Becoming a Martial Master: Starting as a Swordsmith

That same day, Li Chengwen replaced several of the most critical positions with people he trusted.

At the same time, he transferred several suspicious employees to unimportant odd jobs.

This trick worked!

In the following days, there were no further reports of any so-called "accidental injuries".

However, things were far from as calm as they appeared on the surface, especially regarding the second young master.

Li Jiwu was sitting in his study at this moment.

His fingers tapped lightly on the table, his brow furrowed.

His men, sent to the knife-forging compound to cause trouble, failed one after another.

They were either transferred from key positions, or they couldn't find an opportunity to make a move.

With the delivery date for the first batch drawing ever closer, and his boss's progress seemingly steady, his anxiety grew increasingly uncontrollable.

Just as Li Jiwu was feeling agitated, the door was gently pushed open.

Madam Liu gracefully entered, carrying a cup of tea. She placed the cup beside him, glanced at his furrowed brow, and chuckled, "What's wrong? Still worried about that young master?"

Li Jiwu couldn't help but sigh: "We've tried all the overt methods, but that fat guy has become shrewd. He's as shrewd as an iron barrel, and we can't get a hand on him at all."

Liu sat down opposite him, picked up the cup of tea meant for Li Jiwu, slowly blew away the foam, and handed it to him.

At the same time, a meaningful smile appeared on her lips: "Since it's easy to dodge a spear in the open, let's call it a hidden arrow that's hard to guard against."

Li Jiwu was taken aback: "So Aunt Liu means...?"

"Since we can't move people, let's move things."

Liu chuckled and lightly drew a circle on the table with her finger.

"The forging yard produces so many finished products every day. If some of them have quality problems before delivery, such as cracks in the blade, chipped edges, or insufficient hardness due to inadequate quenching..."

"What do you think the government's reaction will be when they inspect the premises?"

Li Jiwu's eyes narrowed slightly, clearly showing some interest, but then a hint of hesitation appeared:

"But wouldn't this delay the government's progress? That would damage the Li family's reputation, and might even implicate me..."

Upon hearing this, Madam Liu couldn't help but scoff and interrupted him rudely: "My second young master, do you think you're some innocent and virtuous person? You've been sabotaging the progress all along, and now you're acting like a saint?"

Li Jiwu's expression stiffened slightly after she retorted.

Liu didn't give him a chance to refute, leaning forward slightly.

Today she was wearing a loose-fitting dress with a slightly open neckline. As she leaned forward, her snow-white skin shone with a warm glow in the light, and the lines of her collarbone were particularly beautiful and distinct.

Further down, the fabric of the dress was stretched into an alluring curve by her full, high breasts.

As Liu spoke, her voice rose and fell slightly, as if she were about to break free from her loosely draped clothes at any moment.

At the same time, a warm scent mixed with cosmetics and body fragrance wafted over and gently brushed against Li Jiwu's cheek.

His gaze involuntarily slid downwards, his Adam's apple bobbed slightly, and after staring intently for a few moments, he realized the occasion was inappropriate. He then picked up his teacup and took a sip to cover up the fleeting moment of embarrassment.

Liu naturally noticed Li Jiwu's awkwardness, but she pretended not to notice and chuckled:

"Besides, can't you weigh the importance of delaying government affairs versus delaying your second young master's family business? Yes, the master did favor you before, but times have changed. This order was secured with the help of the eldest young lady! With her around, the eldest young master has a constant stream of support. If that fat man really gets this order and establishes himself, what chance will your second young master have of the Li family's business in the future?"

These words struck a nerve with Li Jiwu, hitting the most sensitive spot in his heart. His face visibly darkened.

His fingers were clenched into tight fists!

The eldest daughter was his elder sister. Although she was a woman, her influence in the Li family was no less than that of any of the men. Even Master Li sometimes had to be mindful of her feelings.

She travels frequently and has built a wide network of connections; several of the Li family's major business deals were secured thanks to her connections.

It can be said like this,

If Master Li hadn't listened to her, he might not have become the master he was!

But what frustrated Li Jiwu was...

Although the eldest daughter is closer to Li Chengwen and is lukewarm towards him, her younger brother, she has never helped him this much in previous years. Why is she so attentive this time?

If we get her to say a few good words for her older brother to her father, and considering that her older brother has done a good deed this time...

Li Jiwu dared not think any further.

He was silent for a moment, then the gloom on his face suddenly vanished, replaced by a smile. He looked up at Liu, his tone suddenly carrying a hint of inquiry:

"Aunt Liu, I have my reasons for doing these things. But why are you helping me so diligently?"

Liu rolled her eyes at him, reached out and gently patted the back of his hand, and said reproachfully, "Silly boy, I'm just trying to help you. More importantly, I don't want that fat guy to win."

She paused slightly as she spoke, a hint of coldness flashing in her eyes:

"What if that fat guy inherits the family business? Will we still have a good life in this mansion? Besides, my distant cousin Zhao Dezhu, a perfectly fine man, just disappeared without a trace. I think this matter is definitely related to the eldest young master. He may not say it, but who knows how smug he is inside."

After hearing these words, Li Jiwu's last trace of doubt disappeared.

He nodded, stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the wisps of smoke rising from the direction of the forging courtyard. His gaze gradually became cold and resolute.

"Aunt Liu is right. We can't be lenient with this matter anymore!"

Liu nodded in satisfaction. After exchanging a few more playful words, Liu gracefully departed.

Li Jiwu looked at the swaying Liu Shi with a hint of greed in his eyes, but he quickly caught it.

He then summoned a trusted aide and whispered a few instructions to him.

The confidant nodded repeatedly and then quickly left.

Li Jiwu stood by the window, gazing at the distant forging compound, a cold smile creeping onto his lips.

Liu's words were certainly reasonable, but he couldn't follow them entirely.

After all, this is the Li family's property!

Li Jiwu had already secretly made arrangements for his backup plan. Even if the sabotage caused localized problems, he could step in to remedy the situation at a critical moment, both to embarrass his elder brother in front of the government and to gain merit in front of his father.

Killing two birds with one stone!