Chapter 35: Testing the Waters

Before long, Zhou Yingqiu waited in the side chamber as Wei Liangqing strode in quickly.

He hurried forward a few steps to greet him, clasping his fists and saying, "Brother Wei, it's been a while." In truth, Zhou Yingqiu was about the same age as Wei Zhongxian, nearly twenty years older than Wei Liangqing.

Wei Liangqing had already spotted the dishes on the table in the distance — no pork hock — and combined with this address of "Brother Wei" instead of the former "Lord Wei," his heart sank. But after all, he was the one seeking a favor, so he immediately clasped his fists in return: "Brother Zhou, it has indeed been many days."

In fact, Wei Liangqing had long known that Zhou Yingqiu was hiding in his mansion in the capital, and was also well aware that he had gone out to visit friends just a few days prior.

Zhou Yingqiu warmly took Wei Liangqing by the arm and led him to the table, saying, "Please, sit. Today we drink until we're drunk — no going home sober!"

Wei Liangqing naturally put on a smile as well, sat down, first offered a toast, and only then said: "It's been many days since I last visited your estate, Brother Zhou — everything is just as it was, truly enviable."

Zhou Yingqiu knew full well what he was getting at, and said with a faint smile, "You flatter me, Brother Wei. In a few days I'll be returning to my hometown — if you like this residence, I'll simply give it to you."

Wei Liangqing stared at Zhou Yingqiu, inwardly burning with anger. Sure enough, Zhou Yingqiu had been deliberately putting on an act in front of him all along, and he, in his arrogance and conceit, had failed to notice. Now Zhou Yingqiu was casually changing the subject — he simply didn't want to wade into this muddy water.

But Wei Liangqing was ruthless at heart too — this time, whether you help or not, you WILL help!

A fierce glint flashed across Wei Liangqing's face, and Zhou Yingqiu's heart gave a thump. He knew Wei Liangqing all too well — a man of peasant origins with no learning or insight, but when it came to sheer ruthlessness, even Wei Zhongxian couldn't match him!

Sure enough, the words that followed from Wei Liangqing made the smile on Zhou Yingqiu's face slowly stiffen.

Wei Liangqing's smile did not change, but his gaze turned somewhat gloomy as he said, "You're too kind, Brother Zhou. Those banknotes and paintings you gave me before — I've stored them all in my warehouse. Any single piece would be enough to buy a fine mansion."

Zhou Yingqiu's smile stiffened, and his gaze turned cold as well. He knew clearly that once the purge of Wei Zhongxian began, these alone would be evidence of collusion, and he might well end up in prison.

He also secretly cursed his luck. Previously, because Wei Zhongxian had been schemed against, he had only escaped by writing that inexplicable letter of fealty — and now, unexpectedly, he had fallen into this vortex again!

But Zhou Yingqiu quickly restored his smile and said, "Brother Wei, coming so late to disturb my sleep — you must have some matter to discuss?"

Seeing Zhou Yingqiu get to the point, Wei Liangqing immediately stood up, bowed slightly, and clasped his fists: "Brother Zhou, my uncle is now imprisoned, and I, as his junior, am consumed with worry day and night. I beg Brother Zhou to devise a clever plan to save him."

'A clever plan I have not — but I could see you off on your final journey!' A flash of killing intent passed through Zhou Yingqiu's eyes as he thought to himself, 'It's only some silver and paintings — as long as I use my connections to have the Three Offices remove them from the case, that's all it takes. Besides, I have a powerful backer behind me!'

Having settled his plan in his mind, Zhou Yingqiu's words became somewhat perfunctory: "Brother Wei knows the situation as well — your uncle's case was personally decided by the Emperor himself. Who can change that? Brother Wei should make other arrangements early."

Anger surged in Wei Liangqing's heart — I came to you in good faith seeking counsel, and you dare to curse my uncle to death? You really won't shed tears until you see the coffin!

Wei Liangqing looked at Zhou Yingqiu and said with a sigh, "Very well. Since even Brother Zhou has no solution, then my uncle's fate is sealed, and I suppose I won't escape either. Those things you sent me are all stored in my aunt's private residence — Brother Zhou may retrieve them at his leisure, lest they be seized by the Three Offices."

Zhou Yingqiu's expression shifted slightly. He naturally knew who Wei Liangqing's aunt was — Madam Ke!

