Chapter 376 - 283: All Waiting for That Legendary Figure—Lu Xuan!
Chapter 376: Chapter 283: All Waiting for That Legendary Figure—Lu Xuan!
Shen Yunwei spoke while sneaking a glance at Liu Bifu’s expression. Seeing the other party’s demeanor slightly softened, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
"Starting tomorrow, the charity stalls will all be under the name of the county yamen."
Shen Yunwei knew very well that Liu Bifu, as the magistrate of Dengfeng County, held real power.
If they offended him, the Shen Family would find it hard to take a single step in the prefectural city in the future.
Shen Yunwei thought again that the Shen Family had been distributing aid in the name of the future matriarch, Lu Qingqing, for more than half a year now, and the blessings were almost enough.
Over the past six months, due to Lu Qingqing’s charitable acts, the Shen Family’s reputation among the common people increased day by day, but it also attracted some unnecessary attention.
Such as from this Mr. Liu before him.
In the months to come, it would be almost a year.
The one-year period for distributing aid was a decision he had originally made, firstly to pray for Lu Qingqing’s blessings, and secondly for the countless suffering common people.
For the remaining months, they would use the name of the county yamen to provide for the needy in the city.
This way, it gives Liu Bifu a graceful exit to maintain a good relationship with the government, while also ensuring that the charity efforts are carried out thoroughly without leaving any negative remarks.
Shen Yunwei was calculating in his mind and still wore his kind smile on his face, as if everything was voluntary and planned.
Hearing Shen Yunwei’s words, the smile on Liu Bifu’s face deepened, clearly very satisfied with Shen Yunwei’s understanding.
Liu Bifu nodded and said warmly, "Mr. Shen is indeed a wise man."
"Since the Shen Family is willing to distribute aid to the people in the name of the county yamen, this official will naturally also put forth some effort and fully support your family."
"This way, the people can both gain tangible benefits and feel the care of the county yamen—how perfect is that?"
Shen Yunwei hastily bowed and spoke respectfully, "Mr. Liu has spoken most correctly!"
"The Shen Family is just doing its meager part. To ease the burden on the county yamen is an honor for this old man."
Liu Bifu finally nodded in satisfaction, sipped his tea lightly, and then laughed.
"Mr. Shen, there’s no need to be nervous. This official came today to share in the Shen Family’s joy."
"Today is a joyous occasion for your family, and I have prepared a small gift; I hope Mr. Shen will not mind."
Saying this, he waved his hand, and the man who had been disrespectful earlier immediately presented a delicate gift box to Shen Yunwei.
"Since everything has been settled, I won’t disturb you any longer."
"Mr. Shen, carry on with your tasks; I am busy with official duties and will visit you another day."
Shen Yunwei hurriedly accepted the gift box, his face showing gratitude: "Mr. Liu is too kind!"
"Your visit is already an honor for the Shen Family; what need is there for a gift?"
"It truly makes the Shen Family feel flattered!"
Liu Bifu laughed heartily and waved his hand: "Mr. Shen, there’s no need to be polite. It’s a token of this official’s appreciation.
"Today is a happy day for the Shen Family, so I won’t disturb you further. I look forward to catching up with you another day."’
Shen Yunwei promptly bowed: "Mr. Liu, take care!"
"On another day, this old man will definitely visit personally to thank you!"
Liu Bifu nodded and then turned to leave with a few attendants.
Shen Yunwei watched Liu Bifu depart, and the smile on his face gradually receded, replaced by a look of seriousness.
It seems the reputation of the Shen Family in the prefectural city has evidently aroused caution from this magistrate.
However, this Mr. Liu wasn’t wrong in his actions; the Shen Family, being a family of doctors, shouldn’t hold such high prestige.
Shen Yunwei feared that this Mr. Liu might have other intentions towards the Shen Family.
And Shen Yunwei’s suspicion was indeed correct.
As soon as Liu Bifu stepped out, he got into his dedicated county yamen sedan chair.
The previously amiable smile vanished instantly, replaced by a face of fierceness and ruthlessness.
