Courtyard House: A Start with Black Gold Swallowing 100,000 Silver Dollars

"Fourth Master!!!"

"Fourth Master is here!!!"

"Fourth Uncle!!!"

"Fourth Uncle, you've finally arrived!!!"

"Fourth Uncle—you've arrived!"

Xu Jiancheng looked like he had grasped a lifeline, his face suddenly relaxed, and his voice even trembled with a bright light.

Xu Chengye kept a straight face, gave him a slight nod, and then turned and walked towards "Yang Zhengde".

"Oh, it's Master Xu! What a coincidence—your nephew has forcibly detained his cousin, seized her property and forcibly taken her away. The case has even reached the municipal supervisory board, and it's the talk of the town. Can you imagine how bad the impact is?"

Before the other party could speak, Yang Zhengde delivered a powerful blow, his words dripping with icy sharpness.

"Heh... Director Yang, that's a bit harsh." Xu Chengye's lips curled into a smile, his expression unchanged. "My fifth brother was merely handling the funeral arrangements for a collateral branch, and that's why I invited my niece Meijing back to discuss the procedures. Where did this 'forced deduction' come from? Who told you that?"

He turned his head and asked Xu Jiancheng gently, "Is that right, Xiao Wu?"

"Yes, yes, yes! Absolutely true!" Xu Jiancheng nodded hurriedly, his voice becoming lighter.

Thank goodness, Uncle Si has arrived!

Xu Chengye then turned to Yang Zhengde, his tone slowing down: "As for the person who made the report—they're very cunning. Director Yang, don't let someone become a scapegoat, pulling chestnuts out of the fire for others."

Oh shit!

They really know how to turn the tables!

An old fox is an old fox!

Yang Zhengde cursed under his breath, his fingers curling slightly beneath his sleeve.

As soon as Xu Chengye appeared, he completely absolved himself of all the disadvantages and instead pinned the blame on the other party.

However, they are not without cards to play.

"Heh, Fourth Master Xu, you're so busy with affairs of state, perhaps you've truly forgotten—your niece was engaged the day before yesterday, to be the betrothed of the Chen family in the East City, and is to be married into the family tomorrow morning. Now that she's being held captive in your residence, do you think the Chen family will agree to this?"

These words clearly implied that the husband's family was already aware of the situation.

Xu Chengye's eyelids twitched, but he didn't respond. Instead, he turned to Xu Jiancheng and asked, "Oh? Is that so? Is there a marriage certificate? What about the birth chart?"

Xu Jiancheng's face stiffened slightly, then he gritted his teeth: "No! I've never seen any documents!"—He had already torn that marriage contract to shreds, and that Chen family boy was hiding deeper than a mouse, how could he dare to show his face?

Xu Chengye turned back, his tone as calm as an ancient well: "Director Yang, my nephew says there's no such thing. If you don't believe me, just have the Chen family bring proof—I'll release him immediately, you can even take him away in a sedan chair."

He knew perfectly well that the Chen family wouldn't dare come. If they really dared, they would have already followed Yang Zhengde inside; they were hiding and not showing themselves because they were afraid that a sneeze from the Xu family would bring ruin to their family.

Unless the Chen family can produce a written agreement, they can forget about getting the person out of the Xu family's house.

Of course, if Yang Zhengde had visited him first and privately conveyed a message, giving him some face, he might have been willing to loosen his grip.

Although Director Jing's official rank isn't high, he still has powerful connections, so he still needs to be given face.

But now that things have escalated to this point, if we simply release them, outsiders will only think the Xu family is weak and easily bullied, and who knows, someone might take advantage of our kindness and try to extort money from us under various pretexts tomorrow.

These days, who doesn't prey on every crack and crevice? Once they smell blood, all sorts of oddballs, thugs, opportunists, and smiling tigers will pounce and tear a bite out of them.

There's no other way!!!

The only thing I can do is ask the Venerable One to make the trip in person!

Yang Zhengde's heart sank, and he gritted his teeth inwardly.

If Li Wenguo didn't even show his face, even if he really threw that document out of his space and handed it to him to read aloud, the weight would be completely different—in the eyes of the Xu family, this fiancé was a coward who didn't even dare to fight a tough battle.

How could Xu Jiancheng possibly let it go? This playboy is known for his vindictiveness and will definitely find a way to cause trouble later.

"Tie Dan, go and invite Master Li over."

Yang Zhengde gave a stern order to the patrol captain behind him.

