Undercurrents begin to surge in Daming Prefecture

Chapter Quote: I thought I was just placing a chess piece casually, but I didn't know that the chessboard had already started vibrating.

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Shi Qian's tiny, insignificant ripple didn't linger in Yan Qing's mind for long. He returned to the Lu residence, and life seemed to have returned to its usual routine. Every day, he would attend to Lu Junyi, practice spear and sumo, or play musical instruments and sing. Everything went on as usual. However, he observed the interior and exterior of the Lu residence with even greater attention than before.

He knew that the storm that would overturn Lu Junyi's life and completely drag him into the vortex of Liangshan would soon be triggered by the arrival of Wu Yong, the resourceful star of Liangshanpo.

He needed to confirm the exact time. In his previous life, at this time, he was still a naive teenager, oblivious to the impending plot, simply obeying his master's orders. In this life, he had to take the initiative.

The opportunity will come soon.

That day, Lu Junyi finished practicing spear and club in the martial arts arena, his clothes soaked with sweat, and he was in a very good mood. Yan Qing handed him a handkerchief and warm ginseng tea, and said with a casual smile, "Master, there have been a few strange fortune tellers in the city recently. They look unfamiliar, and their words are quite mysterious. They are causing quite a lot of discussion in the market."

Lu Junyi took the teacup and said indifferently: "Such a quack is just a trick to cheat people out of food and drink. Why would you trust him?"

Yan Qing, while helping him arrange his weapons, continued, "Master is right. But I heard them talk about 'bloody disasters' and 'a hundred-day disaster', and they sounded so convincing that they managed to scare some foolish men and women. I think if these people, who spread rumors and mislead the people, stayed in the city, they might cause trouble."

"Oh?" Lu Junyi raised his eyebrows slightly. Although he didn't believe this, as a prominent gentry in Daming Prefecture, he was naturally concerned about local stability. "Do you know where they are now?"

"He was setting up a stall in front of the City God Temple two days ago, but I haven't seen him today." Yan Qing said casually, as if it was just a casual remark, "Maybe he went to another place to cheat people."

His words were seven-tenths true, three-tenths false. A new fortune teller had indeed arrived in the city, but the rumors of a "bloody disaster" were simply a pretext he'd exploited, drawing on memories from his past life to subtly sow a seed of vigilance in Lu Junyi. He knew Wu Yong, disguised as a fortune teller, was best known for his alarmist rhetoric. If Lu Junyi developed a preconceived notion and developed a skeptical dislike for such people, Wu Yong's plans would be significantly more difficult.

Lu Junyi snorted and said nothing more, but Yan Qing caught a flash of hesitation in his eyes.

The seeds have been planted, just waiting for them to sprout.

Two days later, Lu Junyi suddenly decided to inspect his family's farm outside the city. Yan Qing naturally accompanied him. As they reached the south gate, they saw a bustling crowd of people, and the willow trees along the road were already turning their autumn colors. Just off the city gate, in a somewhat secluded corner, a small group of people gathered.

Yan Qing's sharp eyes immediately spotted a cloth banner in the center of the crowd, inscribed with the four characters "Divine Calculation." Beneath it sat a scholar, wearing a black crepe turban, a white silk Taoist robe with a black rim, a colorful Lu Gong sash, and square-toed blue cloth shoes. In his hands, he held a pair of copper bells and pestles worth more than gold, and spoke eloquently.

Although he was disguised, Yan Qing recognized him at a glance by his thin face and eyes that seemed indifferent but actually had a gleam of brilliance - it was Wu Yong.

He was startled. Here it comes!

Almost at the same time, Wu Yong's eyes also swept over and met Yan Qing's in the air. Wu Yong's eyes lingered on Yan Qing for a moment, as if he was also secretly surprised by the young man's handsomeness and demeanor, but then turned to Lu Junyi who was surrounded by people, obviously recognizing him as the real host.

Lu Junyi was riding a tall horse and had already passed by the fortune-telling stall, but for some reason, he remembered what Yan Qing said a few days ago, so he pulled the reins and glanced back.

Seeing this, Wu Yong was secretly delighted, thinking that the fish had taken the bait. He was about to shake the bell and say a few words to attract attention.

Unexpectedly, Lu Junyi just frowned and instructed the steward Li Gu beside him, "These quacks are becoming more and more outrageous nowadays. They are actually gathering and making noise at the main road of the city gate. Go, tell them to move to another place and stop blocking the road."

Li Gu responded and hurriedly took two servants to drive them away.

Wu Yong's prepared speech suddenly choked in his throat. He had considered Lu Junyi's wealth, fame, and potential troubles, but he hadn't considered that he would be so unwilling to listen to his divination because of "blocking the road."

He could only pack up his stall while pretending to be calm and said loudly: "I am an iron calculator who can calculate the innate numbers of the emperor and know the life and death of people and their status. I will charge you one tael of gold or silver for your divination, and you are not allowed to ask for money!" He said this to Lu Junyi, hoping to arouse his curiosity.

Unfortunately, Lu Junyi just waved his hand impatiently, signaling the carriage to continue moving forward, without even turning his head.

