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Chapter 487 Wenren Luo

"Wait where you are."

After Uncle Xi reported, a voice that was old but sounded very strong came from the other end of the "Harmony Wheel".

Uncle Xi waited in the back room of the business, and "He Minglu" kept in touch.

For businesses, the cost needs to be calculated for each use of "Heming Wheel".

Extremely expensive!
But now neither Uncle Xi nor the business firm would have the slightest objection.

At the other end of the “Harmonious Wheel” was one of the top figures in the power structure of the Ming Dynasty!

Beidu Middle...

With a single order from Wei Shiqi, the vast intelligence network immediately sprang into action.

With their own skillful cultivation and the help of various artifacts, they uncovered Xu Yuan's entire background in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

People's impression of the Ming Dynasty is mostly:
The organization is bloated and filled with incompetent officials.

Local authorities bully their superiors and subordinates, are disconnected from the central government, and information transmission is slow.

But... times have really changed.

In both the Northern and Southern Capitals, as long as you hold great power, you can achieve an astonishing level of efficiency.

Just like Wei Shiqi now.

A hundred years ago, there was a cultivator in Beidu named Yu Ren.

He put forward the idea that the current methods of using "cultivators" are fundamentally wrong.

There should be no "Seven Great Gates" in this world.

Side doors can also be very useful.

He felt that the imperial court, or prominent families, should train professionals in various categories.

Utilize their different abilities to create a combination.

In other words, every professional, regardless of their skill level, is a component of a large organization.

Yu Ren originally intended this massive organization to be a government office within the imperial court.

However, in the hands of powerful and influential families, they became intelligence agencies and assassination organizations!

Over the course of more than a century, such "organizations" have been cultivated by prominent families.

Wei Shiqi had one such subordinate.

They work together seamlessly and execute orders with exceptional efficiency.

Therefore, when Wei Jinyuan arrived in southern Jiaozhi, he saw that the cultivators there were still fighting on their own, and the Exorcism Bureau was still simply using cultivators as "soldiers"—naturally, he felt that this place was too closed off and backward.

All of Xu Yuan's information was sent to Wei Shiqi.

Wei Shiqi was a third-rate scholar, but he already knew all the contents just by looking at the documents.

“This is interesting…” Wei Shiqi suddenly muttered to himself.

Lord Ma Tianshou was rather "naive" at the time, believing that the so-called "rioters of the six villages" were something that happened a hundred years ago, and that probably few people in the imperial court still remembered it.

But in fact……

Not many people remember it now, but when this case was brought to light, the Grand Secretary was Xu Ge.

For ordinary people, a century is enough time for four or five generations to pass.

But for cultivators... it's not a long time.

Xu Ge's protégés and former officials are still scattered throughout the court.

Even for Lord Xu Ge himself, it has only been thirty years since he left the central government.

There aren't many people who truly remember the "six villages rioters" of southern Jiaozhi, but as long as they see the name "Hegong Lane," that memory will be awakened.

The current Grand Secretary Zhang Shuangquan can also be considered a protégé of Xu Ge.

Many key positions in the current imperial court, such as the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Works, are held by former protégés and associates of Xia Yanghuai, the former Minister of War.

Xia Yanghuai was originally Xu Ge's in-law.

More than 40% of the military equipment trade for the imperial army was controlled by these people.

Wei Shiqi's plan to bring down Zhang Shuangquan and strike at Xia Yanghuai's followers by partnering with Hegong Lane was just the first step.

He needs to overturn the verdict against the "six village rioters" from back then!
What Wei Shiqi needs to consider is not whether to overturn the verdict, but whether Xu Yuan has the ability to become the weapon in his hand.

Neither Xu Yuan, far away in southern Jiaozhi, nor Wei Shiqi, in the northern capital, realized that the entire situation was beginning to change at this moment...

……

Suddenly, the master's voice came from the "harmonious wheel" in front of Uncle Xi: "Say yes to him."

