Chapter 7: It's Okay to Kill (3)

Seeing that no one was around, he walked to the corner of the wall, brushed aside the dry grass, and revealed a small dog hole. However, judging by the dry grass at the entrance, it must have been abandoned for many years. Cao Peng took a deep breath, crouched down, and crawled through the dog hole behind the wall, squatting in the corner while carefully surveying his surroundings.

Rather than being harmed by them, it is better to take the initiative oneself

Dog, how do you know

Cheng Ji placed the box beside him, then took out a jade pendant from his bosom and also placed it into the box

The guard in the adjacent room was evidently sound asleep and did not notice the changes occurring here The cool air brushed in, clearing Cao Peng's mind

Go down, go down!

On top of the cabinet where Cao Peng stood, he could clearly see that inside the box lay several gleaming gold ingots. Each gold ingot was approximately the size of an infant's fist, weighing around seven to eight taels. And could that jade pendant be the one that was taken from my mother?

Time passes little by little

The guard assisted Cheng Ji to sit down on the bed and cautiously inquired.

Looking up again, I saw Cheng Ji already collapsed on the bed, fast asleep.

Cao Peng, dressed in a gray cloak, arrived at a high wall under the cover of the dark night

However, Cao Peng exerted too much force, causing the hunting knife to snap with a loud crack, breaking into two pieces. One section of the blade was left lodged in Cheng Ji's head

I am saying... we all know who the Cao family's daughter-in-law is. She came to pawn the jade pendant in order to seek talisman water for her son

Cheng Ji, slightly intoxicated, waved his hand and said, "Liu, you should go rest... Tomorrow morning, you still need to accompany me into the mountains... By the way, where did you put the box that Old Cheng just sent?"

No, we must hurry back

Moreover, it is not to mention that this matter originated from Cao Peng's mother, but simply the fact that Cheng Ji forcibly seized his mother's jade pendant means that Cao Peng would not easily let him off.

Another servant used a blowpipe to continuously blow air into the fire pit. The coals in the pit gradually brightened, and the temperature in the room also gradually increased

He curled up his body and closed his eyes

Cheng Ji raised a bowl of water and gulped down a large mouthful.

The box is not large, measuring twenty centimeters in length, less than ten centimeters in width, and approximately five centimeters in height. ... The lid of the box is intricately carved with exquisite patterns ...

This afternoon, Cao Ji and his wife had a conversation, which Cao Peng overheard.

Cao Peng does not know

In a society governed by the rule of law, regardless of whether the term "rule of law" is placed in quotation marks, the effect is undeniably significant. The weighty laws firmly suppress the beast within humanity. Cao Peng, being an enforcer of the law, experiences this suppression particularly acutely. However, now reborn in the chaotic world of eighteen hundred years ago, various constraints seem to have become trivial. As Cao Peng assisted his mother in departing during the day, he keenly sensed the hidden murderous intent in Cheng Ji and the three elders' eyes. Yet, in that moment, Cao Peng realized that this matter was far from over

One building is used as a warehouse, while the other is for residential purposes

It is already dark!

My lord, do you truly not require my service any longer? Then I shall take my leave for now; should there be any matters, simply call for me.

Then, the dog lowered his voice and said, "Do you think our master is easy to deal with?"

Cheng Ji's eyes suddenly opened wide, but before he could see who the assailant was, Cao Peng gripped the knife handle with his other hand and pulled it forcefully

Cao Peng remained motionless on top of the cabinet

The dog hurriedly stopped the servant and said softly: "Such matters are not for us to take up. Do you not know who the master is? He is the kind of person who would take advantage of a passing opportunity, even to the point of being opportunistic in the smallest of matters... In my opinion, it is also the case that the daughter-in-law of the Cao family lacks discernment, coming here to pawn her belongings. A good opportunity delivered right to our door, how could the master possibly let it slip away? If there is someone to blame, it should be her for having no one to support her; she deserves her misfortune"

He closed the door tightly, and seeing that there was no movement in the yard, he crouched down and ran quietly until he reached the side of the dog hole

However, in connection with the conversation that the dogs just had, it should be Wang Meng

He raised the hunting knife and slowly approached Cheng Ji's neck. When the knife was about half a centimeter away from Cheng Ji's neck, he pressed one hand on the back of the blade and suddenly exerted force... The knife, sharpened to perfection by Cao Peng, plunged fiercely into Cheng Ji's neck

What has passed?

The gunshot beside the Xiong'er River Reservoir not only claimed his life but also unraveled the layers of shackles that had weighed down Cao Peng's heart.

