Chapter 177 3/3

Li Qingzhi called each person out, questioning them one by one.

Qian Fugui had brought five people with him this time. One was recently hired and understood the local dialect of Jiang’an Province, and he seemed fine.

Two were servants and bodyguards from the Qian family, and they seemed trustworthy.

The remaining two were assistants cultivated by Qian Fugui, and among them, one showed signs of being problematic.

Li Qingzhi pointed at that individual, informing Qian Fugui, “This person is the one planted beside you.”

Although Qian Fugui didn’t know how Li Qingzhi had uncovered this, he immediately commanded, “Seize him!”

The man attempted to flee, but he was outnumbered and swiftly subdued by the other four.

Qian Fugui didn’t rush to deal with the traitor. Instead, he moved away with Li Qingzhi and inquired, “A-Zhi, where are you currently residing? How can I reach you?”

Initially, Qian Fugui intended for Li Qingzhi to return to the Qian family with him. With his newfound wealth, he could provide Li Qingzhi with a comfortable life! Li Qingzhi had two sons, and perhaps Qian Fugui could even adopt one to inherit the family business. As for his nephew, given his frail health, it was best he remained with a stable family.

“I’m currently living in Chongcheng County.”

“Chongcheng County? I’ve heard of it and was actually planning to visit… Jin Ye Embroidery Workshop is located there.”

“My uncle, Jin Ye Embroidery Workshop is owned by my wife.”

Qian Fugui was astonished. His nephew’s wife was so capable? After his nephew fled to Jiang’an Province in a wretched state, he managed to marry a business-savvy woman?

Wait, did his nephew marry into another family?

Li Qingzhi continued, “My name and identity have changed. I go by Li Qingzhi now. When you return, you can inquire discreetly. If you need to find me, just avoid attracting attention.”

Li Qingzhi briefed Qian Fugui on Chongcheng County, indicating that his residence was near the new dock. If Qian Fugui wished to find him, he just needed to exercise caution.

In this era devoid of surveillance, as long as Qian Fugui made minor disguises, he could evade detection when seeking Li Qingzhi.

As for Li Qingzhi’s intentions… it was nearly the New Year, and Qian Fugui would likely desire to spend it with him.

Li Qingzhi didn’t object to Qian Fugui visiting for the New Year. His family members were trustworthy, and Li Laogen, the only unpredictable factor, was oblivious to everything. By providing Qian Fugui with a fabricated identity, Li Qingzhi could easily deceive him, perhaps by portraying Qian Fugui as an admirer or a learned scholar.

After their conversation, Li Qingzhi departed.

He needed to return home promptly; the personnel from Juwei Zhai were still awaiting him at the dock.

Once Li Qingzhi had left, Qian Fugui took a deep breath.

The frigid air filled his lungs, clearing his mind. With a stern expression, he regarded the individual who betrayed him.

He wasn’t someone to trifle with!

However, how had Li Qingzhi discerned the person’s duplicity?

Regardless of the method, Qian Fugui trusted Li Qingzhi.

Late that night, Qian Fugui returned to the inn.

Upon his arrival, he learned that the Shen family’s servants were waiting for him.

“Master Qian, you’ve returned!” one of the Shen family’s servants spoke formally. “Our master wishes to invite you to dinner.”

Qian Fugui readily agreed, assigning two individuals to accompany him. He then instructed two other reliable individuals, “Keep an eye on Xiao Ba; he’s unwell.”

Xiao Ba was the person who betrayed him.

Although Qian Fugui didn’t resort to violence, he utilized various means to extract information from the traitor. For now, he decided to keep the individual close.

Accompanied by the Shen family’s servant, Qian Fugui proceeded to the Shen family’s residence, where he exchanged pleasantries with Shen Zhilan as usual.

During the meal, Shen Zhilan remarked, “Brother Qian, Quingdu Sanren has delivered the writing materials you requested. However, he claims not to know Li Zhao.”

Quingdu Sanren might not know Li Zhao, but he certainly knew Li Qingzhi!

Suddenly, Qian Fugui recalled that he had forgotten to ask Li Qingzhi about Quingdu Sanren. Nevertheless, whether he inquired or not didn’t seem crucial. Over-enthusiastic questioning might only complicate matters for his nephew.

“That’s unfortunate!” Qian Fugui sighed, accepting the written characters provided by Quingdu Sanren.

The text was a poem composed by an esteemed figure, praising someone. Moreover, Quingdu Sanren’s calligraphy was truly remarkable!

Qian Fugui happily stored away the poem, subsequently praising Quingdu Sanren once again during the meal.

After the compliments, Qian Fugui casually mentioned Jin Ye Embroidery Workshop.

Although he had limited knowledge of the establishment, he knew that its products were innovative and had brought substantial profits to Lü Qingxi.

Upon hearing Qian Fugui’s mention of Jin Ye Embroidery Workshop, Shen Zhilan thought of Li Qingzhi. “Brother Qian, regarding Jin Ye Embroidery Workshop, there’s something you might find surprising.”

“What’s that?” Qian Fugui inquired.

Shen Zhilan disclosed, “The proprietor of Jin Ye Embroidery Workshop is a woman, and her husband is a renowned scholar in our Jiang’an Province. He even achieved distinction in the provincial examinations!”

Qian F

ugui was puzzled. Wasn’t the husband of Jin Ye Embroidery Workshop’s proprietor his nephew, Li Zhao?

“That man is named Li Qingzhi. He’s incredibly talented, and he possesses an exceptional memory! His calligraphy is exquisite, comparable to Quingdu Sanren’s!” Shen Zhilan praised Li Qingzhi.

This left Qian Fugui even more perplexed.

His nephew claimed to be called Li Qingzhi now.

So, had his nephew really achieved such remarkable academic success?

It seemed highly unlikely!

When his nephew first arrived at his home, Qian Fugui believed him to be exceptionally bright. He thought that as he grew older, his nephew might even become a top scholar.

However, these thoughts vanished after he sent his nephew to a private school.

His nephew wasn’t good at studying, and his knowledge was very poor. His handwriting was even worse than chicken scratch.

Had he misunderstood something?

Or did his nephew lie to him with nonsense?