Just what you want

Chapter 113 Just what you want
Li Youcai stood frozen in place, his face full of shock, as if he had not yet recovered from the sudden news he had heard.

Yang Can cleared his throat, leaned forward slightly, and looked at him: "Brother, now the truth has finally come to light."

We'll go to the Zhang family's house in a bit, retrieve those armors, and then we'll wait for Leopard Head.

Once Leopard Head brings Steward He's personal guards here, we can report to the clan leader. However…”

Li Youcai is now particularly sensitive to words involving transitions. Upon hearing "but," his heart tightens, and he hurriedly asks, "But what?"

"However, I was fortunate enough to learn about He Youzhen and Zhang Yunyi's treacherous plot from Chen Wan'er."

But how could I possibly turn the tide and resolve this matter properly on my own?

"what?"

Li Youcai was completely dumbfounded, his face full of confusion. "Didn't you solve everything? How can you say you're not up to the task?"

Yang Can said, "What I mean is that Chen Wan'er secretly told me about Zhang Yunyi and He Youzhen's conspiracy after she found out about it."

Upon hearing this, I was both shocked and frightened. I immediately confessed to you, Brother Li, and begged you to help me.

Brother, you are a shrewd and calculating man. You devised a plan to lure the snake out of its hole on the spot, allowing me to secretly lay an ambush in Canglang Gorge and extract the truth from He Youzhen.

As for you, elder brother, you'll stay at Feng'an Fort, playing dumb to keep Zhang Yunyi in check.

"It's only because Zhang Yunyi is alright that He Youzhen got carried away and revealed the truth..."

These words were like a scalding gold ingot, which slammed into Li Youcai's head with a "thud," leaving him dizzy and disoriented.

Li Youcai stood there, mouth agape, speechless for a moment.

Yang Can suddenly slapped his forehead and said with delight, "That's right! I heard that Zhang Yunyi had a heart condition. When the gate was kicked open just now, he was so overjoyed that it triggered his heart condition and he died suddenly?"

Li Youcai hesitated and said, "At that time... he did see the gate of the mansion suddenly break open, and he was overjoyed. He raised his knife and shouted at the top of his lungs, but then suddenly vomited blood and died."

Well, whether he had a heart condition is still unknown; it's just that some people saw his death as strange, hence this speculation.

Yang Can said firmly, "He has no heart disease! Zhang Yunyi is as strong as an ox, how could he possibly have a heart disease? Even if he did, it couldn't be!"

Li Youcai looked completely bewildered and asked blankly, "Even if it exists, it can only not exist? Why is that?"

Yang Can said, "If Zhang Yunyi died suddenly from a heart attack, all we can say is 'he deserved it.' What else is there to say?"
He has to be poisoned by you, brother, for that to be considered a meritorious deed!

"what?"

Li Youcai didn't want to remain dumbfounded, as it would make him look really stupid, but he couldn't control his facial expressions.

Upon hearing Yang Can's words, Li Youcai was once again dumbfounded.

Upon seeing this, Yang Can slowed down his speech and began to "organize" his thoughts.

"Brother, look, our original plan was that you, Grand Steward, would keep Zhang Yunyi calm here, while I would go to Canglang Gorge to induce He Youzhen to reveal the truth."

Once I return from Canglang Gorge, we'll take down Zhang Yunyi together.

But who would have thought that Zhang Yunyi hated me to the bone, and seeing that my residence was already prepared, he brazenly launched a strong attack on the inner quarters.

Zhang Yunyi had many followers, and the chief steward could neither stop him by force nor was he afraid that Zhang Yunyi would go on a killing spree once he broke down the door.

So, the only way was to outsmart him, and you tricked him into drinking the poison..."

Li Youcai finally found his voice and stammered, "Poison...poison? How would I know how to use poison? Besides, how could I possibly trick someone into drinking poison?"

Yang Can waved his hand and said, "That's too easy. Just say he's attacking the inner quarters and is thirsty and tired. You can just hand him a bag of rice wine, and that'll do."

"Okay! It's settled then. I'll have someone get some arsenic and force-feed it to him. That way, it'll be foolproof."

Li Youcai felt that his mind couldn't keep up with Yang Can's train of thought. He stroked his curly beard and lowered his head to ponder.

Phoenix Manor didn't have a coroner to begin with, and besides, Zhang Yunyi was just a minor manor lord, a scoundrel who betrayed his clan leader and colluded with outsiders to smuggle goods...

