Everything is preordained, but all things are subject to change.

"If that doesn't work, we'll just forcibly take her and her daughter out. Anyone who dares to cause trouble, I, Big Axe, am not someone to be trifled with!" Mi Sheng offered his suggestion in a simple and brutal manner.

Song Jiang shook his head and said, "First, we will face five hundred fully armed government troops who have undergone long-term training. Brother Mi Sheng, you and Brother Bian Xiang, along with others, can indeed handle several dozen of them on your own, but we also have Shi Qian's apprentice and Bian Xiang's retainers. They are not as skilled as you, and they may also have ranged weapons like bows and crossbows. I don't want my brothers to die in vain. Second, even if we can deal with all five hundred government troops, don't forget that Brother Jiu Wan's mother and sister are still in Wu Qianhu's hands. If Wu Qianhu fights to the death, they may also be in danger."

Hao Siwen sighed and said, "In your opinion, brother, what should we do?"

Song Jiang stood up and said, "We can only outsmart them, not fight them by force! First, we need to find out where the mother and daughter are being held."

Meanwhile, at Wu Qianhu's residence, lanterns and decorations were everywhere, creating a lively and festive atmosphere!

With his daughter getting married, he could say that a major matter had been settled. Ximen Qing was indeed a man of some stature, and his daughter was not at a disadvantage marrying him. The only drawback was that his daughter was only a second wife after marrying him. Moreover, Ximen Qing had a reputation for womanizing and was quite a womanizer. He just hoped that his daughter would not be bullied!

Meanwhile, Ximen Qing and his eight sworn brothers were drinking themselves into a stupor and having a great time!

Not long after, Yun Lishou returned to the Wu residence. Ximen Qing hurriedly said, "Brother Yun, we were just waiting for you! Come and have a few drinks!"

Yun Lishou smiled and said, "I'll be there shortly. I have important matters to report to Commander Wu!"

Seeing Yun Lishou acting mysteriously, Ximen Qing felt a strange sensation, but he didn't say anything and drank another cup with Hua Zixu!

Inside the main hall, Commander Wu sat solemnly in the main seat, a stark contrast to the lively and joyful atmosphere outside. His anxiety was palpable to all.

Seeing Yun Lishou walk in, he asked anxiously, "Did you go out for a bit? Did you find that scoundrel Jiuwan?"

Yun Lishou bowed his head respectfully and replied, "We have searched the entire Qinghe County, but there is no trace of him! Our people have been guarding the entrances near Qinghe County, so we can be certain that he has not appeared in Qinghe County. We have also not seen any trace of him outside Qinghe County, so he must still be on the road and has not returned yet."

Commander Wu said coldly, "I doubt he would dare to play any tricks. His mother and sister are both in my hands, so he can't escape my grasp."

Yun Lishou raised his head and said, "Something strange happened. At that dilapidated temple outside Qinghe County, I encountered some strange people. They claimed to be clerks from Yuncheng County, here on official business in Qinghe County!"

Commander Wu frowned and said, "I'll go to the magistrate tomorrow to find out what's going on!"

Yun Lishou pondered for a moment and then said, "Could it be that Jiuwan's whereabouts were revealed when he was stealing the treasure, and these people are coming for him?"

Commander Wu sneered, "Whether they're here for him or not, I have no intention of letting him live!"

Yun Lishou felt a chill run down his spine and cautiously asked, "What about his mother and sister?"

Wu Qianhu stared at Yun Lishou and said, "Don't you think it's too lonely for Jiuwan to go on his journey alone? With his mother and sister accompanying him on the road to the underworld, he should be able to die without regrets!"

Yun Lishou lowered his head and whispered, "Yes."

Wu Qianhu muttered to himself, "Since we're all family, I heard that Jiuwan has an older sister."

Yun Lishou was somewhat at a loss and hurriedly said, "His sister seems to have married into Yuncheng County, so she might not be so easy to kill."

Commander Wu stared directly at Yun Lishou and said, "I'm entrusting this matter to you. Any problems?"

Yun Lishou dared not disobey and lowered his head, saying, "Yes."

Commander Wu added, "Quickly send men to continue searching for Jiuwan. Once they find him, bring him here immediately. The steward has urged us several times. If anything goes wrong, we'll all die."

Yun Lishou clasped his hands in a fist salute and said, "Yes."

A hint of tenderness flashed across Wu Qianhu's face as he said, "One last thing, make sure you don't involve Yue Niang, understand?"

"Yes."

After thinking for a moment, Commander Wu spoke again: "You said before that there were several people inside the dilapidated temple. I feel that's inappropriate. Regardless of their purpose, I don't think they should be allowed to leave Qinghe County alive!"

Yun Lishou smiled wryly, "Those people are quite skilled; I doubt they'd take a hundred or so men seriously!"

Commander Wu scolded, "Couldn't you have brought crossbows?"

