Jiangshan Yunluo Episode 5

Chapter 1: The Pearl-like Well and the Wutong Tree
It was nearly noon, and the meeting in the Golden Palace had concluded. Tu Chong announced in
a shrill voice, "The time has come; those who have nothing else, please dismiss the court!" "Your Majesty, I have another important matter to report!" Hu Hao promptly stepped forward, knelt, and kowtowed repeatedly, the sound echoing in the empty hall.
"Rise, Minister Hu. Speak your mind!" The Emperor was quite surprised. If it were a major matter, he should have reported it long ago; if it were a minor matter, why would Hu Hao act as if he were risking his life to remonstrate? "The matter is of great
importance; those below the third rank should not be heard of."
The "those below the third rank" were merely offering general advice. The Emperor knew, of course, that this matter was of utmost importance and should not be revealed to anyone other than trusted ministers. He then selected a few people and dismissed Tu Chong.
"Wait! Lord Wen, you cannot leave." Hu Hao turned and looked at Wen Yi, the garrison commander of the capital. His sinister gaze filled Wen Yi with disgust and a chill.
"Minister Wen, come here too."
The Qin Emperor led his ministers to the Imperial Study, then dismissed his attendants and closed the door, saying, "Minister Hu, what important matter is it? Report it immediately!"
Hu Hao, breathing heavily, his face flushed red from the blood, surveyed the room and said to Huo Yongning, "Lord Huo, let me ask you first! On their return journey from the Yan Kingdom, the Qin envoys were attacked by the Dark Fragrance Fallen bandits. This incident damaged the prestige of our Great Qin, yet you have remained silent about it since returning to the capital. What are your intentions?"
"Uh..." Huo Yongning was somewhat embarrassed by the question, rubbing his hands and saying, "It's not that I've remained silent, but the journey is long, and the bandits have all been executed! There are many important matters in the capital, and it's not advisable to launch a major attack at the moment."
"Hmph!" Hu Hao sneered, "With such a major matter, what could be more important?"
Huo Yongning, always a loyal minister, as Wu Zheng had previously analyzed, must harbor resentment towards Anxiang Lingluo. Regardless of how much help he had given in investigating the rebels' lair, he had been pressured with words and would inevitably side with Kunlun on this matter.
Yu Renze immediately understood the situation and sneered, "Your Majesty, please allow me to speak frankly! The rebels' attack on the envoy is indeed despicable, but the way of governance is to act according to one's capabilities, prioritizing certain actions. Lord Hu, you are failing to distinguish between what is important and what is trivial, making a mountain out of a molehill, with ulterior motives."
"Making a mountain out of a molehill, with ulterior motives?" Hu Hao suddenly exploded, jumping up and down, "I am precisely going to make a mountain out of a molehill, for a bunch of ulterior motive rebels!"
"Lord Hu, just say what you have to say, what's the rush?" Yu Renze smiled smugly, completely at ease.
"You are all important ministers of the state, entrusted with great power by His Majesty. Do you know the origins of the Dark Fragrance Bandits?" Hu Hao was filled with righteous indignation, almost bursting with rage.
"A bunch of Jianghu bandits, causing trouble in groups! They are not a serious threat, easily wiped out with a flick of the wrist." Die Yunhe calmly replied, as he was most familiar with the affairs of the Jianghu, and his words naturally convinced people.
"General Die, a Jianghu bandit, you have a great reputation in the Jianghu as the leader of the Qingcheng Sect, yet you are so biased and easily swayed!" Hu Hao's tone was extremely loud, no different from an interrogation.
"Lord Hu, please refrain from speaking nonsense before His Majesty. Everyone knows what it means to be swayed by biased opinions."
"Heh! I am utterly disappointed in General Die!" Hu Hao shook his head with a bitter laugh, then knelt before the Emperor, saying, "Your Majesty, according to my investigation, the 'Fragrance of the Fallen' not only poisons the common people and harms the martial world, but it is also a remnant of the previous dynasty's faction!" "
What?!" The high-ranking officials exclaimed in unison, their faces filled with shock. Involving the former imperial family was always a matter of utmost importance; a single misstep could shake the very foundations of the current dynasty. Even though the previous dynasty had been gone for a long time, no one dared to be careless.
The Emperor Qin's eyes widened, his face turning terrifyingly grim. "Is there concrete evidence?"
he demanded. "Your Majesty," came the reply. "Your Majesty, I ordered an investigation, and we have both witnesses and physical evidence. She is currently waiting outside the Meridian Gate. Please summon her."
"Who is investigating who is outside the Meridian Gate?"
"Wu Zheng, the magistrate of the Northern City, has conducted an investigation. He has irrefutable evidence against the witnesses outside the Meridian Gate. It is Zhu Yatong, the current head of the Zhu family!"
Explosive news followed one after another, leaving even the high-ranking officials somewhat bewildered. Wen Yi's expression changed drastically, while Yu Ren was extremely anxious. However, no one dared to express their opinion on this matter rashly, and could only wait and see.
The Emperor Qin lowered his head and pondered for a long time before saying in a deep voice, "Summon her!"
Zhu Yatong, dressed in magnificent attire, entered the palace through the Meridian Gate, attracting the attention of all who saw her. Her features were exquisitely beautiful, and coupled with her dignified and elegant demeanor, her unparalleled beauty was truly breathtaking. Some experienced palace elders secretly pondered: none of the palace beauties could compare to her. Perhaps the former Consort Yu could, but Consort Yu's temperament was weaker, and ultimately she was outshone.
The Imperial Study was brightened by Zhu Yatong's arrival. The beautiful woman gracefully bowed: "This commoner, Zhu Yatong, greets Your Majesty." In Yan, she was a second-rank noblewoman, but in Qin, she was a commoner.
"Please rise, Patriarch Zhu. Lord Hu mentioned the matter of the fading fragrance. Please tell me in detail, Patriarch Zhu." The Qin Emperor's anxiety was undisguised, abandoning all beating around the bush. Even with her stunning beauty, Zhu Yatong couldn't attract his attention. What could be more important than the fate of the nation?
"I came to Chengdu incognito, only to discuss business with Lord Wu, the magistrate of Beicheng, as soon as possible. I had no other intentions. Lord Wu investigated the disappearances in Beicheng and discovered it was the work of the Dark Fragrance Bandits. When I learned that Lord Wu was following the bandits, my childlike heart stirred, and I secretly followed them..." Zhu Yatong recounted her story slowly and deliberately, her voice sweet and melodious, making everyone feel as if the events of that night were still vivid in their
minds. "The Zhu family head's martial arts are unparalleled, yet he couldn't even capture a single bandit?" Die Yunhe found it unbelievable, but also relieved that he hadn't captured anyone; otherwise, this would have been a complete defeat.
“I can’t catch him!” Zhu Yatong slowly shook her head and said, “This man calls himself You Wuhuan, which I guess means ‘worrying about the world’s lack of trouble.’ His heart is despicable!”
“Patriarch Zhu, mere guessing is not enough.” Tu Chong also spoke up in a shrill voice, “Do you have any evidence?”
“Yes! The reason I can’t catch him is because he has this.” Zhu Yatong stretched out her jade hand, and three golden feathers in her fair palm emitted a faint glow. They were clearly cut from a living being not long ago and carefully preserved, so their luster was not diminished: “I fought You Wuhuan with all my might, and only when he turned to escape did I leave three tail feathers from the bird he was riding.”
“Hiss~” Tu Chong’s pupils suddenly dilated, and he took the three feathers and presented them on the imperial desk.
“Is it that beast?” The Qin Emperor breathed heavily and sought confirmation from Tu Chong.
"Yes! No mistake! It is indeed the Leopard-feathered Buzzard!" Tu Chong's head was almost buried in his waist, his throat dry, his voice trembling. He didn't know what kind of uproar this creature's appearance would cause, nor whether the Emperor would be pleased or displeased!
The vast imperial study was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. The ministers were filled with anxiety, all waiting for the Emperor's words.
"Your Majesty, General of Chariots and Cavalry Han Kejun requests an audience!" A report rang out from outside the imperial study, easing the atmosphere somewhat, and the ministers breathed a sigh of relief.
"Summon them!"
Han Kejun, dressed in white, knelt and kowtowed, holding the tiger tally and helmet of the General of Chariots and Cavalry in both hands, saying, "Your subject , Han Kejun, deserves death!"
The Emperor Qin frowned and scolded, "My dear minister, you have always worked hard and made great contributions, and have been loyal to the end. How can you say you deserve death? Rise and speak."
"I deserve to die ten thousand times over." Han Kejun did not rise, placed the tiger tally and helmet on the ground, and bowed his head to the ground, saying, "Lord Hu and Patriarch Zhu investigated the Dark Fragrance Remnant rebels. I dared not neglect my duties. Last night, my two sons, Han Tiejia and Han Tieyi, and my daughter, Han Tieyan, discovered the rebels' lair and immediately led troops to surround and annihilate them! Now we have achieved a complete victory. The evidence that the rebels are remnants of the previous dynasty is conclusive. I failed to investigate. Therefore, I return the tiger tally and helmet and beg Your Majesty to punish me!"
The imperial study returned to silence, but this time there were many pounding heartbeats.
"Continue!" The Emperor Qin's gaze was unusually sharp in recent years.
"On my way here, the Beicheng government was apprehending bandits. Four members of the thief gang were captured at the Huanhua Tower in Beicheng, and the rest are still being interrogated. Madam Hu was also present." The evidence was extremely solid, something Han Kejun hadn't anticipated. The original plan was to find some notorious criminals at the Huanhua Tower, torture them into confessing, and pin the blame on Wen Yi. Unexpectedly, they actually caught the real culprit. This startled Zhu Yatong again, deepening her long-held suspicions.
"Wen Yi of Huanhua Tower!" The Emperor Qin shouted sharply, his dragon eyes blazing with fury.
"Your Majesty! I'm innocent!" Wen Yi's bones felt weak and his legs went numb. He collapsed to his knees with a thud, his body trembling like a leaf.
"Your Majesty, the best course of action now is to thoroughly investigate and eliminate the rebels, ensuring their complete annihilation! This old minister bears grave fault and dares not bear the high position of General of Chariots and Cavalry again. I submit to Your Majesty's judgment."
"General Han, rise, and be seated!" The Emperor Qin waved his hand towards Tu Chong, saying, "Quickly inquire about the situation at the North City government office and report back immediately!"
The matter was almost settled, but Hu Hao sensed something unusual. At this point, Wen Yi would undoubtedly be stripped of his official robes and detained for trial! Yet the Emperor had seemingly ignored him.
"Damn it! I overlooked something!" Hu Hao was extremely anxious, yet he dared not show his displeasure as he could not relay the message. He looked at the aged Emperor Qin with a mixture of respect and fear! In a moment of quick thinking, Hu Hao proposed, "Your Majesty, this matter is of utmost importance. I request that an imperial edict be drafted, and Lord Tu be ordered to act accordingly!" The situation in Beicheng was temporarily resolved,
and
Lin Ruichen and Lu Feiyan awaited the latest news in the carriage. This was just one aspect; news from the other two locations was still pending. The two women were anxious and could only offer token conversation for comfort.
The sound of hooves approached from afar, and Wu Zheng's voice drifted over: "Lord Zhang, how did it go?"
"Zheng'er!" The two women exchanged a glance and rushed out. They saw Wu Zheng, his face covered in soot, arriving in a disheveled state.
"Things went smoothly here. How about you?" Lu Feiyan asked eagerly, relieved to see that although Wu Zheng was disheveled, he didn't seem injured.
"Nothing major has happened. Ah, it's a long story, let's talk about it later!" Wu Zheng shook his head and, disregarding formalities, said, "Get in the carriage!"
Inside the carriage, Lu Feiyan briefly recounted the situation in the northern city, and Wu Zheng's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled down. He then asked, "Has any news come from the court?"
"The Zhu family head has been summoned to the palace for more than half an hour, and there's still no new information. We're getting anxious too!"
Wu Zheng frowned and pondered to himself: The Zhu family head should have reported everything. This matter is so important, how could the Emperor hesitate? What changes have occurred? Has something been overlooked?
"Damn it! I've overlooked something!" Wu Zheng, who had been silent, suddenly exclaimed in shock. The news he had been waiting for for so long had come to nothing. The Emperor's reaction was very strange, and he now understood the mystery behind it.
The plan was to track down the fallen heroes of Anxiang to bring down Wen Yi and free up the position of garrison commander of the capital. Han Kejun then resigned as General of Chariots and Cavalry, relinquishing his military power. With the three Han siblings having rendered great service, there was no one and no reason to hinder their promotion. A large portion of the original troops under the General of Chariots and Cavalry was allocated to the three as a reward, preserving the Han family's honor—all of this was originally planned. However, the capital seemed to have fallen into a deathly silence. Things were progressing smoothly, but none of the desired results had materialized; even Wen Yi had not been captured. Something was unusual.
"What did we overlook?" Lu Feiyan was uneasy and became anxious upon hearing this.
"I'm missing!" Wu Zheng scratched his head anxiously. "The future of the three Han siblings is secured. Although General Han suffered a loss, the Han family as a whole is unharmed. This is a profitable deal, and His Majesty will surely go along with it. But what about me? My contribution is significant, enough to overwhelm the Beicheng government office! This will disrupt the balance of power between the Kunlun and Qingcheng factions, something His Majesty surely didn't foresee! This matter is likely to change!"
Lu Feiyan listened, dumbfounded, admiring Wu Zheng's quick thinking while also feeling anxious.
"What to do, what to do?" Wu Zheng was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, pacing around in circles.
"Madam, news has arrived."
Lin Ruichen, disregarding formalities, summoned the Hu family steward to the carriage. The steward, unable to even deliver a formal report, relied entirely on verbal instructions, highlighting the urgency of the situation: "Lord Hu has drafted an imperial edict, and Lord Tu is leading him out of the palace to the North City. The people in the palace have seen it!"
"What? How much longer until they arrive?" Wu Zheng was overjoyed, a glimmer of light appearing amidst his chaotic thoughts: "Lord Hu is truly remarkable; he managed to get the news out even with this."
"Calm down! Calm down!" Wu Zheng kept rubbing his hands to calm himself. He had been there for an hour and a half, and an hour had passed since the end of court. News of his public appearance in the capital should have spread by now. The reason no one had come to cause trouble was probably because they feared the golden gavel in Lin Ruichen's hands.
"My two senior sisters, please wait here. I'm going to the North City government office!" Wu Zheng suddenly jumped up, his face beaming with joy, but then he froze, stunned.
"What are you doing at the North City Government Office? That's a hotbed of trouble right now." The Ministry of Personnel had been watching this negligent fellow for a long time. Going to the North City Government Office wouldn't bring anything good, at least not for now.
"News from the palace can't get out, and that idiot Yu Huajie is definitely unaware of the situation. We messed up Wen Yi today, and he certainly won't wait to cause trouble. If we arrest me first, this case will naturally be suspended, giving them room to maneuver." Wu Zheng quickly sorted through the situation and shook his head helplessly, saying, "There's no other way. I have to go and be charged with neglecting official duties, then get a beating, so that the Emperor can have a way out."
Then he sighed again, "I'm afraid that's not enough! Sigh, I'll have to go and beat someone up! Damn, this beating is expensive! I'll risk it all. Anyway, my promotion and wealth are all ruined, so I'll beat him to death!"
The anxiety of waiting was the most unbearable. By the time Wu Zheng discovered the loophole, there was no time to lose. He punched the air twice, trying to calm himself down, and said, "Master, have Lord Zhang intercept Lord Tu. Whether he pleads for justice or says the situation is urgent, try to get him here."
Lin Ruichen shook his head and said, "If that's not enough, I'll go with you."
"Excellent! The longer the better!" Wu Zheng breathed a sigh of relief and made up his mind. "Where is Master Zhuoxing?"
"He's been nearby and will be secretly following you." Lu Feiyan pursed her lips, secretly reassuring herself that with Master Zhuoxing there, nothing would go wrong.
"This disciple will go first." Wu Zheng removed his armor, crouched down, stepped out of the carriage, and boldly mounted his horse, shouting as he returned to the North City government office.
The government office was deserted. The yamen runners who were left to guard the gate were startled when they saw Wu Zheng and almost didn't recognize him. Firstly, his sudden arrival after not seeing him for many days was abrupt, and secondly, Wu Zheng's attire was too strange. Not only was he not wearing his official robes, but his clothes were covered in soot and bloodstains, and even his shoes and trouser legs were covered in mud.
"Guards! Guards! Damn it, where have they all gone?" Wu Zheng shouted, jumping up and down, slamming his gavel with a deafening roar.
"Lord Wu! Most of the people in the yamen have gone out on a case with Lord Zhang and Constable Qu, leaving only a few of us." The yamen runners, seeing their master's volatile temper, trembled with fear.
"Insolent fool!" Wu Zheng was about to explode when a commotion erupted at the yamen entrance, and Zhu Zhi led the crowd back to the courtroom. The crowd had followed Zhang Liuqiao to Fuyuan Tower that morning, but due to Lin Ruichen's involvement with the Imperial Guards, they had all been kept outside. Elders like Zhu Zhi, being old and frail, had left messages and returned to the north of the city. Seeing Zhu Zhi panting, Wu Zheng felt somewhat guilty, but he had no other choice; these kinds of people were the easiest to use and the most effective.
"Lord Wu!" Although the Beicheng Prefectural Government had handled the case fairly and impartially today, Zhu Zhi still harbored much dissatisfaction with the Beicheng Magistrate who had delayed official duties. He suppressed his anger and said, "You've finally returned!" "
Old Zhu, what do you mean?" Wu Zheng, seated high in the courtroom, coldly replied, "Are you questioning me?"
Zhu Zhi was stunned. He hadn't expected the polite and humble young official from their first meeting to suddenly transform into someone so bureaucratic and unapproachable. His well-intentioned advice vanished, replaced by an angry outburst: "Lord Wu, since taking office, you've only been to the government office for two days. Such neglect of official duties, such utter disregard for the people's plight, treating the citizens of Beicheng as nothing! Though I am but a commoner, I dare ask Lord Wu, is the safety of the people of Beicheng not of your concern?"
"Hmph!" Wu Zheng sneered, rising to his feet. "Since I have assumed the post of magistrate of Beicheng, when have I dared to disregard the Emperor's instructions? You are only a few years older, yet you dare to roar in court! If it weren't for your advanced age, I would have arrested you and brought you to justice!"
Zhu Zhi was furious. He rose tremblingly, pointing directly at Wu Zheng, "What crime have I committed? If Lord Wu does not provide a reasonable explanation, this commoner will certainly go to the Ministry of Personnel and beat the drum to lodge a complaint against Lord Wu!"
"Well said!" A shout rang out from outside the courtroom, and twelve men filed in, one leading the way, the rest arrayed like a flock of geese in flight.
Wu Zheng glanced at the newcomers, rose, and said coldly, "I have important business to attend to. Your disturbance in the courtroom has delayed my schedule. This offense will be dealt with later." He flicked his sleeve sharply, but he seemed rather flustered and eager to leave.
"Where is Lord Wu going?" asked a scholar wearing a turban and a cross-collar robe. "I just heard Lord Wu deliberating in court, deciding on someone's crime, and now he's leaving."
"Heh heh, Young Master Zhang," Wu Zheng suddenly said, revealing a set of gleaming white teeth. "None of your business!"
The scholar was none other than Zhang Caijin, the head disciple of Baiyun Academy, who was about to enter officialdom. Accustomed to being refined, the scholar would always despise those who uttered vulgarities, but he couldn't help but show his anger at Wu Zheng's outburst. "What did you say?"
"I said none of your business, none of your business, none of your business! Did you hear me clearly?" Wu Zheng sneered. "This man has a problem with his ears!"
"You...you..." Zhang Caijin was humiliated in public and his anger flared up. Even a refined person is helpless when encountering rudeness. He absolutely could not engage in a verbal battle. He had a lump in his throat and could not vent his anger, so he turned red with rage.
"Wu Zheng, the magistrate of Beicheng, has uttered foul language in public, damaging the dignity of the state and the integrity of officials, and disgracing all civility! Young Master Zhang, write this down for me!" said a young official among the visitors, wearing a sixth-rank official's hat, his hands behind his back, exuding both refinement and authority.
"Lord Yu, is the Ministry of Personnel perhaps too leisurely, giving you time to come here to cause trouble, or do you wish to ask me for a cup of tea?" Wu Zheng's expression hardened, and he waved his hand, saying, "Guards, please invite Lord Yu to the back hall for tea. I will accompany you when I return."
The yamen runners exchanged glances. The officials from the Ministry of Personnel clearly had ill intentions. Considering Wu Zheng's long-standing neglect of official duties, their purpose was obvious. Going up now would be asking for trouble, but Wu Zheng was still the magistrate of Beicheng, and they couldn't disobey him.
One of the yamen runners steeled himself and stepped forward, bowing and saying, "Lord Yu, please follow me." His courage was commendable, but when he clasped his hands, he almost buried his entire face in his armband, afraid of being recognized.
Yu Huajie ignored him completely, took two steps forward, smiled and nodded at Zhu Zhi, then said to Wu Zheng, "No need, Lord Wu. The doubts of those commoners are also my doubts. If you cannot explain them clearly, I, as the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, dare not neglect my duties like you. Now that the witnesses are all here, I will hold a hearing on the spot, which is in accordance with the laws of our Great Qin."
"You are not worthy to know!" Wu Zheng's face turned cold, and he stared at Yu Huajie warily, saying, "I have important matters to attend to and will take my leave first!"
Yu Huajie stood by without stopping him, only smiling disdainfully. Seeing Wu Zheng about to leave the government office, the three men suddenly turned around and blocked his way,
raising their hands to stop him, saying, "Lord Wu, you cannot leave yet." Seeing their steady steps and imposing presence, Wu Zheng took two steps back and turned around, saying, "Lord Yu, what is the meaning of this?"
Yu Huajie smiled slightly, walked towards Zhu Zhi without turning his head, and said gently, "As an official in charge of supervising and reporting officials, I am inspecting the northern city today. I would like to ask you, sir, to explain in detail the matter of the northern city magistrate neglecting his duties. I will definitely report this to Lord Miao and have him investigated according to the law! If the crime is heinous, I will arrest him immediately to uphold the dignity of the nation!"
"No need!" Wu Zheng quickly walked to Yu Huajie's side and said, "I have not been to the government office for a long time, not because I have neglected my duties, but because I have important matters to attend to. Under the emperor's nose and with the law of the land above all, how could I dare to act recklessly? If Lord Yu does not believe me, you may ask General Han."
"It is precisely because we are under the Emperor's nose that I must investigate thoroughly. Lord Wu has been absent from work without cause for many days, which, according to the law, warrants eighteen strokes of the cane. Since he cannot explain the reason, I will punish him according to the law now." Yu Huajie approached Wu Zheng and lowered his voice, saying, "However, if General Han comes to me on behalf of Lord Wu, I can give you a chance. Otherwise... this matter is difficult for me to handle."
In public, although he lowered his voice, it could not escape the ears of those around him. To others, this sentence seemed to give Wu Zheng some face. But to Wu Zheng and Zhang Caijin, who knew Yu Huajie's treacherous intentions, it meant a completely different thing. Han Guiyan coming to him for help was an even greater humiliation.
"It is difficult!" Wu Zheng suddenly revealed a ferocious and dangerous smile, "Then there is no need to handle it!"
"What?" Yu Huajie was stunned by the nonsensical words, but before he could think further, Wu Zheng's fist had already arrived with a whooshing sound.
Yu Huajie was skilled in both literature and martial arts, unmatched among his peers in the Qin Dynasty in these two aspects, truly a prodigy. However, all this glory came to an abrupt end with Wu Zheng's arrival in the capital. Years ago, at the literary and martial arts gathering at the Zuixianlou Restaurant, Yu Huajie's martial arts prowess was comparable to Wu Zheng's. Unsure of his ability to defeat Wu Zheng and fearing criticism that would tarnish his reputation, he dared not challenge him on the spot. Now, two years later, Yu Huajie was extremely disciplined, practicing martial arts without ceasing for a single day. Yet, how could he
compare to Wu Zheng, who had progressed even further? With each exchange of blows, Yu Huajie felt an overwhelming, unstoppable force, causing excruciating pain in his palms, as if the bones were about to crack.
Wu Zheng's attack was sudden and close. Caught off guard, Yu Huajie only managed to block one punch before being swept down the back of the knee by a kick, the excruciating pain causing him to collapse to one knee. —He never expected Wu Zheng to dare to attack in public. Shocked and terrified, he cried out, "You dare…"
Wu Zheng suddenly leaned back, narrowly avoiding a palm strike from behind, and then kicked Yu Huajie.
Yu Huajie's words were cut off, but the arrival of reinforcements roused him! He forcefully raised his palm to grab Wu Zheng's ankle. Wu
Zheng used his shoulder to push away the person behind him, and hooked his leg to avoid Yu Huajie's palm strike. His posture was awkward, and he was distracted, so he lacked power and had to rely on a clever trick.
Taking advantage of this moment, Yu Huajie hurriedly rolled on the ground. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his subordinate had already struck Wu Zheng squarely in the back. Overjoyed, he was about to order Wu Zheng to be subdued and personally punished. Unexpectedly, Wu Zheng, instead of being hurt by the blow, used the momentum to leap forward, delivering a slap with a whooshing sound.
"If you dare bother Yan'er again, I'll castrate you!" Yu Huajie's words were cut off as Wu Zheng roared menacingly. Fortunately, he had been struck hard, and although he used the force to deflect the blow, Yu Huajie's followers were also skilled, and their aim and strength were ultimately off. Yu Huajie narrowly avoided the slap, the wind from the palm striking Wu Zheng's ear painfully.
Wu Zheng had practiced "Observing the Wind and Listening to the Rain," greatly enhancing his ability to fight multiple opponents. Otherwise, with the martial arts of Yu Huajie and the other three, a direct confrontation would have been disastrous. Now, he could clearly hear the timing and force of each enemy's attack. Although surrounded, Wu Zheng remained calm, relying on his exceptional agility to dodge and weave, occasionally taking a few attacks that deflected the force, relentlessly pressing Yu Huajie without letting up for a moment.
Within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Wu Zheng had already grasped the difference in martial arts skills among the four men. He grinned maliciously at Yu Huajie, and his attack suddenly accelerated!
He leaped up like a wisp of smoke, dodging the two legs attacking from the left and right. Wu Zheng unleashed the [Nine Stages of Heavenly Thunder], his palms striking Yu Huajie with the [Thunderous Ear-Piercing Strike]. Wu Zheng's skill far surpassed his own, and Yu Huajie dared not take the blow head-on, leaping back. He and his three followers had also formed a tacit understanding: Yu Huajie would hold the line while the three followers would launch the main attack. Yu Huajie only needed to hold his ground; there was no need for greed or reckless advance.
Seeing that his attacks were difficult to land and with three more men about to attack from behind, Wu Zheng suddenly dropped to the ground, bracing himself with one hand. The initial onslaught had weakened, leaving him wide open. Yu Huajie was overjoyed, seeing his three followers attacking from three sides, and quickly stepped forward to block Wu Zheng's retreat.
Wu Zheng had already pushed his strength to its limit; he suddenly sprang up from the ground, crouching like a shrimp to avoid the two feet that had landed. But Yu Huajie's palms moved flawlessly, leaving him with no way forward, and then three more palms came from behind!
Wu Zheng's eyes widened, and he twisted his body to dodge two punches, channeling his power into his shoulder to block one of the palms. This palm strike was powerful, but it felt like nothing on his solid shoulder, as if he had struck a ball of cotton. Wu Zheng used the momentum to fly towards Yu Huajie again.
Wu Zheng's attack was swift and powerful; Yu Huajie had no time to dodge and could only protect his chest with both palms. If he could catch this attack, he would be safe. As Wu Zheng flew through the air, his body suddenly dipped, unleashing a three-pronged attack on Yu Huajie's abdomen. Even without support in mid-air, he could still shift his position, repeatedly throwing Yu Huajie into disarray. Seeing this, Yu Huajie hastily lowered himself to block, his steps faltering slightly. Wu Zheng's palm strikes vanished instantly, his right foot sweeping across and kicking Yu Huajie to
the ground. He then seized Yu Huajie by the neck and slapped him hard across the face, instantly swelling half of his cheek like a pig's head. "Stop!" The three henchmen, terrified that their master had lost his grip, shouted and tried to help.
Wu Zheng turned, his gaze sweeping over Yu Huajie with a cold, piercing light. Yu Huajie's eyes bulged, his Adam's apple gurgling as he was squeezed. The three henchmen, fearing for their lives, dared not move. Wu Zheng stared at the three men with a cold laugh, then, without turning back, delivered another elbow strike to Yu Huajie's face, causing his nose to bleed profusely.
"My Lord Yu is an official of the imperial court. You have publicly and without cause assaulted him. Do you know that he has committed a grave crime?" Unable to physically intervene, Wu Zheng could only threaten and dissuade him.
