yasinovel Chapter 79 Intent, Alliance
Chapter 79 Intent, Alliance
Chen Ye looked at her calmly, a slight smile playing on his lips. He stepped aside, returned to his seat, and uttered a name: "Guo Lingyi."
Zhou Yun'e raised an eyebrow, asking in confusion, "Young Mistress?"
"That's right." Chen Ye said in a steady tone, "I heard that she has been frequently visiting the First Madam and her mother-in-law lately. One is Feng Rong's wife, and the other is Feng Rong's mother. In a way, they are natural temporary allies. Guo Lingyi comes from a humble family and has a shallow background. She handled all the affairs of this martial arts examination, and she did a rather rough job."
Zhou Yun'e withdrew the seductive look from her face and sat back in her chair, her tone returning to its usual coldness as she asked, "So, you want to start with her?"
"What is your opinion, Madam?"
Zhou Yun'e placed her hands on her knees, revealing her slender, white fingers: "Based on my observations, this person is greedy, has long hair but short wits, and acts rashly. Such a person is most likely to reveal flaws, and is indeed a good breakthrough point."
Chen Ye had previously mentioned wanting her son to become the head of the Feng family, which struck a chord with her and made her somewhat tempted.
Moreover, many of the things the other party said made sense.
Once Feng Rong lifts the ban, given his status as the eldest son and the influence of the First Madam in the Feng family, he might very well be able to contend for the position of family head.
Having lived in the inner quarters of the compound for many years, she knew all too well what it would mean for her and her son if Feng Rong were to take that step.
The other party would definitely not tolerate the two of them.
Even if they don't lose their lives, life will definitely not be easy.
This is a life-or-death situation.
Chen Ye's appearance presents a rare opportunity to break the deadlock.
Zhou Yun'e looked up at him, her gaze serious, and asked, "What exactly do you want me to do?"
"I need enough intelligence."
Chen Ye already had some ideas in mind. His gaze swept over Zhou Yun'e's beautiful and solemn face, and he continued, "Although Madam has had half of her allowance deducted, she is still a member of the third branch of the Feng family, so she won't attract too much attention when she moves around the mansion."
First, find out what she's been up to lately.
Since she's greedy, the focus should be on investigating where her money goes, who she frequently contacts, and what businesses and connections she has outside the home...
If we can figure these things out, we might be able to find an opportunity to exploit.
Zhou Yun'e did not rush to respond after hearing this, but calmly picked up her teacup and took a small sip.
After about four or five breaths, she raised her head, her eyes already showing a hint of determination, and said with a smile, "Give me a few days. I still have a way to find out where someone's money went."
"Alright." Seeing the widow's face brighten, Chen Ye smiled slightly and said, "Then I will await your good news, madam."
Zhou Yun'e nodded, her expression softening slightly.
She said no more, stood up and said, "I will go back and start investigating. If I find any news, I will send someone to Jingguo Prefecture to find you."
After saying that, she took out the jade pendant she had given to Chen Ye earlier from her bosom and handed it to him, saying, "Keep this jade pendant for now, it will make it easier for you to find me when you enter the Feng residence in the future."
"Okay." Chen Ye reached out to take it.
Zhou Yun'e placed the jade pendant in his palm.
I don't know if it was intentional or not.
Chen Ye felt his palm being gently brushed by her soft fingertips.
Zhou Yun'e's eyelashes trembled slightly, but her eyes remained unchanged, as if it were just an unintentional action.
She casually straightened her skirt, picked up her veil, and walked towards the door.
As she reached the door, she paused, turned back, and asked, "Did you mention your visit to anyone today?"
"No, not at all," Chen Ye said with a smile. "Don't worry, Madam, I'm not the kind of person to gossip. Today, I've only come to your establishment to get medicine."
"That's good."
She pushed open the door and said to the outside, "Uncle Xu, bring me the clinic's account books. I need to check the accounts."
The sound of footsteps faded into the distance along the stairs.
Chen Ye sat alone in the room and let out a soft sigh.
