Qin Shi Ambitious

Page 143

When a name that was still quite ordinary at the moment was mentioned, the Hall Master's heart instantly blossomed like spring flowers, and his patience expanded to an infinite degree...

"So it's Brother Xiao He from the Human Sect!"

Chapter 163 Yan Dan's Last Mandate

"Brother Xiao He said that Chen Sheng and the assassin were helping me. I wonder what you mean by that?"

Lu Wei asked, half-jokingly.

The person before me possessed a composed demeanor, superior internal energy, and the sword he carried on his back was no ordinary weapon. In this world where swords reign supreme, this was a significant advantage.

Given his identity as a member of the Taoist Renzong sect, he is undoubtedly the "First Chancellor of the Han Dynasty" in history.

Chen Sheng's act of blocking the road and challenging the sect leader to a sword duel aligns to some extent with Lu Wei's strategy for dealing with peasants, so it's understandable that he would consider it an act of assistance.

However, this understanding was based on Lu Wei's complete grasp of the situation in the peasantry.

As for Xiao He, even if he knew about the scandal at Kuiwei Hall, the basis for his judgment would be limited to the dispute between the Tian family and other families within the peasantry.

The assassin from before was even more baffling; surely the help he offered couldn't have been just delivering a famous sword to Master Lu?

Without joking and judging rationally, the most likely explanation for the assassination issue is that it is related to the person's identity.

Unfortunately, Lu Wei didn't recognize the assassin's face. It all depended on what Xiao He would say next.

“Indeed,” Xiao He calmly met the sharp, scrutinizing gaze before him: “Chen Sheng is a mortal enemy of Tian Mi of Kuiwei Hall and Tian Meng of Lieshan Hall. To Master Lu, he is a friend, not an enemy.”

The answer was standard and predictable, clearly aimed at undermining the Tian family.

"As for the assassin, does Hall Master Lu know his identity?"

Hmm, I guessed it all right...

Based solely on the few words Xiao He has already uttered, there has been little surprise, leaving Lu Wei somewhat disappointed.

However, considering that his strengths were not part of the scheme, Lu Wei was willing to continue to give him face:

"Please teach me, Brother Xiao He."

"This person's original surname is unknown."

"However, his surname is now Xu, and he is an old friend and retainer of the Xu family in Jicheng, the same family that Master Lu once worked for."

Upon hearing this, the hall master suddenly understood and had a general idea of ​​what would happen next, but he still listened to the speech with a calm expression.

Xiao He continued explaining, "Four years ago, this person fled Jicheng for some reason and went to the Wu and Yue regions, intending to find an ancient sword recorded in the Xu family's ancient books."

"In recent years, he has collaborated with others to excavate about fifty ancient tombs, and finally found the one that belongs to him."

"This person knew that his strength was weak, so he originally wanted to join the Farmers' Clan and then make long-term plans."

The story of Xu Qiu's retainers seeking revenge after their own family was wiped out is not a novel tale in the context of a world where chivalrous wanderers are prevalent.

But if we follow Xiao He's advice, and this person has the patience to climb the social ladder step by step with the Shu Lou sword, he might actually cause some trouble later on...

Now that he has been tricked by Xiao He into losing his mind and directly assassinating himself, this is indeed a form of help.

Xiao He stopped speaking there. There were many embellishments in his words, which were out of respect for Hall Master Lu. Hall Master Lu would fill in the gaps himself.

Upon careful reflection during the listening process, the true essence of the above words lies not in the two events themselves that were helpful to the Master, but in the significance that Xiao He could frankly reveal about these events:

The internal strife within farming families is something that anyone paying attention to can notice, and it's not hard to understand, since the conflict between the Tian family and other families has always been a chronic problem.

But how did Xiao He discover the feud between the Hall Master and the Xu family, as well as the identity, experience, and intentions of this Xu family retainer?

These things were so trivial that Lu Wei, the person involved, never paid any more attention to them.

How did Xiao He manage to make a assassin who had been biding his time for four years lose his reason...?

"Brother Xiao He, have you been to Ji City?"

Judging from the insights gained by Xu's retainers, the Gonggongtang branch in Daliang City, and Xiao He, it seems that this Mr. Xiao has been paying attention to me for a long time.

Lu Wei couldn't help but recall the Moon Goddess.

His sudden inquiry about Jicheng was certainly not limited to just Jicheng.

Xiao He clearly understood what Master Lu meant.

He clasped his hands in a fist and said, "This is the first time I have met Master Lu. My only wish is to make the acquaintance of Master Lu Wei, a renowned figure among farmers."

The phrase "first meeting" implies that he had never followed Lu Wei's actions. The subsequent statement, expressing an intention to befriend him, explains why the two are now sitting together.

Xiao He could have chosen not to answer this question, but since he did, it was most likely the truth.

Personally tracking him was not the way Xiao He obtained such subtle information. Moreover, although his future prime minister had a good level of internal martial arts, he was far from being able to track him silently.

He chose to keep the specific methods by which he obtained that information a secret, which is a more worthy mystery to explore.

"Brother Xiao He has helped me twice, and I am willing to be his friend." Lu Wei secretly made his calculations, but his expression remained calm. "Why don't you come with me to Daze Mountain for a visit, Brother Xiao He? It would be convenient for me to host a feast for you at my farmhouse. What do you say?"

"Master Lu, you're too kind." Xiao He slowly shook his head and declined: "The doctrine of the Taoist sect takes engagement with the world as its aim, which is to follow the Great Way and conform to the will of the people."

"I have only just graduated from my sect this year and am eager to explore the ways of the world. It is not appropriate for me to stay in one place for long."

