, knew the meaning of his words.