Uncle Xi immediately bowed and said, "Yes, sir."

Then he hurriedly added, "Young Master and Xu Yuan have some disagreements, and I'm worried..."

"Ignore him."

"The villain understands."

Wei Shiqi could tell from Xu Yuan's information that Xu Yuan was capable.

Whether this ability can meet Wei Shiqi's requirements... Wei Shiqi is not sure at the moment.

But you can give it a try first.

If it doesn't work, then give up on it.

Moreover, all those under the jurisdiction of the Superintendent are currently in Champa.

Wei Shiqi also hoped that the Superintendent would "value" Xu Yuan.

In that case, I and the Supervisor would naturally become allies.

Although... given the nature of the Imperial Censor, this possibility is extremely small.

Uncle Xi thanked the merchant and left without giving them a single penny.

The big boss behind this business was a disciple of Wei Shiqi.

Otherwise, how could his business have grown so large?
How could a mere merchant house possess something like a "harmonious wheel"?
Uncle Xi returned to the inn, where Wei Jinyuan was already waiting for him: "Did my father agree?"

Uncle Xi nodded.

Wei Jinyuan's face turned ugly: "You told my father that I don't like that guy?"

Uncle Xi remained silent.

This is actually the answer.

Wei Jinyuan angrily said, "Fine, fine, fine!"

He flicked his sleeves, turned around, and left: "I'm moving out. I'm not living here anymore! It'll save you from having a pleasant working relationship and frequent visits, and having me in your way!"

Uncle Xi sighed and gave Xiao Bin and Nan Zhenchuan a wink.

The two quickly followed and served the young master.

Old Zheng can't go yet; we need him for the business partnership.

The first thing Uncle Xi did was not to inform Xu Yuan that the master had agreed, but to pay a visit to Geng Qi.

"When will Miss return to the capital?"

"I'll leave tomorrow."

Uncle Xi knew that his young master would definitely be leaving tomorrow as well.

If he wants to stay and discuss things with Xu Yuan, then he needs to find another reliable bodyguard for the young master as soon as possible.

But before he could leave Geng Qi's place, Xu Haoran arrived and immediately said to Uncle Xi, "Uncle Xi is here too, that's perfect, I don't have to make another trip."

Uncle Xi and Geng Qi were both puzzled: What's going on?
Xu Haoran: "Tomorrow we will return home. Lord Wei Shiqi asked us to take Wei Jinyuan with us."

Wei Shiqi went directly to Mr. Feng Si.

Although Mr. Feng was extremely unwilling, he had to give him face.

Uncle Xi was also filled with mixed feelings.

My master really is... even using the same methods of managing subordinates on his own son.

Slap me, then give me a treat.

“Alright,” Uncle Xi replied, “I’ll have the young master come over first thing tomorrow morning.”

He then clasped his hands in a fist and bowed to Geng Qi, saying, "I'm entrusting you with my care along the way, brother."

Geng Qi quickly returned the gift.

The other party is, after all, a fourth-rate player.

……

Geng Qi and the others were staying at the Champa office. After leaving Geng Qi's place, Uncle Xi went to see Xu Yuan.

Before he even entered the door, Xu Yuan could feel that his commercial repair skills were steadily improving, reaching the fifth rank!
There aren't many high-quality commercial repair shops in the world.

Once a business repairman reaches the fifth rank or higher, it becomes extremely difficult to advance further.

To be promoted to the fourth rank, one must at least open branches under one's name throughout the entire Ming Dynasty.

But our Ming Dynasty has its own national conditions.

Behind those large trading companies were either imperial relatives or important figures in the imperial court.

The businesses managed by the shopkeepers were not considered their own businesses.

However, business owners often do not choose to practice business principles.

Xu Yuan himself was well aware that once commercial law had reached the fifth rank, it would be extremely difficult to advance further.

Unless... we expand our business to the Western Regions.

