267: With ingenious strategies and clever tactics, they demonstrated their skill in compromise and struggle.

Inside the study of the Zhou residence in Sword Tower City, Zhou Qingfeng, Xiao Hongyun, Old Cripple, and Zhi Qi were reviewing the moonshine accounts and name list, brainstorming and discussing a detailed, foolproof plan.

Zhou Qingfeng held a copy of the accounts, standing before the heater as he read them. He remarked, "Zhai Xingyuan laid this trap to drive me into a corner, leaving me unable to advance or retreat. I cannot arrest him, yet I cannot release him either. In your opinion, how should I respond?"

Xiao Hongyun sat in a chair, sipping tea while studying the list in his hand. He said thoughtfully, "Old Zhou, there's one thing I need to clarify. Is this the complete list of names and accounts for everyone involved in the moonshine business dividends that Zhai Xingyuan has?"

Zhou Qingfeng said indifferently, "What do you think?"

Xiao Hongyun rubbed his chin. "If it were me, I would definitely hide the most critical names and accounts of high-ranking officials. Those are the key bargaining chips to manipulate and check you. How could he let you know everything?"

Zhou Qingfeng said, "Mm, let's assume for now that he has hidden some of the key names and accounts."

Xiao Hongyun pondered for a moment before saying, "Hand over all the moonshine dividend accounts and the list to the Madam. A corruption case of this scale involves too many high-ranking officials; it's no longer something you can resolve."

Zhi Qi said, "No, I disagree. Lord Xiao, with all due respect, once this is reported, it would be pushing the Young Lord into a pit of fire. At that point, we would completely lose control over the situation. Regardless of how the higher-ups handle it, the Young Lord will offend a large number of high-ranking officials and nobles."

"Don't just look at these as individual names; behind them are their families and powers."

"Enough ants can bite an elephant to death, let alone a pack of jackals, wolves, tigers, and leopards. They wouldn't dare to hate the Madam or seek revenge against her, but would they dare not to secretly retaliate against the Young Lord? Once they attack in a group, how could the Young Lord possibly withstand it?"

Xiao Hongyun was slightly taken aback, then nodded in agreement. "Well said. This matter indeed cannot be reported; I lacked consideration. I was thinking that the Madam dotes on Old Zhou the most and would surely provide cover for him. Zhi Qi, what do you think we should do to help Old Zhou get through this crisis?"

Zhi Qi frowned deeply. "I don't know what to do, but I know that such a massive bomb absolutely cannot be detonated publicly. Otherwise, whether others die or not is unknown, but being so close, we would definitely be blown to death or crippled."

Zhi Qi had a clear understanding of himself. In terms of strategy, he was inferior to the Young Lord; in making money, he was inferior to Jin Wei; and in worldly wisdom and cautious stability, he was even further behind. However, he was better at adapting to circumstances and was brave enough to fight. The more dangerous the situation, the calmer his mind became. Coupled with a bit of cleverness and quick wit, that was the extent of it.

To Zhi Qi, Zhou Qingfeng was his heaven. If something happened to Zhou Qingfeng, it would be like the sky falling. Now that Jin Wei was not by the Young Lord's side, he had to protect the Young Lord's safety and future even more, fulfilling his role as a right-hand man.

Old Cripple sat in his seat, holding his cane, and said calmly, "It's a stalemate."

Zhou Qingfeng turned to look at the composed Old Cripple and asked for advice, "Does Mister Liao have a good strategy?"

Hearing this, Xiao Hongyun and Zhi Qi also looked toward Old Cripple one after another.

They held great awe for this enigmatic lame old man. Not only was his combat power high, but he also seemed strong in other aspects. For instance, when he played chess with Zhou Qingfeng before, he seemed to have predicted today's stalemate.

Old Cripple smiled slightly and pointed to his head. "You can't arrest him, you can't release him, and you can't report it. Little Qingfeng, when you are deep in a predicament, that is the true moment to test your wisdom. Think hard, think again. I believe that with your wisdom, you will surely find a way out."

Zhou Qingfeng took a deep breath and slowly closed his eyes, searching through all the knowledge he had acquired in his life to find a way to break the deadlock. Memories of his youth gradually became clear, and scenes of his father teaching him surfaced.

Suddenly, a flash of inspiration passed through his mind, like a sudden epiphany.

He remembered the words his father had once taught him.

"Compromise is for the sake of struggle, and struggle is also for the sake of compromise."

"I know you don't understand; you think this is just nonsense. But I tell you, when the day comes that you take charge of the Family business, you will face incredibly complex matters and characters that will leave you helpless."

"At such times, short-term compromise is to gain more time and space to better prepare for the next move. Then, through struggle, you gradually divide and disintegrate the enemy's forces, and finally solve the problem completely."

Zhou Qingfeng took a deep breath. The thoughts in his mind were like exploding fireworks, as if a new line of thinking had opened up. Countless fragmented plans were continuously being pieced together and reconstructed in his mind.

Given the current situation, he could neither advance nor retreat.

Then he would compromise temporarily, but it couldn't be just a compromise. Pure compromise was a manifestation of being manipulated and being cowardly and incompetent. Only by struggling within compromise and compromising within struggle could he get rid of Zhai Xingyuan.

