Chapter 283
Chen was not intimidated by her uncle and confronted him head-on:
"It's better to disappoint you than to leave refugees homeless. I specifically checked the recent number of arrivals yesterday, and it hasn't reached the capacity of the Lower City. Clearly, opening up the other cities would allow us to accept more refugees, so why close all the border checkpoints?"
Wei Yenwu took a deep breath and exhaled wisps of smoke.
He tapped the edge of the trash can with his pipe, then picked up the remote and turned on the television. The video playing was a recording sent by the border control station.
Beside the long line of refugees, an armed force of several thousand men appeared. The leader wore tattered armor and carried a royal guard's halberd.
"He is the last Pureblood Wendigo on this land, possessing the power to counterbalance the Demons of the North."
Wei Yenwu's tone was very serious:
"He was also the one who instigated the Chernobyl riots, and Patriot core member of the Rhodes Island. With him and the elite Shield Guard behind him, he could raze half of Lungmen to the ground. My dear niece, please tell me, can we let such a dangerous person in?"
Limited-time beauty image of the broken iron. jpg
349 Family brother position 3K
With Wei Yenwu's strength, he should be able to hold off Bozhuokasti. As for whether he can win, it depends on the opponent's physical condition. Intelligence indicates that the opponent has been suffering from Originium-related illness for many years, so he might not be as difficult to deal with as imagined.
However, the Patriot's Shield Guard and the non-purebred Wendigo are more difficult to deal with.
Even if Wei Yenwu dispatched the "Shadow Guards," a Black Raincoats unit composed of former Yan imperial guards, he was not confident that he could annihilate this elite force of several thousand men.
The main reason is that the enemy's numbers are simply too great. A war with Lungmen would be an exceptionally difficult battle. Currently, on paper, the forces are evenly matched—kings against kings and generals against generals. However, soldier-to-soldier combat is prone to major problems and could become the decisive factor in determining victory or defeat.
Given the overall capabilities of the Lungmen Guard Department, they likely have little chance against these highly skilled combat soldiers. If any escape into the city, it will cause irreparable damage.
Lungmen has several border checkpoints, plus a few hidden smuggling points in the Lower City. Each location needs to be garrisoned, meaning that the military forces are all dispersed.
The Patriot, on the other hand, could concentrate their forces and launch a full-scale attack on a border checkpoint. This way, they could easily capture the outpost without waiting for reinforcements from elsewhere, and then use it as a base to expand and invade the city.
As the Longmen Governor, Wei Yenwu considered the situation from a longer-term perspective. Fighting this elite force of the Rhodes Island, even if victorious, would likely be a narrow one. He could not accept such an outcome.
If Lungmen's defenses are weakened, it will inevitably affect the border checkpoint's operations. If a mixed bag of infected individuals floods into the city, chaos will ensue.
Limited by reforms in the slums and the purge of gangs involved in the gray industries, Rat King Lin Gerui's control over the lower city is far less secure than it was a few years ago.
Abandoning the Lower City was something Wei Yenwu did more than twenty years ago. He wouldn't feel any guilt doing it again now. His real fear was that the Upper City would be invaded, forcing them to retreat to the Core City. Rebuilding the Upper City later would then take much longer.
Wei Yenwu could not accept any of the above results.
As the person in charge, there was only one way he could think of that would not jeopardize the interests of Lungmen and would also solve the problem.
Drive away the wolves to devour the tiger.
If we can drag Penguin Logistics into this mess, especially Zhongli, we might be able to resolve the Patriot's attack on Lungmen crisis with minimal losses.
Wei Yenwu knew Zhongli was strong, but he didn't know exactly how strong. The currently known information was that he could summon Catastrophe Meteorite to wipe out the Feline gang of over three hundred people. There were no records of any other battles outside Lungmen.
However, considering that he managed to capture the Rhodes Island leader alive after just one trip to Chernobyl, Zhongli's true strength is probably on par with his own.
Those in high positions must be more mindful of their words and actions to avoid being exploited by malicious individuals or political enemies, which could influence public opinion.