"Bang!" Wu Zheng punched Yu Huajie in the left eye socket, instantly turning the bruised corner of his eye into a swollen, rounded shape. "If I hear you breathe again, I'll blow his eyeballs out!"
Before he finished speaking, "Bang!" Wu Zheng punched Yu Huajie in the right eye socket. "Did I give you permission to breathe?"
Knowing his face was ruined and the bruises would be difficult to heal quickly, and being subdued, Yu Huajie could only swallow the excruciating pain, choking back gasps.
Wu Zheng landed another punch on Yu Huajie's stomach. His attacks were vicious and ruthless, targeting areas that would inflict maximum pain without breaking bones. As for his threat to shut up or he'd blow out Yu Huajie's eyes... well, he didn't say he'd stop hitting him if he didn't make a sound...
Yu Huajie took several heavy punches, the suppressed cries of pain in his throat revealing his immense suffering. He was tough enough to stubbornly refuse to beg for mercy or cry out in pain, but Wu Zheng showed no mercy, each punch landing squarely on the skin, making it incredibly difficult for him. Wu Zheng remained silent, the two locked in a silent battle, one beating the other enduring the blows, the only sound the resounding thud of heavy punches.
"Stop!"
"Who the hell dares to open their mouth!" Wu Zheng, caught off guard and enraged, punched Yu Huajie in the cheek, splitting his lip. He didn't care about the shrill, grating voice he'd used to shout.
After venting his anger with a punch, Wu Zheng turned around with disdain, only to be startled and stammer, "Lord Tu...Lord Tu!"
The eunuch Tu Chong, carrying an imperial edict, had just arrived at the North City government office when he saw Wu Zheng committing violence. His martial arts skills were superb, and his eyes sharp, he naturally recognized Yu Huajie. However, given his status, it would be beneath him to intervene, so he naturally tried to stop him. Unexpectedly, Wu Zheng hurled a curse at him, and the thin skin on his cheek twitched instantly.
Realizing he had caused trouble, Wu Zheng jumped to Tu Chong's side in a panic, crying, "Lord Tu, four of them attacked me! They beat me horribly!"
Wu Zheng swiftly tore open his official robe, revealing a slight bruise on his body that was barely noticeable unless one looked closely. Tu Chong's eyes twitched, and he sneered, muttering, "Nonsense!"
He glanced at Yu Huajie, who was being helped up by his attendants, his face bruised and unrecognizable. Tu Chong then held up the imperial edict, saying, "I am acting on His Majesty's orders to investigate important matters. Lord Wu, I will now use your courtroom! The rest of you, leave immediately! No one is to enter the North City government office without being summoned!"
Wu Zheng, head held high, nodded to the bewildered Zhu Zhi and the other commoners to indicate that it was alright. He then watched with a cold smile as Yu Huajie and his group helplessly slunk away, thinking to himself: That was close! Information asymmetry determines everything! If this world had cell phones, today's matter wouldn't have been resolved!
"You!" Tu Chong pointed at Wu Zheng with a strange expression, whether out of reproach for his audacious and reckless behavior or relief for the Qin Emperor, he said, "Alright, alright, let's not dwell on this. Come with me!" Wu Zheng
then
explained the whole situation to Tu Chong. Zhang Liuqiao, Qu Yuxiang, and even Dai Zhijie, Yang Yizhi, and others were all summoned to the inner hall and questioned thoroughly. The group then followed Tu Chong back to the palace and were placed in a side hall to wait.
They waited until the moon was high in the sky before Tu Chong returned. Even with his profound martial arts skills, his cloudy eyes were bloodshot, suggesting he had exhausted the Qin Emperor.
"You may all return now! Come to the capital city at noon tomorrow to receive the imperial decree."
This simple sentence dismissed Wu Zheng and the others, but everyone knew that good news was imminent. Tomorrow's imperial decree will be announced; His Majesty must have already made a general decision, only needing to refine the details.
Zhu Yatong's carriage was already waiting outside the capital. Wu Zheng plopped down on the comfortable cushions and stretched languidly, "I'm exhausted! I'm exhausted!"
"Oh, you're already tired? Don't worry, there's something else to take care of!" Zhu Yatong suppressed a laugh, her playful gaze constantly shifting between Wu Zheng and Lu Feiyan.
"There is..." Wu Zheng had spent the morning with the Po Lu Army suppressing the bandits, and was quite busy, so he really couldn't muster any energy. Hearing this, though surprised, he remained lazy, as if he'd deal with it tomorrow.
"Hmm! It's quite a matter; you'll know when we get back to the manor."
Upon returning to the Wu manor, Zhu Yatong led him into an empty courtyard. Wu Zheng's mind went blank; all sleepiness vanished, and he forced an awkward, surprised smile, saying, "Pan'er, what brings you here?" He didn't dare turn to look at Lu Feiyan, knowing she was probably too embarrassed to look back and just wanted to flee.
"Senior Brother!" Gu Pan rushed over, both surprised and delighted, but hesitated to be too affectionate with her mother and others present. Thinking of the danger and grievances she had suffered that day, and seeing Wu Zheng's exhausted face, covered in soot, and red-rimmed eyes, she said, "I missed Mother and you, so I came to find you! Oh, Senior Brother, you don't know I'm here."
"You don't know?!" Wu Zheng cried, realizing he was in deep trouble. "Why didn't anyone in the sect inform us? Something's wrong, Pan'er, you…you didn't secretly run down the mountain, did you?"
"Uh…" Gu Pan was momentarily speechless, but the joy of seeing her childhood sweetheart, Senior Brother, overshadowed everything else. She pursed her full, soft lips, her large, dark eyes darting left and right, looking mischievous, whether secretly pleased or pleading for mercy, it was hard to tell.
Zhu Yatong couldn't help but chuckle, pulling Lu Feiyan's hand and saying, "If I hadn't happened to stumble upon this, I'm afraid she would have been captured by the thieves and imprisoned! My sister's daughter is quite bold, hehe, are all the disciples of Kunlun so audacious?"
"What?!" Not only Wu Zheng and Lu Feiyan, but Gu Pan also only learned the truth at this moment, and they were all shocked and frightened!
"Pan'er, come here!" Lu Feiyan tried her best to keep a serious face. She was truly frightened by Gu Pan's audacity, but she knew perfectly well why her daughter had come down the mountain, and seeing the surprise and joy in her eyes when she looked at Wu Zheng, she was filled with mixed feelings and didn't know what to say!
"Mother..." Gu Pan shrank her shoulders and shook her head repeatedly. When she was young, she would always act like this when she made a mistake, and her mother would naturally soften her heart, often turning big problems into small ones, and small problems into nothing. After being locked in the courtyard for a day, and hearing Zhu Yatong's words about the serious consequences, she knew that this time it would probably not end well. But now that she's come to the Wu residence, she absolutely refuses to return to Kunlun Mountain.
"You..." Lu Feiyan's throat went dry, and she choked up, unable to speak.
The situation was too awkward. Zhu Yatong, watching from the sidelines, naturally found it amusing, but she also knew the complex secrets between the three of them. She smiled and smoothed things over, saying, "Alright! Everyone's here. It's rare for mother and daughter to have a happy reunion. Go back and get some sleep. We can talk about it tomorrow!" She then pointed at Wu Zheng and said, "After you've rested enough , think of some good ideas. Don't let Kunlun Mountain come and take her back. Hehe, I quite like the little girl too!"
…… ... Taking the fragrant, warm towel from his wife and wiping his face, Hu Hao felt a gentle massage on his aching shoulders and said contentedly, "Very good! A perfect outcome!" "Zheng'er won't suffer any major consequences this time, will he?" Knowing that everything was under Hu Hao's control and the outcome wouldn't deviate too much from the previous plan, Lin Ruichen felt a pang of sympathy for his family. The only variable was Wu Zheng, whom they had previously overlooked. "His contribution was great, but his transgressions were also significant; it was hard to say. However, this time he completely solved a major problem for His Majesty, so nothing serious will happen," Hu Hao said with a smile. This oversight had been overlooked by everyone, even Hu Hao and Zhu Yatong, who hadn't been able to arrange it beforehand. Hu Hao's quick thinking and Wu Zheng's resourcefulness seemed seamless, making the Grand Secretary very proud. "Jian has won the Emperor's favor again." Receiving confirmation, Lin Ruichen felt a great weight lifted from his heart, a charming smile spreading across his face. “Yes! I was quite anxious at the time, afraid he wouldn’t understand the deeper meaning of the message, and even more afraid that he was too impetuous to suffer losses. Now it seems that Kunlun has truly cultivated a good disciple!” Hu Hao nodded repeatedly and gave a thumbs up, praising Wu Zheng without reservation for the first time. “He has always been very good. Today in the carriage, he was decisive and acted without hesitation after thinking of a plan. I have to admire him.” Lin Ruichen also praised him highly, but then changed the subject and said, “It’s just that everyone benefited this time, but he was the only one who suffered, which is a bit unfair.” "Hehe! You know, we're an old married couple, why are you still worrying about him? This child's potential is limitless!" Hu Hao got up, took his wife's hand, and led her to the courtyard well. Gazing at the starry sky, he said, "Focusing on the big picture and putting personal interests aside, many capable people in the world eventually understand his good intentions. You must know that everyone in the world is driven by profit; the word 'profit' is a difficult hurdle for anyone. With promotion and wealth within reach, very few can easily abandon it, let alone a newcomer..." "Young man in a thatched hut," Hu Hao paused, then pointed to the phoenix tree in the courtyard, saying, "This phoenix tree was planted by my own hands, symbolizing a phoenix perching on a phoenix tree, hoping it will grow up to attract a golden phoenix! My long-cherished wish has now achieved some success, with many scholars, gentlemen, and capable individuals coming to our household. But if I were twenty, I fear I wouldn't have been as decisive as Zheng'er. He doesn't have a phoenix tree in his household, but this one has already taken root in people's hearts. In the future, many phoenixes will come, and it wouldn't be surprising if the house were full. Zheng'er's deal is definitely worthwhile!" "My husband, you've praised him to the heavens, but don't overpraise him." Both were his closest relatives, and Lin Ruichen was naturally overjoyed. "I can't misjudge a person. That kid is cunning and clever. Someone who tries to flatter him to death is probably still in the womb!" Hu Hao laughed heartily. "By the way, is your third junior sister doing well at his residence? I heard her injuries have healed and her martial arts have improved greatly!" "I don't know, but it seems she's doing well. Compared to when she was all gloomy on Kunlun Mountain, she's like a completely different person. But, something's strange..." Lin Ruichen pondered, "Never mind, let's talk about it later. My husband is tired, let's rest early." "No!" Hu Hao pulled his beloved wife, his eyes flashing with an ambiguous light, and said, "Old man, young wife, these past years have been hard on you. Today you're in such a good mood, I should fulfill my duties as a husband." Lin Ruichen's heart fluttered, and her face flushed with embarrassment. It wasn't that she disliked intimacy, but Hu Hao was old and a scholar, and their sex life had always been infrequent. Although there were regrets, their deep love didn't affect their marital bond. It was a pleasant surprise that Hu Hao brought it up today: "Since my husband is in the mood, I will certainly serve him with all my might!" "Excellent!" Hu Hao laughed heartily, embracing his beloved wife's voluptuous body as they headed towards the bedroom… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The treacherous gang of 'Dark Fragrance' has wreaked havoc on the world and harmed the people; it cannot be tolerated under the rule of the Great Qin Kingdom! Now, thanks to the valiant efforts of all my ministers in suppressing the gang, I am greatly gratified! I hereby appoint Han Tiejia as General Who Guards the North, and order him to lead 50,000 troops to Liangzhou immediately! I hereby appoint Han Tieyi as General Who Conquers the East, and order him to lead 40,000 troops to Jiangzhou immediately! I hereby appoint Han Tieyan as Garrison Commander of the Capital, and order her to assume office immediately! This is the imperial decree!" Although the former General of Chariots and Cavalry, Han Kejun, had retired to his hometown, his military power was divided equally between his two sons. His daughter, Han Tieyan, burdened with a stigma, had finally risen through the ranks, succeeding Wen Yi as the powerful Garrison Commander of the Capital. Everything was almost exactly as Hu Hao had predicted during his preparations! Wu Zheng was inwardly grumbling, "It's impossible that I didn't even mention it and let it all just pass," when Tu Chong unfolded the second volume of the imperial edict and read in a shrill voice, "Wu Zheng, receive this decree! You, Wu Zheng, have worked tirelessly and bravely in suppressing the bandits, leading from the front and achieving great merit! However, you are young and impetuous, having publicly assaulted a court official and been absent from official duties for many days, violating the laws of the Ministry of Personnel of the Great Qin! I will grant you leniency, omitting your merits and only lightly punishing your transgressions. Wu Zheng will remain as the magistrate of Beicheng, but will be fined one year's salary to compensate Yu Huajie, the Assistant Minister of Personnel. This is the imperial decree!" Oh my god! Wu Zheng accepted the imperial edict with a bitter face, inwardly grumbling, "Even a demotion of one or two ranks would be fine, why the deduction of my salary? I'm practically starving..." After seeing Tu Chong off, Wu Zheng turned back to Yang Yizhi with a hostile gaze, almost as if he wanted to draw his knife and hold it to the burly man's throat, shouting, "Robbery! Hand over the money!" Chapter Two: Fleeting Mirror Flower, Probing Claws, Three Dragons. Wen Yi, the garrison commander of Kyoto, was implicated in a major case and was directly detained in the Imperial Observatory's death row in the court. All the mansions and properties associated with Wen Yi were seized. Half of the Imperial Guards were transferred from the palace to work with the Ministry of Justice to thoroughly investigate all registered individuals who had frequented these shops! The Kyoto Garrison Command was no exception; the next day, as soon as official business began, all officials from top to bottom were confined to their residences to await investigation, treated equally! If the joint investigation by the two prefectures wasn't serious enough, then the fact that the Imperial Guard was personally commanded by Tu Chong, with even the Imperial Guard General Zou Hongyun serving as his deputy, demonstrates the gravity of Wen Yi's case. Tu Chong, the Grand Attendant, had served the Emperor since his ascension to the throne, arguably his most trusted advisor, bar none. His presence was tantamount to the Emperor himself personally investigating the matter. The upheaval in Chengdu was resolved in a single day, and the world might marvel at the speed of the change. But those in the know understood the severity of the situation. As for the officials of the Kyoto Garrison, upon receiving the imperial decree appointing Han Tieyan to replace Wen Yi, their already anxious hearts, burdened by confinement and impending investigation, were now in suspense. Wen Yi had cultivated a powerful faction within his garrison over many years, with his trusted confidants filling all the key positions. With the Emperor's personal intervention and the new Garrison Commander Han yet to arrive, a major purge was inevitable, with his trusted men being the first to be replaced. This was even more severe than the purges by Han Tieyan, a rival force. The Emperor's word was law; whoever he punished had no room for negotiation, and his word was law. They could only secretly pray they didn't suffer some terrible misfortune, being personally stripped of their official hats by the Emperor or banished to some godforsaken place, thus ending their lives. The Han family was overjoyed. The eldest master had retired and returned to his hometown in glory, and the Emperor's rewards were naturally generous. The achievements of the two young masters and the young lady were finally recognized; each had received one of the four military districts and one of the four campaigns, and even the young lady would soon be seated in a high position in the capital's garrison. The Han family, having suffered considerable suppression for over a decade, had finally reached their moment of triumph.

However, the Han family had little time for celebration. The Emperor's decree had been issued, and the deadline for their arrival at their posts was fast approaching. Han Tiejia and Han Tieyi were busy reorganizing the army and appointing subordinate generals. Once the reorganization was complete, the celebration and farewell would be combined into a single ceremony. Han Guiyan's capital garrison was temporarily under Tu Chong's control, so she couldn't intervene immediately. However, military reorganization was her forte, and she was also extremely busy assisting her two brothers with their military affairs.
The Beicheng Prefecture, as the initiator and executor of this exposure of Wen Yi and Anxiang Lingluo, should have enjoyed the same prestige and glory as the Han family. Unfortunately, the Beicheng magistrate went mad and beat Yu Huajie, destroying a great achievement and being fined a year's salary. He also sidelined the officials in the Beicheng Prefecture. To put it nicely, their merits and demerits canceled each other out; to put it bluntly, it was not much different from being forgotten.
Having received the imperial decree, Wu Zheng retreated home. This time, it wasn't that he was incredibly audacious, daring to be absent without cause after the Emperor's reprimand. Rather, while he was punished, the Emperor had granted him a five-day leave to recuperate,
recognizing his significant contributions to the case. Wu Zheng himself had no interest in going to the government office; he sat in his study, lost in thought. There were still too many things to consider, but the most pressing matter wasn't the fading fragrance, nor the chili pepper business he was busily preparing for, nor even his own future. It was about what to do with that lovable yet overly naive young girl!
There were two sides to the story! Gu Pan's secret departure from the mountain was indeed pitiful due to her loneliness on Kunlun Mountain, and Wu Zheng certainly hoped she would return to the Wu residence soon, as it would greatly benefit her both mental and physical health, as well as her worldly experience. However, violating the sect rules was a grave matter, so grave that no one could speak up for her. For a major sect like Kunlun to maintain order, rules were paramount. Back then, Wu Zheng forcibly chose the "Principles of Reason," and even as the sect leader's disciple, he couldn't be spared. He was demoted to an outer disciple, punished by being sent to a small hut near Qingyun Cliff, and so on.
Gu Pan was still a naive young girl, throwing tantrums without restraint. As for her words, "Senior Brother, I don't want to go back to Kunlun Mountain, I just want to stay here with you, can you help me think of a way..." Whether it was excessive naivety or blind trust in Wu Zheng, Wu Zheng couldn't refuse, couldn't bear it, and wouldn't allow it. Keeping her in the Wu residence was a huge problem. There were no exceptions before the sect rules, but letting her live in the Wu residence... this was completely unplanned, at least not now!
Since Gu Pan arrived at the residence, Lu Feiyan hadn't even glanced at Wu Zheng, and stayed in the courtyard, deliberately avoiding him. Their relationship had finally taken an important and solid step, but Gu Pan was ultimately an insurmountable chasm, not easy to cross, especially since time hadn't even given Wu Zheng a chance to deal with it.
Should he send her back or not? Wu Zheng rubbed his aching temples, torn by the dilemma, utterly at a loss.
Lu Feiyan sat listlessly in her room. Such moments were common in the past, and she had long since grown accustomed to them, no longer giving them thought. But these moments had become rare lately. Aside from the three days Wu Zheng disguised himself to investigate the fading fragrance, she always had someone she loved by her side and never felt lonely. The beautiful woman's mind was a jumbled mess. Her daughter's innocent and joyful smile seemed to appear before her eyes—the genuine happiness she felt after seeing Wu Zheng again, sweet yet heartbreaking, leaving her torn and wanting to escape. Wu Zheng's voice and smile remained vivid in her mind's eye. His warning, "Be a good girl and wait for me to return. Cough cough cough, you are now my person. You are not allowed to leave the backyard without my permission. If you dare to run away, hehe, I'll resign and come find you! To the ends of the earth, or even to the underworld! Do you understand?" always filled her heart with sweetness. But how was she supposed to cope now?
Compared to the muddled existence of the previous years, Lu Feiyan had recently become a completely different person. She often asked herself: Wu Zheng had done so much, and what could she do? Was she still acting like a weak woman, always hiding behind Wu Zheng, letting him shield her from the wind and rain? Since Wu Zheng took over the North City government office, conveniently handing over the actual jurisdiction of the Wu family to her, and began dealing with Anxiang Lingluo, Lu Feiyan had done everything in her power. She not only managed the affairs of the manor impeccably, but also clearly organized the information gathered by Zhu Yatong, handling matters promptly whenever possible. The young lady of the Lu family, a prominent clan, finally demonstrated her capabilities.
As for Wu Zheng, Lu Feiyan had already decided to devote herself entirely to him. She had also wondered what would happen if Gu Pan came to Chengdu, but there were no answers. Previous experiences had led Lu Feiyan to always set aside the questions; if there were no answers, she would temporarily stop thinking about them. This was indeed a form of escapism and a helpless response to reality, but Lu Feiyan had no other choice. The days in the Wu manor had been too sweet; it was only natural to be so immersed in them, living each day as it came.
But the sweet past was like a flower in a mirror; Gu Pan's appearance shattered the illusion. The unexpected situation left even Wu Zheng somewhat at a loss, let alone the even more difficult situation for Lu Feiyan. She didn't want to leave the Wu manor, nor did she want to leave Wu Zheng, but for now, it seemed to be the only option.
If her previous avoidance was out of necessity, Lu Feiyan wasn't one to hesitate when faced with a real situation. She guessed that the Kunlun Sect would soon send someone, and violating the sect rules wouldn't be easily dismissed. Gu Pan had received little warmth from her family since childhood, and sending her back to the mountain now wouldn't be good for a girl in the throes of adolescence; she might even become self-destructive. Therefore, having her mother return to the mountain to take the blame, under the pretext of lax discipline, seemed like a good choice that killed many birds with one stone.
Just as she made up her mind, she heard her daughter's footsteps outside the door.
The girl, new to Chengdu, found everything incredibly new, as if even the air was sweeter and more beautiful than on the mountain. Ultimately, she was still everyone's beloved little princess of Kunlun, and despite her pent-up resentment, she didn't utter a word to anyone. Gu Pan didn't even realize she had caused trouble.
"Mother!" The girl skipped and jumped excitedly. Wu Zheng had already received the imperial decree and accompanied her on a tour of the Wu residence. The former Attendant-in-Ordinary's house was quite large, with gardens and other recreational areas, not to mention the buildings under construction in the front courtyard, which particularly piqued Gu Pan's interest. Wu Zheng's imaginative ideas were unheard of, making her yearn for it: "This place is so much fun! Everyone regrets not coming down the mountain sooner."
Having made up her mind, Lu Feiyan couldn't bear to scold her daughter, who owed her so much. In any case, entrusting Gu Pan to Wu Zheng would surely be met with strict discipline from him, ensuring that Gu Pan's cultivation wouldn't fall behind. As for Wu Zheng's thoughtfulness, she had personally experienced it and was even more reassured.
"You! Don't just keep playing. Have you done your homework today?" Lu Feiyan wanted to put on a stern face, but the words turned into a caring reminder. Thinking back over the past ten years, it was only thanks to Gu Pan's company that her heart had found some solace. The long-standing pampering was probably impossible to change, so handing it over to Wu Zheng, who was more discerning about separating public and private matters, was a good thing.
"Not yet! No homework today." Gu Pan gulped down a large glass of water, her eyes crinkling into crescent moons as she mysteriously said, "Patriarch Zhu said he'll teach me martial arts starting tomorrow, and my senior brother agreed!"
"Hmm, Patriarch Zhu will teach you martial arts?" Lu Feiyan's prejudice and wariness towards Zhu Yatong were gradually fading, and sometimes she even felt that this beautiful woman's actions were as unpredictable as Wu Zheng's. But the idea of teaching her daughter martial arts was too far-fetched. The Tianyin Sect was different from the Kunlun Sect, so why would Wu Zheng agree so readily?
"I know what Mother wants to say. It's not about learning Tianyin Sect's martial arts. Patriarch Zhu wants to teach experience and skills. My senior brother has learned some before, and I heard it's very useful." Gu Pan happily shook her little fist. She had already learned a lot in the wilderness and was even more looking forward to Zhu Yatong's instruction tomorrow.
"If the head of the Zhu family is willing to teach, you must study hard. Although she belongs to a different sect and you cannot formally become her disciple, you must still treat her with the respect due to a teacher and never be negligent." Looking at Gu Pan's excited expression, Lu Feiyan suddenly realized that her daughter, whom she had always cherished, had grown up. Now that she was grown up and had her own thoughts and judgments, there was no need to interfere too much.
"Great! Mother agreed! Senior Brother was right after all, Mother will definitely agree." Gu Pan jumped up excitedly, "Senior Brother must be finished with his work by now, I'm going to go play with him, and I'll come back to keep Mother company tonight."
Evenings… lately, it's always him who keeps me company. Lu Feiyan watched her daughter's deer-like figure skip away, feeling a pang of loss.
"Master, all the matters I handled have been compiled and summarized. If there are no omissions, I will take my leave now." Zhuoxing bowed and handed over a book, which contained all the findings of his recent investigation into the Fallen Fragrance. Since entering Chengdu, the once virtuous monk no longer shaved his head; now, a short beard had grown on his face, making him look like a rough and rugged wanderer.
"Thank you for your trouble. This matter is of great importance; I wouldn't feel at ease if you didn't go." Zhuo Xing carefully checked the book. Zhuo Xing had been deeply involved in Liangzhou for many years, and several things he had done so far had greatly satisfied Zhuo Xing.
Although the counterattack of the Kunlun faction in the Great Qin Kingdom had come to an end, dealing with the Fallen Fragrance was only the beginning. The mysterious You Wuhuan, the astonishing Leopard Feather Buzzard, the bandits who were almost sent to the chopping block for slaughter, and Meng Yongshu who was still alive. One mystery after another, the more Zhuo Xing thought about it, the more alarmed she became. Above them lay the net of imperial power of three kingdoms, and deep beneath lay the hidden net of scattered fragrances. For the Zhu family and Wu Zheng, already mortal enemies of the rebels, to remain openly in the open was far too dangerous.
Zhu Yatong sorted through her thoughts and felt that everything needed to be investigated starting from the very first major incident caused by the rebels. Where did their confidence come from? Was everything as fragile as they appeared, or even a path to self-destruction? To dig out You Wuhuan and eradicate him completely, she needed to follow the same path taken by the Changzhi Sect—starting from Tuzhou, where Meng Yongshu's incident occurred!
The Changzhi Sect had once led its army to sweep through the hidden fragrances within the Great Yan Kingdom, yet they couldn't find any clues about Meng Yongshu's misfortune. Therefore, Zhu Yatong became even more convinced that there was a great secret involved. Otherwise, with the capabilities of the Changzhi Sect, how could they not have gained something? The path Zhuoxing wanted to take was indeed extremely difficult, but what the Changzhi Sect couldn't do, the Zhu family might be able to do. What the Zhu family was most commendable about was its top-down network of relationships.
Zhuoxing had previously hidden deep in the mountains, and Liangzhou was a sparsely populated and remote place. Now, after returning to secular life and quickly leaving Sichuan to go far to the east, even fewer people knew him. In addition, he was reliable in his work, making him the best candidate.
"Master's kindness is great, your subordinate dares not not give his all!"
"No, come back alive, many places need you!"
"Yes! Your subordinate should add one more thing, the construction of Lord Wu's [canteen] is nearing completion.
I will trouble you to keep a close eye on it after I leave, as it is not good for anything to go wrong here!" "Very good! I will keep an eye on it. Go, be careful on your journey." Any master would like a subordinate who is responsible, treats the family's affairs as his own, and is attentive to everything. Zhu Yatong was no exception. So far, she hasn't revealed her true intentions to anyone, but Zhuoxing, having followed her through the Zhu family's involvement in the Yan-Qin war, might have some clues. For example, Wu Zheng's special identity, and everything Zhu Yatong is plotting.
"This subordinate takes his leave, Master, take care!"
Zhuoxing's journey to Tuzhou was a secret, and Wu Zheng knew beforehand but couldn't see her off. This great monk was truly a remarkable person; Wu Zheng had the most complaints about him, but had also received many favors from him, so he still felt a little reluctant to part with him. As Zhuoxing slipped into a carriage, Wu Zheng also creaked open the study door. Firstly, he was currently clueless; secondly, his decision was made; and thirdly, Gu Pan's footsteps were already heard outside the courtyard.
Several months ago, Wu Zheng had secretly met Gu Pan on Kunlun Mountain and overheard their private conversation, which led him to decisively take Lu Feiyan's body. Sometimes, recalling that day when he eavesdropped under the eaves, he often lamented that no matter how hard he tried or how disciplined he was, it was impossible to have complete control. People are often forced into things. If he hadn't overheard that Lu Feiyan was on the verge of death, perhaps Wu Zheng wouldn't have immediately intervened, half-coaxing, half-persuading. How could he have enjoyed so much pleasure over the past few months, bringing the beautiful woman he had long admired and respected into his household?
Now, it seems he's on the edge of the cliff again. The [dining hall] will be completed soon, and inviting Han Guiyan will be inevitable. Adding Zhu Yatong, Lu Feiyan, Gu Pan, Han Guiyan, and even Qu Yuxiang to the mix, the women's personalities are bound to clash. The thought of that scene is too beautiful to bear. It turns out that reconciling the inner court is so difficult; no wonder even the imperial harems throughout history have never been peaceful. Wu Zheng wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, not only because of the complicated relationships between the women, but also because a name that had just flashed through his mind terrified him—how could he have put Zhu Yatong with them?
