Mountain and River Festival

Chapter 403 When the Storm Rises
Upon hearing this, Qi Tuizhi's expression became more cautious, mainly as he observed the expressions of the two women on Lu Xingzhou's left and right.

The two women's faces darkened, but they didn't react. Instead, they both started poking at the rice in their bowls with their chopsticks, seemingly not really targeting anyone.

Shen Tang and Lu Xingzhou have indeed established a romantic relationship. It can be said that Lu Xingzhou's recovery from leg injury and his ability to stand up again, as well as his ability to broaden his mind and move on from the past, are all thanks to Shen Tang. She represents a significant turning point in his life, a rebirth for him.

Whoever comes here will always be a step behind; they can only try to poach talent from others. Anyone with a shred of self-respect has no confidence.

Shen Tang hasn't gone public either, not because she doesn't want to, but because she's worried Lu Xingzhou will be beaten to death by Gu Zhanting. Now, everyone's only way to poach him is by exploiting this loophole.

If it weren't for this reason, Shen Tang would be the kind of person who couldn't wait to announce it to the world, and wouldn't leave any loopholes for these little bitches.

This is too stable; there's practically no barrier between the two sides. If there really is a barrier, it depends on Shen Tang's attitude if Lu Xingzhou were to consider establishing his own power base. Before that, this relationship is almost impossible to undermine; if it were, it would prove Lu Xingzhou is unfaithful and fickle, which is why they don't like him.

Pei Chuyun, being born into the Hehuan family, is relatively open-minded about these things. Why does Sheng Yuanyao only acknowledge her brothers? It's precisely because of this; she can't very well admit to being a mistress.

Especially since Sheng Yuanyao was the first to arrive... her face was as black as charcoal, which made Qi Tuizhi tremble with fear.

Of course, saying "I am Princess Chaohuang's person," just like saying "I am the person of King Qi and King Jin," doesn't imply romantic feelings, but rather refers to political affiliation. Qi Tuizhi composed himself and cautiously replied, "Princess Chaohuang...does she intend to contend for the throne?"

"Whether it was intentional or not is secondary; what matters most is whether one is qualified." Lu Xingzhou said leisurely, "Before the Prince of Jin fell from power, he was the only adult prince in the entire royal family who showed his face in public. It was almost as if he was the de facto heir apparent, and his influence was greater than anyone else's... No one expected his high tower to collapse so quickly, and the Prince of Qi's restoration came without any warning. How can we know if the Prince of Qi will be the next Prince of Jin, or if there is someone else who has been restored without warning?"

Qi Tui felt a pang of sympathy and sighed, "That's right."

Lu Xingzhou said, "Speaking of which, why don't you go and serve Prince Qi? With your talent, and the support of a powerful sect, does Prince Qi really look down on you just because you used to associate with Prince Jin? You can't be that short-sighted, can you?"

Qi Tuizhi shook his head: "It's probably not a matter of perspective... but rather that the way King Qi acts now seems to be the opposite of King Jin. He keeps a low profile and doesn't collude with any factions in the court or the countryside. Let alone me, he won't take anyone in."

Lu Xingzhou stroked his chin and nodded.

"As for Qi himself... it's understandable to ask for help from former friends, but to recommend myself as a subordinate? I, Qi Tuizhi, am not some desperate person, is it really necessary?"

Qi Tuizhi didn't say anything more after that, and ate his meal in silence. He had already asked Princess Chaohuang if she intended to compete for the throne, just to know how much of a future there was in following such a leader. Although Lu Xingzhou's answer made sense, it wasn't what he wanted.

What's the point of following a princess who doesn't even know what her future holds or has any plans? Besides, do I even have the ability to help her get on the path she wants? Qi Tuizhi comes from a first-class sect and has high aspirations. He's not some poor guy looking for a job. If he can only get an ordinary future, he might as well go home and be the young master.

"What, you don't like it?" Lu Xingzhou knew what he was thinking and laughed: "You misunderstood. I said I was Princess Chaohuang's person, not that I was recruiting you on her behalf. If Prince Qi doesn't collude with other forces, do you think Princess Chaohuang would? How many fools like Prince Jin are there?"

Qi Tuizhi was taken aback: "Then Brother Lu is looking for me..."

"When I answered that question, I was simply telling you that for this reason, others wouldn't consider me to be associated with Prince Jin, and I don't need to worry about such things, that's all..." Lu Xingzhou said with a smile, "I already said I'm just making friends. For example, if the Huo family won't help you with your job search, I can. As for whether you'll be seen as my protégé or a member of the princess's faction after I help you, that's up to you, and your future is naturally up to you."

Qi Tuizhi suddenly realized that this was not just a figurehead viscount; he was a real official in charge of a department, and naturally had the power to recruit people.

If we disregard the question of which faction to serve and simply seek help to find a job, like with Huo Qi... then Lu Xingzhou could indeed do that himself, so why would he need Princess Chaohuang?
This position might even have a high starting point, making it more useful than hiring Huo Qi.

Since Lu Xingzhou was new to the Ministry of Rites' Department of Receptions, he didn't know who the people in the department were before. He would hope to have a capable assistant he knew well.

And Qi Tuizhi, this top student from the Imperial Academy, is extremely suitable to be recruited into the various departments of the Six Ministries... Following this line of thought, the position Lu Xingzhou arranges for him will definitely not be low; he will start as a department head. Even if Huo Qi is willing to help, he can at most arrange an ordinary position; it's impossible for him to have that kind of influence, as their roles are different.

