"No, please give me five days, please!"
"...If I cannot rescue Ning Xian, I will not act rashly."
Bai Mo sensed that Feng had softened and breathed a sigh of relief. "I know. My desire to save Ning Xian is the same as yours." Feng probably knew this. It was precisely because she knew that she dared to try and entrust the matter to Bai Mo. Bai Mo nodded slightly gratefully to him, not for any other reason than that Feng believed in his feelings for Ning Xian and that he, an "outsider," was willing to let him get involved. He immediately turned around, his white robes fluttering, and rushed out the door.
Chapter 86 Bai Mo Makes His Move (from "My Wife Climbs the Wall") by Lian Zhi Qingting
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The Misty Rain Pavilion is located in Jiangcheng, and the Bai family is involved in 30% of the business transactions in Jiangcheng. The rest are mostly handled by business people with whom they have dealings.
The renovation of Yanyu Pavilion is a recent event.
Bai Mo, on one hand, asked Jin Na Luo to send a message back to Youming Heaven to obtain the original architectural map of Yanyu Pavilion, and on the other hand, he invited various craftsmen skilled in mechanisms and components. Running around everywhere, within three days he contacted and established supply channels for more than a dozen suppliers of wood, materials, and components used in the renovation of Yanyu Pavilion, and found out the types and quantities of materials to be purchased. He also bribed several craftsmen hired during the renovation, and together with the craftsmen skilled in mechanisms and the original map, they calculated the approximate number and types of mechanisms in various places.
The eldest son naturally wouldn't let outsiders handle the intricate mechanisms; he used only the people he brought with him. However, a large number of crudely made mechanisms couldn't be completed by just a few people.
Especially for uniquely shaped items like crossbow mounts and flip-up mechanisms, the carpenter's description alone was enough to make a deduction. Therefore, with the cooperation of the craftsmen, a deduced diagram of the modified mechanisms of the Misty Rain Pavilion was obtained.
On the fifth day, he handed the map to Feng on time and said to him, "I will bring a few people from the Chamber of Commerce and bodyguards to negotiate head-on. The young master of Chongtian Tower should have some reservations, and I will try my best to hold him back. However, Xuanlang Sect is a demonic sect, and it will be difficult to restrain them. Therefore, it is hard to say whether I can succeed here. I will have to put you on the risk."
Feng glanced at the map in her hand and patted Bai Mo on the shoulder. "It's hard to say whether it was risky or not, but you've already helped a lot." Without what Bai Mo had done, they would have faced even greater dangers.
How many people are going?
"The fewer the better. I'll go alone to avoid alerting the Xuanlang Sect," Feng said to Luo Hou.
"You're alone? That's too dangerous. You need at least one person to help you..."
Feng gently shook her head. "I've seen the traps of Chongtian Tower before. Among the others here, you, Kinnara, have the best martial arts skills, but your style isn't suited for navigating traps, let alone the others. Adding another person increases the chances of being discovered." "But there's still Du Zhengnian!" Luo Hou pointed out the crux of the matter. "You might be able to rescue Ning Xian, but there's also Du Zhengnian, who doesn't know martial arts. How are you going to bring them both out by yourself?"
Feng frowned for a moment, then said, "...Then I'll leave it to Kinnara."
Kinnara felt awkward being asked a favor by Feng Yi, and chuckled, "Not at all."
Luo Hou sighed; it seemed he had no choice but to wait here.
After Feng and Kinnara left, Bai Mofang smiled silently. This was all he could do... He had always felt that he couldn't help much, and this was the only thing he could do.
“I should go now; the people I asked to help are still waiting for me.” He nodded to Luo Hou and then walked out the door.
Inside the Misty Rain Pavilion, even the cunning eldest son, Zuo Ci, probably never expected that the person who came would be Bai Mo. This person had never been on his radar.
"Young Master Bai."
He maintained his smiling, respectful, and humble demeanor, asking with a smile, "Young Master Bai and the others, what brings you here?" Bai Mo returned the greeting, his expression still polite, but his tone spoke volumes, "Young Master Zuo, I think you can guess who I'm here for."
