“Do you think… there is a kind of power in this world that can make you unable to feel any anger towards someone, no matter how much they have wronged you, just by seeing them?”
“Young Marquis, that’s called love.”
“I love your mother’s fried dough twists!”
“…”
Inside Lord Ding Shan’s mansion, Young Marquis sat behind the desk in the study, filled with anger.
The steward from the opposite mansion said something wrong and was scolded mercilessly, forced to stand there with a smile.
“Get lost, get lost.” Young Marquis impatiently waved his hand.
The person opposite him escaped as if granted amnesty.
Only Young Marquis Xia An remained sitting there, lost in thought.
He was never a person with a good temper, so why did he always lose his anger when he encountered Chu Liang?
There must be something fishy.
Thinking about his recent experiences, if he had vented his anger on the spot, he might not be so angry now. But every time he suppressed it, he would become even angrier later.
Now Young Marquis was itching with hatred.
Stealing my limelight… tainting my gifts… taking my invitations… If it were just these things, Xia An would be extremely angry, but he would still have his reason and know that it would be unwise to make enemies over such trivial matters.
But…
Today, Chu Liang also asked about Liu Xiaoyu.
This was an absolute taboo in Lord Ding Shan’s mansion!
These noble families who were sent to the remote southern region were actually considered peripheral branches within the vast Yu Dynasty royal family. The Yu Dynasty royal family had titles but no real power, and they had no authority to govern any territory. In addition, the fiefdoms were poor, so these noble families in the southern region were never considered wealthy.
Of course, for daily life, it was enough to maintain a luxurious lifestyle.
But Xia An’s father, the current Lord Ding Shan, got involved in something extremely bad.
He cultivated immortality.
If he had exceptional talent or no talent at all, it wouldn’t be difficult. The most pitiful thing is when your talent is not enough to achieve true success, but you are given a glimmer of hope that sets you apart from others.
That’s how it was for the current Lord Ding Shan. His cultivation aptitude was considered average, and he could only reach the third or fourth realm at most. But he was unwilling to accept that his lifespan would be limited, so he used a large amount of resources to try to break through and reach the seventh realm, where the sky is the limit.
But how easy is that?
For decades, the savings of several generations of the mansion were almost completely depleted.
Fortunately, a few years ago, he found a new business.
Lord Ding Shan contacted several declining noble families in the southern region and captured women to sell to the eastern region, profiting from it.
He collaborated with a high-ranking member of the Eastern Whale Gang, and this business remained a secret.
In recent years, he had almost completely withdrawn from it and focused on his cultivation. He entrusted the human trafficking business to his good son Xia An.
Young Marquis had been managing it for several years, and this was the first crisis he encountered.
If this evil deed were to be exposed, Lord Ding Shan’s mansion would face a great crisis.
If it were just that insignificant little demon, it wouldn’t be a big deal, but if any disciples from Shu Mountain noticed, it would be serious.
After thinking for a long time, Young Marquis’ face gradually darkened in the flickering candlelight.
“Lu Shi.” He called softly.
A black figure immediately appeared behind Young Marquis.
“I want them dead.”
…
A few days passed in the blink of an eye. On a hillside outside Li Family Village, a stage had been erected, surrounded by several large lampposts. Below was a spacious open space, large enough to accommodate the people of half of Nan Guan City.
People had arrived early and the enthusiastic fans of Nan Yin Fang had hung up large banners, prepared flowers and colored silk, and some idle people had already started to secure their spots in advance, afraid that they wouldn’t get a good position if they were late.
Some musicians from Nan Yin Fang were performing here, and there were also singing and dancing girls rehearsing on the side, attracting a crowd of spectators and creating a lively atmosphere.
In the evening, Xue Lingxue’s first performance would begin here.
And on the hillside directly facing the stage, a row of elegant seats with rain canopies and pearl curtains had been set up early, exclusively for some important figures from Nan Guan City and wealthy individuals who had paid a high price.
Nan Yin Fang’s performances were always free, but it was reasonable for the organizers to charge for exclusive seats. Nan Yin Fang turned a blind eye to this matter due to their relationship with Li Family Village.
Chu Liang and Lin Bei were also mingling in one of the small compartments.
At this moment, Liu Xiaoyu was sitting in the seat of this compartment, with a table in front of her. Lin Bei was placing small trays on the table one by one.
“Dried fruits, preserved fruits, candies, jerky…” He placed them one by one.
“And my precious fruit tea.” Chu Liang also placed a cup for drinking.
“Wow, you’ve never let me drink this.” Lin Bei said.
“One sword coin per can, she doesn’t have Shu Mountain’s money, and you’re not without any.” Chu Liang smiled.
“Hmph.” Lin Bei crossed his arms and pouted.
“Alright, I’ll give you one can too.” Chu Liang took out another can.
Lin Bei then took it, grinning happily.
“After drinking it, write an 800-word review for me and distribute it to your senior brothers at Jade Sword Peak.” Chu Liang continued.
“Okay, you really know how to take advantage of a situation.” Lin Bei exclaimed.
“We’re brothers.” Chu Liang imitated his tone and patted his chest.
The two of them were chatting and laughing, while Liu Xiaoyu sat there silently, pouting and looking sad.
Seeing this, Lin Bei helplessly said, “Miss Xiaoyu, we have prepared everything for you. What else do you want?”
“I want my sister…” Liu Xiaoyu said pitifully.
Chu Liang and Lin Bei had no solution to this. They had only promised to help her find her sister at that time, but now that they hadn’t found any leads, they couldn’t just abandon this homeless girl. They had no choice but to keep her in Li Family Village.
With her innocence, she would probably be kidnapped within two miles if she went out alone.
A few days ago, she could still be carefree, but as time went on, the little girl seemed to have a bad feeling and became more and more downcast.
While the three of them were inspecting the venue, a servant from Li Family Village came over and delivered a letter.
“Someone sent a letter, saying it’s for Hero Chu.” The servant said.
Chu Liang took the letter and read its contents. He couldn’t help but think that the koi fish was indeed a koi fish, bringing whatever he wished for.
“What does it say?” Lin Bei asked.
“The letter says that someone saw a woman near the Qin Nan River who looks similar to Xiaoyu, possibly her sister. They want us to bring her to confirm.” Chu Liang said.
“Truly a koi fish.” Lin Bei smiled and said, “Then let’s take her to see. They can reunite as sisters before tonight’s performance.”
“I’ll take her there.” Chu Liang said, “You stay here.”
“Why?” Lin Bei asked.
“I… feel that this message is a bit strange.” Chu Liang pondered for a moment and said, “If I don’t return for half a day, you should hurry back to Shu Mountain and report.”
“Why do I have to report again?” Lin Bei was stunned by his words.
Wait.
Why did I say “again”?