Upon hearing Jiang Tianliang's words, everyone in the room showed expressions of panic. They had signed up for the Ming Family Army to earn money, not to be trampled on by some so-called review officer. At that moment, almost everyone harbored thoughts of quitting the Ming Family Army. Money could be earned slowly, but life was only one. Judging from Jiang Tianliang's ruthless methods, if it was Liu Tiezhu this time, it might be their turn next.
"Jiang Tianliang, shut your stinking mouth. This place isn't for you to run wild." The leader, Jiang He, cold-faced, cut off the arrogant Jiang Tianliang and turned his gaze to Liu Tiezhu. "Tell the truth. If it's your fault, accept the Ming family's punishment." "If it's not your fault, I'll see justice done for you."
As a fellow review officer, Jiang He held more authority than Jiang Tianliang. He had always seen Jiang Tianliang's character in daily dealings. But as long as Jiang Tianliang didn't go too far, he turned a blind eye. Now, with guns drawn and three dead, such a major incident demanded his intervention.
Hearing Jiang He's words, Jiang Tianliang's face darkened instantly. Everyone in the room knew he was in the wrong here. If handled according to the Ming family's rules, Liu Tiezhu would not only be blameless but might even be promoted. After all, Liu Tiezhu's strength was evident to all—he could easily replace Jiang Tianliang as review officer. But Jiang Tianliang, as the review officer, had killed without cause. Under the Ming family's rules, he would be stripped of his position and demoted to an ordinary member. He had worked so hard to get where he was; how could he let Jiang He ruin it? Moreover, he had offended many ordinary Ming family soldiers privately. Once stripped of his position, countless people would seek revenge.
After a moment of silence, Jiang Tianliang glared coldly at Jiang He and threatened, "Jiang He, what's your game? Taking the other side?" "Don't think just because you've earned Third Master's favor, you can do whatever you want." "Meddle in my affairs, and I won't let you off."
Hearing this, Jiang He responded with a disdainful look. "Jiang Tianliang, when have I ever taken the other side?" "If I hadn't arrived in time, would you even be talking now?" "If you've got nothing to hide, why are you scared?" "Three dead in your barracks—such a big deal, and you think you can just brush it off without an explanation?" "If you keep causing trouble, fine. I'll report this to Third Master right now and have him come handle it."
Jiang Tianliang's face turned pale at those words. If Third Master came and learned the truth, he might be killed on the spot. After all, Ming Zhenglong, the Ming family's third master, was notoriously ruthless. He killed without needing any reason.
Another review officer, Liu Zhigao, stepped forward to mediate. "Jiang Tianliang, I advise you to come clean." "In this situation, we can handle it privately." "If you insist on being stubborn, we'll have no choice but to report the truth."
The last review officer, Zhang Zhiliang, said nothing. But from his act of holstering his gun, it was clear he understood what had happened.
Jiang He turned his gaze back to Liu Tiezhu. "Young man, speak up boldly." "If it's not your fault, I'll stand by you."
"Then I won't hold back." Liu Tiezhu, unafraid, recounted everything that had happened in the room in detail.
Before Jiang He could ask, Jiang Tianliang jumped in to refute. "Damn it, kid, you're slandering me!" "I just wanted to teach you a lesson. When did I ever intend to kill you to silence you?"
"If you didn't intend to kill, then how did they die?" Liu Tiezhu didn't spare Jiang Tianliang, pointing at the bodies on the floor without any regard for face.
"It was an accident. My gun misfired." Jiang Tianliang, face dark, offered an excuse even he didn't believe.
"A misfire? Do you think everyone here is a fool?" Liu Tiezhu retorted.
Jiang He and the others weren't fools either; they knew Jiang Tianliang was talking nonsense. But he couldn't figure out why Jiang Tianliang, with no prior grudge against Liu Tiezhu, would order Zhang Guofeng and the other two to go after him. After the plan failed, Jiang Tianliang quickly silenced them and tried to kill Liu Tiezhu. Still, he didn't want to waste brainpower on it. Liu Tiezhu had easily dealt with three men and subdued the armed Jiang Tianliang, showing impressive skill. Such talent had to be kept and brought into his circle.
After some thought, Jiang He turned his gaze to Jiang Tianliang. "How do you plan to handle this?"
Jiang Tianliang spread his hands indifferently. "Just a few nobodies dead. No big deal." "I don't think we need to make a mountain out of a molehill and stir things up, hurting everyone's feelings."
Jiang He frowned at this. If not for the crowd watching, he would have beaten the bastard Jiang Tianliang senseless.
"Jiang Tianliang, you've gone too far. What do you mean 'nobodies'?" "Aren't they raised by parents? You kill them, and you think a few light words can solve it?" Zhang Zhiliang couldn't take it anymore, glaring coldly at Jiang Tianliang.
"If I were you, I'd handle the three properly and keep this from getting out." "Compensate each family a thousand yuan and tell them the three died in an accident during the assessment." Liu Zhigao offered a suggestion while also laying out a plan for Jiang Tianliang to resolve the issue.
Jiang Tianliang thought for a moment and finally nodded to Liu Zhigao. "Fine, I'll do as you say." For now, he had to spend money to avoid trouble. But this debt wouldn't be forgotten. He glared coldly at Liu Tiezhu, the murderous intent in his eyes undisguised.
Liu Tiezhu didn't back down, returning the glare with equal killing intent.
"Kid, just you wait." Jiang Tianliang spat out a threat and prepared to leave. But as he took a step, Liu Tiezhu blocked his way.
"Review Officer Jiang, don't rush off. Did you forget something?" Liu Tiezhu stood before Jiang Tianliang, speaking provocatively.
Jiang Tianliang glared at Liu Tiezhu, furious. "Damn it, do you really think I won't kill you?" He had already lost all face today, and now Liu Tiezhu wanted to trample on him further—how could he stand it?
Liu Tiezhu shot back, "Fuck you. If you could kill me, would you be slinking away?" "If Review Officer Jiang He and the others hadn't shown up, you'd be kneeling on the ground talking to me right now." Since the gloves were off, Liu Tiezhu wasn't going to be polite with Jiang Tianliang. This bastard wanted his life; being polite would be slapping his own face.
Jiang Tianliang was seething with rage, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Liu Tiezhu. "What do you want?"
Liu Tiezhu grinned, looking disdainfully at the enraged Jiang Tianliang. "I spared your life. Don't you think you should say thank you?"