Gu Pan pursed her lips, her center pouting upwards, drawing two dimples down her cheeks, and her two crescent-shaped smiling eyes showed no bitterness, only sweetness and cuteness. Wu Zheng was tall, but the fourteen-year-old girl standing in front of him already reached slightly above his shoulder; when she matured, she would probably only be half a head shorter than Wu Zheng, almost as tall as Han Guiyan.
"Senior Brother, are you done with your work? Hehe, I want to go play in the street." The girl puffed out her chest and straightened her back, her two budding breasts pushing against her clothes; her charming appearance made any request hard to refuse.
"Not today." Wu Zheng shook his head decisively, afraid that he wouldn't be able to bring himself to be ruthless if he hesitated even slightly. He felt sorry for Gu Pan when he saw her slightly disappointed look, but now that they were off the mountain, they were no longer in the Kunlun Sect's small circle, and being stricter would have its advantages. "Pan'er, come with me. Your senior brother has something to say to you."
Gu Pan was full of suspicion. Seeing Wu Zheng again after two years, he still doted on her as before, and his appearance was as comforting as the warm winter sun. But there was something new in his eyes, more composed but also somewhat evasive. Mother had said that a person's eyes are the hardest to lie about. Was her senior brother wary of something? Was my visit making him unhappy, or... did he already have another woman he liked? Before, when we were on the mountain, he would never refuse me if I wanted to visit someone's home.
Wu Zheng couldn't guess where the girl's thoughts had already wandered. He tapped the table, blinked rapidly, and chuckled, "Pan'er, why do you look like that?"
Gu Pan frowned, pouted, and shook her head, her slightly chubby cheeks puffing out. "Senior Brother, you talking to me like that makes me a little scared." After encountering danger after descending the mountain, although her carefree nature had long been forgotten, she had still experienced some changes. Her innocent nature remained, but her thoughts had become more complex.
"Hehe, you," Wu Zheng reached out and tapped her nose, laughing and scolding, "You know how to be scared? Senior Brother was almost scared to death by you!"
Back in Kunlun Mountain, the two were practically childhood sweethearts, and Wu Zheng doted on her immensely. At that time, Gu Pan was still young, and Wu Zheng was less particular, so the two often engaged in intimate gestures. Now Gu Pan was fourteen. In this world, fourteen-year-old girls, let alone married, were already mothers. But Wu Zheng came from another world. In his eyes, Gu Pan was still a young girl, albeit a well-developed one. He felt a psychological burden to be overly intimate with her. He didn't want Gu Pan to feel distant because of this; it was a clash of different worldviews, and there was no way around it—even if Gu Pan were willing to marry him now, Wu Zheng would definitely not touch her.
Sure enough, Gu Pan wrinkled her nose at this, instantly beaming, "Hehe. Isn't this averted disaster? Don't be afraid, Senior Brother, Pan'er will protect you from now on."
"Haha! Good, Senior Brother is so happy." Wu Zheng patted her head again, his expression serious, "That's exactly what I wanted to tell Pan'er."
Seeing Wu Zheng's solemn expression, Gu Pan knew this time she had been reckless and extremely dangerous. She lowered her head, looking aggrieved, "I know I was wrong, I won't dare to do it again."
In the past, when she made mistakes, she could always get away with it by showing this pitiful appearance, but not this time. Wu Zheng sighed and said, "It's not just a mistake, it's a huge mistake. Pan'er has caused your senior brother a tremendous amount of trouble this time."
"Ah!" Gu Pan was startled. She didn't want to cause Wu Zheng any trouble, but the word "tremendous" still startled her.
"Without rules, there can be no order. The sect rules must never be violated. Pan'er went down the mountain without Kunlun's orders, which is a major taboo. Think about it, this time you've set a bad precedent. If we let you run wild, what will happen if the other fellow disciples follow your example? Pan'er was lucky to escape danger, but not everyone is so lucky, and not everyone can happen to meet a benefactor like this every time. If something happens to them, Pan'er can't escape the responsibility."
"This... I know I was wrong, but staying on the mountain is just too uncomfortable. I want to stay with Mother and Senior Brother, and I don't want to see Father's cold face," Gu Pan pleaded. Hearing the reproach in Wu Zheng's words, she quickly added, "Patriarch Zhu said that since I've rendered meritorious service, I don't have to go back to Kunlun Mountain."
"It's not that simple!" Wu Zheng shook his head with a wry smile. "Killing the bandits is certainly meritorious, but these are two different things. According to Senior Brother, merit is merit, and fault is fault; there's no way to offset it."
"Ah... then what should I do? I don't want to go back!" Gu Pan pouted, her face flushed with anxiety, and she looked at Wu Zheng with pleading eyes.
"Senior Brother doesn't want you to go back to the mountain either. But Pan'er needs to know that someone has to be punished for this. If it's not Pan'er, it'll be Aunt Lu." Wu Zheng shook his head helplessly.
"What do you mean? Are you going to accuse Mother of misbehaving? That won't do!" Gu Pan was truly anxious. Her purpose in coming down the mountain was nothing more than for Wu Zheng and Lu Feiyan. After two years apart, the three of them had just reunited and were about to separate again—this was absolutely unacceptable.
"It's inevitable, but don't worry for now. Your senior brother will find a way. In short, none of you can leave; it's best if the three of us stay together. Even if the sect leader comes, I'll find a way to keep you here." Wu Zheng coaxed them gently, completely disregarding any sense of shame. He secretly thought to himself: Since we're here, let's make the best of it. Keeping Pan'er in the Wu residence will put pressure on me, and also on Fei Fei. Anyway, this was bound to happen sooner or later; it's better to resolve it sooner rather than later.
"Really?" Gu Pan exclaimed with delight, throwing herself into Wu Zheng's arms like a baby swallow and giving him a big kiss on the cheek. "Senior brother is the best to me!" She had often been held in Wu Zheng's arms as a child, and her moist, fragrant lips had kissed him more than once, but this time, after an uncontrollable passion, the feeling was quite different.
Wu Zheng's aura had never been so strong before; when it entered her nostrils, her delicate body went numb. The feeling was extremely strange, making her heart flutter like a deer! She was gently caught in Wu Zheng's arms. Although he was very careful, only holding her shoulders and wrapping his arms around her knees, her pert bottom resting on his thighs made the other half of her body go limp. The feeling of her burning ears and pounding heart was exactly what he longed for every night, wanting to place her soft hands between his legs and caress her wantonly!
Wu Zheng caught Gu Pan and hurriedly put her down on the ground. The girl's body was firm and lovely, her skin full of proud elasticity. Holding her for too long and having to forcibly control himself would definitely make him uncomfortable. He forced a smile and said, "Pan'er is all grown up now. You can't do this to men casually, not even your senior brother. It's absolutely forbidden for anyone else to touch you! Do you understand?"
Lu Feiyan had been constrained by her constitution for many years and avoided such matters like the plague. She must have neglected to teach Gu Pan about matters between men and women, not to mention Gu Bufan's rigid personality. Gu Pan was like a blank sheet of paper in this regard. This action was purely a habit she had developed in childhood. This time, she was startled. It felt really good to be held by Wu Zheng, but she also felt an instinctive shyness and fear. Seeing Wu Zheng's serious expression, she nodded hurriedly and said, "Pan'er will remember."
Wu Zheng nodded and said, "Let's get back to business! This time, your senior brother will guarantee that you and Aunt Lu can stay in Chengdu. However, Pan'er also has to promise your senior brother a few things."
"Okay!" Gu Pan showed her soft hand and said, "Let's make a vow with a high five."
"Don't rush, let Senior Brother finish speaking first." Wu Zheng smiled and shook his head, saying, "First, your cultivation cannot be neglected. Pan'er, you must cultivate every day on the mountain and in Chengdu City, without missing a single moment starting tomorrow. Second, Chengdu City is not peaceful, especially since Senior Brother beat Yu Huajie this time. I'm afraid many people are waiting to cause trouble for Senior Brother. You can go out, but you need to let Aunt Lu know and get her permission first. Third, Senior Brother will have Aunt Lu test your skills every half month, and you must show improvement each time. These three conditions are indispensable, and if you break them even once, then I'm sorry, Senior Brother will have to send you back to Kunlun Mountain."
"No problem!" Gu Pan nodded solemnly, "Pan'er doesn't understand so many principles yet, but Pan'er knows that Senior Brother and Mother would never harm me. This time, I will definitely keep my promise."
"Oh! Now that you say that, I'm going to be proud. How come the rules of the Wu family are more effective than the rules of the Kunlun Sect?" Wu Zheng smiled and gave Gu Pan a high five to sign the agreement. These three conditions were certainly a constraint on Gu Pan, but handing over all authority to Lu Feiyan was also a constraint on her, preventing this occasionally paranoid senior sister from becoming anxious.
"Hehe, Senior Brother will definitely be the Kunlun Sect Leader in the future. I'm just following the Sect Leader's orders, I don't mean any disrespect to the Kunlun Sect." Gu Pan was overjoyed, her two little fists propped up on her chin as she laughed.
Wu Zheng smiled slightly, thinking to himself: This time, I can only rely on this title to protect you and your daughter. ********** ... If Wu Zheng's previous impression of the Qin Emperor was that of an old, weak, senile, and capricious man, this time it was completely different. Though the Lion King was old, his majesty remained, and beneath his clouded eyes lay a clear mind. Whether dealing with the Han family or waiting for Wu Zheng to voluntarily relinquish his merits, the Qin Emperor's shrewdness and quickness in seizing opportunities were unmatched by any other courtier. Wu Zheng already held Hu Hao and Han Pojun in high esteem; even these two had to humbly submit and acknowledge his superiority. What reason did the supreme ruler sitting high on the dragon throne in the Golden Palace have not to be completely convinced? Therefore, the series of official promotions and changes after Wen Yi's downfall became even more intriguing. The most noteworthy was the promotion of the former General of the North, Luo Yanghui, to General of the East, vacating his position for Han Tiejia. Meanwhile, the former General of the East, Li Luchang, who had tenaciously defended Xia Bian Pass, was relieved of his post and awaiting reassignment, presumably also a promotion. Above the four generals were the four generals of the front, rear, left, and right, and above them were the two generals of the Flying Cavalry and the Chariots. Now that Han Pojun has retired to his hometown, the position of General of Chariots and Cavalry is vacant. Who will succeed him in such a high-ranking position will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the court's power structure, and no one can afford to underestimate it. It remains to be seen what the unfathomable Emperor intends. The courtiers' speculations didn't last long. A new imperial edict was issued four days after Wen Yi's dismissal and investigation: "Li Luchang is appointed General of the Rear, and Fang Wenhui is appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry..." Wu Zheng choked back a sob, swallowed hard, and looked up at the equally astonished Zhu Yatong. The beautiful woman stared wide-eyed in disbelief as she read the report again. After a long pause, she smiled bitterly and said, "The emperor is the emperor; no ordinary person can predict his actions. You Kunlun and Qingcheng fought a great battle, and you were completely taken advantage of. They've been planning this for a long time; they just haven't had the chance yet." "It seems they've been planning this ever since Huo Zhongshu returned to the country," Wu Zheng said, rubbing his increasingly throbbing forehead. "What are they trying to do? To be honest, His Highness the Crown Prince has approached me several times, but I haven't dared to agree. Fang Wenhui is the Fifth Prince's uncle, and now that he's in charge of the General of Chariots and Cavalry, if he doesn't do something, His Highness the Crown Prince will panic. I especially don't want to go to the North City government office! Ugh, my head hurts!" "I can't see through it, I can't see through it." Zhu Yatong shook her head repeatedly, saying, "Even if the Qin Emperor is in poor health and needs to choose a successor, there's no time to cause trouble now. Wouldn't Chengdu be in chaos if this happened? The Crown Prince and the Fifth Prince are clashing, and the old emperor is sitting on the throne. These three dragons are going to cause a ruckus." " This is going to be a disaster!" Wu Zheng scratched his head, saying, "When gods fight, mortals suffer! This time, the one who came to the Wu residence to ask me for Pan'er might have been someone else, but now it's definitely my third uncle... I... can I swear?" "Hehe, no! Hold it in!" Zhu Yatong chuckled, unable to suppress her laughter, and reached out to tap Wu Zheng's forehead, scolding him, "You secretly took someone else's wife, and you still dare to speak."

“Their marriage is already a sham.” Wu Zheng was still a little uncomfortable with Zhu Yatong’s occasional intimacy, but he wasn’t surprised anymore. He sighed and said, “My third uncle isn’t a bad person. He’s loyal to the sect and has always been very good to me. Back when I was learning the Daoist Technique, he even wanted to give up his chance to enter the Scripture Pavilion so I could choose a different technique. He was just a bit too confident and had too much pride. It wouldn’t benefit anyone if Feifei stayed with him. I love and respect her, and I’m determined to save her from this misery. I’ll never regret it.”
“Hmm. I’ve said before that a man should be responsible for his actions. Since you like her so much, you should also take care of her worries.” Zhu Yatong praised him, but couldn’t help teasing him, “It’s just that with all these things happening at once, the difficulty has probably increased several times over. Haha, I’m quite curious how you’re going to handle it!”
"It's getting harder and harder, there's no way out, I just want to hide away." Wu Zheng leaned back heavily in his chair and slumped down. "I feel like dying! But I can't escape. By the way, I'm even more curious that a small Wu family has so many troubles. I imagine the Zhu family must have even more problems. May I ask how the Zhu family head deals with them?"
"Similar to you, but a little better than you." Zhu Yatong smiled faintly. "You're not strong enough, while I am very strong, so I can have the final say on many things, while you can't. That's the difference!"
"I understand!" Wu Zheng scratched his head and sighed. "Never mind, never mind, I'm going to check out the [dining hall]! Are you coming?"
"Yes, that [dining hall] is so much fun. I want to do something like that in the Zhu family in the future."
Although the Wu family was newly built, it had more than thirty people, and food and drink were the most important things to be taken care of. This dining hall was built according to Wu Zheng's wishes.
The small building had two floors. The first floor is a spacious hall, while the second floor is accessed through a separate staircase built outside the building, specifically for entertaining distinguished guests, and named "Wu's Private Kitchen."
This idea was learned by Wu Zheng in his previous life. A wealthy merchant, known as the "God of Business," had several wives, one of whom was exceptionally skilled in cooking. Whenever the merchant entertained high-ranking officials, business partners, or meritorious subordinates, he would invite this wife to personally prepare exquisite dishes—small entourages, but refined cuisine. Because of his extremely high status, those invited to this private meal felt honored. After the merchant's death, this wife simply started a restaurant business, and Wu Zheng, after tasting that steak, couldn't forget it.
Thus, "Wu's Private Kitchen" came into being. With the good reputation built from his decisive act of relinquishing credit to the Han family, the Wu residence would soon become bustling, with both the main hall on the first floor and the private kitchen on the second floor having an excellent effect on winning people's hearts. Therefore, not only did Wu Zheng take it to heart, but Zhu Yatong also focused all her recent thoughts on this place.
"My lord, my lord." Before even reaching the [dining hall], Steward Feng came running up breathlessly and said, "Mr. Gu Bufan of the Kunlun Sect has come to visit!"
"So soon," Wu Zheng wiped his face heavily. He was really a little embarrassed to see Gu Bufan at this time!
Chapter 3: Water and Moon in My Embrace, Life and Death Together The sun
was high in the sky, the weather was fine, and the huge Wu mansion was bustling with people. Although there was some dust due to the construction, the scenery was still quite nice. After the renovation, it would be a quiet and pleasant residence.
Wu Zheng, however, was not in a good mood. He put his hands behind his back, his head drooping, and slowly strolled towards the hall. It would be an exaggeration to say that he was dragging his feet, looking back every few steps.
The marriage between the Gu and Lu families was originally a happy event for everyone. The most outstanding descendants of the two powerful families were married, which would be of great benefit to both business and family development. Gu Bufan and Lu Feiyan were once deeply in love, but a fatal conflict proved irreconcilable. The Gu and Lu families continue to cooperate extensively, each benefiting from the other's success. Gu Bufan remains unaffected, but Lu Feiyan suffers alone.
Among powerful families, face and reputation are paramount. A sudden divorce from a seemingly perfect couple would be a disgrace, even if the interests of both families remain unaffected; the gossip alone would be enough to tarnish their reputation. A divorce needs a reasonable explanation. The Lu family might dare to speak, but would the Gu family agree? Lu Feiyan's privacy is even more sensitive; being labeled an adulteress is no laughing matter.
Wu Zheng had a draft plan that was somewhat feasible. However, his plan required time; such a major problem couldn't be solved overnight. A series of unforeseen events completely ruined the plan, and Gu Pan's unauthorized departure from the mountain left no room for maneuver. Wu Zheng still had a solution, but Gu Bufan was someone he had to face, and someone he could only face alone.
There was no way out by running away, so Wu Zheng quickened his pace and stepped into the hall. Gu Bufan had just put down his teacup and quickly stood up upon seeing Wu Zheng.
Such treatment of a junior by an elder was a sign of utmost respect and importance. Wu Zheng stepped forward quickly and bowed, saying, "Disciple Wu Zheng greets Martial Uncle."
"Get up, let Martial Uncle take a good look at you again." Gu Bufan took Wu Zheng's arm and helped him up, smiling broadly, "It hasn't been easy, really not easy! The Kunlun Sect's reputation has soared under Zheng'er's leadership. Ah, back when you were practicing the *Daoli Jue*, Martial Uncle had quite a few complaints about you. I should apologize to you!"
Feeling guilty, Wu Zheng's eyes darted around nervously. Even when he bowed, he didn't dare look Gu Bufan directly in the eye. Now, unable to avoid it any longer, he could only offer an awkward smile, saying, "It's the Kunlun Sect's duty to raise disciples to adulthood."
Even in middle age, Gu Bufan's usual self-discipline and diligence maintained his good appearance and physique; the marks of time were not obvious on him. Wu Zheng met his gaze helplessly, noticing his approving nods and a complex, unreadable expression in his eyes.
"Kunlun's efforts in you haven't been in vain. The one who understands you best is still your sect leader, Senior Brother." Gu Bufan patted Wu Zheng's shoulder, his eyes slightly narrowed, then changed the subject, saying, "You should know why your Uncle-Master is here, right?"
"I know! Uncle-Master, please sit down." Wu Zheng shook his head, then nodded, somewhat helplessly.
"You sit down too! This matter isn't urgent. Your Uncle-Master has something to discuss with you."
After sitting down, Wu Zheng pursed his lips and said, "Uncle-Master, please wait a moment. I know you want to talk about the Emperor's latest decree, but for me, it's not as important as Aunt Lu and Pan'er's matter right now."
Different focuses meant different weight and importance in their hearts. For Wu Zheng, having read too much about dynastic changes, the succession of thrones, and the power struggles within the palace in his previous life, he knew that the most important thing now was to observe calmly and plan carefully before acting. A desperate gamble might be an opportunity for a fallen aristocratic family or someone aspiring to instant success, but for the Kunlun faction, which already holds considerable power, stability is paramount.
The Emperor's decree has everyone in the court on edge; compared to those who risk their lives, Kunlun cannot afford such turmoil. They must weather this storm safely, even if their status declines, as long as they preserve their strength and plan for future advancement.
Wu Zheng understood Gu Bufan's complex and unfathomable expression. This senior uncle loved the Kunlun sect deeply, devoting almost everything to it, wishing only for Kunlun to flourish. A sword has two edges; it can harm others but also harm the user. Therefore, Gu Bufan was somewhat opportunistic, extremely kind to outstanding disciples but almost indifferent to mediocre ones. He was also somewhat extreme in his approach. Wu Zheng vividly remembered how impulsive this senior uncle had been after choosing the *Principles of Reason*, speaking recklessly and disregarding all consequences in an attempt to rectify what he perceived as a mistake—even going so far as to contradict Xi Banlou and bring up old grievances that no one in Kunlun dared to mention.
Concern breeds confusion! Having heard of the court's promotion, this senior uncle's anxiety was perhaps irrepressible; he desperately needed a clear direction—for him, this was of paramount importance.
"The matter of the Emperor's decree should ideally be discussed and decided upon by Senior Brother Sect Leader, Lord Hu, and General Han. However, you will face considerable pressure in the capital; having a contingency plan is essential to prevent unforeseen circumstances. As for your aunt and junior sister's affairs, how can they be compared?" Gu Bufan's expression showed dissatisfaction, seemingly blaming Wu Zheng for being sentimental and unable to prioritize.
Wu Zheng sighed inwardly at his failure! He hadn't expected his initial response to be so poor. Gu Bufan was preoccupied with national sentiment and the future of his sect; if he had continued down this path, Gu Bufan might have been pleased and there might have been room for negotiation. But now, Gu Bufan probably thought that Gu Pan's presence would only provoke his personal feelings and delay important matters, further deepening his desire to take Gu Pan away.
"The situation in the court is turbulent, but the Emperor's continued reign is a long-term consideration. As my uncle said, everything needs to be carefully planned before any action is taken. However, harmony within the family brings prosperity. Some things are unpleasant to say, and it's always better to leave hidden dangers before major events occur." Although his words sounded eloquent, Wu Zheng himself didn't believe Gu Bufan would listen to such empty rhetoric.
"It's just scabies, how can it be a hidden danger?" Gu Bufan's expression suddenly turned cold, but he still gave Wu Zheng plenty of face, saying calmly, "If you want to speak, I'll listen first." Wu
Zheng scratched his head and smiled bitterly, "Uncle-Master, please forgive me, I have so much to say, but when it comes to actually saying it, I don't know where to begin. " …… ... Lu Feiyan lowered her head so low it almost buried it in her breasts, her voice as soft as raindrops as she said, "I've always believed he didn't lie to me." Since getting to know Wu Zheng, Lu Feiyan had always avoided talking about or even thinking about the awkwardness of their relationship. As for Wu Zheng, without resolving the issue, mere verbal comfort was useless, only adding to his worries. This matter was like a heavy stone weighing on his chest, constantly surfacing and causing him distress. Wu Zheng had once taken Zhu Yatong's hand in front of her; as women, being able to share intimate thoughts, especially in such a chaotic situation, could offer some relief. "I also asked him about this; guess what he said?" Zhu Yatong puffed out her chest, a hint of smugness in her expression. "I can't guess; he's always unpredictable." Lu Feiyan was also intrigued, momentarily forgetting her jealousy. "Priceless treasures are easy to find, but a true lover is hard to come by. My woman, if I don't cherish her, who else will I cherish? If I don't help her, who else will I help?" Zhu Yatong mimicked Wu Zheng's proud and confident demeanor, then exclaimed, "Tsk tsk, even I'm envious!" "Who says she's his family!" Lu Feiyan retorted, both amused and embarrassed. "Hehe, are you just shy or serious? Well, not really, but your Lord Wu has put in a lot of effort to openly and legitimately bring you into the Wu family." Zhu Yatong smiled teasingly. Embarrassed by the persistent questioning, Lu Feiyan's face flushed red like a ripe peach. After a long pause, she said sadly, "To be honest, Patriarch Zhu, it's all just a mirage, an illusion. It's my fate, and I can't blame anyone else." "I don't like hearing that. Life is unpredictable; who can foresee the future?" Zhu Yatong frowned. "I can't stand those who accept their fate. There aren't many things in this world that can't be solved. Some things may seem hopeless now, but with time, things can take a turn for the better. I've had more experience than my sister, and I've encountered many unexpected turns of fortune. So the important thing isn't whether you can solve it now, but how much faith you have to do it. Will you go against the current, letting yourself be swept away by the raging waves, or will you persevere and wait for a calm moment to make great strides?" "I've never thought of giving up, but I'm really useless. I don't know what to do." Lu Feiyan closed her eyes, squeezing out glistening tears. "Actually... if I may be so bold, you can do a lot, at least you shouldn't let Lord Wu shoulder everything alone. Right now, he's under the most pressure, and he's in the most difficult position. At the very least, you shouldn't let him bear everything for you every time. There's no such thing as someone who can have all the good things without giving anything in return." Zhu Yatong's tone wasn't accusatory, but rather full of pity. "Those involved are often blinded, while bystanders see things clearly. Your Lord Wu cares about you but doesn't want to say it, but think about it calmly, especially right now. The one who can buy him the most time is none other than you. He won't let you go, and you don't want to leave, so stay for now. Soon, the Kunlun Sect will have a lot of things to deal with. Will you still be able to leave then? As for the remaining matters, you can find opportunities to resolve them one by one. Doing all this will certainly diminish your dignity, but you should understand which is more important." "Really?" Lu Feiyan suddenly opened her eyes, blinking her pupils. "That's a good idea! I... I can't let him bear everything alone!" "It's not that my sister isn't smart, she's just stuck in a rut." Zhu Yatong smiled and said playfully, "Since you've made up your mind and chosen, you should stick to it. Now you should go and find a way to get rid of that person, hehe! I'm sorry to trouble you!" Lu Feiyan was embarrassed again. Gu Bufan was still her husband in name, but now she had to get rid of him for her lover. Being teased by Zhu Yatong was really embarrassing. She pursed her lips and said, "Sister's teachings were truly enlightening, and I will remember them well. But if I may be so bold, from what you just said, it seems you also have many things to hold onto." Zhu Yatong smiled faintly and said, "Of course I have my own principles. There are too many difficult things in this world that no one can avoid. Alright, let's get down to business first. If the time is right later, you can tell me about it; it's not a big deal." Lu Feiyan bowed respectfully and hurriedly left. Zhu Yatong stared after her, thinking to herself, "The things I hold onto are much harder than yours. If it weren't for our shared suffering, and the fact that my little darling likes you so much and has endured so many disdainful looks, she wouldn't care about you at all." Wu Zheng hung his head, utterly speechless before Gu Bufan's righteous pronouncements. He couldn't offer any convincing reasoning either. The sect rules were even stricter than the national law; even if the sect leader committed a crime, he would still be punished accordingly. Perhaps in Gu Bufan's mind, taking Gu Pan away and punishing her severely was a matter of course, which is why he didn't care at all. Gu Bufan gave Wu Zheng a stern lecture, after which Wu Zheng said helplessly, "Uncle-Master, please allow me to say a few words. It's not that I disrespect the sect rules, but Pan'er's unauthorized descent from the mountain was extremely dangerous and deserves severe punishment, which I have no objection to! However, I believe that people are not plants or trees, and their personalities are completely different. We should teach according to their individual characteristics and have different methods of discipline. If Pan'er returns to the mountain, I'm afraid she will gradually become depressed, and her good foundation and talent may be wasted. Therefore, I believe she should be punished, but she cannot return to the mountain! It is the best choice for me to discipline her properly in Chengdu. I am also confident that I have the ability to manage my junior sister and teach her to be successful!" "You and Pan'er have had a deep bond since childhood, everyone knows that. If Zhijie and Yizhi made a mistake, Uncle-Master would believe you, but Pan'er made a mistake, and her mother has always spoiled her excessively. Can you manage her? Won't you soften your heart?" Gu Bufan spoke righteously and sternly. Wu Zheng knew that his reason was too weak and was secretly anxious, but he could not find a suitable reason. “My own daughter, of course I love her! But where does this 'spoiling' come from? From childhood to adulthood, haven't I raised her well? Whether as a disciple of Kunlun or a young lady from a prominent family, what makes Pan’er unworthy? Impulsiveness and rebellion are common among young girls. I want to ask you, why did Pan’er suddenly run away from the mountain gate? If she hadn't suffered some injustice, how could she be so ungrateful?” The voice outside the hall was crisp and clear. Gu Bufan looked embarrassed, and Wu Zheng was also taken aback. Everyone knew the reason why Gu Pan went down the mountain without permission. Wu Zheng could never say anything, but Lu Feiyan said it was perfectly legitimate. Gu Bufan didn't want to see her any longer; just hearing his wife's voice made him feel a headache from head to toe. Wu Zheng also didn't expect Lu Feiyan to come. Like him, she had done something to offend Gu Bufan and felt guilty. Compared to Wu Zheng, the beautiful woman was much more sensitive. How could she have imagined that she would suddenly appear like this?

This question was not only aggressive but also entirely reasonable. While it was wrong for a disciple to break the rules, it was wrong not to ask why. Lu Feiyan's reasoned argument actually helped Wu Zheng. What pleased Wu Zheng even more was that although Lu Feiyan looked slightly embarrassed and her gaze darted away, avoiding Gu Bufan's eyes, her words were like a declaration of her feelings, her resolute affections clear.
"I didn't wrongly punish her," Lu Feiyan said. Fortunately, Gu Bufan also avoided Lu Feiyan's gaze and didn't notice anything amiss. "Shouldn't disrespecting elders be punished?"
"Heh, then should someone who disrespects me be punished?" Lu Feiyan sneered.
Their argument left Wu Zheng standing aside. Lu Feiyan seemed like a divine intervention at this moment. He was delighted, but knew that further argument was pointless, and Lu Feiyan was likely in the wrong. He was also extremely uncomfortable seeing his wife arguing in front of him.
