Madmen don't keep diaries

Chapter 182 181 Threats and Business

Feng Xiuhu sneered, "It makes no difference to me, but it does to you."

He pointed at the still-burning "Watching the Fire from the Other Shore" talisman floating in the air and said, "If there's no difference, why would you be so afraid of outsiders hearing it?"

Hong Shenghuo's expression froze for a moment.

Feng Xiuhu noticed it keenly, and became more confident.

He continued, "There are some things you don't want people outside the house to know, but you have to test me over and over again."

"But Admiral Hong, you have to understand. You called me in for questioning, but you're being evasive, acting like you're asking for favors but aren't willing to explain things clearly. How can we continue this conversation?"

The smile on Hong Shenghuo's face slowly faded: "It's not that I don't tell you some things, but you shouldn't listen to them."

Feng Xiuhu sneered, "Then there's nothing to talk about."

He turned around to go out, but was stopped by Hong Shenghuo.

"There's something to talk about."

Hong Shenghuo said in a deep voice: "I want to do business with you."

Feng Xiuhu squinted at him and said, "When doing business, you have to set a price first."

Hong Shenghuo said: "The price is that the Water Control Bureau will not interfere in the battle between the church and the temple."

Feng Xiuhu almost laughed out loud: "What kind of price is this?"

"Why doesn't it count?"

Hong Shenghuo sneered: "The Divine Power Cannons hit the Guan Temple, and the Church is the most suspicious. I can use this as a reason to launch an investigation. If the Church dares to refuse, what awaits you is a violent suppression."

Feng Xiuhu's face turned cold: "This doesn't sound like business, it sounds more like a threat."

Hong Shenghuo shook his head and smiled: "It's a threat to you, but it's business to me."

This is the difference caused by unequal status.

Feng Xiuhu thought for a moment and sat back in his chair: "Then tell me what you want to do first."

Hong Shenghuo also sat down opposite him: "Before we say anything, I have to tell you first, this matter cannot be known by the church, Fengyu Temple, the Duke of Daguo, and the government office. It can only be known by you and me."

Feng Xiuhu couldn't help but raise an eyebrow: "Why do you have to find me for such a big deal?"

Hong Shenghuo nodded: "Because only you can do it."

"I need you to help me find someone."

"In the area outside of Upper City, you, Crazy Big Bug, are the only one who gets your word. You have the most people and the widest spies. This matter needs to be done in secret. Your men are all peasants, mingling in the streets and being inconspicuous, so you are the most suitable person for this job."

Feng Xiuhu raised his eyelids and looked at him: "Why go to so much trouble to find someone? The Water Control Bureau is so arrogant, can't you do this yourself?"

Hong Shenghuo shook his head. "The Water Control Division is not allowed to leave the camp without reason. Besides, the sailors are too conspicuous and will attract attention for no reason. And when it comes to familiarity with the lower city, your people are more adept at it."

Feng Xiuhu got to the point: "So who are you looking for?"

Hong Shenghuo shook his head again: "I don't know."

Feng Xiuhu was amused: "Are you teasing a fool?"

He pretended to be angry, stood up and pretended to leave.

Hong Shenghuo quickly grabbed him and said, "Don't worry, just listen to me."

Feng Xiuhu folded his arms and sat down. "You don't even know who to look for, and you're asking me to look for it blindly. Aren't you making fun of me?"

Hong Shenghuo finally told the truth. He pointed at the iron cover on the table and said, "Look for this person!"

Feng Xiuhu had actually expected this, but she pretended to be surprised. "Is she a boy or a girl? Is she tall or short? Is she fat or thin? I don't know any of these. How can I find her?"

Hong Shenghuo said, "If this person really exists, he wouldn't dare show up easily, so just ask around. If you see anyone acting suspiciously, come to the camp and report to me."

He broke off a piece of rust from the iron cover and held it up to Feng Xiuhu. "If you discover similar methods, that would be a major clue. I will definitely not treat you unfairly."

