Chapter 93: Money as the Test of True Intentions

As expected, Liu Heita slowly opened his eyes and looked around. The surroundings had changed drastically. He found himself inside a carriage, with Dou Jiande sitting beside him, smiling at him. Struggling to sit up, he gave a sheepish smile and said, “All three are formidable fighters. If Brother Dou had not intervened, escaping today would have been impossible. It’s also my fault for being greedy and careless, accepting this job without fully understanding the situation. Today has been a great embarrassment.”

“Hm!” Dou Jiande nodded. “Don’t blame yourself alone. No matter who it is, when money is involved, it’s hard to control one's desires. It’s human nature, dear brother. You need not feel too ashamed.”

Liu Heita’s face flushed even more at those words. After some thought, he said, “If I had known they were Li Dong from Zhangqiu and Qin Qiong from the Qin family’s iron forge, I would never have taken this job. It’s all that villain’s deception that trapped me so deeply.”

The Qin family iron forge was renowned, with father and son both skilled craftsmen producing exquisite blades. They only forged ten weapons a day, so their work was in constant demand. From street vendors to petty officials and laborers, everyone spoke highly of them and gave them thumbs up.

Li Dong of Zhangqiu, with a mere three thousand troops, defeated the notorious rebel leader Zhishilang, his fame spreading throughout Qi Commandery. He also pacified many common folk and was considered a true hero of the region. Many had wished to see him in person, but meeting him today under such circumstances was far beyond Liu Heita’s expectations.

He kept mentioning “that villain,” and Dou Jiande sensed there was more behind his words. Tentatively, he asked, “Who is this villain? Why do they harbor such deep enmity toward Li Dong and Qin Qiong, to the point of wanting them dead?”

Liu Heita hesitated, then sighed, “Brother Dou, I’m truly sorry. I promised that man I would never reveal his identity. Please forgive me for not telling you who he is. I have yet to fulfill his orders, and the gambling debts I owe them remain a huge problem…”

“How much do you owe? A man’s honor shouldn’t be shackled so deeply by filthy money!” Dou Jiande waved his hand generously. “I don’t think you’re that kind of man.”

“Reputation—It’s precisely for my reputation that I had no choice but to take this desperate path. Repaying debts is only right!” Liu Heita spoke sorrowfully about his gambling debts.

Liu Heita was not unreasonable; in fact, he was quite rational. Born with boundless energy, he found himself restless in a time of peace before the Sui attacked Liao. Gambling was a thrilling outlet—sometimes a single coin turned into a hefty sum, other times he lost everything and went home empty-handed.

This addiction worsened over time, leading him deeper into debt he could not repay.

He had previously owed money before and managed to clear his debts quickly, but this time the sum was too large.

As for who sent Liu Heita to assassinate Li Dong, he had promised his employer to keep the identity secret. No matter how many times Dou Jiande pressed him, he remained tight-lipped. Even after Dou Jiande saved him, Liu Heita would not cross that line—he had his principles; a person could not be utterly shameless.

Seeing Liu Heita’s stubbornness, Dou Jiande was not angry but rather pleased. Here was a tough man, one who, if taken under his wing and trained, would be utterly loyal and never betray him.

“I, Dou Jiande, have managed my affairs for many years and have some wealth. Whatever you owe that man, I will repay threefold,” Dou Jiande said, locking eyes with Liu Heita. “But I have three conditions… can you accept them?”

“Ah! How can that be? How could Brother Dou bear expenses on my behalf, a man of no standing…” Liu Heita was surprised, struggling to sit up. He bowed in thanks and asked, “What are the three conditions? As long as you pay off my debt, I will follow you for life without regrets.”

“First: apologize to Li Dong and Qin Qiong, turn hostility into peace. Enemies should be reconciled rather than deepened, and these two are formidable heroes. I believe they will rise far in the future—no deep grudges should exist between you. Second: never gamble again. Third: reveal who the villain is,” Dou Jiande laid out the three conditions, watching Liu Heita closely to see his choice.

If he agreed to all three, he could be saved. If even one was refused, his fate was sealed, and Dou Jiande saw no reason to spend lavishly on him.

Liu Heita looked troubled, scratching his head and thinking for a long while before finally nodding in agreement. He then disclosed who had sent him.

Dou Jiande smiled with relief and praised him, “To admit mistakes and change shows you’re a good brother. I have faith in you. Tomorrow you’ll repay the debt; the day after, invite Li and Qin for a gathering to apologize. I will mediate and ensure you are not humiliated.”

On the second floor of the Drunken Fragrance Inn, after Dou Jiande helped Liu Heita downstairs, Qin Qiong asked Li Dong, “Second brother, you mentioned two names, one surnamed Cui and the other Ye, when you asked who sent Liu Heita to assassinate us. Who are these two?”

Li Dong waved his hand. “This isn’t the place to discuss it. Once we’re back, I’ll explain everything carefully.”

Seeing Li Dong’s serious expression, Qin Qiong understood the matter was grave and said no more.

The upper floor of the Drunken Fragrance Inn was a mess—chaos caused by Luo Shixin. Li Dong summoned the stout innkeeper to the upper floor for compensation. Though the innkeeper initially refused, Li Dong insisted, and after calculating the losses, accepted partial payment.

Back at the iron forge, the three sat down separately, and Li Dong slowly shared his analysis and speculations with Qin Qiong and Luo Shixin.

Dou Jiande was certain Liu Heita had not been sent to assassinate him by prior arrangement, but that their encounter was coincidental. When Liu Heita challenged the three brothers and all the patrons fled in fear, he alone sat steadfast, observing the events calmly—a man of extraordinary courage, wisdom, and responsibility.

Liu Heita’s injuries were superficial. When Li Dong knelt beside him, he knew Liu Heita was feigning unconsciousness.

Hearing this, Qin Qiong suddenly understood and nodded to Li Dong, letting him continue without interruption.

Dou Jiande also noticed the act but believed the three brothers had not seen through it and carried Liu Heita downstairs—clearly aiding him.

This was a significant issue. Was Dou Jiande helping or hindering the three brothers? A man of boldness and strategy could not be judged by ordinary standards. I intentionally let them go to test what they would do.

Those beneficial to us could be allies; those harmful, especially those with great talents, were dangerous and must not be allowed to live. At the very least, we must be prepared. Such men, when the time comes, could soar like dragons riding the wind; we cannot let them catch that east wind.

As for who ordered the attack, I now know. It remains to be seen how Dou Jiande will act.

Li Dong’s analysis was thorough and precise, full of reason and strategy, both offensive and defensive, demonstrating deep insight.

Qin Qiong praised him, saying, “In my view, Dou Jiande will surely seek us out again. Otherwise, he does not deserve to be called a great strategist.”

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