Yun Lishou suddenly realized and nodded, saying, "I'll take care of it right away!"

Inside the dense forest, several people were gathered around a campfire, roasting a rabbit, a fish, and a chicken over the flames.

Bian Xiang took out a package and said, "Brother, everything is settled. This is some steamed buns given to me by my second brother."

Song Jiang laughed and said, "Thank you for your hard work, Brother Bian Xiang. These steamed buns are just what I like."

Wu Song sighed, "Brother, the steamed buns are delicious, but it's a pity there's no wine."

Song Jiang slowly took out a gourd and said, "Who said there's no wine?"

Not only was Wu Song dumbfounded, but everyone was! Song Jiang had brought three gourds of wine, originally intending to go to Cangzhou to meet Chai Jin, but since his brothers had brought it up, it wouldn't hurt to drink one gourd!

As soon as the gourd was opened, the aroma of wine wafted out. Bian Xiang, who was also a connoisseur of wine, was immediately struck by the smell; he had never smelled this wine before!

Wu Song couldn't take his eyes off the gourd, wishing he could snatch it and taste it right away!

Song Jiang found their antics amusing, picked up his gourd and laughed, "You're only allowed to drink this much today. Once we get to Yuncheng County, there'll be plenty of wine!"

The group quickly started sharing the wine, taking turns drinking it!

Song Jiang just smiled faintly, finding them amusing; they were all true brothers!

Jiuwan walked up to Bian Xiang and bowed, saying, "Thank you, brother."

Bian Xiang swallowed a mouthful of wine and smiled, "It was Brother Gongming who asked me to do this. You are also a kind and righteous person, which I greatly admire. There's no need for such formalities."

Song Jiang said to Jiuwan, "I have some ideas that can save people and make Commander Wu get what he deserves. However, it is a bit risky. It depends on whether you are willing to try. If it fails, you and your two daughters may all lose your lives."

Jiuwan said, "It's alright, brother. No matter what, as long as there's a sliver of hope to save them, I'll do everything I can."

He sighed and continued, "Sometimes it's all about timing and fate. Even if I fail, I won't blame anyone."

Song Jiang said in a deep voice, "I won't let anything happen to you. As long as they are my brothers, I will never watch them get into trouble!"

At the same time, Yun Lishou led two hundred fully armed soldiers to the dilapidated temple!

A soldier rushed in and then rushed out, saying, "Military Advisor Yun, the place is empty!"

Looking at the deserted, dilapidated temple, Yun Lishou's handsome face revealed a wicked smile. These people really ran away quickly.

In the dense forest, a spot radiated a brilliant light, illuminating the surrounding darkness!

Song Jiang was holding a luminous pearl in his hand, examining it closely.

It must be said that this luminous pearl was indeed priceless, but Song Jiang wasn't really interested in it, mainly because it wasn't practical!

Song Jiang gave the luminous pearl back to Jiuwan, instructing him to hide it well so that they could proceed with the plan once Shi Qian returned.

It was late at night when we returned to Qinghe County, where Wuhan University had been eagerly waiting for us!

Without much conversation, two days passed quickly!

Inside the Wu residence, Commander Wu summoned Yun Lishou and reprimanded him, "It's been two whole days, and you still haven't found Jiuwan. I don't care what method you use, you must find Jiuwan today, or I'll kill his mother and sister."

Yun Lishou thought for a moment and said, "Under normal circumstances, he should have been able to return in the last two days. Perhaps there was some delay on the way. Will he arrive today?"

Commander Wu shouted, "I don't want to hear 'maybe'!"

Yun Lishou said, "If that doesn't work, just hang his sister in front of the Qinghe County gate as a warning. He'll definitely show up."

Wu Qianhu laughed happily, "You really are a beast, but I like you, that's why I use you."

Yun Lishou's expression remained unchanged as he continued, "We can say his sister colluded with bandits. Didn't the commander wipe out a group of bandits a while ago?"

Wu Qianhu nodded in satisfaction, then asked, "What do you plan to do with Jiuwan's sister?"

Yun Lishou glanced at the doorway, then turned back and whispered, "I've already sent assassins to Yuncheng County."

A hint of tenderness flashed across Wu Qianhu's face as he asked, "Has Yue Niang returned to Yanggu County?"

Yun Lishou nodded and said, "My elder brother and sister-in-law set off at dawn, and they should be far away by now."

Commander Wu waved his hand and said, "Go out!"

Yun Lishou lowered his head and answered, "Yes." Then he turned around and left with an angry, contemptuous, and disdainful expression.

Since following Commander Wu, Yun Lishou has been able to run rampant throughout Qinghe County. However, the tyrannical and eccentric Commander Wu has caused Yun Lishou a lot of suffering. Commander Wu is ambitious and often goes to kill refugees as bandits, and then asks the imperial court for credit.

