The three exchanged a look, years of unspoken understanding guiding their next actions.
Although Chi Lingyou was unaware of their plan, seeing them protect each other in this situation made him feel his sister had married well.
"Brother-in-law, there might still be a chance for this matter to turn around. Why don't I go out and speak with Lord Liang?"
"You cannot, You'er!"
Old Master Wu of the Chi family would never allow his son to put himself in danger at such a time and immediately stopped him.
Despite his young age, Chi Lingyou possessed a commanding presence and showed no fear, appearing calmer than many others. He was indeed a member of the Chi family.
Considering his identity, perhaps he could resolve the situation by going out.
"Nephew, are you truly willing to resolve my Zhu family's crisis?"
After witnessing so many former friends turn their backs, Zhu Hong was taken aback by Chi Lingyou's offer and asked with great uncertainty.
However, since Chi Lingyou had spoken, he naturally had some confidence.
He nodded at Zhu Hong and said, "Uncle Zhu, rest assured, Lingyou will do his best!"
Upon hearing this, Cao Sanlang, who was standing nearby, suddenly offered to accompany him for the negotiation.
Yet, the Zhu father and son regarded him with deep distrust, as if he would flee the moment he was let out.
"Sanlang should remain here; it's safer."
How could Zhu Hong let him leave so easily? Cao Sanlang was indignant but could do nothing at the moment.
Once everything was prepared, Chi Lingyou called out towards the outside.
"Lord Liang, I am Chi Lingyou, a descendant of the Chi family. I have some words I wish to speak with you outside!"
"A member of the Chi family?"
"Yes!"
After careful consideration, Liang Quanbin decided it was best to agree. After all, the Chi family was not the Zhu family; their foundation was something he could not shake.
He then said to the inside.
"Young Master Chi, you may come out. I guarantee not to harm a single hair on your head!"
"Thank you, my lord!"
Having received Liang Quanbin's assurance, Chi Lingyou glanced at his worried father and the others from the Zhu family before resolutely turning to leave.
As he reached the main gate, Zhu Hong signaled for it to be opened a crack to let him out, and then quickly closed it again.
Outside the gate, the imposing presence of the Water Army camp made anyone feel uneasy, including Chi Lingyou.
But at this moment, he could only suppress his fear and walk step by step towards Liang Quanbin.
Liang Quanbin, seeing such boldness in someone so young, felt an even greater apprehension towards the Chi family.
It was said that the head of the Chi family was even more unfathomable and formidable. He had been in Jinling City for quite some time, yet the Chi family had never formally paid him a visit.
Thus, he put on an air of authority and said to Chi Lingyou in a stern tone.
"Young Master Chi, what is your esteemed opinion?"
"It's not an esteemed opinion, but I wish to discuss one matter with Lord Liang."
"What matter?"
"Some days ago, Prince Ding traveled a thousand miles from Dongdu City to Jiangnan specifically to seek a renowned physician for his illness. This is known to all under heaven. He has been in Jinling City for some time now, yet we have heard no news of him. The Min family has also focused all their attention on Prince Ding because of this matter. If the lives of all the Zhu family members can be exchanged for the healing of the Prince's injuries, Lord Liang, what do you think?"
Liang Quanbin raised an eyebrow and asked Chi Lingyou curiously.
"Why are you so certain?"
"The Zhu family possesses a secret ancestral medicine that can bring the dead back to life." His confident tone made Liang Quanbin begin to scheme.
Between suppressing the Zhu family and saving Prince Ding, even a fool would know how to choose.
For many years, the Ninth Prince and the First Prince had sought Prince Ding's support, but they had never received a definitive answer. Duke Wei had tried countless times in private without success. If he were to have the opportunity to save Prince Ding, wouldn't that be a great help to the Ninth Prince!
At that time, even Duke Wei would have to treat him with respect, and the entire Liang family would likely soar to prominence!
Such immense benefits could not be compared to a mere Zhu family!
"Are you sure this medicine can save the Prince?"
"Lingyou is willing to stake his life on it."
Having received his answer, Liang Quanbin had a plan in mind.
"Where is the medicine?"
"If Your Lordship takes the Water Army away, releases the Zhu family and those implicated, and ceases further pursuit of this matter, I will personally deliver the secret medicine to the Imperial Guard's office and hand it over to Your Lordship!"
"How do I know you won't deceive me?"
"A promise from the Chi family is as good as a chariot drawn by four horses!"
With the reputation of the Chi family as a guarantee, Liang Quanbin believed him to about seventy to eighty percent.
However, he still felt a surge of anger. "What about Huo Chong? He openly slaughtered people in my Imperial Guard's office. Letting him go like this would make the world mock the officials of our Great Jin as weak and incompetent!"
The accusation was heavy, and Chi Lingyou once again played the peacemaker, whispering into Liang Quanbin's ear.
"A hundred times the compensation will be delivered to the Imperial Guard's office immediately. I implore Lord Liang to show leniency!"
The compensation alone was so extravagant, the amount given to him would likely be astonishing.
"Very well. For the sake of the Chi family, I will spare the Zhu family. However, those in prison cannot be released now; we will discuss it in a month. Each person will pay ten times the fine, not a single word less!"
To be extorted time and again, even with the Zhu family's current wealth, they would likely be severely weakened.
But fortunately, the matter was resolved peacefully, and Liang Quanbin, keeping his promise, led his men away from the Zhu residence.
Feng Jinlin followed behind, mostly out of sight. His mind was filled with thoughts that if the Zhu family's medicine could indeed cure the Prince's illness, it would not be a bad thing!
At least Ayyao would not be a widow in the future!
At this moment, he did not even realize that he had unconsciously adopted the identity of a brother-in-law when considering Prince Ding's condition!
Chi Lingyou let out a sigh of relief only after the Water Army had completely withdrawn.
The Zhu family members inside also relaxed.
"Although we will have to lose money, at least everyone is safe. Father, quickly bring out the secret medicine. This way, Uncle, Second Uncle, and Brother-in-law can all be saved."
Zhu Hong felt a pang of pain. That was a treasured ancestral heirloom, for which many had offered immense sums of money or even threatened him, but to no avail.
And now it was to be taken by Liang Quanbin to curry favor with Prince Ding!
If he had known this would happen, he should have gladly handed it over when the Min family came seeking the medicine. Perhaps then, Prince Ding would have intervened to save them from this disaster.
But it was too late to say anything now. No matter how much it pained him, he had to hand it over to save the lives of his family.
The main gate opened, and the guests rushed out, fearing they would be trapped in the Zhu residence if they lingered.
Chi Lingyou, however, strode in and said apologetically to Zhu Hong.
"I beg your pardon for my boldness, Uncle. The Zhu family's treasure has been traded away by me."
"What are you saying, Nephew? I should thank you for saving the entire Zhu family! Please wait a moment, I will go and get the medicine. As for the compensation and other matters, you can handle them first."
"Yes!"