Lu Feiyan and Wu Zheng were already engaged, and her current actions seemed to be a way of distancing herself from Gu Bufan. Wu Zheng, too, had his pride; it would be incredibly embarrassing for him to be unable to join the argument while his woman was arguing. Although Lu Feiyan was devoted to him, and Gu Bufan treated him well, it would be a lie to say he felt no jealousy towards his martial uncle. After all, the groans that had come from next door in the courtyard on Kunlun Mountain when this body was young were still vivid in his mind; and Lu Feiyan's subservient behavior in the wilderness behind the mountain was even more clear. Although the two were arguing, Wu Zheng was still unhappy. —If Gu Bufan suddenly acted out of control and tried to assert his husbandly authority, Wu Zheng wouldn't even have a reason to stop him.
"Please, you two, don't argue," Wu Zheng sighed. "After all, this is a matter for the Kunlun Sect. Let me inform our Sect Leader, and he will decide."
"No need," Wu Zheng said. "Violating the sect rules has its corresponding punishments. The Sect Leader is the same." Gu Bufan secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He couldn't really be tough in front of Lu Feiyan.
"Then... we should eat first, okay? This is your first time visiting my residence, Uncle-Master. Don't let anyone say I'm being disrespectful. I just set up a [canteen] and was just about to ask for your guidance." Wu Zheng changed the subject, looking for another opportunity. Suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind: Ah, a canteen! Awakening!
"Uncle-Master appreciates your kindness, but I'm not hungry right now. It's best to settle some things first." Gu Bufan was always meticulous and wouldn't be easily dismissed.
"Uncle-Master, please calm down. The reason I say this is because Aunt Lu and Pan'er are of great use in Chengdu and cannot return to Kunlun." In his desperation, Wu Zheng made a poor first move, but unexpectedly, it brought him a pleasant surprise. He had had vague inspirations during his previous discussions with Zhu Yatong about the [Canteen], but had never quite grasped them. This time, stimulated by the situation, he finally understood the key point.
Wu Zheng had long devised a method to resolve Lu Feiyan's engagement: a deal based on mutual benefit. While the Gu and Lu families were indeed powerful clans, the disharmony in their marriage was obvious. Lu Feiyan was eager to escape, and if Gu Bufan was under pressure from his clan, he naturally wouldn't drag on with this meaningless engagement. If he used the chili pepper business as bait, promising the two families substantial profits in exchange, the likelihood of them agreeing would be much greater. After all, only the Kunlun Sect possessed chili peppers, and the authority over them was entirely in Wu Zheng's hands. The agreement was reached privately, without even needing to be announced. The Gu and Lu families were staunch allies of the Kunlun faction, so doing business together was perfectly normal, and no one would suspect anything special. As for the marriage contract, as long as the two families reached a consensus, it could be handled discreetly with minimal impact.
The problem lay in the sheer number of unforeseen events. Ever since Zhu Yatong met Wu Zheng in Chang'an, she had been determined to acquire chili peppers, and her trip to Chengdu was also under the guise of the chili pepper business. Anxiang Lingluo's outburst forced Zhu Yatong to publicly meet the Qin Emperor. Now that even the Qin Emperor knew about it, it was impossible for him not to get involved in such a huge profit. The pie was big enough, but the appetites of these diners were also considerable. Coupled with the share Wu Zheng had previously promised Yang Yizhi, there simply wasn't enough left to distribute among the Gu and Lu families.
The [Dining Hall] item came from Wu Zheng's previous world, and it was practically everywhere! But it was appearing for the first time in this world, which made even Zhu Yatong extremely curious. Wu Zheng knew very little about business in his previous life, but he understood some basic concepts. Inspired by the [Canteen], he finally figured out a way to distribute sufficiently attractive profits to the Gu and Lu families, so that the clan leaders wouldn't object.
"What could possibly be more important than the sect rules?" Gu Bufan inquired.
"This disciple requests to see the clan leaders of the Gu and Lu families and discuss the chili pepper business with Patriarch Zhu. Not only can my aunt and Pan'er not leave, but my uncle can't either," Wu Zheng said excitedly. "
I've already heard about the chili pepper business. Now that I've joined the Kunlun Sect, I owe a great debt to my sect, and the Gu family should be ranked after the sect. There's no point in dividing the chili pepper business anymore, and the Gu family has no intention of participating."
"Uncle is mistaken! The Kunlun Sect's business naturally takes care of its best allies, and there are many profits to be distributed. If it's like this, what do you think, Uncle? I wonder if Patriarch Gu will come to see this disciple?" Wu Zheng was full of confidence, casually sketching a diagram on a piece of paper, marking many key points, and then pushing it in front of Gu Bufan.
"Huh!" Lu Feiyan was greatly surprised and couldn't help but lean closer to look at the sketch. Her charming eyes blinked incessantly, her long, curved eyelashes like two wooden combs, coming together and then separating, exceptionally beautiful.
Gu Bufan was completely focused. As a scion of a powerful family, he had some understanding of business. Wu Zheng's explanation was simple and easy to understand, and like Lu Feiyan, he understood it immediately. He was already calculating the astonishing profits in his mind—as the acting leader of the Kunlun Sect, he was naturally adept at calculating economics.
"Zheng'er has decided to do it this way." After a long while, Gu Bufan raised his head and couldn't help but confirm again.
"Master has entrusted this matter entirely to me, and the grandmasters have also given their approval. I have made up my mind!" Wu Zheng smiled slightly. Seeing Gu Bufan's expression, the matter was settled.
"Good! This matter cannot be taken lightly. Let's not return to Kunlun Mountain for now!" Gu Bufan finally nodded slowly.
"Then it's settled. Please wait
a moment, Uncle-Master. I'll go arrange the meal now. I'll stay at the Wu residence tonight." "No, this matter is of utmost importance. I'll personally go back to the Gu family to invite the clan leader to Chengdu! There's no time to lose, so I'll set off now." Every moment spent with Lu Feiyan was torture, and Gu Bufan would never stay at the Wu residence.
"This..." Wu Zheng hesitated, "Uncle-Master, you've come and left without even a meal. It won't sound good if word gets out. I'll have people gossiping about you."
"With such a matter at hand, I can't worry about these things. I'll go first. Zheng'er, there's no need to see me off. Pan'er's matter is only temporarily postponed. As the eldest brother, you still have the responsibility to supervise and discipline her. Pan'er must be kept under strict supervision at the residence. When I return, she must be punished just the same way." Gu Bufan finished giving detailed instructions and then hurriedly left the residence, without even saying goodbye to Lu Feiyan. The affection between husband and wife had completely vanished.
Wu Zheng had just seen Gu Bufan off when he returned to the hall and saw Zhu Yatong and Gu Pan had also arrived. Gu Pan made a face at him and said with a grin, "Daddy's gone, I knew Senior Brother had a way."
Wu Zheng patted the girl's head and gave a smile that looked more like a grimace, "He's gone!"
Gu Pan jumped up with joy, "No need to go back to the mountain, I love Senior Brother the most."
"Having earned the merit of slaying the bandits, I'll give you my share this time, so you won't have to return it!" Wu Zheng shook his head repeatedly, "I've done so much, but haven't received any benefit. I've wasted my time."
Zhu Yatong was very interested in Wu Zheng's simple business plan and was looking at it over and over, her eyes full of that strange light. Hearing this, she didn't turn her head and said, "It's okay to atone for your sins with merit, but you shouldn't punish me. Your Kunlun sect rules aren't that lax, are they?"
Wu Zheng said, "Of course I should be punished. There's no need to go back to the mountain to face the wall. The punishment is to copy the sect rules and scriptures. You can't escape daily reflection."
Zhu Yatong put down the paper, her beautiful eyes rolled, and she said slyly to Gu Pan, "You two both spoil her. How can you punish her? I'm afraid you'll just let it go."
Wu Zheng and Lu Feiyan exchanged a glance, both feeling that they had the same thought in mind, and neither of them could answer.
Gu Pan immediately changed from a joyful expression to a pitiful one, saying, "I know I was wrong! I won't dare to do it again."
"How can you know you were wrong?" Zhu Yatong couldn't help but laugh, "If you don't discipline me strictly this time, who knows what kind of trouble I'll cause next time."
"I really know I was wrong!" Gu Pan swayed her shoulders and neck back and forth, acting all cute and pitiful.
"If you know you've made a mistake, you should accept the punishment." Zhu Yatong couldn't help but pinch Gu Pan's nose and laugh, "If you two trust me, I'll punish her this time. I guarantee she'll remember it well, so she'll know which mistakes are absolutely unacceptable in the future!"
Having said that, what other choice did Lu Feiyan have? Her cheeks suddenly flushed red, and she lowered her head, saying softly, "Thank you so much, sister
." "Hehe! Little Pan'er
,
did you hear that? Come to my room if you haven't had dinner yet. From today until your punishment is over, you'll live with me!" …… ... She knew then what the wicked man was up to, but it was too embarrassing, and she refused no matter what. Afterwards, she was too busy with other things to spare the time.
Zhu Yatong intentionally or unintentionally pulled Gu Pan away, clearly creating an opportunity for the two of them.
Tonight, would he come
? Lu Feiyan, still shy, found it amusing. She was an experienced woman, yet she acted like a young girl, both apprehensive and secretly hopeful. Her heart, like a seed under spring rain, stirred restlessly.
As expected, undisguised footsteps came from outside the room. Lu Feiyan was startled awake from her reverie, and cried out in a flustered and anxious voice, "Who is it?"
The door was pushed open with a loud bang, and Wu Zheng grinned from ear to ear, his eyes full of joy. "Of course it's me! I couldn't find you in the room, so here you are!"
Lu Feiyan, like a helpless young lady caught in the act, was flustered and at a loss. She quickly moved to the other side of the bathtub, timidly peeking out her head and saying, "What are you doing here? Get out of here."
"I won't get out! I won't recognize anyone tonight. Even the King of Heaven himself can't stop me from stealing your kisses!" Wu Zheng had a lewd smile on his face, showing no intention of giving in, and strode towards Lu Feiyan. "
Pan'er is in the mansion. What if she comes and causes trouble?" Lu Feiyan was flustered, but when she looked down, she saw that her clothes were intact, which relieved her slightly. Fortunately, she hadn't taken off her clothes while lost in thought. But could this thin spring dress really protect her from those wolfish claws?
"I won't recognize anyone tonight!" Wu Zheng shook his head vigorously, "Pan'er won't come, and even if she did, it wouldn't matter."
"You... I beg you... please don't..." Seeing that Wu Zheng was no longer concerned about anything, Lu Feiyan panicked and begged for his help. She was terrified that something unexpected would happen; if Pan'er found out, she didn't know how she could face living.
"Hehe, you say you won't recognize me! Anyway, I'm going to have you tonight!" Wu Zheng approached step by step, "Unless you kill me, otherwise..."
Lu Feiyan was naturally reluctant, and a thrilling sense of forbidden pleasure was slowly drawing her in, making her unable to resist.
The beautiful woman had retreated to the corner, resignedly closing her eyes, two streams of tears rolling down her cheeks as she lamented, "I'm so scared!"
"Don't be afraid." A warm embrace pressed against her, a gentle yet firm voice reaching her ears: "You are mine, no one can take you away, no one can stop me!"
"But I...I..." Lu Feiyan sobbed, "I've made up my mind to be with you, but I'm someone else's wife, and I have to avoid Pan'er. I can't control anything. I'm so afraid that one day I'll have to leave you, I'm so scared, so scared."
Wu Zheng simply held her tightly, saying nothing. It wasn't just Lu Feiyan who awoke from her dream, but also Wu Zheng! Though the starlight and moon shone brightly, everything vanished after the change of day and night. The gentle breeze and white clouds seemed inseparable, but once the sky cleared, the clouds disappeared without a trace, and the breeze vanished as well. No matter how deep the affection and love, there are always insurmountable obstacles in the world. This relationship is the same for both Wu Zheng and Lu Feiyan. They clearly possess each other, yet it could vanish like a mirage at any moment.
"It seems that only in this little courtyard am I yours! No, only when no one comes, only when it's just the two of us, am I yours!" Lu Feiyan whispered, as if talking to herself, as if in a dream: "What should I do? What should I do to be yours! Tell me, tell me!"
"A mirage? Though the mirage is fragile, the moon in the water can be held in one's heart!" Wu Zheng spoke decisively, pulling Lu Feiyan to the edge of the bathtub and scooping up a handful of water. In the candlelight, the beautiful woman's face swayed with the ripples in the water, yet remained clearly visible.
Wu Zheng understood Lu Feiyan's feelings. She wanted to belong to Wu Zheng, but neither her status nor her body belonged to him yet. In terms of status, she was Gu Bufan's wife and Gu Pan's mother. Physically, Lu Feiyan was no longer a virgin. Although Wu Zheng never minded and was even extremely infatuated, Lu Feiyan sometimes felt that she was like a withered flower, inevitably leaving regrets. Now that her love life had encountered twists and turns, Lu Feiyan felt that everything was unreal, as if everything she had experienced was a dream, fragile and easily shattered.
"You go out first." Lu Feiyan took two steps back, her eyes not filled with the resolute determination to sever all ties—how could she sever them without resoluteness! Instead, they held a shy and tender gaze: "Come back in after an incense stick has burned, and don't peek at me, okay?"
"Okay! I won't peek." Wu Zheng darted out the door, leaving Lu Feiyan more decisively than ever before, racing against time, almost shouting, "The incense stick timer has begun!"
"Splash!" Long, slender legs parted the clear water, and a delicate, curvaceous, jade-white naked body sank into the water. Then, a pink gauze dress fluttered down and covered the surface of the water, adding an ambiguous spring-like atmosphere.
Lu Feiyan's face was flushed, her eyes tightly closed, her lips pressed together, and strange, plaintive sounds emanated from her throat. The strange feeling she had just experienced under the wooden shower tub was indescribable; she felt utterly ashamed. At this moment, she didn't know if it was nervousness, fear, or a faint anticipation.
When Zhu Yatong first entered the Wu residence, she had been consumed by jealousy and had taken the initiative to flatter Wu Zheng. Every time she recalled that scene, her eyes burned and her heart pounded, filled with unbearable shame. But compared to what she had just resolved to say and do, it was worlds apart. As for that resolve, Lu Feiyan felt for the first time how weak her willpower was, how difficult it was to fulfill her promises, at least to keep the promises she made to herself...
"Splash!" Wu Zheng, also completely naked, pounced on a lamb drinking water by the river like a tiger, but he quickly brushed away the splashing water with his hands, making it all fall back into the tub, preventing a mess on the floor.
Lu Feiyan's head was the only part of her body above the water. Wu Zheng didn't rise after entering the water; instead, he tucked his legs firmly to the bottom of the tub, spreading his arms to pull her into his embrace. Her proud, large breasts, swaying gently in the surging water, far surpassing the beauty of the rippling waves, were instantly subjected to an impatient assault.
The water was warm enough, but how could it compare to the fiery heat of a man's mouth? It was comfortable enough, but how could it compare to the stimulation of his domineering lips and tongue, and the biting of his hard teeth? Lu Feiyan's passion was ignited in an instant. Her legs kicked wildly, paddling frantically as if fleeing for her life in the water, whether struggling to escape or experiencing a surge of exhilarating pleasure that forced her to respond with all her might, it was unclear.
Amidst the rushing water, Lu Feiyan's suppressed gasps and nasal sounds traveled through the water like celestial music. Before entering the water, Wu Zheng had taken a deep breath, fully utilizing his internal energy—this breath was extremely long! He didn't breathe, but instead kissed and bit back and forth between the two soft, fragrant mounds of flesh, savoring their exquisite taste.
He pinched one breast hard, squeezing it until the base collapsed and the nipple swelled, then sucked on it as tightly as possible with his mouth, pulling it outwards like dough, until the entire mound of flesh struggled to escape his grasp. When their lips parted abruptly, the powerful suction stirred the water, making a crisp "pop" sound, before bouncing back to its original shape.
His other hand encircled Lu Feiyan's slender waist to prevent her escape, while his palm slipped through the crevice of her buttocks, caressing the plump
, tender flesh beneath the alluring pubic hair. Sticky fluid gushed incessantly from the flowing water, dripping incessantly. Lu Feiyan held her lover's head tightly with both hands; if it weren't for the overwhelming pleasure of her breasts and flesh, she would have nearly torn Wu Zheng's hair off. Her long, beautiful legs, which had been kicking, now wrapped around her lover's back, arching her back back and forth to intensify the friction between her fingers. The warm, burning desire within her lower abdomen blazed ever brighter, as if threatening to set her entire body ablaze. The more intense the burning, the more unbearable the frequent spasms in her body became; the emptiness deep within her valley felt like a black hole, and this unbearable sensation was consuming her.
Lu Feiyan completely forgot that Wu Zheng was underwater and unable to breathe. She sank deeper and deeper, but unable to reach the penis that could fill her valley, she pressed Wu Zheng down towards her crotch. The pleasure of her mouth licking was no less than that of the penis thrusting in and out, and Lu Feiyan was already impatient.
Wu Zheng sank to the bottom of the tub and saw the beautiful woman's legs spread wide open. Her thick, dark hair swayed like water plants, and her lips, covered at the base, were like two slender orchid leaves, plump and full. A slit in her vulva revealed a beautiful crimson color, and her lips writhed incessantly. Whether it was the illusion of light being refracted by the water or the thirst for something to fill her, it was hard to tell.
Wu Zheng took a deep breath, and the full, soft lips mixed with the sweet and pungent nectar tasted wonderful. His tongue, like a small snake, slithered into Lu Feiyan's labia, causing the muscles in her strong thighs to tense and twitch. A short, hazy scream rang out, quickly turning into a weak moan of exhaustion.
Numerous buds, like schools of fish in the ocean, clung tightly to the intruding object, seemingly attached to it. The force was so strong that Wu Zheng felt as if the flower path was about to rip his tongue away. His tongue swept across the fleshy walls, moving left and right, but no matter how much his tongue resisted, it remained perfectly closed.
Wu Zheng's tongue suddenly withdrew, scraping and rubbing the buds violently, instantly turning the writhing into spasms, almost pulling out a patch of alluring flesh from the entrance. Lu Feiyan's sticky, beautiful moans filled the air. Wu Zheng could no longer endure it; he kicked off the bottom of the tub and floated out of the water. As if telepathically connected, the beautiful woman crossed her slender legs and hooked them around his back, her vulva wide open. Her rounded, smooth calves brushed against Wu Zheng's back, her fragrant, moist vulva precisely welcoming his erect, thick member, making a squelching sound even in the water. Their most sensitive and intimate parts were joined together without any obstruction.
Lu Feiyan's alluring eyes snapped open, and she exhaled a long breath, almost expelling all the air from her lungs. Her long-awaited flower path was intensely and fully filled, the friction at the entrance and the impact of her flower core and cervix deep inside triggering a tidal wave of pleasure. Being possessed in her private parts made the layers of love blend like milk and water, body and soul becoming one.
"I want it... I'll give it all to you..." Her petal-like, beautiful lips pressed against his, her sweet breath and passionate words entering his mouth together. Wu Zheng greedily sucked on her lips and tender tongue while thrusting his hips powerfully. The buoyancy of the water allowed him to effortlessly lift Lu Feiyan into the air, his penis mingling with the water as it plunged into her flower path, adding a warm and pleasurable sensation to the warm, slippery surface. Wu Zheng exerted himself as usual, but the resistance of the water slowed his movements, which did not diminish their pleasure at all. The exquisite sensation of thrusting and withdrawing in the water was even more pronounced.
Lu Feiyan relaxed her entire body, as if lying on a cloud, letting Wu Zheng's firm thrusts into her body. She murmured and moaned, her fragrant lips raining kisses on Wu Zheng's forehead, nose, lips, ears, and cheeks, not wanting to miss an inch, as if she wanted to use her fragrant lips to clearly feel her lover's face. Her upper body pressed tightly against his, her pair of full, beautiful breasts rubbing against his chest with each thrust. The silky touch and soft flesh were truly exquisite, her erect nipples as hard as pebbles, adding a completely opposite flavor to the softness. Wu Zheng involuntarily moved his right arm up to tightly embrace Lu Feiyan's beautiful back, squeezing her breasts against his chest and completely closing the deep cleavage in the center.
"Mmm...like this...my breasts and my pussy feel so good, I...I...love you so much..." Lu Feiyan's voice was soft and sweet, with a hint of boldness mixed with shyness. Seemingly dissatisfied with Wu Zheng's thrusting speed, she leaned forward, pressing her entire upper body against him, arching her back and swaying her hips, rising and falling in rhythm with Wu Zheng's movements. The water flow suddenly became violent, like waves crashing on a lake in a gale, splashing wet patches on the ground around the tub.
The two were locked in a fierce struggle in the bathtub, as if fighting to the death. Wu Zheng suddenly increased his strength, his thrusts becoming frequent and intense, repeatedly striking Lu Feiyan's most sensitive and tender flesh. The rushing water sounded like the booming of war drums, intensifying the battle and raising the beautiful woman's moans several octaves in an instant!
Wu Zheng suddenly grabbed Lu Feiyan's body, flipped her over, and pressed her against the edge of the tub. He gripped her waist tightly and thrust into her from behind with all his might. Lu Feiyan was squeezed by Wu Zheng, leaving her no room to move. Her large breasts were squeezed against the tub wall and Wu Zheng behind her like a ball of snow-white milk cake. Her suspended body felt light and weightless, as if she were flying, allowing the man behind her to swirl and drop her like a storm.
"Feifei is so tight... so good at sucking... you can't leave me..." The position of entering from behind made the penetration of the dragon's flesh deeper and heavier. Her lower abdomen pushed against her plump, fleshy buttocks, making huge slapping sounds like raindrops, further increasing the lewdness and pleasure. But Wu Zheng was not satisfied. He then lifted Lu Feiyan's upper body, his hands clinging to her large breasts and sinking deep into her flesh, while his waist increased its force.
The space between them, chests and abdomens pressed together, was cramped, yet the intensity of the thrusting was several times greater! Wu Zheng only withdrew two fingers' width of his fleshy dragon before plunging it back in completely, the enormous glans fiercely pecking at the soft flesh of her flower core. Lu Feiyan felt a gushing spring of pleasure welling up deep within her lower abdomen, her flower path completely filled and stretched wide. The smaller portion deep inside, however, was constantly subjected to the thrusting, feeling utterly overwhelmed when filled and unbearably empty when withdrawn. The torment of alternating heaven and hell converged into a thunderous bombardment in her mind, her flower core contracting and relaxing, as if an unknown force was being constantly squeezed, about to burst forth from the countless needle-like openings within her flower core.
"I won't leave you... I'm all yours... So deep... My flower core is so numb... Zheng'er... Wu Lang... Give it to me... Give it to me... I'm coming..." Lu Feiyan cried out softly, her voice trembling, high-pitched and thin. The fleshy dragon occupied her flower path, as if filling her body and soul. Her engorged, throbbing flesh was sending wave after wave of intense pleasure through her mind. She couldn't control herself; instinctively, she contracted her vaginal muscles with all her might, eagerly responding to the man's thrusts and pounding. Her overflowing vulva was gushing out nectar, turning from a trickle into jets of fluid.
The nectar splashed onto his glans like water jets, sending a shiver down Wu Zheng's spine. His aching lower back could no longer hold back, and his desire, along with his gushing semen, erupted, all of it flowing into Lu Feiyan's body…
Exhausted, the two embraced tightly. Lu Feiyan leaned weakly against the tub, while Wu Zheng gently kissed her long, swan-like neck. The tenderness after the release of passion was even more intoxicating. Lu Feiyan, her love as sweet as honey, moaned and dodged, "It's so itchy..."
The penis was still deeply embedded in her flower path, showing no signs of softening even after ejaculation. Wu Zheng released his neck and followed up on her fan-like earlobe, whispering, "I want more..."
"I know... it's still so thick and hard... I... didn't refuse you..." Lu Feiyan was completely intoxicated, her earlobe numb from the kisses. She enjoyed the kiss and regained some strength, then looked at Wu Zheng shyly and said, "You were too rough just now, I need to rest down there a bit more, you... don't move..."
The point of contact suddenly separated, and thin, white fluid mixed with the water. Lu Feiyan took a deep breath, her body sinking, and like a mermaid, she swam to Wu Zheng's crotch. The ferocious penis bared its fangs and claws, its fiery heat palpable even through the water. Whether it was due to the depth of her love or the knowledge that the shimmering water would obstruct her vision, Lu Feiyan showed no shyness whatsoever when she grasped the penis.
Sticky fluid still clung to its shaft, and Lu Feiyan extended her slender, fragrant tongue, wrapping it around the shaft and licking it with a gentler touch than her small hands. Only after she had thoroughly cleaned it did Lu Feiyan open her mouth and take the glans in.
The water in the bucket was still hot, and when Lu Feiyan opened her mouth, water inevitably flowed into her mouth. With the moistening moisture of her saliva, she took the glans penis into her mouth, and Wu Zheng's reaction was far stronger than usual. In her vision, his legs suddenly tensed, muscles bulging, but he lost his balance and collapsed backward with a loud "bang," clearly only able to stand by holding onto the bucket wall. A
flash of inspiration struck Lu Feiyan. Instead of pressing her lips tightly against the shaft, she opened them wide, letting water flow into her mouth through the narrow opening, then slowly swallowed the shaft.
The softness and warmth, combined with the warm water, made her mouth even more comfortable and stimulating! Wu Zheng growled softly, his excellent lightness skill causing him to lose his balance, his legs trembling. This novel feeling was unlike anything he had ever experienced before. Lu Feiyan's mouth, filled with warm water, swallowed the shaft, feeling hotter than usual, and providing a constant, enveloping sensation.
Wu Zheng gasped for breath, then leaned against the edge of the tub, supporting himself with only his arms, and relaxed to enjoy the sensation. Lu Feiyan gripped his legs, her body spread out flat by the buoyancy. She pushed and stretched her arms, using the momentum to swallow and spit out his penis, savoring it with relish.
The water was unpredictable, and with Lu Feiyan's vigorous movements, waves surged. Lu Feiyan didn't consciously control her posture, and her body was occasionally tossed about. But each time she tilted, her tight mouth swirled around his penis, making Wu Zheng tremble. After several repetitions, Lu Feiyan understood the key.
The beautiful woman surfaced, gave Wu Zheng a playful, sweet smile, then took a deep breath and sank back to the bottom. Still with hot water in her mouth, still with her body spread out, Lu Feiyan slowly swallowed the entire penis.
After a short adjustment, the beautiful woman spread her legs in opposite directions, her body rotating in the water around the penis in her mouth.
"Ah..." Wu Zheng couldn't help but shout! The churning water was caused by Lu Feiyan's rapid movements, and his penis was being swirled in her mouth. The glans was being rubbed by the soft flesh of her throat, and the shaft was being rubbed back and forth by her tightly pressed tongue. The pleasure was on the verge of exploding in an instant.
Wu Zheng gasped repeatedly, his cries as urgent as if he were fighting for his life. Although Lu Feiyan had grasped his climax, the feeling of the glans in her throat was not pleasant, let alone with the swirling sensation. Wu Zheng was on the verge of ejaculation, and she hurriedly released his penis, cupping her breasts and offering them to him. Before her mouth could even touch the glans, a gush of liquid suddenly spurted out, covering her face with white fluid...
"You're so naughty..." Lu Feiyan surfaced to wash the filth off her face, scolding him resentfully.
"Huff...you're the bad one!" Wu Zheng, his bones weak and legs trembling, was panting heavily when he suddenly saw Lu Feiyan's fragrant tongue curl up and lick the semen sticking to her lips into her mouth. Her seductive and wanton manner was irresistible.
"Are you looking for death?!" Before he could catch his breath, Wu Zheng roared and pulled her into his arms.
"You're killing me! I want to die in your arms!" Lu Feiyan said sweetly.
"Does it still hurt?" Although Wu Zheng was getting more and more vigorous and even more unsatisfied, he did not act recklessly. He gently asked while rubbing his swollen flesh with his fingers.
"It hurts!" Lu Feiyan whimpered, but suddenly her pretty face turned red.
She had a body full of charm and was naturally very lustful. Her profound martial arts skills made her body strong and powerful enough that there was no reason for her to be unable to handle it after just one round. Wu Zheng asked intentionally. His
eyes were burning as he stared at Lu Feiyan and said with a wicked smile, "Your hole still hurts, and your little mouth has suffered too. What should we do?"
Lu Feiyan was flustered. She spoke very subtly, but Wu Zheng clearly guessed what she meant, or perhaps he had been planning it all along. A finger was pressed against her tender, contracting anus, and even though it was just a gentle touch, it still terrified Lu Feiyan, causing her to twist her hips and try to escape.
"No..." Lu Feiyan pleaded like a lamb, having prepared herself mentally, even prepared to take the initiative, but the fear in her heart was overwhelming.
"This time I won't agree. You're mine, and I want this too, and its first time can only be with me!" Wu Zheng knew Lu Feiyan's psychology well; unless he forced her into a corner, she would continue to hesitate.
