Le Pang said, "Why don't we talk to Third Master Du first? If he really kidnapped her, he must have a reason. Does he want money, or what? With your standing and mine, Brother Wang, would that fellow Du dare refuse us face? There's no bad blood between us. What couldn't we talk out?"
It wasn't that simple.
The contract had been signed a year ago. From coming to their door to seize A-Wu to kidnapping her today, this scheme had been brewing for far more than a day or two. Money probably wasn't the issue.
Besides, now that he had acted, he would never admit it. News of Wang Yang's scholarly debate, his demand for Retainer Troops, and his agreement to settle grain prices for the prince had already spread throughout Jingzhou City. Third Master Du could not possibly be unaware of it. If he still dared strike despite knowing all that, he must have made thorough preparations.
No negotiating!
This wasn't something negotiations could solve!
Wang Yang paced a few steps, then suddenly stopped and said to Le Pang:
"If A-Wu is being held somewhere connected to Third Master Du, but Third Master Du himself isn't there, could you persuade your father to send soldiers to search it?"
Le Pang thought for a moment. "Only if we're certain we can find her there."
"Of course."
"Brother, we need to be careful here! Tell me honestly: how certain are you that A-Wu is in Third Master Du's hands?" Le Pang did not actually believe Third Master Du would engage in kidnapping. Given his position, he had no need to take such risks.
Wang Yang considered it, then answered, "Seventy percent."
"That's not enough. To move against Third Master Du, we need a hundred percent."
Wang Yang pondered for a