From a tuberculosis patient to a martial arts master

With just that one sentence, Jiang Cong's heart tightened, as if gripped by an invisible hand. "Why is that?" He looked at Zhu Hong, his lips moved a few times, and it felt like a hard thorn was stuck in his throat. After a long while, he finally managed to squeeze out a hoarse sentence:

"Sir, didn't you just agree to everything?"

Generally speaking, once the apology is accepted, it is a tacit agreement between the two parties, and there is no dispute. So why would someone accept the gift and then try to hold the person even tighter?

"Second Master Jiang, please don't be hasty; this matter is not something to be discussed lightly."

Zhu Hong spoke calmly and unhurriedly, "I am accepting the silver and yang stones on behalf of the yamen. I presume the Prefect will appreciate the Jiang family's kindness. However..." He paused, his gaze falling on Jiang Cong's face:

"I bear the primary responsibility for Jiang Feng's matter."

Before the situation is fully investigated, I cannot release him. That's the rule!

What?

He's talking about rules now.

Jiang Cong laughed in anger, unable to contain his rage, and asked directly, "If we're talking about rules, you could have said so when you arrived. Isn't it against the rules to accept the apology first and then discuss the rules?!"

"Why don't they get along?"

Zhu Hong said matter-of-factly, "The apology from the Jiang family was sent to the government office and received from the prefect. Did I ask for even a penny?" His tone was so sincere that it didn't seem like he was just being perfunctory; it sounded like he was telling the truth.

"If you didn't take it, Second Master Jiang, you'd better watch your mouth."

After all, I am now discussing matters with Second Master in my capacity as the person in charge; the two matters should not be confused.

"you……"

Jiang Cong finally realized his mistake.

After accepting the Yang Stone and the silver, they turned around and said, "We can't release them."

What kind of logic is that?

They were clearly manipulating him at will, treating him like a mere pawn on a chessboard, and making fun of him in public!

Jiang Cong stared blankly at Zhu Hong, feeling a surge of anger rising in his chest, making him unable to sit still any longer. He abruptly stood up: "Lord Zhu, I, Jiang, sincerely offer this generous gift. You bear heavy responsibilities in the public service; such actions are rather..."

The tone grew colder, each word sharp and chilling:

"This is extremely inappropriate."

"Inappropriate?" Zhu Hong raised an eyebrow, a slight smile playing at the corners of his lips.

"Second Master Jiang, I am simply following the rules."

If you find this inappropriate, you may seek out Registrar Gu or the Prefect; why waste your breath on me?

These words were spoken lightly, but they fell into Jiang Cong's ears.

Every word is like a knife.

To connect with Manager Gu? Is it because he doesn't want to? If he could, why would he come to this low and shabby Class Two dormitory, sit on this hard bench, and drink this coarse tea that tastes like pig swill?

"Lord Zhu."

Jiang Cong, his voice trembling with suppressed emotion, said with restraint:

"If Jiang insists on making things difficult, it's just that the longer this matter concerning my nephew drags on, the worse it will be for the Jiang family and the government."

A glint of light flashed in Zhu Hong's eyes as he said:

"Then, in Second Master Jiang's opinion, what constitutes a good thing?"

"Release him." Jiang Cong flicked his sleeve and said, "If you release my nephew now, the Jiang family is willing to intervene separately..."

"Stop."

Zhu Hong stopped him, his tone suddenly changing, no longer the indifferent tone from before, but somewhat cold: "Second Master Jiang, are you trying to discuss business with me?"

"Exactly."

Jiang Cong narrowed his eyes, not wanting to beat around the bush any longer: "Sir, you simply want to do business, otherwise why are you so persistent in pursuing this?"

"Five thousand."

"Five thousand?" Jiang Cong was taken aback.

"Five thousand Yang stones," Zhu Hong said sarcastically. "Isn't Second Master Jiang going to do business? This is the condition."

"Lord Zhu, is this not considered a negotiation?"

When Jiang Cong heard him make such a boastful claim, a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

"yes."

