Period drama: Old Cao's carefree life

Chapter 297 Are we going to be a pair of bickering lovers?
Sure enough, when Cao Wei Da arrived at the agreed location, he saw Tian Yuan Nao with an expression as if her mother had died.

Tsk, I'm happy, but you're worried. Are we going to be a pair of bickering lovers?

He chuckled inwardly, but before entering the room, he suppressed the smile in his eyes completely, leaving only a solemn expression on his face.

Feigning anxiety, she quickly ran into the house, slammed the door shut, and sat down opposite Naoko Tani. She asked urgently, "Tani-kun, I'm so sorry I'm late. Is what you said on the phone true?"

"Absolutely true!" Nao Tamago said anxiously, her brows furrowed.
"The 10th Regiment has broken through the outer defense line. Our transit station, hidden behind the mountain god temple, is only eight kilometers away from the front line!"

"The military only deployed a guard squad at the Ming Tombs, which was simply not enough to defend against the 10th Regiment's attack!"

Nao clenched her fists and scratched her head vigorously. "If the Red Party intercepts those medicines, khaki cloth, and mechanical parts that were transferred from Zhangjiakou, not only will my business of so long be ruined, but I also won't be able to explain it to my 'friends'!"

These supplies don't belong to him alone; a whole bunch of people are eagerly waiting for their share of the profits.

If they found out he'd squandered all the capital in his business, wouldn't those people eat him alive?!

He anxiously pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took a drag, but the strong nicotine did nothing to lessen his anxiety.

He suddenly looked up at Cao Weida: "This idea came from you, so you have to find a way to get the liaison to move the supplies out, even if it's just to transport them to a warehouse in the suburbs of Beiping first!"

"Don't rush." ​​Cao Weida frowned, reached into the other man's cigarette case, took out a cigarette, lit it, and after a moment of contemplation, said, "Tian Yuan Jun, don't rush, listen to me."

“We’ve been doing business with the Red Party for a while now, from grain to cotton to other supplies, and every time we’ve delivered on time.”

"The Red Party has always been trustworthy. They know that this transit point is the foundation of our cooperation, and they will not destroy their own Great Wall."

Even so, Nao Tazon remained uneasy, as this concerned his life and fortune, and he had to be cautious.
"I understand your reasoning, but this is war!"

"Soldiers on the battlefield don't care about your business dealings; they might just grab any supplies they see and take them away!"

He's not afraid of the impossible, he's just worried about the worst-case scenario!

Who can guarantee what will happen on the battlefield?
He didn't want to entrust his life and fortune to something with absolutely no certainty.

There is an old Chinese saying: "When a scholar encounters a soldier, reason is useless."

Those ordinary soldiers, especially those Red Army soldiers who were desperate for money and terrified of poverty, who knows if they might act impulsively and intercept the supplies without thinking twice?

"No way." Cao Weida's face was solemn, but in his heart he was already overjoyed.

Seeing Nao's anxious and restless appearance made him feel relieved.

However, despite his inner amusement, he was determined not to let the Red Army seize the supplies at the transit station.

Firstly, doing so would be tantamount to killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.

How much supplies does a transit station have? Compared to the goods to be traded in the future, these supplies are nothing.

Secondly, this matter also concerns him. After all, he was the one who facilitated this transit station. If something really goes wrong, he will definitely be implicated, which would be a loss for him.

Of course, we can't skimp on everything either, that would be too easy on that old Japanese devil.
He had to find a way to make the old Japanese soldier feel the pinch while also getting him to willingly give up a small portion of the supplies!

He lowered his voice and said, "Tian Yuan-kun, you should also know that I have been in contact with the Red Party."

Nao Tazon knew perfectly well that since she had business dealings with the Red Party, it would be strange if she didn't have any contact with them.

However, he didn't care about any of that. Knowing that he had no room for advancement, he had already realized that what was the point of all this talk about loyalty to the Emperor? What was more real than the US dollars and gold in his pocket?
He no longer cares about the situation during the invasion of China; all he wants now is to make money!

Upon seeing this, Cao Wei Da smiled inwardly and continued, "This is what I think: just in case, we should take the initiative."

“I have a way to get in touch with the contact person. I have an idea. We can pass on a message to the contact person, saying that some of the goods in the transit station are relief supplies for people in the mountainous areas.”

“The Red Party has always protected the people. Even if they find supplies at the transit station, they will verify the situation first and will not rashly touch our things.”

He straightened his back, looking confident and composed.

