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

For example, a small life connected by blood.

That night, Mavis Hee was unusually passionate, almost frantic.

It was as if she wanted to pour out all her grievances, or as if she used all her strength to nail hope firmly into Li Wenguo's promise.

"Master Li, we've just received some crucial information!"

That evening, Ding Xiaoqi hurriedly entered the door to report.

"explain!"

Li Wenguo's eyelids twitched.

There are only three days left until the deadline set by President Song—and that's after the other party gave them a week's grace period.

"I bribed a bank manager and heard they're plotting a major operation to completely reshape the national monetary system, codenamed 'Project Paper Money'!"

What?

Paper money plan?

Ha, it's just a matter of printing money in different ways!

Moreover, the currency they printed was the kind that would be so hard it would be too difficult to even wipe your butt with!

Li Wenguo sneered inwardly.

He had no interest in this banknote that would later become the worst piece of paper in a pile of waste paper.

Instead, they had already issued a strict order: only silver dollars and gold would be accepted, plus US dollars and British pounds, oh yes, French francs would also be acceptable!

He grumbled inwardly as he listened to Ding Xiaoqi continue.

"Unfortunately, the plan fell through long ago—I heard that the most crucial component for printing money was lost, so it couldn't be done."

"This news cost a full thousand dollars."

Ding Xiaoqi added a sentence.

A crucial item is missing?

Li Wenguo didn't pay any attention to the phrase "one thousand silver dollars" at all; his mind was entirely focused on the second half of the sentence.

What exactly makes money printed?

It's nothing more than a money printing press, special paper, anti-counterfeiting ink, and the like...

These things, though not common, are not extinct either.

These are clearly not the things that were lost.

He looked up at Ding Xiaoqi and casually asked, "Xiaoqi, have you looked into it? What are the most indispensable things for printing money?"

"I heard that you need printing plates, a printing press, banknote paper, color-changing ink..."

Ding Xiaoqi had done her homework beforehand and answered without any ambiguity.

Huh?

Banknote printing plate?

How could I have forgotten about that!

It's probably because technology became so advanced that metal printing plates were no longer needed, that Li Wenguo instinctively missed it.

"Little Seven, if the paper money plan suddenly stalls, it's because one thing is missing—what do you think it's most likely?"

I already had a decision in my mind, but it's always safer to listen to other people's opinions.

It also gives subordinates a more real sense of reality, rather than just being obedient and a mere figurehead, right?

"Mr. Li, I'm pretty sure it's one of those metal printing plates!"

"Let me explain: Although the printing press and printing plates were ordered from a foreign firm, those machines are heavier than coffins and take up a lot of space. Do you think you can move them quietly? No way."

"But this printing plate is different."

As soon as he finished speaking, Ding Xiaoqi pulled out a brand new ten-dollar bill.

He and A-Gui followed Li Wenguo closely all year round, and it was common for them to carry silver dollars, US dollars, and Chinese currency. When they went out, their master never had to pay for them.

"Look, Mr. Li—it's just the size of a palm, with two thin boards on either side. If you stuff it into your clothes, no one will be able to tell what's going on."

"We can prepare the rest of the ingredients ourselves."

"Don't you agree?"

Li Wenguo nodded slightly, confirming that there was indeed nothing wrong with it.

So, this is the thing that Director Song was desperately looking for.

The information Ding Xiaoqi had gathered was enough to seal the deal.

Metal printing plate!!!

what--

and many more!

As Li Wenguo was examining the US dollar bill, a sudden flash of inspiration struck him: a few months ago, he had found a brown paper bag in a hidden compartment of the Xinri Photo Studio... inside which lay two rectangular metal pieces!

I thought it was a gold bar, so I just stuffed it into my storage space and didn't think about it again.

But now...

With a thought, he channeled his consciousness into the space, heading straight for the old paper bag, and tore open the seal—

Hey!

Two silver-gray metal plates were clearly visible, with finely embossed patterns on their surfaces!

I rely on! ! !

It turns out that what I was looking for was right under my nose!

Li Wenguo rolled his eyes inwardly.

"Xiao Qi, now that you've locked onto the target, don't bother asking around anymore. I roughly know where the printing plate is hidden."

He spoke in a light tone, as if he were talking about the weather.

"Master Li! You know this so well? You're truly... truly amazing!!!"

Ding Xiaoqi blurted out, almost shouting out the words "living god".

"Stop trying to sweet-talk me. Go to the Lixing Society tomorrow morning and wait for me."

Li Wenguo laughed and spat at him.

Once President Song's matter is settled, he can withdraw from the situation. The team can then be handed over to Chang Binghui, with Wen Sansheng promoted to deputy captain; he can lead it steadily and reliably.