Wei Yenwu absolutely could not utter words like "Please Zhongli for help." Even if that was what he was thinking, he couldn't express it openly. For now, he could only complain slightly, and the rest depended on his niece's understanding.
At this moment, Chen was filled with a myriad of thoughts.
She had been to the Lake Bel area with Shi Lei and knew he had done a favor for the Patriot's team. But the fact that he had killed five Inner Guards that time was something that absolutely could not be told to anyone.
Ursus has already concluded its verdict, declaring the five Inner Guards guilty of treason. From Chen's perspective, there's no intention of restoring their reputations.
But if she were to mention Shi Lei's friendly relationship with the Patriot, it would seem like she would be doing him a disservice.
After all, the public's impression of the Rhodes Island comes from media outlets such as newspapers, the internet, and television. Most of this is criticism and exaggerated reporting. Knowing their relationship, it's understandable that the uncle might feel a sense of unease.
Is there any way to get Shi Lei to solve the problem without arousing Wei Yenwu's suspicion?
Chen frowned and pondered for a moment before speaking:
"The Patriot's attack on Lungmen was ultimately caused by me. If we hadn't captured Talulah, they wouldn't have come knocking on our door to reclaim their leader. Your Excellency, I have an idea about this matter."
Wei Yenwu feigned surprise and slightly raised his eyebrows:
"Oh? What do you mean, 'listen to'?"
Actually, Chen didn't want to keep troubling Shi Lei, but this matter couldn't be left unresolved. She knew very well the level of the Lungmen Guard Department; they were no match for the Patriot's team. Having him handle the situation would also enhance her reputation.
"I suggest spending money to hire Mister Zhongli to persuade the Patriot's team to withdraw."
Wei Yenwu was delighted upon hearing this, thinking that his niece had finally come to her senses. He feigned surprise.
"Oh? Is he really that good?"
"Mister Zhongli's ability to capture Talulah in Chernobyl is enough to prove his personal strength. Perhaps we should have him negotiate with the Patriot's forces first to see if a peaceful resolution can be reached. The fact that this force hasn't directly attacked Lungmen indicates there's still room for maneuver. However..."
"Just what?"
"Mister Zhongli is a man who values contracts very much. You have to pay him enough to do this kind of thing."
Chen knew that this would be a big problem for Shi Lei, so she wanted to offer more compensation in terms of finances.
Anyway, it's my uncle's money I'm spending, so I don't feel bad about it.
The events that occurred during the renovation of the Lower City made Chen abandon her previous solitary approach to things.
As long as it helps the vulnerable, she has no problem swallowing her pride and asking for more activity funds.
What others need is real, tangible help; the meager salary from being close to the Lungmen Guard Department simply isn't enough. Having realized this, Chen gradually became a notorious opportunist who took advantage of his uncle.
"Money is not a problem."
Although Wei Yenwu didn't manage money, he wasn't short of it either.
Zhongli was capable of handling this kind of matter, so it was reasonable for him to ask for a high reward; he couldn't think of a reason to refuse.
"It's worth any amount of money as long as he can dismantle the Patriot's threat to Lungmen."
Chen wanted Shi Lei to conceal his connection with the Rhodes Island and not to make phone calls in front of his uncle:
"Okay, I'll contact him later."
Wei Yenwu took a deep drag on his pipe and slowly exhaled the smoke with a pleasant mood.
He couldn't give a definite answer as to whether Zhongli could defeat the Patriot's forces. But it was always better for someone to test the waters first than to send the 'Shadow Guards' out to face the enemy head-on.
The trump card is meant to be used last.
After he finished exhaling the smoke, he brought up a new topic:
"How is Talulah?"
"With your specially approved documents, the court was very accommodating. I personally escorted her to Lungmen Prison this morning after she was sentenced to life imprisonment. She seemed to realize her mistake and offered no resistance throughout the entire process."
"Okay, just go in."
Mentioning this niece, Wei Yenwu's eyes revealed a sorrowful look, and he shook his head with a sigh:
"Twenty years ago, although I was tricked by Koschei into killing her biological father, killing is killing, and that is an indisputable fact. I knew she hated me, and this was the only way to protect her."
