Grass and mustard reign supreme

Chapter 100 The pot exploded.
At this moment, Yu Rui was truly nervous.

The internal strife within the Yu family is no secret.

Yu Xinglong, the eldest son of the Yu family, is the head of the clan.

His father, Yu Huanhu, known as the "Tiger of Generations," had formed his own faction and already possessed the strength to challenge the clan leader.

Uncle Yu Xiaobao, who was over thirty, suddenly became "thirty years old".

He suddenly woke up from his life of debauchery and became determined to build a career.

However, he was ambitious but incompetent, and the Yu family's power had already been divided up, leaving only scraps, so he had no chance at all.

Now that he has acquired this batch of armor, if his third uncle discovers it and reports it to his eldest uncle, he will have no way to defend himself.

And the captured bald-headed Falcon Demon must absolutely not be seen by him.

Otherwise, this would be the source of the feud between Dailai City and the Bald Tribe.

Even if Uncle San doesn't report him or inform the Bald Hair Tribe, with these two handles, wouldn't he be subject to Uncle San's control in the future when he comes to the city?

As Yu Xiaobao's men drew closer, Yu Rui immediately ordered, "Kang Zhuangshi, I trouble you to take Tuoba Junxie and leave immediately. Take him to see Master Yang, and I will send someone to pick him up later."

Kang Zhengyi hesitated for a moment, then quickly agreed.

Yu Rui solemnly said, "We must not let anyone see him, and we must not let him escape!"

"Don't worry, Young Master Yu!"

Kang Zhengyi rarely spoke more than a few words, and immediately took the reins of the horse ridden by the bald-headed falconer, turning it around and galloping back.

Yu Rui's guards spurred their horses forward, forming a human wall to ensure that Kang Zhengyi and Tuoba Junxie's departure would not be seen by the approaching Third Master Leopard's men.

As for the carriages, they could not be hidden, but fortunately they were tied tightly with lacquered cloth, so nothing could be found without opening and searching them.

Seeing Kang Zhengyi turn away and the two horses quickly disappear from sight, Yu Rui breathed a sigh of relief before leading his guards forward slowly.

"Uncle Three!"

From about ten steps away, Yu Rui deliberately raised his voice, forcing a look of surprise on his face, as if it were truly a chance encounter.

"What are you doing here, Ziming?"

Yu Xiaobao got out of the car and looked at Yu Rui in surprise.

"Didn't you go back to Dailai City?"

Yu Rui smiled slightly and rode closer: "Third Uncle, why do you think I've been staying at Feng'an Fort for several days? I'm waiting for a shipment."

"What? You're waiting for a shipment? What's going on here...?"

"This batch of goods was ordered by my father, so it's not convenient to show it to others, and the preparation was also a bit late."

So, my nephew stayed in Feng'an Fort for two days, actually just to wait for this batch of goods.

Well, the goods have arrived, and it's time for my nephew to leave, but the camel caravan went first.

My nephew went to great lengths just to pick up this batch of goods.

Suddenly seeing someone on the road, my nephew thought he'd messed things up, but luckily it was you, Uncle! Hahaha.

Yu Xiaobao looked on with suspicion: "Transporting goods? On your own land, what kind of goods would you transport that you have to be so secretive about?"

As he spoke, Yu Xiaobao's gaze fell on the four carriages.

Yu Rui said calmly, "These are things my father asked me to buy. Although they are on our Yu family's territory, there are some things that shouldn't be publicized everywhere, don't you think, Uncle?"

Yu Xiaobao's mind raced. He'd bought things from the Western Regions so furtively, not wanting his elder brother to know. Could it be...?

Nine times out of ten, it's a military weapon.

In this era, the West also possessed weapons superior to those from other regions, which could be exported as goods.

For example, the Wootz steel knife, also known as the Woolstone knife, was once traded by someone in the Central Plains for thirty bolts of Shu brocade.