Xu Yuan stroked his chin: "Hmm, it doesn't seem impossible..."

Just then, Uncle Xi knocked on the door and came in.

Xu Yuan smiled and said, "It seems Uncle Xi has brought good news."

Uncle Xi smiled and said, "My master has already agreed."

"Alright, Uncle Xi, please wait a moment. I will have someone invite Lord Xu over so we can discuss this in detail."

When Xu Miaozhi arrived, Zhu Zhanlei happened to be looking for Xu Yuan to arrange a get-together that night... and that didn't work out.

He slunk back home and gossiped to his sister: "That Xu Miaozhi has gone to the Zhancheng government office again. She's been getting very close to Xu Yuan lately. I think she's up to no good!"

The more he spoke, the uglier his sister's expression became.

……

Under the supervision of the Grand Supervisor, there are two third-generation disciples, one in Lucheng and the other in Liancheng.

Liancheng's people have returned.

The one in Lucheng was delayed for a few more days.

The root of the problem lies in the fact that Xu Yuan had mentioned to Zang Tianlan that Chen Tong, the head of the law enforcement in Lucheng, was suspected of colluding with the Pingtian Society.

The Department of Purification was a subordinate office of the Imperial Observatory, and most of the officials under the magistrate—especially the third generation—held positions in the Imperial Observatory headquarters.

So that person began to investigate the matter.

His name was Wenren Luo, a fourth-rate cultivator, and he was only one year younger than Zang Tianlan.

According to Dong Daiyun's account, Chen Tong had a mysterious craftsman friend.

After investigating the matter in secret, he told Ma Tianshou about the case.

Ma Tianshou stayed in Lucheng because of Wenren Luo, who said he was going to leave but just wouldn't.

He went about his business alone every day, and did not allow anyone from the Exorcism Bureau to follow him.

Ma Tianshou guessed that he was up to no good.

As expected, he now needs to take down his top general!
However, with irrefutable evidence, Ma Tianshou, despite valuing talent, could only sigh and say, "Punish them according to the law."

……

Dong Daiyun returned two days ago.

She really made things difficult for Chen Tong these past two days.

Every day, she would argue with Chen Tong, saying, "Brother-in-law! You have to get revenge for me!"

"I have never been humiliated like this in my entire life!"

Chen Tong tried to reason with her, but she started crying and making a scene: "I'm a girl, can't Xu Yuan give in to me a little?"

Then she went to her sister, Chen Tong's first wife, to complain: "Brother-in-law isn't as devoted to our family as before. Sister, you have to be careful, he might be having an affair!"

Chen Tong simply decided to stay at the yamen and not go back.

If I can't afford to mess with them, I'll just avoid them.

But today, he was cornered in the yamen by Dong Daiyun.

"Brother-in-law, you have to give me an explanation for this today! Are you going to stand up for me or not?"

"If you don't help me, I'll go and fight Xu Yuan!"

"Anyway, nobody in this world cares about me anymore, so I might as well die and be done with it!"

Chen Tong pleaded earnestly: "I told you not to go, but you insisted on going."

Before you went, I repeatedly told you not to be stubborn, because Champa is not Lucheng. I even wrote a letter specifically for you to give to Xu Yuan.

If you can't speak, just don't say anything and give the letter to them.

But what about you?
You are arrogant and domineering, and you look down on everyone!
Who is Xu Yuan? He's a fifth-rate alchemist and a sixth-rate life cultivator, yet he holds a higher position in the Southern Administration of Jiaozhi than your brother-in-law. And you're giving him attitude?
The fact that they didn't throw you in jail on the spot is already a big favor to me!
Now you want me to stand up for you?
"You want your brother-in-law to die with you, don't you?"

No sooner had the words left his mouth than a voice suddenly came from outside: "He's a fourth-rate alchemist now."

Chen Tong and Dong Daiyun were taken aback. Turning around, they saw Ma Tianshou walking in with a middle-aged man.