Zhu Hong sighed softly, shaking his head with feigned helplessness: "The Jiang family's demands are too great. They're directly asking for the release of people. What if the Prefect questions us later? Do they think the government office was built by the Jiang family? That they can just release people whenever they want?" He paused, looking as if he couldn't bear the responsibility.

"Then I have no way to defend myself and cannot afford to suffer the consequences."

Anger cannot be contained.

Jiang Cong's anger burned in his heart, unbearable. "Fine, Zhu Hong, remember what you said today!" He slammed his hand on the table, and with a "crack," the table shattered into several pieces.

"Jiang Cong, are you panicking?"

Wang Zhenshan stood up, took out his knife, drew it, and pointed it directly at him, saying coldly, "Have you forgotten that this is a government office?"

"Second Master!"

Upon hearing the noise, the Jiang family members outside the door immediately went on alert. They tried to probe inside, but were blocked by Cao Wanhai and his men with their swords drawn. The glint of their swords reflected in the sunlight, and the atmosphere was tense and ready to erupt.

"No one is allowed to do anything reckless."

Jiang Cong still retained some rationality. Being in the yamen, he dared not cause a scene. He just stared at Zhu Hong, a hint of resentment flashing in his eyes.

"Second Master Jiang".

Zhu Hong remained seated, calmly saying, "Calm your mind and don't let anger consume you, lest it shorten your lifespan."

"it is good."

"Okay, okay."

Jiang Cong suddenly laughed. "Zhu Hong, you're very good." He gritted his teeth and said, word by word, "I'll ask you one last question. Jiang Feng, can you release him? What will it take to release him?"

"I've found out."

Zhu Hong said calmly, "Of course I will release it."

Jiang Cong laughed loudly, his voice carrying a chilling ferocity: "Investigate? May I ask when your investigation will end, sir!" His eyes were bloodshot, his pent-up anger surging like boiling oil.

"One day, two days."

We'll only be able to get to the bottom of things once you've fabricated charges and concocted a plausible testimony.

When the sound stopped, the whole world seemed to go empty.

The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Zhu Hong stared intently at Jiang Cong, remaining silent. After a long while, he finally withdrew his indifferent gaze and said, "Second Master Jiang, you did a good job slamming the table. However..." He gestured towards the broken wood:

"The table belongs to the government office."

"I'll pay this time. Next time, I'll have someone deliver the bill to the Jiang residence."

Jiang Cong choked.

"As for Jiang Feng."

Zhu Hong stood up: "I've made myself clear enough. Investigate thoroughly, release them. If you can't find out..." He paused, his tone leaving no room for argument:

"Die in prison."

"How dare you!" Jiang Cong's eyes were bloodshot, his anger blazing.

"Second Master Jiang".

Zhu Hong didn't give him a chance to speak, raising his hand in a feigned gesture, "We have nothing better to say than this, please leave." With that, he turned and walked to the window, standing with his hands behind his back, leaving Jiang Cong with only his back to him.

Jiang Cong stood there, his face turning pale and then flushed.

Still want to talk?

Continuing to argue will only lead to further humiliation.

"Zhu Hong, the entire Jiang family will remember this debt we owe you today." Jiang Cong's eyes were bloodshot as he spoke each word with a sharp, clenched edge, "The Jiang family can see the Prefect once, and they can see him a second or a third time. Don't think you can cover up everything."

He paused briefly, his voice as cold as frost:

"I hope that day will come."

"You can still stand on high and feel lonely, and speak such tough words." With that, he flicked his sleeves, never looked back, and strode out of the classroom.

"No need to see me out."

The only words of farewell to him were two simple words.

Wang Zhenshan remained silent with his arms crossed until he saw Jiang Cong retreat. Then he slowly looked at Zhu Hong and said indifferently, "You've offended him terribly."

"Boss, are we letting go of the management responsibility and giving me full authority?"

Zhu Hong turned around and laughed, "Besides, there's no reason not to accept something that's offered to you. As for whether or not to offend someone..." He glanced towards the door.

"I'm going to offend them sooner or later anyway."

……