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Chapter 516 Thoughts
As the name suggests, the "deadly method" is to steal someone else's "life" for your own use.

It's not just about stealing one's "fate," it can also steal the lifespan of ordinary people.

This method is insidious and wicked, and its origins are even more unbelievable.

Luo Bei stood at the bow of the boat, looking at the banks of the canal—where poor people were working hard.

Cargo ships shuttle back and forth on the canal.

Even if ordinary people work hard for a year, they might not be able to buy any of the goods transported on this ship.

An old saying goes, "Those adorned in fine silks are not silkworm farmers," and this remains true even today.

Luo Bei felt that this world was unfair!

He turned around and the first thing he saw was Wei Jinyuan sitting lazily at the cabin door.

Wei Jinyuan was dragged back to Nanjiaozhi by him—he was like a wronged wife who couldn't fight back.

Full of resentment and having given up all hope, I'll just let you go.

Luo Bei smiled and said, "Jiaozhi has a unique charm, so why isn't Brother Wei interested?"

Wei Jinyuan rolled his eyes, thinking to himself, "Aren't you just asking a question you already know the answer to?"

He was carrying a gourd of wine in his hand and took a small sip. It was rice wine brewed by a boatman he had met along the way.

The boatman prepared a banquet on the boat.

Freshwater delicacies are caught in the river, cooked on the spot, and served with rice wine.

It's inexpensive and tastes delicious.

This rice wine, in particular, is different from ordinary farm wine. It is filtered clearly, tastes sweet, and has a rich aroma of rice and lees.

Wei Jinyuan bought several more gourds and hid them in the ice chest on the boat.

Now slightly tipsy, he complained to Luo Bei, "A person's liking or disliking of a place is definitely because of the people there, not simply because of the scenery."

Luo Bei smiled and said, "Brother Wei, this is a profound truth."

Wei Jinyuan continued without any politeness, "Believe me, you will soon feel disgusted with Southern Jiaozhi, and all your memories will be unpleasant."

"Hahaha." Luo Bei laughed: "Impossible."

He sat down opposite Wei Jinyuan and said, "I've told you many times that I went to Champa to make friends with Lord Xu."

I came with good intentions, why won't you believe me?

Wei Jinyuan couldn't explain why he didn't believe it.

I just don't believe it anymore.

He rolled his eyes again and went to drink by himself.

The painted boats were beautiful and luxurious, and extremely eye-catching on the canal.

There were also pleasure boats in southern Jiaozhi.

They all dock near the pier to do business.

But compared to Luo Bei's ship, it looks rather rustic.

So when the ship docked at the Champa Canal pier, it caused quite a stir.

Luobei and Wei Jinyuan disembarked.

Luo Bei was accompanied by four maids, all of whom were around sixteen years old and exceptionally beautiful.

Luo Bei is handsome and tall; such a good-looking couple attracts attention wherever they go.

As they walked through the streets at the canal wharf, a porter carrying a load stared intently at the four beautiful maids, and inadvertently bumped into a pillar in front of him.

The goods in the carrying pole crashed to the ground with a loud thud, causing a burst of laughter.

The four maids wore cold expressions, showing no courtesy to anyone except their young master.

Luo Bei passed by a jewelry shop.

The young women and married women who were shopping inside the shop all flocked to the door to watch.

The four maids glared at them fiercely.

The shop assistant hurriedly shouted, "Don't push! Don't push! You'll break the door!"

Wei Jinyuan followed beside him, as if he were invisible.

He was good-looking and, moreover, the son of the Second Grand Secretary. Wherever he went, he was always the center of attention.

However, when they were by Luo Bei's side, they were completely overshadowed by Luo Bei's brilliance.

Wei Jinyuan secretly curled his lip and muttered under his breath, "Show-off."

Among the "Three Unique Talents," one is the "World-Shattering Technique."

This is an advanced version of the widely circulated "Method of Attracting a Beauty".

Luobei is a place of Dharma practitioners, divine practitioners, and craftsmen.

There has been much speculation about which skill he is best at.

Whenever someone asks, Luo Bei just smiles and remains silent.

What the outside world knows now is that Luo Bei has already cultivated all three of these techniques to the fifth level.

Some even speculate that one of the disciplines has already fallen to the fourth tier.

Luo Bei simply doesn't go to Beidu. If he did, those so-called geniuses of the capital would become like stars beside the bright moon, emitting no light whatsoever.