Cao Peng swiftly entered the room and casually closed the door behind him

Cao Peng groped around for a moment and soon discovered a cabinet in the corner. It stood about two meters and thirty to forty centimeters tall, and there was a recess hidden at the top of the cabinet. After testing the width and height, Cao Peng put away his short knife, jumped up suddenly, grasped the edge of the cabinet with both hands, exerted force with his arms, and his body fell into the recess. Lying in this cabinet, it would be difficult for outsiders to notice him.

Cao Peng's heart was pounding.

To speak frankly, I find it somewhat intolerable... Our family does not lack for money, so why make things difficult for women?

Cao Peng observed the situation in the courtyard, crouching low against the wall, stealthily approaching the door of the room. He reached out and gently pushed the door... The door opened slightly. It was not locked, and the room was pitch dark, silent as a grave.

Cao Peng thought of this, straightened up, and prepared to return home

In front of the bed, there is a low table, on which is placed a roll of wooden slips.

Dog, do you think the master has passed the day?

This is the backyard of Chengji Trading Company, which has two buildings of varying heights

About an hour and a half later, a sound of footsteps was heard outside the house again

The heavy stone in my heart has finally been placed back in my stomach. However, Cao Peng did not rush to take action, remaining curled up on top of the cabinet, motionless.

With a swift motion, another strike landed squarely on Cheng Ji's face

Since the fire pit has already been lit, it is likely that Cheng Ji will return soon

Cao Peng was hiding on top of the cabinet, peering out through the gaps in the wooden railing. He saw flickering lights, and then the door was pushed open. Two servants entered, carrying lanterns. After lighting the oil lamp, they walked to the center of the room and lifted a section of the floor, revealing a dark fire pit.

I cannot recall which novel contains the line: "Within everyone's heart, there lies a beast."

Wang is indeed a reckless individual, but this matter cannot be disclosed to him

Cheng Ji waved his hand impatiently, and the guards quickly exited the room

How is Wang Laohu! ... He is the greatest hero of Zhongyang Mountain ... ... But let me tell you, within three days, that old tiger will become a dead tiger

At this moment, Cao Peng was no longer anxious

Do not be misled by Cao Ji's words; however, Cao Peng knows that Cao Ji is still somewhat hesitant

While buying medicine, Cao Peng observed the environment of Chengji Trading Company and discovered this little-known dog hole. He knew that Chengji Trading Company was the best place to stay in Zhongyang Town. According to his understanding, Cheng Ji usually stayed at the trading company and the library when he came to Zhongyang.

Perhaps only by this means can Cao Ji be freed from any lingering attachments. This Zhongyang Town has now become a place of disputes and controversies

It is not that the three elders are unenthusiastic, but rather that Cheng Ji is a person who seeks pleasure and enjoyment

In the room, the oil lamp flickers, and the embers in the fire pit glow intermittently.

In an instant, Cao Peng's soul was scattered, his legs went weak, and he nearly collapsed to the ground

The blade, stained with blood, left Cheng Ji's body... Cheng Ji stared wide-eyed, one hand clutching his neck, blood gushing through the gaps of his fingers, instantly soaking the bed. A hand reached out, grasping Cao Peng's arm; he opened his mouth to speak, but no sound came out.

Leave Zhongyang Town before dawn, otherwise the consequences will be endless

In a previous life, Cao Peng had dealings with people like Cheng Ji... He was well aware that such individuals are narrow-minded, bear grudges, and are typical of petty people

The servant grinned and did not express any further opinions

But that is in the capacity of an enforcer

Indeed, Cheng Ji is truly intent on harming Wang Meng

Returning along the same path, Cao Peng arranged the dry grass neatly outside the courtyard wall. After glancing around and seeing no one, he then jogged down the small path, leaving Chengji Trading Company. After running about three to four hundred meters, Cao Peng finally stopped, leaning against a tree by the roadside, bending over and breathing heavily.

If one does not offend me, I will not offend others

Cao Peng inserted the half-length dagger into his waist, broke free from Cheng Ji's grasp, and then reached out to pick up the box placed beside the wooden pillow

Cao Ji is a loyal and simple-minded person. His first reaction upon learning the reason behind the matter was surprisingly to come and reason with Cheng Ji, seeking to rectify the injustice, which reveals a clue about his character. Cao Peng is unaware of Wang Meng's past experiences and does not wish to understand them. However, he knows that perhaps Wang Meng was once unruly, but now... Wang has become his shackle, preventing him from acting freely.

Gently drawing out the hunting knife, illuminated by the light in the room, Cheng Ji's shiny, plump face was clearly visible

The answer is simple: face

After taking a turn, you can see your home just ahead.

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You shut up!

However, he did not notice that on top of the cabinet in the corner of the room, a pair of cold, piercing eyes were fixed intently on Cheng Ji through the gaps in the wooden railing

You little rascal, you actually dared to kill someone

About an hour later, the area outside the bookstore had quieted down.

