"My time here is limited, so I'll be brief," After pressing the tea to his lips just to be polite, Luo Wei started laying out his cards for Luo Ting Chao.

Luo Ting Chao responded, "The young master can feel free to speak, I will listen eagerly."

Luo Wei laid it out, "My father fully understood what Master Luo meant by gifting us that jade buddha. Regrettably, the timing just wasn't right back then, so my father made no move on his side. But now, my father has some use for Master Luo, but he wonders if Master Luo is still ready and willing?"

"I'm willing to do whatever the Senior Chancellor commands," Luo Ting Chao quickly replied, "What does he need me to do? My only fear is that I'm strong in will but weak in power, after all, I'm just a common man trying to make his way in the world."

Luo Wei explained, "My father wants Qi Lin Villa to swear allegiance to him and listen to no one's command but his, is this beyond Master Luo's powers?"

Luo Ting Chao's face froze in apprehension.

Luo Wei chuckled lightly, "The Senior Chancellor's estate is willing to give you something in return, our aid in your destruction of Ming Jian Villa."

"What?!" This offer is almost too tempting for Luo Ting Chao to accept right away. The destruction of Ming Jian Villa? How many generations of Qi Lin's Luo family has dreamed of this? How can the blood debt of so many generations be realized and repaid in a single day?

Luo Wei went on, "Ming Jian Villa's been on the imperial court's payroll for some time now. I expect that without our aid, Master Luo might not be able to realize this long-cherished wish in this lifetime."

Luo Ting Chao was weighing his options as quickly as he could while listening.

Luo Wei opened his right hand for Luo Ting Chao to see. In that pale, long-fingered hand, was a single dark grey pill.

"Young master, this is...?" Luo Ting Chao didn't understand.

"This is from within the palace," Luo Wei said, "Master Luo will be under its poison once it's taken. I will send someone to provide Master Luo with the antidote every three months henceforth."

Luo Ting Chao didn't make a single move.

Luo Wei wasn't in a rush, "Master Luo, think about it, I'm not going to force your hand."

After a mere moment, Luo Ting Chao took the pill from Luo Wei's hand and swallowed it directly. If would be an honor for a man like him to be made use of by the Senior Chancellor. This was a chance of a lifetime. Even though the officials of the court were often untrustworthy, if he let this go, there'll never be another chance like it.

"Give your finger a prick and take a look," Luo Wei said, smiling.

Luo Ting Chao made a cut on his left middle finger, the blood oozing was already black with poison.

Luo Wei took a look, then said, "Master Luo, you mustn't blame me for this. It's just that we haven't built a deep enough relationship yet, in terms of bestowing trust, forgive us for not being able to do that just yet."

Luo Ting Chao smiled, "I understand. No matter, this saves me the trouble of proving my loyalty."

"Heng Zhou's prefect, Chen Yu, is currently on route to Yi Zhou to accept his position as the prefect there," Luo Wei said to Luo Ting Chao, "I'm hoping Master Luo would send some skilled people to ensure Master Chen's safety. Yi Zhou's salt has always been transported by Ming Jian Villa, I'm afraid that from now on, we will have to trouble Master Luo's Qi Lin Villa for that."

Transporting salt. Luo Ting Chao knew that the poison he took was worth it. A great big piece of pie was about to fall from the sky, it's going to start raining money on Qi Lin Villa. "Understood, I'll go make the arrangements right now."

"My father will explain this business with Qi Lin Villa to Master Chen. All you have to do is make sure your people get there."

"Certainly."

"Also, has Master Luo heard that Ming Jian Villa's sixth son, Ning Fei, is going to attend the imperial military examination?" Luo Wei asked.

Luo Ting Chao answered, "Ning Fei's got some skill, he's the best of the bunch from that villa master's sons."

"Think of a way to kill him," Luo Wei casually ordered Ning Fei to death. Even though his tone was light, there was no inkling of a joke in it.

Luo Ting Chao replied, "Understood."

Luo Wei regarded the man in front of him, then asked, "What kind of people does Master Luo intend to send to Heng Zhou?"

Luo Ting Chao didn't even think before answering, "My Qi Lin Shadow Guards, naturally."

"Good," Luo Wei said, "Since I've said all I had to say, it's time for me to excuse myself."

Luo Ting Chao quickly rose from his seat, "Does the young master not wish to stay at the villa for a few more days?"

Luo Wei answered, "There are still some matters for me to take care of. If something else comes up, I'll have someone send word to you."

Luo Ting Chao had no idea what matters Luo Wei had to attend to, and didn't dare to delay him any longer. Seeing that Luo Wei was already heading out, Luo Ting Chao quickly took a few steps forward to see him out of the villa.

TRANSLATOR'S NOTES:

OUR WEI WEI IS SO BADASS!!!!!