Did he trick the young marshal into becoming sworn brothers and then go south to Huangpu Military Ac

Gudong.

Fujiwara no Heiji swallowed a large mouthful of saliva at the same time.

The scene described by Du Yisheng is just too tempting!

Its unique blend of Eastern gentleness and extreme decadence is like an invisible hand, wildly stirring up the evil fire in their hearts that Ono Shinzo had just suppressed.

The image of a graceful woman from Jiangnan had already appeared in my mind, and I felt an itch in my heart, wishing I could sprout wings and fly to Fourth Road right now.

They really wanted to go!

I desperately want to use this extreme indulgence to wash away the humiliation of being pointed at and scolded by a lackey.

However, just as Fujiwara was about to blurt out his agreement, Ono Shinzo's death knell-like warning before he left suddenly echoed in his mind.

"If you two gentlemen insist on going your own way, I will immediately send an urgent telegram to Tokyo! Report your matter to His Highness the Crown Prince!"

This warning was like a bucket of ice water at minus twenty degrees Celsius, poured over the heads of Fujiwara no Heiji's newly ignited lust, instantly turning all their impulses into fear.

If he really angered Ono by going out to drink and have fun, sending a telegram back to Tokyo would not only ruin his own future, but could also bring shame upon his entire family.

Before imperial power, all the pleasures of a gentle embrace and the company of beautiful women are mere illusions that can be discarded.

Fujiwara closed his eyes in anguish, took a deep breath, and opened them again. Although his eyes were full of longing and reluctance, his tone became unusually resolute.

He forced a bitter smile, waved his hands repeatedly, and refused, saying, "Mr. Du... we brothers appreciate your kindness. We have indeed longed to visit that paradise on earth on Fourth Road for a long time. But..."

Fujiwara gritted his teeth and found an excuse that wasn't shameful.

"However, we will be boarding a ship to Guangzhou the day after tomorrow to visit Mr. Lin. The journey is long, and we will be at sea for several more days. If we go on a drinking spree, I'm afraid our bodies won't be able to handle it. It would be extremely impolite to see Mr. Lin with a tired face and the smell of alcohol."

Ping echoed her sentiments, his eyes filled with longing for Fourth Road, but his words were unwavering.

"Mr. Du, business is important. Our friendship will last a long time. After we return to Shanghai from visiting Mr. Lin in Guangzhou, my brothers and I will treat you to a proper visit to Fourth Road! Let's not make a fuss today; just rest in your room."

These words were spoken.

Du Yisheng, who was originally prepared to watch the two young masters take the bait, was taken aback.

He couldn't understand for a moment how these two spoiled brats, who had been cooped up at home, had changed their ways in less than half a day.

However, looking at their constipated expressions, I instantly understood what had happened.

"Understood."

Du Yisheng sneered inwardly.

He certainly didn't mean to invite those two wealthy Japanese young men to a brothel.

The seemingly warm invitation was actually a prelude to a carefully planned accidental death.

He had already arranged for an out-of-control heavy truck on the road leading to Fourth Road.

As long as the two of them go to Fourth Road with the mystery, the attendant will inevitably perish in a terrible traffic accident.

The two young masters only suffered minor injuries at most.

This way, they could both complete the task assigned by Lin Qi and create a perfect illusion of an accident.

But now, these two spoiled brats, who were indulging in wine and women like wolves last night, actually managed to resist such a huge temptation!

They swallowed hard as they came up with the flimsy excuse of "resting and recuperating before seeing Lin Qi."

Du Yisheng knew all too well the inability of men to control their lower instincts.

The fact that these two wolves obediently sheathed their claws and stayed indoors suggests that they could not have suddenly changed their nature.

There is only one explanation.

"It's not that they don't want to go, it's that they're afraid to go!"

Du Yisheng's eyes twitched slightly; he realized the seriousness of the situation.

"They were warned! Warned by that mysterious follower, using some unknown power!"

