Chapter 74: The Money Rat and Mu Zhou

"It seems Lei Tang has been having a rough time lately."

I haven't paid attention to Lei Tang's news for a while. This novel is originally published on TianTian Kan XiaoShuo, a reliable site for error-free, properly ordered chapters: ttks. tw.

Everyone knows that once news spreads of him publicly eliminating his own brothers, even if he still sits on the Head Boss's chair, he won't sit easy.

Lei Yushan is doing this because he's noticed his own rise and wants to invest in him.

Not surprising at all.

For one, Lei Yushan is a merchant himself; to ensure the Money House's growth, he won't put all his eggs in Lei Tang's basket.

The letter didn't mention Lei Yan at all—only hoped Ye Tian would come to the mansion for a meeting.

"..."

Ye Tian rubbed the envelope in his hand, thoughts flickering in his eyes.

Originally, Ye Tian had returned first on purpose, intending to let Xiao Cao kill Sēn Lǎo—that fool who didn't know his own death was coming.

I'd planned to wait for him to step down alive, but since he doesn't want to live, I'll send him to the grave.

But Lei Yushan's letter made Ye Tian think of another method: having Xiao Cao act was still too risky; perhaps he could use someone else's knife to kill.

"?"

Seeing Ye Tian muttering to himself, lost in thought, Xiao Cao looked up curiously.

"Nothing."

Ye Tian shook off his thoughts, smiled, and placed his hand on Xiao Cao's head.

"Get ready these next few days—you might be needed."

Though he'd thought of using someone else's knife, Ye Tian also knew the rule: don't put all your eggs in one basket. Having a backup plan was always better.

"Mm-hmm!"

Xiao Cao didn't hesitate—not even asking what Ye Tian wanted him to do.

He nodded firmly.

For Xiao Cao, just being able to do something for Ye Tian was enough; what exactly he did didn't matter at all.

"Boss!"

At that moment.

Mei Yongning had just returned from Jin Feng Tower; the banquet only needed a notice—it wasn't the first time, no need for him to stand by watching.

So after giving instructions, he hurried over here.

"What are these?"

Likewise, upon seeing the boxes of gold and silver in the courtyard,

Mei Yongning froze, his steps hesitating.

"Take a look."

Ye Tian didn't hide anything from Mei Yongning.

He casually handed over the envelope.

This gesture of trust deeply moved Mei Yongning; he carefully read the letter's contents.

"Is Lei Yushan trying to bribe Boss?"

With Mei Yongning's wit, he quickly understood.

"Lei Ji Money House rose solely because of Lei Tang's power. Now that Lei Tang is fading, Lei Yushan is looking for a new patron for the Money House."

Ye Tian only felt regret—he hadn't realized the Money House was this rich.

When we kidnapped Lei Lu, we asked for too little.

"What's Boss planning to do?"

Going or not didn't really matter—Ye Tian was past the stage of needing money—but free money? Why refuse?

Mei Yongning looked up curiously.

"Go. Of course I'll go."

Ye Tian suddenly smiled.

"I was just wondering how to deal with Sēn Lǎo—and now someone's handed me the solution."

Sēn Lǎo?

What does meeting Lei Yushan have to do with dealing with Sēn Lǎo?

Before Mei Yongning could voice his confusion, Ye Tian continued.

"Send word—quietly—to Lei Tang that I'm going to meet Lei Yushan, and that Lei Yushan is bribing me."

"Hm?"

Mei Yongning was sharp; after a brief pause, he instantly grasped Ye Tian's intent.

His eyes gleamed brightly.

"I see—it's no surprise you're Boss."

Such a psychological tactic? Even in the martial world, few could think of it.

Ye Tian waved his hand.

Unmoved by Mei Yongning's praise, he said directly:

"Remember—do this quietly. No one must know it was me who spread the rumor."

"Understood!"

Difficult, but Mei Yongning nodded firmly.

"Boss, let me handle this."

At that moment, a sharp voice rang out.

A sudden voice made everyone instinctively look up, where they saw a short man standing on the eave of a nearby roof, appearing as if out of nowhere.

"Who are you!"

This manner of arrival immediately put Mei Yongning and the others on guard.

"Don't misunderstand, don't misunderstand—I'm one of you."

Seeing this, the man waved his hands frantically, leapt lightly down from the eave, and removed the mask covering his face.

The whiskers curling at the corners of his mouth made him look like a sly, monkey-faced creature, and with his peculiar build, he didn't even seem as tall as Xiao Cao.

"I am Jin Qianshu, honored to meet you all."

After introducing himself, Jin Qianshu immediately turned to Ye Tian.

"Boss, I've finally found you!"

Ye Tian suddenly remembered the choice reward he'd triggered when he'd agreed to the fistfight.

Two Intermediate Loyalty, ten Primary Loyalty—this Jin Qianshu was probably one of the two Intermediate Loyalty.

"Where are the others who came with you?"

"Boss, you're as perceptive as ever. I moved faster and arrived ahead; the others are slower, but they should be here soon."

Jin Qianshu first praised Ye Tian, then explained.

Sure enough, the next moment, a knock came at the courtyard gate.

Ye Tian waved to Mei Yongning and the others, signaling them not to worry, then told Xiao Cao to open the door.

"Boss!"

"Boss!"

"..."

All shared the same burning gaze.

Besides the ten Primary Loyalty, there was also an elderly man.

"Huff!"

He looked like he'd walked too far—his breathing was labored; after catching his breath, he spoke to Ye Tian.

"Old man Mu Zhou, greetings, Boss."

"..."

Others calling him Boss was fine, but this man looked seventy or eighty—calling him Boss made Ye Tian's expression turn utterly bewildered.

Mu Zhou was the oldest Loyalty Ye Tian had ever encountered.

"Cough, cough—just call me 'Young Master' instead."

"Young Master!"

Mu Zhou had no objection and immediately bowed with both hands in respectful address.

"What's this?"

Ye Tian suddenly noticed Mu Zhou was carrying a medicine chest on his back; at his age, lugging such a thing explained why he moved so slowly.

"Young Master, this is my personal medicine chest. I was once just a barefoot doctor. Back then, I was fortunate to receive your grace and a meal to eat—otherwise, I'd have starved to death long ago. If you don't reject me, I beg to follow you at your side."

"I don't reject you—not at all!"

A barefoot doctor?

Ye Tian's eyes lit up upon hearing this.

Gold mine.

In any era, doctors were scarce. Though he didn't yet know Mu Zhou's medical skill, since he was an Intermediate Loyalty, he certainly couldn't be bad.

"And you?"

Ye Tian turned again, looking at Jin Qianshu.

"Boss, I have no great skills—only a little rooftop craft, good for stealing things, but useless in a fight. I beg you not to despise me."

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