Once you've decided to step in, you have to maintain your composure and project a strong presence, making the other party realize that this person is not someone to be trifled with.

Sure enough, Xu Chengye's eyelids twitched slightly, and his brows furrowed slightly.

The person who could be addressed as "Master Li" by Yang Zhengde was no ordinary person.

Tie Dan turned around in response, his steps swift and agile.

Incidentally, Tie Dan originally came from the guard team and was transferred to the police station in the same batch as Kong Wu and Sha Qiang. Now they are all in the position of captain.

At this moment, Li Wenguo, who was working at a foreign firm, received an urgent message from his clone in his spatial dimension. He immediately dropped what he was doing, packed his bags, and set off.

"Xiao Jie, take your men and set up defenses in advance. Wait for me one mile outside the Xu residence."

As Li Wenguo walked, he gave instructions, then turned to Ding Xiaoqi and said, "Let's go to the Xu residence."

"Master Li!!!"

……

In less than a quarter of an hour, everyone had gathered outside the Xu residence.

"Mr. Li, you've arrived!"

As soon as Tie Dan spotted the figure, he immediately stepped forward, bowing low and beaming.

"Oh, Tie Dan."

Li Wenguo nodded in acknowledgment, his tone calm yet brooking no disrespect.

"How's it going at the police station?"

Tie Dan immediately puffed out his chest, his voice trembling, "Thanks to Master Li! We're living a peaceful life, all thanks to your help!"

"You are like my second parents!"

Before he finished speaking, he bowed deeply, his forehead almost touching his knees.

"Good, do a good job. If you do an excellent job, your future will be bright."

Li Wenguo raised his hand and patted his shoulder with a steady, firm touch.

He then glanced at the others, his gaze intense: "You are the same. As long as you are united, steady in your hands, and tight-lipped, I, Li Wenguo, keep my word—everyone has a bright future."

……

"Thank you, Master Li!!!"

Everyone felt a surge of heat in their throats and responded in unison.

Kong Wu, Tie Dan, and Sha Qiang have already joined the police force and become captains; Wen San and Wu Xiaogou have become spies and have also established themselves. As long as they remain loyal, opportunities will come their way sooner or later.

"Let's go inside the mansion."

At a command, eight guards strode forward, leading the way and heading straight for the Xu residence's gate.

Their belts were taut, their holsters bulged, and their murderous aura made the air seem to freeze for a moment.

Before long, the group stood in front of the Xu residence.

Xu Chengye and Xu Jiancheng frowned simultaneously as they watched the group approaching from afar.

These men walked with the gait of iron, their eyes like knives, and their entire being exuded a ferocious aura forged in blood and fire; they were by no means benevolent.

Xu Chengye, in particular, immediately recognized that these people had seen real blood on their hands.

Who exactly is this person?

They're probably not easy to deal with!

Xu Jianwei's heart raced, filled with both anticipation and trepidation—he was finally about to see the elusive Li Wenguo in person.

But the lingering worry in his heart hadn't dissipated: Did he even know about what happened with the Flying Eagle Gang back then? With so much silence, had he really forgotten?

This time, by taking the initiative to inform them, can be considered as making amends for their mistakes?

Surely... we shouldn't bring up old grievances?

The ten-person team—eight guards including Ding Xiaoqi and Xiao Jie—stepped into the Xu residence in unison, then split to the left and right to make way for the middle.

Li Wenguo walked slowly, his steps unhurried, his clothes fluttering silently in the wind, yet his demeanor silenced the entire street.

A grand presence, commanding respect without a hint of anger.

"Mr. Li, you've arrived!"

Yang Zhengde stepped forward and greeted him with clasped hands.

"Director Yang, I really feel bad for troubling you to make this trip."

Li Wenguo raised his hand in return, and took off his felt hat, which Xiao Jie caught quickly.

"Haha, it's my honor to serve Master Li!"

"Don't be so polite! Please do me the honor of joining us at Fuyuan Restaurant tonight for a drink!"

After a few pleasantries, Li Wenguo finally looked up and slowly gazed at Xu Chengye and his nephew Xu Jiancheng.

Xu Chengye had a resolute expression and sharp, eagle-like eyes. He had already scanned the entire room without making a sound. He was shrewd and experienced, but kept his true abilities hidden.

Xu Jiancheng had a sallow complexion, dark circles under his eyes, and a weak, unsteady gait; it was clear that he had been drained of his health by alcohol and women.