The lord of a clan would rather see such a person dead than care how he died.
Thinking about it that way, it actually seems feasible!

Yang Can then said at the opportune moment, "Only in this way can we confirm your strategic planning and confidence, which will make the clan leader value you even more."

"Wait, my dear brother..." Li Youcai's way of addressing Yang Can had become much more intimate without him even realizing it.

He hesitated for a moment, but still asked the question that had been bothering him: "Brother, I really don't understand. Why do you want to share half of such a great achievement with me?"

Li Youcai certainly wanted this credit. But he also knew that there was no such thing as a free lunch, and he hadn't let this "pie" make him lose his mind.

Yang Can must have his reasons for doing this; he couldn't have done it for no reason, could he? They're not even blood brothers.

Yang Can smiled, his eyes so sincere that no one could doubt him: "Big brother, the reason is actually very simple, just one!"

"Ok?"

Li Youcai's eyes gradually changed from blank to shrewd.

When it comes to his own interests, this Chief Deacon Li's intelligence comes into play.

Yang Can softened his tone and said slowly, "Because my qualifications are too low!"

"Low experience?" Li Youcai frowned, still not quite understanding.

"good."

Yang Can nodded, his tone tinged with helplessness: "How long have I been the second steward? And how long have I been concurrently the master of Feng'an Manor?"

Even if I make new contributions this time, the lord will not promote me again. If I am promoted too quickly, it will only attract attention.

As for being rewarded with gold and silver treasures, what good would that do me?
Moreover, rapid promotions and rewards inevitably attract suspicion and resentment from others.

Yang Can paused, his gaze falling on Li Youcai with a hint of expectation.

"I am willing to share this credit with you, elder brother. With your seniority, you will surely rise to a higher level with this achievement."

"Brother, since you remember how good I've been to you, will you still look after me a little more?"

Upon hearing this, Li Youcai trembled with excitement: "Brother, you...you trust me that much? Aren't you afraid I'll betray you after I've served my purpose?"

Yang Can shook his head, his tone resolute: "Although I haven't worked with you for long, I can see a person's character from many aspects."

Even the most filial person cannot be completely heartless.

Similarly, how cold-hearted can a man who cherishes his wife be?
I believe in you, brother! You are a loyal and righteous person! You would never be an ungrateful person.

These words were like a warm current, instantly flowing into Li Youcai's heart.

Li Youcai's eyes welled up slightly. He suddenly stood up, grabbed Yang Can's hand, and his voice choked with emotion.

"My dear brother! Just for those words, if I can truly achieve greater success this time, we'll share both good times and bad!" Yang Can squeezed his hand tightly, his gaze sweeping over his disheveled appearance, and added:

"Brother, you must have suffered all night. Your hair is a mess and your clothes are all wrinkled."

"Go quickly and wash up and change your clothes. Once you're ready, we'll go to the Zhang family's house to recover the stolen goods!"

"Okay! Okay!" Li Youcai looked down at himself and saw that he was indeed in a sorry state.

He smiled sheepishly and nodded vigorously: "Brother, wait for me a moment, I'll go pack up right away and be right back!"

After saying that, Li Youcai, filled with excitement, hurriedly left the study with light steps.

Yang Can remained in the study, silently reviewing his conversation with Li Youcai. Every step was perfectly logical and flawless.

Now that Li Youcai is willing to join in for the sake of credit, the whole affair is even more impeccable.

Even if he made any mistakes, Li Youcai would take the initiative to help him fill in the gaps and improve them in order to protect his interests.

However, he also had a question in his mind: what exactly is the deal with Zhang Yunyi?

He was as strong as a leopard, so why did he die of joy the moment the mansion gates were breached?
Yang Can couldn't understand it at all, but he didn't know anything about medicine, and everyone else said that Zhang Yunyi died of a heart ailment.

If he really does have a heart condition, then it's not impossible, and Yang Can can only believe that's the reason.

But... wouldn't it be too pointless for Master Zhang to die like this? He must die in a useful way.

So let's "arrange" an ending for Zhang Yunyi: "being poisoned to death".

This would both add another achievement to Li Youcai's record and make the whole incident seem more "reasonable".

And Li Youcai could be promoted based on this achievement...

Yang Can narrowed his eyes slightly, a smile appearing on his lips.

Then he, as the second steward of the eldest son's family, would naturally become the first steward of the eldest son's family.

By the time Suo Chanzhi gave birth, the entire eldest branch of the family was already under his control!