"I thought Young Master Bai wouldn't get involved in the affairs of the martial arts world."
"I, Bai, naturally don't concern myself with the grudges of the martial world, but how can I stand idly by regarding my wife's matter? I don't want to make things difficult for Young Master Zuo. Businessmen value harmony. As long as Young Master Zuo releases my wife and she returns home safely with me, everything will be fine—" Zuo Ci smiled slightly, his eyes narrowing. "It seems Young Master Bai has more to say?"
Bai Mo took out a stack of blueprints, flattened them, and slowly pushed them over.
Zuo Ci took it, glanced at it briefly, and the smile on his face slowly faded. Bai Mo remained calm and composed, saying to him, "Of course, this is just a small schematic diagram of the Misty Rain Pavilion, which Young Master Zuo probably wouldn't care about. But since I was able to obtain the schematic diagram of the Misty Rain Pavilion, it wouldn't be difficult for me to obtain the one for the Sky Soaring Tower—Young Master Zuo doesn't want to expose the entire Sky Soaring Tower's schematic diagram to the world because of one person's grudge, does he? Even if the Sky Soaring Tower can be rebuilt—without the materials, even a skilled cook can't cook without rice. Don't you think so, Young Master Zuo? —I think Young Master Zuo doesn't need to rack his brains anymore. The craftsmen and material dealers who were once employed by the Sky Soaring Tower are now under the protection of the Chamber of Commerce. After all, the Sky Soaring Tower isn't a gangster; surely they wouldn't do such a low-down thing as murder to silence witnesses?"
Zuo Ci's smile returned as he put down the drawing. "Isn't what Young Master Bai is doing now considered low-class?" "For my wife's sake, I, Bai, am truly helpless." He gestured to the two people beside him and said, "These two are both influential figures in the Jiangcheng Chamber of Commerce. I, Bai, hereby make a promise that as long as my wife returns safely, I guarantee I will never again inquire about Chongtian Tower. If Young Master Zuo still doesn't believe me, I can withdraw from all my business related to building materials in Jiangcheng."
"Young Master Bai has made a great sacrifice for your wife."
"We've been husband and wife, so this is only natural." Now that Bai Mo has the upper hand, even if Zuo Ci is cunning, Chongtianlou is still in his hands. Although it's against the rules, if Bai Mo really goes all out and completely monopolizes Chongtianlou's business, even Zuo Ci can't do anything about it.
“Very well, Young Master Bai and his wife are a loving couple, and Zuo Ci can’t insist that Mrs. Bai stay here as a guest. However, Zuo Ci is not in charge here now, as Young Master Bai is probably aware of. The Xuanlang Sect is a gang in the underworld, and they may not be willing to listen to this. I will go and discuss it with them now, and I will definitely give Young Master Bai a satisfactory answer as soon as possible.”
The so-called behind-the-scenes manipulator refers to a cunning person like Zuo Ci. He is the one instigating and provoking the Xuanlang Sect's actions, but he hides behind the Xuanlang Sect. No matter what happens, as long as the Xuanlang Sect is brought into the picture, others may see the truth, but they cannot catch him.
Bai Mo knew that Zuo Ci wouldn't hand over Ning Xian so easily. All he had to do was try to distract Zuo Ci and the Xuanlang Sect so that Feng could successfully rescue Ning Xian...
The buildings are shrouded in mist and rain, with towering pavilions upon towers, but no one knows which one Ning Xian is imprisoned in.
Chapter 87 Rescue Operation (from "The Story of My Wife Climbing the Wall") by Lian Zhi Qingting.
