My book friend Long Aotian

Chapter 167 Three sentences to anger a man

Just as Ma Fulong sealed the letter to Yun Gong, the spies from the Tongwen Bureau showed up at his door.

Of course, they didn't want to arrest anyone. The visitor was very polite and just said, "Moshangsang was set on fire by bandits, and the thieves claimed to be heroes of the Cao Gang, so we specially come to ask Master Ma to go to the bureau to cooperate with the investigation."

The official of the Tongwen Bureau, who was recently called "Black Dog", said politely: "If Master Ma is very busy, you don't have to come first. We are the governor and there is no rush at all."

"..."

Ma Fulong understood.

What this means is - if you don't come, the governor will definitely not be anxious, but the governor will definitely make you anxious.

After much deliberation, Master Ma decided to go with the Tongwen Bureau.

The so-called arson by Cao Gang bandits was definitely Li Bailong's revenge. The so-called invitation to him to assist in the investigation must be no good. If he goes to Tongwen Bureau, he will definitely not get any good results.

However, today he had the unprecedented idea of ​​"introducing Li Bailong into the gang". If Yun Gong also agreed, he would have to repair his relationship with Li Bailong. It would be difficult to refuse him now.

Besides, the canal workers gathered in a mob this morning. As an official, Li Bailong may be smiling on the surface, but he must be very unhappy in his heart. It is normal for him to have resentment... So let's make a sacrifice and let him vent his anger.

He then instructed Ling Daoist: "After I leave, you will take charge of the affairs of the hall for me."

As everyone knows, Yun Gong loved to cultivate and train talents the most in his life.

Taoist Ling is nearly fifty years old this year. At such an old age, he still holds an important position in the Yi sequence of the Ma family and is directly led and commissioned by Lord Yun. This shows his ability to resist optimization.

He didn't need the hall master to say more, and nodded in understanding: "I will talk to Zheng Xiuyuan now."

In any case, the entry of the Cao Gang into Huazhou's cultural and creative industry is a foregone conclusion. Today, we will not hesitate to incite the Cao workers to make Li Bailong give in. The fruits of victory must be realized as soon as possible.

Ma Fulong lowered his voice and said, "First, let's take care of Zheng Xiuyuan's affairs, and then, in his name, make an appointment with the other bosses of the Qushiwen Club..."

Taoist Ling thought for a moment and said, "I don't need to... persuade them to sell their property to us. What's the highest price I can offer? This requires the approval of the hall master."

Master Ma said in a deep voice: "No, we can't buy it now. If we buy it, they will take the money and run away. We in the Cao Gang have never been in the business of selling books. How can we turn it around in a short period of time?"

The Taoist suddenly realized and bowed his head and said, "I was wrong, please forgive me, Master."

——When demonstrating one's abilities, one would also show some harmless negligence from time to time so that the boss could correct him. This is one of Ling Daoren's anti-optimization techniques.

He immediately reacted quickly under the wise advice of the hall master.

"I don't need to... give them some real benefits first, then promise them a pie in the sky, so that they will accept the funds from the Cao Gang and willingly work for us and fight against the Tongwen Bureau!"

Ma Fulong nodded with satisfaction: "I am really relieved when you do things."

"I still need the hall master to remind me from time to time." Ling Daoren said sincerely, "I know my own shortcomings. I am smart, but I am good at making plans but lack decision-making. There must be a captain to steer the ship."

The hall master patted his shoulder affectionately.

The Taoist asked again: "Li Bailong is very cunning and has many tricks. We must be on guard when the hall master goes there. Bring a few brothers with you. Anyway, he said that he is only assisting in the investigation."

Ma Fulong was indeed a little nervous.

Although he was determined to let Li Bailong "vent his anger", he also knew that Li Bailong was a talented but narrow-minded person with a strong desire for revenge, and he had all kinds of tricks and ideas.

It is hard to say what will happen if you fall into this person's hands.

But then I thought...Would it be useful to bring a few brothers over?

Maybe Li Bailong would be even more excited.

They would even plot against and humiliate him in front of their brothers.

There is precedent for this!

Looking at Governor Li's past battle history, it's clear that he's very good at putting his enemies in an awkward position in terms of reputation, honor, and public opinion... For some reason, he seems to be obsessed with bringing disgrace to his opponents.

Maybe it was stimulated by the Fenglin Volcano.

I heard that someone named Wenren used a similar trick to harm him. Li Bailong probably suffered a lot and then used this method next time.

——Damn it, this bastard, instead of killing the tiger, he brought harm to me.