The one who spoke was the middle-aged man: "Xu Yuan has just successfully refined his fire and is now a fourth-rate alchemist."

Chen Tong's heart sank, and he had a vague sense of foreboding.

"Well..." Chen Tongqiang smiled and said, "Congratulations, Lord Xu."

With Xu Yuan's rate of improvement, Chen Tong knew that he had absolutely no chance of competing with Xu Yuan.

Dong Daiyun, however, remained unrespectful and shouted at Ma Tianshou, "Sir, you've come at the right time! Please be the judge. Xu Yuan may have a higher rank than me, but he can't bully people like this..."

Dong Daiyun truly believed she had done nothing wrong!
It's always someone else's fault!
Chen Tong gritted his teeth and cursed under his breath, "Shut up!"

Behind Lord Ma Tianshou, the captains of the Exorcism Division of Jiaozhi South Office entered one by one and surrounded the two men.

Everyone had a murderous look on their face.

"Commander," Chen Tong asked, "what is this about?"

Ma Tianshou looked at Chen Tong and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

He had high hopes for Chen Tong.

Even before discovering Xu Yuan, Chen Tong was the successor he was preparing to groom.

But I never expected it to end like this.

Before Ma Tianshou could answer, Wenren Luo spoke first: "You just said that this woman wanted to kill both of you—you were right."

Chen Tong frowned, not understanding what he meant.

"Chen Tong, you colluded with the Pingtian Society. Do you plead guilty?" Ma Tianshou asked gravely.

The crime of colluding with the Pingtian Society is actually not that serious.

Because the transaction between Chen Tong and the Pingtian Society occurred before the Exorcism Bureau banned the Pingtian Society.

However, Wenren Luo wanted to deal with Chen Tong.

Moreover, Wenren Luo clearly told Ma Tianshou: Xu Yuansheng has been promoted to a fourth-rate person!
Because of Dong Daiyun, an irreconcilable conflict has arisen between Xu Yuan and Chen Tong.

My lord, you can only choose one of these two.

Anyone with a sound mind would choose Xu Yuan.

Although Ma Tianshou was extremely reluctant, having another powerful subordinate would strengthen his Jiaozhi Southern Command.

But now, we have no choice but to sacrifice Chen Tong.

This charge surprised Chen Tong. After a moment of surprise, he argued, "I do not admit it. When I was associating with the Pingtian Society, they were not on the list of those to be banned by the Exorcism Bureau!"

At the same time, Chen Tong was also very puzzled.

My dealings with the Pingtian Society were extremely discreet; even within the Lucheng headquarters, only a few trusted confidants knew about it. How the commander...

Chen Tong suddenly looked at Dong Daiyun.

Wenren Luo sneered, "That's right, it was you, my sister-in-law, who took the initiative to boast about it in Champa and said it."

Chen Tong gritted his teeth and glared fiercely at Dong Daiyun.

Dong Daiyun looked indignant: "You didn't tell me that I couldn't tell anyone else about this?"

Chen Tong was so angry that he couldn't speak.

He turned to Ma Tianshou, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "My lord, if you want to arrest me on this charge, I will not accept it!"

Wenren Luo nodded: "Of course, it's not just this one charge. I've investigated you carefully these past few days, and you have quite a few things to hide. Shall I tell you them one by one?"

Chen Tong gritted his teeth.

Wenren Luo sneered: "Hmph! You really won't shed tears until you see the coffin. Your so-called powerful craftsman who lives in seclusion in Lucheng doesn't exist at all."

Those memorials were bought from evil spirits at the old market in Lucheng, am I right?

Chen Tong's expression changed, and he said, "What's so special about this? Which cultivator in which city hasn't been to the old market in the city? Hasn't traded with the evil spirits of the turbid world?"

Wenren Luo didn't argue with him, and continued, "Your aptitude was originally quite ordinary, but after marrying Dong Hongyun, you suddenly had a breakthrough and your progress was rapid. What was the reason for that?"

