The atmosphere in the Young Marshal’s residence was tense.
“…We really can’t delay this any longer.”
Wu Yi saw that after all he had said, the Young Marshal remained indifferent, his expression even… slightly unpleasant?
He clenched his teeth.
Standing up, he patted his chest and declared:
“Young Marshal, oil is too important. I’m willing to swear an oath—just let me take charge, and I guarantee you’ll be satisfied with the results. If not, you can come and take my head!”
The room fell silent for a moment.
“Do you really trust the Japanese to prospect for oil fields?” the Young Marshal asked.
Wu Yi was momentarily taken aback.
Then, confidently, he replied, “Exactly. We have to admit the Japanese have more experience in this field. Cooperating with them will save us a lot of detours. But more than that, I trust my own judgment. Su Ning is the kind of person who never does anything without profit, yet she’s eager to develop the Yumen oil field. That strongly suggests there’s oil in the Northeast.”
“For the sake of the Northeast’s development, I’m willing to take that gamble.”
“Hm.”
The Young Marshal nodded. “I also believe there’s oil in the Northeast.”
Otherwise, Su Ning wouldn’t be after the mining rights.
Meanwhile,
Wu Yi misunderstood and felt a surge of hope. Just then, someone pushed the door open and quietly whispered something into the Young Marshal’s ear.
“What?”
The Young Marshal’s face changed slightly. He seemed about to say something, but stopped himself, forcing out:
“Some family matters to attend to. You should go back for now; we’ll talk again tomorrow.”
Wu Yi was originally dissatisfied.
This was a rare opportunity.
But seeing the Young Marshal’s evasive expression and hearing it was “family matters,” and recalling the man’s well-known romantic escapades and that formidable lady in his life,
Wu Yi smiled knowingly.
“Family matters are indeed important… The Young Marshal is too sentimental. But sometimes, being too lenient with the women around you only harms them. They need to be taught what’s necessary, and learn what they must.”
He left the matter there.
The Young Marshal: …
What is this guy talking about?
After the visitors left, his expression immediately darkened. Soon, others arrived—many had just left but were suddenly summoned back. Some were confused, others seemed to understand.
“There’s news from Su Ning’s side again.”
They exchanged glances, eyes full of doubt and suspicion, then asked:
“What is it?”
“Could it be more evidence?”
“If it’s evidence of trade between the Japanese and Tai Gu Shipping, we already have plenty. More won’t help; it just takes time to investigate.”
“It’s not that.”
The Young Marshal sighed deeply, his eyes complicated. “Do you remember the incident where Miss Su had a conflict with the Japanese over Tai Gu Shipping?”
Everyone nodded.
Even those who didn’t know were quietly briefed by their neighbors, then gasped and couldn’t help but say:
“Wow, how does she have so much money!”
“More like her father spoils her rotten,” someone said sourly. “What kind of ‘training’ is that? A doting father only raises a spoiled child. No wonder she’s so reckless.”
“What’s there to fear? He’s got so much money, even if his daughter squanders it her whole life, it wouldn’t be enough.”
“…”
Seeing the conversation veer off, the Young Marshal quickly said, “That’s not important. What matters is that after Miss Su’s victory, she didn’t hold grudges and even accepted business from those who opposed her—including the Japanese.”
He paused, then looked around at everyone:
“Right now, the cargo ship carrying Japanese goods is just waiting for us to inspect.”
No one here was a fool.
At those words, everyone’s breath hitched. Some hands trembled uncontrollably. If this was true, it meant war was imminent...
They arrived at the location.
Silently, they followed Su Ning’s men into the pitch-black ship cabin, facing stacks of crates wrapped in oilcloth, piled one on top of another.
“All the goods are here,” one said.
But no one stepped forward to move them. Su Ning’s men frowned, quietly urging:
“Please hurry up. Our chairman took a huge risk to deliver this. We still have to hand it over to the Japanese later, time is tight.”
“Wait, why are we sending it back?”
Someone with a quick temper widened his eyes in disbelief. If these “goods” were what they suspected, how could they possibly send them back to the Japanese!
“Of course we have to send them back,” Su Ning’s subordinate said matter-of-factly. “Our Su Shipping is in business. If the client wants their goods transported, of course we’ll deliver them.”
“Otherwise, we’d be losing money.”
Everyone: ...
Alright then, sending them back is fine. The Japanese don’t know we’re onto them yet; this way, we can still catch them off guard.
The oilcloth was pulled back, releasing a thick smell of dust.
The young commander stepped forward personally and, under everyone’s watchful eyes, yanked open the lid of one crate—
Inside were neatly stacked bolts of cloth.
A collective sigh of relief.
Everyone visibly relaxed, smiles appearing on their faces. War was terrifying, especially with the current unstable situation in Northeast China. If war really broke out with Japan...
The next second,
Su Ning’s subordinate stepped forward, quickly pulling the cloth out and tossing it onto the floor. Soon, the ground was littered with fabric, his mouth never stopping:
“The Japanese aren’t fools. Who’d put those things out in the open? No way, no way, you can’t really think that, right?”