These words struck Lu Feiyan's weak spot. She suddenly remembered that this was the only part of her body she hadn't touched, and it was best to give it to her lover. Once the belief had an excuse, she couldn't help but recall the tingling, aching sensation she had felt while secretly washing away Wu Zheng after he left—it wasn't bad at all…
“Waaah…you…you always force me…bully me…” Lu Feiyan sobbed, tears streaming down her face, both hopeful and afraid, but the stimulation of her forbidden area made her resistance increasingly weak.
“I know you're afraid, but this is the only place where we can explore and discover together…” Wu Zheng stopped, waiting for the beautiful woman's response.
“There…it's dirty and…oh dear, it's really strange…you're so perverted…” Lu Feiyan covered her face with her hands, her ears turning red with embarrassment. The strangeness was self-evident, but exploring and savoring the unknown with her lover was what she wanted, and it could also make up for the regrets in her heart.
"That means yes!" No explicit objection meant permission. Wu Zheng was overjoyed. He cupped her plump, round buttocks in his hands, excitedly probing her anus with his fingers, "Wash it clean first..."
Lu Feiyan buried her face in his chest, her voice barely a whisper, "I've already washed..."
"So you were prepared all along!" Wu Zheng was deeply moved. This place was considered the most forbidden area on a woman's body, a place that no one but a devoted lover would allow to enter. Lu Feiyan's preparation showed the depth of her affection!
"Oh dear... don't be so hasty!" Lu Feiyan dodged the fleshy dragon that was heading straight for her rear, her pretty face turning pale with fright. "It's so small there, and yours is so big. If you force it, it'll break..."
"I'm sorry! I don't know either..." Wu Zheng scratched his head anxiously. "Then what should we do? I promise I'll be gentle, okay?"
"That won't do either!" Lu Feiyan was most afraid of saying these embarrassing things to Wu Zheng, but she had to say it. "It's not like... a vagina. It... it can't lubricate itself..."
"Just do it in the tub. The water will help a lot. Or we can go back to the house right away..." The arrow was on the bowstring and had to be released. Wu Zheng felt the blood surging in his fleshy dragon, which was already painfully swollen.
Seeing her lover's unbearable appearance, Lu Feiyan covered her face with her hands and said shyly, "I have a porcelain bottle in my pocket. Go get it."
Wu Zheng was impatient, but out of enough respect and deep love for Lu Feiyan, he endured it with great willpower. Hearing this, he hurriedly jumped out of the bathtub and rummaged through Lu Feiyan's hanging clothes, pulling out a blue porcelain bottle.
"What's this Heavenly Fragrance Cream?" Although Wu Zheng guessed it was a lubricant, he couldn't help but ask.
"Wealthy families often have homosexual tendencies and keep young boys..." She couldn't continue, letting out a soft moan and turning her head away, not daring to meet Wu Zheng's teasing gaze.
"So you prepared this early?" Wu Zheng's face lit up with joy, thinking of the unprecedented pleasure he would experience tonight, and how he would take the last forbidden place of his beloved beauty, his heart pounding like a drum.
"Hmm...you want it, so I have to...be prepared..." It wasn't that Lu Feiyan was promiscuous; as she said, many wealthy families had a penchant for young boys. She had grown up in a powerful family and wasn't surprised by such things.
Seeing Wu Zheng open the bottle, Lu Feiyan shook her head and said, "It will dissipate in the water..."
"I really don't know how to repay you, I will be very gentle!" Wu Zheng rarely lost his composure, but he understood her meaning from her words. He swept Lu Feiyan up and carried her out of the bath, taking a towel to wipe her body clean. Her delicate body, still smooth from the warm water, felt as smooth as cream when wiped through the towel.
"My genitals have not received the rain and dew of the heavens, I hope my husband will have mercy..."
Lu Feiyan's trembling voice struck Wu Zheng's chest. No matter how deep their affection was, it had to be sealed by this word, "husband." Wu Zheng raised two fingers to the sky: "If Wu Zheng betrays Lu Feiyan, may he not be tolerated between heaven and earth!"
"To live and die together!" Lu Feiyan did not pretentiously stop Wu Zheng from making his vow. She also raised two fingers and pressed them together with Wu Zheng's, making the same vow!
The two looked at each other deeply, their emotions turning into a long, deep kiss. Lu Feiyan unscrewed the bottle cap and sighed leisurely, "Please apply some to me, my husband." That sigh was not a lament, but a relief that came from the weight lifted from her heart. She was no longer afraid or conflicted, and only wanted to give everything away.
Wu Zheng scooped out a piece of Heavenly Fragrance Ointment and placed it on his fingertip, gently applying it to the entrance of her anus. The anus is not like a fleshy flower; without sufficient lubrication, there is no pleasure whatsoever, and both could even be injured.
Lu Feiyan was nervous, but fortunately, the excited Wu Zheng's movements remained gentle. His rough fingers circled the entrance of her private parts, not rushing to penetrate. The Heavenly Fragrance Ointment was cool and refreshing, with a calming effect. What gradually eased Lu Feiyan's tension and fear was the extreme restraint behind Wu Zheng's patience.
Most men, when they obtain a woman they desire, are eager to possess her immediately, thus ignoring her feelings. But Wu Zheng was different. As he said, on their first exploration of the unknown together, patient foreplay and adaptation were crucial. It was this restraint that allowed Lu Feiyan to gradually relax, trusting her lover to proceed step by step, and confidently entrusting everything to him.
The tight, fleshy folds were richly textured, and the sensitivity here was no less than that of the clitoris. While the sensation was similarly alluring, it possessed a completely different quality. His fingers gently traced circles, and as the clitoris softened, an unbearable itch surged through her. Lu Feiyan felt ants crawling all over her body, especially at her clitoris. The opening, even tighter than her vulva, opened and closed, contracting and relaxing, just like the increasingly seductive breaths of a beautiful woman, gradually becoming more aroused.
Taking advantage of the opening of the clitoris, with a gasp from Lu Feiyan, Wu Zheng gently inserted half a knuckle of his fingertip. The tightness of the fleshy ring made his fingers ache and go numb. Wu Zheng gently circled it and asked softly, "Does it hurt?"
Lu Feiyan pursed her lips and shook her head: "A little bit, it's nothing."
"Then... can you feel it?"
"It feels a little swollen and numb..." Lu Feiyan cupped Wu Zheng's face and said, "I'll leave it all to my husband!"
Another sweet, wet kiss came. While savoring her moist lips and tender tongue, Wu Zheng kept applying Tianxiang Ointment to help Lu Feiyan lubricate and relax. He always waited patiently until she was comfortable enough before inserting his fingers a little further. At first, Lu Feiyan was also quite unbearable, always frowning and moaning softly. When Wu Zheng saw her brows relax and her moans return, he knew she was experiencing the pleasure...
One finger, two fingers, three fingers... It took almost half an hour before Wu Zheng heard Lu Feiyan's seductive moans. Seeing the beautiful woman's smile still revealing her shyness, Wu Zheng asked with a smile, "Is it done?"
Lu Feiyan nodded, then hurriedly pouted and shook her head: "No, it's...too big..."
Wu Zheng suppressed a laugh and scooped up a handful from between Lu Feiyan's legs, saying, "You're already this wet, and it's still not done? But it doesn't feel good."
"No...it's sour and numb, and it's unbearably swollen, it's such a strange feeling. Um...I'm just scared..."
"Try it gently first."
Lu Feiyan lowered her head shyly, remaining silent, letting Wu Zheng guess her meaning and pick her up to place her beside the bathtub.
With her hands braced on the edge of the tub, she bent over, her full, pear-shaped buttocks raised high. The most shameful act of anal pleasure was performed in such a humiliating position, causing Lu Feiyan's face to flush crimson, almost burying her head in her ample breasts.
The glans penis was already pressed against the entrance of her anus, its tip icy cold, clearly indicating that Wu Zheng had applied the last of the Heavenly Fragrance Ointment to the shaft. But after the coolness came a surge of fiery heat, causing her anus to contract and resist.
The rich folds sucked at the blunt tip, its exquisite sensation no less than that of flesh. Wu Zheng softly said, "I'm coming!" and thrust his hips forward.
Despite the lubrication of the Heavenly Fragrance Ointment, and Wu Zheng's great patience in using his fingers to probe, allowing her anus to adjust for a long time, the mere insertion of half a glans penis still made Lu Feiyan's pretty face turn pale. A tearing pain shot through her anus, making her feel as if her body had been split in two. The intense pain and numbness caused her delicate body to tremble violently. Even more strangely, although there were two passages in her lower body, the tender flesh was connected as one. The intense reaction in her anus caused the flesh in front to contract tightly, and the pleasure was continuous.
With Wu Zheng's size, how could a finger compare? Lu Feiyan gritted her teeth, preparing to endure the unbearable pain, but Wu Zheng also broke out in a cold sweat and stopped pushing forward in time. The small flesh ring looked like it could hold at most a soybean, but in addition to being tight, it also had an amazing elasticity. The glans was inserted into an unusually hot and tight place, and was squeezed so tightly that it seemed that even the blood and qi had stopped. In the pleasure, it was also so tight that it was difficult to move.
"Is it okay?"
"Ugh... it's okay, I can... go in a little more..." Lu Feiyan stammered for a while before relaxing her brows and whispering.
Wu Zheng paused again, waiting for Lu Feiyan to get used to it. Compared to the more hands-on approach, the intense pleasure of the penis gripping so tightly was almost unbearable, making the experience quite arduous.
"Okay, I'll take it slow..."
The penis moved forward little by little, as if it were thrusting straight into her belly. Lu Feiyan gasped for breath, the wrinkles at her anus smoothed out, her anus twitching and convulsing, triggering a violent reaction in her flower path, which was only separated by a thin layer of skin, as if the penis was massaging her sensitive flower path from the other side.
The pain gradually turned into a tingling sensation, and the opening and closing of her anus seemed to be a form of welcoming, automatically tightening when it couldn't take it anymore, and then suddenly relaxing to welcome the penis deeper. When the penis was finally fully inserted, both of them let out a long breath. Even when they stopped moving, they could each savor the pleasure.
Wu Zheng's penis was trapped in the extremely hot and narrow passage, making his hair stand on end, and possessing Lu Feiyan's rear gave him ultimate satisfaction. Looking down, her chrysanthemum bud, barely large enough to fit a finger, was stretched wide open, as if a tiny mouth were swallowing the penis without leaving a gap, yet it was still contracting. Her snow-white buttocks,
surrounded by a ring of crimson, created a visually stunning impact. As Lu Feiyan's pain subsided, a feeling of full satisfaction washed over her. The penis, inserted deep inside, pressed against her clitoris through a thin membrane, causing an unbearable tingling and itching sensation. The stretched-out anus writhed, as if countless tentacles were scratching at the shaft, making her tremble.
"Does it still hurt?" Wu Zheng feasted his eyes on her beautiful back and buttocks. Lu Feiyan's virgin anus was too tight for easy penetration; he couldn't fully appreciate it and wasn't in a hurry to conquer her.
"Much better, I can move a little… please don't be rough." Lu Feiyan forced a smile, her body dripping with sweat, exuding a sweet fragrance, making her appear pitiful. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly, her face flushed with a mixture of shame and unbearable pain, as if she were being brutally violated by a man, utterly helpless and pitiful.
Seeing her like this, Wu Zheng couldn't bear to only seek his own pleasure, and worried that if he didn't control his strength during his thrusts, he might injure her. A sudden idea struck him; he reached out and lifted the woman's thighs, positioning her like a child being held to urinate.
"What...what are you going to do now!" Lu Feiyan's lower body was exposed, both ashamed and anxious, wondering what Wu Zheng was up to.
"I'm afraid I might hurt you if I don't control myself, so...hehe, you do it yourself!"
Wu Zheng stood on the wooden steps beside the bathtub, placing Lu Feiyan on the edge, her lotus feet resting on the rim.
Her jade-like buttocks fell, her cheeks parted by Wu Zheng. The gushing nectar from her vulva was being dug and probed by two fingers, and Lu Feiyan felt cold sweat pour down her back. Wu Zheng had used this position before, but this time he changed it in a clever way, making her lean back against his chest with her legs slightly bent for easier leverage, truly allowing her to control him.
Lu Feiyan slowly got up, the penis rubbing against her anus, the folds causing an excruciating tingling sensation, almost making her lose her balance. Wu Zheng quickly wrapped his large hand around her, supporting her breasts, not only helping her stabilize herself but also holding her soft, warm body in his arms.
"How does it feel?"
the murmured enchantress filled her mind, and Lu Feiyan replied in a trembling voice, "I don't know... comfortable... yet unbearable..."
It turned out that Wu Zheng not only took the opportunity to vigorously rub her breasts, but his other hand also slid down her lower abdomen, exploring the nipples above her vulva.
As two fingers, like a penis, slid into her flower, Lu Feiyan arched her back, tightening her cleavage around her anus. The largest part of the penis stretched her anus, creating an indescribable pleasure, while her front was also invaded by the two fingers. Two completely different yet equally wonderful sensations washed over her at once, as if the penis and fingers were merging inside her. Lu Feiyan trembled and cried out "Ah!" before losing control and falling. The burning penis instantly filled her anus, almost piercing her belly.
Having adapted for some time, Lu Feiyan's pain was no longer very intense. The simultaneous possession of both her front and back orifices was so pleasurable that she couldn't care less about the pain.
Her soft moans were the best aphrodisiac. Wu Zheng pressed and rubbed a rough fleshy spot on the upper wall of her flower path, immediately causing her front and back orifices to contract and spasm simultaneously. Lu Feiyan didn't know where she got the strength, but her beautiful legs rose and fell powerfully, using her two orifices to manipulate the penis and fingers.
"Ha ha hmph..." Lu Feiyan gasped repeatedly, waves of pleasure gushing upwards from her lower body like a waterfall flowing backwards. Her anus was naturally and constantly tightened, like a newly formed flower bud about to bloom. In the valley ahead, spring water rippled and shimmered, like a spring pond.
The amplitude of her movements increased until the penis was fully exposed. The deep, unfathomable rear passage was filled with wonderful pleasure, making Lu Feiyan feel extremely comfortable and aroused.
Wu Zheng could not hold back either, and began to slowly thrust his penis in and out in rhythm with the beautiful woman's movements. The two cooperated perfectly, stopping abruptly when the penis was about to leave her anus, then moving in the opposite direction and exerting force at the same time, so that the anus would quickly receive the powerful penis that penetrated all the way to the end, while the sound of the abdomen and buttocks hitting each other was loud and clear.
"Ah...so deep...so cruel...I'm going to kill you..." Lu Feiyan cried out seductively, seemingly enjoying Wu Zheng's exploration of her anus even more than her vagina. She swayed her hips and legs, her buttocks rising and falling with complete abandon.
Wu Zheng also felt the wonder of Lu Feiyan's anus; compared to its initial tightness, it was now much softer, yet its elasticity had increased. He was already thrusting with abandon, his penis moving in and out as frequently as if sifting, but the incredibly elastic flesh did not diminish the intensity of the pleasure.
"I'm coming..." Lu Feiyan's eyes were filled with seductive allure, but as soon as she finished speaking, she felt Wu Zheng suddenly increase his force. Not only did he rapidly dig and probe the rough little flesh with two fingers, but his arms holding her breasts also tightened abruptly. His penis, already fully inserted into her anus, seemed unsatisfied, striving to penetrate even deeper.
All her sensitive spots were struck, and a huge wave of pleasure surged forth, instantly engulfing Lu Feiyan with lightning speed. The sound of waves was abruptly cut off by a blank mind, turning into a series of high-pitched, seductive moans…
In her dazed state, she only knew that the flesh dragon within her body erupted with a fierce surge of heat, as if pouring straight into her stomach. The pleasurable sensation made every pore on her body open, then converged in her mind with a deafening roar, and then she knew nothing more…
Chapter Four: White Clouds and Hazy Shadows In the deep,
quiet night, the bright moon was like a jade plate, and only a few small stars remained in the deep sky.
When Lu Feiyan opened her eyes from her comfortable, dizzy daze, she was greeted by a bright moon and sparse stars, with a few thin clouds like tiles, occasionally obscuring a patch of sky. Her previously sweaty body was tightly wrapped in a clean, soft cashmere blanket, with only her lotus feet exposed. Her skin was smooth, dry, and not sticky, indicating that she had been washed again.
Among her close friends, only Wu Zheng was always so considerate, even his arms were steady and strong when he carried her, unwilling to let her suffer the slightest jolt. Lu Feiyan relaxed her body, lazily remaining motionless as he did as he pleased. Firstly, after each bout of lovemaking, the gentle touch of him was too precious to resist; secondly, her newly deflowered rear was burning and tingling, a sensation of pleasure and discomfort that was indescribable, both comfortable and strange.
If she were to walk now, she might reveal something amiss, and if he noticed and teased her, she would be so ashamed she'd want to disappear into the ground.
Wu Zheng was watching her with a smile, and Lu Feiyan returned an apologetic yet happy smile, her slightly pouting lips like newly blossoming plum petals, fresh and glossy, prompting Wu Zheng to lower his head and plant a fierce kiss on her.
Once inside, Wu Zheng opened the window and sat with the beautiful woman in his arms by the window. The night breeze found a new place to drift into the room, casually lifting the strands of hair at the temples of the beautiful woman, who was now languidly like a cat, her eyes half-closed.
"The weather's getting hotter, will Feifei still have to wear so many layers this summer?" Lu Feiyan is sensitive and prone to sweating. While her tightly wrapped summer clothes certainly show her good taste, it goes without saying that she'll be drenched in sweat. Wu Zheng felt sorry for her suffering, and his words were quite amusing.
"Yes!" Lu Feiyan nodded, her cheeks flushed, and said shyly, "I'm only showing this to you."
"That's not necessary. Wearing thick clothes is too hot. We've suffered enough over the years, why not try a more relaxed way of life?" Wu Zheng spread his fingers and combed through her black hair like a comb.
Lu Feiyan tilted her head and pondered for a moment,
then said, "Let me think about it some more... I've been wearing similar clothes lately, there aren't any other styles." "When you have time, I'll go shopping with Feifei. Hmm, let's invite Yan'er along too." Since he and the two women became engaged, he hadn't given them a decent gift. Although he had gone shopping with Han Guiyan in Chang'an, he was on a mission and had bought Lu Feiyan a famous zither, Heming Qingxiao, but it was with her money. Ordinary women's shopping sprees often leave their male companions complaining. However, Lu and Han were exceptionally beautiful and had extremely tall and slender figures. The two women changing into different styles of clothes for Wu Zheng to admire and appreciate was a great pleasure in life.
"Okay!" Lu Feiyan smiled charmingly and nodded without hesitation. Wu Zheng's invitation for her to appear in public was precisely because he was absolutely certain she could escape the marriage arrangement between the Gu and Lu families. Otherwise, it would have been one thing to hide in the mansion, but for a master and niece with an arranged marriage to go shopping together would be quite inappropriate
. Wu Zheng was also overjoyed, and inviting Han Guiyan was not a casual remark. When Zhu Yatong first entered the Wu mansion, Lu Feiyan was extremely jealous. Han Guiyan and Wu Zheng had already pledged their love, and he was worried about the two women not accepting each other and causing unrest in the household. He had read many miscellaneous books in his previous life, but reconciling the inner quarters was not something that could be solved by reading a couple of books. Upon hearing this, he felt relieved, at least he didn't need to worry too much about Lu Feiyan. As for Han Guiyan, he had already bought her a seed when they pledged their love on their first night, and given the magnanimity of a female general, she wouldn't go too far.
"Does it hurt here?" Wu Zheng's devilish hand lifted the blanket, his fingertips slipping into the cleft of her buttocks as he gently caressed her.
"It doesn't hurt anymore, it's better!" Lu Feiyan shook her head, her face suddenly turning embarrassed
. She hurriedly nodded repeatedly, saying, "It hurts, don't touch me!" "Haha, does it hurt or not?" Wu Zheng laughed, his face full of playful teasing.
Lu Feiyan glared at him fiercely and said, "I was fine before, who told you to move around? Take your hands off me!" She wanted to shout at him sharply, but what came out was soft and sweet.
"Okay!" Wu Zheng obeyed, his hands leaving her fleshy buttocks and grabbing her soft, large breasts to knead them. Her buttocks were cool and fleshy, while her large breasts were hot, smooth, and full. Every part of her body felt wonderful to the touch, and he couldn't bear to let go.
The blanket covering her was half lifted, revealing half of Lu Feiyan's delicate body. Her arms were like lotus roots, her breasts were large, her shoulders were fragrant, and her waist was slender. Her skin was dazzlingly white, no less than that of velvet, and even had the translucent luster of jade. As for the half-exposed patch of dark pubic hair between her legs, it was extremely eye-catching against the snow-white backdrop, making anyone want to part the thicket to explore the hidden paradise within. In
the warm embrace and soft palms, Lu Feiyan felt as if she were enveloped by a gentle spring breeze, yet this breeze also held a pair of wolf-like, hungry eyes, making her both comfortable and uneasy. She reached out and gently pulled Wu Zheng's hand away from her breasts, then clasped his hands together and nestled into his arms, whispering, "Don't move."
"What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing, just want you to hold me like this."
Her ample breasts were squeezed and deformed against the man's strong chest, their skin equally hot, the touch incredibly comfortable. One leaned on a strong shoulder for peace of mind, the other embraced her soft, fragrant body, enjoying the exquisite beauty.
After a moment of silence, Wu Zheng said, "Are you thinking about your martial uncle Pan'er, or the Crown Prince and the Fifth Prince?"
“I’ve been thinking about it!” Lu Feiyan tightened her arms, resting her cheek against Wu Zheng’s shoulder and rubbing it. “The more I think about it, the more I realize how hard it has been for you. I feel bad that you’ve always had to shoulder everything alone.”
“Silly boy.” Wu Zheng flicked his buttocks with his finger, making a crisp “smack” sound. “Why did you suddenly come here today? It’s not like you!”
Lu Feiyan also playfully hit Wu Zheng on the back. “Do you think I’m so useless that I always hide and need someone to protect me?” She paused and then said, “Patriarch Zhu talked to me for a while. Some things really can’t be handled by one person alone. It’s much easier and simpler when two people work together, so I came.”
“Patriarch Zhu…” Wu Zheng smiled bitterly. “I always get her guidance and help. I don’t know when I’ll ever be able to repay the favor I owe her, and I don’t know what she’s after.”
“Indeed, I can’t see any malice in her. We can’t worry about her now; the Crown Prince and the Fifth Prince alone are enough to keep you busy. If it were me, I’d want to hide.” Lu Feiyan felt a pang of pain in her heart, deeply sympathizing with Wu Zheng’s predicament.
“Oh, so what about Pan’er? We don’t need to worry about her either?” Gu Pan was also facing an unavoidable problem, and since the topic had already been raised, Wu Zheng decided to speak half-jokingly.
“I don’t care. You have plenty of clever ideas, figure it out yourself!” Lu Feiyan straightened up to meet Wu Zheng’s gaze, then made a face. The meaning behind her words was clear, but the person in question understood immediately.
“Feifei… she’s really going all out.” Wu Zheng was both surprised and delighted, never expecting Lu Feiyan to open her heart like this.
"Then let's just go for it! I can't handle this, and I'm stuck in your hands with no way to escape, so I don't care about anything else." Lu Feiyan stuck out her tongue, leaned in and nibbled at Wu Zheng's neck, saying, "I didn't want any title after I followed you, I just didn't want to be bound by that marriage contract. Anyway... anyway, I'm so sexy and wanton..."
Lu Feiyan's voice grew softer and softer, her face redder and redder, until finally she buried her face in Wu Zheng's chest, too ashamed to continue.
Wu Zheng grabbed the beautiful woman's hair and gently pressed it down, staring down at her alluring eyes, a hint of spring in his smile. A thought suddenly struck him: while the beautiful woman could be passionate when aroused, such unrestrained behavior as today was unprecedented; there must be some special reason behind it.
"Feifei, you're so bold today! Something's definitely fishy going on. Your husband has to solve this case!" Wu Zheng stroked his chin with a serious expression, as if he had a large beard there, and said, "Hmm... It's immoral for a married woman to have an affair; and the person she's having an affair with is the one she loves, who might even be her future son-in-law. That's incest. Could it be that the seemingly righteous Fairy Lu of the Kunlun Sect is actually a lewd woman who enjoys excitement?"
Lu Feiyan's face flushed instantly, and she wanted to refute but couldn't find the words. She immediately let out a soft moan and her body went limp.
"The highly skilled and powerful Fairy Lu, with her profound internal energy, actually fainted from pleasure while making love with her future son-in-law, hehe. What exactly happened? You must tell us the truth!" Wu Zheng uttered a series of demonic sounds, pressing closer step by step, his erect penis, pressed against Lu Feiyan's jade-like legs, already throbbing painfully.
Lu Feiyan's face was already flushed red. The words "future son-in-law" pierced her heart, causing a mix of pain, tenderness, and an indescribable thrill! That thrill coursed through her body like a thousand ants scratching at her, both tingling and painful. Before her stood Wu Zheng, the source of her complex emotions. Her soft hand pressed against his chest, wanting to exert force but unable to muster any, a mixture of resistance and acceptance!
"I didn't!" "
Still dare to deny it! Who was it that fainted from climaxing earlier?"
"It wasn't me!" "
Is that so? We were talking just now, and now who's all wet?" Wu Zheng suddenly reached down to Lu Feiyan's crotch and found a handful of clear, sticky, and slippery fluid in his palm, dripping slowly between his fingers. Wu Zheng smiled and said, "I've been holding you properly. Of course, I get wet all the time, but I've never gotten this wet from just one hug. It's not like I didn't practice the Daoist Technique before. I'm not accusing you, am I?"
"You...you..." Lu Feiyan was speechless, both ashamed and anxious, twisting her body to try to break free from Wu Zheng's embrace, stammering, "No, I didn't."
Wu Zheng pulled the beautiful woman into his arms, rubbing his chest against her large breasts, his firm muscles causing her tender, perky nipples to sway. He whispered in her ear, "Mother-in-law, whatever you wish for me to do, I will do my utmost..."
The dreamlike, demonic voice was like a hammer blow to the back of Lu Feiyan's head. Stars flashed before her eyes, her mind churning, as if the ice had suddenly collapsed, and countless hands reached out from the dark abyss, pulling her in.
"Waaah, you're bullying me again! Don't...bully me!" Tears welled in Lu Feiyan's eyes as she punched Wu Zheng repeatedly in protest.
"Then let Mother-in-law bully your son-in-law. I'm not very good at it, so please teach me!" Even without further action, Lu Feiyan was panting heavily, her delicate skin glistening with sweat, and her juices flowing freely between her legs—she was truly deeply aroused.
Wu Zheng had once witnessed Lu Feiyan in pain on the back of Kunlun Mountain, only to be forced to climax. Knowing that this beautiful woman had a special constitution, and that forbidden things were particularly stimulating and exciting for her, he couldn't bear to punish his lover, but he loved to tease and bully her. Seeing her caught in a dilemma, her words contradicting her actions, was incredibly arousing.
"You...you..." Wu Zheng spoke eloquently, but his crotch moved involuntarily, his hard, swollen member gliding across the deep cleft of her buttocks before pressing against the entrance of her flower. The iron-hard member was incredibly intrusive, its shaft, lubricated by her juices, embedding itself into her flower's crevice. Lu Feiyan's words were instantly swallowed back, she whimpered and protested, unconsciously twisting her hips.
"Mmm...so comfortable...Mother-in-law is truly amazing." Her lips, like orchid leaves, opened and closed gently, sucking on the member, a sensation sweet and delightful.
"Mmm..." Lu Feiyan let out a shy moan, her brows furrowing slightly, her pearly teeth biting her lip, her starry eyes half-closed, a complex expression of shyness and allure, a blend of refined elegance and seductive charm.
Wu Zheng stared intently at the beautiful woman, murmuring, "It hurts so much, help me!"
His pleading voice held a hint of encouragement and temptation. Lu Feiyan, understanding Wu Zheng's torment, shyly reached out and grasped his barely sizable member, gently lifting her hips to find the right spot before slowly lowering herself.
His sensitive glans was first scratched by a thick tuft of hair, a tingling, itchy sensation that sent shivers down Wu Zheng's spine. Then, two wet, soft, creamy labia kissed the head of his penis, parting the full, elastic labia, which, mixed with a pool of slippery nectar, almost crumbled in an instant, nearly being swallowed by the large, egg-sized glans.
"Ah..." Lu Feiyan let out a breathtaking gasp, a heavy, shy, and wanton breath, her body swaying as if she were about to collapse. Her slender toes curled tightly around the chair, desperately resisting the intense pleasure of her labia being stretched open by the mushroom-shaped vulva, and the unbearable emptiness of her inner passage.
