Chapter 187: Killing a Chicken to Warn the Monkey

Xue Yanzhi has been running to the East Office frequently lately, and many in the Patrol Guard Division mock him behind his back as a "lackey of the East Office."

Xue Er Gongzi used to confront anyone he met, but now he is in a state of high excitement, full of enthusiasm for everyone, a tireless workaholic.

Ming Tiao thought to himself: I really should let Head Pei come and see just how sycophantic this lackey Xue can be!

It's simply too painful to watch!

Lackey Xue is currently at Wen Gu's place, busy serving tea and fanning him, enjoying every moment of it.

"Deputy Envoy Wen, latest news: samples of the Refined Salt have spread, and those monkeys in Jizhou are so anxious they're screeching!"

Whenever Xue Yanzhi thinks of the news he received, he is filled with excitement!

He has too many enemies over in Jizhou; hearing that they are in a panic makes him incredibly happy!

"It all depends on how the Du Family responds. If they can't come up with a countermeasure, they will only be suppressed even harder by Xinzhou in the future!"

Salt is not a temporary matter; the side in Jizhou must adjust their development strategy as soon as possible.

"But if they can't think of a good strategy in a short time, Deputy Envoy Wen, what do you think the Du Family will do?" he asked.

Wen Gu flipped through the documents and said, "If the Du Family cannot think of a good strategy for the time being, they will need to suppress the unrest in Jizhou as quickly as possible. At the very least, they cannot be too jumpy on the surface. It is highly likely they will resort to killing a chicken to warn the monkey."

Xue Yanzhi agreed, "I think so too. I wonder who they will slaughter; quite a few of them over there are jumping around rather happily."

Jizhou, a spacious courtyard on a certain mountain.

A group of people gathered in the reception hall.

Most of them are merchants, holding many water transport ships and freight carriages in their hands.

Once the news of Xinzhou's Refined Salt arrived, they were the most anxious.

At this moment, they are gathered here to discuss countermeasures. But after discussing back and forth, no useful strategy was agreed upon, though they did argue for several rounds. "Does the Zhao Family have a salt mine?"

"I have never heard of any salt mine in Xinzhou. Could it be that the Zhao Family is colluding with other families?"

Someone twisted the fine, white salt grains that had come from Xinzhou and questioned, "Colluding? With whom? Why hasn't there been any movement before?"

If any family had this kind of high-end Refined Salt, they wouldn't be purchasing Jizhou salt in large quantities.

But before this, they had never heard of any abnormal sales anywhere.

"We will only know the answer once the Shouhunt Season arrives and the merchant caravans begin to move."

"That's easy to say! If we really wait until then, we'll only be left to be beaten!"

"Xinzhou doing this so suddenly is definitely not a spur-of-the-moment decision; it must have been premeditated! This is clearly not something that can be done immediately just because one wants to!" Different opinions were output continuously, and no one was convinced by the other; it looked like they were about to start arguing again.

Bang!

A teacup was slammed onto the table.

The arguing in the room was interrupted, and everyone looked over.

The person who slammed the teacup had graying hair, deep lines between his brows, and a sharp gaze fixed on everyone present:

"In this sweltering heat, I am not sitting here to listen to you argue!"

The temperature on the mountain is not too high, but the humidity is slightly heavy, which is irritating. Coupled with his old age and various underlying illnesses worsening, he is increasingly prone to irritability. Master Bai Zi had been sitting here listening for so long without discussing anything useful, only feeling the constant chattering in his ears. So annoying! Someone wanted to persuade him kindly.

Another person looked over there and snorted coldly, "Master Bai Zi must have had a plan all along? If you're so capable, then you do it; what's the use of slamming the table here?" Before the chaotic times, Master Bai Zi's Bai Family was in the business of transporting bulk commodities.

Coal, Iron, grain, and other goods that require large-scale transport were mostly handled by official state shipping, but they were also supplemented by private fleets. The Bai Family is a major local clan with people in both the Dispatch Bureau and the State Shipping Bureau; by greasing the wheels, they could secure major projects.

Now in these chaotic times, many connections are useless, and although the fleet in their hands has suffered many losses, the scale that remains still ranks high in Jizhou. At this moment, Master Bai Zi is in a very bad mood, but he also knows that losing his temper is truly useless. Not wanting to listen to people's sarcasm here, he suppressed his anger, exchanged a few polite words, and took his leave.