Therefore, it is useless to bring people.

Instead, Li Bailong would take advantage of the situation and expose his miserable side to his brothers in the Cao Gang.

When Ma Fulong thought of this, he said proudly, "Li Bailong is simply resentful because he lost face when the canal workers surrounded the official this morning. He wants to take this opportunity to humiliate me and regain his face."

"We have won today's battle and forced him to give in. It is also the courtesy and magnanimity of the Cao Gang to let him save some face in this insignificant matter... I won't bring anyone with me. I will go by myself!"

Taoist Ling said worriedly: "How can this be possible? If you are..."

"What else can Li Bailong do to me?"

Ma Fulong sneered, "I am the head of Yunhua Hall. Although the court never admits it openly, according to the unspoken rules behind the scenes, as the head of a large state of the Cao Gang, I am almost as high as the prefect in terms of rank. Li Bailong can tease and play tricks on me, but if he dares to hurt me without reason, he will be violating the law of heaven. Not to mention Lord Yun, even the current leader must punish him and protect the face of our gang..."

"If he is blinded by greed and really does this, then I will be so happy!" He laughed proudly, "Mr. Yun has entrusted me with a great responsibility, and I will accomplish it in one fell swoop. This is a great achievement that fell from the sky!"

Taoist Ling was amazed to see him being so fearless and carefree.

But I'm still a little worried.

After all, the sense of oppression that Li Bailong gave them was too strong.

"It's not that I'm being long-winded." Taoist Ling hesitated and said carefully, "With Li Bailong's mind and wisdom, if he can come up with a method of 'not hurting or harming but ultimately humiliating' and use it on the hall master..."

Ma Fulong shuddered when he heard this.

The real horror is not “scary just thinking about it” but “unimaginable”.

But soon, he said decisively: "What are you afraid of! I will bring the cup in, and Brother Wan Yunlong will be watching. If this guy goes too far, I will throw the cup to pray for help. If there is a blessing, I will make Li Bailong suffer!"

Taoist Ling was stunned for a moment, then he grinned knowingly.

In recent years, the Cao Gang has always won more than lost in foreign affairs, whether commercial wars or national wars, as long as they have reasons and grounds, and this is because of the help of Big Brother Wan Yunlong.

Including this trip to Huazhou to deal with Li Bailong, due to path dependence, the Cao Gang's best plan is to "create favorable conditions, ask for blessings from Brother Wan Yunlong", and then defeat Li Bailong head-on with the blessing of divine power.

However, the eldest brother has too many problems, especially when it comes to direct combat blessings, the conditions are even more stringent, and the petitioner needs to explain the situation in detail and prove the opponent's way of death.

And they would almost never agree to requests like “This person is extremely bad, so please, Brother Wan Yunlong, bless me with strength and help me kill him.”

However, if Li Bailong has bad intentions and humiliates him, then Ma Fulun's goal is to protect himself, so the success rate of his prayer cup throwing will be greatly increased... This rule can be used.

"It can only be said that Li Bailong is making trouble out of nothing. Even if he invites punishment from heaven, he is asking for trouble."

Taoist Ling sneered, "After all, we have already reached an agreement in the morning. Both sides have made concessions. Since Li Bailong has agreed to the Cao Gang's participation, we also acquiesce to the Lingyu faction's participation. Everyone will rely on their own abilities from now on. After reaching a consensus, he still secretly plays such a trick. He is playing with fire and getting burned. He is also self-satisfied..."

He does not mean that.

Ma Fulong was startled. "Yes, it has been negotiated and he has achieved his goal. He has used the opportunity of the Cao Gang's entry to reasonably bring the Lingyu Sect into the game. Why does he still want to vent his anger on me?"

Are you simply narrow-minded and only want to vent your anger?
It is not impossible.

But thinking about the deep planning and deep scheming of Li Bailong today, and the genuine smile he showed in front of the canal workers today... Ma Fulong always felt that things were not that simple.

He couldn't help but start recalling what happened this morning.

Thinking of Li Bailong's calmness and kindness when facing the canal workers from beginning to end, thinking of the other party's terrifying intention to take advantage of the situation and drag Lingyu faction into the game... this guy seems too calm.

No...wait.

Memories emerge.

If there is anything unusual...

He finally came close to me for no apparent reason and touched my chest presumptuously.

And suddenly I touched the cup.

"Is your head so big? Why is it in the middle?"

He actually said such outrageous things.

He even pulled my clothes open.

He also asked me for a cup to observe.

Ma Fulong was shaken when he thought of this.