The change in his demeanor was so startling, he seemed like a different person altogether.
And the clerk closely following his sedan chair was the same man who had curiously taunted the Shen Family earlier.
At this moment, he crouched slightly, his eyes occasionally darting about, looking suspicious.
"Sir!"
He leaned over to the sedan window, lowering his voice full of doubt, and whispered across the sedan curtain, "Are we just going through with this?"
"Fool!"
Upon hearing the man’s indiscreet words outside, a flash of viciousness crossed Liu Bifu’s eyes; his tone was full of impatience and loathing. "Why so many questions!"
This incompetent fool dared inquire about such matters in broad daylight, not realizing there might be ears listening?
Silently cursing in his heart, Liu Bifu’s brows knitted tightly, and anger flared within him.
He slightly lifted the sedan curtain, his gaze turning sharp as a knife sweeping outside at the clerk, voice carrying a hint of warning: "Shut your mouth."
"Say one more word, and beware of your head."
The clerk was so frightened by Liu Bifu’s gaze that he shuddered and quickly lowered his head, not daring to speak further.
He silently regretted his loose tongue, having forgotten what Liu Bifu detested most.
Namely, discussing such secretive matters in public settings.
Liu Bifu snorted coldly, dropped the sedan curtain, and leaned back inside to rest with his eyes closed.
Though his face still bore some coldness, internally, he was contemplating the next step of his plan.
The Shen Family is one of the most prominent households in Dengfeng County, wealthy and highly regarded.
Liu Bifu had set his sights on this lucrative piece of meat ever since his appointment.
But the Shen Family’s influence was too strong, with considerable backing that had thwarted his attempts for a suitable opportunity.
"Shen Yunwei this old fox, at least is astute."
Liu Bifu chuckled coldly to himself, "However, this alone is not enough."
Liu Bifu wanted not just the Shen Family’s reputation, but also their wealth.
Indeed, he had set his eyes on the Shen Family, this plump sheep.
The Shen Family, having operated in the prefectural city for many years, was brimming with riches and deep foundations.
Especially in recent years, with the family business booming, hinting at a potential rise to become the leading family in the city.
Envying the Shen Family’s wealth, Liu Bifu had long sought the opportunity to seize a share.
This time, exploiting the charity endeavors of the Shen Family was merely the first step of his plan.
This time, Liu Bifu’s objective was initially to reduce the Shen Family’s reputation for a while.
When the time is ripe, he will make the Shen Family his target.
He knew in his heart that to completely devour the Shen Family, he must proceed cautiously and take it slow.
"It seems I need to apply more pressure on the Shen Family," Liu Bifu thought to himself, a cold smile playing on his lips.
The county office’s carriage moved forward slowly, while Liu Bifu’s thoughts became clearer and clearer.
He decided to arrange for personnel to secretly investigate the Shen Family’s weaknesses as soon as he returned.
Once he found their weaknesses, he could decisively take action against the Shen Family.
A mere ant at the Bone Marrow Refining Realm didn’t deserve to possess so many martial arts resources.
Liu Bifu thought about this while also feeling a deep sense of regret.
Supporting the Shen Family for over half a year required considerable wealth.
All of that was the official’s money!
The shiny silver had been dispersed to the poor, which was simply a sin!
Meanwhile, Shen Yunwei stood at the mansion’s entrance, watching Liu Bifu’s carriage slowly disappear.
The smile on his face gradually faded, replaced by a look of gravity.
Nevertheless, Shen Yunwei turned back into the mansion and with a smile went to greet the other guests.
"Father, Mr. Liu, he..." An approximately eighteen-year-old young man approached and asked in a low voice.
This was one of Shen Yunwei’s five sons, the third son born of a concubine, Shen Wenfeng.
Shen Yunwei waved his hand, indicating for him to stay silent, then whispered instructions, "Wenfeng, go and arrange things so that starting tomorrow, all charitable activities are carried out under the name of the county office."
"Additionally, the scale and manner of the charitable activities should be appropriately adjusted, so as not to be as ostentatious as before."