After Master Bai Zi left, the discussion in the room continued. They didn't talk about business, as nothing could be discussed anyway. They started talking about Master Bai Zi. "Master Bai has a lot of resentment in his heart," someone said.

"Because he is anxious! The Bai Family is ambitious and has gathered another batch of ships, wanting to run trade during the Shouhunt Season and sell goods in large quantities to other states, with salt accounting for the largest share. Now that Xinzhou has suddenly done this, they are likely to suffer heavy losses; it would be strange if he could stay calm!"

"That's true, the investment is large and the losses are also large, no wonder he is so irritable."

"Master Bai is old, and with such an irritable temper, let's hope he doesn't... hehe."

On the other side.

Master Bai walked out of the courtyard in a fit of rage.

A young man walked over quickly. He looked to be under twenty, not yet of capping age, and his features were somewhat similar to Master Bai's.

This is Master Bai's youngest son, Bai Hang, who is about the same age as Master Bai's eldest grandson.

The youngest son and the eldest grandson are the old man's lifeblood. This saying is very applicable in the Bai Family.

Master Bai values his eldest grandson, but he dotes on his youngest son.

The eldest grandson is raised and taught by the eldest son, but this youngest son has been raised by Master Bai by his side since he was a child.

Today, Master Bai came to attend the meeting, and Bai Hang originally wanted to follow along to gain experience, but when they arrived, he couldn't get in; the people inside were all heads of families discussing serious matters, so he could only wait outside.

Now seeing the old man come out, he hurried to follow.

Once they were on the Bai Family carriage and saw there was no one else outside, Bai Hang asked in a low voice, "Father, how did it go?"

The old man's anger had not yet subsided: "Can this bunch of people gathered together come up with any plans?! Especially those few who were shouting the loudest—short-sighted people! No wonder they could only sell private salt before!"

The father and son still had some news they wanted to share, but after all, they were outside, so it was inconvenient to say too much.

After returning to the Bai Family mansion and arriving at the courtyard where Master Bai lives, they finally opened up.

Master Bai's courtyard is not large; conditions on the mountain are limited, and there are only so many places suitable for building houses. Since there are many people in the Bai Family, the mansion is divided into many courtyards, and some are very crowded.

Like the old man, living in a small courtyard by himself is relatively spacious enough.

There are servants guarding the courtyard gate, responsible for security.

Only one old servant is kept inside the courtyard, and usually, others cannot enter without the old man's permission.

Once here, they were not afraid of being overheard, so the father and son talked quite boldly.

"Father, I have heard some more news! I heard that the Zhao Clan Young Master was attacked some time ago, and it might have been the Du Family who did it, so this salt matter is the Zhao Family's revenge!"

"I think this news is mostly true. I also heard that several important figures in the Du Family have increased their guards, and furthermore, they absolutely do not go to places they are unfamiliar with, and in familiar places, there must be guards watching at all times! It's just because they are afraid the Zhao Family will do the same thing to them!" Regarding the Zhao Clan Young Master being attacked, they don't know the details, but according to the news gathered from various places, it is said that an ambush was set in the cellar of a wealthy household over there to assassinate Zhao Shaozhu. But in the end, it did not succeed.

Master Bai's expression was grave: "It is indeed possible!"

Since the Xinzhou Zhao Family can be called a clan, they must demonstrate their majesty and strength.

If others hit you and you don't hit back, you are a soft persimmon; they will hit you again next time, and they will invite others to hit you together!

Right now, it is equivalent to the Zhao Family starting to hit back!

In contests between major powers, those people below them really must act cautiously.

Bai Hang continued: "There is another piece of news! I heard that when the matter of Minister Xue's family happened back then, the Du Family also took action!"

Master Bai's expression changed abruptly, and he scolded: "Watch your tongue!"

Bai Hang didn't care: "Heh, Father, don't be nervous. The news has already spread; it won't be a secret for long. The surviving Xue Er Gongzi of the Xue Family is right here in Xinzhou City! Besides, the imperial court is gone now, there is no one above to investigate, what is there to fear?"

Master Bai Zi still said: "I don't care if others talk or not, you keep your mouth shut when you are outside! Too many people were involved in the events of those years; that was a contest between big shots, don't get mixed up in it! And don't go asking around too much!"

Seeing that the old man was speaking seriously, Bai Hang had no choice but to say: "I won't say it, I won't say it! I was just chatting with you, Father, in private."

