Without money, what is the point of being a traitor?

Chapter 286 A new look

Yun Weilin is in his fifties. He is a little plump, with a round face and thin eyebrows, but he looks quite kind.

But that shiny forehead made Pei Yuan feel weird.

As soon as Yun Weilin saw Pei Yuan, he stepped forward with a smile, bowed and said, "I am Yun Weilin, honored to meet Captain Pei."

Pei Yuan was not in a hurry to ask Yun Weilin to stand up. His first impression of Yun Weilin made him more curious about him. He tilted his head slightly and whispered to Chen Toutie, "Did you ask, who is this Yun Weilin?"

Chen Toutie had obviously done his homework, and he whispered to Pei Yuan, "Cheng Leixiang said that Yun Weilin used to be the abbot of Tianguang Temple, but later returned to secular life."

Pei Yuan signaled Chen Toutie to leave and asked Yun Weilin directly, "I asked Yun Buxian to pass the order, ordering you and Cheng Zhihu to switch guards. Why did you delay until today?"

After hearing this, Yun Weilin said with a bit of embarrassment, "Forgive me, Captain. Yun Buxian is usually frivolous. I just thought he was fooling around at first, until later, when I heard the news that the Captain was going to the capital, I suddenly realized what was going on."

"Then... I made detailed inquiries and finally confirmed the matter."

As Yun Weilin spoke, he paid attention to Pei Yuan's expression.

Seeing that Pei Yuan was not angry, Yun Weilin continued, "When I found out about this matter, I immediately broke out in a sweat. I quickly said goodbye to all the monks and Dharma Kings that night, and met Cheng Zhihu again, and exchanged garrisons with him."

Pei Yuan smiled and said, "I see. What a pity..."

Yun Weilin's heart began to tighten again.

Originally, he didn't take the new deputy captain of the Evil Suppression Force seriously.

While working at the Da Ci'en Temple, he not only made friends with many eminent monks, Dharma kings, nobles and high-ranking officials, but also met the emperor several times because he was a devout believer in Buddhism.

Once, Zhu Houzhao was curious about this man who looked half monk and half layman, and asked him a few questions.

After knowing that Yun Weilin was the Jinyiwei's spy in Da Ci'en Temple, Zhu Houzhao inquired about some things with great interest.

If the Qianhu Suo pressed him too hard, Yun Weilin would have the opportunity to have his case heard directly by the emperor.

However, when Cheng Leixiang suddenly made great contributions in the battle of Yanggu and was directly promoted from a seventh-rank general flag to a third-rank commander, Yun Weilin immediately changed his mind.

His change in attitude was partly due to his equally useless son, Yun Buxian.

The larger reason is that he realized the significance behind this matter.

——In the same battle, two uncles from the Xiao family and one uncle from the Gu family also appeared.

Who are Xiao Jing and Gu Dayong?

It can be said that anyone who can get to the front of the eunuch race is a ruthless person.

This means that Cheng Leixiang's position as the commander of Tianjin Garrison was a result of the credit he gained from the positions of Xiao and Gu.

Although this third-rank commander was insignificant in front of the three earls, he was still able to reach out to the table and get things done when the two eunuchs Xiao and Gu were sharing the credit.

This shows that there is someone behind Cheng Leixiang who can make Xiao Jing and Gu Dayong wary of him.

No matter whether this person is Pei Yuan or Han Qianhu behind him, neither of them can be directly confronted by Yun Weilin.

Hearing Pei Yuan's intention to not give up, Yun Weilin took the initiative to ask, "I also know that this matter has not been handled well. How can I remedy it? Please tell me clearly, Master."

Pei Yuan wanted to take the opportunity to finalize the matter that mattered to him the most, and directly replaced Yun Weilin's visit to the temple.

But he couldn't think of a suitable temple at the moment, so he just said directly, "Unfortunately, the situation has changed now. I plan to move you to Yuan'en Temple. What do you think?"

After hearing this, Yun Weilin's face froze slightly.

He had just taken over the task and went to Zhihua Temple, but he did not expect that when they met again, he was replaced by Captain Pei and sent to Yuanen Temple.

He suspected that Pei Yuan was deliberately provoking him, but he also thought that Pei Yuan was testing him intentionally.

Yun Weilin had already left the Da Ci'en Temple where he had been in charge for many years, and had withdrawn from the most crucial step. Naturally, the subsequent compromise was not that difficult to accept.

He took a deep breath and replied with a smile, "Since the thousand households have made arrangements, how dare I disobey?"

Pei Yuan had just returned to Beijing and had not yet established a solid foundation. Since the other party had given in, he certainly did not want to make things too awkward with a local tyrant like Yun Weilin.

Then he smiled and said, "Very good."

Pei Yuan glanced at Yun Buxian again, and remembering that he wanted to take Yun Buxian as a hostage, he casually ordered, "Yun Buxian, come to work beside me in the future. Although your work has been completed, it has not been done well. You should continue to be a small flag officer."

