Chapter 6: The Capture Plan

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Jiang Qing, seeing Xiao Han’s strong stance, revealed a trace of helplessness in her eyes. Narrowing her eyes slightly, she cupped her hands and said, “If that is the case, I shall not trouble you any longer.” With that, she turned around and left with Wang Wu and Zhang Mo, without a hint of hesitation.

Zhang Mo, wedged under Wang Wu’s arm, continued to shout loudly, “How dare you go against my wishes! When we get back, I’ll have Father punish both of you!” “You dogs—I am your true master.”

Perched on the wall, Xiao Han watched as Zhang Mo and the others exited the courtyard. With a swift leap, he reached the doorway and slammed the gate shut. Turning around, he smiled warmly at Zhao Mang.

“Little Mang, it seems you have quite a few troubles to settle!” “So, have you decided? This time, I come bearing the captain’s orders.” “The position of squad leader is reserved for you, just waiting for you to take up the post.”

Zhao Mang smiled wryly and said slowly, “Brother Xiao, as you can see, I have to make proper arrangements for my sister.” “Otherwise, how could I possibly fight with peace of mind on the battlefield?”

Hearing this, Xiao Han immediately understood Zhao Mang’s predicament. It was a difficult situation indeed. He quickly strode over and clasped Zhao Mang’s shoulder. “In that case, I suppose I’ll be staying with you for a few days.” “You know, I’ve been given strict orders from above.” “They’ve specifically called for you to be brought back to camp; if you need anything, just tell me, and I’ll handle it!”

Zhao Mang smiled knowingly. “As luck would have it, there’s something I need your help with.” “You’ve seen how Zhang Mo from the Zhang family is pressuring me relentlessly. With him around, my sister won’t be able to live in peace.” Saying this, Zhao Mang gave Xiao Han a big hug, candidly laying out his request.

“I was hoping to borrow your scouting skills to investigate Zhang Mo.” “He’s a reckless rogue who’s committed many wrongdoings.” “If we seize the chance to imprison him, I can fight on the battlefield without worry.” “Brother Xiao, can you assist me?”

Xiao Han laughed heartily and punched Zhao Mang lightly on the chest. “So you’ve been waiting here for me.” “Of course! Absolutely! Such a rogue deserves to be dealt with by all.” “Today, I’ll personally go after him!”

The two bantered as they entered Zhao Mang’s room.

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The sun rose high. Before long, it was afternoon. After seeing Xiao Han off, Aunt Li happened to arrive, bringing news that Third Uncle Zhao Fei was returning home.

Zhao Mang hadn’t expected Aunt Li to come wielding a huge broom, and in front of the neighbors, she began scolding and striking at Zhao Mang.

“Mang, you’re truly shameless.” “Who told you to drive Zhang Mo away? Our eldest relies entirely on Zhang Mo to pave the way.” “You injured him and kicked him out of the Zhao household on purpose to make things hard for our eldest.”

Zhao Mang did not give her room to continue. He snatched the broom from her hand and threw it into the courtyard.

Seeing Zhao Mang’s firm stance, Aunt Li fell to the ground and began to wail loudly.

“What kind of sin did we commit to have raised such a scoundrel relative?” “No sense of family loyalty! No thought of contributing to the clan.”

She raised her voice even further, hoping to attract the neighbors’ attention and pressure Zhao Mang.

But Zhao Mang paid no mind to her unreasonable tantrums. He said bluntly, “Aunt, you speak so cunningly, but if everyone sacrificed others to benefit themselves like you, then the Zhao family might as well be done with.”

“What kind of man is Zhang Mo? The neighbors all know. Aunt, why stir up trouble here and lose face? I reckon Big Brother’s affairs in the city aren’t going well either.”

He then leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Aunt, you’d better restrain yourself.”

With that, Zhao Mang turned and closed the door on Aunt Li, ignoring her.

His final words seemed to strike a chord with her, and she gave up, sulking as she hurried home.

Having been repeatedly thwarted, Aunt Li had learned her lesson. Confronting Zhao Mang head-on was clearly unwise.

Inside the courtyard, Zhao Mang sneered upon seeing her leave in a hurry.

Without strength, no amount of slick talk can achieve anything.

Seeing the sun still bright, Zhao Mang thought to visit his family’s fields to check on the ripening wheat.

His relatives in the Zhao family had been helping tend the land, but now that he was to separate from the family, he would have to take over all responsibilities.

He could either find someone to manage the fields or lease out the few acres of uniform land he had.

His simple-minded sister would surely be unable to guard those few acres.

When he arrived at the fields, his suspicions were confirmed: all the wheat had already been harvested, and the Zhao family had left no grain for him.

Fortunately, as he planned to report for duty in the military soon, he didn’t have to worry about food supplies. The wheat harvest, while important, was not critical.

Since that was the case, he decided to head to the West City market while the sun was still out.

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He intended to seek assistance from the influential Yaren to find the person who leased the wheat fields.

He also hoped to select a fine house for his sister to live in within the city.

After contacting the Yaren, he learned that the land deed was required for any transaction—and the deed was still held by Aunt Li.

This was frustrating.

It directly affected his mood for choosing a house, and his tone with the Yaren grew oddly sour.

After a long search, he finally found a decent courtyard.

It was far from the bustling market, yet close to Dunzifeng where he was to report for duty. He could also return occasionally to look after his sister—a very good location.

Trying to negotiate the price down, he began to complain.

“This courtyard may seem well-located, but it’s actually far from the market, making shopping inconvenient. The front wall is dilapidated, which is disgraceful, and the roof of the inner courtyard leaks light.”

“How about this: you give me a 30% discount, and I’ll rent it outright. Deal?”

Before the Yaren could respond, a lively voice sounded outside the courtyard.

“Where do you get off, you troublemaker, insulting my family home like this?”

“If you dislike this courtyard so much, then go rent somewhere else.”

Hearing this, Zhao Mang turned toward the source of the voice.

A young woman entered, dressed in a turquoise ruqun, with willow-leaf eyebrows, an oval face, a slender figure, and a poised bosom.

Her striking beauty left Zhao Mang momentarily stunned.

The Yaren hurriedly introduced her.

“This is the owner of this courtyard, named Jiang Wan, the eldest daughter of the Jiang family from West City.”

“If she does not agree, you cannot rent this courtyard.”

Only then did Zhao Mang come to his senses. He quickly cupped his hands and apologized with a smile.

“Not at all, not at all. This courtyard is indeed perfect; I was just a little impatient.”

“The harsh words I spoke earlier were unintentional. I apologize to you, Miss Jiang, and hope you might give me a chance.”

Jiang Wan gave Zhao Mang a sharp look and bluntly refused.

“If you want to rent it so badly, why speak ill of the courtyard? Such duplicity is unacceptable. You can forget about renting my place.”

“You’d better look elsewhere...”

Zhao Mang was deeply embarrassed. He had not expected to be caught red-handed speaking ill behind someone’s back, and now his attempt to rent the house had failed.

Truly, his efforts were futile from the start...