Upon hearing this, Dong Daiyun suddenly looked at her brother-in-law.

Chen Tong remained silent, his jaw clenched.

"Hmph, it's no use if you don't say anything. Because what you valued was Dong Hongyun's talent. You cast the 'Life-Borrowing Gu' on Dong Hongyun, and Dong Hongyun's talent was transferred to you."

Not only Dong Hongyun, but also...

Wenren Luo noticed Dong Daiyun's expression, chuckled, and said sarcastically, "Don't be so angry. It has nothing to do with you. Your aptitude is very average. You're just a useless burden."

Dong Daiyun let out a howl and pounced on Wenren Luo, ready to tear him apart.

Wenren Luo simply snorted coldly, and Dong Daiyun was struck as if by lightning, his entire body frozen in a clawing posture, unable to move.

"You weren't satisfied with just one Dong Hongyun, so you also cast a life-borrowing curse on her own younger brother."

That child was originally exceptionally talented, but because of you, he became frail and sickly.

Over the years, the Dong family has taken him to countless doctors, but they still can't find the cause of his illness!

Wenren Luo said with utter contempt: "On the surface, you are a loving husband who takes good care of your wife's family, yet you still have to put up with that idiot Dong Daiyun."

Who would have thought you were leeching off the Dong family!

Ma Tianshou sighed and waved his hand at Wenren Luo, saying, "No need to say any more. Men, seize Chen Tong."

Before coming, Wenren Luo only told Ma Tianshou about the Pingtian Society.

He was unaware of the "Life-Borrowing Gu".

Chen Tong remained motionless, allowing the captain to knock off his official hat and robes, and then put on shackles and handcuffs.

Wenren Luo suddenly pointed at Dong Daiyun: "Why aren't you taking this woman with you? What are you doing leaving her here?"

Ma Tianshou glared and asked, "What crime has she committed?"

"Foolish crime!" Wenren Luo said angrily, then added, "What she did in Champa was a grave crime of missing a crucial opportunity in the war!"

I'm not like Xu Yuan, who would tolerate her because of my relationship with Chen Tong!

Get it for me! "

Ma Tianshou nodded, and the officers arrested Dong Daiyun, who was still in a "frozen" state.

Wenren Luo's hands were tucked into his sleeves, and he was also holding a small notebook.

The document records Dong Daiyun's actions in Lucheng over the years.

Previously, relying on Chen Tong's protection, she acted arrogantly and domineeringly in Lucheng. While she may not have committed all sorts of evil deeds, she certainly did a lot of things.

Wenren Luo patted his sleeves: "Alright, this matter is settled, I'm leaving now."

Ma Tianshou had a headache.

Wenren Luo turned the Lucheng government office upside down, then packed his bags and left.

This mess is something I, an old man, have to clean up.

But Ma Tianshou couldn't complain.

Since Chen Tong, such a scoundrel, was produced under his tutelage, he couldn't escape the charge of "lax discipline."

Moreover, he is a disciple of the Imperial Censor. Not to mention Ma Tianshou, even his powerful backer wouldn't dare to go against him.

……

The investigation into Chen Tong, through the deliberate propaganda of Xiang Qinghuai and others, turned into... Chen Tong's complete defeat in the competition with Xu Yuan.

Xiang Qinghuai and Xu Yuan have a good relationship.

Who are you, Chen Tong? I don't know you.

The officials of the Southern Administration of Jiaozhi naturally held Xu Yuan in even greater awe.

In the future, when there are joint investigations, no one will send someone like Dong Daiyun to annoy Lord Xu again.

Xiang Qinghuai was the one who did it, but Yan Lao and the others also secretly helped to stir things up.

Ma Tianshou understood, but did not stop it.

……

Wenren Luo returned to Champa that afternoon.

He kept a low profile in Champa, so he went into the Champa government office, came to Mr. Feng Si, and gave a joking bow as a greeting.