However, listening to the meaning in his own father's words, can our Bai Family only be considered small fry?

Bai Hang said: "Father, these words of yours just now, aren't they being overly modest?"

Master Bai said earnestly: "It is not modesty, it is the truth! Our Bai Family looks very strong, but in reality, we can only show off our might locally. In the eyes of true nobles, we are nothing but dogs that can be ordered around at will."

Bai Hang did not agree. Even if it was like that before, it is a chaotic world now, and the rules are being reshaped. With the current scale of our Bai Family's fleet, shouldn't we at least be able to get to the table and obtain a seat?

How can we still compare ourselves to dogs picking up scraps under the table?

"That shouldn't be the case, Father?" Bai Hang said, "We not only have a fleet, but the Bai Family also has people serving as officials, and our connections are extensive!"

Master Bai said: "Those who are officials are not in Jizhou! And they are not from our branch! Furthermore, we have no army!"

Bai Hang realized the crisis: "Then we must latch onto a powerful backer!"

The Jizhou Du Family also has several factions; they must choose one to pay respects to.

Master Bai glared at him: "Do you think I don't want to?"

It is just that there are no suitable ones chosen yet, and the few selected are still waiting and watching.

Bai Hang sighed; the situation in Jizhou is indeed very troublesome right now.

"I don't know what the Du Family will do next. If there is no good countermeasure, what should we do?"

Master Bai said: "First, watch and wait. The current situation is not convenient for large-scale use of force, but we must stabilize the situation as soon as possible, then there is only... killing the chicken to warn the monkey! Kill the one that jumps the most joyfully to warn us monkeys!"

Bai Hang complained in his heart: Just a moment ago he said our family was a dog, now he says we are monkeys.

The father and son chatted a bit more. Outside, the sky was gradually darkening, and the old servant who served Master Bai Zi brought medicine over.

The old man's old illness has been acting up recently, and he has to drink medicine every day.

Bai Hang did not delay his father from drinking his medicine and resting, saying: "I will go out and ask around some more, and share it with you tomorrow. There has been a lot of news from all sides recently."

Bai Hang said jokingly, darting out like a monkey. Recently, he had heard some gossip from some hidden channels and couldn't help but sigh: sure enough, those who can do big things have ruthless hearts, and there are quite a few sordid affairs among the nobles!

Bai Hang slipped out to gossip.

Early the next morning, he arrived at the old man's courtyard with a belly full of gossip.

The courtyard was very quiet, and Bai Hang did not see the old servant who served by the old man's side. He was very dissatisfied and muttered: "Are they slacking off?"

He pushed open the door and walked in with light steps to take a look.

The medicine bowl from yesterday was still on the table, uncleaned, but the Incense Burner on the side had been emitting smoke the whole time.

The coil incense placed inside was long-burning; it had burned all night and was almost finished.

Bai Hang stood at the doorway and listened carefully.

The old man's breathing was a bit heavy; he probably wasn't sleeping very soundly.

At this moment, the old man's voice came from behind the bed curtains: "Is that Hang'er? What is that smell in the room? It smells unpleasant."

Master Bai's voice was a bit hoarse, and no emotion could be heard.

Bai Hang opened the window to let in air and make the room brighter. He walked over quickly, pulled back the mosquito net, and said worriedly: "Father, your voice sounds like... are you sicker..."

Bai Hang looked as if he had been grabbed by the throat, and he stood there stunned.

The light from outside the window shone into the room, breaking the dimness inside the bed curtains.

On the old man's arm exposed outside, patches of spots became even more obvious under the incoming light.

He was too familiar with those spots. Since the Evil Plague had been raging and the world had been in chaos, they had seen these Evil Spots more than once!

Bai Hang turned his neck stiffly, looking at the Incense Burner still emitting smoke, then at the old man on the bed, his voice trembling:

"Father... do you feel... the smell of the Incense Burner is unpleasant?"

As he spoke, he lifted the sheet, held Master Bai's arm through the sheet, and moved it to a spot with better light, wanting to see more clearly. What if his eyes were just playing tricks on him?!

But everything before his eyes was still a cruel blow.

"Father, you... how could you..."

Bai Hang's tears fell, his palms trembling violently, as if he were using great force, yet he was not gripping down hard.

Master Bai Zi opened his eyes at this moment and looked over.

