Chapter 195: Old Schemes, Deep Calculations: Sun Dingyuan

Five Provinces Governor's Office.

Sun Dingyuan stood before the huge military map in his study, his eyes sharp, his finger slowly tracing Shen City and its surrounding areas.

"Governor," his trusted aide Chen Mingyuan reported in a low voice, "the latest intelligence: the envoy sent by the imperial court has already headed south and is expected to reach Shen City within three days. Moreover, the British, French, and Oriental consuls have repeatedly raised the matter with the court, expressing 'serious concern' over Shen City."

"Oh?" Sun Dingyuan curled the corner of his mouth in a cold smile, "Indeed, as expected. Lin Yu has kicked a hornet's nest without realizing it. He thinks that controlling Shen City means everything is fine? Hah, a mayfly trying to shake a tree."

He turned, his eyes blazing: "This brat is now like oil in a blazing fire—seemingly strong, but actually surrounded on all sides. The court will not tolerate an uncontrolled Shen City, and the Great Powers will not stand by while their shipping and trade are blocked. He won't last more than a few days."

"Well..." Chen Mingyuan probed, "Could we take this opportunity to join forces with Lu Anxiang, while the court and the Great Powers apply pressure......"

"No." Sun Dingyuan waved his hand decisively, "Taking military action now would only further chaos and give the court and the Great Powers a handle to use against us. Moreover..." a flicker of worry crossed his eyes, "Ling Yun is still in his hands; we cannot take the risk."

He paced to the window, gazing at the distant night: "Thirty million... just temporarily deposited with him for now. Once he is crushed by all sides, I will recover this sum, principal and interest!"

A glint of cold light flashed in Sun Dingyuan's eyes: "Perhaps we can also use this money to gain greater benefits for ourselves when he falls. Shen City's port, those foreign firms' commercial rights, are priceless treasures."

"Issue the order," he commanded, turning with a steady, powerful voice, "First, keep strictly secret our knowledge of the envoy's and the Great Powers' movements. Let Lin Yu continue his one-man show."

"Second, at any cost, we must raise thirty million silver dollars within three days. Using the most reliable people, send them in batches, secretly, to the designated location in Shen City. Tell Lin Yu the money is coming immediately; he must guarantee Ling Yun's safety!"

"Governor..." Chen Mingyuan hesitated, "Thirty million—our treasury may be ample, but gathering such a sum in three days......"

"Deploy all available resources!" Sun Dingyuan's tone was firm, "Including several familiar money shops; if necessary, we can offer high interest! This must be done!"

He looked again at the military map, his gaze resting on Shen City: "Lin Yu, Lin Yu, you think you're playing a grand game of chess, unaware that you've already been surrounded by all sides. This thirty million is merely the ticket to a good show."

Chen Mingyuan bowed and departed with the order. In the study, Sun Dingyuan stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes deep. As the Governor of the Five Provinces, he understood all too well the rules of this world. No matter how strong Lin Yu might be, he is nothing more than a paper tiger. When the net of the court, the Great Powers, and local forces tightens, this clueless youngster is destined to be crushed to dust.

By then, this thirty‑million investment will surely yield tenfold, even a hundredfold returns.

The night was as dark as ink.

Several inconspicuous black sedans and covered trucks quietly left the jurisdiction of the Five Provinces Governor's Office. The convoy bore no markings, and even its headlights were deliberately dimmed, like ghosts in the night.

Inside the cargo compartments, neatly stacked wooden crates emitted dull thuds. Each crate was firmly secured, filled with gold bars and silver dollars. This is the thirty‑million ransom raised by Sun Dingyuan, now en route to Shen City.

The escort detail consisted of death warriors personally selected by Sun Dingyuan. These were elite survivors of the battlefield, each with a pistol at his waist and eyes sharp as blades. Their orders were simple: ensure the money reaches Shen City safely; anyone attempting to intercept shall be killed on sight.

The convoy took remote side roads, avoiding the main checkpoints. These routes had been scouted in advance, and hidden posts were set up along the way. Sun Dingyuan always does things meticulously; even when delivering ransom, he maintains full control of the situation.

The leader sat in the front sedan, holding a telegraph machine—their sole means of contacting the Governor's Office. At that moment, he was recalling Sun Dingyuan's words before departure: "Just get the money to Shen City; leave the rest to heaven."

The depth of that tone sent a chill through him. As a longtime subordinate of Sun Dingyuan, he knew his superior all too well. This thirty‑million ransom appears a sign of submission, but actually hides a scheme. When the winds shift, this sum might become the final straw that breaks Lin Yu.

The convoy pressed on through the night. In the distance, a faint glow hinted at Shen City—the lights of this port city. Yet more darkness gathered above the city: the court's envoy, the pressure of the Great Powers, the watchful eyes of local forces......

This convoy carries not only the heavy ransom, but also the deadly calculation of a shrewd, deep‑plotting Governor against an arrogant youth.

Nanjiang Governor's Office.

Lu Anxiang's office was in utter disarray. Shattered tea‑ware littered the floor, torn documents lay about, and chairs had been overturned. Flickering candlelight cast his twisted shadow on the walls.

He slumped into the grand chair, his eyes bloodshot, hair disheveled, beard stubbly. Still clutching the telegram from Shen City, his fingers whitened from strain. The words on it were like a spell, echoing endlessly in his mind:

"Chop off a piece each day...... preserve it in ice...... send it by special vehicle......"

"Ah!" He sprang to his feet, crumpled the telegram into a ball, then violently unfolded it, pacing back and forth.

Soon, his mind conjured the bloody scene of Lu Xiao's fingers and ears being chopped off piece by piece. His son, though worthless, is still his own flesh and blood! Thinking of those "pieces" being packed in ice and delivered to him one by one......

"No! I cannot let this madman......" he trembled all over, cold sweat beading his forehead.

But the next instant, the astronomical ransom figure loomed before him again: twenty million! A full twenty million silver dollars—enough to buy countless fertile fields and mansions, to support countless troops! This was his savings of over a decade!

"Money...... money......" he groaned, clutching his head, "Twenty million......"

His aide stood nearby, trembling: "Marshal, time is running out—Lin Yu said......"

"Shut up!" Lu Anxiang exploded, snatching the ashtray from the desk and hurling it, "I know! How could I not know!?"

The aide hastily dodged, daring not to speak again.

Lu Anxiang slumped back into his chair, his eyes hollow. Seconds ticked by, the deadline Lin Yu had set drawing ever nearer. He felt himself going mad, torn apart by money and kinship.

"Damn Lin Yu! Damn Lu Xiao!" he snarled, "This isn't about money! It's about my face! I, the illustrious Governor of Nanjiang, am actually threatened by a green‑horn brat!"

Yet the words on that telegram began to dance before his eyes again. He seemed to see it: each morning, an exquisite ice box would be delivered to him, containing a part of his son......

"Ah!" He leapt up from his chair once more, letting out a beast‑like howl.