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The moment Su Ning opened her eyes, a sharp pain shot from her temple straight into her brain.

He instinctively reached out to rub his wrist, only to find it wrapped in thick bandages.

"Awake?" A cold female voice came from the side of the bed.

Su Ning turned his head with difficulty and saw a woman with a beautiful face but sharp eyes sitting in a wheelchair, staring at him with a scrutinizing gaze.

She was in her early twenties, wearing a plain cheongsam, with a thin blanket covering her legs, her hands clasped on her knees, her knuckles slightly white from the effort.

“Liu… Erquan?” Su Ning tentatively called out the name.

The flood of memories that rushed into his mind made him instantly realize his predicament...

He time-traveled again, and became He Futang, the male protagonist in "A Generation of Heroes".

A pitiful wretch who has just experienced the destruction of his family and was forced to marry into the family of his enemy.

Liu Erquan sneered: "What, you had too much fun at the wedding last night, and now you want to pretend to have amnesia? He Futang, I advise you not to try anything funny. It's already a huge favor that your father allowed you to marry into the Liu family."

Suning forced himself to sit up.

The fragments of memory in his mind gradually pieced together: the original owner, He Futang, was forced to marry into the Liu family in order to seek revenge because his entire family was murdered by Liu Qingfu...

Suning said in a hoarse voice, "Liu Erquan, it seems you're still not used to it!"

Liu Erquan spun his wheelchair closer to the bedside, looking at Su Ning with disdain: "Hmph! He Futang, I don't care what your purpose is, you'd better behave yourself in the Liu family from now on."

"You? A cripple who can't even stand up?"

"you……"

"Liu Erquan, don't mess with me, or I won't hesitate to arrest and castrate your old lover."

"Hmph! Just you?"

"You can try! See just how strong I, He Futang, really am!"

“He Futang, don’t think you have no weaknesses. I had someone check the He family’s old house, and there are no corpses inside at all.”

"And then?" Su Ning did not deny it, but simply looked at her calmly.

Liu Erquan was taken aback by that look. She let go of his hand, frowned, and said, "Father wants to see you. Clean yourself up, don't let him see you looking like a stray dog."

"Your mouth stinks! I don't know how your lover could do that."

"you……"

After Liu Erquan pushed the wheelchair away, Su Ning breathed a sigh of relief and quickly got out of bed and walked to the bronze mirror.

The face reflected in the mirror was unfamiliar, around twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes. His face, which should have been full of vigor, was instead shrouded in gloom.

“System, you’ve really messed up this time…” Su Ning muttered to himself.

He carefully sorted through the memories in his mind: the He family was originally a prominent family in the area, but due to a business dispute with Liu Qingfu, the entire family was wiped out, and only He Futang was spared because he was studying away from home.

In order to avenge his family, He Futang deliberately burned down the He family home, and then "begged" to marry into the Liu family, marrying Liu Erquan, the second daughter of the Liu family who was paralyzed due to an accident.

"I need to seek revenge, but I also need to protect myself..." Su Ning clenched his fist, his nails digging deep into his palm.

He must adapt to this role as quickly as possible, find allies, and develop a plan.

……

The next morning, Su Ning pushed Liu Erquan's wheelchair to the main hall of the Liu residence.

The Liu family mansion, with its carved beams and painted rafters, showcases the wealth and power of its owner.

As Su Ning passed through the three courtyards, he noticed armed guards standing at each corner, their eyes scanning him warily.

Inside the main hall, Liu Qingfu sat upright in a grand chair.

He was in his early fifties, with a robust build, a square face, and a pair of hawk-like eyes. He wore a jade thumb ring on his right thumb and was rhythmically tapping the armrest.

"My dear son-in-law has arrived." Liu Qingfu revealed a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Did you rest well last night?"

Su Ning bowed respectfully: "Thank you for your concern, Father-in-law. Everything is fine."

Liu Erquan suddenly sneered: "Father, he did something last night..."

"Erquan! Stop talking!" Liu Qingfu interrupted sharply, then put on a kind expression. "My dear son-in-law! Now that you've entered the Liu family, you're family."

"Yes, father-in-law."

"I heard you also know some medicine?"

Su Ning's heart stirred; the original owner was a returned overseas student.

He nodded and said, "I have a rudimentary understanding."

"That's perfect." Liu Qingfu stroked his beard with satisfaction. "You'll have to take good care of Erquan's leg. I've already sent people up the mountain to look for ginseng. You can come along and dig for ginseng too."

Su Ning feigned gratitude: "Father-in-law, rest assured, I will do my utmost."

Liu Erquan suddenly grabbed his wrist, his nails digging deep into his flesh: "Father, I think he's just putting on an act."

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly became tense.

However, Suning remained calm and unperturbed, as if this was nothing.

