Once I enter the pass, great Confucian scholars will surely debate the classics for me.

Zhao Kuo was brought down by Zhuang Zheng because of a minor flaw he had been caught out of. Furthermore, the new head of the Night Patrol Division was replaced by one of his own people as planned, and the entire plan was successfully completed.

The only drawback was that Zhou Silang was too cunning. Once he saw that things were not going to work out, he decisively protected himself and withdrew, without doing anything behind the scenes, leaving no evidence to catch him.

It's clearly unlikely that they can seize the opportunity to expand their gains and turn the tide by killing Zhou Silang in one fell swoop.

But so be it, such a powerful counterattack is exciting enough.

Zhai Xingyuan took a sip of tea with a smile, played with the two dragon balls in his palm, and looked at Zhuang Zheng sitting opposite him, saying, "Old Zhuang, you have done a great job in this matter. You not only took control of the Night Patrol Division, but also cut off Zhou Silang's arm. Tonight I will be hosting a celebration banquet for you at Yaochi Manor. You must come."

Zhuang Zheng sat relaxed, took a slow sip of tea, then put down the teacup and said with a smile, "I will definitely be there on time."

After a pause, Zhuang Zheng got to the heart of the matter: "Old Zhai, the city lord has set up a new department with functions equivalent to the Night Patrol Department, which is equivalent to splitting the Night Patrol Department's power in half. This is somewhat inconsistent with our plan."

Zhai Xingyuan played with the Dragon Ball and smiled faintly: "Be content. Although we are hampered by the Daytime Bureau, we still control the Nighttime Bureau. With the support of the Nighttime Bureau, we can expand the market for illicit liquor."

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Zheng slapped his thigh and laughed heartily: "That's right, that's right."

Private liquor was a business that Zhai Xingyuan secretly ran, and it was his main source of income. He used almost all the money he made to cultivate relationships, win over officials, and expand his influence. Zhuang Zheng was one of his partners, holding a small portion of the shares, and he received a large share of the profits at the end of each year.

In this turbid and evil world, an era in which everyone suffers greatly, reality is too cruel, and many people harbor bitterness and sorrow in their hearts. Whether mortals or cultivators, the powerful or beggars, they all love to drink.

This is an extremely prosperous liquor market. Even though most people outside the city can't even afford pig feed, liquor is still a best-selling item. There are countless people who spend money to get drunk. All kinds of liquor of various grades and levels are available in a dazzling array. At the same time, those who run liquor businesses also have to pay a heavy tax of 30% to the city lord.

However, with heavy taxes, there will inevitably be people who try to evade and avoid taxes. After all, paying taxes is like cutting off one's own flesh and bleeding; it's no wonder it hurts. Many people are blinded by greed and take risks.

The current bootlegging market in Sword Tower City alone amounts to 512 billion magic coins, a truly alarming figure, as it means the City Lord's Mansion loses 15.36 billion magic coins in tax revenue annually.

Zhai Xingyuan currently controls a private liquor market worth 8.8 billion yuan. As long as the head of the Night Patrol Bureau is one of his own, controls the grassroots security and stability maintenance agencies, avoids investigation by the Night Patrol Bureau, and is even protected by the Night Patrol Bureau, then the private liquor business can be further expanded, and reaching a market of 20 billion yuan is almost no problem.

Ultimately, the goal of vying for power is to seek profit.

Zhai Xingyuan rested his elbow on the armrest, turned to look at Zhuang Zheng with a smile, and pretended to have just remembered something, mentioning a small matter: "Oh right, Lao Zhuang, how many years has your nephew been in the army?"

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Zheng chuckled and said, "This year marks his fifth year, which coincides with the assessment period for promotion to centurion. Unfortunately, the number of centurions is limited, and he doesn't have any military merits. I think he probably has no hope of promotion. Let's leave him be. The child has his own destiny. Let him strive for it himself."

Zhai Xingyuan reached out and patted Zhuang Zheng's arm: "Hey, how can we just abandon him? The child is working hard, but we elders still have to help. I happen to know a few friends in the army, and I also happen to know the commander in charge of your nephew. I've put in a good word for him, and this year your nephew will be promoted to centurion."

