The night is already deep.
The rain outside the clay kiln gradually subsided, leaving only the water dripping under the eaves, monotonously tapping on the stone steps, as if beating a dull rhythm for this hasty parting. Inside the cave dwelling, the light was even dimmer than before. To save the oil for the lamps, only two small oil lamps with a faint air were left, barely illuminating a small area in the center.
The air was filled with an indescribable sense of tension, mixed with the dampness of the earth, the smell of human sweat, and... A peculiar and oppressive commotion before a resolute departure.
Shen Ruoxin stood in the center of that dim yellow halo, her expression flickering in the flickering firelight, but her eyes were exceptionally determined. On the ground in front of her, several yellowed sheets of paper were spread out. They were the simple maps of the Black Wind Peak and its surrounding terrain that Uncle Wang had drawn overnight based on his memory and previous scattered records. They were much more detailed than the maps bought from the villagers.
"... Black Wind is surrounded by mountains on three sides and has only one narrow passage for entry and exit. It is easy to defend but difficult to attack. Wang Bo's voice was deep and hoarse. He pointed at the marked points on the map and said, "Zhao Ba PI's lair is in this concave area of the inner mountain. There are light and dark checkpoints outside. It is said that there are more than ten fierce dogs. Ordinary people simply can't get close."
Shen Ruoxin's eyes were fixed tightly on the red dot circled with cinnabar on the map, and her mind was rapidly calculating the route, time, and... The possibility of them launching a strong attack with just a few hands.
Just then, a rustling sound came from the depths of the cave dwelling. Afu and two other capable members of the "Dandelion" team staggered out, carrying a heavy wooden box tightly wrapped in coarse cloth. Their steps trudged on the damp ground, making a hishing sound.
The box was carefully placed at Shen Ruoxin's feet.
Second Miss, things... It's all here. Afu wiped the sweat from his forehead and said in a low voice.
In this box, what is contained is not gold and silver treasures, but something more important than gold and silver - that is the fundamental basis for the survival of the Jinxiu Pavilion and also the greatest support for their future comeback: the most core batch of embroidery sample drafts, the color-matching secret recipes accumulated by several generations of embroiderers, all the handwritten notes left by Shen's father in his later years when he studied that "peculiar silk thread", and... The only remaining contact information and secret code base of the "Dandelion" network that Wang Bo wrote down from memory with his astonishing memory.
These were the last and most precious "sparks" they had rescued from the dilapidated ship of the soon-to-capsize Jinxiu Pavilion.
Shen Ruoxin squatted down and gently touched the rough lid of the box. The cold wooden touch came from her fingertips, making her heart, which had almost become numb from despair, feel a bit of a heavy weight again.
And this one. Uncle Wang took out a thick stack of things wrapped in oiled paper from his bosom and handed it to Shen Ruoxin, "This is..." What Sun Dayong and the others collected about Zhao Babapi and the people behind him... Trafficking in and abusing people... Some evidence, signatures with witnesses, and... Several blood-stained clothes...
Shen Ruoxin took the stack of heavy "evidence of guilt", her fingers trembling slightly. How many innocent people's blood, tears and wronged souls are condensed here! This is also their trip... The only "weapon" and "great righteousness" lies there.
Second Miss, these things... How can I take it away? Looking at the heavy wooden box and the thick stack of "evidence of guilt", Afu asked with concern, "The target is too big. What if we run into a checkpoint on the way..."
There won't be any inspection. Shen Ruoxin slowly stood up, with no expression on her face, but her tone carried an almost strange calmness, "Because..." These things are not what we are going to "take away secretly", but... My elder brother Shen Yu is going to "openly and honorably" transport away the "wedding funds".
What? ! Big... The marriage funds of the eldest young master? Afu and several other "Dandelion" members around him, who were completely at a loss, were all stunned, their faces full of disbelief.
Wang Bo and Sun Dayong exchanged a glance, a glimmer of understanding flashing in their eyes. Then they both lowered their heads to hide the complex emotions in their eyes.
"Exactly." Shen Ruoxin's lips curved into a cold, sarcastic tone. "Isn't my good elder brother in a hurry to take control of the Brocade Pavilion and flatter the new master to seek credit?" Didn't we already agree with Su Ji to pay 30% of the price of the Splendid Pavilion as a "tribute" to Lord Zhao?