Lu Feiyan was easily aroused, but today Wu Zheng clearly felt a more intense and passionate response from his lover. The tender flesh inside her vagina sucked on his shaft as always, and the spasms in his groin caused it to rub and pinch, making the stimulation even greater than before.
The beautiful woman trembled as she lowered her pear-shaped buttocks, her wide-open honey hole like a blooming flower, the engorged pink flesh contracting and relaxing rapidly. Abundant vaginal fluid cascaded down like a waterfall, and the thick, hard penis struggled to move upstream in the narrow, cramped passage, searching for the delicate, tender flesh of the secluded paradise. The force of their pushing against each other produced lewd, squelching sounds, perfectly demonstrating how Lu Feiyan's body trembled more and more as she squatted lower and lower, her nipple reaching the most sensitive spot in her flower.
"So tight... much tighter than usual!" Wu Zheng gasped, forcibly resisting the pleasure to suppress his frenzied desire as he thrust harder: "My mother-in-law really likes this kind of thing..."
"Ugh...you're so bad...you're so bad..." Lu Feiyan's body, which had been struggling to hold on, finally gave way and collapsed, allowing the thick, steely shaft to plunge all the way in. The swollen glans reached the very core of her flower, almost pushing the already soft, tender flesh back into her belly. The sensitive spot was attacked, and the intense tingling and itching immediately triggered spasms from the outside in, her flesh suddenly sucking hard on every inch of the shaft, eager to penetrate. The gentle pulling forces from all directions converged into a huge and intense pleasure, making both of them gasp.
Her full, white breasts bounced and swayed, like two big, fat rabbits. Wu Zheng's heart raced, his eyes fixed on this tempting, sinful body. He had seen Lu Feiyan's body countless times, yet each time her exquisite curves captivated him. This time, however, her shyness, anger, and desire intertwined in a deadly allure that nearly suffocated Wu Zheng.
His erection was deeply squeezed by her flower path, yet the throbbing pain remained unbearable. Unable to contain himself, Wu Zheng lifted Lu Feiyan by her armpits, raising her upper body in front of him. He extended his tongue and, like a cat, licked the tip of her nipple, rasping, "Move...move!"
Lu Feiyan shivered, her waning strength returning. She lunged forward, pressing Wu Zheng's face into her cleavage, shrieking, "Eat harder..." Her body rose and fell, instantly swallowing his erection. The
friction released the pent-up desire, causing Lu Feiyan to moan softly as she moved up and down dramatically. Her movements, actively swallowing his erection, were extremely peculiar, not merely a simple vertical rise and fall. As the flower-like opening, which had taken in the entire shaft of flesh, released its grip, her waist lifted only slightly, while her plump, round buttocks shot up dramatically. At their limit, her buttocks were exposed, her cleft wide open, revealing only the glans of the shaft, as if the sharp edges of the cleft were trapped by the tight opening.
At this point, the beautiful woman seemed impatient, yet also lacking strength, and her buttocks fell back down. Her jade hips twisted forward, closing the cleft again, pressing their pubic bones tightly together, their private parts completely sealed. A slender, serpentine waist was the axis of this cycle of swallowing and releasing, pulling her plump buttocks to sway and toss violently. More than a simple rise and fall, it was more alluring, more seductive, more wanton.
With a crisp "smack" of impact and a muffled "gulp" of swallowing, the axis of motion shifted once again to the point where the base of the fleshy dragon and the entrance of the flower cave were tightly joined. The beautiful woman didn't rush to swallow and release again, but instead swayed her serpentine waist, drawing two deep circles and grinding intensely. The fleshy dragon, deep within the muddy ground, scratched at the abundant fleshy buds, picking at every numb tendon, causing Lu Feiyan's delicate body to tense, and adding a touch of tenderness and allure to Wu Zheng's intense thrusting pleasure.
Only Lu Feiyan's supple, bamboo-like body could dance with such captivating charm and unforgettable allure to this gifted, full, pear-shaped buttocks.
"I can't take it anymore... You're sucking my breasts like this... And your penis is so deep... Mmm... So... So pleasurable..." Wu Zheng pinched one of her breasts in each hand, kneading and nibbling intently. He would suck the fragrant, smooth flesh into his mouth and pull it outwards until the teardrop-shaped breasts were stretched like pulled dough, before suddenly releasing them, letting the incredibly elastic flesh tremble and bounce back to its original shape.
"I'm about to come... Can you move a little... I really have no strength left..." Lu Feiyan was covered in sweat, her slender waist twisting more and more weakly. A wave of intense pleasure was blocked in her chest, burning like fire and difficult to release.
"You've already come this much, isn't that enough?" Wu Zheng released her breasts and asked, nibbling at her smooth, slender neck.
"Just a little bit more... Just a little bit more... Waaah... Please..." Lu Feiyan pleaded, the pleasure building up, the more it built up, the more she longed for the moment of explosion. A raging fire, however fierce, could not be made to burst into flames.
"My mother-in-law has given the order, and I will serve her." The shameful words struck the beautiful woman's heart, and her valley trembled again, releasing a large pool of sweet nectar.
Wu Zheng picked up Lu Feiyan and turned her over, placing her in front of the window. The beautiful woman's body was too weak to support herself, so she could only lie on the windowsill, letting Wu Zheng spread her slender legs wide, press down on her waist, and make her pear-shaped buttocks arch high.
The glans penis slid along the rice-grain-like fleshy clitoris, across the honeyed crevice, then rubbed her perineum, scratched her anus, and squeezed into her buttocks. Wu Zheng asked softly, "Where is more sensitive? Do you want more in the front or the back?"
"No, no... there... the back... it will break..." Lu Feiyan was terrified, but Wu Zheng held her waist and buttocks, making it difficult for her to break free.
“But Feifei’s back was clearly very pleasurable, she even passed out from pleasure, I also want to revisit this place, why can’t I?” Wu Zheng said with a wicked smile, his penis pressing against her anus as if to enter, but at the last moment it slipped past.
Lu Feiyan trembled with fright, her tight anus spared from forced intrusion, as if she had escaped death. She knew that her previous reaction could not be hidden from Wu Zheng, and said shyly, “Without the Heavenly Fragrance Cream, it really won’t work!” As
soon as she finished speaking, she felt a sticky liquid being poured on her anus, warm compared to the cold Heavenly Fragrance Cream. Although it was not as stimulating as the cold Heavenly Fragrance Cream, it was warm and comfortable, causing her pink and delicate anus to contract incessantly.
“I didn’t know there was Heavenly Fragrance Cream, I originally prepared ghee. If the Heavenly Fragrance Cream is used up, ghee will do the same.” Wu Zheng forcefully thrust his penis into her flower path, soaking it with spring dew, while tilting the lit lamp to pour warm ghee over it.
"You...be gentle...I'm afraid I can't take it..." Lu Feiyan was extremely nervous, but she had to forcefully relax her buttocks to let the ghee soak into her anus.
"You can take it! Feifei can even turn pain into pleasure, right?"
Old memories surfaced in her mind, and Lu Feiyan's heart pounded. In the wilderness behind Kunlun Mountain, the scene of masturbating with pain until she finally climaxed seemed to be right in front of her. What was even more shameful was that the person who had been peeping at her in the dense forest back then was now behind her...
Suddenly, an amazing stimulation surged through Lu Feiyan's body, and as Wu Zheng pulled out his penis hard, a large amount of flower juice flowed down from the still unclosed crevice. The man who had once spied on her used his large hands to part her plump buttocks, leaving her most shameful place completely exposed. Mixed with sticky flower juice and scalding ghee, he forcefully invaded her again…
He… he was going to go in from behind again… Lu Feiyan, her eyes burning and her heart pounding, felt her anus suddenly parted. A hot, hard yet soft sensation forced open her tight flesh, pushing forward with immense fullness and swelling…
Wu Zheng held his breath, manipulating his penis to push open the delicate, warm, and tight anus, feeling her tight grip and relaxed sucking, making him feel so good that his pores opened. In his vision, Lu Feiyan's head was turned away, her beautiful eyes furrowed, her pearly teeth gently biting, her large breasts hanging down, her waist twitching, her buttocks plump, her long legs spread like jade fans—a breathtaking sight.
Unable to suppress his urge any longer, he let out a muffled roar and thrust his hips forward, sending his entire penis deep into Lu Feiyan's dark rear.
"You...you're so cruel...you're going to kill me..." Lu Feiyan was drenched in sweat, her knees buckled, her plaintive voice both soft and seductive.
Wu Zheng held her waist tightly to help her steady herself, feeling the constant writhing and nibbling deep inside her rear, panting, "So tight...are you okay?"
"It's even more uncomfortable like this..." Her chrysanthemum bud was like a baby's mouth tightly holding a hot rod, her wide-open mushroom cap felt as if it had been plunged into her belly, the pleasurable sensation penetrating her entire body, even causing her flower path to twitch, she said uncomfortably, "Let's...move a little..."
Seeing how quickly she adapted, Wu Zheng secretly sighed that her body was truly exquisite, and without further mercy, he thrust his hips forward with all his might. The shaft scraped against her intestinal walls, bringing Lu Feiyan increasing pleasure, yet her anus contracted tighter and tighter, as if countless tiny hands were scratching at it. She struggled to rise on her tiptoes, arching her back and thrusting her hips to meet it, feeling the supple glans and the hard shaft scraping against the soft flesh inside her cavity. The tingling, full pleasure grew increasingly clear…
Wu Zheng thrust harder, making Lu Feiyan's breasts tremble and her buttocks sway. Her anus, tightly gripping the shaft, was being flipped and pulled out with each thrust. The narrow passage clung tightly to the shaft, inseparable, offering pleasure no less than that of her vagina, but with a sense of complete conquest.
Her posture was graceful, her cries like music, and her pleasure surged like a tide. Wu Zheng, barely suppressing the urge to ejaculate, reached around Lu Feiyan's crotch and pressed heavily against the soft, moist nipple nestled in her pubic hair. The beautiful woman cried out, her already swaying body trembling violently. A torrent of fluid gushed out, cascading down her legs like a tidal wave.
"Is my son-in-law doing it well?" Wu Zheng gritted his teeth, his glans seemingly sucked in, the layers of tender flesh of her vaginal walls biting tightly, the pleasure continuous, reaching the brink of climax.
"So good... Zheng'er... good... good son-in-law... ahhh... I'm coming, I'm coming..." Lu Feiyan whimpered, feeling wave after wave of desire engulfing her. She thrust backward with all her might, her mind completely muddled, only knowing to release her pent-up desires.
"Ugh..." Wu Zheng roared, his thrusting speed suddenly increasing. The name "Zheng'er" hadn't been uttered by her for a long time. A forbidden, immoral pleasure made his eyes bloodshot, and a surge of desire erupted in his lower abdomen...
The
next day, Wu Zheng got up very early, but Lu Feiyan kept her door tightly shut, afraid to see him. Her strange gait and the burning, tingling sensation in her rear reminded her constantly of the madness and shame of the previous night...
"My lord, a distinguished guest requests an audience." The steward, Feng Tonghe, rushed into the hall, his voice and steps hurried.
Wu Zheng took the gilded name card, opened it, quickly straightened his robes, and hurried towards the door.
A large sedan chair, made of golden nanmu wood, stood before the Wu residence. A large brocade curtain woven by the Qiaoxiu Hall, depicting a mythical beast and auspicious creature, adorned the curtains. A string of amber necklaces hung from each of the four eaves of the chair, clearly indicating the person's extraordinary status.
Inside, a man, surrounded by seven attendants in a triangular formation, waited at the gate to be announced, demonstrating the respect he held for Wu Zheng. However, the dignified old man, with his long white beard and still black hair, looked rather displeased; resentment was practically written all over his face.
Given this imposing presence, Wu Zheng immediately recognized the person in charge. Wu Zheng hurriedly composed himself and stepped forward, bowing deeply and saying, "Junior Wu Zheng greets Patriarch Yang."
Yang Zhengchu's fierce aura softened slightly, and he took Wu Zheng's arm, saying, "I am but a commoner, unworthy to receive such a greeting from Lord Wu!"
"Since you are here, there is no distinction between officials and commoners, only between elders and juniors. You are Yizhi's grandfather, how could I dare to be negligent? Patriarch Yang, please come in!" Wu Zheng gestured for Yang Zhengchu to enter, only following half a step behind after Yang Zhengchu had crossed the threshold. The Kunlun Sect's current prestige owes much to these staunch allies, and figures like Yang Zhengchu usually treated Xi Banlou as an equal; Wu Zheng dared not be arrogant in the slightest.
After entering the main hall and taking their seats, Feng Tonghe had already served them fine tea. The "Emei Early Spring" tea leaves in the teacup were tender green, with a refreshing fragrance. Yang Zhengchu waved his hand, saying, "This old man has always preferred wine to tea. Since I've come to pay my respects today, and have long heard of Lord Wu's profound knowledge of wine, I should present him with fine wine as a gift. No need for tea. Someone!"
Yang's attendant, upon hearing the order, hurriedly brought a basket from a pile of gifts. Uncovering the red cloth, inside were ten bottles of fine wine!
"Lord Wu, when you were on a mission to Chang'an, impressed the high officials of Yan with your insightful remarks. I've long heard of you. I'm also a bit impulsive, and I never keep my thoughts to myself. Today, I'll take advantage of my seniority and ask Lord Wu to give his opinion. I only hope you won't blame me for taking advantage of you."
Yang Zhengchu spoke frankly and without any formality, which was a good thing. However, his aggressive approach upon first meeting Wu Zhengchu, without even a pleasantry, and his attempt to test him, left the deeper meaning unclear. Wu Zheng was secretly surprised, but not wanting to offend him, he could only smile apologetically and say, "If Master Yang continues to address me as 'Master,' this junior will have to cover his face and leave, too ashamed to accompany you here."
"Good! My nephew is indeed straightforward, so this old man will take advantage of the situation." Yang Zhengchu squinted and stroked
his beard, gesturing for Wu Zheng to taste the wine. Wu Zheng's comments on wine in Chang'an were purely impromptu, and he only benefited from his extensive reading in his previous life. Asking him to actually taste fine wine was a stretch, but fortunately, he had read enough miscellaneous books in his previous life and had long harbored the idea of brewing wine. If he could just play dumb, he could get away with it.
He picked up a bottle of wine, opened the cap, and smelled a strong medicinal aroma mixed with a refreshing and pleasant fragrance. Wu Zheng had drunk this kind of wine before, but the aroma alone could never compare to the bottle before him. He held the bottle three fists' distance from his chest, fanning the aroma with his palm before taking a deep breath and praising, "So fragrant! What a fine bottle of Zhuyeqing!"
Yang Zhengchu was surprised by the way he smelled the wine. A connoisseur of wine, he initially thought it was pretentious, but upon reflection, it made perfect sense. The wine was sealed in the bottle; once opened, it needed to mix with the air to release its flavor. Wu Zheng's actions were unlike anything he'd ever seen, making him seem even more enigmatic. Little
did he know that while he'd seen Wu Zheng's actions on television in his previous life, and often used them when tasting wine, he'd also frequently used them in chemistry labs!—The smells of various chemical reagents were mostly pungent, and many were even toxic; bringing one's nose directly to them could be dangerous.
"Nephew, why don't you try some?" Yang Zhengchu took two large jade cups from his basket; the bottle of Zhuyeqing filled both cups perfectly.
"With such fine wine before us, it would be a great regret not to try it!" Wu Zheng raised his cup and clinked it against Yang Zhengchu's, then drank it down in one gulp. While contemporary wines were already of a high standard in terms of aroma and mellowness, their alcohol content was generally low. Wu Zheng, with his increasingly profound cultivation, wasn't worried about getting drunk.
"How is it?" Yang Zhengchu asked, his eyes filled with deep meaning.
"Bamboo leaf wine, fragrant as tulips, served in a jade bowl, its amber light shining," Wu Zheng praised. Bamboo Leaf Green wine originated in the Guanzhong region, brewed with light bamboo leaves as a base and many strongly aromatic medicinal herbs, its color a bluish-yellow. Wu Zheng had slightly altered the famous poem by the immortal poet, naturally producing a startling description, enough to fool the poet.
"Excellent poem! My nephew, you truly possess great talent!" Yang Zhengchu was indeed taken aback, his words caught in his throat. He then said, "These two lines of poetry are your own work, my nephew. May I have them sold to you? Just name your price."
"Uh... poetry and wine are inseparable. I acquired them by chance. If Patriarch Yang likes them, please take them!" Wu Zheng mumbled, though thick-skinned, he would never actually sell something he had plagiarized.
"Five hundred taels of silver! Worth the price!" Yang Zhengchu waved his hand, and his attendant immediately produced a silver note, which was then sealed and added to the pile of gifts brought during the visit.
"Nephew
, please try another bottle!" Wu Zheng tasted five more bottles. The lamb wine was smooth and sweet, the mulberry wine had a strong fruity aroma, the Luofu spring wine was fragrant and mellow, the Futou wine was strong and stimulating, and the Zuiqianji wine had a lingering flavor—all were among the finest wines of the time. Wu Zheng drank heartily, but inwardly he sighed: these few bottles of wine would probably cost him a hundred or two hundred taels of silver!
After six bottles, Yang Zhengchu stopped urging him. He squinted at Wu Zheng, who was catching his breath after a burp, and asked with a sharp glint in his eyes, "Nephew, where is my good grandson? Why hasn't he come to pay his respects yet?"
Wu Zheng was taken aback, then suddenly realized why the old man looked so unfriendly!
The Kunlun faction had made a brilliant comeback by wiping out the Dark Fragrance remnants, but the Qingcheng faction wouldn't be so easily defeated, especially since Yu Huajie had been brutally beaten by Wu Zheng and was probably looking for revenge. Since Wu Zheng couldn't come forward himself, he naturally sent Yang Yizhi to conduct the probing.
"Lamb wine, bamboo leaf green, head-soothing wine, drunken thousand machines, and so on—Old Master Yang came prepared, implying that he was using his grandson to do something dangerous and somewhat despicable, and he'd been mocking him the whole way. Treating his companions like lambs, making people feel uncomfortable, full of scheming, as vicious as bamboo leaf green, never uttering a kind word. As for Luofu Spring and Sangluo wine, they were warning others to maintain integrity in this world, lest they end up with nothing but fallen mulberry leaves.
"Cough cough! Junior brother has matters to attend to and will be back soon. Patriarch Yang, please wait a moment." Wu Zheng rubbed his head, seemingly suffering from a headache from the strong head-soothing wine. It's interesting how the ancients could insult someone without using a single vulgar word, yet still leave them utterly humiliated.
"He'll be back soon, but I'm worried he won't make it back!" Yang Zhengchu's eyes flashed coldly as he spoke in a sinister tone.
"What?" Wu Zheng was startled and suspicious, shaking his head. "Impossible!"
"Impossible, huh!" Yang Zhengchu waved his hand again. "Bring him up here!"
Two attendants brought in a man from outside the mansion. He looked ordinary, and his black clothes, which should have been clean and tidy, were now worn out. However, he had been badly beaten, and his arms were twisted behind his back, making him look weak and listless.
"Ask him yourself!" Yang Zhengchu glared at him and sat down in his chair without saying another word.
"Who are you?" Wu Zheng wasn't worried that Yang Yizhi had met with any mishap, but he didn't understand what had happened.
The man in black was panting heavily, his eyes lifeless and dull, seemingly oblivious to everything.
"Tsk, this is no fun!" Wu Zheng impatiently pointed at the black-clad man's twisted arm and said, "I'll have someone boil water and pour it here. Once it's half-cooked, I'll use an iron brush to scrape off the flesh bit by bit. Will you talk or not?"
The well-lit main hall suddenly became shrouded in an eerie atmosphere. The handsome and amiable young man suddenly became more cruel than a demon, which was truly unsettling. Even Yang Zhengchu's Adam's apple bobbed a few times, thinking to himself: Damn it, this is a good method of interrogation!
The black-clad man's body trembled violently for a moment, and his pupils shrank in his deathly eyes, revealing deep fear. Before he could speak, there was a commotion outside the Wu residence. The burly Yang Yizhi, with a bruise and bloodstains on his forehead, was helped in, his clothes tattered. Upon seeing Yang Zhengchu, tears streamed down his face as he cried out in a mournful voice, "Grandpa! Grandpa! This brat beat me so badly!"
Wu Zheng twitched his lips, not understanding why he had been injured.
Yang Zhengchu, his face calm, strode forward, carrying an empty bottle in each hand. Ignoring Yang Yizhi, he glared at the man in black and said, "You're the one who broke his head, aren't you?"
Before anyone could answer, Yang Zhengchu raised both arms and smashed the two bottles down! One landed on the man in black's temple, and the other on Wu Zheng's forehead.
Caught off guard, Wu Zheng couldn't dodge in time. Yang Zhengchu was furious, and Yang Yizhi's injury was real, so he simply took the blow head-on. Residual liquor and shards of porcelain covered his head. He gave a wry smile, not bothering to clean up the mess, and sighed to Yang Yizhi, "What happened?"
"Useless thing, get out!" Yang Zhengchu pointed to the door, his voice not harsh, but full of authority.
*Old bastard!* *If you keep causing trouble, I'll get angry! Even gangsters aren't this arrogant!* Wu Zheng cursed under his breath, his displeasure written all over his face.
Wu Zheng dared not express his displeasure, but Yang Yizhi did not. He hung his head and was helped away by his attendants. Yang Zhengchu tossed aside the remaining bottle handle in his hand, then pointed at Wu Zheng and said, "This isn't how you act as the eldest son!"
"Old Master's anger was justified!" Wu Zheng said calmly, "It was my fault for injuring Yizhi, and I have no objection to punishment. But Old Master's anger was also unreasonable; from beginning to end, I seem to be the only one kept in the dark. Old Master, why don't you tell me what you know?"
"Heh heh, kept in the dark! What a fine phrase, 'kept in the dark'!" Yang Zhengchu sneered, "If I hadn't happened to find out, that good-for-nothing grandson would probably be dead several times over!"
"He won't die, and he shouldn't even be injured." Wu Zheng shook his head, brushing some of the broken porcelain shards from his head, and said, "That's why I don't understand!"
"Then this old man will tell you, so you'll understand!"
Just as the words left his mouth, a sweet, soft voice came from outside the Wu residence: "Even I, this lady, don't understand, but Patriarch Yang understands! Tell me!"
A woman in white, like a lotus emerging from water, possessed a graceful figure and unparalleled beauty, exuding elegance and grace. Yang Zhengchu suddenly froze, blinking repeatedly. After a while, he said with some annoyance, "It seems this old man has misunderstood some things! Patriarch Zhu, seeing is believing, you truly are a celestial being."
Yang Zhengchu retreated to the table, picked up the remaining four empty bottles, and with a bitter laugh, smashed them all on his head. He spread his hands and said, "Nephew Wu, are we even now? Let's close the door and talk business properly!"
"Haha! The old man is really... even, even! Let's sit down and talk!"
Chapter Five: A sudden gust of wind rises, making it difficult to choose east or west.
As dawn broke, Yang Yizhi kicked off the thin blanket and got up. The burly man, as large as a bear, made a tremendous commotion, yet the man and woman sleeping soundly beside him only whimpered softly, undisturbed, unaware of the extent of his torment during the night.
The downfall of Wen Yi and the blow to the Anxiang Lingluo rebels were merely the first ripples in a massive upheaval. Under Hu Hao's central command and operation, the spoils of this great victory had been fully realized. Exchanging the General of Chariots and Cavalry for the General of the North, the General of the East, and the garrison of Kyoto seemed like a fair exchange, even appearing to have suffered a slight loss. In reality, the Kunlun faction sacrificed a desperate situation for a vast and open future, making the entire game vibrant. Not only was the Han family, who had been viewed with suspicion, unscathed, but they also seized the Kyoto garrison territory that had previously belonged to the Qingcheng faction. Having established a connection with the Anxiang Lingluo as a remnant of the previous dynasty, they could continue to expand their gains, seizing the initiative for the first time in over a decade in their competition with the Qingcheng faction.
Neither the Qingcheng faction, having suffered a great loss, nor the ruthless bandit gang would let the matter rest.
Die Yunhe and Yu Ren, having joined forces, had greatly increased their strength; despite the loss of Wen Yi, their overall power remained unmatched in the court. Wu Zheng, left with no other choice, clashed head-on with Yu Huajie, giving him a sound beating, effectively offending the newly favored Yu family. A fierce counterattack was likely already in the works.
Anxiang Lingluo acted strangely, but the bandit gang hidden in the shadows was unfathomable, especially the mysterious You Wuhuan. Their attack on the envoy delegation in Liangzhou, resulting in a humiliating defeat, could be somewhat explained by arrogance, but their complete lack of preparedness in Qin, knowing Zhu Yatong was coming and allowing the Qiluo Mountain gang to be wiped out, was utterly incomprehensible.
No one dared to lower their guard against this bandit gang. Zhu Yatong dispatched Zhuoxing to thoroughly investigate Anxiang Lingluo, but this would take time; the long period of uncertainty would cause anxiety and unease. No one knew when these ferocious wolves would suddenly pounce and tear their prey apart.
After the great victory at Qiluo Mountain, there was a temporary lack of effective short-term countermeasures against Anxiang Lingluo. Logically, this gang of thieves would also lie low for a while. The power struggles in the court, however, never ceased, and Wu Zheng had become the target of everyone in the Qingcheng faction. During his brief stay at the Wu residence, Yang Yizhi volunteered to take on the task of probing.
As the saying goes, when one person attains enlightenment, even their chickens and dogs ascend to heaven! Wu Zheng's power within the Kunlun Sect, and even in the court and within the Kunlun faction, grew daily, and Yang Yizhi, who had always been close to him, also rose in status.
Originally a Kunlun disciple, he was already superior to his peers in the Yang family. Now, having latched onto Wu Zheng, this rising star of the Great Qin, he was virtually unrivaled in the entire Yang family. All of this stemmed not only from Yang Yizhi's keen insight but also from his unwavering will
. Even when Wu Zheng was at his lowest point, he remained steadfast in his initial judgment, a quality that is truly admirable. Pursuing victory after victory was always Yang Yizhi's motto; having chosen Wu Zheng, he was wholeheartedly devoted. Yang Yizhi was Wu Zheng's closest confidant, and naturally, he was entrusted with Wu Zheng's personal affairs.
Since defeating Wen Yi, Yang Yizhi had been given more responsibilities by the Yang family, and the number of people at his disposal had increased considerably. Going out for a stroll during such an extraordinary time naturally required notification to the clan. However, this fellow played a trick, not saying he volunteered, but only that he was dispatched by Wu Zheng.
Firstly, volunteering would seem ingratiating, and secondly, the level of intimacy would be far less than if Wu Zheng had given the order. "Look, I'm now the eldest brother's spokesperson. This is a test on his behalf. Do you understand the implications? Secondly, there are indeed risks involved, but Wu Zheng's order cannot be refused. The clan doesn't need to disobey Wu Zheng for this; just send more people to protect him. Hehe, now that the people are in my hands, even if they don't stay this time, what about next time? I'm not afraid of distrust, I'm only afraid of not understanding. After interacting with these capable subordinates more, why would they not recognize me as the future master of the Yang family?"
Wu Zheng understood his feelings and plans, and he was naturally willing to share the joy and achievements of growing up with his childhood friend. When they first discovered the chili peppers, he had promised Yang Yizhi 20% of the shares. Firstly, everyone who found it would get a share; secondly, he wanted to leverage the Yang family's Yangzhentang's resources to sell this rare commodity for a good price; and thirdly, he was grateful for Yang Yizhi's unwavering respect and loyalty.
However, Zhu Yatong's involvement changed everything. Because of this variable, Qin Huang couldn't stand idly by and watch his profits slip away; he had to get involved. But Wu Zheng hadn't withheld the share he promised Yang Yizhi—this generous gift might even secure Lu Feiyan's freedom from the constraints of her marriage.
After weighing the pros and cons, Wu Zheng agreed to Yang Yizhi's offer, and then turned to Zhu Yatong, asking her to protect his loyal friend to ensure everything went smoothly.
Although her beloved son hadn't grown up by her side, Zhu Yatong knew everything about his past, and Yang Yizhi's request was no surprise to her intelligence and wisdom. She also held a very good impression of this rough and tough man who had been so respectful to her son since childhood and had never abandoned him in his time of need. After feigning reluctance, Zhu Yatong "reluctantly" agreed.
In terms of a close friendship between a man and a woman, Wu Zheng and Zhu Yatong were already very close. However, how could Zhu Yatong be satisfied, especially since Wu Zheng always maintained a certain distance from her, perhaps to avoid upsetting the sensitive Lu Feiyan, or perhaps because of unresolved doubts in her heart? In Chang'an, Zhu Yatong felt that being able to dine with her beloved son was her life's wish. As their contact increased, the previously vague future seemed to become clearer. Human desires are insatiable, and the things one wants only grow more numerous.