"Besides, our transit station is in a dilapidated mountain god temple, with the entrance covered by a pile of firewood and only a sign for 'Mountain Goods Store' hanging outside. Unless someone points it out, it's impossible to find."

Nao's brows gradually relaxed. After a moment of contemplation, she hesitated and asked, "Are you serious? Would they really consider past business relationships?"

"of course."

Cao Weida took out paper and pen and wrote a few lines on the paper, "I will write a letter to the liaison and ask him to take our token to the front line and greet the Red Party people."

"Once the token arrives, they will naturally understand that it is our supplies and will not touch it."

"Once the fighting stops, we'll transport the supplies out and continue our business."

He folded the note and put it away. "We Chinese are not lacking in smart people. They must know that killing the goose that lays the golden eggs is not a good idea. We have shown our sincerity again. I believe the Red Party will not be so short-sighted."

After mentally processing these arguments, Nao Tazon admitted that she was convinced and finally breathed a sigh of relief, the anxiety on her face fading away.

Although he might have to pay a "sincere fee" which would hurt a bit, he could still accept it since it was only a small loss.

He began to plan how to expand his 'business' after the war so that he could make up for the losses as soon as possible.

"."

That evening, Cao Weida visited Xiaguang Garden again, and another night of romance ensued.

Unfortunately, this moment has not yet arrived.

This made him frown. This hidden hand was really patient, not making a move even now.

Could it be that they're planning to assassinate him on his way to and from get off work?

It's not impossible, after all, it's an assassination, how can an assassination not be an assassination?

Who says assassinations have to be carried out at night?

"Master Cao, this is tea brewed with morning dew from our Xiaguang Garden. It's the best way to relieve fatigue. You've been working hard these past few days, so please have a taste."

Han Lu walked closer, bent down slightly, and handed over the tea tray, her eyes crinkling with a smile.

"Yesterday, I heard from Mrs. Shuyi that you found the jasmine scent too strong. This morning, I specially asked the kitchen to stew some dried tangerine peel on the stove. Does that make it a little easier for you to breathe?"

"I was wondering why the taste was different today. Mr. Han, you've really put in the effort." Cao Weida smiled, took the teacup, took a sip, and exclaimed in admiration:
"Not bad, Biluochun tea! It's not easy to buy these days, you must have gone to some trouble, right?"

“It did take some effort,” Han Lu said, her crow’s feet deepening as she heard Cao Weida’s praise. “I had someone bring the pre-Qingming Biluochun tea from Suzhou. I specifically asked them to let it be aged for three years. It took a lot of searching to finally get some. I was just afraid that the heat of the new tea would upset your stomach.”

"Mr. Han is very thoughtful." Cao Weida couldn't help but admire her in his heart. This Han Lu was no ordinary person. With her meticulousness and silver tongue, she could do very well in any era.

"I'm glad you like it, Master Cao. It's all worth it for my little gesture. If you think Xiaguang Garden is alright, feel free to come often. Xiaguang Garden will always have a superior room ready for you."

Cao Weida nodded slightly, "When I have time later, I'm just afraid I'll be too busy with official duties to come."

He likes intelligent people and hopes she won't become too clever in the future.

Han Lu thought to herself, "Don't think I don't know you're the most idle person in the district office."

"No matter how busy you are with official duties, you still have to take care of your health, right? You are an important person, and there are so many things in District Twelve that are waiting for your decision. If you get overworked, it will be a loss for the entire District Twelve."

"From now on, even if you only come here for a cup of tea or a half-hour rest, I will always have hot water and tea ready for you, and I will never dare to neglect you."

She didn't say anything like "Little Ears is here too." She's a smart woman; she knows what to say and what not to say.

Cao Weida smiled, handed the teacup back to her, neither agreeing nor refusing: "It's getting late, I should go back to my office."

Han Lu quickly followed, carrying the tea tray steadily: "I'll see you downstairs. The driver is already waiting at the door. I specially asked him to put a thick cotton pad in the car. It's a bit chilly in the morning, so it will be more comfortable during the bumpy ride."

Little Ears was already waiting outside the door.

On the way, Cao Weida smiled at Xiao Erduo and said, "This woman is no ordinary person. You should know that."

"Even if she's not an ordinary person, she's still a woman. She can't cause any trouble. I'll be careful." Little Ears grinned. That's how it is in this era; women basically depend on men to live.

Want to rise to the top through your own hard work?
Well, that's not an easy thing.