Zuo Ci emerged from the front hall, unaware that two figures, who had already infiltrated the Misty Rain Pavilion, were quietly following him, given his mediocre martial arts skills. The Misty Rain Pavilion was shrouded in layers of buildings; locating Ning Xian based solely on deduction was difficult. Although Zuo Ci hadn't gone directly to Ning Xian's location, he figured it couldn't be too far away. Feng and Kinnara glanced at the map in their hands, analyzed the terrain of the nearby courtyards to narrow down the search area, and then gestured for the two to split up—
Ning Xian, having finished his meal, came out of the house, scattering fallen leaves under his feet. He said to Yue Ji, who was inside sullenly clearing away the dishes, "Look, the doorway is almost completely buried—"
"I'll go sweep right now—" Du Zhengnian was interrupted by Ning Xian's glare before she could finish speaking. "Are you bored? Tell Yue Ji to sweep!" A clattering sound erupted inside as Yue Ji slammed down her bowls and chopsticks and stormed out, shouting, "I quit!"
Ning Xian didn't even look at her, gave a cold laugh, and said to Du Zhengnian, "Tie her up and throw her in the hut. Don't give her any food or water, and don't let her use the latrine—after you're done tying her up, come back and clean this place up."
"Hey!" Du Zhengnian was a good comrade who obeyed orders without saying a word. Yue Ji had only made a few noises before Du Zhengnian picked up the rag he was using to clean the table and stuffed it into her mouth, leaving only muffled whimpers.
Ning Xian glanced at the grime-covered rag, stained with some kind of vegetable soup, with disgust, and said with a sickening expression, "Du Zhengnian, could you at least find a handkerchief? It's disgusting to look at—don't bother changing it, it's already stuffed in, just leave it there."
I wonder what a person who rushed to rescue someone with great anxiety and risked their life would think if they saw that the person they were trying to save was not only safe and sound, but was also running around and causing trouble inside the enemy's territory.
Ning Xian stood at the doorway, staring at the sky and sighing, complaining that it was too stuffy in there. Suddenly, a figure descended from the roof behind her. She almost cried out in surprise, but her mouth was covered by a hand. A familiar scent came from that hand—
"Hmm? Hmm—" She pried the hand away, turned her head, saw who it was, pushed the door open, closed it, and glanced outside.
Du Zhengnian, who was tidying up the table, looked up when he heard the commotion. He nodded when he saw the person who came in and said with a smile, "Uncle Huang, it's been a long time."
"..." Did these two people even know where they were or what they were doing here?
Ning Xian turned around after confirming that no one was outside the door. "What are you doing here! Don't you know that the eldest young master came here to lure you here!?" Feng looked at her with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. She seemed to be doing well, and even appeared to have gained a little weight. She couldn't help but pinch her cheek. "You've gained weight."
Ning Xian slapped his hand away with a sour face, "Nonsense, all you do here is eat and sleep all day, you can't do anything, of course you'll gain weight." Feng smiled at her sour face, "It's okay, it'll be more comfortable to hug you if you gain a little weight."
Ning Xian gave a dry laugh—"Lord Feng, you're not suited to telling such lame jokes at all."
"You came alone?"
"No, Kinnara is here too."
Ning Xian nodded. "Since we're already here, let's run. If I drag you into this mess, I'll be in big trouble. I can't use my true energy right now, so Du Zhengnian and I will have to be taken out by someone else—Du Zhengnian, what are you doing! What time is it and you're still cleaning up the dishes?!" He turned his head and glanced at Yue Ji, who was still tied up against the wall. When she realized someone had come to rescue her, she widened her eyes and whimpered.
"If you hadn't called me, I would have completely forgotten about you. What am I supposed to do with you? Should I gouge out your eyeballs and give them to Hua Hua? But I'm afraid it'll be too hot, and he'll find them disgusting if they smell bad."
"Waaaaah—waaaaaah—"
"I can't understand you even if you whimper. You think everyone is as heartless as you? Tch, I don't even care about your rotten eyes. Luckily, Hua Hua's eyes can be saved. If he really went blind, I'd poke yours out! Well, girl, I'm leaving. I don't have time for you. I'll let you off this time because you and Bai Momo were lovers. Don't let me see you again!"
She straightened up and asked, "How is the guarding here?"