As for why Luo Bei never went to Beidu, he privately told a friend the reason:

Why try to suppress everyone's brilliance?
You'll only invite envy and hatred.

Therefore, Luobei enjoyed an excellent reputation in Huangming Zhengzhou.

As for praising the fine clothes and food, those who support Luo Bei think that's just jealousy and nitpicking.

……

In the Champa government office, His Highness explained to Xu Yuan "who Luobei is" in an admiring tone.

A maidservant beside His Highness covered her mouth and laughed, "Luo Bei has never entered Beidu, but he has expressed his admiration for His Highness on many occasions."

"They must have heard that His Highness was in Champa, so they traveled all this way to get here."

His Highness, with Xu Yuan on his back, gave the maid an approving look.

Before arriving, His Highness had subtly given a few instructions to the maids.

The maid understood.

Lord Xu, you need to be more proactive and work harder! Your strongest competitor has appeared.

If we don't seize this opportunity, His Highness might be kidnapped.

Xu Yuan simply said "Oh," and then didn't react further.

His Highness's deliberate "interest" in Luo Bei did not provoke Xu Yuan in the slightest.

Xu Yuan thought, "Luo Bei came to see His Highness, so it has nothing to do with me."

But why did he drag Wei Jinyuan along halfway through?
Xu Yuan still had some doubts.

But all her thoughts were on Luo Bei, the man.

They completely ignored His Highness, this beautiful woman.

His Highness was fuming.

The geese were still flying around the unfinished building.

His Highness immediately took his anger out on the birds.

"Get rid of them! Don't delay the project."

Mr. Lan immediately went to drive away the geese.

The geese flew away, but as long as no one chased them away, they would soon return.

……

Luo Bei and Wei Jinyuan entered through the east gate of Champa, causing another commotion in the city.

The area inside Champa was much more bustling than the docks.

The streets are lined with two- or three-story buildings.

People upstairs kept opening their windows and looking down.

The men were so brazen that they practically had their eyes glued to the four beautiful maids.

The young ladies from respectable families had to maintain their composure. They opened the window a crack, hiding behind it with their beautiful eyes gleaming as they greedily peered at Luo Bei.

Whose son is this? He's so handsome!

Luo Bei planned to stay at the same inn where Wei Jinyuan had stayed last time. When he was halfway there, something suddenly fell from the sky and hit him squarely on the head.

This stuff was sticky and slid down his forehead, flowing onto Luo Bei's face!

A stench!
Wei Jinyuan, watching from the side, couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Luo Bei always had a gentle smile on his face and was very charming, making everyone feel like they were bathed in a spring breeze.

He couldn't hold back any longer. His face turned cold as he looked up—a flock of geese scattered and flew towards some part of the city.

Bird poop!

Luo Bei took out a handkerchief and wiped the dirt off her head and face.

I've already decided that I'll find a way to catch these geese and roast them for dinner!

Four maids hurriedly stepped forward, used the water from their pouches to wet the silk handkerchief, and helped the young master clean himself.

While the geese were pulling Luo Bei's head and face, only Wei Jinyuan on the entire street was gloating.

Even the men on the road frowned.

The ladies from prominent families hiding behind the windows upstairs cried out in distress.

As the four maids came forward to serve, a jealous snort came from behind the window again.

Luo Bei quickly regained his dashing demeanor and entered the inn at a leisurely pace.

He took a bath and burned incense again.

Having cultivated the "World-Shattering Technique," one becomes intolerant of any "imperfection" in oneself.

A full hour later, another fragrant and handsome man appeared.

Wei Jinyuan was still surrounded by the same few people, including Uncle Xi, but Old Zheng was missing.

Of course, the happiest person to come back this time is Nan Zhenchuan.

Everyone sat with the young master, chatting and laughing.

As Luo Bei walked in, Uncle Xi and the others' expressions changed slightly.

Wei Jinyuan waved for them to leave.

All three of them came out looking worried.

Xiao Bin whispered to Uncle Xi, "Maybe you're right, Luo Bei has taken a liking to our young master."

My Emperor Ming is known for his strong preference for male homosexuality.

There are always people who believe in heretical doctrines like "three flat ones are not as good as one round one".

The well-known brothels in Zhengzhou all have a complete process for training young men.

Luo Bei insisted on bringing Wei Jinyuan with him to South Jiaozhi, and the group secretly speculated about Luo Bei's purpose along the way.

