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Xiao Yu'er was unclear about where Luzi wanted to go, but he still noticed that Big Shopkeeper's destination was extremely clear. No matter which fork in the road they reached, there was never any hesitation; he simply crossed over.
Without further ado, when they could no longer see Linzi County Town behind them, a building appeared amidst the tall weeds by the roadside ahead. It was an unrenovated Temple, with a collapsed roof indicating that it had not yet attracted anyone's attention.
Riding his horse, Luzi stopped at the T-Junction and looked at the small path branching off from the Official Road, which was overgrown with weeds and appeared desolate. There were no signs of human activity around; the once cultivated land had long been covered with lush wild grass.
The continuous wars between the Feudal States had led to a sharp decline in population. Additionally, to protect Wei State, most able-bodied men were conscripted into the army, resulting in vast areas of farmland being left fallow. Even Qi State, which had not experienced war for several years, was in such a state; one can only imagine how much worse it was in those Feudal States still embroiled in conflict.
This led to a vicious cycle during the Warring States period. On one hand, there was a severe shortage of food supplies leading to rampant looting of grain and people; on the other hand, wars continued to escalate as territories were aggressively expanded. The more wars fought, the fewer people there were available for farming; and with fewer people, wars continued. There might be plenty of arable land, but if no one farmed it, it remained wasteland.
Seeing wealthy families still indulging in feasts while poor families faced separation and ruin led some to question who exactly had been fighting for all these years of conflict that had lasted for centuries.
How far away true happiness was remained a question no one had the energy to pursue anymore.
Luzi looked at the vast expanse of uncultivated farmland and couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Not far from Qi State's capital, so much land lay idle. Was this a deliberate luxury by the rich? Or had the per capita land in Qi State already far exceeded normal levels?
"A place without people might be haunted..."
Hearing someone trying to scare someone else, Xiao Yu'er immediately replied, "Since Big Shopkeeper is scared, let Scoundrel go in and take a look for Big Shopkeeper!"
Lu Zigang wanted to remind Xiao Yu'er to stay put but suddenly heard several horse neighs coming from inside the dilapidated temple. He grunted heavily and waved his hand for Xiao Yu'er to follow him as they turned onto the small path beside the Official Road.
The crisp sound of Hoofbeats shattered the ensuing silence. Upon reaching the Temple Entrance, Lu Zigang jumped off his horse and saw several martial artists armed with sharp blades rushing out from inside. As archers began to stand atop the overgrown walls with bows drawn, anyone trying to leave would find it nearly impossible!
Luzi squinted at the number of people controlling the situation—exactly twenty—and decided to ignore the cold glint of their weapons. Clearing his throat, he said, "I am Luzi from Prosperity Record! I have heard that a young master from Wei Kingdom resides here and have come to pay my respects!" After seeing no one move, he became displeased and exclaimed, "Are you all dumb!? Hurry up and report!"
"Ha ha..."
With a burst of laughter coming from the collapsed temple gate, Wei Wujie, carrying a bow and sword, led Shen Bao and the others out. "I must say, I feel embarrassed! When I saw Luzi hesitating at the fork in the road just now, I already knew! Since we are to meet esteemed guests, it is only right to freshen up and dress properly! I hope Shopkeeper Lu will forgive my tardiness!"
"Of course! Of course!"
Luzi replied while stepping forward. Seeing the retainers armed with sharp blades following closely behind, he laughed and said, "We are all familiar with each other; there’s no need to be so tense!"
One side was overly anxious while the other was completely relaxed. If they didn’t take this opportunity to regain their composure, they would become a laughingstock.
How could Wei Wujie allow himself to be humiliated here!? He raised his hand to signal the swordsmen to sheathe their weapons and waved to the archers on the walls and rooftops to remain vigilant. "You are all scoundrels! Can’t you think like gentlemen? We must keep our wits about us!"
Luzi understood that this Wei Country Young Master was narrow-minded. The reason he hadn’t invited Luzi into the temple for a chat was mainly due to his concern that they were already surrounded by the staff of Prosperity Pavilion. He didn’t want to explain further, so he chuckled and waited for someone to report back on the situation.
Wei Wujie was indeed worried about the surroundings; his delay in coming out was because he was waiting for his scouts to return with news. He didn’t believe that Luzi would dare come alone into such a dangerous place; the only explanation was that Luzi had gathered a large number of people to surround them!
Having rushed from Chu State to Qi State, Wei Wujie had been cautious all along, fearing that exposing their whereabouts would jeopardize their mission. The reason they hadn’t stayed at an inn in the city was also due to concerns about being detected by the ever-watchful Prosperity Record. Moreover, with a Thousand-Man Squad of the Qin Army advancing straight towards Linzi County Town, he felt quite pleased with his decision not to enter the city.
Little did he expect that despite being careful, they were still discovered by others!
No matter how skilled a retainer was, it depended on the situation. In a brawl among martial artists, who would emerge victorious was uncertain. However, if they faced a well-organized regular army, once combat began, their chances of winning were slim.
What Wei Wujie feared most now was that if the scouts returned saying that the outer perimeter was occupied by the Qin Army, there would be no need for a fight; surrendering would be the only option. But if it were just the staff of Prosperity Pavilion, then perhaps they could afford to fight a little!
To ensure everything went smoothly, Wei Wujie instructed Shen Bao, who sought redemption for past mistakes, to keep an eye on that child next to Luzi. Taking action first and capturing that child with average martial skills would at least allow them to have a hostage on hand.
Wei Wujie understood Luzi's character well. In his eyes, this self-proclaimed gentleman, who spoke of righteousness and morality, would never neglect his subordinates.
Finally, someone spoke in Wei Wujie's ear. Seeing Young Master Wei's skeptical expression, Luzi smiled and said, "There's no need to bother! This Keeper has brought only two people on this trip, with no third party involved!"
Wei Wujie, who found it hard to believe, waved his hand for the newcomer to continue investigating. He snorted coldly and was about to speak when he noticed two horses across from him. Having dreamed of becoming a general since childhood, Wei Wujie naturally recognized horses. Seeing how old these two horses appeared, he couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Ah! Could it be that the wealthy Prosperity Record is also facing a financial crisis? How could it have become so poor!?"
Luzi ignored the other's mockery and drew a sheathed Bronze Sword from his back. "An old horse is still usable as long as it can run! The sword doesn't need to be sharp; it just needs to kill!"
Seeing someone brandishing a weapon, the retainers quickly drew their swords to block Wei Wujie.
"Go! Go! Stay back!"
Having confirmed that there were no signs of life around, Wei Wujie pushed through the crowd and shouted loudly, "All of you step aside! With Zhang Cheng like this, how can we even get out the door!?"
After saying this, Wei Wujie boldly walked up to Luzi. Looking at the roughly one-meter-long Bronze Sword in Luzi's hand, he couldn't help but ask in surprise, "Is Lu the Shopkeeper here for a suicide mission today?"
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