Yan Qing followed Lu Junyi's horse, his lips curled up slightly. Very good, the first step disrupted Wu Yong's rhythm.

Wu Yong stood on the stall he had been forced to move, watching Lu Junyi's carriage drive away, his brow furrowed. This was completely different from what he had expected. Lu Junyi's reaction was too calm, even with a hint of disgust. His eyes fell again on the handsome young man following closely behind him, and doubts filled his heart. Was it a coincidence? Or...

Lu Junyi inspected the farm and lingered for half a day before returning to the city. It was nearly dusk when he returned. As he reached the city's busiest street, he suddenly noticed a commotion ahead, accompanied by women's exclamations and men's curses.

It turned out to be a dandy young man, accompanied by several wicked servants, who were molesting a singing girl. The girl was terrified and trembling, clutching her pipa. Although there were many passersby around, no one dared to step forward to stop them.

Lu Junyi hated this kind of bullying and bullying the most in his life. Seeing this, he flew into a rage and shouted, "How dare you do this in broad daylight, before the Emperor!"

The dandy turned around and saw Lu Junyi with an extraordinary demeanor and a strong servant behind him. He was a little intimidated at first, but he still spoke firmly: "Who are you? How dare you meddle in my business!"

Lu Junyi became even angrier and was about to order someone to be arrested.

Suddenly, a clear voice came from outside the crowd: "Everyone, why bother with violence?"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw a scholar in a blue robe walking slowly towards them. He had an elegant face and held a feather fan in his hand (it was autumn by then, and holding a feather fan seemed a bit artificial, but there was a strange harmony in him). It was Wu Yong.

Wu Yong bowed to the dandy young man and said with a smile, "Sir, please look over there." He pointed his feather fan at the corner of the street.

The dandy boy and the others couldn't help but look in the direction, but saw only a few ordinary passersby, nothing unusual. When they turned back, they saw Wu Yong standing in front of the singing girl, saying to the dandy boy, "Please forgive her when you can. You are from a distinguished family, why bother to argue with a weak woman and lose your dignity for nothing? If a quarrel breaks out and gets to your father's ears, it will be disastrous."

His words were gentle, but each one hit the nail on the head. The dandy's expression changed several times before he finally snorted and left in a huff with his servants.

Wu Yong then turned around and said to the singing girl gently, "Miss, please go home quickly."

The girl was filled with gratitude and thanked him repeatedly, then hurried away holding her pipa.

All of this was seen by Lu Junyi and Yan Qing.

Wu Yong straightened his clothes, walked up to Lu Junyi's horse, and bowed deeply: "I am Wu Yong. I just saw an injustice on the road. Thank you for speaking up for justice."

He no longer pretended to be a fortune teller, but showed his true identity and name. This move of "seeing injustice on the road" not only demonstrated his "anticipation for justice" but also gave Lu Junyi an opportunity to get to know him again, which was a brilliant move.

Seeing that he was polite and well-spoken, and that he had just done a "good deed", Lu Junyi's previous bad impression of the fortune teller diminished a little. He immediately bowed and returned the greeting: "Sir, you are so righteous. I admire you. I think I saw you before outside the city just now?"

Wu Yong was secretly delighted, but his expression remained calm: "I am ashamed. I have come here to eat and have made a fool of myself."

Seeing him admit it so frankly, Lu Junyi felt that this man was quite magnanimous and couldn't help but feel a little interested in making friends, so he said, "Sir, if you don't mind, would you be willing to come to my house for a chat?"

"That's what I wish for, but I dare not ask for it." Wu Yong bowed and his eyes swept over Yan Qing unintentionally.

Yan Qing sneered inwardly. Wu Yong was indeed a man of many plans, always coming up with another when one failed, and he had actually used this method to approach Lu Junyi. He knew that the little vigilance he had previously laid was not enough to completely stop Wu Yong. Lu Junyi was a man of upright character, a self-proclaimed hero, and he naturally admired those with "ability".

It seems that this play has to continue.

Back at Lu's residence, Lu Junyi entertained Wu Yong with tea in the flower hall. Yan Qing stood by, watching the situation unfold.

Wu Yong and Lu Junyi talked about guns, sticks, fists and feet, and the general situation of the world. Wu Yong's words were full of insights, which made Lu Junyi nod repeatedly, as if he regretted meeting him too late.

Yan Qing knew the time was almost right. Wu Yong had laid the groundwork, and now it was time to reveal his true intentions and throw out his "bloody disaster" story.

Sure enough, after drinking another cup of tea, Wu Yong changed the subject and his expression became serious: "Mr. Lu, I have something to say, but I don't know whether I should say it or not."

Lu Junyi, who had already taken a liking to Wu Yong, said, "Sir, please feel free to speak."

Wu Yong pondered and said, "I am a little versed in physiognomy. I see a faint dark aura between the official's brows. I'm afraid... I'm afraid that within a hundred days, the master will suffer a bloody disaster, which will be of great significance."