"This means that the person behind that attendant, or the power he wields, far exceeds the limits that these two powerful young masters can handle!"

Only a select few at the very top of the power pyramid could inspire such fear in the sons of Japan's elite aristocracy that they dared not even drink at the pleasure quarters.

Du Yisheng felt a layer of cold sweat seep out of his back.

What level of monster has Mr. Lin provoked?!

If I were to forcibly eliminate that person, and leave even the slightest trace, I would undoubtedly face the full force of the Japanese army in retaliation!

But since it was Mr. Lin who gave the order, even if it was the King of Heaven himself, Du Yisheng had to bite the bullet and kill him.

However, now that the plan to stage a car accident had failed, he absolutely could not continue to pursue the matter, lest he arouse the suspicion of his attendant.

"I see. Since you two gentlemen have made up your minds, I will not force you."

Du Yisheng put away his enthusiasm and put on an understanding and considerate expression.

He stood up, bowed slightly, and said goodbye:

"You two gentlemen are right. Meeting Mr. Lin is the most important thing. You must not harm your health by indulging in pleasure. You two should rest well. I will not disturb you any longer. When you board the ship the day after tomorrow, I will definitely see you off in person."

After saying that, Du Yisheng turned and left the suite.

Back at the mansion.

Du Yisheng locked himself in his study, sat in a grand chair, his brows furrowed, and thought about it all night.

"We can't take action in the concession; the risk is too high. If it attracts the attention of the Municipal Council and the Japanese, there's a high probability we'll be exposed."

"Since complicated plans won't work, let's use the simplest, most primitive, and most violent means."

A ruthless glint flashed in Du Yisheng's eyes.

"In this chaotic era of war, life was cheaper than paper. Isn't it quite normal for a servant to be stabbed to death by a few thugs in a place like the docks, a melting pot of all sorts of people?"

He decided to return to simplicity and use a clumsy but most difficult-to-investigate staged scene of "attempted robbery resulting in death" to send his follower on his way.

Two days later.

At the Shiliupu Wharf on the banks of the Huangpu River, the sea breeze carries the chill of early spring.

A luxury merchant ship flying the British flag, belching black smoke, was preparing to set sail south for Guangzhou.

Du Yisheng, accompanied by several disciples, personally arrived at the Astor House Hotel.

He was carrying several beautifully packaged, heavy sandalwood boxes.

"Mr. Du! You're too kind! We're already very grateful that you could take time out of your busy schedule to see us off. How could we let you go to the trouble of bringing so many expensive gifts?"

Fujiwara no Heiji looked at the valuable gift box and repeatedly waved his hand in refusal.

They were actually quite pleased, but on the surface they still had to put on a show of deference.

"Our trip to Guangzhou is long, and it's inconvenient for us to bring these things. We can accept Mr. Du's gift after we return from Guangzhou."

After hearing this, Du Yisheng laughed, shook his head, and directly stuffed the gift box into the hands of the two of them.

"You two gentlemen have misunderstood."

Sincerity shone in Du Yisheng's eyes.

"These things weren't prepared for you two. They are some precious medicinal herbs, antiques, and calligraphy that I specially collected as a tribute to Mr. Lin!"

Du Yisheng feigned regret and sighed.

"Shanghai is in a mess right now, and I really can't spare the time to visit Mr. Lin in Guangzhou. Since you two gentlemen are close friends of Mr. Lin, I have no choice but to swallow my pride and ask you to pass on this message. This is Mr. Du's filial piety towards Mr. Lin, please convey it to him."

Upon hearing that it was a gift for Lin Qi, they realized it was for him.

Fujiwara no Heiji was stunned for a moment, then shook his head to himself.

Could they refuse the gift given to Lin Qi?

If they refuse, they will cut off Du Yisheng's way of currying favor with Lin Qi, making it seem like they don't care enough about Lin Qi's affairs.