A man climbed into the pavilion and knelt to report, "My lord, terrible news. The Discipline Department has taken Third Young Master into custody."
With a crack, the fine Huaiyang jade chessboard crumbled to dust in Deputy Director Zhao's hand.
"What happened? Explain yourself."
Mr. Liu exclaimed in alarm.
The messenger recounted everything that had happened that day, including Xiong Jiukui's two arrests.
"Good! That brat must be tired of living!"
Deputy Director Zhao dismissed the messenger and his attendants, then ground out through clenched teeth, "He dumped a bucket of shit over my head, and I let it go without going after him. Now he's come knocking at my door. This is beyond the pale!"
Deputy Director Zhao had long loathed Xu Yi, but he still had enough reason to know that now was not the time to deal with him.
So when he heard that Xiong Jiukui had been arrested, he had strictly ordered Third Young Master Zhao not to make trouble.
Who could have expected so much to happen in the blink of an eye? Xu had even dared arrest his son. This was clearly a fight to the bitter end.
After his fury subsided, Deputy Director Zhao quickly regained his composure. "Old Liu, what do you make of this?"
"I'm wondering whether Xu Yi has truly gone mad, or whether he's planned everything out," Mr. Liu replied.
Deputy Director Zhao stared at him, pondering. "Do you think he can bring me down?"
"Not exactly. The point is, he isn't some reckless fool. Judging by what he's done in the past, he's clearly an outstanding strategist. I can't understand what he hopes to achieve with this move."
Mr. Liu stroked his long beard.
Deputy Director Zhao said, "Could the brat know we can't spare the manpower right