When he was done, Mayor Sun handed the information over and said, "Comrades, I have given you what you wanted. Please spare my family."
Pan Chiyan smiled and took the paper. Standing up, he said, "Comrade Sun, while it's possible to spare your family, avoiding punishment will be difficult. I can only help lessen it. You should prepare the money, we will come back tomorrow."
Knowing this was the best outcome he could get, Mayor Sun leaned back in his chair and said wearily, "I understand."
Since they had gotten what they wanted, Pan Chiyan and Xie Xuanzi left the Mayor's house. They read the address and decided to visit the middleman. Their mission this time was not to arrest him but to make a deal.
When they arrived at the county town, the sun had slanted to the west horizon, and the two of them decided to stay at an inn and continue their trip to the small town tomorrow.
While they were settling down in the county town, Houzi received a secret letter from the Mayor's wife. After reading it, he burned the letter.
Since people from the capital were demanding grain from the Mayor, they would surely be facing a severe food shortage in the capital. Escaping wasn't impossible, but it would be a pity to abandon this business.
From ancient times, opportunities had always been found in the midst of danger. Even if he managed to escape this time, the losses he would suffer wouldn't be small.
Rather than running away, why not meet with them and strike a deal instead?
After making up his mind, Houzi looked at Bajie and said, "Bajie, tell our brothers to return to their hometowns for a few days. Give them money and some supplies."
"Boss, did something happen?" one of his men asked.
Houzi nodded and said, "The capital sent people over. This time, the matter might not be as easily handled as before. All of you should stay in your hometowns for a few days. Once everything is settled, I will inform you to come back."
While everyone was worried about their boss, they knew he was resourceful. Seeing how calm he was, they also felt reassured.
"It's getting late. Bajie, settle the accounts and head back," Houzi added.
"Understood."
After they left, Houzi reorganized his store and sent the jade, gold, and money to Lu Jueyu. As for the rest of the items, he left them as they were. Once he was done, he locked the dilapidated house and returned to Xie Village.
In Xie Village, the Lu family was having a family gathering. With Lu Jueyu and her family visiting, Mother Lu and Father Lu were overjoyed.
Since Wang Muxiao was still in her postpartum period and couldn't leave the room, she stayed inside while her newborn babies were sleeping.
In the main house, everyone sat around the table as they ate dinner.
Li Chenmo poured another cup of tonic wine for his father-in-law and brothers-in-law before pouring a cup for himself.
Hearing his words, Li Chenmo tapped his fingers on the desk, thinking about the reports he had received from his men in the capital and other cities.
After a while, he said, "Eldest Brother, if the situation in the capital is too dangerous, you should stop going there for now."
Lu Han nodded and replied, "My men will send another batch of grain tonight, then halt business for a few days. If the situation hasn't stabilized by the end of the month, we might have to withdraw our men from the capital."
"If you need any help, just let me know," Li Chenmo added.
Lu Han nodded and replied, "I will definitely ask for your help if needed."
Since the sky had darkened, Li Chenmo stood up and said, "Eldest Brother, it's getting late. We will take our leave now."
Lu Han looked at his sister and said, "Jueyu, if you have free time, visit Father and Mother more often."
"Okay," she nodded.
After leaving Lu Han's house, they went to Lu Cheng's house to call for Dong Li and Dong Huang. Since it was her first time having baby brothers, Dong Huang was very reluctant to leave.
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