He gently took Liu Erquan's hand and said softly, "Erquan, you've misunderstood. I originally wanted to go up the mountain today, but I was worried that you would be left unattended. If your father-in-law allows, I will go first thing tomorrow morning."

Liu Qingfu squinted at the two men, scrutinized them, and after a long while burst into laughter: "Good! Good! Now that's more like a family!"

After leaving the main hall, Su Ning pushed her wheelchair through the corridor.

Liu Erquan suddenly whispered, "Don't think I don't know what you're up to. He Futang, remember this—in the Liu family, you're not even worth a dog."

However, Su Ning suddenly stopped and leaned down to whisper in her ear, "Erquan, don't forget! Even a cornered dog will bite."

Liu Erquan suddenly turned his head, and the two almost touched noses.

A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes, which quickly returned to their icy expression: "We'll see."

In the afternoon, Su Ning used the excuse of going up the mountain to collect herbs and went alone to the pine forest outside the town.

Sunlight filtered through the branches and leaves, dappling the ground, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of pine resin.

"Fu Tang!" A deep voice came from behind the tree.

Su Ning looked in the direction of the sound and saw a man in his early forties with a lean build.

He wore a coarse cloth short jacket, with a short knife at his waist, giving him a short and capable appearance...

It was none other than his trusted confidant, Lao Wu.

“Old Wu…” Su Ning quickly stepped forward, and the two embraced tightly.

"Fu Tang, you've been wronged." Old Wu's voice choked with emotion.

Su Ning shook his head and interrupted, "Now is not the time for sentimentality. We must make the Liu family pay for their blood debt."

Old Wu glanced around warily, then lowered his voice: "Uncle, according to my investigation, Liu Qingfu and Master Tang from Sichuan orchestrated this scheme. They deliberately had Master Tang transport a batch of 'special' goods, and then arranged for the bandit Wang Sanchun to ambush him along the way..."

"Is there any evidence?"

"Not for now." Old Wu looked troubled. "But I heard that Liu Qingfu is sending people to Sichuan to transport goods, which is very likely to be a rendezvous with Master Tang. Fu Tang, you must be careful, Liu Qingfu is ruthless..."

Suning pondered for a moment: "I will find a way to participate in this shipment. You continue to investigate outside, but please be careful."

Old Wu hesitated, then said, "Fu Tang, revenge isn't something to rush. You're in the lion's den now; your priority is to protect yourself."

“I know,” Su Ning said with a wry smile, “but the Liu family is very wary of me now, and Liu Erquan is keeping a close eye on me… Wait, someone’s coming!”

Footsteps approached from afar, and the two quickly separated.

Old Wu disappeared into the depths of the woods, while Su Ning pretended to be picking herbs.

The visitor was the Liu family's steward, who said with a forced smile, "Young master, the master is looking for you. He says... he has something important to discuss." "Alright! I understand."

Upon returning to the Liu residence, Su Ning was taken directly to the accounting office.

Liu Qingfu was looking at a thick ledger when he saw him come in. Without looking up, he said, "My dear son-in-law! The shop is short-handed lately. Take some men and go to Sichuan to transport a batch of goods back."

Suning was jolted – the opportunity had arrived!
But a troubled expression appeared on his face: "Father-in-law, Erquan's health..."

“There are maids to take care of me.” Liu Qingfu finally looked up, his eyes sharp as knives. “What? You’re unwilling to contribute to the Liu family?”

Su Ning quickly waved his hand: "I wouldn't dare. But... why me? I know nothing about business..."

Liu Qingfu closed the ledger with a "snap" sound: "It's precisely because you don't understand that you need experience. This time, Zhang Er will lead the team, and you'll learn from him. We'll set off first thing tomorrow morning."

"Yes!"

After leaving the accounting office, Su Ning was filled with doubts.

Liu Qingfu's move must have a deeper meaning—is it a test?

Or a trap?

That night, in Liu Erquan's boudoir.

"I heard you're going to Sichuan?" Liu Erquan leaned against the headboard, looking at him with a half-smile.

Su Ning was packing his things, not even looking up: "Your father's orders."

Do you know what you're going to transport?

"Medicinal herbs, silk... they're just ordinary goods."

Liu Erquan suddenly burst into laughter, his voice sharp and piercing: "He Futang, you are so adorably naive."

She turned her wheelchair closer and lowered her voice, "There are ten boxes of 'black soil' in that shipment, which is an important business for Father and Master Tang. If something goes wrong..."

Su Ning paused, his hand still: "Opium?"

“Smart.” Liu Erquan sneered. “That’s why Father sent you, an ‘outsider,’—if something goes wrong, you’ll be the scapegoat.”

Su Ning turned to look directly at her: "Then why did you tell me?"

A complex look flashed in Liu Erquan's eyes: "Because... I want to see with my own eyes how you die."