Shen Wenfeng nodded and responded in a low voice, "Yes, father, I will arrange it right away."
Shen Yunwei took a deep breath, looked up at the courtyard adorned with red silk and happiness characters, yet felt an inexplicable unease inside.
Just then, the sound of light footsteps came from the front.
Shen Yunwei turned his head to see an old man, slowly walking with the aid of a young man.
Following behind them were two middle-aged men in their forties or fifties.
One of them had an empty right sleeve, clearly having lost an arm.
These two middle-aged men were none other than Qian Hao and Li Daren from the Yellow-level Profound Bird Guard!
The identities of the elderly and young man in front were self-evident.
They were Lu Xuan’s biological father, Lu Jiahe, and Lu Xuan’s half-brother, Lu Yun’an.
Lu Jiahe approached with a gentle smile, saying, "In-law, today is a joyous day for the Shen Family, and I’ve come to lend a hand and see if there’s anything I can do to help."
"With Xiaoyuan taking care of Qingqing, I’m at ease."
Hearing this, Shen Yunwei hurried forward, a wide smile on his face, "Oh, in-law, your presence here in Dengfeng County already honors the Shen Family!"
"How could I let you help out?"
Lu Jiahe waved his hand, his tone mild, "Mr. Shen, there’s no need to be so polite. Our two families are in-laws now, which makes us one family."
"Today marks a great joy for the Shen Family, which means it’s also a great joy for the Lu Family. How could I stand idly by?"
With that, Lu Jiahe smiled slightly, his gaze sweeping over the courtyard full of red silk happiness characters, his tone carrying a touch of sentiment.
"Ah!"
"How quickly time flies!"
"In the blink of an eye!"
"I have two little grandchildren!"
"I wonder where Xuan is now."
"If Xuan knew Qingqing and the child were safe, he would surely be very happy."
Lu Jiahe had been staying at the Shen Family for two days, actually in anticipation of Lu Xuan appearing.
It wasn’t just Lu Jiahe anticipating.
In fact, within the Shen Family, Shen Yunwei, Shen Yuan, and even Li Daren and Qian Hao were also waiting for that man.
He was the legendary figure among the Profound Bird Guards of White Dao Prefecture!
Yes, indeed!
During Lu Xuan’s brief tenure as the Envoy of White Dao Prefecture, he had become a myth in the hearts of all the Profound Bird Guards of White Dao Prefecture.
"By the way, in-law, the Lu Family has already stayed for two days, and it’s about time we left."
"Early tomorrow morning, I will return to Qingyun County."
"With Xiaoyuan here, I can be at ease about Qingqing."
Upon hearing this, Shen Yunwei became somewhat excited and quickly spoke up.
"Oh!"
"Lu in-law, why not stay a few more days and let me extend some local hospitality."
"Mr. Shen, I appreciate your kindness."
Lu Jiahe waved his hand, not dwelling on the matter any further, instead changing the subject.
"Qingqing has been a bit weak lately, so I plan to leave someone here to protect her at all times."
"Daren, I entrust you with protecting Qingqing for three months."
After speaking, Lu Jiahe’s gaze shifted to Li Daren behind him, his tone carrying a sense of solemnity.
He then clasped his hands together and bowed to Li Daren, not treating him as a mere subordinate.
Li Daren, hearing this, took a step forward and, with respect, cupped his hands in salute, "Mr. Lu, there’s no need to stand on ceremony with me."
"Rest assured!"
"I will definitely protect Miss Qingqing well."
Both Li Daren and Qian Hao were specially arranged by Li Chengfeng to personally protect Lu Jiahe.
There were others who wanted to take on this task but couldn’t get the opportunity!
If it weren’t for Li Chengfeng’s position as the Envoy of White Dao Prefecture, he would have wanted to personally come and protect this old master of the Lu Family.
After all, being the biological father of that legendary figure, Lu Xuan.
If anyone learned of Lu Jiahe’s identity.
Li Chengfeng estimated there would be people eager to curry favor with Lu Jiahe from White Dao Prefecture all the way to Tian Du.