This is like riding a favorable wind, just when Lu Xingzhou himself was about to stir up trouble.

If accepted, this would indeed be considered a "former official," carrying a strong connotation of being "Lu Xingzhou's person," and possibly even being seen as one of Princess Chaohuang's people. But as long as Lu Xingzhou doesn't say anything, and Qi Tuizhi himself doesn't publicize it, who would know that he was promoted by Lu Xingzhou? After all, on the surface, Qi Tuizhi and Lu Xingzhou have fought, clearly not getting along. Why couldn't someone else have placed him there to hinder Lu Xingzhou?
So whether you accept this or not is up to you.

Qi Tuizhi was lost in thought, unsure whether taking this step would bring fortune or misfortune. He was so confused about the future that he stopped chewing his food.

After a long pause, he finally said, "Does the county magistrate trust me?"

Lu Xingzhou knew he had figured it out, and smiled slightly: "Do you think there's anything about your character that makes people untrustworthy?"

Qi Tuizhi suddenly laughed as well: "Does betraying the Prince of Jin and not sharing his hardships count?"

This statement actually implies quite clearly: if you can share the good times, then you are a benefactor; but if you want to share the bad times, then I'm sorry.

Lu Xingzhou didn't care, and instead raised his glass in a toast: "Then I hope you will never have the chance to share hardships with anyone again."

Qi Tuizhi laughed heartily, raised his cup, and drank it all.

Lu Xingzhou put down his cup: "Report to the Guest House tomorrow."

"Yes." Qi Tuizhi stood up, cupped his hands and smiled, "I've finished eating, so I won't disturb your meal any longer."

Watching Qi Tuizhi leave the private room, Sheng Yuanyao patted the little pig's head again: "I really admire this guy's thick skin... I really couldn't be as flexible as him." A'nuo glanced at her, thinking to herself, "If you had that kind of ability, I'd probably be calling for my mother by now."

Pei Chuyun was saying, "He can take things on and let them go, and he has a very firm goal in his heart. He's a remarkable person."

Sheng Yuanyao said, "But this doesn't count as him pledging allegiance. To put it bluntly, he still doesn't have any powerful backing. What's the use of just getting a position? Is he just going to waste his whole life in a small position?"

Pei Chuyun sighed: "Do you think he's as dim-witted as you? Doesn't he know what it means for the two of us to be sitting here?"

Yes, that represents Pei Qingyan and Sheng Qingfeng.

Although these two weren't exactly on Lu Xingzhou's side, and Lu Xingzhou couldn't actually rely on their influence much, Qi Tuizhi didn't know that. Even if he did, he would still gamble that Lu Xingzhou's future prospects would be different.

Sheng Yuanyao was mocked, but surprisingly, she didn't argue with Pei Chuyun. Instead, she turned to look at Lu Xingzhou's profile thoughtfully.

It seems Lu Xingzhou is really planning to build up his own momentum...

Starting with a minor official position with little real power? Sheng Yuanyao simply couldn't imagine what he could do.

If I were a general with real power, I could have helped him a bit, but it seems like it's about to be taken away from me...

Now that Lu Xingzhou is building up his own momentum, will it cause some conflict with Shen Tang?
Both women realized this, exchanged a glance across Lu Xingzhou, and then quickly looked away.

…………

South, Miaoyin Mountain.

There was no earthquake.

Yuan Muyu leaned back quietly in her chair, looking up at the ceiling.

My mind is blank; I don't know what I'm thinking, or maybe I'm not thinking about anything at all.

After an unknown amount of time, the communication jade talisman vibrated, and Yuan Muyu numbly answered the call.

A lazy telepathic message came from the other end: "Are you there?"

Yuan Muyu said calmly, "Here to show off your power?"

"...You're the one who came to me after you finished your business," Ye Tinglan said. "The issues in the Ancient Realm are serious matters, and I think you also need to exchange ideas."

"What? Just finished? You've been at this point? I didn't realize he was so good."

Ye Tinglan: "..."

Yuan Muyu suddenly laughed self-deprecatingly: "Actually, it's pretty good... Isn't this exactly what I wanted?... Why am I angry?"

Ye Tinglan still didn't respond.

Yuan Muyu said, "But speaking of which... Sister, have you broken through the Supreme Dao of Forgetfulness?"

Ye Tinglan finally responded: "I don't know, I haven't considered it. Let nature take its course, that's the way. Being too deliberate is not cultivation."

This time, it was Yuan Muyu's turn to remain silent.

“You and I are both just illusory beings. People say we are above all living beings, and that is the standard answer... You and I should know that we are still far from understanding what we are doing now, and it is far from correct.” Ye Tinglan said, “But I still insist on what I meant back then: we should not be attached to things, because attachment leads to delusion, and there will be consequences—no matter what it is.”

Yuan Muyu gritted her teeth and said after a long while, "It's too early to say whether it's right or wrong."

Ye Tinglan said, "Alright, let's not talk about this."

Yuan Muyu answered more readily than ever before: "I found some interesting information in the remnant soul that possessed Duan Ning's body."

"Ok?"

"The Ancient Realm is actually a prison... or rather, a place of exile. At least that's what this remnant soul thinks."

(End of this chapter)