For example, the Yuezhi bow, also known as the Damascus composite bow, is called the Jiaoduan bow in the Central Plains. Its tension and elasticity are superior to those of bows from the Central Plains.

There was also the Salma shield, made of three layers of camel skin with iron plates sandwiched between them, which could withstand a crossbow bolt of three stones from within a hundred paces.

The Central Plains can now replicate the iron sword, but the cost is three times higher, so it is more cost-effective to buy it from the Western Regions.

If Yu Huanhu were to secretly purchase military equipment and be caught by my elder brother, well…

Yu Xiaobao was overjoyed and laughed, "Heh, you little brat, I'm your third uncle. Why can't you tell me things directly instead of hiding them from me?"

As Yu Xiaobao spoke, he got out of the car and went over to lift the car door to take a look.

Yu Rui immediately dismounted and stood in front of Yu Xiaobao, his smile turning cold.

"Third Uncle, as you know, my father is very strict with his nephew. My father said it would be kept secret along the way, but he didn't say that Third Uncle could see it."

Of course, that's because my father didn't know that his nephew would meet his third uncle here.

However, whether or not you look at it is none of your business, Uncle, so please don't make things difficult for your nephew.

"Heh, hehe..."

Yu Xiaobao was secretly furious, but when he saw Yu Rui's expression, he was afraid that if things really got out of hand, he would lose even more face.

Yu Xiaobao chuckled, narrowed his eyes slightly, and said, "Uncle is just taking a look around, you kid."

"Cheng, your uncle is on his way back to Feng'an Fort. Let's go together. Your third uncle will look after you."

"Uh... then thank you very much, Uncle San."

Their location was near Canglang Gorge.

Coming from Canglang Gorge, it's closer to Feng'an Fort first, and the road is also easier to travel.

If Yu Rui refuses and insists on taking the difficult, unpaved road directly to Tielinliang, it will obviously make the goods seem even more suspicious.

Yu Rui knew that his third uncle was doing this to stall him and find out what they were actually transporting in Dailai City.

However, Uncle San had no idea that Yang Can was now mine.

This batch of armor was a gift from him.

Now, I need Yang Can to clear my name.

Yu Rui was secretly pleased, but on the surface he pretended to be reluctant and agreed to the plan.

So the two groups worked together and headed towards Feng'an Village.

……

It was nearly noon when Qingmei slowly walked back to her residence.

Her steps were much more natural than in the morning, though her face still had a lingering blush, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up slightly.

Inside the room, Dugu Jingyao's ears twitched as she heard footsteps.

The piece of dried beef that had already been placed near her mouth was immediately slipped back into her sleeve.

Qiangpu, a snack originating from the Qiang people, is made by thinly slicing mutton, coating it with wild onion juice and sesame oil, and then drying it. It is a delicacy often used by nobles in Longshang to accompany wine.

The Records of Buddhist Temples in Luoyang states that Northern Wei nobles "hid Qiang dried meat in their sleeves to accompany their wine."

Just as the dried meat was hidden away, Qingmei pushed open the door and walked in.

Then I saw Little Master Jingyao sitting cross-legged on the couch, her back not against the wall, her posture upright.

She held a string of ebony prayer beads in her hand, each bead smooth and shiny, clearly having been frequently handled.

When Qingmei pushed open the door, this was the scene that greeted her:
The young nun Jingyao lowered her eyebrows and lowered her eyes, her expression serene and peaceful.

Her slender fingers gently moved the prayer beads.

The sound of the prayer beads clashing is barely audible, yet it exudes a unique rhythm.

Such a sight can dispel much of the restlessness in one's heart with just one glance, giving rise to a sense of Zen.

Although Qingmei was more wary of Dugu Jingyao because of Granny Zhuo's betrayal, she couldn't help but feel respect for her when she saw her demeanor.

Little Master Jingyao slowly opened her eyes, her gaze clear and calm, as if she had pierced through the hustle and bustle of the world and landed in a distant place unseen by the world.