Though Madam Ke appeared to have fallen from power, she was after all the Emperor's wet nurse. Everyone could see how dependent the Emperor was on her — who would dare raid her residence, and who would dare demand things back from her!

This was a naked threat: if you, Zhou Yingqiu, don't help me now, then when the time comes, you'll inevitably be implicated!

Zhou Yingqiu's face darkened as he sat there holding his wine cup in silence. Rage blazed in his heart. This year truly was unlucky — first forced to resign from office, then implicated by Wei Zhongxian, and now forced to go save him. None of these were good things; the first two had no good outcome, and this last one certainly wouldn't either!

Seeing this, Wei Liangqing knew he had struck Zhou Yingqiu's vital point, and immediately bowed once more: "I beg Brother Zhou to generously lend a hand."

Zhou Yingqiu's expression shifted continuously. In his heart, he had long since calculated — this time Wei Zhongxian would either die or at least shed a layer of skin. Rescuing him from prison in a short time was simply impossible, and he would also have to gauge the offensive of the pure-stream faction and the Emperor's intentions!

He kept weighing every possibility, and the more he thought, the deeper his frown grew — there was no solution.

But suddenly, Zhou Yingqiu's heart stirred violently, and his whole body trembled with excitement.

Seeing this, Wei Liangqing immediately stepped forward and said urgently, "Brother Zhou — have you found a way?"

Zhou Yingqiu's face was wreathed in smiles as he looked at him and said, "Don't be anxious, Brother Wei. I'll invite one more person." With that, he walked to the door and whispered a few words into a servant's ear. The servant promptly acknowledged and hurried out at a run.

Wei Liangqing was burning with anxiety, yet he saw Zhou Yingqiu's whole demeanor radiate renewed vigor as he said to him, "No need to worry, Brother Wei. I have indeed thought of a plan — once the person arrives, we'll discuss it together."

Wei Liangqing was thrilled and said repeatedly, "Good, good, good — I'll wait, I'll wait." But even after sitting back down, he kept staring intently at Zhou Yingqiu, his heart racing with impatience as he forcibly held himself back.

Before long, Ni Wenhuan arrived at the Zhou residence, still heavy with sleep. Seeing Zhou Yingqiu together with Wei Liangqing, he frowned slightly and said, "Brother Zhou, what matter requires Ni's presence at this late hour?" Ni Wenhuan wished nothing more than to immediately sever all ties with Wei Zhongxian — the last thing he wanted was to spend more time with Wei Liangqing.

But Zhou Yingqiu remained perfectly composed, smiling at Ni Wenhuan: "Brother Ni, please sit first. The night is fine tonight — let us sing over our wine. It will be a pleasure."

Ni Wenhuan naturally knew that Wei Liangqing had been running around all day trying to get Wei Zhongxian out. He had little to do with Wei Liangqing to begin with and had no patience for this, so he feigned drowsiness: "Brother Zhou, I have to report for duty tomorrow. Perhaps another day."

Wei Liangqing also knew that Ni Wenhuan looked down on him, but this was no time to worry about such things. He quickly stood up, clasped his fists toward Ni Wenhuan, and said, "Censor Ni, please, for the sake of our past friendship — save my uncle!"

Ni Wenhuan remained unmoved, as if he hadn't heard Wei Liangqing's words. Inwardly, he felt a flicker of resentment toward Zhou Yingqiu as well — if you've been entangled, why drag me into the water with you?

Seeing Ni Wenhuan's expression, Zhou Yingqiu smiled enigmatically and said, "Does Brother Ni not wish to see the true face of that mountain?"

Ni Wenhuan was taken aback, staring at Zhou Yingqiu. The words were too sudden — he hadn't quite processed them. But soon his expression shifted slightly, and then his brows knit together.

After a long pause, Ni Wenhuan finally said to Zhou Yingqiu, "Brother Zhou — will this displease... that one?"

Zhou Yingqiu replied, "Brother Ni is mistaken. We are merely going to seek help because we have troubles — we have no other intentions."

Ni Wenhuan felt this was inadvisable, but toward that mysterious figure hidden in the shadows, he was indeed incomparably curious — or perhaps fearful. Without understanding the truth, his heart could never be at ease.

"Very well — then tomorrow we'll go see Manager Zhou."