That was why, when Chu Jingtang and the others suspected Huang Yingying for going to look at the Death-Defying Incense despite having no money, Wu Jinliang had dismissed their suspicions outright. The old fellow really did have that particular bad habit.
Of course, the man's damned habits were none of his business. He couldn't be bothered to bicker with the old fellow now, either, and asked directly, "How would I know? You've taken the money, so quit talking in riddles. Who?"
Huang Yingying covered his mouth furtively and said, "The cousin. The cousin of the Second Miss at the library—the one she's going to marry. The one who went shopping with her today."
Although the conversation had already given him an inkling, hearing it confirmed still left Wu Jinliang strangely startled and suspicious. "You mean that cousin is marrying the Second Miss to get at the library?"
Huang Yingying countered, "You think he isn't?"
Wu Jinliang pondered it, then smacked his lips. "Dong Wenshu has several children. Would marrying off his second daughter really mean marrying away the whole library?"
"Oh, Xiao Gao, you're such a clever fellow. How can you be muddleheaded about this?" Huang Yingying tapped Wu Jinliang's arm. "Think about it. Why can't that side do anything to Dong Wenshu? Isn't it because they have nowhere to strike? And what is the Tax Inspectorate for? If he wants to move against the library, naturally he'll use the authority in his hands. Think again. Isn't it staring you in the face?"
"If they can't find anything to use against Dong Wenshu's family, they can mix some sand into it. Plant someone dirty inside, have him do something dirty with the taxes, and once they catch hold of it, Dong Wenshu probably won't have any choice but to compromise."