“I’ve tried twice. Although the courtyard is relatively spacious, it’s definitely not that easy once you step outside. You’re okay on your own, but if you add me and Du Zhengnian, there’s absolutely no way you’ll get out.”
Feng nodded to indicate that she understood. "Any suggestions?"
"Yes, a great opportunity is coming your way soon."
"Chance?"
"right."
As they were talking, footsteps sounded in the courtyard. Ning Xian pushed Feng into the inner room, kicked Yue Ji against the wall, and then opened the door. "So late today? I've been waiting for you."
"Lord Jialing." Zuo Xuan was still dressed in pink today, with large dark pink flowers printed on her light pink clothes. She was carrying grapes and dragging her feet over without lifting them, and she was polite but still a little dazed.
Upon entering the room, he was taken aback when he saw Yue Ji bound against the wall. "This..."
"She made a mistake, it's just a lesson for her, don't worry about it."
Well… he doesn’t mind… but… “Lord Jialing, she’s with the Xuanlang Sect now. What if she goes to complain…”
"Don't worry, let her sue. I'm leaving anyway."
"Leave? Zuo Ci is willing to let you go?"
"Tch, wait for him to release me? -- It's not him who releases me, it's you who releases me."
"Huh? Me?" Zuo Xuan pointed to herself in confusion. Ning Xian nodded with a smile and replied, "Yes." Then a cold sword was placed against Zuo Xuan's neck.
"Feng, Lord Feng!? Then, this is..."
Ning Xian continued to smile and replied, "Yes, you are a hostage."
Oh dear... My friend, who's been crying for years, is on the verge of tears.
Even with hostages in hand, they still tried to avoid being exposed before reuniting with Kinnara. Only Feng could protect them here, but with a hostage, Zuo Xuan, and a burdensome Du Zhengnian, Feng dared not risk Ning Xian.
After asking Zuo Xuan about the guards' positions, they chose a secluded path. Just as the guards were about to make a move, Feng pushed Zuo Xuan in front of her and said coldly, "Don't move, and don't make a sound!"
The group looked at each other, but out of consideration for Zuo Xuan, they ultimately obeyed.
Ning Xian stepped forward and pressed their pressure points, and the four of them made it through relatively smoothly without any major incidents.
"Feng, we'll be discovered soon if we do this..."
"Don't worry, as soon as we see Kinnara, we'll rush out as quickly as possible. If we can't escape, we'll go to the front hall. Once you get to Bai Mo, the young master won't let anyone touch you in front of him."
"White Touch is here too?"
Feng nodded and said truthfully, "We owe it all to him this time."
Ning Xian found it hard to imagine what Bai Mo could do, and nodded with some skepticism.
"Hey, you guys are here—"
As soon as Kinnara appeared, Feng pushed Du Zhengnian to him, saying, "You take him with you. No matter which way you break out, they shouldn't pay attention to you. I'll take Ning Xian to the front hall to find Bai Mo."
"Hey, are you guys alright?" Kinnara asked with some worry, feeling uneasy no matter what. He knew very well that if they were discovered, all attention would be on Feng and Ningxian, and no one would bother with Du Zhengnian. And if they went together, and someone captured Du Zhengnian to use as leverage, it would only be a burden.
He glanced at Du Zhengnian, a chill running through him—the resemblance was uncanny. Anyone who didn't know better would think it was Du Cisheng who had risen from the dead. No wonder Duan Xian'er couldn't abandon him—if they could leave him here now, their chances of escaping would be much greater. …Should he just leave him here later, then go and meet up with Feng and Duan Xian'er, saying this guy accidentally died? Just as he was pondering this, Feng suddenly patted his shoulder, as if reading his mind, and coldly said, "Don't think about unnecessary things; Ning Xian won't be happy."
Kinnara chuckled awkwardly, "Then be careful, I'm leaving." He grabbed Du Zhengnian, and seeing his timid and hesitant appearance made him want to beat him up. How could this guy be so different from Du Cisheng? "What are you standing there for? Let's go!"
"But they..."
"But what? Come with me!"