The uncle and nephew, along with Xu Jianwei, all stared at Li Wenguo—he had a handsome face, a slender figure, and clear, bright eyes. His every move exuded a calm and collected air, clearly indicating that he was a person who had long held a high position and wielded real power.

With a faint smile at the corners of her lips, her demeanor was composed and gentle, making her instantly approachable.

"Young friend, are you my niece's fiancé?"

Xu Chengye spoke first, his tone seemingly calm, but actually concealing a sharp edge—the term "niece" subtly lowered Li Wenguo by a generation, his words carrying the authority of an elder.

"That's right, I am Xu Meijing's official fiancé. Our parents have given their approval, the matchmaker has arranged everything, the betrothal gifts have been delivered, and the marriage certificate is in hand."

As Li Wenguo spoke, he raised his hand and handed over a red-sealed contract, his fingers steady and his expression open and honest. He completely ignored the "niece" comment, instead changing the subject with a sudden, somber tone: "I heard that my fiancée has been forcibly seized from your family by your younger relatives, and that they have imprisoned her. Such blatant disregard for the law!"

Before he finished speaking, his gaze swept towards Xu Jiancheng like a sharp blade.

"Who do you think you are? Daring to act wildly here?"

Xu Jiancheng's face darkened, and he slammed his fist on the table and stood up.

"Ha—you do such outrageous things so readily, and you're quite arrogant about it. Truly a 'character' raised in a wealthy and powerful family!"

Li Wenguo sneered sarcastically, then turned to Xu Chengye and added in a neither soft nor hard tone, "Fourth Uncle is a highly respected man, how come the children he raised don't even have basic manners?"

"Insolence! How dare you insult the reputation of the Xu family? Seize them!"

Xu Jiancheng flew into a rage. Before he could finish speaking, the guards behind Li Wenguo had already drawn their guns and cocked them, pointing the black muzzles directly at Xu Jiancheng and the group of Xu family guards.

The Xu family members also quickly drew their guns and confronted each other, and the air instantly became tense.

The gun barrels were menacing, and Xu Jiancheng's temples were throbbing with veins, cold sweat trickling down his temples; Li Wenguo, however, stood with his hands behind his back, his expression unmoved, as if this were just an ordinary tea gathering.

"Stop! Put your guns away!"

Xu Chengye's face turned ashen, and he gave a sharp, resounding shout.

The Xu family guards responded and sheathed their weapons. Li Wenguo also raised his hand to signal them, and everyone moved swiftly, returning their guns to their sheaths.

"Xiao Wu, bring the person out and return them to their original state."

Xu Chengye's eyes narrowed slightly, realizing the situation had changed—the other side was very confident, backed by Director Yang Zhengde of the Jing Bureau, and the official documents were in black and white with the bureau's seal. Continuing to resist would only leave him in the wrong and disgraced. Besides, this whole mess was caused by his own incompetent younger brother; he could save face, but he couldn't afford to lose face.

"Fourth Uncle, are you really going to release them?"

Xu Jiancheng gritted his teeth, his face full of resentment.

My cousin is exceptionally beautiful. If she marries into a military family, I can easily climb the social ladder. As for this fiancé who suddenly appeared, he is a complete stranger and doesn't seem to have any connections. Should I really let him have his way with me?

"Aren't you going?!"

Xu Chengye shouted sternly, leaving no room for argument.

Xu Jiancheng could only glare at Li Wenguo before turning and walking towards the inner courtyard.

"Wait a minute."

Li Wenguo suddenly spoke, and Xu Jiancheng paused, turning back to look at him suspiciously.

Could it be that he's scared?

The thought had barely formed when the other person said slowly, "You've probably been 'keeping' Meijing's dowry for quite some time now, haven't you?"

Without a doubt, he had already secretly swallowed those land deeds, shop receipts, silver dollars, and gold bars—one of which was originally under Li Wenguo's name.

Since we've already torn off all pretense, let's go all the way.

Xu Jiancheng's expression changed drastically, his chest heaved, and his breathing became heavy.

That's a fortune of over ten thousand silver dollars; taking it out feels like tearing out your heart and flesh.

"Li Wenguo, don't push your luck! Believe me, you won't see the sun rise tonight!"

He lowered his voice, his tone chilling.

"Oh?" Li Wenguo laughed loudly instead, turning around to greet them, "Brothers, someone's threatening to silence me. What do you say we should do?"

Swah——

Several gun barrels were raised again, their dark muzzles locking onto Xu Jiancheng.

His Adam's apple bobbed, and his face turned even paler than before.