"Fourth Uncle-Master, I did exactly as you instructed and dealt with Chen Tong severely!"

Mr. Feng glared: "What kind of talk is this? What do you mean by 'my order'? We're just following the law!"

“Yes, yes, yes,” Wenren Luo didn’t argue with the old man. He pulled up a chair and sat down, then picked up a piece of fruit from the table and took a bite. “There’s nothing good about South Jiaozhi, but the fruit here is really good. It’s much better than the fruit from North Capital.”

While eating, he asked, "Fourth Uncle, tell me honestly, what are your plans for Xu Yuan? I heard that you intend to match him up with Jinxi?"

Mr. Feng was startled and jumped up from his chair: "Shut up! How can you talk nonsense like this?"

If the teacher finds out, he'll punish me with a ruler!

Don't hurt me!

At my age, how can I face my husband if he still hits my palms with a ruler?
Wenren Luo didn't care at all. If his master hit him with the ruler, he would happily accept it.

Then you can go out and brag: I have a good relationship with my grandmaster.

Why does he only discipline me and not others?
"Jinxi is not young anymore, it's time to start thinking about finding a husband for her. Is there anything we can't talk about?"

Mr. Feng was furious and slammed his fist on the table.

The chair beneath Wenren Luo suddenly changed with a whoosh, and then with a bang, it launched Wenren Luo directly out of the room.

"Ouch!"

Wenren Luo fell in the courtyard outside, his buttocks aching.

"Get out!" came Mr. Feng's angry shouts from inside the house.

The doors and windows were slammed shut, preventing him from going in again.

Wenren Luo rubbed his buttocks and said, "That old man has a really bad temper."

He ate some fruit, then turned and went out: "Let's go see what Xu Yuan is all about. I'll also help my junior sister make an assessment."

Wenren Luo found Xu Yuan in another newly renovated courtyard.

This courtyard... was naturally built for Dafu.

The geese nested under the west wall.

A row of small houses were nailed together from wooden planks, and the inside was originally lined with dry grass, making it soft and comfortable.

But Dafu secretly dragged some clothes from Fanzhezi's wardrobe.

Dafu has good taste; he only chooses silk and satin products.

Then they tore it up and used it as padding in the goose's nest.

The hay was replaced.

This behavior made the geese very happy.

Dafu still cares about us.

The pond in the yard is quite large, and the water is drawn from a nearby stream through an underground channel.

Dafu has been pestering Lang Xiaoba for the past few days. Lang Xiaoba had no choice but to buy a lot of fish, shrimp, crabs, snails and the like and put them in the pond.

The waterbirds were also very satisfied.

A harmonious family is achieved!

When Wenren Luo arrived, he happened to see Dafu pecking a snail the size of a fist out of the pond.

This snail is an evil spirit.

It's the same kind of evil spirit with a beautiful head as the one found on the riverbank outside Qihetai Town.

They just haven't grown up yet.

Dafu pecked open the snail shell in one bite, revealing a "beautiful head" inside that still had a bit of baby fat.

"what--"

The evil spirit screamed in agony as it was swallowed whole by Dafu.

Wenren Luo's eyes lit up: "Your goose is something else!"

Dafu quickly hid behind Xu Yuan.

Dafu assumes that all strangers have ill intentions towards him.

Xu Yuan looked at Wenren Luo with suspicion: "Who are you...?"

Wenren Luo introduced himself and then, in a very familiar manner, patted Xu Yuan on the shoulder: "I'm going to Shunhua City to investigate a case on my way. How about it, are you interested in coming with me?"

Wenren Luo mysteriously pulled out a special silver note from his pocket: "I won't let you work for nothing, I'll give you a reward. You've never seen this before, have you? This is ghost silver, you can buy things from the underworld, ten taels can buy a lot..."

Xu Yuan silently took out the silver notes given to him by Lu Chenghuang, which still amounted to nearly one hundred taels.

(End of this chapter)