Siheyuan (courtyard house): My father, Li Yunlong!

He attempted a final defense, blaming the Zhang brothers for their coercion and lamenting his helplessness.

However, faced with irrefutable evidence and the prosecutor's sharp questioning, his defense appeared weak and ineffective.

The judge delivered the verdict in court.

"The defendant, Xu Damao, colluded with unemployed individuals and deliberately lured them into a home robbery. Although he did not directly commit the robbery, his actions were a crucial element in the case, posing a significant threat to society and having an extremely negative impact. Based on relevant regulations, he is sentenced to fifteen years imprisonment and deprived of his political rights for five years!"

fifteen years!

Upon hearing the verdict, Xu Damao's legs went weak, and he collapsed to the ground. The bailiffs had to carry him out of the courtroom.

The neighbors from the courtyard who were listening in the audience, such as Yi Zhonghai and Liu Haizhong, all had solemn expressions and felt a chill run down their spines.

A fifteen-year prison sentence almost means that Xu Damao's life is over.

They once again deeply felt the terrifying power hidden beneath Li Zhenhua's seemingly calm surface.

Those who oppose him suffer such tragic consequences.

When the news reached the courtyard, some sighed, some secretly rejoiced (such as those who had been cheated by Xu Damao), but most felt a pervasive and deep awe for the backyard.

After the "grain crisis," the "downfall of Li Huaide," and now the "imprisonment of Xu Damao," Li Zhenhua's authority in the court has reached a point where his word is law and no one dares to challenge him.

Even Liu Haizhong, the second uncle who always liked to put on airs, now smiles and greets Li Zhenhua from afar.

Yi Zhonghai completely gave up all ambitions, becoming even more taciturn, spending his days simply going to and from get off work, trying to minimize his presence.

The deaf old lady's words came true. He lost Sha Zhu as his caregiver and is now practically invisible in the nursing home. His bleak old age seems to be destined.

Just three days after Xu Damao was sentenced, Wang Dali, the head of the security department, excitedly knocked on the door of Li Zhenhua's office.

"Director Li! We've got them! All three of them!"

Li Zhenhua looked up from the document, his gaze calm.

"Oh? Tell me more."

"Based on information provided by an informant, the three Zhang brothers were hiding in an abandoned brick kiln near Nanyuan, planning to escape after things calmed down. Our men launched a night raid, cornering them in the kiln and capturing them all without firing a shot! One of them (Zhang the Second) tried to resist, but our men knocked him down with a single blow. They are now all being held in the branch detention center!"

"Good! Well done!"

A smile finally appeared on Li Zhenhua's face, but it was a cold smile.

"Tell the brothers, you've worked hard! The reward will be paid out immediately! Everyone who participated will receive an extra twenty catties of grain coupons!"

"Thank you, Director!"

Wang Dali was overjoyed.

"besides,"

Li Zhenhua added.

"Let's communicate with the branch office and, within the scope permitted by law, give these three people a proper 'look after' so that they can deeply reflect on their crimes."

Wang Dali understood immediately.

"Understood! Don't worry, once they're inside, they'll be in for a world of hurt!"

Thus, this vicious attack on Li Zhenhua ended with Xu Damao being imprisoned and all four Zhang brothers being killed (one seriously injured and detained, and three arrested and awaiting trial).

Li Zhenhua used an iron fist to swiftly and thoroughly eliminate the immediate threat, demonstrating his strength and decisiveness to all his opponents, both overt and covert.

Those who obey me may not prosper, but those who oppose me will surely perish!

The storm surrounding Xu Damao's incident gradually subsided, but the shock and lingering effects it left on the courtyard and the steel rolling mill lingered for a long time.

Li Zhenhua's life returned to a semblance of calm. He became increasingly adept at his work, and his relationship with Lin Taotao steadily progressed. The two families had already begun informally discussing their wedding date.

Everything was developing in a direction favorable to Li Zhenhua.

Just then, a manila envelope was quietly placed on Li Zhenhua's desk through confidential channels.

The envelope was unsigned, except for a very small, barely noticeable ink dot in the lower right corner.

Li Zhenhua's eyes narrowed slightly. This mark was the secret code that Lou Bancheng and he had agreed upon.

He discreetly put away the envelope, and only after returning home from get off work and closing the door did he carefully open it under the lamplight. Inside, there was no letter, only an old-fashioned brass key with a small, equally old-fashioned cardboard sign hanging from it, on which two lines of small characters were written in brush calligraphy.

"No. 7, Jia, Lingjing Hutong, Xicheng District"

That was all.

Li Zhenhua picked up the cold key, rubbed it between his fingertips, and a meaningful smile appeared on his lips.

He had completely understood what Lou Bancheng meant.