It was impossible to see what kind of look was in his eyes; it only felt as if they were darker than before.

"Hang'er, what's wrong?" the old man said slowly.

Bai Hang wanted to say something, but he couldn't utter half a word, and tears were already gushing out.

Through the sheet, he lifted Master Bai's arm, not even daring to look, afraid that his emotions would collapse further.

Master Bai was a shrewd man to begin with, and he had already realized it by this time.

He lifted his other arm.

At this moment, Master Bai could no longer see anything unusual on his own arm, but judging by Bai Hang's reaction, he could already guess that a terrible change had occurred to him.

There was silence for a long while.

In the face of such a life-and-death shock, emotions should be very intense, but the originally hot-tempered Master Bai Zi looked unusually calm at this moment. It was not that he did not want to have emotions, but that he could no longer show intense emotions. It was as if he were already detaching from the category of a normal "human" and losing those rich emotions.

Even when speaking, it was no longer as clear as in the past. His muscles had already begun to mutate.

Master Bai said in a voice with faint emotion: "Do not touch any tea or medicine bowls in the room!"

He calculated the time he had taken the medicine last night. There was still time!

Because he had lost those intense emotions, Master Bai was now shockingly calm.

He said, "Do not make a sound."

Bai Hang nodded, emitting a suppressed sob.

Master Bai said again, "Go to the side room next door and take a look."

Bai Hang walked quickly over to extinguish the Incense Burner and ran to the side room next door.

The old servant who served by Master Bai's side lived in that side room.

The old servant had followed Master Bai for many years; when his hometown suffered a disaster in his youth, his wife and children were all gone, and he was kept by Master Bai to work. Because the old servant was unwilling to remarry, the Bai Family promised to provide for his old age.

This old servant, who had stayed in the Bai Family for decades, was lying on the bed at this moment, having already taken poison and breathed his last.

Beside him was a written confession, stating that he actually had two other children outside, and when the chaotic times began, he used his connections to let the children follow the Bai Family's caravan to Jizhou.

But he did not expect that they would still be discovered; now, someone was threatening the children's lives, and he was forced into a corner, having no choice but to follow these people's instructions and tamper with the old master's medicine.

Master Bai could not drink his medicine too hot, so it was always left to cool before he drank it. He never expected to be poisoned by someone he trusted by his side!

"Forced into a corner..." Intense hatred filled Bai Hang's eyes.

He wished he could grind his bones to dust and scatter the ashes!

He came to Master Bai's bedside and recounted everything he had seen in the side room one by one.

"Father, I will not let them off!" Bai Hang said through gritted teeth.

"Those things are not important," Master Bai said.

Still gradually losing his emotions, Master Bai was now so calm he did not seem human.

He still had his wits about him for now. In the brief moments just passed, he had already been thinking about the family's retreat.

He had to arrange everything within this short amount of time!

He was indeed the one who had the final say in the house and was relatively overbearing; the younger generation of children did not have much talent, and even if they had a bit of cleverness, they did not put it toward proper matters.

But what comforted him was that a few of them were still somewhat obedient.

"Call those brothers and sisters of yours over," Master Bai said.

Among the young and strong generation of the Bai Family, several had survived the chaotic times.

But at this moment, Master Bai only spoke a few of their names.

He emphasized again, "Do not make a sound!"

Bai Hang composed his emotions and walked out the door according to the old master's instructions.

The room became quiet once again.

Master Bai looked at the sunlight outside the window.

While he could still speak, he would enjoy the feeling of speaking a little more.

He whispered to himself, "So in the eyes of the powerful in Jizhou, I am not even as good as a dog, merely a chicken that can be slaughtered at any time!"

It was he who had thought too highly of himself!

He thought he could stand among the crowd of monkeys watching the show, but he never expected that in the end, he would still be the one picked up to be put under the knife!

He was the "chicken" used to warn the monkeys!

Or perhaps the "chicken" originally intended to warn the monkeys had a backer, so after choosing and picking, they finally settled on him, the head of the Bai Family. Master Bai analyzed in his heart.

Although he had not pledged allegiance to any faction or found a backer, in the past two years, he had made many contributions in Jizhou, and his efforts were no less than anyone else's! Yet he had fallen to such an end, where he could not even close his eyes in peace!

The emotions in his eyes had gradually detached from humanity; his gaze was cold and deep, enough to make one tremble just looking at it.

"They have truly underestimated me!"