Chapter 88

Listening to Cheng Tongtou's rambling and his subsequent regret, Chen Ergou's words, on the other hand, were quite thorough. Before Zhao Jin could respond, Chen Sheng sneered and said, "He was too cowardly to show up at the time, and now he's trying to act the hero with this ten taels of silver. Is he trying to fool a three-year-old? What a cunning plan."

If it weren't for Chen Ergou's initiative in giving advice, Mu Shulan might not have been saved. If he didn't know, it would be one thing, but Cheng Tongtou knew and didn't say anything, which was truly despicable.

"Don't get angry. Chen Ergou helped us, and we should remember this favor," Zhao Jin said, turning back.

Among Zhao Jin's companions, Chen Sheng was the closest to him, having known him the longest, so he spoke very casually. Hearing Zhao Jin say this, Chen Sheng pursed his lips and said, "I'm not talking about Xiao Yong and the others. People like Tongtou and Fendan usually receive a lot of help from your father, but when it comes to using them, they act like this. It's really..."

Seeing Zhao Jin's eyes turn sharp, Chen Sheng stopped speaking.

Although he was scolding Cheng Tongtou, Chen Ergou also felt uncomfortable. He looked at Liu Yong standing to the side and saw that Liu Yong looked normal, eating and joking with Sun Dalei.

Chen Ergou thought that since he had finished his business, he should take his leave. Just as he was about to speak, he hesitated, thinking that if he left, Liu Yong would still tell Zhao Jin and the others what he had heard and seen. It was laughable that Cheng Tongtou said Liu Yong's heart wasn't with him. Who would follow a muddled person like Cheng Tongtou when they could follow a wise and capable person like Zhao Jin?

Rather than that, it would be better to speak up himself. Chen Ergou gritted his teeth, cleared his throat, and said, "Young Master Jin, Gentlemen, when I came, my elder brother said he was going to curry favor with Yunshan Temple because those monks won't let this go. Gentlemen will surely suffer more, and he can earn their favor and establish a connection with Yunshan Temple."

Hearing this, Chen Sheng stood up abruptly, brandishing his long saber and cursing, "That scoundrel is blind. Now, in this situation, he wants to inform the monks and continue to oppose us?"

Zhao Jin didn't stop him but turned to look at Liu Yong, who was there with his mouth wide open in shock, thinking that Chen Ergou was the one who didn't know the difference, revealing everything.

However, seeing Zhao Jin look over, Liu Yong nodded and said, "That's right, my elder brother did say that."

Liu Yong clearly knew which side he should stand on. He was able to work for Cheng Tongtou because of Zhao Jin and understood the boundaries.

Hearing Liu Yong confirm, the faces of everyone in the courtyard turned cold, even Wang Zhaojing put down his book. Zhao Jin's expression remained calm, and he smiled and said, "I didn't expect Cheng Tongtou to think so thoroughly."

Seeing Liu Yong confirm, Chen Ergou felt even more justified in his actions. Just as he was about to take his leave, he heard Zhao Jin say, "The candied fruits and pastries here are quite good. Brother Chen, don't rush to leave, have some first."

Chen Ergou was about to decline, but Zhao Jin smiled and said, "Wait a moment."

Despite his smile, Chen Ergou felt the coldness in Zhao Jin's eyes and shivered, nodding repeatedly and saying, "Then I won't be polite."

Everyone was thinking about discussing things after Chen Ergou left, but they didn't expect Zhao Jin to keep him. Chen Sheng was about to ask, but he saw Zhao Jin sit down on a stone lock, deep in thought. Everyone found it strange but didn't disturb him.

The sudden silence in the courtyard made Mu Shulan, who was inside, feel curious. The girl lifted the curtain and looked out, finding nothing amiss before returning.

Zhao Jin didn't think for long. He soon stood up, walked to Chen Ergou, and smiled, saying, "Brother Chen, you are now one of Cheng Tongtou's confidants. Can you tell me how many people Cheng Tongtou has at his disposal and how much silver he makes each month?"