His fists clenched a little tighter.
“Look.”
Just then, he shouted with a tone full of excitement.
He moved aside.
On top of the half-full crate of cloth was a gleaming layer of golden bullets. Lifting a layer of cloth revealed more bullets, and more bullets, and more...
The young commander didn’t hesitate to tip the entire crate upside down onto the floor.
Rattling loudly,
Bullets scattered everywhere.
Just like the crowd’s hearts, their eyes went wide, their mouths dry and almost speechless.
“We’re going to war,” the young commander said.
......
At the Wu residence.
Just after returning home, Xing Qiu came to invite Wu Yi. Wu Yi raised an eyebrow, leisurely changing his clothes and sipping a cup of tea before heading over.
“Sorry, I’ve been swamped with things and came late. What made you think of looking for me today? Is it about what happened last night...?”
“Don’t say that in front of the child!”
At that moment,
He noticed Wu Xuewen beside him, smiling and speaking casually:
“What’s there to worry about? It’s not like it’s anyone else. Xuewen is our child. You really don’t need to be concerned. That was all just formalities and socializing. If I hadn’t been so drunk, it wouldn’t have come to you. How about this: let’s get married soon. Then, when I have a legitimate wife, I can say you keep me in line, and those outside people will behave better.”
Hearing this, Wu Xuewen’s eyes brightened.
Then, he looked at Xing Qiu expectantly...
“If you don’t want to drink, can anyone force you?” Xing Qiu held back from saying anything harsher, biting her lip and looking up:
“Do whatever you want with your socializing. I came to see you today because of the oil field matter.”
“There’s no such thing as a free lunch. Why would Japan help explore oil fields in the Northeast? They must have ulterior motives. And Miss Su—actually, she’s the one with experience in oil fields. It’s better to resolve old grudges than to hold onto them. Asking her for help seems more reliable than trusting the Japanese.”
Wu Yi’s smile froze.
“So, you called me here just to say that?”
“Exactly.”
Xing Qiu looked at him seriously. “Actually, she’s been somewhat of a benefactor to us. Although there were some past conflicts, they weren’t that serious. If you can’t let go, I can go…”
“You go?”
A sneering laugh cut her off. Wu Yi’s expression was full of scorn:
“Xiao Qiu, you’re too naive to think you can cooperate with someone like Su Ning. Let me tell you, every partnership she’s had is about her taking all the benefits. Others don’t even get to sip the broth without being on edge. As for benefactor? Ask Xuewen if he recognizes her as one.”
“No!”
The voice was loud, so loud that his face flushed red. Wu Xuewen clenched his fists, his expression full of hatred:
“Su Ning is my enemy. I hate her.”
“Did you hear that?”
Wu Yi looked at the pale-faced Xing Qiu and softened his tone a little, crossing his legs:
“Listen, Xiao Qiu, you don’t need to worry about the oil field. The outside world is complicated, not as simple as you think. Why not just stay at home? You won’t have to worry about food or drink. If you get bored, you can make some friends and play mahjong.”
“You forgot, I’ve been out there for many years, always alone.”
Xing Qiu stared straight at him:
“I don’t think the outside world is that complicated.”
“Are you blaming me?”
Wu Yi snapped angrily. “I was powerless before, that’s why we separated. Now I want to make it up to you—marry you and give you a life of luxury and comfort. Go ask around; who else with my status can do that?”
“Even with the oil field, I want to make achievements so that when you marry me, no one will oppose it. I’m working hard, but what about you? You’re throwing a tantrum over Su Ning.”
“I’m not throwing a tantrum. I’m seriously giving you advice.”
Wu Xuewen watched his parents argue.
He felt lost.
Gritting his teeth, it was Su Ning again... Why was it always her?
Always coming to ruin his happiness.
That kind of person.
Why didn’t she just die!
The argument was winding down. Wu Yi’s face was cold and weary as he said:
“I don’t want to argue with you, Xiao Qiu, but you need to think carefully— is it worth upsetting me over Su Ning? I’ll tell the servants to keep quiet. Otherwise, if news of our fight gets out and my father finds out, he’ll think less of you.”
The Wu family followed the traditional roles—men handle affairs outside, women manage the home.
Hearing this, Xing Qiu hesitated. Could she really be wrong?
Seeing this, Wu Yi shook his head.
“When the results come out, you’ll see I’m right. The Japanese are better and more suitable than Su Ning.”
At that moment, the door was pushed open.
Wu’s father’s face was ashen.
Wu Xuewen’s heart skipped a beat. He instinctively thought of what his father had just said.
His mind was in turmoil.
What if his grandfather refused to let his mother in?
Wu Yi thought the same and hurried to explain, “Xiao Qiu was just being childish. I already said—”
Smack.
A sharp slap cut through the air.
“Wretched son!”
Wu’s father’s anger flared like a storm.