——Li Bailong has realized the weirdness and abnormality of the gathering of the canal workers!
He even began to suspect that it was a problem with the cup!

If we follow this line of thought... then his main purpose in framing the Cao Gang and asking me to go to the Tongwen Bureau to assist in the investigation was not to humiliate or retaliate against me, but to investigate the Bei!

Master Ma secretly exclaimed in dismay.

Everything else is easy to deal with, but if Li Bailong is curious about this, then things will be much more troublesome.

Because he swore an oath to keep it secret!
Li Bailong tried every way to ask him, but due to his oath, he could never tell the truth. However, if he didn't, the corrupt officials would become more and more aggressive and torture him in different ways to force him to submit.

This is called a vicious cycle.

If I don't go, that guy will definitely find a way to mess with me... Ma Fulong's head is as big as a bucket, and he secretly thinks it's troublesome.

Finally, he was very smart. He paced back and forth for a few times, thought it over, and said, "I'll throw the cup again."

In the incense hall, Master Ma burned incense and performed rituals devoutly, holding a cup in his hand, speaking silently to Brother Wan Yunlong. After a sincere communication, he threw the cup in his hand to the ground.

It's the Holy Grail.

Three times in a row, all successful.

Number of rings: one.

What he was praying for now was not a big deal; one link would be enough.

Invisible power fell from the void and merged into the cup.

This means that Brother Wan Yunlong has fulfilled his wish.

Ma Fulong picked up the cup, raised his head and opened his mouth without hesitation.

Gudu, Gudu.

He swallowed two crescent-shaped cups, which were protruding on the outside and flat on the inside.

Although this thing is not big, it is made of hard material and has an irregular shape. Given human physiological functions, it may not be possible to swallow it even if you force yourself to do so, and it will be accompanied by great pain.

However, Ma Fulun ate one at a time, and the Yueyue flowed smoothly down the esophagus and into the stomach, as smooth as if it were lubricated, without any discomfort or pain at all.

After all, his last prayer was for this matter.

"Li Bailong used a trick to lure his disciples to his sect, most likely because he covets the 珣杯. The disciples cannot reveal the secrets of the gang, and they must remain useful and defend their dignity and life, so they resorted to this last resort. They temporarily swallowed the 珣杯 and carried it secretly. Once they need it, they will vomit it out and use it. Brother Wan Yunlong, please forgive me for this blasphemy, and help me so that the 珣杯 will not decay or rot even though it is in my body, and I can store and retrieve it as I wish..."

That's probably what it looks like.

This wish is reasonable and loyalty comes first. Brother Wan Yunlong will never refuse.

The eldest brother was even considerate enough to perform a painless implant for him.

After Ma Fulong had made all the arrangements, he went to find a pair of ordinary 珓 cups. After a little processing, he made them look similar to his own pair of 珓月 cups. He then carried them with him to deal with Li Bailong.

After making preparations, he said goodbye to his deputy and agreed on a time limit with him. If Li Bailong refused to release the person, Taoist Ling would gather his gang members and go to his house to demand the person back.

After everything was arranged and ready, Ma Fulun walked into the gate of Tongwen Bureau alone.

This was his first time entering here. He looked around curiously and felt that it was very lively.

A voice came from the side room: "Sir, what are the conditions for joining the Writers' Guild?"

An official patiently replied: "The hard conditions are the total sales of the work and the copyright adaptation situation..."

Someone in another room said timidly: "I... I'm here to submit an essay..."

The official office on this side seems to be used to handle and connect with private business.

In the room on the other side, there was another movement.

"You can't write like this, it's too non-aggressive and lacks a bit of emotion. Do you understand emotion?"

The voice seemed to be teaching people to write some vulgar words: "For example, here, 'The foot-washing maid has broken her guard again. Why is she pretending to be reasonable? She is just trying to drag people down.' You have fallen into the debate circle that the governor talked about. Listen carefully, we are arguing for the audience to see, so the words we use must be strong and powerful."

“So, you should write…”

The voice paused for a moment, and then changed its tone: "Ahhhh my god, sister, you really are super brave, proud and confident!"

"..."

The silence in the room was just like Master Ma's silence at the moment.

Immediately, everyone who understood applauded.

Ma Fulong's eyes twitched when he heard this.

——What kind of department is this? What kind of subordinates are these Li Bailong!

He stood there and listened around, which made him very conspicuous, so someone came up to him and asked him questions.

Master Ma frankly revealed his identity.