Her voice suddenly turned sharp, carrying an uncontrollable hatred: "He's so 'ambitious', so eager to climb another branch. As his sister, how could I not' help him out '?" This batch of "valuable items", just consider it as me... Prepare the "gift" and "dowry" for him in advance!
Her words were like cold knives, stabbing everyone present with a chill in their hearts. The use of the name of the elder brother who is about to marry the daughter of an enemy (Miss Su) to transfer the last assets of the family, the desolation, satire and determination in this process make the air seem to freeze.
"But..." How can this be disguised? "Box..." Afu was still a little worried.
Well, I've already thought it through. Shen Ruoxin looked at Uncle Wang and said, "Uncle Wang, outside the box, use the leftovers from our storehouse..." The most common but also the strongest blue cloth is wrapped again. Find a few more thick hemp ropes and tie them firmly. It seems, just like... A container for transporting common fabrics or sundries.
She paused for a moment and continued, "As for the name..." Just say... The eldest son of the Shen family specially bought a batch from other places to prepare for his wedding... The "greeting gift" prepared for the future Yue family, or... It is the precious fabric prepared for the bride to be kept at the bottom of the box. Time is pressing. Let's transport it to the village outside the city for temporary storage first.
This statement, although a bit far-fetched, does make sense in the context of Shen Yu's impending marriage alliance with the Su family. After all, for wealthy families, the preparations before marriage and the exchange of various items are inherently complicated.
"Well..." Where are the accounts? Uncle Wang asked, "This is the key point." Just having arguments is not enough; there must be corresponding "evidence" to support it, just in case.
"Well, I'll have to work hard on you, Uncle Wang." Shen Ruoxin's gaze fell upon Uncle Wang, with a hint of apology and trust. "We need..." Make a "false account".
"False accounts?"
Yes, one... It is specifically used to deal with "unexpected" false accounts. Shen Ruoqi explained, "It doesn't need to be overly complicated. Just follow the format of our daily transactions when buying fabrics and paying deposits, and make a few records." For example: "Advance a certain amount of silver for the eldest son's wedding to purchase Suzhou-Hangzhou tribute satin", or "Pay a deposit to a certain business firm to customize wedding embroidery"... The time is written at... A few days before the Jinxiu Pavilion was sealed up.
She looked at Uncle Wang and said, "This account book doesn't need to be hidden. It was' accidentally 'left behind..." The small courtyard where you lived before in Pingjiang Prefecture. In case... I mean, in case someone finds out where we used to stay and discovers this account book, they will only think... This is a normal pre-marital financial transaction within the Shen family. Instead, it can confirm the "rationality" of our transfer of these "materials".
Wang Bo instantly understood Shen Ruoxin's intention. This false account is not to be made flawless, but to create a false impression of being "reasonable and sensible", a smokscreen of "internal affairs"! It is like a disguise, covering up the fact that what is truly important has been diverted.
"Old slave understands!" Uncle Wang nodded solemnly, "Only..." This requires time, and... The seals and account book papers from the previous Jinxiu Pavilion are needed...
"Seal..." There should still be backups on Sister Mo LAN's side. Paper... Use what we have left and age it. Shen Ruoxin looked at A Fu and said, "A Fu, immediately send the most smart and unremarkable person to sneak back to the area near Pingjiang Prefecture and try to contact the secret line that Sister Mo LAN left outside!" Tell her that we need seals! And... Let her figure out a way to find out the specific situation of the Splendid Pavilion after it was raided, as well as... Get the whereabouts of the two of them out as soon as possible! At all costs!
"Yes!" Afu accepted the order and immediately turned around to make arrangements.
"Sun Dayong," Shen Ruoxin turned to Sun Dayong again, "Take a few people and be responsible for disguising and wrapping this box and that 'evidence of guilt' well." Move quickly and leave no trace!
"Understood!" Sun Dayong replied.
"The rest," Shen Ruoxin's gaze swept over the excess "Dandelion" members and the two women, "pack up!" Only bring necessities and self-defense items! "Ready to set off at any time!"