He glanced down at the jade pendant in his palm; it seemed to still retain a trace of warmth.
After a moment, he finished the remaining tea in one gulp, put down the teacup, and strode out of the room.
Zhou Yun'e was no longer seen downstairs.
Chen Ye didn't search for it intentionally; he simply walked downstairs with a normal expression.
He grabbed a few doses of medicinal herbs containing essential substances from the medicine cabinet, and then left the clinic under the respectful gaze of his apprentice.
After leaving the clinic, Chen Ye did not go directly back to the Cui residence, but instead turned into a bustling alley in the south of the city.
Finally, they stopped in front of a restaurant with red lanterns hanging in the air.
Red sleeves beckon.
He looked up at the brightly colored sign and stepped inside.
It was still early, and this brothel wasn't at its busiest time yet.
The sounds of a pipa and a woman's melodious singing drifted lazily through the hall.
Only a few individual guests sat in the hall listening to music and sipping tea.
The doorman recognized him immediately as a regular customer and, seeing his elegant attire, quickly went up to greet him attentively and led him to a private room on the second floor.
Chen Ye casually gave him some loose silver as a reward.
Bo quickly held it up with both hands and said auspicious words repeatedly.
Chen Ye pushed open the door and entered; Su Guang and Zuo Dongxi were already waiting inside.
Several dishes and a pot of warm wine were laid out on the table, and the room was filled with the aroma of wine and fried pastries.
As soon as Zuo Dongxi saw Chen Ye enter, he immediately stood up, his face beaming with smiles, and joked, "Our Chief Chen has finally arrived! Please, have a seat, the wine is already poured for you!"
Su Guang, sitting to the side, smiled and nodded at Chen Ye as a greeting.
Chen Ye knew that Su Guang was always like this and was already used to it. After sitting down, he raised his glass and drank with the two of them.
The warm wine, as it enters the throat, spreads a rich, mellow warmth.
"Today we finally have the chance to properly celebrate for you." Zuo Dongxi put down his wine cup, wiped his mouth, and his attitude suddenly became much more respectful: "Now that you are a scholar and a guest of the Cui family, your future is limitless. In the future, we may have to rely on your help."
Chen Ye clearly felt that after he obtained the status of a scholar, there seemed to be a thin barrier between him and Zuo Dongxi, a man of the martial arts world.
He didn't mind, smiled and said, "We've been through thick and thin together, so there's no need for formalities. Brother Zuo has a gang operating in the capital. As long as you keep things on track, you're bound to make a name for yourself in the future."
"I might need Brother Zuo's help in the future."
Zuo Dongxi quickly waved his hand and said, "I'm just trying to make a living down here. How can I compare to Brother Chen, who is pursuing an official career, which is a more righteous path?"
"Hahaha... Let's drink, let's drink." Chen Ye raised his glass, and the three of them drank it all in one gulp.
After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere grew warmer, and the conversation naturally turned to the Feng family.
Chen Ye put down his wine glass and said, "I met with the Zhou family today."
Su Guang asked in surprise, "You saw the Madam?"
"Yes, she's in the same boat as us now, and she won't just stand by and watch Feng Rong smoothly ascend to the position of family head. I asked her to investigate some matters, and we should have news soon."
"You two should also prepare yourselves in advance. When the time is right, we can make our move."
Su Guang's expression hardened. "Are you going to kill someone?" he asked.
Chen Ye looked at him and said calmly, "Yes! And when the time comes... I'm afraid we'll have to kill quite a few people you know."
"Fine, if you want me to kill, I'll kill."
Su Guang picked up a piece of food, swallowed it, and said, "By the way, Brother Chen, there's something else I need to tell you. There's new information from Gao Yunheng's side."
Upon hearing the name, Chen Ye looked up and asked, "What news?"
Su Guang's expression became more serious as he said, "I heard that Gao Yunheng had some fortuitous encounters while annihilating Chongwu Tower a few days ago, and his cultivation has improved. He has already begun preparing to break through to the Dragon Elephant Realm."