After having tea after dinner and playing with the children for a while, Li Wenguo estimated that it was about time before strolling into Xu Meijing's room.

After it was over, Xu Meijing collapsed against his chest, still panting. She then mentioned Xu Jiancheng, her voice strained, her knuckles turning white.

That hatred was already etched into his very bones.

"Meijing, don't worry, I've planned everything. Once that beast walks headlong into my trap, he'll never have a chance to turn the tables."

"Sir, I have another request to make of you..." She looked up, her eyes deep and unfathomable.

"explain."

"Could we...cut off that source of trouble before he dies?"

Before she finished speaking, her fingertips had already gently covered his lower abdomen, as if reminding him, or as if testing him.

What the hell!!!

Li Wenguo's back stiffened, his body tensed instinctively, and his expression changed slightly.

"What are you afraid of? As long as you get rid of him for me, I will cherish, love and protect him as a treasure for the rest of my life."

Xu Meijing tilted her head and smiled, her eyes glistening with moisture, her allure breathtaking—who would have thought that such a delicate and charming person could utter such ruthless words?

Sigh, it was all driven to this by blood feud...

"Don't worry, he's dead meat. I'll tie him up myself, and you can do whatever you want with him."

Li Wenguo patted his chest in agreement, then casually and subtly grasped her slender wrist and gently moved it away.

Then, changing the subject, she said, "By the way, Meijing, your period is due in the next couple of days, isn't it?"

—I specifically asked before, and I remember it clearly.

"Oh...yes, in the next couple of days."

She frowned, her brows delicate as willow leaves, a hint of bewilderment in her eyes. "Strange, why is there still no movement?"

"Hehe, Meijing, you're probably... pregnant."

"pregnant?"

"Yes, she's pregnant," Li Wenguo said in a softer tone.

After two long weeks, we finally saw a response.

"Menstruation usually stops naturally once you become pregnant."

"She's pregnant?"

Xu Meijing slowly turned over and lay on her back. One hand involuntarily slid down to her lower abdomen, her fingertips gently caressing the smooth skin. Her gaze gradually drifted away, as if veiled by a thin mist.

Li Wenguo quickly chimed in, "Meijing, this is wonderful news! A new life is quietly taking root inside you."

"Just imagine, if your parents were watching from heaven, how happy they would be to know that their family line has continued!"

Upon hearing this, a determined light finally ignited in Xu Meijing's eyes. "Okay, I will definitely give birth to this child so that my parents can hold their grandson."

"Okay, Haozi will drive you to Baoning Hall first thing tomorrow morning."

"become!"

The night was calm and peaceful.

The following afternoon, Li Wenguo stepped into the gate of Lixingshe and casually brought Chang Binghui into Director Kang's office as well. As soon as the door closed, he took out the heavy metal plate from his briefcase in front of the two of them.

"Captain Li, what's the matter?"

After all, Dong Haitang was still recovering from his injuries, and for the time being, he was temporarily acting as the captain, so that's how others addressed him.

"It's nothing serious, but there's something I'd like you two to take a look at."

He smiled and pulled out a brown paper bag, quickly opened it, and two metal plates with a cold, bluish luster lay in his palm.

Kang Bin and Chang Binghui exchanged a glance, their breaths catching in their throats—this thing was exactly the same as the description that Director Song had repeatedly given them.

"Heh, Captain Li, you're being too tense." Kang Bin picked up his teacup and blew on it lightly. "President Song is a pillar of the Party and the country, just like us, utterly loyal. Among comrades, who would harbor any ulterior motives?"

These words sound polite, but they actually reveal a probing tone.

How could those two old foxes not understand? Li Wenguo was putting on this show precisely because he was afraid Song Qingzhi would kill him to silence him.

But they also knew in their hearts that even if Director Song had this idea, he didn't have the ability to do it.

To put it bluntly, Li Wenguo was being a bit too defensive.

But Li Wenguo didn't think it was going too far.

He possessed immense wealth, married a stunning beauty, lived in a magnificent mansion, and was so robust that he could withstand three banquets—he wished he could live like this for a hundred years.

"Hehe, Director Kang, I just added an extra lock."

"Besides, you two are my direct superiors. You should have the right to know, right?" He grinned, a hint of slyness in his eyes.

"Hey, Captain Li, that's not exactly fair of you, strictly speaking!" Chang Binghui joked, crossing his legs before even lighting his cigarette. "We're all of the same rank, so who's in charge?"

"No, no, no!" Li Wenguo waved his hands repeatedly, his smile sincere. "You're the team leader, I'm just a lowly errand runner. If you say the word, I'll run my legs off to do it!"

Officialdom is governed by ironclad rules; familiarity is one, but proper etiquette must not be compromised.

