Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 868 - 704: Turning Against Each Other

"Hmph! The Qu Clan Leader certainly carries himself with great airs." Liao Cheng arrived with his men and immediately took in the scene before him.

He fixed his gaze on Zhi Lian’s hand, squinting slightly. Could that piece of sheepskin be the true treasure map?

At this moment, Qu Huaiyun could hardly spare a thought for Liao Cheng, as he was intensely focused on Zhi Lian’s actions, fearing that a tremor of Zhi Lian’s hand could send the Qu Family’s prosperity and wealth flying away.

"Zhi Lian! I won’t hold you accountable for your past deeds if you return the item. I can immediately gift you a thousand taels of silver and send you away from the Qu Mansion."

Though Qu Huaiyun was deeply resentful inside, he knew he had to first appease Zhi Lian. He could not believe that such a generous offer wouldn’t tempt Zhi Lian.

Zhi Lian, seeing so many people present, was not intimidated. He understood Qu Huaiyun would never let him off so easily.

These offers were surely attempts to deceive him into handing over the treasure map! But once the treasure map left his hands, what awaited him was only an existence neither living nor dying.

His eyes scanned the surroundings but did not find Gu Chengyu’s figure, feeling somewhat disappointed. He could not hold out much longer.

"What is going on here?"

Nobody answered Liao Cheng’s question; everyone was glaring menacingly at the servant Zhi Lian. At this moment, nobody dared approach him, fearing to provoke Zhi Lian.

Liao Cheng’s eyes turned, realizing this was a perfect opportunity.

"Men, arrest Qu Huaiyun." Liao Cheng pointed at Qu Huaiyun, suddenly issuing the command.

Everyone present was somewhat stunned, including Gu Chengyu, who was completely puzzled. Weren’t these two allies? Why had they turned against each other at this critical juncture?

"Lord Liao, what are you doing?" Qu Huaiyun shot a glance at Liao Cheng. Whether openly or secretly, many people were eyeing the treasure map at the moment.

What game was this Liao Cheng playing? It was crucial to resolve the matter at hand!

Qu Huaiyun looked around at the black-clad figures surrounding them, unsure when so many uninvited guests had appeared in their premises.

"Hmph! Qu Clan Leader, abusing the position of your eldest son as a court official, you wreak havoc upon the people in Hejian Prefecture. You seize others’ property and lands, force decent families into servitude, causing ruin to their households. Among these actions, you’ve also accepted many benefits under the guise of your eldest son’s name, colluding with merchants for their gains. For such acts, I, as an official, will not list them all here. Once you are detained, I will interrogate you thoroughly and return justice to the citizens!"

Qu Huaiyun had not anticipated Liao Cheng’s sudden betrayal; earlier in the day, he had been planning with Liao Cheng on how to seize the Yi Mansion’s treasure map.

But now, in this situation, was Liao Cheng attempting to destroy evidence after crossing the river?

"Lord Liao, do not speak falsely—this is groundless accusation, what reason could support it! I am the Qu Clan Leader, and our Qu Family is an aristocratic family in Hejian Prefecture. Whenever the name Qu Family is mentioned, the people speak of us with praise. Are Lord Liao’s words meant to destroy the Qu Family’s century-old reputation?"

Qu Huaiyun now recognized that Liao Cheng intended to abandon him after using him, causing his heart to panic heavily.

Yet, thinking of his eldest son far away in Sunan Prefecture, his panicked heart slightly steadied.

"Hmph! As an official, I would not falsely accuse you without evidence. Furthermore, I’ve learned that today, you kidnapped the grandson of Yi Clan Leader to use him as leverage. Qu Clan Leader, although Lord Qu and I are colleagues, I must stand up for the people and cannot condone such actions."

Liao Cheng waved his hand, signaling constables to advance.

"I’d like to see who dares. My eldest son is the Lord Prefect of Sunan Prefecture. You come visiting the Qu Mansion in the dead of night, wanting to arrest someone merely based on empty words. Lord Liao, let’s speak frankly. Don’t be so focused on destroying evidence after crossing the river. I am no fool. If I say something I shouldn’t, don’t blame me for my unfiltered words."

Qu Huaiyun, now not caring about the treasure map, pointed furiously at Liao Cheng as he spoke.

Regarding Qu Huaiyun’s threat, Liao Cheng was completely unfazed.

This Qu Huaiyun thought he held something over him, unaware that preparations had long been made.

"As an upright official, Qu Clan Leader, make no false accusations. Otherwise by accusing a court official, would not your offense be even graver!"

Liao Cheng casually glanced at Qu Huaiyun, then surveyed the mansion—The Qu Family! From today onwards, it will no longer hold its former glory.

"Master!" The servant and followers beside Qu Huaiyun were somewhat at a loss, their panic reaching the extreme.

Lord Liao intended to arrest the master? Yet previously, Lord Liao and the master had a very good relationship, often dining together!

"I advise Qu Clan Leader not to resist stubbornly; the mansion is already surrounded."

Liao Cheng continued to sneer, seeing Qu Huaiyun still unwilling to submit.

Qu Huaiyun was merely relying on his eldest son Qu You’en, a Magistrate, fearing that now Qu You’en could not even care for himself, let alone the Qu Family?

Recalling the master’s arrangements, his confidence grew somewhat.

"Young man, do you have any grievances? Don’t worry, I will ensure justice for you. The item in your hand is evidence and must be submitted to the court. Come to me; I guarantee the Qu Clan Leader cannot harm you."

Speaking to Zhi Lian in a kind tone, Liao Cheng’s guiding words, coupled with his upright appearance, were enough to evoke trust in others.

Unfortunately, Zhi Lian was well aware of Liao Cheng too, who frequently visited the mansion to discuss important matters with the master.

This person’s nature wasn’t as upright and reliable as it appeared, even more treacherous than Qu Huaiyun.

Qu Huaiyun’s past misdeeds were known to this person thoroughly.

Sometimes they even conspired together in misdeeds; he was a hypocrite disguised in official uniform.

Gu Chengyu did not overlook the fleeting greed and malice in Liao Cheng’s eyes, prompting a frown.

With so many people present, he certainly could not expose himself now.

If he joined the struggle, Zhi Lian might destroy the treasure map out of desperation.

But revealing himself as an imperial envoy, Gu Chengyu did not believe these people would let him obtain the treasure map.

Power and status blind, and perhaps amid chaos, they would secretly dispatch killers and bury him in Hejian Prefecture.

Once dead, they could fabricate any excuse, or bury him and be done with it.

Revealing himself was something Gu Chengyu was unwilling to do, especially with Lu Chen present, already poised for action.

Zhi Lian shook his head again, scanning the surroundings to confirm the person had not appeared.

So be it! No matter what the reason for not coming, he did not wish to wait any longer.

Liao Cheng’s expression darkened as he glanced at the lantern near Zhi Lian, the faint candlelight flickering within the lantern cover.

He dearly hoped the lantern would be blown out by the wind, yet the candlelight, though fragile, appeared invincible.

The flame stood tall, seeming small in the night, yet dangerous indeed.