Yang Can let out a soft sigh, walked to the study door, and instructed Wangcai, who was guarding outside, "Go and call Kang Quchang to see me."

Not long after, Kang Zhengyang hurried to the study.

Yang Can cut to the chase: "Any news from Leopard Head's side?"

Kang Zhengyang shook his head, his tone respectful: "I have already sent people to meet you on the road, but there has been no news yet."

Yang Can hummed in agreement and then asked, "Is everything prepared at the Zhang residence?"

Kang Zhengyang smiled slightly and said confidently, "Don't worry, Master, everything is ready. We're just waiting for your instructions."

Yang Can nodded and said slowly, "Okay. Go do something right now: get some arsenic and force it down Zhang Yunyi's throat."

Upon hearing this, Kang Zhengyang was stunned. Poisoning a dead man with arsenic? Could he possibly die again?
However, Kang Zhengyang now admires Yang Can to the point of complete awe.

Master Yang's arrangement must have a profound meaning. It doesn't matter if you don't understand it; just do as he says.

Kang Zhengyang immediately bowed and replied, "Understood! I'll take care of it right away!"

After Kang Zhengyang hurriedly left, Yang Can couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, pondering to himself:

Once the lord of the magistrate hears that He Youzhen, whom he highly values ​​and who holds great power, is actually a smuggler known as "Mountain Master," he will inevitably be thrown into a panic.

This incident has had a huge impact on his reputation and could easily be used by the other factions as a reason to attack him for being incompetent and foolish.

How to properly handle these matters is the most pressing issue for the lord. He wouldn't care about the death of a minor estate owner.

However, just in case, we still have to give Zhang Yunyi some poison.

In this way, even if someone investigates, they won't find any flaws.

The autopsy procedures, techniques, and related common sense of this era are too backward and primitive to leave any clues.

……

Li Youcai walked briskly back to the inn, pondering Yang Can's words all the way.

He went through the whole story again from beginning to end and found that every step was reasonable and without any loopholes.

Moreover, the stolen goods that are about to be seized, as well as the confessions of He Youzhen's personal guards, are irrefutable evidence.

Thinking of this, Li Youcai couldn't help but feel overjoyed, and even his steps became lighter.

Back at the inn, he pushed open the door and saw his wife, Pan Xiaowan, sitting in front of the dressing table doing her makeup.

Pan Xiaowan had just taken a bath, and her long, black hair was still slightly damp, casually draped over her shoulders. A few strands of hair clung to her fair and delicate neck, adding a touch of charm.

She wore a pink silk nightgown, the thin fabric of which subtly outlined her graceful figure, showcasing the charm of a mature young woman.

At this moment, she is holding a peach wood comb, slowly and gently combing her long hair.

On the dressing table were a row of rouge and powder, as well as several exquisite pieces of jewelry. She was clearly planning to dress up before going to Yang Can to plead for her.

The door creaked open, and Pan Xiaowan turned around in surprise. She was astonished to see Li Youcai standing in the doorway.

Pan Xiaowan exclaimed in surprise, "Huh? You old ghost, you've actually been released?"

Normally, Li Youcai would feel uncomfortable if she called him "old thing," "old ghost," or "old codger."

But after his wife's unwavering devotion and tender care for him following his arrest yesterday, Li Youcai no longer cares.

This is clearly his wife's "affectionate nickname" for him. You try getting her to call you "old thing" and she won't even bother with you.

Li Youcai laughed heartily and said smugly, "That's right! I was originally thinking that I should ask my wife to go to Brother Yang and plead for me."

I never expected this! I really never expected it! He actually values ​​me! Me! Hahahaha!

“He has his eye on you…” Pan Xiaowan’s beautiful eyes widened instantly as she looked Li Youcai up and down.

Short and stout, with a round face and short, curled beard... When did Yang Can's tastes become so unusual?
Li Youcai was puzzled by her gaze until Pan Xiaowan's eyes lingered on his buttocks for a moment before he suddenly realized what was going on.

Li Youcai said irritably, "I meant to value! To value highly, to be respected! Not to be interested in! To be right on my mind!"
My dear wife, what kind of nonsense are you thinking about all day long!

Pan Xiaowan suddenly realized and couldn't help but burst out laughing: "Alright, alright, it's your own fault for not explaining it clearly."

"Huh? But what exactly does he value in you?"

Li Youcai puffed out his chest and said smugly, "What else could you possibly value about me?"
"That's because I, Li Youcai, am a kind and righteous person who is willing to help and share the benefits with younger generations..."

(End of this chapter)