This is not just a key to a property, but a naked, meticulously packaged "offering".

What he offered was his biological daughter, Lou Xiao'e, and all the hopes for the future of the Lou family.

The address was given so discreetly and in such a subtle way that it was both a cautious probe and a careful attempt to avoid leaving any written evidence.

"Lingjing Hutong, No. 7, Jia..."

Li Zhenhua repeated the address in a low voice.

He knew that area, near the west side of the Forbidden City, was where high-ranking officials and nobles used to live. The alleys were deep and secluded, the courtyards were well-organized, and most of them were large, detached houses with excellent privacy.

Lou Bancheng indeed spared no expense and went to great lengths.

To go or not to go?

This question only existed in Li Zhenhua's mind for a moment.

Go! Why don't you go?

Since the Lou family dared to give it to him, Li Zhenhua dared to accept it!

This is not only the ultimate test of the Lou family's loyalty, but also an excellent opportunity to extend the reach of his hidden influence.

He was indeed interested in the Lou family's ambiguous relationships and funding channels overseas.

Moreover, Lou Xiao'e... that once arrogant capitalist's daughter, is now being presented to him by her father like a gift. This sense of conquest and control is particularly alluring to him.

Li Zhenhua was never a moral gentleman; when faced with absolute interests and desires, he knew how to weigh and seize them.

If the methods are discreet enough and handled properly, this could easily become a hidden move on his chessboard.

The next day was the weekend. Li Zhenhua made an excuse not to go on a date with Lin Taotao. Instead, he changed into ordinary dark casual clothes, put on a hat, and rode his bicycle through the intricate hutongs of Beijing.

He didn't go directly to Lingjing Hutong, but instead circled around several times to make sure no one was following him before turning into that quiet hutong.

No. 7 Jia is unremarkable, with blue bricks and gray tiles, and a somewhat mottled vermilion gate. It looks no different from the old houses around it, and even appears a bit lonely.

However, upon closer inspection, one can find that the carvings on the lintel and door piers are exquisite, revealing their former glory.

Li Zhenhua looked around and saw that the alley was empty. He quickly took out the brass key, inserted it into the lock, and gently turned it. With a "click," the door opened.

He slipped inside and gently bolted the door shut behind him.

What comes into view is a courtyard house that is extremely clean and elegant.

Unlike the crowded and noisy courtyards of Nanluoguxiang, this courtyard is spacious and open, with square bricks paving the ground. Pomegranate trees and crabapple trees are planted in the corners, and although it is already autumn, their branches and leaves are still green.

The main house to the north and the east and west wing rooms are all complete, and the paint on the pillars is still fresh, indicating that it has been carefully renovated recently.

The courtyard was quiet, as if no one was there.

But Li Zhenhua keenly sensed that several pairs of eyes were secretly watching him from different directions.

He stood calmly in the courtyard, as if he were the master of his own territory.

Sure enough, the main door of the north building creaked open.

Lou Xiao'e came out.

Today, instead of wearing her usual bright dress, she changed into a moon-white satin cheongsam, over which she wore a light gray cashmere sweater. Her hair was loosely tied back, and her face was lightly made up, but it couldn't hide her haggardness and unease.

When she saw Li Zhenhua in the courtyard, her body stiffened visibly, and her eyes were extremely complex, containing fear, shame, a trace of lingering affection, and more of a resigned obedience.

She walked quickly down the steps to Li Zhenhua, her head bowed, her voice weak and trembling.

"You...you've come."

Li Zhenhua sized her up without saying a word, and this silence put immense pressure on Lou Xiao'e.

Just then, the doors of the east and west wing rooms opened, and a young woman walked out from each.

They were both seventeen or eighteen years old, with delicate features and slender figures. One wore a light blue cloth shirt, and the other wore a lotus root-colored jacket. Although their attire was simple, their eyes and brows were quite bright and lively.

Upon seeing Li Zhenhua, the two immediately lowered their heads, stood respectfully behind Lou Xiao'e, and spoke in unison in a soft voice.

"master."

master?

Li Zhenhua sneered inwardly. Lou Bancheng had made some really thoughtful arrangements; he had even prepared maids, and two such beautiful maids at that.

Is she afraid he won't be satisfied?

"Just the three of you?"

Li Zhenhua finally spoke, his voice flat and devoid of emotion.

"Yes...yes."

Lou Xiao'e answered nervously.

"Dad said...it's a quiet place, convenient for you...to rest. Xiaoju and Xiaomei are...they're here to help take care of you."

She pointed to the two maids behind her.

The quick-witted girl in the light blue blouse immediately added.

"Sir, hot water and tea are ready. Please come in."