If the Ursus authorities continue to demand an explanation, Talulah could have to serve her sentence in Yan before facing sentencing from other countries. Unfortunately, she'll likely spend the rest of her life in prison.
Chen didn't like hearing her uncle say such things:
"What's wrong with prison? Prison is a place for reflecting on one's sins and repenting. It's a good opportunity for her to temper her character and not cause trouble everywhere. I believe that sooner or later, she will understand your good intentions."
"Let's skip that. I don't expect Talulah to understand or forgive me. As long as she's safe and sound, I ask for nothing more."
As the two were talking, they suddenly heard the sound of the elevator.
"Bite!"
Wei Yenwu's face paled in shock, and he jumped up as if he had a spring in his backside. He grabbed the water glass on the table, went to the trash can, and quickly poured water on the pipe to extinguish it. He casually tore off a few pieces of paper, wrapped the pipe in them, and hurriedly hid it in a drawer.
Besides Chen, there was only one other person who could come up directly without being notified by a secretary's phone call.
Wenyue stepped into the house, followed by Shirayuki carrying a pile of shopping bags.
She stood in the entryway, sniffed the air, frowned slightly, and asked:
"What day is it today? Why are you lighting sandalwood incense? Wei Yenwu, you're not smoking, are you?"
Upon seeing his wife, Wei Yenwu instantly lost the imposing aura befitting the Longmen Governor. His smile became somewhat awkward, and he guiltily blocked the drawer.
"Madam, didn't you say you were going to receive guests from your family today? Why are you back so early?"
"They had something come up and couldn't come today. I came back after shopping at Taigu Plaza. Besides, this is my home, is there a problem with me coming back?"
"No, no..."
Wenyue noticed that Chen was also there, and immediately changed her angry expression, asking with a smile:
"Huijie, did he smoke just now?"
Upon hearing this, Wei Yenwu's face turned pale. He gave his niece a frantic wink, a clear signal.
Chen was caught in the middle, feeling somewhat conflicted:
"Uh... well..."
Wenyue gave a soft hum and walked up to her husband. She leaned closer to his collar and sniffed, her smile widening.
"Huijie, do you have something else to do?"
Chen instantly understood and chimed in:
"Oh, right, right. I suddenly remembered that I have something I forgot to take care of, so I have to go over there right away. Uncle, Aunt, I'm sorry to bother you, I'll be going now."
Seeing that she was about to leave, Wenyue politely asked:
"Huijie, why don't you eat before you leave?"
Chen dared not stay and repeatedly waved her hand in polite refusal:
"No, no, Auntie, I really have something to do."
Seeing her niece leave, Wenyue grinned. Behind her stood Wei Yenwu, his face ashen.
"Huijie, come visit sometime next time you have time."
"Definitely, definitely next time."
December 25, 1096, 11:50 AM
Lungmen Upper City, Penguin Logistics Headquarters.
Shi Lei sat at his workstation in the office area, and seeing that it was almost noon, he closed the book he was reading.
None of the four Messenger went home for lunch; they usually ate near the company. Deciding what to eat for lunch was a daily dilemma.
Suddenly, the cell phone rang.
Upon seeing that it was Chen's number, Shi Lei immediately pressed the answer button. But after chatting for only a short while, he exclaimed "Ah!"
Why are the Patriot's troops in Lungmen?
Ark Pictures
350 Qianyan Army 3K
That's the gist of the matter.
Chen informed Shi Lei of the current situation outside the city over the phone. She also reminded Shi Lei that it was best not to reveal his relationship with the Rhodes Island in public.
During Shi Lei's capture of Talulah, he didn't spot any guerrillas. It's highly likely that their main force, not participating in the riots, is stationed in Schuratzburg City.
Even if the guerrillas were in Chernobyl, and their leader was missing, they should have gone back to defend their home. What were they doing in Lungmen?
"Officer Chen, thank you for your kindness. But I can't just step in on something like this."
"Ah?"
Chen was hoping he could persuade the Patriot's guerrillas to go back, but what if he abandons his post?
"Then... they..."
Upon hearing this, Shi Lei knew she had misunderstood: