Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 860 - 696: The Hypocrite

"Mr. Gu! The Yi Mansion has already suffered an attack from the bandits, it’s really too dangerous for you to stay there. Lord Prefect is swamped with official duties, tirelessly working for the people day and night, which is why he hasn’t had a chance to welcome you properly. It’s excusable given the circumstances. Both of you, who are concerned about the country and the people, make this old man feel deeply ashamed."

"How about I host, and invite Mr. Gu and Lord Liao to discuss the matter of the treasure map together. What do you think, gentlemen?"

Qu Huaiyun saw that Gu Chengyu had brushed aside Prefect Liao, whose face was now extremely awkward. Therefore, he spoke up to invite them, giving some face to Prefect Liao.

Gu Chengyu felt a surge of joy, as he had been pondering how to bring up the matter, but Qu Huaiyun’s words were as if delivering a pillow to a sleeping person.

He hesitated for a moment, glanced around at the chaotic scene, and then agreed.

"Alright! Then I’ll trouble the Qu Clan Leader, I may have to disturb you for a few days."

Gu Chengyu accepted, making Qu Huaiyun feel slightly relieved. As long as Gu Chengyu was willing to go, his plan was halfway successful.

If he stayed in the Yi Mansion, Yi Lanshan could mess up his plans!

Yi Lanshan, for the sake of vexing him, might not even care about the treasure map, only finding pleasure in his loss.

The crescent moon hung in the pitch-black night sky, surrounded by countless stars.

This was not a night where the moon and wind were high, so it wasn’t an opportune moment for murder and mayhem.

A shadow leaped across the rooftop, and after a moment stopped on one of the roofs.

He glanced around, as if discerning directions.

Then he leaped forward once more, finally crouching down.

Inside the study below the roof, candle light flickered, casting two shadows on the window. The two silhouettes pressed closely together, leading people to imagine things.

Those unaware might think random thoughts, but inside were two men, doing something unrelated to romance.

One was plump, the other was slender and lanky.

"How is it? Asleep?" The slender shadow leaned closer to the other, whispering.

"We’ve made him drink so much; he’s long drunk out of his senses. Rest assured, he definitely won’t wake up before tomorrow."

The plump shadow’s tone revealed pride, mixed with a hint of disdain.

The shadow on the roof gently shifted a tile, then looked at the two people inside.

"Be careful, since the Emperor sent him, he’s certainly no ordinary person."

The slender shadow was Liao Cheng, whom Gu Chengyu had only met during the day; and the plump shadow was none other than Qu Huaiyun.

"Don’t worry, I’ll be cautious. But I view him as nothing more than a paper tiger, wasn’t he just spun around by Yi Lanshan previously? Besides, might makes right here in Hejian Prefecture, regardless of who he is. Without evidence, he can’t do anything to us."

Qu Huaiyun scoffed at Liao Cheng’s words; to him, Gu Chengyu was still young, perhaps fit for academics.

But when it came to intrigues and strategies, he was lacking.

"Hmph! I also find his methods too rigid. In the long stay of officialdom, who isn’t smooth and slippery? He doesn’t know how to be a person, having probably offended many in court. The Emperor must have sent him here precisely because he’s stubborn and inflexible. A character like his suits handling matters in Hejian Prefecture."

Liao Cheng was bitter over Gu Chengyu’s refusal during the day, thinking Gu Chengyu was clueless in human dealings, undermining his reputation.

The black-clad man on the roof sneered, Liao Cheng wasn’t someone he would ally with.

Liao Cheng and Xia Qing were in cahoots, even if promoted in the future, they would still deal with him together. He couldn’t care less to show Liao Cheng any good face.

The shadow on the roof was Gu Chengyu, who was drunk earlier in the evening, thus lodging at the Qu Mansion.

It seems Qu Huaiyun had ulterior motives, earnestly inviting him to stay.

In the evening, Ming Mo posed as him, lying in bed to elude Lu Chen, while he came out to scout.

Qu Huaiyun definitely wouldn’t hand over the treasure map, so it would be up to him to find a way to steal it himself.

However, Liao Cheng would inevitably become his enemy in the future, so before he left, he’d have to send him a big gift.

If he could find dirt on the opponent, it would be best to drag him down.

"You’re right, sir, Mr. Gu’s temperament truly is forthright, not leaving an ounce of respect for you."

Qu Huaiyun nodded quickly in agreement; seeing Liao Cheng’s hardened expression, he also hesitated in heart.

The man appeared a righteous gentleman on the surface, yet inwardly greedier and more petty than him - a genuine small man versus a hypocrite. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Annually, he offered sizable benefits to this man, and coupled with his legitimate elder son being the Prefect of prosperous Sunan Prefecture, the man granted him slight favors.

Were it not to sidle up to Xia Qing backing him, would he have respected Liao Cheng so?

His eldest son was still of equal rank to Liao Cheng, holding office in the wealthy Sunan Prefecture, indeed a lucrative post.

Had it not been for relying on Chief Minister Xia, he wouldn’t have needed to regard Liao Cheng.

But the man’s appetite grew larger, delaying introductions, leaving him pondering other routes.

The treasure map emerged unexpectedly, shifting the course.

They’d obtained half of the map far earlier than the Yi Family.

And this half was the Qu Family’s offering, the key to aligning with Chief Minister Xia.

Regrettably lacking connections, they were seeking ties avidly, unaware Liao Cheng discovered this and approached them.

Liao Cheng promptly agreed, saying he’d introduce them if the complete map was assembled.

"Keep the treasure map hidden well, don’t let others snatch it. Nowadays, many are keeping an eye on your Qu Mansion and Yi Mansion, don’t be foolish like Yi Lanshan, letting it be stolen."

Liao Cheng spoke with deep meaning, occasionally gazing steadily at Qu Huaiyun.

"Rest assured, sir! I wouldn’t be as foolish as Yi Lanshan. Those people certainly won’t find it, nor imagine I’d place the map there."

"Oh? Where would that be?" Liao Cheng’s eyes gleamed with interest, blurting his thoughts.

"Ahem! Beware of eavesdroppers, better not to announce it, just rest easy knowing that. So long as you introduce us to the Chief Minister, speak well of our Qu Family, I shall present the map with both hands."

Qu Huaiyun inwardly sneered at Liao Cheng treating him as a fool; how could he reveal the map’s whereabouts?

As if unaware of Liao Cheng’s hidden motives toward the Qu Family, he had his own plans to deal with Liao Cheng. Qu Huaiyun resolved to meet the Prime Minister this time.