Wu Zheng and Lu Feiyan were often seen together intimately, which made Zhu Yatong feel a pang of jealousy. Since ancient times, it's not uncommon for mothers-in-law to be jealous of their daughters-in-law, a major reason why their relationships were often strained. Unlike typical rural women, Zhu Yatong's jealousy wasn't malicious; instead, she genuinely liked Xiao Guai's companions like Gu Pan, Yang Yizhi, and Dai Zhijie. She was very attentive to Gu Pan, but couldn't be careless with Yang Yizhi, who willingly took on risks.
That night, after arranging various matters and seemingly disciplining Gu Pan, Zhu Yatong rested and left the Wu residence early without a sound.
Yang Yizhi's bisexuality was unsettling, but it wasn't unusual among wealthy families, and as long as he didn't have designs on Wu Zheng, Zhu Yatong didn't bother. After a night of passion, Yang Yizhi left the brothel and went straight to Juchun Garden for breakfast. He had barely entered his private room when Zhu Yatong, disguised, sat down next to him.
Although the brothel where they enjoyed themselves last night wasn't directly owned by the Yu family—the Yu family, always unwilling to lag behind, avoided anything that might attract criticism—they could still collect a fee for "favors" within their means; why not take it? This morning's Juchun Garden, however, was a property the Yu family had been operating for a long time.
According to Yang Yizhi, if you're going to provoke someone into making a move, you have to be blatantly arrogant. Since they've already offended them to death, why bother saving face? As for taking action, Zhu Yatong was much more pragmatic than Wu Zheng. Since she was here, seeing and hearing for herself was much clearer and more detailed than listening to her subordinates' verbal accounts.
"Is this some kind of black-hearted brothel that's trying to kill me with salt? Are these dishes going to be so salty they'll kill me?" Before long, Yang Yizhi was heard shouting loudly, banging on the table with deafening force, and a pile of bowls and plates smashed to pieces. Zhu Yatong raised her eyebrows and smiled inwardly; this girl really was a troublemaker.
Yang Yizhi, adorned with gold and jade, wore a sleek and lustrous brocade robe, exuding an air of great grandeur. Even the waiter, unaware of his background, knew his status was extraordinary. Seeing his esteemed guest acting unreasonably, he quickly reported to the manager.
"Did he suffer a silent injustice or something?" Zhu Yatong was quite interested in Juchun Garden's handling of the situation. By this time, a crowd of onlookers had grown, with many gloating onlookers standing outside the private room. Zhu Yatong lowered her white veiled hat and stood in the crowd, tiptoeing to observe.
"Master Yang, please calm down." The manager of Juchun Garden was a seasoned and knowledgeable man, carrying orders and aware of the situation. He knew Yang Yizhi's arrival was troublesome and had been watching closely. He arrived shortly after Yang Yizhi stirred up trouble.
"Hehe!" Yang Yizhi said with a forced smile, "How can you calm down?"
"I don't know what anger Master Yang is getting at." As a manager, his professional smile never changed, even though his words contained hidden sarcasm: "Juchun Garden has been an old establishment for over ten years, and has always had an excellent reputation among the neighbors. We dare not neglect Master Yang. Please give us your instructions."
The tone of inquiry was questioning! Yang Yizhi was determined to argue and find fault, and completely ignored his act. He leisurely picked up a few shredded chicken pieces, chewed them, and then spat them all out onto the ground. He then angrily swept a plate of fine food aside, yelling, "What rubbish! It's so salty it's unbearable, and the chicken is rotten!"
"Master Yang, you're quite witty!" the shopkeeper said, suppressing his anger. "Our shop always strives to make guests feel at home, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied. How come it's considered rotten meat here, Master Yang?"
"Everyone else is satisfied, but my place is the only problem, hehe, that means you don't like me!" Yang Yizhi's mischievous nature exploded: "Don't believe me? Try it yourself and see if it's salty and rotten!"
The food was already filthy from being knocked over, some of it even chewed by him. Even if the shopkeeper disregarded the filth and tasted it, Yang Yizhi would still say that the people at Juchun Garden didn't have the final say. Let the guests try it—who would agree? The shopkeeper
gritted his teeth inwardly. If he hadn't received strict orders, he would have beaten the smug, arrogant man in front of him to a pulp before he was satisfied. He said coldly, "If the food doesn't suit Master Yang's taste, that's the fault of our humble shop. We can't possibly serve Master Yang properly. Please, then."
"As the saying goes, big shops bully their customers. So it's true!" Yang Yizhi said arrogantly, crossing his legs. "Is this how you treat your esteemed guest? Do you think I'm a beggar on the street? Your Juchun Garden is truly arrogant!"
The shopkeeper cursed inwardly, "Who the hell is so arrogant?" Seeing Yang Yizhi's extortionate intent written all over his face, he was trying to figure out how to get rid of this unpleasant guest when suddenly a man dressed in black parted the crowd and walked towards Yang Yizhi. The shopkeeper's brow twitched slightly, unsure of what to do. The newcomer's expression was unfriendly, so he simply remained silent and observed the situation.
"Stop right there!" Yang Yizhi pointed at the man's nose and cursed, "You blind dog! Trying to show off?"
The man in black also revealed a sinister smile, "How dare you talk to me like that!"
His movements were swift and powerful, his techniques extremely simple and effective. Yang Yizhi's guards were skilled in martial arts, yet they were defeated in just a few moves. Taken aback, Yang Yizhi hastily retaliated, but the black-clad man twisted her arms and forced her to the ground.
The black-clad man barked, "Daring to act recklessly in the street so early in the morning, who gave you the guts?"
Yang Yizhi's neck and shoulders throbbed with pain, cold sweat pouring down her face. She thought to herself that this man's martial arts might not be that great, but every move was deadly; she wondered who he was! What about the reinforcements her senior brother had arranged? With the Zhu family's capabilities, they shouldn't be like this! Having no other choice, she stubbornly insisted, "If you have the guts, leave your name, and I'll reward you handsomely!"
Zhu Yatong narrowed her eyes, flicking her delicate hand off her shoulder as if brushing dust off herself, stopping the Zhu family's rescue. Her eyes flickered with thought, as if she had grasped something.
"Bang!" The man in black smashed a wine bottle over Yang Yizhi's head, shattering it instantly. Blood gushed from the burly man's forehead. Yang Yizhi was dizzy and still cursing incessantly. The man in black didn't argue with him, grabbing him by the back and leisurely leaving.
Zhu Yatong also quietly left through the crowd. Seeing Yang Zhengchu appear in Chengdu from afar, and knowing that Yang Yizhi was unharmed, she made a final round of inspections before returning to the Wu residence.
"Why didn't you intervene? This beating was for nothing." Wu Zheng shook his head and sighed, his frustration beyond words.
"If you knew that person's identity, you'd understand why he didn't intervene." Zhu Yatong felt a pang of sympathy. Yang Zhengchu had a nickname in his youth: Yang Kai Piao. She hadn't expected him to still be so hot-tempered even at his age. Humph, did he think smashing her a few times would settle things? She'd make him pay double another day! Wu Zheng rarely suffered such a setback, and his furrowed brow and displeased expression made her chuckle.
"Huh? What's with this mysterious identity?" Wu Zheng was quite surprised. Given Zhu Yatong's personality and status, she would definitely find a way to fulfill her promises. Her inaction must have its reasons.
"You can't guess. Sit down and tell me slowly." Zhu Yatong brushed aside Wu Zheng's hair and gazed intently at him, softly asking, "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, this won't hurt me." The air was filled with the intoxicating fragrance of lotus blossoms, and in his vision, the breathtaking curve of the beautiful woman's chest was large and round, trembling like two plump rabbits with her sweet, fragrant breaths. Wu Zheng was touched but also quite uncomfortable, feeling that things had become a bit too intimate.
Zhu Yatong, after confirming that everything was alright, sat down opposite Wu Zheng and said, "I originally wanted to save your junior brother, but it's really inconvenient for me to intervene with this person." Her eyes darted around, and she frowned slightly as she pondered, "This man is called Yuan Shichang, from Le County in Qin State. He's lived in Chang'an for about ten years, and during that time, he occasionally did business with my family. Normally, I wouldn't have paid him any attention, but before the war between Yan and Qin, there were assassinations in both capitals. And this Yuan Shichang has disappeared since then. Tell me, who could he be?"
"What?" Wu Zheng was startled. The night before his first visit to the Zhu family in Chang'an, Huo Yongning had given him a special mission in a secret room: to leave inscriptions along the way and try to summon the surviving secret guards in Chang'an. Afterwards, on his return from the Zhu family, he knew there was someone hiding under the carriage, but he didn't want to get involved, and dared not. " Could it be that the person we brought back was this Yuan Shichang?
" Zhu Yatong pondered, resting her chin on her hand. "You guessed it too, didn't you? If it's really as we guessed, this man has done a great service, and it's inconvenient for me to take action." She continued, "What I'm curious about is, this man refuses to say what his current identity is. Is he just passing by today, or does he have ulterior motives?"
"So let's just play dumb and let Yang Zhengchu bring him back first." Yuan Shichang's identity was not revealed, and he didn't retaliate much even when Yang Yizhi insulted him. His identity as a member of the Qin Dynasty's secret guards was even more confidential. Since things were unclear, pretending to be ignorant and bringing him back first was the best solution.
"It seems we need to go to Lord Huo's place." As far as Wu Zheng knew, the Qin Dynasty's secret guards had been handed over to Huo Yongning for full responsibility of reorganization. Whether Yuan Shichang and Yang Yizhi's predicament was a personal act or Huo Yongning's intention still needed to be investigated.
"Going to him would only expose that I don't want anyone to know about the Zhu family's affairs. Playing dumb is best; Lord Huo will come knocking sooner or later." Zhu Yatong curled her lip.
"Don't want anyone to know, huh? Looks like I'm not human!" Wu Zheng shrugged and laughed heartily.
The next day, Wu Zheng got up very early and headed towards the capital city as soon as it was light. At this moment, the court assembly had already begun, and the area outside the Meridian Gate was deserted. Wu Zheng wasn't going to attend the assembly; instead, he went to the inner palace. He showed his dragon-patterned gold token and went to the Yeting Palace to wait for Zhao Lichun. This newly favored official of the inner court also had duties at the Emperor's court assembly and had to serve outside the main hall. With
Wen Yi's downfall, the Qingcheng faction was naturally greatly affected in matters between men, but there was another person almost forgotten by the world who was also greatly affected. Wu Zheng often guessed the thoughts of that beautiful but tragic woman in Tianze Palace. After much thought, he always felt that the only reason and reliance she had for not leaving the cold palace was perhaps only Wen Yi, her so-called adoptive father. Now that the Wen family is destroyed, perhaps she has completely given up hope.
What is her adoptive father anyway! When Wu Zheng dealt with Wen Yi, he wasn't even worried about implicating Yu Longyan. Firstly, since Yu Longyan was demoted to Tianze Palace, Wen Yi had avoided her like the plague and had long since severed ties with her; secondly, since she hadn't lost her life despite causing the Emperor to fall seriously ill, she would naturally be safe now.
With this in mind, although Wu Zheng didn't understand the Emperor's intentions, he knew that he must be extremely fond of Yu Longyan. Otherwise, anyone else would probably have been chopped up and fed to the dogs to avoid bad luck. And Yu Longyan's unwillingness to leave the palace—could it be because she still harbored feelings for the Emperor? Wu Zheng felt a pang of jealousy and great displeasure.
It wasn't until after noon that Zhao Lichun rushed back. Upon seeing Wu Zheng, his face lit up with joy. He grabbed Wu
Zheng's arm and winked, saying, "Good brother, truly remarkable!" He was referring to the downfall of Wen Yi. Everyone knew the case had originated in the Beicheng government office, so it was both unexpected and understandable that news had reached Zhao Lichun's ears. While he admired Wu Zheng, his desire to curry favor with him intensified.
Wu Zheng smiled slightly and said, "Nothing remarkable. How can it compare to Eunuch Chun's tireless efforts day and night for His Majesty? His merits are immense."
He winked, and Zhao Lichun understood his meaning. He quickly led Wu Zheng to a quiet room to sit down. He hadn't met Wu Zheng often, but each meeting was always a great surprise. He hadn't expected that their meeting a month ago would result in Wu Zheng causing such a stir, bringing down the emperor's favorite minister.
Zhao Lichun's heart pounded like a drum; he wondered what Wu Zheng would do this time!
"Brother Zhao, I won't mince words." Wu Zheng laid out the prepared gifts and asked, "I've been busy with affairs lately and haven't been to the palace for a long time. I wonder how that person is doing?"
Wu Zheng pointed towards Tianze Palace, and Zhao Lichun understood immediately, saying, "Brother Wu gave me instructions, and I dared not neglect them. Everything was done according to your wishes. I even took the liberty of changing that person's maid."
Zhao Lichun gestured with his palm as if cutting with a knife, as if he had already killed the old maid who originally served Yu Longyan. Eunuchs are mostly suspicious, and Zhao Lichun, having risen to a high position in a short time, was even more cautious in his actions. Although he was somewhat ruthless, that old maid had been in Tianze Palace for a long time and might know many secrets. Wu Zheng also disliked her neglecting Yu Longyan all day long, so getting rid of her was the best way to ensure stability.
Seeing Wu Zheng's questioning expression, Zhao Lichun continued, "The newly sent maid is the daughter of a convict. She has some mental issues and is rather simple-minded. Even if she knew something, she wouldn't understand. However, she is diligent, and that person only needs her so much; more wouldn't be appropriate."
"Very well, thank you for your kindness, Brother Zhao." Wu Zheng pondered, "I would like to go there. I wonder if
Brother Zhao could do me a favor?" Zhao Lichun looked troubled and lowered his voice, "Well... to be honest, that place is not a good place. The nobles in the palace are usually very fierce in their struggles. You should know who that person is. She is a hidden worry for every noble. Such a big thing happened outside the palace, yet no one in the palace dared to mention her. Think about it, how much is involved?"
Wu Zheng thought for a moment and suddenly realized: Zhao Lichun had risen to prominence through his connections, so his trustworthiness was not a big problem. If he had some hesitation last time, it was only because Yu Longyan's identity was too sensitive. Now that Wen Yi has been overthrown, this hesitation should have vanished. His current prevarication is probably just a ploy to extract more information so he can prepare accordingly.
"Brother Zhao, you haven't told anyone about my trip there, have you?" Wu Zheng's voice suddenly turned cold, his eyes gleaming.
"No! I swear to heaven!" Zhao Lichun sensed the ill intent and immediately became flustered, fearing Wu Zheng had misunderstood.
"That's unnecessary!" Wu Zheng pressed down on his arm as he was about to swear, speaking in a barely audible voice, "Just as Brother Zhao said last time, you did it and forgot, completely unaware. One time is one time. Next time I ask, Brother Zhao will only say next time, unaware of today's events. Remember, remember!"
Zhao Lichun choked back a sob. He had overthrown Wen Yi and didn't even know who the next target would be—Yu Shizhong, Die Biaoqi! Good heavens! He was also quite shrewd. His greatest reliance in the palace was undoubtedly the eunuch Tu Chong. As a close advisor to the emperor, Tu Chong naturally followed the emperor's every word and did whatever the emperor said. As for the power struggles among officials outside the palace, Tu Chong couldn't possibly be biased.
Zhao Lichun, on the other hand, was different. His status and position weren't yet at that level. However, he was the one who introduced Wu Zheng to the palace when he first entered service, and Wu Zheng had specifically marked his name during the palace military training. Afterward, the two had many interactions and a close relationship. This Palace Attendant was probably already classified as part of the Kunlun faction, a label that couldn't be removed even after death.
That's how things are in the world; one can never escape hostility and factionalism. As Wu Zheng became increasingly prominent and dazzling, those who followed him gradually came into the public eye. And the opportunity to choose is always only once; there is no turning back. Success or failure depends on one's own judgment.
"Brother Wu, it's not that I'm being nosy. But the palace is full of people and eyes. If you want to do things secretly without being noticed, you have to be careful! Please wait a moment, Brother Wu, I'll be right back. Next time you want to visit me, please send someone to let me know a day in advance so I can make all the necessary arrangements to entertain you." Zhao Lichun hurriedly left, his meaning clear enough.
The area around the Cold Palace was sparsely populated, practically a deep forest within the inner palace. Wu Zheng dared to come here a second time because his accumulated observations during his time working at Jingyou Palace gave him enough confidence. With Zhao Lichun as an inside agent, as long as it wasn't too frequent, it was normal for him to do so. Compared to when he first came down from Kunlun Mountain, his skill had greatly increased, and he had also practiced "Observing the Wind and Listening to the Rain," making his senses incredibly sharp, giving him more confidence.
Tianze Palace was quiet; the newly assigned maids were nowhere to be seen. It seemed Zhao Lichun's orders were extremely strict, forbidding them from even leaving the palace without Yu Longyan's summons. Wu Zheng, not wanting to cause trouble, tiptoed and entered the main hall with practiced ease.
Usually, the sky was already full of stars by the time he arrived; this was the first time he'd seen the sun shining brightly. The early summer sun was already quite hot, but the lush Tianze Palace remained cool. For this place, lacking daily necessities, summer was probably the most comfortable season. Turning a corner, he saw a pretty figure leaning against a tree, head slightly raised, gazing at the sky in a daze. The dappled sunlight fell on her full figure, creating a surprisingly pleasing effect, highlighting the dramatic contrast
in her voluptuous curves. If it were Han Guiyan, Lu Feiyan, or others, Wu Zheng might have held his breath and been startled, but not Yu Longyan; that would truly frighten him. Wu Zheng quickened his pace and called out early, "Your Majesty, your humble servant Wu Zheng greets you."
Yu Longyan turned around abruptly, startled, but the familiar voice preceded her, so she wasn't frightened. A gust of wind swept by, a few strands of hair brushing against half of her pretty face, adding to her poignant beauty.
Every time she was alone in the lonely palace and thought of him, her heart was filled with turmoil, yet every time he appeared, joy and sorrow were intertwined.
"You've come, please sit down. I'll get you some water."
"Your Majesty, won't you reprimand your humble servant for being so bold this time and forbid me from coming again?" Wu Zheng laughed heartily, pulling Yu Longyan's slender arm to make her sit down, and magically producing a porcelain bottle from his sleeve, saying, "The water isn't good, drink this."
"It's no use talking, a waste of effort." Yu Longyan pouted her lips, unusually playful. Then, with great interest, she took the porcelain bottle and opened the lid. A fragrant aroma of wine overflowed from the small opening, intoxicating and delightful. "It smells wonderful! What kind of wine is this?"
"Jade Cup Wine. Your Majesty has never tasted it
before." "I don't like wine. I used to drink a little bit occasionally, but I couldn't tell the difference." Yu Longyan's appetite was whetted. Having spent so long in the Cold Palace, she had developed a sense of curiosity. Besides, the character "Jade" was closely associated with her, so how could she not be pleased to see it?
"Then you must try it. As the saying goes, 'A pot of wine to lift the head, clear and pure like jade.' Why not set aside that for now and drink my Jade Cup Wine? Your Majesty, please!" Wu Zheng brought two teacups, filled them, and Yu Longyan took a small sip.
With Zhao Lichun secretly taking care of her, the food at Tianze Palace must have improved somewhat. Compared to before, Yu Longyan's complexion was much rosier, and her lips were full and glossy, glistening with wine like dew on a peony, fragrant and alluring.
Her little tongue licked the corner of her lips, as if reluctant to leave even a drop. Yu Longyan smiled and asked, "Why did you bring wine today?"
"To apologize. It would be impolite not to bring some gifts. Besides, if Your Majesty is happy with the wine
, she might not even mind blaming me." "Apologize for what?" Yu Longyan was slightly puzzled, then suddenly remembered something and said, "Oh, right, last time you said you were going to wipe out the bandits. Did it go smoothly? Were you injured?"
"With Your Majesty's miraculous medicine, it naturally went smoothly. Looking at my energetic appearance, where would I get injured?" Wu Zheng laughed. "Speaking of which, wiping out bandits and apologizing are related.
You could say it's the same thing." "Then tell me slowly." Yu Longyan's spirits lifted. Wu Zheng's stories were always very interesting. This time, hearing him tell them personally would be very interesting. However, she repeatedly reminded herself not to get too engrossed in listening, as she still had to urge him to leave when it was almost time.
"There's a gang of thieves in this world called 'Dark Fragrance Falls'..." Wu Zheng continued slowly, even recounting his encounter with You Wuhuan, but omitting the incident of Qu Yuxiang's sneak attack. Wen Yi had been running a brothel for many years, and there was solid evidence that he had business dealings with Dark Fragrance Falls. How Yu Longyan became Wen Yi's adopted daughter was a secret, but it could be guessed that this beautiful concubine also came from a brothel, and perhaps knew something about it.
Wu Zheng had been watching Yu Longyan closely, noticing her fluctuating expressions of tension, relief, and curiosity, but seeing nothing amiss, he slowly said, "The next matter is what I must apologize for. This is because it concerns Wen Yi, the former garrison commander of the capital and the Empress's father."
"What?!" Yu Longyan exclaimed in shock, speechless. "Could it be... could it be that Father is connected to the rebels?"
Wu Zheng recounted the events in detail: "Lord Wen has actually colluded with remnants of the previous dynasty, something His Majesty will not tolerate. Currently, Lord Wen's entire family is imprisoned, but the Empress seems to have been forgotten here. This matter has ultimately become beyond my control. Although Lord Wen has not visited since the Empress's seclusion at Tianze Palace, he is still her father, and I must come to apologize and offer a reminder."
These few words were a carefully considered and integrated statement from Wu Zheng. First, the situation of the Wen family was explained. Then, the so-called "forgotten" status was actually fraught with danger. No one dared mention it now, but if the Emperor were to one day remember that there was a Wen family daughter in Tianze Palace, Yu Longyan's fate would be unimaginable. In short: your cheap old man who never cared about you has lost his last hope. The palace is fraught with danger; you have no hope left. If you want to stay, you're doomed sooner or later.
Yu Longyan breathed heavily, large tears streaming down her face, her expression one of utter despair. She suddenly picked up the porcelain bottle and gulped down half a bottle of wine. The wine was quite strong, causing her to cough and wheeze repeatedly.
Wu Zheng patted her back to help her catch her breath, and said softly, "Your Majesty, I sincerely wish to save you from this misery. There is nothing left in the palace worth clinging to. Please make a decision soon, lest you regret it when disaster strikes."
Yu Longyan wept bitterly, her heart filled with sorrow, yet her thoughts remained unsettled. Such a major event had occurred in the Great Qin, yet no one had mentioned it to her, nor had anyone come to cause her trouble. What did this mean?
Having spent so long in the palace, Yu Longyan understood the royal rules and the Qin Emperor's temperament far better than Wu Zheng. In the past, whenever his health was affected by his intimacy with Yu Longyan, the Emperor could use the excuse of "favoritism and lack of evidence" to gloss over it. But when it came to matters involving remnants of the previous dynasty that threatened the foundation of the royal family, how could Liang Xinghan, with his wisdom, have overlooked her? And why had he let her go?
Her relationship with Wen Yi was practically nonexistent; it was merely mutual exploitation. Even if the Wen family were wiped out, it wouldn't stir any sorrow in her. But the crisis truly arrived. Yu Longyan didn't care about her own life, but she was the only remaining heir of the Xiao family. If she died, who would avenge the blood feud of her clan?
In despair, Yu Longyan's mind cleared. She knew her astonishing charm, how unforgettable her body was, and how alluring the seductive arts she had painstakingly learned in the brothel were. Liang Xinghan hadn't touched her yet, letting her fend for herself. The only reason was affection, and only affection remained. Perhaps Liang Xinghan had truly forgotten her completely before, but with Wen Yi's accident, he would definitely remember her. As long as he remembered, there would be a chance! What could she do now? What could she do to get someone to break the ice in front of Liang Xinghan and mention the name Yu Longyan?
Life and death hung by a thread; fortune favored the bold!
Yu Longyan slowly stopped sobbing and said sadly, "I'm sorry, I'm just heartbroken, I don't blame you. You... you should leave, and never come back again, there's always danger here at Tianze Palace."
"It's almost time, this humble subject should go. But Your Majesty should know that this humble subject will come again."
"Alas... Father committed a crime, and my crime is compounded..." Yu Longyan's eyes welled with tears, and her face suddenly flushed as she said, "I am a dying woman, and I am not afraid to let you know. From the first time you came to Tianze Palace, I have liked you. You are still young, with a bright future ahead of you. I will never go with you; that would only harm you! Go! Go quickly!"
Yu Longyan suddenly revealed a fierce look, which then turned into a desolate and helpless expression. After a long while, she made up her mind and said in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz, almost as if she were about to collapse, "From now on, never come again. I cannot see you again!"
Wu Zheng's heart pounded as he watched Yu Longyan stagger towards the palace, his mind in turmoil.
Chapter Six: The Private Kitchen Opens for a Banquet. How could they coexist?
The documents on the desk were piled up like mountains. Wu Zheng buried himself in them, constantly circling and marking them with a small pointer.
"Your handwriting has improved quite a bit compared to before,"
Lu Feiyan said with a smile as Wu Zheng got up and stretched.
"I wasn't diligent enough at Qingyun Cliff. I still have a lot to catch up on,"
Wu Zheng sighed, shaking his head. The world is treacherous, and achieving one's goals and protecting one's beloved requires a true test of willpower and perseverance.
"Kunlun won't train an outer disciple like that. Besides, Zhijie does have some talent in this area. There are gains and losses; your martial arts are far superior to theirs. Focusing on one thing is much better than trying to be an expert in everything,"
Lu Feiyan comforted him. She knew Wu Zheng wasn't one to be easily saddened, but she couldn't bear to see him suffer even the slightest injustice, let alone be outdone by others.
"Like Feifei's Green Bamboo Sword and Yin-Yang Force,"
Wu Zheng teased, then suddenly paused, squinting as he asked, "What would a woman be like if she wholeheartedly loved a man?"
Lu Feiyan, puzzled by his abrupt question, blushed and stammered, "I love you wholeheartedly, don't you know that?"
"Uh...right! Haha, I'm being silly,"
Wu Zheng scratched his head.
"Anyway, like just now, I don't want anyone to surpass you. If anyone speaks ill of you, I'll be extremely unhappy; if there's any danger, I'd rather go in your place."
Lu Feiyan grew increasingly shy, her voice barely a whisper, "Most girls are like this, once they fall for a man, they always devote themselves entirely to him."
"Would you rather go in my place if there's any danger? You absolutely mustn't do such a foolish thing,"
Wu Zheng murmured, his gaze drifting towards the imperial palace, thinking to himself: You don't like me? Perhaps you do! "But you shouldn't have said 'I like you' and 'Don't go to Tianze Palace' at the same time... You know I'll still go to Tianze Palace even if you say you like me... What does this mean?
" Shaking his head, Wu Zheng sat down again and said, "I want to see the information on Yunlong Sect."
"It's already prepared."
Lu Feiyan handed over a thick stack of files and said, "Why are you suddenly interested in Yunlong Sect? Are you going to settle accounts with Qu Yuxiang?"
Qu Yuxiang's sneak attack on Wu Zheng almost killed him, and Lu Feiyan still held a grudge about it. Wu Zheng pointed his finger at her high, delicate nose and said, "Of course, how can this matter be simply let go? I won't stop until I swallow Yunlong Sect whole!"
**********
After finishing his official business at the North City government office, Wu Zheng quickly changed into civilian clothes and did not return to the Wu residence. The carriage stopped at a mansion that was being cleaned and renovated at the beginning of Jinxiu Street.
He was dressed in a black silk robe, which was cool and comfortable in the early summer weather and made him look elegant. Even as evening approached, the head steward, Han Feng, still bustling about, hurriedly approached, bowing and scraping, saying, "Greetings, Lord Wu. The Han residence is currently under renovation, so I was unable to greet you earlier. My apologies, my apologies."
Although Han Kejun had retired and resigned from his official post, the Han residence had undergone a complete transformation. Although the Qin Emperor had learned from the past mistake of allowing the Han family to concentrate too much power, dispersing the three successors of the Han family to Liangzhou, Jiangzhou, and the capital, all three still held significant power and guarded the eastern and northern gateways of the Qin Dynasty, their prominence remaining undiminished. Wu Zheng's role in this was indispensable, and Han Feng's attitude towards him could not be more respectful.
"It's alright, the renovation of the Han residence is a major event, it's just that I've disturbed you."
Wu Zheng handed over his visiting card and said, "Please ask Steward Han to inform him."
"My lord, please come with me to the hall and wait
a moment. I'll go find Miss Han now." In the center of the hall was a grand chair, with a flawless tiger skin cut open from the belly and placed under it. The majesty of a renowned military family was evident everywhere, but Wu Zheng knew that he hadn't seen this tiger skin on his previous visits, so it must have been put away.
When a family emerges from the mire, its former glory, like every rare, status-symbolizing object in the hall, returns to its rightful place.