Without a strong backer, you're just a piece of meat that others want to covet at any time!
"Besides, she's a smart woman; she wouldn't be unwise."

"As long as you know it, that's fine."

"."

After arriving at the police station and checking in, Cao Weida immediately called Tianyuan Nao and told him that things were progressing smoothly and that he shouldn't worry.

It went very smoothly. There was an underground party member right next to me; I could just say a few words and it was done. It was incredibly convenient.

Night falls.

Inside a private room at Xiaguangyuan.

Cao Weida lay on his side, with two women beside him breathing evenly. Soft strands of hair occasionally brushed against his arm, as if he were indulging in a gentle embrace.

Around midnight, the candlelight suddenly flickered, not from a draft, but from a very slight movement of air.

Cao Weida, with his eyes closed, slightly curled the corners of his lips.

After waiting for three nights, that damned killer finally showed up!

That's quite cautious!
However, no matter how cunning the fox is, it will eventually fall into the hunter's trap.
A shadow crept in through the crack under the door, like ink dripping into clear water.

The assassin was somewhat burly, approaching stealthily with cat-like steps. His black short-sleeved shirt almost blended into the night, and the dagger in his hand was wrapped in black cloth, only flashing a cold, piercing light when the candlelight flickered occasionally.

He stopped in front of the bed, his gaze sweeping over Cao Wei Da's neck, which was exposed outside the thin blanket—the perfect spot for a clean cut.

Without hesitation, the assassin saw an opportunity and instantly swung his dagger.

Just as the dagger was about to slash through the air, Cao Weida suddenly opened his eyes and grabbed the assassin's wrist with his left hand.

At the same time, he smashed a blue and white porcelain bowl on the ground with a crash, shards scattering all over the floor.

This is a signal to take action!
The door to the private room was kicked open instantly, and Xiao Erduo rushed in with four plainclothes police officers, their guns all pressed against the assassin's lower back.

"Don't move!" Little Ears shouted, reaching out to grab the assassin's arm.

But that person was surprisingly skilled and managed to dodge to the side.

However, Little Ears didn't rush in alone. Just as the assassin dodged, a barrage of fists came crashing down on him.

At the same time, Little Ears, who had been dodged, was furious and slammed her knee into the assassin's stomach. The assassin's eyes went blank, and he almost died on the spot, collapsing to his knees with a 'thud'.

Little Ears stepped forward, cursing, and tied the assassin up with a rope.

"I've been waiting and waiting, and finally you've arrived."

Cao Wei waved his hand, ordering his men to drag the assassin out.

After comforting the two women, who were startled awake and looked pale with fright, he put on his coat and went outside.

Inside a room, Cao Weida sat with his legs crossed in a chair, looking down at the assassin who was being forced to kneel on the ground by two plainclothes police officers: "Let me see who it is."

The black cloth was pulled back, revealing a rather familiar face.

Cao Wei Da was surprised and couldn't help but laugh: "Heh, it's an old acquaintance! Isn't this our Kui Biao Biao? I never expected it to be you."

"Hmph!" Kui Biao snorted coldly, quite defiantly. "Being caught by you only proves that I am inferior in skill. Do with me as you please!"

"What makes you so arrogant!" Seeing that he was still so arrogant even after being arrested, Little Ears immediately became unhappy and slapped him across the face several times.

Finger marks appeared rapidly on Kui Biao's cheeks at a speed visible to the naked eye. As the saying goes, "Don't hit someone in the face, and don't insult someone by revealing their shortcomings." Kui Biao was furious, let out another cold snort, closed his eyes, and pretended to be dead.

My attitude is very clear: hit me if you want, curse me if you want, do whatever you want, I will absolutely not fight back or talk back!
He knew in his heart that since he had been captured, his life was probably over. So there was no need to argue, lest he suffer a fate worse than death before he died.

But he was clearly overthinking it. Even if he didn't utter the curses, he would still have to go through a living hell before he could reveal what Cao Wei Da wanted!
"Speak, who sent you?" Cao Weida was too lazy to play games and asked directly.

"Nobody sent me! I'm the one who wanted to kill you!" Kui Biao said angrily, his neck stiff. "I used to live a life of luxury with my older brother. Don't think I didn't know. It's all because of you that my older brother was killed by that bastard Wu Da Laizi, leaving me to live a life of constant fear and hiding here and there!"

"I've wanted to kill you for a long time, but I just haven't had the chance!"

"I'll say it again: kill me or torture me, it's up to you!"

(End of this chapter)