"Come, come, sit down and have some tea. The main character will be here soon."

Kang Bin got up, took a celadon jar from the antique shelf, and shook out a pinch of Biluochun tea.

"Director Kang, leave this to me!" Li Wenguo stepped forward and took the tea canister with one hand. Chang Binghui, who had just reached out with his other hand, had to stop and instead took out his cigarette case and slowly lit a cigarette.

Not long after—

Song Qingzhi burst through the door in a flurry of activity, his collar slightly wrinkled and his forehead damp with sweat.

"Where's the stuff?!"

Before the words were even finished, the person had already stopped.

Kang Bin calmly pushed a cup of hot tea over: "President Song, take a break. This is freshly brewed Biluochun."

Song Qingzhi then realized his rudeness, chuckled awkwardly, and sat down to take a sip of his drink.

"Here, you can check it yourself."

Kang Bin pushed the unfolded paper bag onto the edge of the table.

Upon seeing this, Song Qingzhi didn't stand on ceremony and immediately started rummaging through the items.

"clang--!"

"clang--!"

The metal plate struck the stone tabletop with a sound like tearing silk, clear and piercing.

But to him, it sounded like a morning bell breaking through the fog, reaching straight to the heart.

"That's it!"

The immense weight that had been pressing on his heart for days suddenly collapsed. His shoulders relaxed, and he felt as if all his bones had been removed. He leaned back in his chair and let out a long sigh.

"It's good that we found it." Kang Bin nodded.

"Did you intercept it from Japanese spies?" Song Qingzhi's gaze swept over Li Wenguo.

"right."

"Damn it, it really is those damned Japanese devils!"

He slammed his fist into his knee, gritting his teeth.

Previously it was just suspicion, but now that the irrefutable evidence has been laid, the anger that has been bottled up for so long has finally burned through my throat.

"Hmph! Your wolfish heart is blatantly obvious!" Kang Bin sneered. "What underhanded tricks wouldn't you use to devour my land?"

"The Northeast has long been occupied. The puppet state of Manchukuo is making a big fuss, and sooner or later they will send their troops south!" Chang Binghui exhaled a puff of smoke, his tone heavy and tense amidst the swirling smoke.

The temperature in the room dropped sharply as soon as he said that.

While the Japanese were plundering strategic resources across the country, they were also secretly planting spies in the political, business, underworld, and bandit circles—leaving no place untouched by the opportunity to stir up trouble.

The Lixing Society knows all about these things. They keep a close eye on things, investigate fiercely, and fight ruthlessly.

However, relying solely on them is like a mantis trying to stop a chariot; at best, they can buy the military a few more hours of breathing room. The final decision rests with the people in the military.

Ado.

Li Wenguo sat to the side, slowly and methodically warming the teacups, pouring water, and ladling out the tea. The tea steamed gently from the celadon covered bowl, and he never uttered a word about state affairs. He knew perfectly well that getting too involved with the Party and the state would inevitably lead to trouble. Making a fortune quietly was the only way to survive.

As the event ended, Song Qingzhi turned to Li Wenguo and extended his hand, his palm warm and firm: "Captain Li, we've relied on you this time. If you ever encounter difficulties in the future, just let me know."

He always valued talent and knew how to leverage it. Japanese spies were like slippery snakes in a gutter, quick to bite and draw blood; this time, he had almost been dragged into the mire. He didn't believe they would let it go easily, and he dared not put his life in someone else's hands. Now, with the daring, resourceful, and well-connected Li Wenguo in charge, he could finally feel truly secure.

Li Wenguo smiled and shook hands, his palms slightly sweaty, but his tone was light: "Director Song, you flatter me too much!"

After Song Qingzhi's black sedan drove away, Li Wenguo casually shrugged: "The foreign firm has a lot of goods that need to be inventoried recently, so Wen San will be in charge of the team from now on. Unless it's catching a big fish or digging up old stock, I won't show up often."

—The so-called "big job" naturally refers to the lucrative task of finding gold bars and silver coins and confiscating secret ledgers and files. He never turned down such easy money.

Kang Bin and Chang Binghui exchanged a glance and nodded in agreement.

With Song Qingzhi's fire extinguished, dealing with Japanese spies had to return to the old methods: patience, casting a wide net, and waiting for the big fish to bite. Whether Li Wenguo was there or not wasn't really that important. As for Wen San, Chang Binghui knew him well—this man was reliable, discreet, and efficient.

Before leaving, Li Wenguo casually instructed his office: Ding Xiaoqi's travel expenses, tea money, tobacco and alcohol bills for running spies should all be reimbursed in full; and he should also get a new spy ID with a bright stern seal so that he can easily go in and out of various places to gather information.