Yun Lishou did many of the dirty work. Although Yun Lishou was an ungrateful and heartless person, he was not very willing to be asked to kill people at the drop of a hat. In particular, Wu Qianhu insisted that Yun Lishou do many things. If he failed to do them, he would be scolded or beaten. Yun Lishou's hatred for Wu Qianhu was deepening little by little.

Song Jiang said to everyone, "Let's proceed according to the original plan!"

Yang Zhi nodded, carefully placed the luminous pearl and the eight-treasure box into his bosom, and then left first. His destination was the tea stall next to Wu Dalang's pancake stall. Only Zhu Tong and Yun Lishou were there, and he had never met them before, so Yang Zhi was the only one who could handle this matter.

Wu Song and Jiao Ting also left, their destination being the front and back gates of the alley opposite Wu Qianhu's government office.

The remaining members were Mi Sheng, Bian Xiang, Zhu Tong, Hao Siwen, Shi Qianjiuwan, and Song Jiang. Song Jiang glanced at the approximate time and said, "Let's go too."

On the way, Jiuwan was a little nervous. Song Jiang patted Jiuwan on the shoulder and said, "Calm down. Brother Shiqian has already scouted all the routes in the mansion. If you don't come out within an incense stick's time, we'll force our way in and rescue you."

Finally, they arrived at the entrance of Qinghe County. Yun Lishou was anxiously looking around at the gate. He waved to Jiuwan as soon as he saw him, while the rest of the group dispersed and followed Jiuwan at a safe distance.

Outside Wu Qianhu's mansion, Wu Song was sitting at a dumpling stall eating dumplings, but his eyes were always fixed on the entrance of Wu Qianhu's mansion. After a while, a man with Jiuwan came to the door and knocked. After finishing the last dumpling in his bowl, Wu Song called out, "Brother Zhang, another bowl of dumplings, please."

Upon hearing Wu Song's voice, Jiu Wan felt a little relieved.

The door opened, and the people inside and outside exchanged a few quiet words before entering the Wu residence together. Only Zhang Xiaoer remained, saying with a wry smile, "Brother Wu, you've already eaten seven bowls of dumplings."

Wu Song turned around and smiled, saying, "The dumplings Zhang Ersao made are delicious."

Soon after, Song Jiang arrived and sat down at a table next to Wu Song, calling out, "Boss, a bowl of dumplings, please."

Jiao Ting had already gone to the back gate of the Wu residence. The Wu residence had two gates: a front gate, which was the main gate, and a back gate. Generally, procurement, delivery, and garbage disposal were all done through this back gate.

This was also a backup plan made by Song Jiang. Two of Bian Xiang's servants were with Song Jiang at this time, and the other was with Jiao Ting.

The two men watched which gate Jiuwan came out of, and one of them went to notify the other side. There were simply not enough people. Bian Xiang had many brothers who were supposed to be summoned, but unfortunately, with so many strangers suddenly appearing in Qinghe County, Commander Wu might have been on guard. Time was of the essence, and there was simply not enough time. So all these people were outside Qinghe County, ready to come immediately if anything happened.

Inside the Wu residence, Commander Wu looked at the thin man before him, his anger rising. This fellow only filled him with rage.

Thinking of this, Wu Qianhu kicked out, and Jiuwan took the kick squarely, staggering back a few steps and falling to the ground. He felt an indescribable discomfort in his stomach, as if it were being churned up.

Commander Wu shouted, "Hand over the goods!"

Jiuwan lay on the ground, clutching his stomach, and laughed, "I will never give you anything if you can't see my mother and sister, Commander Wu."

Commander Wu was furious. Jiu Wan had actually revealed his identity, so he was doomed. However, he hadn't obtained the treasure yet, so he couldn't die so easily. But anger rose in his heart, and he picked up a vase to smash it. Yun Lishou quickly grabbed the vase to stop him, saying, "Commander, if you kill him, no one will know where the treasure is!"

Wu Qianhu glared at Yun Lishou, who quickly lowered his head, not daring to meet his gaze.

Wu Qianhu ignored Yun Lishou and looked at Jiuwan with a cold smile: "You, Jiuwan, dare to play tricks on me."

Jiuwan stood up, patted the dust off his stomach, and replied, "Jiuwan wouldn't dare. But I know that the commander holds a high position and great power. If the commander makes a mistake, I'm afraid I'll never see my mother and sister again in my lifetime."

Originally, Jiuwan had indeed been prepared to die, only hoping to save his mother and sister's lives. However, Song Jiang's appearance gave him hope for life. Since he could live, who would choose to die? Moreover, his mother and sister were likely to be rescued. Under these circumstances, besides feeling grateful, he had to cooperate fully and not make the slightest mistake.

Wu Qianhu stared coldly at Jiuwan for a long time without saying a word. Qin Jiu looked back without fear. Sometimes, when you are fearless, what does it matter if you are in a high position or have great power? You are still not afraid of me.