Uncle Xi, who was "well-informed," guessed it.

If it were anyone else, Uncle Xi would have slapped him across the face long ago.

But Luobei is really no good.

Firstly, they couldn't beat them, and secondly, Luo Bei's background was complicated, so even Wei Shiqi had some reservations.

So the three of them took turns keeping an eye on him along the way, making sure that the young master was left alone and that Luo Bei could not get his hands on him!
……

Inside the room, Luo Bei finally revealed his purpose: "Could you please help me introduce Lord Xu, Brother Wei?"

Wei Jinyuan remained seated, glancing at him: "You insisted on dragging me along, just for this?"

Luo Bei nodded: "Brother Wei, please don't make malicious assumptions about me."

"Okay." Wei Jinyuan readily agreed and stood up: "Shall we go now?"

“No,” Luo Bei said. “This is a formal visit, and it’s our first meeting. We can’t be so impolite.”

So Luo Bei prepared name cards and, together with Wei Jinyuan's, instructed Xiao Bin to deliver them.

Nan Zhenchuan quickly snatched it away: "I'll deliver it."

Xu Yuan was a little confused when he received the invitation. Wasn't this "prodigy of the three sects" and the number one young person in Jiangbei supposed to be coming for His Highness?
Why did you come to visit me?
"Where is the person who delivered the invitation? Summon him here and question him carefully."

It was Yu Yunhang who brought the post in.

He then went out to find Nan Zhenchuan.

Logically, after sending the invitation, Nan Zhenchuan should have been waiting in the gatehouse for the host's reply.

But when Yu Yunhang arrived at the gatehouse, he didn't see anyone from Nan Zhenchuan.

"gone back?"

Old Qin said in a muffled voice, "He didn't go back. He went inside to find Xiao Ji."

Yu Yunhang was speechless. He searched the yamen but couldn't find anyone. Then, he turned his attention to the drill ground in the backyard.

Sure enough, they were there. Ji Shuangqiu and Nan Zhenchuan were sparring.

Nan Zhenchuan was beaten black and blue, but he still had a satisfied smile on his face!
Lang Xiaoba squatted to one side and used his fingers to carve words like "despicable," "go to hell," and "bastard" onto the stone lock next to him, which was used to train his strength.

Upon seeing Yu Yunhang arrive, he quickly smoothed it out with his hand.

Yu Yunhang called out, "Nan Zhenchuan, come with me."

Ji Shuangqiu wasn't quite done yet, so she beckoned to Lang Xiaoba: "Come here!"

Lang Xiaoba jumped up and went off excitedly.

Yu Yunhang frowned. These three people... never mind, if they like it, why should I say anything nonsense?

Xu Yuan asked Nan Zhenchuan, his face remaining expressionless, but he was somewhat nervous inside: "You mean... that Luo Bei is coveting your young master?"

Nan Zhenchuan nodded confidently: "That's for sure! No matter what we do along the way, one of us must stay with you, young master, to prevent that Luo from having any chance!"
That's how my young master's innocence was preserved!

Uncle Xi said that at least we should wait until the young master gets married and has children.

"If the young master wanted to become sworn brothers with Luo Bei, let them be, but they must first produce offspring."

There's a saying among the common people of the Ming Dynasty that playing with the "Xianggong" (a type of male deity) and the "Rabbit God" (another type of male deity) too much will affect one's offspring.

Xu Yuan then asked, "What brings you from Luobei to pay your respects to this official?"

Nan Zhenchuan shrugged and said, "I don't know."

Luo Bei attached a gift list to his post.

The list above contains a string of precious items brought from Zhengzhou.

Once we get to Jiaozhi, this gift list alone will cost at least ten thousand taels of silver!

Silver is a good thing, and Lord Xu likes it very much.

But Lord Xu still didn't want to see him.

Xu Yuan returned the invitation, saying, "I've been busy with official duties lately, so I haven't seen it."

Nan Zhenchuan was disappointed. Xu Yuan's refusal to see him meant one less opportunity to come to the Zhancheng government office and "exchange ideas" with Ji Shuangqiu.

"Oh." Nan Zhenchuan went back dejectedly.

After he left, Xu Yuan thought about it and felt that he should still go and remind His Highness.

After all, His Highness is now helping me make money.

If we hadn't known about this, it wouldn't have mattered. But now that we know, we can't let His Highness's lifelong happiness be ruined.