A complete plan gradually emerged in Zhou Qingfeng's heart.

To verify the conjecture in his heart, Zhou Qingfeng slowly summoned the crimson fortune-telling cylinder in the depths of his consciousness.

He muttered silently: Shake the lot!

[Middle Auspicious Lot: Struggle within compromise, compromise within struggle. Auspicious.]

Seeing this, Zhou Qingfeng's chest suddenly broadened, his eyes cleared, and he looked radiant. The smile of someone who had everything under control and was full of confidence returned to the corners of his mouth. He cupped his fists in a salute to Old Cripple from a distance: "Thank you for the guidance, Mister Liao."

Old Cripple gave a light laugh. "It seems you have an idea."

Zhou Qingfeng nodded with a smile. In the darkness, his father's towering figure rose even higher. He had thought that he no longer needed his father's guidance for his future life, but he was wrong. His father's earnest teachings were like a guiding light in the darkness, leading him through the raging waves.

"Zhi Qi, immediately send people to deliver visiting cards to the Ma and Mao residences."

Hearing this, Zhi Qi immediately cupped his fists and took the order: "Yes, Young Lord."

A moment later, Zhou Qingfeng personally visited Ma Dalang. After a secret discussion, he went to visit the Mao residence and had a secret talk with Mao Erlang for a while. Finally, he asked the two brothers to help act as mediators.

It wasn't that Zhou Qingfeng couldn't secretly meet the high-ranking officials on the dividend list, but the key was that if a problem arose without a buffer in the middle, a conflict could easily break out, leaving no room for maneuver.

Therefore, he needed high-ranking officials who were relatively friendly to him to mediate in the middle.

Why not let Qiu Chengde step forward? Because if Qiu Chengde knew about this, it would be the same as the First Madam knowing. If the First Madam knew, it would be no different from reporting it, and the matter would immediately spiral out of control. Thus, the only ones in the Sword Tower who were quite friendly to him and remained outside the situation were Ma Dalang and Mao Erlang.

Ma Dalang agreed without hesitation. If the Fourth Son had a request, he, as the eldest brother, would go all out. On one hand, he still coveted the Fourth Son and wanted to bring him under his command. On the other hand, he knew that no effort would be in vain; the Fourth Son remembered his kindness and was a grateful person who would repay him whenever there was an opportunity.

Mao Erlang was much simpler. As soon as he heard the eldest brother was stepping up to settle things for the Fourth Son, how could he let the Fourth Son be pulled over by the eldest? He had to get involved no matter what; he absolutely could not let the Fourth Son fall into the eldest brother's camp.

At this moment, three of the four powerful Young Lords of the Sword Tower were on a Painted Boat by the riverbank. Any one of these three was a major figure whose stomp would make the entire Sword Tower tremble.

Sitting opposite them was also a figure holding great power: Hall Master Tuoba of the Punishment Hall, a Shishang Realm Cultivator. He stood on equal footing with Hall Master Jiang of the Reward and Virtue Hall and was directly under the jurisdiction of the City Lord's Manor. He could be described as holding a high position with great authority.

Ordinary people had no chance of seeing Hall Master Tuoba, because usually, those who could see him were high-ranking officials and nobles who had committed great crimes. They either came to receive punishment or were thrown into the dungeon to wait for death.

Zhou Qingfeng had never been to the Punishment Hall, so he naturally didn't know Hall Master Tuoba. However, he had heard of him. He was known for seeking revenge for even the smallest grievance and for being ruthless in his work. Once in his hands, let alone high-ranking officials, even a Young Lord of The First Family would be beaten half-dead for making a mistake. He was a notorious cruel official.

Hall Master Tuoba showed a dignified expression, remaining neither humble nor arrogant even when facing three Young Lords. "Fourth Young Lord, I heard from Young Lord Ma that you wanted to meet me. I wonder what this is about?"

Ma Dalang patted Zhou Qingfeng's arm and said with a smile, "Old Fourth, this is a private meeting. You can just call him Uncle Tuoba. Uncle Tuoba is of the same generation as your Master. If you have something to say, speak plainly; don't have any reservations."

Hearing this, Zhou Qingfeng nodded and took out the prepared moonshine accounts and name list, placing them on the table. "Uncle Tuoba, these are the moonshine dividend accounts and name list that I searched from Zhai Xingyuan's home. Please take a look."

Hall Master Tuoba glanced at the accounts and the list expressionlessly. His expression didn't fluctuate at all, and he didn't seem panicked in the slightest because of the exposure of his involvement in the moonshine dividends. He said indifferently, "Are you trying to threaten me?"

The atmosphere inside the Painted Boat's cabin suddenly turned cold.

Seeing that the atmosphere was wrong, Zhou Qingfeng immediately chose to stay silent. At this moment, no matter what he said, the other party would think he was threatening him, and they might flip the table at any moment. That was why he had invited Ma and Mao to step forward.

Seeing this, Ma Dalang laughed loudly. "Uncle Tuoba, look at what you're saying. Isn't this a misunderstanding? You are our elder and a hero of the Sword Tower. How would we Juniors dare to threaten you?"