"Suspicious person..."

Feng Xiuhu stroked his stubble and thought, "It really is."

Hong Shenghuo's eyes suddenly lit up. "Who?" Feng Xiuhu said confidently, "Konate Chen."

Hong Shenghuo hesitated: "...Bishop of the Mist?"

Feng Xiuhu nodded: "Yeah, I've been having trouble with him lately...very suspicious."

The two looked at each other in silence for two seconds.

Hong Shenghuo asked, "Did you just say you didn't like it?"

Feng Xiuhu remained calm and said, "You heard wrong."

Hong Shenghuo fell silent again.

Feng Xiuhu continued to make amends, "I'm not kidding. He's been acting suspiciously lately. I suspect he's colluding with the Church of Evernight. But then again, the Church of Evernight can also infiltrate without anyone noticing, right?"

Hong Shenghuo raised his head and said, "Tell me more about it."

Feng Xiuhu said, "I was attacked by a hidden gun some time ago. The bullet came from the Church of Evernight. During the subsequent investigation, the living witnesses who provided clues were also killed. It seems that the method used to kill them was also a curse from the Church of Evernight."

Hong Shenghuo was puzzled: "What does this have to do with Konate Chen?"

Feng Xiuhu replied, "I suspect he is the one who wants to kill me."

Hong Sheng was furious: "...Are you using me as a pawn?"

Feng Xiuhu also felt that the accusation was a bit harsh, so after thinking for a moment, he said, "Then... putting the facts aside, is there no suspicion about the temple?"

"I have every reason to suspect the temple is harboring criminals. I strongly suggest that the Water Control Bureau enter the temple to search it. Our church can provide assistance."

Hong Shenghuo stared at him: "So now the church can't do anything about the Wind Sail Formation Horse Talisman, right?"

Feng Xiuhu smiled shyly: "If you want to do business, you have to act like a business person. If you don't give me some sweet things, who knows if I will work hard for you?"

……

The church actually surrounded the temple all night.

Feng Xiuhu returned when it was almost dawn.

Hong Shenghuo and Zhenshuisi also came back with him.

Before everyone could figure out the situation, Feng Xiuhu waved his hand to ask the Divine Guards to make way.

"Hurry, hurry, let them in. Let the Water Control Officers in. Don't delay the Admiral's important work."

Although everyone didn't understand, they still did as Feng Xiuhu asked.

Under the leadership of Hong Shenghuo, the neatly-dressed sailors of the Zhenshui Division lined up in a line, passed through the church's army formation, and headed straight for the temple gate.

Hong Shenghuo revealed his identity, and soon the three chief priests came out to greet him in person. The two sides looked at each other across the wind wall.

Zhang Qiuchi's joy was beyond words. He thought to himself that his bet was right after all, and the Water Control Bureau came to rescue them.

He saluted and said, "Commander Hong! The church has trespassed into the barracks, recklessly used weapons, and disregarded military law. If such behavior is not punished, where will the dignity of the Water Control Department be?"

Hong Shenghuo, however, had no expression on his face: "Remove the temple protection talisman and cooperate with the Water Control Bureau in investigating the case."

Zhang Qiuchi was stunned, feeling that something was wrong: "Commander-in-Chief, the culprit is clearly from the Church..."

Hong Shenghuo interrupted, "I will make my own judgment on what is right and wrong. If you are dissatisfied, you can complain to the temple master afterwards."

"This……"

Zhang Qiuchi opened his mouth and was speechless for a moment.

Hong Shenghuo was too lazy to wait any longer. He raised his hand and shouted, "This is your last warning. Remove the talisman!"

wow-

The sailors behind him raised their guns and aimed at the temple.

PS: The Water Control Division must have a reason and justification to leave the camp. After removing the talisman, they must take some people with them. As for who to take with them, Feng Xiuhu has already discussed it with Hong Shenghuo.

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(End of this chapter)