"Oh my, Lao Zhai, you've solved a huge problem for me!" Zhuang Zheng quickly feigned surprise, but it was really just an exchange of benefits. It was extremely difficult for Zhuang Zheng to take another step forward, but it would be very easy for the younger generation of the family to take a step forward through this opportunity.

Zhai Xingyuan smiled and said, "We're family, it's only right to help each other out."

Zhuang Zheng nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

Zhai Xingyuan then mentioned something else: "Recently, Zhou Silang's side has been eerily quiet, without any retaliatory actions. Lao Zhuang, you need to be especially careful. You know, a dog that bites doesn't bark."

Zhuang Zheng was unconcerned when he heard this. At first, he was afraid of Zhou Silang's retaliation, and even afraid that if he didn't give Zhou Silang face, Qiu Chengde and the First Lady would deal with him. But he ended up getting away with it. He was so confident that he didn't take Zhou Silang seriously at all, nor did he take Zhai Xingyuan's words to heart.

While Zhuang Zheng and Zhai Xingyuan were preparing to celebrate their victory, Zhou Qingfeng was not idle either. He was planning how to retaliate and secretly met with Bi Muge on a painted boat on the riverbank two and a half minutes away.

Inside the cabin of the pleasure boat, Bi Muge respectfully clasped his hands in a salute: "This humble official greets Commander Zhou."

Zhou Qingfeng took a sip of afternoon tea, smiled faintly, and gestured casually, giving people a feeling of warmth and elegance: "Sit down, Lao Bi, relax. The main reason I asked you to meet me today is to ask you something."

After Bi Muge sat down, he bowed his head and clasped his hands in response: "This humble official will speak frankly and without reservation."

Zhou Qingfeng nodded slightly: "What is Yaochi Manor?"

Upon hearing this, Bi Muge seemed to be pondering for a moment before saying, "Reporting to the Commander, Yaochi Manor appears to be a private plantation on the surface, but it is far from simple, because the behind-the-scenes owner of the manor is Zhai Xingyuan."

Zhou Qingfeng patiently drank his tea, his expression calm, without pressing him for answers. He was waiting for Bi Muge to give a more detailed reply, to see if Bi Muge could reveal some more crucial and confidential information.

Bi Muge pondered for a moment, then said, "Many high-ranking officials and dignitaries associated with the Luo family gang basically discuss business at Yaochi Manor. Furthermore, the manor also has a casino and a group of prostitutes for the entertainment of these high-ranking officials and dignitaries."

“We usually go to Yaochi Manor for our gatherings, and even Teacher Luo has been there a few times.”

"At Yaochi Manor, Zhai Xingyuan used various means to win over high-ranking officials and nobles, satisfying all their physiological and psychological needs. In doing so, he gained leverage over many people and gradually wove a huge network of relationships."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qingfeng chuckled and said, "It seems that this manor hides many unspeakable secrets."

Bi Muge clasped his hands and said, "Commander-in-Chief, tonight Zhai Xingyuan is going to celebrate Zhuang Zheng's victory. Zhai Xingyuan has invited dignitaries from all walks of life to Yaochi Manor. Almost everyone associated with the Luo family gang will be there. Moreover, there are many guards inside and outside the manor. It is impossible for a stranger to get in."

Zhou Qingfeng took a sip of tea and asked slowly, "Hmm, why did Zhuang Zheng and Zhai Xingyuan want to bring down Zhao Kuo? What was their purpose?"

Bi Muge shook his head and said, "I don't know."

Zhou Qingfeng put down his teacup and then posed a crucial question: "Is there anything wrong with Zhuang Zheng?"

Bi Muge clasped his hands in response: "Yes, Zhuang Zheng has appeared very upright to the outside world over the years, but he actually has quite a few problems in private. He has threatened and solicited bribes, abused his power for personal gain, and fabricated false cases. Many people are angry but dare not speak out."