As he spoke, Ma Dalang picked up the wine pot to smooth things over, standing up to pour wine for Hall Master Tuoba. "Uncle Tuoba, Old Fourth is young and timid. He really hasn't seen much of the world; don't scare him."

"Old Fourth simply found your name in these moonshine accounts and list, so he quickly asked me to find you. He was worried this matter would affect you and hurried over to discuss what to do."

"I even advised him, saying that Uncle Tuoba has dedicated half his life to our Sword Tower, so what's wrong with taking a little money to enjoy himself? It's just that this matter is a bit large, and Old Fourth can't suppress it alone. It wouldn't be good if it reached Mother."

Hearing this, Hall Master Tuoba's cold expression softened slightly. These pieces of evidence alone couldn't actually shake his position; at most, he would be demoted. In a few years, he could find an opportunity to redeem himself and regain his original post. At his stage, unless he committed a massive blunder, it was basically impossible for enemies to bring him down.

If Zhou Qingfeng really thought he could manipulate him with this little leverage, then he would show Zhou Qingfeng why he was able to become the Hall Master of the Punishment Hall and remain standing despite his reputation as a cruel official.

He was a confidant of the Madam; did they really think he was that easy to handle?

However, since Zhou Qingfeng was so tactful, Hall Master Tuoba naturally accepted the gesture. His gaze toward Zhou Qingfeng became a bit softer as he said, "Fourth Young Lord, I wonder how you want to handle the accounts and the list."

Zhou Qingfeng said with a smile, "Uncle Tuoba, I want to destroy all the accounts and the list. I feel it's better not to expose such things. The impact would be too negative and wouldn't be good for anyone."

Hearing this, Hall Master Tuoba showed a look of appreciation. He finally picked up his wine cup, and even his way of addressing him changed. "Since my nephew is so sensible, I, as your uncle, will accept this favor. In the future, if you have anything, feel free to come to me."

Ma Dalang laughed. He reached out and patted Zhou Qingfeng's shoulder. "Old Fourth, see what I said? Uncle Tuoba is a very friendly and easy-to-talk-to person. All those rumors outside are just slander."

Zhou Qingfeng smiled slightly. He raised his wine cup with both hands, clinking it with Tuoba's in a respectful Junior's etiquette, then tilted his head and drained the wine. This respectful and bold manner made Hall Master Tuoba feel very pleased.

Hall Master Tuoba nodded with a chuckle. "Good, good boy. No wonder the Madam likes you and Chengde likes you. Seeing you, even I like you. You're just a likable child."

Zhou Qingfeng said modestly, "Uncle Tuoba, I have something, though I don't know if I should say it."

Hall Master Tuoba was in a good mood and waved his hand. "Speak, speak freely."

Zhou Qingfeng said, "I won't ask how you received Zhai Xingyuan's dry shares. However, I must remind you that Zhai Xingyuan is a man of deep calculation. Simply destroying the list and accounts concerning you is not enough. I heard him say with my own eyes that there are many backups of the accounts and the list. A person like that has ill intentions; leaving him alive is a hazard."

Hall Master Tuoba frowned. "He is indeed a hazard. What do you want me to do?"

Zhou Qingfeng said, "You don't need to do anything. Just draw a clear line between yourself and Zhai Xingyuan. Leave the rest to me. I will ensure that all the moonshine accounts and lists in Zhai Xingyuan's hands disappear, making sure there are no backups, and I will also make Zhai Xingyuan disappear forever."

Hearing this, Hall Master Tuoba narrowed his eyes. "How can I believe you can achieve that?"

Ma Dalang said with a smile, "I will act as a guarantor. Can Uncle Tuoba rest easy now?"

Hall Master Tuoba shook his head. "Not enough."

"Add me to that."

Hearing this, Hall Master Tuoba scanned Ma Dalang and Mao Erlang, finally letting his gaze rest on Zhou Qingfeng's face. He suddenly laughed. "What good fortune. Zhou Fourth Son, you have two good brothers. Fine, I agree."

Zhou Qingfeng stood up and respectfully cupped his fists. "Thank you for your trust, Uncle Tuoba."

Hall Master Tuoba nodded slightly and stood up. "Nephew, cutting off someone's path to wealth is like killing their parents. It's fine for you to move against Zhai Xingyuan, but you've cut off everyone's under-the-table wealth. This grudge being formed is not small."

"Although you are very sensible and know when to advance or retreat, being able to persuade me doesn't mean you can persuade others."

"Some individuals would even give up their lives for money. Are you prepared to cut your own flesh and bleed?"

Hearing this, Zhou Qingfeng said respectfully, "I am looking at the big picture and don't wish to blow things out of proportion. After all, the impact of this matter is too negative. If some individuals want money over their lives, then I can only give them a boat ticket and make them disappear forever along with Zhai Xingyuan."

The corners of Hall Master Tuoba's mouth curled up slightly as he patted Zhou Qingfeng's arm. "A limitless future, a limitless future indeed!"

With that, Hall Master Tuoba turned and left, striding out of the private cabin.