The Cao Gang came to block the government office this morning. The head of the Yunhua Hall did not get a good face here. Ma Fulong was mentally prepared. He stood there for a while facing the cold eyes of the crowd, and then someone came to invite him in.

It is said that Governor Li is working in the second hall, and Hall Master Ma is invited to come over and talk.

As the leader of the Cao Gang, Ma Fulong would naturally not bring shame to his gang. He had a calm face and followed the guide into the Tongwen Hall. It was said that Tongzhi Gao Bijin was lured into the Tongwen Hall and captured, but he was different. He was not a slave of two surnames like Gao Bijin. He had noble blood flowing in his body.

It is said that the six major sects will not be subject to punishment.

If Li Bailong dares to play such a crude and boring trick on him, the Cao Gang will teach him a lesson.

Arriving at the second hall, it was much quieter than the first hall. Even if there were occasional whispers, they were seriously discussing news writing and plot arrangements, and seemed much more elegant than the monsters in the main hall.

Li Bailong was working in the main hall of the second hall. He looked up when he heard the noise.

Seeing Ma Fulong, he was a little surprised: "You came alone?"

Master Ma snorted, showing the magnanimity and pride of a member of the Cao Gang. He was here to assist in the investigation, not a criminal, so Li Bailong had better get his attitude right.

Seeing that he didn't say anything, the officer leading the way replied, "I didn't see anyone else coming."

Upon hearing this, Li Bailong suddenly sighed in disappointment.

——Such an action almost made Ma Fulong furious.

The fish bit me! You really want to humiliate me and undermine my prestige in front of my brothers in the Cao Gang?
He sneered and said sarcastically, "Is the governor disappointed that I came here alone?"

Li Zhishi replied: "Not really."

Ma Fulong said grimly: "Without the brothers from the Cao Gang coming to watch the show, the governor feels that the performance is meaningless, right?"

"really."

Li Bailong rang the bell and called an officer: "Go and call a few newspaper editors, tell them that I want to denounce Master Ma, and ask them to record the truth and print it out for the brothers of the Cao Gang to see."

"..."

A nameless anger arises.

"Li Bailong!" Hall Master Ma shouted, "Is it interesting?"

"interesting."

Li Bailong said lazily: "You gathered the canal workers this morning, surrounded the government office and forced the officials to surrender. This is tantamount to inciting a civil uprising, which is a major taboo of the court..."

Ma Fulong sneered, "Whether it is a taboo in the court or not, your Excellency has no say. If you think the actions of the Cao Gang are inappropriate, feel free to report me."

"Besides, I put the overall situation first and was willing to compromise. I didn't expect that you would be so evil and secretly instigated the gang to burn my property, attack Moshangsang, and scare the people..."

Master Ma said with his hands behind his back, "The governor knows the truth in his heart, and I don't bother to debate it."

This guy is quite calm.

Li Bailong planned to arrest this man in order to exert extreme pressure on him and see if he could force him to throw the cup in order to observe his will. Now it seems that this guy has been prepared?

Aozi clicked his tongue and said, "Can you do this? He doesn't look like he's taking your bait at all!"

What a joke.

There is no man in this world that I can't catch.

Li Bailong slammed the gavel: "How dare you! I asked you to assist in the investigation, but you are so lazy and secretly mock me? Go to the two-limit room and reflect on yourself! You are not allowed to leave until you explain the situation!"

Ma Fulong sneered: "If you want to accuse someone, you can always find a pretext. The Tongwen Bureau is violent, and I am just an honest citizen. I have no power to resist, so I can only obey. I just hope that you can remember the agreement we made this morning. After we have sorted out the relevant information and submitted it, we will allow the Cao Gang to enter Huazhou Cultural and Creative Industry to operate."

Aozi said disdainfully: "Is this your level? Can you do it?"

Li Bailong ignored the taunting.

Facing Ma Fulong's doubts, he nodded and said, "What I say is true. As long as the conditions are met, the six major sects can enter the Huazhou Cultural and Creative Industry and participate in the essay solicitation activities."

Master Ma said calmly, "I hope so."

Before he could finish, he heard Li Zhishi say calmly, "So, I will write a letter back to Baihua Valley and find Seventh Uncle, and ask her to tell the Third and Second Houses about my invitation."

"..."

Ma Fulong's expression froze, and he suddenly had a bad feeling: "...What invitation?"

“Invite them to come to Huazhou to participate in cultural and creative business.”

Li Bailong spread his hands and said, "I agreed to let the Cao Gang in, but I didn't say which branch to let in."

(End of this chapter)