A New Dawn for the Whitlocks Chapter 24

Zhen Sanjiang and Lily Summers walked down the hillside. Lily Summers said, "The grain station (in charge of logistics) said that we don't have much money." Zhen Sanjiang said, "Yes, it's time to buy food and grass, and the brothers have to send money home." Lily Summers said, "If we don't smash a kiln, life will be tight." The big shopkeeper said, "Yes. Who should we smash?" Lily Summers said, "I have sent people down the mountain to the Gao family's house to step on the plate." Zhen Sanjiang said, "Smash that Gao family?" Lily Summers said, "He should have been smashed long ago! He is already in his sixties or seventies. In order to save his life, he hires a wet nurse to feed him all year round. Isn't it disgusting! Every year he has forced several people to death for collecting rent? People in the Gao family call him 'Gao Yanwang'!" A bandit ran over and said, "Big shopkeeper, second shopkeeper, the thread leader of the Gao family is back!"

Zhen Sanjiang, Lily Summers and several other small leaders returned to the Erlong Hall to listen to the report from Xiantouzi. Xiantouzi said, "The third day of next month is the day for Mr. Gao's 70th birthday. His sons are going to hold a big celebration, so the Gao family compound is busy now." Lily Summers said, "The third day of next month? There are still eight days." Zhen Sanjiang said happily, "Whatever you want will come true! This is really a godsend! If we rob the Gao family, let alone other things, the birthday gifts sent by those who flatter Mr. Gao will be enough for our brothers in the mountain village to spend the winter comfortably."

The fourth brother said, "This Gao family is a powerful kiln. His house is large and deep, with artillery towers all around. Those who guard his house are all good gunners who can hit the target wherever they are pointed." A bandit echoed, "Yeah, it won't be that easy if we do it by force. We might even have to sacrifice a few of our brothers." Lily Summers thought for a while and said, "Boss, I have an idea. I wonder if I should tell you or not?" Zhen Sanjiang said, "We are all brothers. Why are you going through so much trouble? Tell me now." Lily Summers whispered something to Zhen Sanjiang.

Zhen Sanjiang smiled and said, "Great, great! Second shopkeeper, you are the wise man of our Erlongshan! You are in charge of destroying this kiln!" Lily Summers said, "But we have to use courtesy before force." Zhen Sanjiang said, "Yes, courtesy before force! Send him a letter first. If he agrees with us, we will save trouble!" He called a bandit, "Fanduo (clerk, military advisor), send a letter to the Gao family." Fanduo came over with paper and pen. Zhen Sanjiang said to Fanduo, "I speak, you write!"

The Gao family compound, with its blue bricks and black tiles, has a turret on its high wall. The fourth brother, dressed as a beggar, approached the gate. He looked around, took out a dagger, and threw it at the gate. The dagger stuck in the gate, trembling. There was also a letter stuck in the dagger, and the envelope read: From Master Gao, Zhen Sanjiang. The Gao family housekeeper was startled when he saw the dagger and the letter stuck in the door, and pulled them out tremblingly. He looked at the envelope, his face turned pale, and he ran to the yard.