"It is fate that I met Master Lu in Chu. I am sure there will be many more opportunities to meet him in the future."

The two exchanged only a few words before parting ways, each carrying their own riddle.

"My logistics captain is not willing to return to the team yet, but there's no rush."

Riding his horse, Lu Wei continued towards Shouchun City, lost in thought: "Judging from Xiao He's words, even if he doesn't have an organization behind him, he at least has another close friend with whom he communicates."

"That person was the one who had a face-to-face exchange with Chen Sheng in the State of Wei!"

While the head of the hall was pondering, Xiao He was writing a letter:

"Junior Brother Chen Ping, I believe you have received my previous letter."

"As you wish, junior brother, senior brother has met with farmer Lu Wei today."

Whether this person's nature and actions align with my junior brother's assessment remains to be seen...

...

Upon returning to Xiang Bo's residence, they were once again warmly received by Xiang Bo.

Lu Wei's trip to Sichuan, which involved sacrifice, went much more smoothly than he had planned.

Not only did she successfully arrange for the two female physicians to be rescued later, but she also unexpectedly had her first meeting with Xiao He.

Both of them were eager to get closer to each other, and today they laid the groundwork for future opportunities to win over this disciple of the Human Sect.

He has now returned to Shouchun, mainly for three reasons:

Firstly, Shouchun City is a large city. If Lu Wei stays here, he can communicate with Daliang and Dazeshan, which will make it easier for him to handle matters that Lü Qing and A Ye may not be able to decide.

They could also quickly learn about changes in the world situation based on letters.

Secondly, he continued to befriend the Xiang family and colluded with the generals in Xiang's army.

For example, people like Ji Bu. First, establish good relationships to facilitate future actions.

Perhaps they can even discover more of Changping Jun's plans, which could make it easier for them to inherit Changping Jun's legacy in the future.

Third, quietly read a few Taoist classics and learn the art of "living in seclusion in the city" as soon as possible.

Occasionally, when strolling around the Yunmeng Market at night, one might still be able to plunder some things from the seemingly inexhaustible Chu Nan Gong.

This short old man owes Lu Wei a lesson he hasn't yet taught him.

Last time, I didn't mention it much because I was focused on living a life of 'seclusion in the city,' but this time I can test the waters...

------

The Zhao region, located on the battlefield between Qin and Yan, north of Handan City.

Banners obscure the sun, enemies are like clouds; arrows rain down, soldiers vie to be the first.

The Qin soldiers in black armor launched several fierce attacks, but this only lasted until the second day. The Yan army offered only token resistance for a short while, and after failing to maintain their defensive line, they began to collapse...

Even though the Mohist leaders tried their best to maintain order in the army, they were only making futile efforts.

The fact that several Yan officers led their troops to surrender to Qin directly caused complete chaos in the Yan army. Those officers were powerful nobles who supported the Yan state in Liaodong. After learning of the division of the Yan state in the rear, they had long been seeking a way out for themselves and secretly communicating with the Qin army.

Ju Wu's assessment that the Yan state in Jicheng had completely taken control of the frontline army in Zhao territory has become a joke.

With long-planned collusion between insiders and outsiders, this defeat was destined long ago!

On the Yan side, those still fighting are the unorthodox Gao Jianli, Dao Zhi, and a limited-ability Da Tiechui.

On the Qin side, the vanguard generals who commanded the division of the Yan army were Wang Ben, Meng Tian, ​​and Li Xin.

The huge skill gap between ordinary soldiers and high-ranking officers set off a massacre to reap military merits!

From the standoff north of Handan City, the Qin army suffered a complete rout all the way to the Yi River, with their vanguard cavalry even daring to pursue the Qin forces as far as Ji City...

From becoming the King of Yan, a dream come true, to the Qin army besieging the city, Yan Dan realized that he had been making futile struggles against the tyrannical Qin that he hated all along.

"Your Majesty, let's retreat!"

In the deathly silent royal palace, only Ju Wu and a few Mo family leaders, whose bodies were covered in blood and had not yet been cleaned and changed, remained.

Ju Wu had always presented himself as a robust and capable minister. But now, his body was hunched over, showing signs of age and impending death... just like the nation beneath his feet:

"As the leader of the Mohist school, you can also ride the Vermilion Bird Mechanized System into the Mechanized City to temporarily avoid their attacks."

"There aren't many Qin soldiers outside the city yet!"

Ju Wu was the only one among the people present who was not a disciple of the Mohist school. Faced with his suggestion, the eyes of several Mohist leaders turned to Yan Dan, who was sitting upright on the throne.

Yan Dan's lips were cracked; he had not eaten or drunk anything for a day and a night.

"No, Ying Zheng only wants my head now."

Yan Dan clenched his fists tightly under his long sleeves, glanced at the Mo family leaders, and shook his head: "If I survive and hide in the Mechanized City, the Qin soldiers will definitely destroy that last paradise at all costs."

"Master Ban, please work hard these next few days and make several trips to the Vermilion Bird Pavilion to transport the Mo family disciples who have retreated to Ji City back to the Mechanical City."

"You are the leaders of the Mohist school. You will stay in the city for the next few days to maintain order among the Mohist disciples."

Turning his gaze to Gao Jianli, Dao Zhi, and the others, Yan Dan spoke at the same pace as usual:

"After the last batch of ordinary disciples have left, you will take the last Suzaku train to leave."

"Master!" Gao Jianli, holding the Water-Cold Sword he had recently acquired, couldn't help but step forward, about to say something, but was pulled back by Kuang Xiu beside him.