bookcurios Chapter 1905 Impregnable Fortress
Chapter 1905 Impregnable Fortress
After the conversation in the side room ended, an invisible sense of urgency weighed on everyone's hearts.
Li Xiangnan knew that investigating the wild temple in Xishan was imperative, but before that, he had to ensure that the rear was secure and that his family was safe enough.
Upon hearing Defa mention the roadblocks that had occurred on both sides of Yuejin and Squad Leader Hao's side that day, Li Xiangnan took advantage of the darkness to go to Yuejin Store in front.
Zhou Yuejin was closing up his shop when he saw Zhou Yuejin coming over. He was carrying a door panel out of the shop to close it when Zhou Yuejin came in. He first took out a pack of Daqianmen cigarettes and threw it to Zhou Yuejin, saying with a smile, "Looks like the brothel didn't give you any trouble."
Li Xiangnan took out a cigarette, handed it to him, lit it for him, and said with a smile, "Things have had their ups and downs, but overall they haven't made things difficult for me... Thank you for your hard work back home!"
Zhou Yuejin waved his hand with a smile and grinned, "We're all brothers, why be so polite with me! Your business is my business! Don't worry, I'll guard the front yard, not even a fly can get out."
Li Xiangnan patted him heavily on the shoulder, everything was understood without words.
He then went to the side gate of the backyard and saw that Hao Jian had set up a brazier at the small doorway. He was sitting next to the fire like a statue, with a book on his lap, turning the pages in the night breeze.
Beside it, there was a stool that had been prepared in advance.
"Squad leader!" Li Xiangnan called out in a low voice, plopped down on the bench, and offered him a cigarette. "The situation is a bit complicated today. We've been very grateful to you at home. I've heard everything from Grandpa."
Hao Jian raised his head, his gaze calm. "It's nothing serious. I was just afraid it was a diversionary tactic, so I didn't dare to chase after him. Otherwise, I would have definitely caught that person and interrogated him thoroughly to find out who sent him!"
"It's someone called Little Buddha!"
Since they were all on the same side, Li Xiangnan didn't hide anything and briefly explained his trip to the Hongxing Clinic.
"I never imagined there were so many conspiracies involved!" Hao Jian exclaimed in surprise, his brows furrowing and his expression shifting between light and shadow, as if he were brewing something.
Seeing his reaction, Li Xiangnan knew he had taken it to heart, so he asked in detail, "Squad leader, will you still be able to attend Xitang's full moon celebration? The situation is complicated right now, and I need manpower here. I'm afraid you won't be there again..."
"Xiang Nan, don't worry!" Hao Jian interrupted him solemnly. "I've already contacted several comrades-in-arms today. Apart from a few brothers from the army who couldn't make it, the others who have already retired, as soon as they heard that your daughter had been born, immediately asked me to tell you that they will definitely be there before the full moon celebration! With us here, you can rest assured! This place will be as stable as Mount Tai!"
A warm feeling welled up in Li Xiangnan's heart.
These are comrades-in-arms. They go their separate ways in ordinary times, but when needed, they come when called and fight when they arrive!
"Squad leader, thank you!"
Li Xiangnan remembered this kindness.
Feeling somewhat relieved, Li Xiangnan took his leave to use the public restroom outside and check the surroundings before going back to sleep.
The early winter night wind carried a chill, leaving the alleyway eerily quiet.
Just as Li Xiangnan reached the vicinity of the public restroom, a familiar figure emerged from inside, and the two nearly bumped into each other.
"Dr. Li!" The other person lowered their voice, with a hint of surprise and respect; it was Gouzi from the Red Star Clinic.
Li Xiangnan's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately understood, "Dog, you guys..."
The dog craned its neck and cautiously looked around. It took a step closer, lowered its voice, and said with utmost respect, "Dr. Li, don't worry! The gang leader sent me with thirty brothers, divided into three shifts, to secretly guard all the alleys around this courtyard! The brothers all know how much you've done for our gang, and they're all working with full force! We guarantee that not even a suspicious mouse will get near your house! You can go and do what you need to do. We'll take care of things here at home!"
Looking at Gouzi's face, red from the cold wind yet resolute, and especially at the genuine respect and gratitude in his eyes, Li Xiangnan was filled with emotion.
I didn't expect Cheng Kui to act so quickly. He had his brothers arrange security here today. His thoughtfulness and loyalty are truly admirable.
