Chapter 837: Chapter 836: Returning a Favor
Doing something that angers everyone is not advisable; this is what Third Lady Xiao has learned from experience.
They are pirates, but only for money, not for the sake of being murderers. If the other party is sensible, then everyone goes their separate ways without much loss.
But if they seize goods and kill people, then once, twice, or three times, theyâll make too many enemies, resulting in their own disadvantage.
So, in pursuit of wealth, itâs enough not to make enemies.
Xiao Qiang listened to Third Lady Xiao, his brows furrowed and then relaxed. He cupped his hands and said, "I am not as broad-sighted as the big leader."
Third Lady Xiao looked at the horizon with some nostalgia and said, "This was told to me by others."
"So, the big leader does not intend to make enemies with them? Thatâs why so little Silver was taken?"
Third Lady Xiao said, "As the saying goes, avoid making enemies if possible; itâs good enough not to overdo it. Some people, try not to provoke them."
Xiao Qiang nodded.
Meanwhile, across from them, Wufu and the others were whispering, naturally talking about Third Lady Xiaoâs cleverness.
"...Were you mesmerized by Third Lady Xiaoâs charisma or what? You let your words slip with just a few sentences. Tsk, is your reputation as a scholar truly not just empty fame?" Wufu glanced at Yan Er with disdain.
Yan Er ground his teeth and said, "I swear on the heavens, Iâm genuine."
Wufu scoffed indifferently.
"Itâs okay, even if Yan Er doesnât reveal himself, I think Third Lady Xiao is smart enough to guess my identity." Ah Jiu patted her on the arm, saying, "Itâs better this way; knowing who I am, theyâll at least be somewhat wary and wonât trouble us."
"Arenât you afraid theyâll ask for a fortune?" Wufu said, "Hold you hostage, then extort a big sum, ask for hundreds of thousands of taels, then they donât have to risk going out to sea. Maybe they can wash their hands of it and never have to live a life with their heads on the line, licking the bladeâs edge again."
Yan Er looked at her like seeing a ghost.
"I think you should be the strategist, then?" he said coolly.
Wufu, half smiling, said, "Too bad I donât have the reputation of a scholar, nor am I equipped for it!"
Yan Er blushed, "You! How can you be so crude as a girl!"
Ah Jiu also gave her a reproachful look.
Wufu touched her nose, alright, she got carried away for a moment. These arenât her brothers from the mercenary corps of later generations; she canât say all sorts of naughty, yellow things. Sheâs a lady, a woman, cough!
"Third Lady Xiao, able to take such a position as a woman, isnât foolish; she knows the pros and cons. If she really held me here, once I regain my freedom, do you think I wouldnât come back for revenge?" Ah Jiu said, "The idea of making a big score is good, but one must bear the costs."
Wufu muttered, "If successful, disband immediately and let the ghost look for revenge."
Ah Jiu chuckled, "Unless truly dead, can a person not be found?"
Wufu was indifferent.
"I understand what you mean, hiding oneâs identity may not necessarily avoid being found, but for those used to freedom, living a life dodging is unbearable," Ah Jiu said, "If given a large sum of money to hide and avoid people, can you?"
Wufu frowned, naturally, she couldnât. Some things are more important than Silver; thatâs freedom!
"Moreover, evidently, Third Lady Xiao is very smart. Not only did she not ask for too much, but she gave us face. Otherwise, would one thousand taels suffice for a head? Just the head on my neck isnât worth it. But she deliberately set it at one thousand taels, which is somewhat generous," Ah Jiu said, "In case we have future dealings, this favor may come in handy."
Wufu looked speechlessly at the sky, alright, her mind couldnât keep up with these people.