She said softly, "You didn't come back last night."

Qingmei was immediately ashamed, regretting that she should not have brought this little bodhisattva to share a room with her; now she had been caught red-handed.

"Ahem, yes, well... the Dragon Boat Festival banquet just ended, and there are all sorts of things to take care of. I've been busy all night." Little Master Jingyao smiled slightly, her eyes filled with clear understanding.

"Words are like dew; truth nourishes all things, while falsehoods easily dissipate. Why not remain silent for a moment, and speak when your mind is clear?"

Qingmei was immediately embarrassed. Had she seen through her?
You...do you know that if we see through each other but don't say anything, we can still be good friends!

The green plum, embarrassed and angry, decided to throw caution to the wind and simply tilted her head back, revealing the strawberry she had carefully hidden.

“What you say is true, little monk. They are just afraid that you, a monk, will offend your ears.”

The little green plum looked a bit shy, a bit proud, and a bit boastful.

“Last night, the master and I consummated our relationship, but she already belonged to the master; she would have been his sooner or later…”

The little Bodhisattva's serene expression almost cracked; she never expected Qingmei to say something so bluntly.

She's already confessed, what can you do about it? Do you want to see her embarrassed and ashamed?

I... I shouldn't have asked that!
The young monk suppressed a faint pang of sadness in his heart, smiled and nodded, his tone remaining calm.

"To be happy when flowers bloom and not sad when they fall, that would be the best."

Qingmei usually enjoys listening to Master Jingyao speak words full of Zen wisdom.

For some reason, I feel only troubled today.

After all, anyone would feel embarrassed to talk about such a private matter in public.

"Thank you for your guidance, Sister Jingyao. I believe that Master will not let me down."

Qingmei smiled sweetly: "Then I won't disturb your cultivation. I have a lot of things to do at home."

Qingmei went over, took a set of clothes from the cabinet, changed in the small room, apologized to Dugu Jingyao, and then left.

After Qingmei left, Jingyao suddenly sped up the speed of her prayer beads, turning two beads in quick succession before slowly stopping.

She let out a soft sigh and said slowly, "Words are like dew, fleeting in an instant; only actions reveal the truth. Amitabha..."

She stopped abruptly halfway through her sentence, then muttered under her breath, "Pah! What a dog of a man!"

Has the proud little princess secretly fallen for Yang Can?

Of course... impossible!

But if you confess your feelings to me and I don't accept them, that's my business.

But if you immediately go after another woman, that won't do.

Princess Dugu is just that domineering.

……

On the road leading to Feng'anzhuang, Yu Rui's convoy was moving slowly forward.

The armor on the carriage was covered with a layer of grass, then covered with a lacquered cloth, and the cloth was tied with ropes. Even if you got to the carriage, you wouldn't know what was inside unless you untied the ropes, lifted the lacquered cloth, and parted the weeds.

Therefore, although Yu Xiaobao kept glancing at the carriage along the way, Yu Rui didn't care at all.

"My dear nephew, what exactly is this cargo of yours? It's so mysterious, can't your third uncle even take a look?"

Yu Xiaobao couldn't help but speak again, his tone somewhat casual, but his eyes were full of inquiry.

Yu Rui smiled calmly: "Third Uncle, it's really nothing important."

But they're all packed and sealed, and there's also my father's order. Why should my nephew be made things difficult for me, Uncle?
If Uncle is really curious, why don't you go to Dailai City with your nephew?

"You can look all you want in front of my dad."

Yu Xiaobao snorted coldly, thinking to himself, "When we get to Feng'an Village, I'll definitely find a way to delay you for another day and let Yang Can investigate you."

If this thing of yours is really a military weapon, hey, then we're in for a good laugh.

Even now, Yu Xiaobao has no idea that the items uploaded to Yu Rui's car were the mountain goods from Tufa Junxie.

He had already witnessed the fierce battle between Bald Falcon and Bald Mo.