Li Xiangnan nodded, took out his last ten yuan from his pocket and stuffed it into Gouzi's hand. "You've worked hard, Gouzi! Please thank Gangtou and the brothers for me! It's cold at night, find a place to eat some wontons later, don't go hungry! Take turns keeping watch, and remember to keep warm!"
"Hey, don't worry!" Gouzi didn't refuse, nodding vigorously. His face was filled with excitement because of Li Xiangnan's genuine concern. He then quickly disappeared into the shadows and returned to his sentry post.
There were wary neighbors in the courtyard, and Zhou Yuejin and Hao Jian were guarding the front and back yards. Those old comrades would come over to replenish the supplies before the full moon celebration. There were also the thirty brothers in the coffin room outside, and the Song family's hidden sentries were silently guarding the area.
The last heavy weight in Li Xiangnan's heart was finally lifted.
At this moment, the Li family's courtyard house was truly impregnable, and for a short time, it was enough to deal with any harassment or spying from the young master.
After arranging everything, Li Xiangnan finally breathed a sigh of relief and dragged his tired body home.
Pushing open the door, a warm scent, a blend of milky fragrance and a faint aroma of soapberry, wafted in, instantly dispelling the chill of the winter night.
Inside the room, a dim green lamp was lit, and Qin Ruobai was sitting on the edge of the bed, gently coaxing his infant daughter, Li Xitang, by the light.
The little one was sleeping soundly, occasionally smacking his lips, his rosy face looking exceptionally peaceful under the soft light.
Hearing the noise, Qin Ruobai looked up and saw her husband return, and a gentle smile immediately appeared on her face.
She put her finger to her lips to shush, then carefully placed her daughter in the cradle, covered her with a blanket, and then gracefully got up to greet her.
"Is everything taken care of? Are you alright? I told Grandma to go to sleep first! She wasn't sleepy this morning and wanted to get up around four o'clock..." She walked to Li Xiangnan's side, her voice as soft as the whisper of the wind. As she asked, she naturally reached out and brushed away some of the cold dust from his shoulder. She then touched his hand and, feeling that it was a little cold, took it in her own warm hands and gently rubbed it.
"Don't worry, everything's been taken care of! I'm perfectly fine!"
Looking at his wife's serene face and the undisguised concern in her eyes, Li Xiangnan felt a surge of warmth in his heart. "I'm sorry for making you worry again! But everything is settled at home now, it's safe!"
He briefly recounted the day's events and some subsequent security issues to Qin Ruobai, omitting the dangers involved and only emphasizing that the defenses were currently very strong.
Qin Ruobai listened quietly without interrupting.
She was a smart woman, and a seasoned police officer who had weathered many storms. From her husband's solemn expression and meticulous planning, she had already guessed the seriousness of the matter. However, she did not panic or complain; she simply held her husband's hand tightly.
"Why are you apologizing to me!" Qin Ruobai raised her head, her eyes clear. "Remember this, we're husband and wife, we have to share joys and sorrows! I feel much more at ease with these arrangements you've made!"
She pointed to the courtyard, "With Grandpa at home, the help of brothers like Yuejin and Haojian, the support of the Song family, and many new friends outside to look out for us... our family is now like an iron barrel. You can rest assured when you're out there doing things, don't worry about anything! Don't worry!"
Fearing her husband would worry, she emphasized, "Don't forget, I am someone's daughter and someone's granddaughter. I'd like to see who dares to touch me or the Li family!"
Li Xiangnan was startled.
The granddaughter of a general and the daughter of a powerful minister—either one of these identities is enough to make people tremble!
Her words were like a spring breeze, soothing Li Xiangnan's tired and tense nerves.
Yes, he used to always follow the principle of not seeking external help and always relying on himself!
Little did they know that sometimes such a status could indeed shield them from countless troubles!
He reached out and gently embraced his wife.
Qin Ruobai also rested her head on his firm chest.
The two felt each other's heartbeats and experienced a sense of peace, as if they had survived a disaster.
Inside the house, the kettle on the honeycomb briquette stove made a soft hissing sound, the daughter in the cradle breathed evenly, and the moonlight outside the window shone through the window frame, casting a soft glow on the ground.
The couple embraced silently, a gesture that spoke volumes. All their worries, understanding, support, and love were contained within that tranquil, warm embrace.
However, despite this warm atmosphere, Li Xiangnan's heart was not completely at ease.
The clues at the Western Hill Temple were like a deep whirlpool, drawing him in so he had to go and explore them.
As his wife and baby grew more sensible, the responsibility on his shoulders became heavier.
We must expose the true nature of the young master and completely thwart his conspiracy in order to ensure the long-term safety of our family...