Li Zhenhua gave Lou Xiao'e a deep look that made her scalp tingle before she stepped towards the main room of the north wing.

Lou Xiao'e and her two maids quickly followed.

The interior furnishings are even more exquisite, completely contrary to the understated exterior.

The furniture is all made of old mahogany, and the display cabinets are filled with porcelain and antiques. Although they dare not display anything too flashy, the sense of heritage and luxury is undeniable.

The air was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood mixed with the fragrance of women's cosmetics.

They come, the security.

Li Zhenhua sat down in the armchair in the main room, and the maid named Xiaomei immediately served him freshly brewed tea, her movements gentle, not daring to look up at him.

Xiaoju fetched hot water, wrung out a hot towel, and knelt down to wipe his face.

Li Zhenhua did not refuse and enjoyed the old-fashioned, lord-like service.

He took the hot towel, wiped his hands and face, then leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and seemed to be resting.

Lou Xiao'e stood to the side, at a loss, like a child who had made a mistake.

"Xiao'e".

Li Zhenhua suddenly spoke, his eyes still closed.

"Huh? Yes!"

Lou Xiao'e was startled.

"You should know what your father meant by sending you here."

Li Zhenhua's voice was not loud, but it carried an invisible pressure.

Lou Xiao'e's face turned deathly pale instantly, her lips trembled, and tears welled up in her eyes. Finally, she nodded with difficulty, her voice trembling with sobs.

"I...I understand. From now on...from now on, Xiaoju, Xiaomei, and I...will do whatever you say. We only ask...we only ask that you give the Lou family a way out."

These were her father's repeated instructions: to set aside all dignity and pride and submit completely.

Li Zhenhua opened his eyes and looked at the once spoiled young lady in front of him, who now resembled a flower withering in the wind and rain. A complex emotion, a mixture of desire to conquer and a little pity, swept through his heart.

He reached out his hand and beckoned with his finger.

Lou Xiao'e hesitated for a moment, then walked over with trembling hands.

Li Zhenhua pulled her into his arms and made her sit on his lap.

Lou Xiao'e gasped in surprise, her body stiffening, but she dared not struggle.

Upon seeing this, Xiaoju and Xiaomei blushed, immediately lowered their heads, and quietly slipped out, gently closing the door behind them.

Only the two of them remained in the room. Li Zhenhua could feel the trembling and coldness of the delicate body in his arms.

He lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him.

"Remember what you said today."

Li Zhenhua stared into her eyes and spoke, word by word.

"If you behave yourselves and behave yourselves, I will certainly not treat the Lou family unfairly. But if you have any improper thoughts..."

"I wouldn't dare! I'll never do it again!"

Lou Xiao'e's tears finally fell, sliding down her cheeks.

"I really know I was wrong... From now on... from now on I'm yours, I'll do whatever you ask me to do..."

Seeing her completely tamed appearance, Li Zhenhua's resentment from being tricked dissipated considerably.

He leaned down and kissed her cold, trembling lips.

Lou Xiao'e initially endured it stiffly, but gradually, under Li Zhenhua's forceful assault, her body began to soften, and she awkwardly began to respond.

As the sun sets, golden rays stream into the room through the window.

Li Zhenhua leaned lazily against the couch, covered with a soft brocade quilt.

Lou Xiao'e was wearing only a close-fitting undershirt, her hair was disheveled, and her cheeks were still flushed from the joy of their lovemaking. She was carefully feeding him a bowl of warm rock sugar bird's nest with a small spoon.

Xiaoju knelt beside the tatami mat, massaging his legs with moderate pressure.

Xiao Mei then added a small piece of agarwood to the incense burner, filling the air with an intoxicating sweet fragrance.

This kind of ultimate, meticulously pampered enjoyment is enough to corrupt anyone's will.

Li Zhenhua closed his eyes slightly, savoring the smooth and sweet taste of bird's nest in his mouth, while his leg muscles gradually relaxed under the just-right pounding.

His mind was racing, calmly analyzing the situation before him.

He accepted the "generous gift" from the Lou family.

This residence, these three women, will become his extremely secretive stronghold and a small "harem".

The fate of the Lou family now rests entirely in his hands.

Lou Bancheng should send over the detailed report on overseas relationships and assets soon. He needs to make good use of this lead.

Of course, he would never let this affect his marriage to Lin Taotao.

That is the bright and legitimate future.

This is merely a supplement to power and desire, a clandestine operation that cannot be brought to the light of day.

He was confident in his ability to manage and balance things.

"Sir, dinner is ready. Would you like to eat now?"

Xiao Mei's soft question broke the silence of the room.

Li Zhenhua opened his eyes, looked at the darkening sky outside the window, and sat up.

"Okay. Let's set the table."