Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 873 - 709: Private Disclosure

"Mr. Gu, please!" Liao Cheng made a gesture and respectfully waited for Gu Chengyu to proceed.

Gu Chengyu once again marveled at the benefits of power and walked ahead with his hands behind his back.

"Clan Leader Qu! I’ve heard you’ve kidnapped Yi Clan Leader’s grandson, Yi Yuanmin. May I ask where the child is now?"

Gu Chengyu sat at the head, with Liao Cheng sitting to his left, and naturally, Qu Huaiyun kneeling at the bottom.

"Sir! I’m innocent! How could I possibly kidnap Yi Yuanmin? The treasure map from Yi Mansion was stolen long ago; why would I kidnap his grandson?"

Qu Huaiyun looked distressed but had finally figured it out. Liao Cheng had set him up; Liao Cheng wanted to keep the treasure map for himself!

"Oh? But only you know the truth of this matter."

Gu Chengyu glanced at Qu Huaiyun, seeing that his complexion was not particularly tense. Could it be that he was still holding onto some luck?

Perhaps he was hoping for assistance from his eldest son, Qu You’en? Unfortunately, since Liao Cheng was targeting the Qu Family, something must have happened with Qu You’en, otherwise, Liao Cheng would never dare act like this.

"Clan Leader Qu, if you don’t share what you know, I won’t be able to help you. Think carefully! Do you think you still have a way out?"

Gu Chengyu smiled, knowing he was merely going through the motions.

Later, he would use the opportunity to stay at the government office and sneak into Liao Cheng’s study at night to investigate thoroughly.

Qu Huaiyun trembled upon hearing this, his gaze fixed intently on Gu Chengyu, and then he looked at Lu Chen.

Could it really be that something happened to my eldest son? He collapsed to the ground, feeling as if the life had been drained from his body.

"Qu Huaiyun, you should think carefully about how many disgraceful things your Qu Family has done in the past. This time, not only will you bear the consequences, but even your clansmen won’t escape their involvement."

Liao Cheng saw that Qu Huaiyun was nearly on the point of breaking down and naturally wouldn’t let the opportunity pass.

Yet, he feared Liao Cheng would make false accusations and drag him into the mess, so he threatened Qu Huaiyun with the Qu Family’s members in his speech.

He couldn’t believe it, that Qu Huaiyun would ignore so many clansmen? Especially since some of Qu Huaiyun’s direct descendants were implicated as well!

Qu Huaiyun lifted his head suddenly, looking at Liao Cheng with eyes full of resentment.

This hypocritical, disgusting man! Although he had been wary of Liao Cheng before, he hadn’t thought Liao Cheng would turn face so ruthlessly and use them to climb higher.

Yet thinking of the other members of the Qu Family, his determination faltered. While he couldn’t manage the extended family, his direct relations were different!

Gu Chengyu understood Liao Cheng’s intentions, and a smirk tugged at his lips, wondering what Qu Huaiyun could possibly be thinking.

If he tried to risk everything for vengeance, perhaps he could offer more information.

With this in mind, he planned to meet with Qu Huaiyun again when night fell and everything was silent.

Qu Huaiyun fell silent, then spoke words that surprised the pair.

"I want to speak alone with Mr. Gu!"

Gu Chengyu raised an eyebrow, seeing Qu Huaiyun in a slightly better light; at least he wasn’t entirely foolish.

Even if Qu Huaiyun covered for Liao Cheng, it wouldn’t work; Liao Cheng wouldn’t spare the Qu Family.

"This seems improper, doesn’t it? Mr. Gu did not come for this case; it would be too troublesome for Mr. Gu."

Liao Cheng would never allow Qu Huaiyun to have private contact with Gu Chengyu, or else these two might secretly plot against him.

Even Gu Chengyu felt it was inappropriate to meddle in this case, but Qu Huaiyun was one of those involved with the treasure map!

"I have news regarding the treasure map that I need to speak with Mr. Gu about directly. Or has Lord Qu also been secretly sent by the court as an imperial envoy?"

Qu Huaiyun said with a sneer, disdaining even to glance at Liao Cheng.

"Since Clan Leader Qu insists, let Lord Liao step aside for a moment, then!"

Gu Chengyu directed his gaze toward Liao Cheng, his eyes combining gentleness with undeniable authority.

Liao Cheng swished his sleeves and left, and as he passed by Qu Huaiyun, he muttered in a low voice only the two could hear: "Consider your grandson!"

Qu Huaiyun didn’t deign to reply, which greatly peeved Liao Cheng.

"Clan Leader Qu, can you speak now?" Gu Chengyu picked up his teacup, pondering how the nearby Lu Chen was indeed a nuisance.

"Surely, the news you received regarding the treasure map being fake isn’t news to you. I won’t waste time beating around the bush!"

Qu Huaiyun steadied his heart, hoping to make one last effort for his relatives’ lives.

Gu Chengyu nodded, making a gesture for him to continue.

"Originally, the real treasure map was at Qu Mansion. Later, Zhi Lian secretly took the treasure map, and I discovered it. He resented me and blurted out about the treasure map, which ended up being snatched by others. Now, no one knows where the treasure map is, and the Qu Family has no bargaining power with you."

"You’re also aware of the situation at Yi Mansion; Yi Lanshan had a stroke, and Yi Yuanmin is in Liao Cheng’s hands. Even if the Yi Family’s treasure map remains, they won’t bring it out to negotiate with Liao Cheng."

As Qu Huaiyun spoke these words, he carefully observed Gu Chengyu’s expression, noticing not a flicker of surprise on Gu Chengyu’s face, which sent chills down his spine.

This Mr. Gu is indeed remarkable; he likely knew all of this long ago.

"So, you have no hope left for a comeback. Originally, the Qu Mansion’s treasure map was taken away, and you didn’t obtain the one from Yi Mansion either. But you’ve now involved the Qu Family as well, losing your wager. What can you offer me now to trade for your relatives’ lives?"

Gu Chengyu took a sip of tea, finding Qu Huaiyun quite inept.

With Lu Chen still standing behind him, Qu Huaiyun divulged his cards so readily? Isn’t such a deal better kept to fewer people?

At this moment, Qu Huaiyun seemed to act as though he was under Gu Chengyu’s skin, casting a glance at the people standing behind Gu Chengyu, Lu Chen, and Ming Mo.

Ming Mo and the rest quickly grasped the situation; with Qu Huaiyun chained at his hands and feet, how could he pose a threat?

Besides, they’re quite assured of their lord’s skills; against the unwieldy, bulky Qu Huaiyun, any attempt to harm the lord would be extremely difficult.

They saluted Gu Chengyu and proceeded sequentially out of the room.

Only Lu Chen remained stationary behind Gu Chengyu, eager to see what kind of deal might be struck between Gu Chengyu and this individual.

Ming Mo paused at the doorway, turned, and looked at Lu Chen.

"Ah Chen! You should step out as well!" Gu Chengyu smiled.

Lu Chen hadn’t quite processed this; he was not used to acting like a servant.

Perhaps the treasure map still exists with Qu Huaiyun! Naturally, he should stay!

Gu Chengyu turned, casting an amused yet inscrutable glance at Lu Chen.

"I know you worry for me, yet Clan Leader Qu is very cautious. I fear he might not open up if you remain, so please step outside."

Gu Chengyu showed signs of impatience, considering Lu Chen’s current status as a servant.

He had already revealed too much, for how could a master explain so much to a subordinate?

Sure enough, as Qu Huaiyun gazed at Lu Chen, he scrutinized him, then appeared contemplative.