There were absolutely no signs of a fight between Yu Rui and his group.

Furthermore, since Yu Rui came from Liangzhou, Yu Xiaobao couldn't believe that he was connected to the missing mountain goods of Tuoba Junxie.

……

In Yang Can's study at Feng'an Fort, the bald-haired Junxie stood upright and straight.

His hair was a little messy, and his face looked somewhat disheveled, but his eyes were full of anger as he glared at Yang Can.

After Kang Zhengyi arrived near Feng'an Fort, he first tied up the bald-headed Junxie in a secluded grove of trees.

Then he returned to the village alone, found his son, and had his son take a few cousins ​​and push a donkey cart out.

Under the pretense of gathering pig feed and horse fodder, they hid Bald Falcon in the woods, concealed him under a donkey cart, and covered him with plenty of pig feed and horse fodder before successfully delivering him to Feng'an Fort.

"Yang Can, you still dare to say you didn't do it?"

Bald-haired Falcon said through gritted teeth, his voice filled with anger.

"They actually sent me here, so my mountain goods must be in your hands, right?"

"Yes."

"Huh?" Bald Falcon was taken aback. He had prepared for Falcon's denial and how he would refute him, but Falcon admitted it.
Yang Can shook his head, his tone tinged with amusement: "You're in my hands now. If I don't want the secret of the mountain products to be exposed, what do you think I'll do to you?"

Bald Falcon's face turned deathly pale instantly. Only now did he realize how unnecessary his anger had been.

Since Yang Can dared to admit it, he wasn't afraid of Yang Can finding out, and might even have already planned how to deal with him.

Could it be... that this bastard is planning to kill me to silence me?
The moment the thought crossed his mind, his body began to tremble uncontrollably.

Looking at the bald-headed Falcon's contorted face, Yang Can smiled faintly: "Justice, lock him in the basement."

Wealthy families usually have a basement where they store valuables such as gold and silver jewelry.

Zhang Yunyi had moved all the valuables away, and now Yang Can's basement is empty, which is perfect for imprisoning Tuoba Junxie.

Yang Can held the key, while Kang Zhengyi held the bald-headed Junxie at the corner of the study. There was a basement.

That big, burly man was forced inside.

Bald Falcon had just thought he was going to die, but now that Yang Can was only going to lock him up, a glimmer of hope ignited in his heart, so he did not resist at all.

Once the heavy iron gate to the basement was closed and the large padlock, weighing at least five pounds, was locked, Kang Zhengyi wisely withdrew.

Yang Can returned to his desk and sat down, tapping his fingers lightly on the tabletop, his brows furrowed slightly as he fell into deep thought.

In fact, the current development of events is not entirely within his expectations.

He never intended for everything to go according to his plan.

After all, people's hearts are unpredictable and situations are ever-changing; there are no "perfect plans" to be found.

How can you expect your opponent to react exactly to your plan, like they've already prepared a set of moves?

There were only two things he actively did:

First, he needed to find someone to "take the blame," and Yu Rui was the person he chose, and Yu Rui was very willing to take the blame.
Secondly, he wanted to find a "whistleblower" to let everyone know that the armor was in Rui's hands, thus completely clearing Feng'an Village of suspicion. The Xianbei people were his chosen target.

These two steps are the most crucial parts of his plan.

Once it's done, Feng'anzhuang can completely distance itself from the matter.

He didn't care whether other people would get involved later.

With others involved, the situation will become more chaotic, making it easier for him to hide his tracks.

No one got involved; the blame had already been shifted, and he and Feng'anzhuang escaped danger.

He simply kept a few hunters on standby, thinking the more chaotic the better.

So that if necessary, they can fan the flames and make the situation even more chaotic.

As a result, Third Master Leopard excitedly plunged in.

To his even greater surprise, the bald-headed falcon demon ended up in his hands by some twist of fate.

Now that he has used all his moves, it is his turn to respond.

(End of this chapter)