Cao Peng's mood had also calmed down, and he was contemplating his words when suddenly a person rushed out of the darkness and grabbed his arm.

During the day, Wang Meng humiliated Cheng Ji. Given Cheng Ji's character, how could he possibly endure such humiliation in silence

In a past life, he killed someone

Eighteen hundred years ago in Zhongyang Town, there could hardly have been any nightlife. There were no taverns open all night, nor were there brothels filled with singing and dancing. After a busy day, people would return home early to rest. They rose with the sun and rested with the moon, and that was about it

A servant stepped out of the house and brought in a load of charcoal, pouring it into the fire pit

Such actions by the master are bound to offend the heavens

Hurry up, the master will be back soon. If the temperature is not sufficient, both you and I will suffer.

The door was suddenly pushed open with a bang, and Cheng Ji, supported by a guard, stumbled into the room, shouting as he walked in

He opened it and took a glance; the gold and jade pendant were still there. He tucked them into his bosom, glanced at Cheng Ji's corpse, and stepped forward to unfasten a bag from the corpse's waist. Weighing it in his hand, he found it contained five-zhu coins, at least two or three guan. Cao Peng did not hesitate either, tucking the money bag into his bosom as well, and then quietly left the room

Since he is comfortable living in his own business establishment, it is absolutely impossible for him to stay at someone else's home

Therefore, Cao Peng decided to seek justice for himself

Sir, would you like to have a hangover remedy?

I tell you, that fellow was sent back to Wuyin County on the orders of the master. ... I estimate that by this time, he is almost at Wuyin County ... . ... If the master reacts swiftly, he will definitely send someone over before dark tomorrow. At the latest, they will arrive in Zhongyang by the morning after tomorrow.

It was pitch black, and the furnishings inside were not visible.

I will ensure that he meets a terrible end sooner or later

Am I not currently working on it?

What do wealthy people care about

The more this is the case, the stronger Cao Peng's desire to kill Cheng Ji becomes. This is a mad dog; if he cannot be killed, he will eventually pose a threat to the region.

Now, he is killing as a criminal, with a mixture of excitement and panic intertwining, leaving him unable to calm his emotions for quite some time

Cao Peng lay on top of the cabinet, his gaze suddenly turning cold

Indeed, Wang Laohu is capable of fighting, but can he withstand our esteemed master

At this moment, footsteps could be heard outside the house

The square - the market is desolate, with hardly any pedestrians in sight

Cheng Ji's snoring was loud, clearly indicating that he was sound asleep. Cao Peng slowly propped himself up, stretched his legs, and gently lowered himself to the ground along the cabinet. After crawling for a moment and observing, he confirmed that Cheng Ji was indeed in a deep sleep. Only then did he slowly rise and quietly approach the bedside.

Fortunately, I made a decisive decision; otherwise, I would have faced a great disaster

He has not intended to conceal anything for such a long time. Cheng Ji deserves his fate; killing him might perhaps strengthen Cao Ji's resolve.

Did you see Cheng Si this afternoon

Although the overall appearance of the bed was not clearly visible, Cao Peng was still able to roughly discern its specific shape

The fireplace quickly ignited, and the room became as warm as spring. Two servants chatted as they exited the room, casually closing the door behind them

Cheng Ji was invited by the three elders to drink in the evening, so there were no other people in the room at that time

Due to Cao Peng's efficient and clean execution of the murder, there was not much commotion.

He was startled and quickly shrank back, lowering his head. However, there was no sound in the room. After a moment, Cao Peng heard a snoring sound.

Then he picked up a box, opened it, and kept chuckling incessantly.

The obese body convulsed twice, and Cheng Ji fell into a pool of blood, head down, with half of his body tilted...

Who will not have a good death

The guard pointed to the bedside, "It is right at your hand."

However, seeing him blow vigorously to ignite the fire pit, one can tell that this fellow is frightened

But since you have provoked me, do not blame me for being ruthless.

One of the essential courses for a criminal police officer is to stake out and wait. In the past, Cao Peng waited for a full six days to apprehend a criminal. This moment of waiting was nothing in his eyes. Closing his eyes actually made it easier for him to conserve his energy, waiting for Cheng Ji to return

Cao Peng squinted his eyes, making an effort to adapt to the darkness of the room. He groped around, stepping deeply and lightly, and soon grasped the layout of the room. Directly opposite the main door was a low couch. The bed from the Three Kingdoms period had a very peculiar shape. It was approximately two meters long and about one meter and forty centimeters wide. It had six legs and was twenty centimeters high. The surface was made of movable drawer boards, with railings on all four sides, leaving a gap at both the front and back for easy access. One side of the bed was against the wall, leaving only one gap for use.

Cao Peng instinctively moved, accidentally placing his foot on the wooden railing