Wu Zheng was also delighted. The Han family had been unusually busy lately, and he had been staying home for half a month. This was his first visit to the Han family since overthrowing Wen Yi, and seeing such a scene, he could imagine how happy and joyful Han Guiyan must be.
Lovers always think more about each other and find their own joy in the other's happiness, don't they? For example, he and Han Guiyan, and Lu Feiyan, always considered each other in everything they did. And as Lu Feiyan said, they shared the joys but borne the sorrows alone; he believed Yan'er felt the same way.
Wu Zheng couldn't help but turn his gaze to the imperial palace again, his doubts deepening.
"My lord, Miss requests that you come to the back courtyard to meet her."
Before Wu Zheng could finish his thoughts, Han Feng smiled and invited him to the back courtyard. Being allowed into the Han family's back courtyard meant he was being treated as family. The words must have come from Han Guiyan; the head steward had no objection, otherwise, although the two sons of the Han family were not in the mansion, General Han was still stationed there.
As Han Feng arrived at the back gate, the old steward bowed with a smile that was both gratified and teasing, saying, "This old servant cannot accompany you. Please, sir, enter on your own. Miss is waiting for you in the garden."
"Thank you for your trouble, Steward Han."
Wu Zheng treated people indiscriminately, regardless of their social status, depending entirely on whether they were friend or foe, or even his mood. Although Han Feng held considerable power in the Han household, he was still a servant. He had seen many people come and go, but Wu Zheng was unique in his politeness and kindness, without a trace of contempt or disdain. This quality was well-known in the Han family, and its comfort could not be truly appreciated without experiencing it firsthand.
Wu Zheng had never been to the Han household's back garden before, and Han Feng had not mentioned the exact location of Han Guiyan. Finding her in such a large place would not be easy. The Han household's garden was different from ordinary gardens. Although it also had the fragrance of leaves, grass, and flowers, it was planted with more pines and cypresses and vines. Three paths led to the left, center, and right. The pine and cypress trees resembled a forest of swords, while the dark, indistinct vines seemed to form a strange, cloud-like array of armored warriors, concealing deadly intent. Each path was marked with a sign: the left one was "Sharpening," the center one "General's Call," and the right one "Testing Formations." Wu Zheng hesitated briefly before heading towards the eastern path on the right.
Many in the region admired lotus blossoms, and the Han family was no exception. Following the path through the flowers and willows, Wu Zheng came to a lotus pond about ten acres in size. In early summer, the lotus buds were just beginning to emerge, their pure white petals only tinged with a touch of pink at the tips. A breeze rustled the lotus leaves, scattering the dewdrops they had gathered back into the pond. Their shape, color, and fragrance were all breathtaking.
A long corridor along the pond's bank led directly into the water, connecting to a hexagonal pavilion. Han Guiyan, dressed in a bright red lotus-leaf skirt with gold trim, leaned gracefully against the railing, her beauty unmatched by any other blooming flower in the entire lotus pond.
"Yan'er!" Wu Zheng called out, not even bothering to enter the pavilion from the left-hand corridor. He gathered his inner energy and leaped up, stepping lightly across the broad lotus leaves, landing gracefully in the pavilion.
Han Guiyan opened her arms, biting her lip, standing still, waiting for her lover's doting gaze, both charming and proud. Only after Wu Zheng lifted her up and spun her around did she smugly say, "You found me so quickly, you even guessed it!"
Han Guiyan, knowing her lover's heart, was naturally overjoyed and said with longing, "Please come to a quiet place where no one will disturb you. This is the Training Pavilion. Back then, you were quite impressive when you trained troops in the palace. There's also a pavilion here, east of the garden. Isn't Tingcheng just east of Chengdu? Is that what you're guessing?"
Wu Zheng shrugged and lowered his head, saying, "No!"
"Ah,"
Han Guiyan was slightly disappointed. It turned out that everything was just wishful thinking on her part, and Wu Zheng had only gotten lucky. However, searching for someone in the garden is like searching through a vast sea of people; to meet someone at all is a wonderful coincidence. Thinking this, she felt greatly comforted and said, "Tch, it was just a lucky coincidence." "
That's not quite it!" Wu Zheng placed her across his lap and said, "I had no clue at first, but I decided on this as soon as I saw the words 'testing the formation.' Think about it, how long has it been since we last saw each other? I must have missed you terribly. Testing the formation, testing the formation, it's not impossible to say I lost my virginity. Yan'er, aren't you in a hurry? Don't you want to lose your virginity to me?"
"You..." She was stunned by her lover's teasing, but the shameless words that came out of his mouth now only left her with a mixture of shyness and joy. She realized that Wu Zheng was indeed in tune with her feelings. He was always quick-witted and full of whimsical ideas. He managed to make his seemingly random remarks sound plausible. Then she realized that she had indeed lost her virginity to him in Tingcheng. Han Guiyan was speechless for a moment and could only shyly give her lover's chest a good beating with her pink fists.
"Why have you come to visit me today?"
After a while of playful banter, Han Guiyan asked, her face flushed.
"I've done some calculations, and Commander Han will be taking office in five days! Goodness gracious! I've been rushing here, closing the office to flatter him."
True to his word, Wu Zheng, his large hand caressing the woman's plump buttocks, found them smooth, firm, and bouncy. He said seriously, "Horses are hard to please. To make them obedient and compliant, flattery has to be just right. Not too light, not too heavy! This pressure is just right."
Han Guiyan's buttocks were sensitive, and the caress felt incredibly comfortable. Amidst giggles, the young woman twisted Wu Zheng's ears slightly, revealing a set of pearly white teeth, and said, "You'd better do your best, otherwise, if I'm displeased, I'll have your yamen ransacked!"
"Alas!" Wu Zheng sighed, "This horse is so hard to handle, a wild horse, a wild horse!"
"Alright, let's get down to business. Will you come to see me on the day I take office?"
As a new official taking office, it was a joyous occasion, and Han Guiyan most wanted to see Wu Zheng.
"I'm afraid I can't come. There are too many people around here now, it wouldn't be good for me to go. It would be more suitable for you to come to see me at noon."
Things don't always go as planned, and Wu Zheng was quite helpless.
“Indeed! Then I’ll come find you. I need to observe the situation at the garrison headquarters for a while longer to get a better understanding.”
“Smart!” Wu Zheng gave a thumbs-up and pulled out an invitation, saying, “I can’t go when you take up your post, so this is a small compensation.”
“Wu’s Private Kitchen?”
Han Guiyan’s eyes lit up. “Is your quirky private kitchen ready? Then I definitely have to go.”
“Of course, and I must be the first one!”
Sharing each other’s achievements is the happiest thing between lovers. Wu Zheng added, “I’m a little nervous too. I hope Garrison Commander Han can help keep things under control.”
“Who else did you invite?”
For Wu Zheng to be nervous, they must be someone important. Han Guiyan’s curiosity was piqued. “Haven’t you seen enough of the world? Why are you nervous?”
“That’s different.”
Wu Zheng shook his head and clicked his tongue repeatedly. “The things I did before seemed significant, but I was always just an assistant, playing a supporting role, and only using my strengths to my advantage. This time, I’m the master, and I have to manage everything properly and oversee the whole situation. Tomorrow night, the heads of the Zhu, Gu, Lu, and Yang families will be there, along with my uncle Gu Bufan, my aunt Lu Feiyan, my junior sister Gu Pan, and Yizhi and Zhijie. I’m actually a little nervous.”
Zhu Yatong was already very familiar with him, but her methods were so sophisticated that they were both admirable and respectable. Wu Zheng had the advantage of not being targeted. He had also met Yang Zhengchu, the head of the Yang family, the weakest of the three families, and this Yang Kaipiao was no pushover. One could imagine what the Gu and Lu families were like. Thinking back to his previous life, if Wu Zheng had met these top-tier tycoons and dined with them, even if he hadn’t fled in terror, he would have been pale, his teeth chattering, and unable to speak coherently. Moreover, this concerned Lu Feiyan's lifelong happiness, so he couldn't help but feel uneasy.
"Hehe, so you can be nervous too."
Han Guiyan patted Wu Zheng's head and said, "Don't be afraid, your sister will help you!"
The rows of lotus flowers planted outside the Trial Formation Pavilion seemed to have a strict and orderly meaning. Wu Zheng suddenly understood the meaning of the words "Trial Formation." Could it be that the military formations researched by the Han family were not convenient to be made public, but were being tested here in the form of lotus flowers? Thinking of this, he smiled happily and said, "With you here, I feel much more at ease!"
The next evening, Han Guiyan arrived at the Wu residence early. Her beloved had an important matter that required her assistance today, so she had naturally rested and was in high spirits. Upon hearing the news, Wu Zheng hurriedly went to the door to greet her, and his eyes lit up immediately.
Compared to her ladylike attire during their secret rendezvous at the Trial Formation Pavilion yesterday, today Han Guiyan wore a pure gold crown with soaring gemstones, a dark red scholar's robe, and two bright yellow diagonal lapels that crossed at the chest. She was not only heroic but also had the gentleness of a woman. A wide, bright yellow belt cinched her slender waist, and leather ankle boots hugged her rounded, long calves, making her already tall figure even more striking. Her bright yellow cloak billowed and swayed, adding to her dashing appearance!
"Lord Han, your presence is an honor to my humble abode,"
Wu Zheng greeted her with a smile, his wicked desires painfully suppressed! The woman's heroic spirit was so captivating; he truly longed to take her right there and then, to pin her down and ravage her, listening to her soft moans—truly a pleasure in life. Unfortunately, she always tightly bound her breasts when appearing in public, which diminished her allure considerably.
Han Guiyan raised her sharp eyebrows, tilted her head slightly, and swept her gaze across the room, saying, "Of course, we must give Lord Wu face."
Wu Zheng inwardly praised his lover for playing the role perfectly today. Gu Pan, who was following behind him to greet them, pouted and muttered softly, "Mother, is this woman Han Tieyan? What's she so proud of in front of Senior Brother?"
The romance between Wu and Han was widely rumored, and Gu Pan had heard about it on Kunlun Mountain long ago. At the time, she didn't think much of it, but now, seeing Han Guiyan's appearance, she became very wary. She didn't expect this vixen to be so beautiful. She hoped that she wouldn't really bewitch Senior Brother.
"Don't be rude!" Lu Feiyan scolded lightly. She didn't want to explain much at the moment, but only instructed, "Speak less, observe more, and learn more today. Do you understand?"
"I understand!" Seeing Wu Zheng and Han Guiyan walking side by side, Gu Pan turned her body away in a huff, her lips pouting high.
"Fairy Lu. Is this Miss Gu?"
Han Guiyan bowed to Lu Feiyan, then noticed Gu Pan. The girl had her hair in two buns, with red lips, white teeth, and beautiful features. A light blue silk dress accentuated her youthful beauty. Han Guiyan had heard many stories about this junior sister who was Wu Zheng's childhood sweetheart, and seeing her made her feel a pang of sadness.
"Greetings, Lord Han. This is my daughter, Gu Pan."
Lu Feiyan tugged at Gu Pan's sleeve, and the girl reluctantly gave a hasty curtsy, saying, "Greetings, Lord Han."
"What a pretty little girl. Fairy Lu's daughter is bound to be a beauty."
Wu Zheng rubbed his numb forehead, his mind buzzing. He knew perfectly well whether Han Guiyan was acting or genuine. His previous arrogance was meant for show, but now his jealousy had flared up to this extent, and he was even subtly mocking Gu Pan for being too young and naive… His eyes twitched as he thought: "Little girl, huh? That beautiful woman next to me is also my woman, and we know each other very well. Oh no, oh no, managing a harem isn't easy!"
"Lord Han, please come in and sit for a while before we talk,"
Wu Zheng said with a laugh, earning a fierce glare from Han Guiyan, a glare that carried a strong warning.
Wu Zheng secretly grumbled: "They've only been disciplined for three days and they're already causing trouble! One day I'll have you and Fei Fei completely under my thumb! A threesome is the way to go!"
Fortunately, the women all knew the importance of the matter and stopped their brief exchange. Wu Zheng didn't lead Han Guiyan into the main hall but went directly to the private kitchen.
The Wu family's private kitchen was valued by figures like Zhu Yatong and Zhuoxing because of its unique features. It was
a two-story "dining hall." The first floor seemed unremarkable at this point, except for a long wooden table in the center with about ten rectangular holes about half an arm's length in it—the purpose of which was unclear. The tables and chairs around it were neatly arranged, each seating four people. The dining hall was where the Wu family ate; the first floor was presumably used by servants. It wasn't hard to guess. However, the novel layout amazed Han Guiyan.
"Is this where the servants eat?"
Han Guiyan asked curiously, pointing and whispering, "What's the purpose of the large table in the center?"
"I eat here even when there are no distinguished guests. It's not finished yet, so it's a secret for now,"
Wu Zheng said mysteriously. Recently, the focus of the canteen construction has been on the second floor, so the private kitchen is complete, but the first floor is still under construction.
"I see... eating with the servants... well, that's true. I eat with the soldiers in the barracks too, so it's not a problem."
Han Guiyan's curiosity was uncontrollable: "Then you have to invite me on the first day it's finished!"
"Haha, of course. Lord Han, please go up to the second floor."
Compared to the simple yet ingenious first floor, the second floor was simply magnificent. Thick cashmere carpets covered every corner, and stepping on them felt like walking on a thick meadow, comfortable and reassuring. Behind each of the eight large candles around the hall were bronze mirrors, reflecting the candlelight and creating a dazzling
interplay of light. Octagonal palace lanterns hung from the beams and pillars, ensuring the hall was always as bright as day. Instead of a round table in the center, individual seats were arranged, with two smaller cubicles at the corners, suitable for both grand banquets and visits from old friends.
Soon, Zhu Yatong, Lu Yushan, Yang Zhengchu, Gu Haoxuan, and others arrived and took their seats.
Lu Yushan, with his long, three-stranded beard, possessed the air of a scholar, still appearing refined and elegant despite his advanced age. Gu Haoxuan, on the other hand, was stern and composed, his long eyebrows constantly furrowed, creating deep wrinkles on his forehead.
"Esteemed elders, you are all highly knowledgeable; please offer your corrections!"
With this simple opening, Wu Zheng clapped his hands, and Steward Feng led the maids in.
The maids, each beautiful and carrying a pristine white porcelain plate, placed them on the table before the guests.
Zhu Yatong had deliberately kept today's dishes a secret, eager to see what her precious son could conjure up. Sure enough, even this simple act of serving the food was remarkable! The maids entered in a neat line, then scattered like fireworks. The dishes were pre-portioned, one portion for each person—a far cry from the usual custom, quite novel.
Zhu Yatong examined the first dish closely, asking with some confusion, "Lord Wu, what is this dish called?" "
Yan Ruyu!"
"Hmm, what a fine name!"
In the center of the fine white porcelain plate sat a piece resembling a chilled cake, with a few drops of emerald-green gravy spilled on the left, and a few drops of sauce, vinegar, and other condiments on the right. The porcelain plate was of excellent quality; the drops of sauce and vinegar clung to it without dispersing. The interplay of these elements made the central dish truly appear jade-like. Its appearance alone was pleasing to the eye!
Zhu Yatong took a light sniff, but couldn't detect any fragrance. She guessed that most cake-like things were solidified and their aroma wouldn't dissipate. So she picked up a small piece with her chopsticks and put it in her mouth! It felt smooth and soft, with a fragrant aroma filling her mouth. What was even more wonderful was that the few drops of emerald green syrup were made by mashing chrysanthemum greens and then thickening them using the method of making soup. When mixed with the ointment, it added a refreshing touch to the taste.
"Tsk! I've long heard that Lord Wu has the skill of making teeth and can speak eloquently! A mere pig skin jelly in your hands has become the finishing touch, perfect in color, aroma, and taste. Unexpected, unexpected! What a beautiful woman!"
Zhu Yatong couldn't tell the difference, but Wu Zheng had already learned from Lu Feiyan that Lu Yushan loved pig skin jelly. Pig skin jelly wasn't difficult to make. Wu Zheng combined modern plating and service techniques from his previous life with an irresistible name, making the unremarkable pig skin jelly soar to fame.
"Haha, Patriarch Lu, you have a good eye!"
Wu Zheng clapped his hands in praise. "Pig skin jelly isn't rare, but its taste is superb, perfect as an appetizer! It also has beauty and skin-nourishing effects. Lord Han, Patriarch Zhu, Aunt Lu, Junior Sister, please use more!"
"Lord Wu, how about selling this dish and its name for five hundred taels?"
Yang Zhengchu blinked, feeling somewhat regretful for giving Wu Zheng two slaps with a wine bottle that day. The Yang family dealt in rare items, and he suddenly realized that everything in Wu Zheng's hands had the power to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. If everything in the world could be sold as a treasure, wouldn't the Yang family rise to prominence? Yang Yizhi had suffered a loss that day, and Zhu Yatong had excluded him from her secret meeting with Wu Zheng, which had made him truly angry. Fortunately, he hadn't lashed out and offended Wu Zheng to death.
"Patriarch Yang, if you like it, just take it. It's not worth five hundred taels,"
Wu Zheng said with a smile.
"Worth it! Five hundred taels!"
Yang Zhengchu slapped his knee and made his final decision.
The appetizers were so enticing that everyone couldn't help but eagerly anticipate the dishes to come. Wu Zheng certainly didn't disappoint, serving up a series of novel dishes such as "Red Crispy Hands" and "Jade Flute Playing with Falling Plum Blossoms," making it a truly sumptuous and unique banquet.
Before the main courses were even served, although the maids hadn't appeared yet, an exotic aroma filled the entire second floor. Lu Yushan and Gu Haoxuan took a deep breath and were also impressed!
"So fragrant! Lord Wu has finally brought out his best stuff!"
Gu Haoxuan's spirits soared; the reason he came all day was ultimately for this rare item—chili peppers.
"Master Gu is both right and wrong!"
Wu Zheng laughed. "Chili peppers are merely a condiment; their skillful use depends entirely on the user. Eating chili peppers alone only provides spiciness, but when incorporated into a dish, they have a miraculous effect. This boiled live fish is a perfect example!" The
tender white fish slices were skillfully cut into pieces only half a finger wide, and the bright red broth was topped with bright red chili pepper petals, accompanied by fresh seasonal vegetables, making it incredibly appetizing. The Gu, Lu, and Yang families had all received some chili flakes to try, usually used as a dipping sauce for noodles and dumplings, but this was their first time consuming it this way. The fish was tender and succulent, seemingly melting in the mouth, with a fiery, numbing, and tingling sensation that made one gasp. The deliciousness was indescribable.
After a satisfying meal, the final dessert was different from before. Instead of individual servings, a large, round plate of osmanthus cakes was presented by a maid.
Wu Zheng rose and bowed deeply to the central group, saying, "You are all guests, so please allow me to serve you this osmanthus cake."
He picked up a sharp ox-ear knife and cut the osmanthus cake into five equal portions. He offered one portion to Yang Zhengchu, saying, "Master Yang, this portion is two-tenths full, and it was promised to Yizhi years ago. Please enjoy it."
He then offered another portion to Zhu Yatong, saying, "Master Zhu, I was greatly appreciated by you when I was in Chang'an. This portion is for you."
Wu Zheng placed two of the remaining portions on his own table, leaving the last one untouched. He smiled and said, "Please enjoy."
Among those present, only Han Guiyan knew that Wu Zheng was nervous beforehand, but seeing him so composed today, she realized he must have put in a lot of effort to prepare. She immediately followed up by asking, "Lord Wu uses osmanthus cake to symbolize chili peppers. I wonder if the Han family can eat this portion?"
"I'm sorry! No!" Wu Zheng shook his head and refused, "This portion is reserved for His Majesty. It cannot be touched!"
"Oh dear, I was unaware of the situation and acted rashly. May I ask if Lord Wu's appetite is too great to eat two portions by himself?"
"Not at all. I consider these two portions as being taken on behalf of the Kunlun Sect. How could I dare to eat them all by myself?"
"Hmm... so the Han family won't even get a share?"
"That's not necessarily true!" Wu Zheng tapped the table and said, "Since Lord Han has asked, I happen to have something to say."
He stood up and said to Lu Yushan and Gu Haoxuan, "The osmanthus cake is only so big, it can't be divided any more. However, you are all experts in business, you should know that everyone needs ordinary rice and flour, but they don't fetch a good price in a good year. But if it is made into meat buns, steamed buns, cakes and other things, its value will naturally be different. The same goes for chili peppers! It's like we are guarding an osmanthus tree, the flowers are all gone, but the osmanthus cake is still negotiable." "
Bufan has shown me the sketches drawn by you, sir, and there are still many unclear points. I would like to ask Lord Wu to explain in detail."
Seeing that they had gotten to the point, Gu Haoxuan decided to speak frankly.
"When chili peppers first appeared in the world, Kunlun was fortunate enough to possess them. However, everyone in Kunlun knows that there's no reason to monopolize business. Moreover, how can Kunlun alone cultivate them to satisfy the palates of the world? Even though the sect keeps them tightly under control, once chili peppers circulate widely in the market, someone else will inevitably cultivate them sooner or later. Rather than being caught off guard, it's better to instill in the people's minds now the idea that when eating chili peppers, they should only eat those from the Kunlun sect!"
Wu Zheng spoke eloquently: "Therefore, I've come up with a method called franchising!"
"How does one franchise, and what are the benefits?"
Lu Yushan asked.
"The chili peppers come from the Kunlun Sect, and the Kunlun Sect has the final say. Who they sell to, or who they allow to grow and sell to the people, is all decided by Kunlun. As for who that 'who,' it's the franchisees. They only need to pay a franchise fee, and then give 40% of their profits to Kunlun every year. The franchisee conditions are simple and clear."
"How much is the franchise fee? Too much and you'll lose money; too little? Heh, there are countless people eyeing the chili peppers, and many have the money. If everyone in the world is a franchisee, how much money can you really make?"
Lu Yushan pointed out the obvious.
"Good question! Patriarch Lu, this is the agency right I'm about to discuss! Only one franchisee is allowed per prefecture, first come, first served. For example, Jiangzhou is given to the Lu family. I wonder what the Lu family thinks?"
"Lord Wu has quite the plan. He'll help you grow, help you sell, and even share the profits with you. Does he expect all the powerful clans in the world to serve him to the death?"
Gu Haoxuan scoffed.
"Not at all! As I've said before, selling chili peppers alone isn't worth much money. Kunlun doesn't do business that loses money!"
Wu Zheng shook his head and said, "Besides selling a small amount in the market, the chili peppers are all used in the franchisees' restaurants, such as this boiled live fish. I wonder what Master Gu thinks?"
Wu Zheng had the advantage of his past life's knowledge, but everyone present was an expert who could grasp things instantly. They could easily imagine how booming the business would be if these new dishes were introduced to the restaurants. Moreover, doing business is all about starting with a single point to drive the overall business. With more customers, it wouldn't just be one or two dishes that would sell well; customers would eventually order more dishes. And in this world, which is still an agrarian society, the role that a restaurant with a monopoly could play is unimaginable. Extending outwards, it could touch the grain market, the vegetable market, the meat market, and so on—anything related to food could be involved.
Gu Haoxuan even considered those industries he'd never been able to get involved in. If the Gu family's restaurant were booming and demand was huge, wouldn't they readily open their arms and let him take whatever he wanted? As for anyone daring to cause trouble by stealing chili peppers and disrupting his profits… Gu Haoxuan glanced at the empty osmanthus cake. The Emperor had already taken a share; would he just stand by and watch?
Thinking this way, the two heads of the Gu and Lu families couldn't help but be tempted. With the appearance of chili peppers, several top nobles had already divided up the profits cleanly. The idea of franchisees and agents had indeed opened up a large, unknown territory.
Wu Zheng pressed on, saying, "The reason I refused Patriarch Yang's offer to buy Yan Ruyu earlier is also for this reason. Just by joining, I will send people to teach apprentices locally, imparting all the secret recipes. As for the taste, you will all have your own judgment! Oh, right, I forgot something earlier. Although only one franchisee is allowed per state, it doesn't prohibit one franchisee from holding franchisees and agents in several states!"
This was the most important thing!
Regardless of the financial strength of either the Gu, Lu, or Yang families, acquiring the agency rights for several prefectures would be a piece of cake. With good business, the bigger the better. Although all of them belonged to the Kunlun faction, competition between them was inevitable, and none of them wanted to be outdone by the others.
Even Lu Yushan and Gu Haoxuan couldn't help but feel a surge of envy. Wu Zheng then asked, "What do you two think?"
"Lord Wu, please name your price!"
"Price is not a problem, absolutely not excessive!"
Wu Zheng secretly took a deep breath and said, "If the Lu and Gu families are interested, I can let you choose the agency rights for any prefecture in the Great Qin! However, I have one more condition!"
"Lord Wu, please speak freely!"
"Please, you two, let's talk in private!"
The private room was surrounded by thick nanmu wood, providing excellent soundproofing. Wu Zheng bowed first, saying, "Just now in public, I had to refer to myself as 'this official,' please forgive me, Your Excellencies."
Since the discussion needed to be private, his humble beginnings immediately alerted the experienced Gu and Lu, who sensed a hidden agenda. Their initial eagerness subsided.
Gu Haoxuan smiled, "Young and promising, Lord Wu, you are worthy."
Neither of them spoke, their smiles perfectly professional, instantly creating an awkward atmosphere. Wu Zheng cursed them inwardly as old foxes. But even an ugly daughter-in-law has to meet her in-laws, so he gritted his teeth and said, "My conditions are somewhat difficult to state, and I'm overstepping my bounds; I truly don't know where to begin!"
Gu and Lu nodded simultaneously, remaining silent, as if to say, "You speak, I listen; as for not knowing where to begin, that's your problem."
"This junior and Pan'er grew up together on Kunlun Mountain since childhood, and I once promised to protect her from all injustice. You two have also been on good terms with the Kunlun Sect for generations, so I can consider you half-family. I'm just saying a few words about family matters, and if I say anything wrong, please don't take it to heart."
Gu and Lu nodded simultaneously, remaining silent. Don't think that mentioning their granddaughter and grandson would be helpful.
Wu Zheng twitched his lips, forcing a smile, and said, "Pan'er has committed a serious offense by going down the mountain without permission this time, and punishment is certainly warranted. I am her senior brother, and I also bear some responsibility for not teaching her properly. However, I firmly believe that punishment is not the goal; ultimately, it's for Pan'er's good! But may I ask you two, in her current state, will she be alright in the future?"
"Pan'er has grown up with you since childhood, my nephew. You should know her better than we do. What do you think, my nephew?"
Well, they kept passing the buck without stopping for a moment. Wu Zheng almost gave these two a double thumbs up. It seemed there was no way to shake off the blame, so Wu Zheng plopped down in his chair, ignoring the situation, and said, "It won't get better. Many good-for-nothings come from rotten families. Pan'er is at the height of his rebellious youth; I'm afraid he'll cause more trouble in the future!"
"What do you mean by that, nephew of the rotten family?"
Gu Haoxuan's face darkened, his tone sinister. Gu Pan's surname was Gu, so Wu Zheng's insult was obviously harsher.
"Uncle and Aunt, what's going on? You two really don't know. You're always arguing, even I find it annoying, let alone Pan'er!"
"Lord Wu, you're meddling too much!"
The pretense was gone, and the painstakingly planned peaceful resolution was gone; all that remained was a naked exchange of benefits.
Wu Zheng spread his hands and said, "This junior doesn't want to get involved, but if things continue like this, Pan'er will be completely ruined. If she sneaks out again and something happens, who will take responsibility? If you two don't feel sorry for her, this junior will!"
Wu Zheng sighed and softened his voice, "This junior really can't bear to see Pan'er continue like this! This junior also knows that the reputation of the Gu and Lu families is very important, which is why I made this request in the hope that it can make up for it a little."
"My uncle is already married and has a family, but he still has to prioritize the family. However, the three of them are only superficially harmonious, which is torture for everyone! Putting aside Pan'er, can you two really bear to see your son and daughter torment each other for the rest of their lives? Is saving face more important than the affairs of your nephews and nieces? I have said what I needed to say, and I can't worry about anything else. In short, if you agree to my conditions, you can choose the agency rights of the prefectures and counties within the Great Qin territory first.
If you don't agree, as I said before,
there are countless people eyeing the chili peppers. I will let the Han family choose first, and even the sect leader and master will have nothing to say!" After Wu Zheng finished speaking, he stood up as if to leave, thinking that even in the worst-case scenario, there is always room for maneuver due to the huge benefits involved. Even if Lu Feiyan's life-long marriage cannot be settled for a while, at least we have taken a solid step forward! Fortunately, the parties involved were forced to come up with the idea of agency rights. With this confidence, even the Gu and Lu families, who have a great deal of face, will have to obediently give way.
"Wait!" Wu Zheng stopped in his tracks, slowly turned around, and said, word by word, "
This junior can wait a few days for you both, but the conditions are set and there's no room for negotiation! I urge you both to make a decision as soon as possible!"

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Jiangshan Yunluo Episode 5

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