Yun Buxian was overjoyed when he heard this, "Thank you very much, Captain."

Yun Weilin smiled when he heard this and said quickly, "Thank you for your appreciation of me."

The previous incident was now over, and the atmosphere at the scene was noticeably better.

So everyone quickly surrounded Pei Yuan and went back to the courtyard.

When the idle onlookers saw the young man who had been taking care of the yard flattering Pei Yuan and entering the yard together, they realized that it was not Pei Yuan's yard that was blocked, but that he had somehow gotten lucky and seemed to have become rich.

Everyone was talking about it, and several people blushed and said confidently, "It's definitely not a good idea. Just wait and see how their property is confiscated."

Some people slapped their heads and thought, "It seems Pei Yuan has become rich, but he still hasn't paid back the money he owes my second uncle?"

Thinking of the Pei family's debt, many people rushed home to look for the IOUs.

Pei Yuan entered his own courtyard and immediately saw many flowers and trees planted there, neatly arranged.

In addition, there are some exquisite-looking furniture and objects placed in the open space.

Pei Yuan pretended to be puzzled and asked, "What is this?"

Yun Buxian immediately stepped forward and said enthusiastically, "Captain, when I was looking for the brocade box, I made a mess of the yard, and I think the furniture in the house must be covered with a lot of dust. I dare not go in to check, so I can only prepare some useful things for the time being, and when you come back, you don't have to clean up again."

Pei Yuan thought about his house that had been searched countless times by creditors, but he didn't care too much. He just said, "Not bad, you are thoughtful."

As he said this, he motioned to Chen Toutie to help with the arrangement.

Upon seeing this, Chen Toutie strode towards the main house. When he got close, he saw that the door was not locked, but was just closed from the outside with a wooden latch.

Chen Toutie frowned and looked at Pei Yuan inquiringly.

Pei Yuan folded his hands and said calmly, "That's it."

The copper lock on the main door was probably taken away by a creditor who came to collect a debt when he was fifteen years old.

Afterwards, Pei Yuan felt sorry for the money and knew that other creditors would be curious about his house and the rooms in the yard, so he simply didn't buy locks.

Chen Toutie unbolted the door, opened the room and took a look.

This glance was empty and his eyes almost popped out.

Chen Toutie looked at the things in the yard and said directly, "Move them in."

The imperial guards hurried forward to help move the furniture and other things into the house.

When the imperial guards moved their belongings into the house, they were all surprised. They didn't expect their master, an official in Beijing, to be so honest.

Yun Buxian was very tactful and didn't have any help. Seeing that most of the furniture had been moved, he smiled and said, "There are still some things like quilts and bed curtains. I'm afraid they are clumsy, so I'll ask the maids to bring them over later."

Pei Yuan's favorable impression towards the Yun family father and son immediately increased a lot.

Pei Yuan's previous life was indeed not very satisfactory. This time he brought Jiao Yan'er back, and naturally he didn't want her to suffer with him again.

Besides, Captain Pei is not the kind of person who is afraid to spend money.

Pei Yuan had never accepted a bribe of even a tael of silver, and every copper coin was hard-earned.

Pei Yuan originally planned to have someone go shopping as soon as he returned to buy all the daily necessities.

I didn't expect Yun Buxian to be so sensible and to have prepared everything in advance.
Pei Yuan guessed that Yun Buxian had secretly looked around when he came to get the brocade box last time.

This action just hit Pei Yuan's heart.

This made Pei Yuan more satisfied than directly giving him money.

Chen Toutie came out of the room, glanced at Yun Buxian, and whispered to Pei Yuan, "There is about 1,000 taels of silver in a closet."

Ok?
Pei Yuan was delighted when he heard this, and when he looked at the father and son of the Yun family again, it was as if he had turned on a beauty filter, and he liked them even more.

Pei Yuan remembered that there was a backyard where sundries were stored and there were also a few dilapidated houses, so he subconsciously walked back.

Everyone gathered behind and went into the backyard with Pei Yuan. They saw a fire burning under the stove. An additional clay stove was built, and several people dressed as servants were busy making fire and cooking.

A whole lamb was hanging on the door frame of the kitchen, and a cook holding a knife was carefully cutting the meat and throwing it into various basins.

Seeing Pei Yuan's eyes sweeping towards those rooms, Yun Buxian immediately said, "We didn't dare to make any major changes before without the permission of the thousand households. We will ask the craftsmen to come and repair it later."

Pei Yuan shook his head and said, "No need for that. I have always been honest and upright. There is nothing wrong with being so simple and honest."

Yun Buxian didn't take it seriously, and asked Pei Yuan with a smile, "You must be tired from the journey, why don't you go to your room and take a rest first. I'll help you here and clean up the backyard as soon as possible."