Xu Yuan then went to the Prince's courtyard and asked a maid to announce, "Excuse me, is His Highness there? I request an audience."

The maid went in to announce the news, and His Highness was secretly pleased.

Hmph, you were just pretending to be nonchalant, but now you're getting anxious.

"Tell him to come in."

His Highness tidied his appearance in front of the mirror.

Xu Yuan entered, greeted him, and said, "Your Highness, please dismiss the servants."

Princess Ruicheng's eyes crinkled into crescents, her heart overflowing with joy.

Is this an attempt to reveal one's true feelings to me? Or is it a desire to keep them hidden from others?

His Highness gently raised his hand and waved his sleeve.

The surrounding maids bowed and withdrew.

"Speak," His Highness said in a light voice.

"Hmm..." Xu Yuan hesitated over his words, unsure of how to begin.

Your Highness feels that the young head of the law in Tiannan is a little nervous in front of me, and he needs some encouragement.

So His Highness rose gently, her lotus feet moving lightly, the tinkling of her jade pendants, and a fragrant breeze wafting by, as she came to Xu Yuan's side.

"Don't be nervous. Speak your mind boldly, and I will forgive you."

Xu Yuan breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Your Highness seemed to have praised Luo Bei quite a bit last time..."

His Highness laughed even harder. Just as expected! This stinky man needed to be provoked!
"...But I recently heard that Luo Bei is a homosexual. Although it has nothing to do with me, I'm afraid Your Highness might be deceived by him..."

Princess Ruicheng's smile froze on her face.

Then it disappeared very quickly.

"If Your Highness is truly in love with him, you will need to discipline him more in the future. I've heard that this kind of hobby can affect one's offspring..."

"I'm in love with you my ass!" Princess Ruicheng shrieked, interrupting Xu Yuan.

Xu Yuan was startled and looked up in surprise, only to see that the princess's dignified and bright face was already flushed with anger.

It was glaring fiercely at him.

Xu Yuan was baffled: I was just trying to be helpful, why are you biting the hand that feeds you?
Yes!

Your Highness is angry and embarrassed, blaming me for meddling.

Xu Yuan lowered his head, clasped his hands in a bow, and said, "Alas, I have spoken out of turn. I shall take my leave."

You'd better watch yourself! I'm done with you.

Xu Yuan quickly retreated to the doorway, and turned to run away.

"Stop!"

Xu Yuan felt that His Highness was furious and that if he obeyed and stayed, he would become the target of his anger.

So Lord Xu pretended not to hear and continued to slip away...

His Highness grew anxious and shouted outside, "Block him in here!"

The four maids at the door giggled and rushed forward.

She used her delicate body to block the doorway.

Moreover, these four women are likely to be wet nurses for His Highness's children in the future, so when they came to block him, they were trembling but fearless!

Xu Yuan cried out "Ah!" He dared not touch or move, and the usually fearless Lord Xu, who dared to confront even the most powerful evil spirits without ever backing down, obediently retreated back into the house.

"Hee hee hee……"

The maids giggled, their fragrance and beauty boundless.

The four of them closed the door together, trapping Xu Yuan inside the prince's room.

Xu Yuan was extremely embarrassed. Looking at His Highness, he saw that His Highness's face had turned into a bun of rage.

Her cheeks were bulging.

Her face was flushed.

It's actually quite cute!

His Highness disregarded all decorum and strode over with his hands on his hips—only to trip and fall halfway down his own skirt.

She lifted the hem of her skirt and walked over.

She stood still in front of Xu Yuan, still looking sullen, then rolled up her sleeves, revealing a section of her fair wrist, and suddenly poked Xu Yuan's forehead with her slender fingers.

"Hey?"

Xu Yuan was stunned by the poking. "Your Highness, why are you still attacking?!"

Are you really stupid, or are you just pretending?

"Am I staying in Champa just to wait for Luo Bei to come?"

Xu Yuan blurted out, almost as if possessed, "Isn't that right?"

"You!" His Highness was so angry that he was speechless for a moment.

Xu Yuan asked, puzzled: "Really not?"

"Of course not!" His Highness's eyes reddened slightly. "I've been lingering in Champa, coming up with all sorts of excuses to delay, because there's a fool in this city who just can't understand my feelings!"
I wanted to provoke him with Luo Bei, but he ended up making fun of me instead!

I……"

His Highness could not continue speaking; glistening tears were already welling up in his eyes.