"Don't worry! I will live a good life and then torture you until you wish you were dead."

"Humph! Arrogant!"

"Make sure your lover hides. If I find him, I'll make him wish he were dead."

"You...you dare!"

……

Ten days later, Suning and his entourage arrived in Sichuan.

The Tang family mansion was even more luxurious than the Liu family mansion, with pavilions, terraces, artificial hills and flowing water, showcasing the owner's wealth everywhere.

Mr. Tang was in his fifties, with a round, slightly plump face and a kind and amiable appearance.

He warmly received everyone and hosted a banquet in their honor.

"My dear nephew!" Master Tang patted Su Ning on the shoulder, "I've heard Brother Liu mention you before, and you truly are a handsome and talented man!"

Su Ning suppressed his disgust and said respectfully, "You flatter me, Master Tang."

The banquet featured delicacies from land and sea, with toasts and laughter filling the air.

After a few rounds of drinks, Mr. Tang suddenly sighed, "Speaking of which... it's truly a pity about your father's situation."

Su Ning's hand holding the chopsticks trembled slightly: "Does Master Tang know my father?"

"Of course!" Master Tang said with a pained expression. "Brother He is an upright man, I never expected... Alas, it's all because of that damned Wang Sanchun!"

A cold glint flashed in Su Ning's eyes: "Wang Sanchun?"

"Yes! Those damned bandits are ruthless..." Master Tang seemed to realize his slip of the tongue and quickly changed the subject, "Come on, let's drink!"

After the banquet, Su Ning was arranged to rest in a guest room.

In the middle of the night, Lao Wu quietly sneaked into the room.

"Master Fu, something seems amiss." Zhang Er said nervously, "I just saw people from the Tang family add something to our goods..."

Su Ning's heart tightened: "Did you see what it was?"

"It's like... opium."

The two exchanged a glance and both understood the danger involved.

If the shipment is inspected on the return trip, the blame will fall entirely on the person who transported the goods!
However, this time the team was led by Zhang Er, a confidant of Liu Qingfu, so there wasn't much they could do.

Before setting off the next day, Mr. Tang personally saw him off.

He took Su Ning's hand and said earnestly, "Nephew! The road is not safe. I heard that Wang Sanchun's men have been active recently, so you must be careful."

Su Ning feigned surprise: "Didn't you say Wang Sanchun went to a very far place?"

A strange glint flashed in Mr. Tang's eyes, then he laughed and said, "Yes! Yes! I was mistaken. Anyway, have a safe journey!"

The convoy left the Tang residence and embarked on its journey home.

Su Ning secretly ordered his men to inspect the goods, and sure enough, they found opium at the bottom of the medicine box!
"Fu Tang, what should we do?" Old Wu's forehead was covered in cold sweat. "What if this gets found out..."

Su Ning pondered for a moment: "Let's continue. I believe Liu Qingfu has already made arrangements along the way."

Three days later, the convoy reached a canyon when suddenly a group of soldiers appeared in front of them!
"Stop the car! Check!" the leading officer shouted sternly.

Su Ning's heart pounded wildly. As the soldiers began to search the goods, he could almost foresee his fate...

They would either be shot dead on the spot or taken to prison...

Just then, a familiar voice rang out: "Wait!"

A high-ranking military officer rode up on horseback.

He glanced at Su Ning, then suddenly waved his hand: "Let them through!"

Su Ning looked up in astonishment and saw the officer...

It seems that Liu Qingfu had indeed made arrangements along the way.

The goods were released after a cursory inspection.

After they had gone far from the checkpoint, Lao Wu quietly caught up with the group.

"Fu Tang, today's events were truly a close call." Old Wu looked lingering fear. "I never imagined that Liu Qingfu had really taken care of everything along the way."

Su Ning clenched her fist, her nails digging deep into her palm: "Just as I thought..."

“But this is just the beginning.” Old Wu said gravely. “When we get back, Liu Qingfu will definitely have more tricks up his sleeve.”

Su Ning gazed at the distant, rolling mountains, a flame of revenge burning in his eyes: "Let's see... who will have the last laugh."

In fact, Su Ning already had a detailed plan in mind. Since the border area of ​​these three provinces had always been afraid of Wang Sanchun, why not make good use of Wang Sanchun's reputation?

Therefore, Su Ning planned to arrange for someone to impersonate Wang Sanchun and his gang of bandits to wipe out the Liu family, feeling that taking revenge in such a swift and decisive manner would be the most satisfying.

Moreover, Suning really doesn't need to continue playing along with Liu Qingfu anymore; it would be perfect if they just wiped out the entire Liu family.

Although He Futang in the original drama is said to be a powerful and ruthless figure, he was actually extremely frustrated from beginning to end. Therefore, in the chaotic era of the Republic of China, one still had to rely on force to settle scores.

...(End of chapter)