"I think the sun is shining brightly today and it's quite warm. Why don't we have a few banquets in the backyard to feed the captain and his companions first? Then my father will host a good welcome party for the captain in the evening."

Pei Yuan saw Yun Buxian's thoughtful arrangements and thought that he could also put a few tables in the backyard, so he nodded and praised, "No wonder Cheng Leixiang praised you so much, you are really thoughtful."

Pei Yuan took a quick look around and went to the gate to greet Jiao Yaner.

At this time, Jiao Yan'er had been helped down from the carriage by Song Chunniang. She was wearing a veil, but her figure was so graceful that people could not help but guess what color it was concealing.

Song Chunniang handed Jiao Yan'er to Pei Yuan. It was the first time she saw Pei Yuan's home, and she went in curiously and looked around.

Yun Buxian had met Song Chunniang when he was in Huai'an, and knew that she was one of the three most trusted general flags under Captain Pei, so he quickly introduced her to his father.

After hearing this, Yun Weilin hurriedly stepped forward and greeted him with a smile.

Song Chunniang glanced at Yun Weilin for a few times and greeted him indifferently.

After reading it over and over again, I couldn't help but curl my lips.

Then I felt happy again.

In the past, Song Chunniang had seen many of Pei Qianhu's heroic qualities. Today, after seeing him, she realized that a blooming flower like Pei Yuan also grew out of the mud.

Pei Yuan ignored everyone else and took Jiao Yan'er back to the main house.

The things inside looked brand new and not so messy.

Pei Yuan simply spoke a few words to Jiao Yan'er, then came out again to arrange things for everyone.

Perhaps because he had reached a compromise with Pei Yuan, Yun Weilin was very positive.

He also asked people to call some servants to help with the cleanup.

Soon, Pei Yuan's shabby two-story house underwent significant changes.

As the news of Pei Yuan's return home spread, soon his creditors came to his door.

Pei Yuan accepted all the money that came to him. He asked people to take out the silver and settled the bill with them directly.

After receiving the money, many creditors immediately became much friendlier towards Pei Yuan.

Many of Pei Yuan's creditors were managers of powerful families in the city. They didn't care much about the personal soldiers inside and outside the city. Instead, they chatted with Pei Yuan with great interest.

Many people mentioned that someone came to collect Pei Yuan's debt a few years ago. Although they regretted what they missed at that time, it did not stop them from patting their chests and expressing their opinions now, "Who knows what those bastards want to force with Brother Pei's IOU? How can we do such a treacherous thing?"

Pei Yuan's father originally served as a captain in the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Anyone who could lend money to his family had a strong background.

Now that the money account was settled, Pei Yuan did not want to offend anyone, so he sent the person away after a simple greeting.

During this time, the soldiers from Xuzhou Guard who came to familiarize themselves with the route returned to Zhihua Temple.

Then came the news conveyed by Cheng Leixiang.

"The things have been put away, and the people have been told to stay."

Pei Yuan and Yun Weilin reached a compromise and put aside their worries. He said to Chen Toutie, "It's not suitable for me to work here. From now on, we will put the headquarters of our Qianhu Division in Zhihua Temple. You will directly serve as the Taoist priest there and keep an eye on our old nest."

He then said, "You have a good relationship with Cheng Leixiang. Before he goes to Tianjin, you can host a banquet to invite his father and ask him to introduce you to the monks so that you can deal with them in the future."

Chen Toutie agreed upon hearing this.

Because there were many servants, the banquet organized by Yun Weilin was quickly prepared.

Pei Yuan went to the backyard and drank and had fun with the many personal soldiers he brought with him. Yun Weilin took the opportunity to persuade him to drink again and again and to build a good relationship with Pei Yuan.

When Pei Yuan's cup comes, drink it, and don't be afraid of those who come.

Everyone was laughing and feasting when suddenly someone came outside asking to see them.

Pei Yuan called over the people, who were the Xuzhou guards who had come to recognize him earlier.

When Pei Yuan saw these people, he subconsciously felt that something was wrong and quickly stood up to ask.

But the soldier hurriedly reported, "Captain, a large number of soldiers suddenly surrounded Zhihua Temple just now. General Cheng saw that the situation was not good, so while they entered the temple to search, he asked us to come out from the back door and deliver the message urgently."

"What?!" Pei Yuan's drunkenness immediately disappeared, and he shouted angrily, "What's going on?"

Pei Yuan’s first subconscious thought was that Xiao Yan betrayed him!
But Pei Yuan quickly gave up this idea. If Xiao Yan really betrayed him, it would be a serious crime for Xiao Yan to help him let the troops into the city.

What good would it be for Xiao Yan to do this?
Then Pei Yuan immediately realized something crucial.

Sixty thousand taels! My money!
He looked around at the tables of Jinyiwei soldiers drinking, kicked the stools away, and shouted, "Stop drinking, everyone, come with me to Zhihua Temple!"

(End of this chapter)