While calling him a confidant, Zhao Jin was asking for confidential information, which made Chen Ergou shiver and his heart race.

Zhao Jin didn't lower his voice, and everyone in the courtyard heard clearly. His companions fell silent, Wang Zhaojing put down his book and stood up, locking the courtyard gate, then stood by the door. Chen Sheng gripped his long saber and took a few steps toward Zhao Jin.

"Brother Chen, if it's inconvenient to say, it's fine," Zhao Jin said with a smile.

The weather was slightly cool, but Chen Ergou was already sweating. Everyone in the courtyard had stood up, and Liu Yong had moved to stand beside Wang Zhaojing. Chen Ergou looked around, his body trembling. He had dealt with Zhao Jin many times before and always thought he was mature and shrewd, but now the pressure and killing intent were overwhelming. It was indeed different when one had blood on their hands.

Seeing Chen Ergou still hesitating, Zhao Jin looked up at the sky and said gently, "It's getting late. Does Brother Chen have something to do? Why don't you go back first?"

He made a gesture to invite Chen Ergou to leave, which made Chen Ergou shudder. Zhao Jin laughed and waved his hand, saying, "Everyone, step aside, step aside. Are you going to stop Brother Chen from leaving?"

Wang Zhaojing looked at Zhao Jin and, seeing he was serious, nodded and stood to the side. Chen Ergou looked back, thinking about whether to turn and leave, but after much hesitation, he swallowed and didn't turn around.

In a short time, Chen Ergou found his back drenched in sweat. He forced a smile and said, "What's inconvenient about this? My elder brother, no, Cheng Tongtou, has sixteen capable men, and he can gather fifty or more for show. If he spends money, he can gather a hundred or more..."

As he said this, Chen Ergou noticed Zhao Jin looking at Liu Yong, who hesitated but nodded. Chen Ergou was relieved that he hadn't lied.

"As for the income, Cheng Tongtou is very secretive about it. The Black Tiger Temple brings in sixty taels of silver each month, the brothels he protects pay ten taels in total, and the land rent is about seven or eight taels. He is also the head of the salt distribution in that area, but I don't know the exact income, though it's at least twenty taels a month. There are probably other sources of income, but I really don't know," Chen Ergou started hesitantly but became more fluent as he spoke.

"A mere thug and a gangster, making so much income every year?" Wang Zhaojing exclaimed. At least a thousand taels of silver a year was no small amount.

Zhao Jin smiled and said, "He makes a lot, but he has to give at least half to the authorities and his subordinates, so he doesn't have much left."

Chen Sheng, who had a similar background to Zhao Jin, understood the ins and outs and sneered, "Giving sixty percent to the authorities is already low, but he definitely also conceals some."

The atmosphere relaxed, and Zhao Jin said to Chen Ergou, "Thank you, Brother Chen, for telling me so much. Please tell Cheng Tongtou that he has helped a lot, and I have always been grateful. That incident was difficult for him, and we shouldn't mention it again."

Seeing Zhao Jin's intention to see him off, Chen Ergou felt his throat dry, but he didn't dare leave. Zhao Jin's smile made him feel like he didn't recognize the person in front of him, unable to understand what he was thinking. However, Chen Ergou realized that if he left now, he would definitely regret it.

"Master Jin, Cheng Tongtou is Cheng Tongtou, and I am I. I was once a nobody, but today I can eat and wear well, all thanks to your kindness, which I have never forgotten," Chen Ergou said, stammering.

Zhao Jin was taken aback, wondering why he was so afraid, but this suited his needs. Zhao Jin smiled and nodded, saying, "Brother Chen, there's no need to be so polite. You have also helped me a lot, and I remember it. You can go back now. Just do what you usually do these few days, and don't worry too much."

Hearing this, Chen Ergou visibly relaxed. Zhao Jin paused and added, "Brother Chen, you are sensible and know the big picture. I think you are being underappreciated in your current position."