She abruptly turned her back, not wanting Xu Yuan to see her.

Xu Yuan stared, mouth agape, dumbfounded.

He's always been oblivious to romantic feelings, but if he still can't understand this, then he's truly stupid.

His Highness was also extremely annoyed. He turned his back to Xu Yuan and secretly wiped away his tears with his sleeve. He then said, "How was I supposed to know that Luo Bei, who was far away in Hunan and Hubei, would come looking for me? Do you think I can predict the future?"

I have absolutely no feelings for him whatsoever. Don't use him to frame me; I'm so wronged.

Her Highness truly couldn't hold it in any longer. Her cultivation method was "from the heart," so when she couldn't hold it in any longer and wanted to speak, she simply said everything she felt in one breath.

As for whether Xu Yuan will accept it after it's been said, and if he doesn't, will the two of them find themselves in an awkward situation...

His Highness couldn't care less about that anymore.

His Highness's voice, tinged with resentment, fell silent, and the room fell still.

You could hear a pin drop.

Xu Yuan's mind was in a mess.

My first reaction was: "It's not Luo Bei, it's me?"

He and His Highness became acquainted through the rivalry between Dafu and Aoquan.

He felt from the beginning that His Highness was "spoiled" and arrogant.

But now that I think about it, after we got to know each other... His Highness never really made things difficult for me.

Moreover, she specifically entrusted the grain business in Jiaozhi to herself.

In fact, as long as Your Highness gives the word, there are plenty of high-ranking officials in Jiaozhi who are willing to cooperate with Your Highness on this business.

Those people have more power and influence than I do. They can do better, and they get a smaller share of the profits.

Xu Yuan suddenly understood: Oh, I see.

But what are my true feelings for His Highness?

I have never seen either of them consider romantic feelings.

Your Highness is of noble birth, beautiful and dignified, with remarkable cultivation and outstanding abilities.

Although she has some minor flaws in her personality, she is still the kind of partner that more than 90% of men in the Huangming Dynasty would dream of.

But... in romantic relationships, it's not always true that if you're great, I'll necessarily fall for you.

Most importantly, Xu Yuan is still confused; it all happened so suddenly.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness." Xu Yuan said slowly, "This humble official...this humble official has never thought of it in this way."

His Highness turned around, his eyes red, but staring straight at him: "You can think about it that way now."

Your Highness is still so assertive.

Xu Yuan's forehead was beaded with sweat; he felt she was far more difficult to deal with than a fourth-rate evil spirit: "Your Highness, could you perhaps grant me some time..."

"How long do you want?"

"This..." Xu Yuan stammered, unable to speak.

Several beautiful figures flashed through my mind, rotating like a revolving lantern.

Suddenly, I noticed that Princess Ruicheng was also among these beautiful figures!
They flashed by in turn, circling around and around, but none of them ever truly settled down.

Even though Zhu Zhanmei's family had already accepted Xu Yuan, they had never actually confided in each other.

His Highness was the most proactive and direct one.

Seeing that he still couldn't give a timeframe, His Highness finally sighed softly, "Fine, I won't press you anymore."

"But remember this, I have absolutely no interest in that Luo Bei!"

His Highness waved his hand: "Go ahead, I'm tired."

Xu Yuan wanted to say something, but didn't know what to say, so he could only bow and leave.

His Highness sat down on the soft couch, pouted, hugged a soft pillow, and twisted it tightly with his little hands, as if he were holding some silly person.

"You can't see what other people mean."

"You didn't accept what they said."

"And then they falsely accuse someone—they're absolutely wicked!"

"You just wait, if I don't take you down, I'll write the character 'Zhu' backwards!"

……

Luo Bei was also confused, and looked at Wei Jinyuan: "You were rejected? Brother Wei, do you have that little influence with Lord Xu?"

Wei Jinyuan chuckled: "Luo Bei, I told you long ago, don't fight with Xu Yuan. No matter what your ambitions are, he can see right through you!"

Luo Bei's expression changed rapidly before returning to normal.

If Wei Jinyuan's approach doesn't work, then we have to find another way.

His "deadly method" has a limitation: only by becoming close friends can one see the other person's "fate" and then take it from them.

Since growing up, Luo Bei has lost four close friends at a young age.

"He is the head of the Exorcism Department, and when he is busy with official duties, he focuses on investigating strange cases."

"Then I'll give him a bizarre case!"

(End of this chapter)