"Li Qi was as elusive as a ghost. He truly was up to no good—just look at what he had done to the Strict Law Society on Black Stone Slope. He’s a Traveling Cultivator. If he really decides to rush back, things could get complicated. We must keep him at Black Stone Slope and send more people to hold down Tan Fucheng as well. Only then can we ensure everything is foolproof."
The housekeeper responded upon hearing this, "The master is right. Shall I go arrange for people now?"
Lu Maoxian nodded. "The manpower must be well arranged, and the news prepared. Once Lu Chunying’s head is taken, immediately spread the news and pin it on Duan Shaoxia."
The housekeeper hurriedly arranged the manpower. When everything was almost ready, he took out a letter and handed it to an Odd-Jobs Worker sweeping the floor. The Odd-Jobs Worker asked no questions, slipped away, and ran to the Lu Family Mansion.
「...」
Lu Chunying was at home, checking the accounts. She was intelligent and willing to learn, but mastering the management of a large family wasn’t something that could be achieved overnight. Qiu Zhiheng was gone. Ma Wu had been busy with his business and recuperating from an illness for the past few days. With no one to teach her, Lu Chunying couldn’t figure some things out by herself.
She invited her cousin Lu Yuanxin to her home. Lu Yuanxin, son of Lu Dongjun, suffered the worst circumstances among his peers in the Lu Family due to his father’s involvement. In the past, at Lu Maoxian’s house, Lu Chunying had stood up for Lu Yuanxin. Grateful for her help, Lu Yuanxin was now here as her teacher, instructing her respectfully and earnestly. Despite having lost his family fortune, Lu Yuanxin, after all, was still a gentleman of a prestigious family with extensive knowledge and experience, and Lu Chunying truly learned a lot from him.
At dusk, heavy rain began to fall, and Lu Yuanxin prepared to leave. Lu Chunying offered, "Cousin, stay for a meal. It’s also a good chance to avoid the rain."
Lu Yuanxin appeared embarrassed and refused, "I wouldn’t dare impose. I should be going."
"It’s just a simple meal; please don’t be so polite." Xiao Yeci herself went to the kitchen and cooked a few dishes.
Lu Chunying wasn’t so strict with formalities and invited a few Supports to join them at the table. Since Lu Dongjun’s incident, Lu Yuanxin had been shunned. This respectful treatment from the main family members now deeply touched him.
During the meal, someone knocked on the door. This was odd. Although Lu Chunying’s estate was not large, she had gatekeepers and Supports on watch. Normally, visitors would be announced by them. So, what did a knock at the door signify? It meant trouble; the gatekeeper and the Supports on watch might have already been taken down.
Zuo Wugang told everyone to stay put. Cao Zhida went to answer the door, and Zhen Jincheng took up a position by the window. Their years of tacit understanding dictated their actions. Upon opening the door, Cao Zhida would be the first to respond. Zuo Wugang would control the overall situation, while Zhen Jincheng would guard against sneak attacks and simultaneously consider an escape route.
Upon opening the door, however, Cao Zhida stood frozen, failing to react. Zuo Wugang grew anxious and quickly went to assist. When he arrived at the door, he too was taken aback.
"Lady..."
Standing outside was Duan Shaoxia. She was without Supports or servants, drenched from the rain, and had come alone to Lu Chunying’s residence.
Zuo Wugang turned to Lu Chunying. He was prepared to fight if needed and wouldn’t be swayed by past ties, but only if Lu Chunying also had no reservations.
Duan Shaoxia looked towards Lu Chunying and smiled faintly. "It’s raining so heavily. Are you going to just leave me standing at the door?"
Lu Chunying bowed in greeting and invited Duan Shaoxia inside.
Once inside, Duan Shaoxia surveyed the room and noticed Lu Yuanxin. "Yuanxin is here too?"
Lu Yuanxin bowed slightly, keeping his distance from Duan Shaoxia. He didn’t know Duan Shaoxia’s cultivation level, but her arrival alone at Lu Chunying’s residence, without any reaction from the gatekeepers or Supports outside, indicated she was no ordinary person.
Duan Shaoxia then turned to Xiao Yeci. "Yecai, do you have any hot soup? Pour me a bowl; I’m quite cold."
Xiao Yeci nodded. "I’ll get you some soup. I also have some clothes you can change into."
Lu Chunying tugged at Xiao Yeci’s sleeve, signaling her to avoid Duan Shaoxia’s gaze at all costs.
Duan Shaoxia said to Lu Chunying, "I came to save you. Do you believe that?"
Lu Chunying was taken aback, then asked, "You came alone to save me?"
Duan Shaoxia smiled. "If I brought people, some things would become unclear. Chunying, do you want to fight, or do you want to escape?"
"What are the implications of fleeing, and what would fighting entail?"
Duan Shaoxia spoke gravely, "If we fight, it’s this battle alone. If we flee, we flee for a lifetime!"
「...」
At Black Stone Slope, in the "Night-blooming Jasmine" Newspaper Office.
Bai Qiusheng was still negotiating business with Ai Chixiang. After several hours, no conclusion was reached. Bai Qiusheng stated he would not sell the Shadow Play Machine business. Ai Chixiang then threatened, "I’ll be frank. If you don’t wish to sell, this business won’t be able to continue in Black Stone Slope in the future."
Bai Qiusheng stated he wasn’t the one to make such a decision.
Ai Chixiang laughed. "If you can’t decide, ask your boss. I know he’s here."
With his cards revealed, Bai Qiusheng started to sweat.
Ai Chixiang threatened again, "Make it clear to your Boss Ye: we came to talk business and have already shown him plenty of respect. If he doesn’t agree, he’ll bear all the consequences!"
Despite the threats, Ai Chixiang made no physical moves. Unsure of what to do, Yu Wenqi quickly went to the backyard to inform Li Qi.
Li Banfeng felt the situation was growing increasingly strange.
Li Banfeng kept muttering to himself, turning Yu Wenqi pale with fright.
"Seventh Master, perhaps you should see..."
"You go watch over Bai Qiusheng for now. I expect nothing major will happen there."