If Lu Junyi had heard this before, he would have been displeased, even if he hadn't immediately turned hostile. But now, he already trusted Wu Yong, and although he didn't believe what he said, he didn't get angry. He just smiled and said, "Sir, you're joking. I have always been upright and honest. I don't respect heaven or earth, and I don't fear ghosts or gods. How could this bloody disaster happen?"

Wu Yong said sternly, "Sir, haven't you heard that 'good fortune and misfortune can strike a man at any moment'? This disaster is not the result of your own fault, but rather a calamity destined by fate. I felt a strong connection with you from the moment we met, and I cannot bear to see you suffer, so I have spoken frankly."

Seeing that he was serious, Lu Junyi frowned slightly: "Oh? If this is the case, sir, do you know how to resolve it?"

Wu Yong was waiting for these words. He stroked his false beard and said in a pretentious tone, "If you want to resolve this, you have to go to the southeast, a thousand miles away, and hide there for a hundred days to avoid this disaster."

"A thousand miles to the southeast?" Lu Junyi pondered. Doesn't that mean we have to cross the territory of Liangshanpo?

Yan Qing knew he couldn't let Wu Yong continue. He stepped forward, poured tea for Lu Junyi, and interrupted with a smile, "Mr. Wu is truly a master of foresight. Just now on the street, with just a fan and a few words, you sent that dandy boy away and saved the singing girl. It's truly a brilliant move, and I admire you deeply."

His words seemed to be a compliment, but in fact he cleverly diverted the topic and pointed out the slightly deliberate "coincidence" in Wu Yong's previous actions.

Lu Junyi was indeed startled when he heard this, and his gaze towards Wu Yong was filled with scrutiny. Yes, Wu Yong's appearance was incredibly timely. That incident on the street had been resolved far too easily and smoothly.

Wu Yong was so astute that he immediately recognized the hidden meaning in Yan Qing's words and was secretly surprised. This young servant was really powerful! He remained calm and said with a smile, "Brother Xiaoyi, you are too kind. It's just a coincidence that I can do my best."

Yan Qing didn't respond. Instead, he looked at Lu Junyi and said in a relaxed tone, "Master, you often say, 'A gentleman should not speak of strange things.' This talk of bloody disasters and fleeing thousands of miles to avoid disaster sounds absurd, like a story from a street novel. Our Daming Prefecture is a city with high walls and deep moats. Master, you are a master of martial arts, and the security is strict. Even if there really were any evil spirits, how could they get close? In my opinion, some people, seeing your wealth and status, are deliberately spreading rumors to scare people. Who knows, they may have other motives."

His words were half joking and half serious, which catered to Lu Junyi's disbelief in ghosts and gods and once again reinforced the impression of "swindling tricks".

Lu Junyi looked from Yan Qing to Wu Yong, suspicion rising within him. Yan Qing was the man he trusted most, intelligent and alert, and he had never misjudged anyone. And Wu Yong, while eloquent, was certainly suspicious in his appearance and the reference to a "bloody disaster."

Wu Yong knew that today's events had been largely disrupted by this seemingly insignificant "Little Brother Yi." If he pressed on, he feared Lu Junyi would be completely disgusted. He made a decisive move, stood up, and bowed, saying, "This is all I have to say. Whether you believe it or not is entirely up to you, sir. I have a friend to visit, so I'll take my leave now."

Seeing that he was leaving so suddenly, Lu Junyi felt a little sorry and asked, "Sir, why don't you stay for a while?"

Wu Yong smiled bitterly and said, "Since you have a master by your side, my little tricks will only make me a laughing stock." After saying that, he looked at Yan Qing meaningfully, turned around and left, his back looking a little hurried.

Only Lu Junyi and Yan Qing were left in the flower hall.

Lu Junyi was silent for a moment, then asked, "Xiao Yi, what do you think about this?"

Yan Qing knew that the most critical moment had arrived. He couldn't directly reveal Wu Yong's identity and conspiracy, as that would be impossible to explain. He could only guide him.

"Master," Yan Qing said calmly, "this Mr. Wu is indeed talented. But it is precisely because of his talent that his actions are even more puzzling. If he truly came to make friends, why did he disguise himself as a fortune teller, and then, after being driven away, scheme to get closer? If he truly came to ward off disaster, why did he leave so hastily after being told a few words by Xiao Yi? It's as if... as if his heart was being pierced by what he was thinking?"

Lu Junyi nodded slowly. Every word in Yan Qing's analysis made perfect sense. He was a very intelligent man, but in his previous life, Wu Yong had taken advantage of him and had thrown him off balance. Now, with Yan Qing calmly analyzing the situation, he immediately noticed many of the doubts.

"It seems that this person is indeed not a good person." Lu Junyi snorted coldly, "Forget it, let's ignore him. What bloody disaster? It's ridiculous!"

Seeing Lu Junyi's reaction, Yan Qing breathed a sigh of relief. This hurdle was now over. Wu Yong's plan had been significantly delayed, and Lu Junyi had already begun to build up his defenses.

But he knew that since Liangshan had set their sights on Lu Junyi, they would never give up. Even greater turmoil was yet to come.

And he, the butterfly that intended to retreat into seclusion, was inevitably caught in the center of the storm.

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End of Chapter 2