Qin Shi Ambitious

Page 279

The reason he appears to never argue with anyone and dresses simply is because he looks down on his lower-ranking disciples; his lack of argument is actually a sign of disdain.

Even if a proud person like him tries to appear simple, his temperament is still very different from that of ordinary people.

There are many managers in Dazeshan Town who came from Gonggongtang Academy. Since they came from Gonggongtang, they are naturally all Ayu's spies. These spies cannot see through what Han Xin is hiding, but the fact that they can see the hiding itself is already suspicious.

Lu Wei once mentioned Han Xin's name unintentionally. He would share a lot of information with his loyal subordinates, but A Yu was one of the few who was willing to put in the effort to remember and act on it.

After learning that Han Xin was from Chu, and with various clues corroborating each other, he immediately reported to Brother Lu.

"Han Xin?" Looking at the portrait painted by a special disciple that A Yu had brought, Lu Wei immediately recognized it as Han Xin of the Chu Kingdom, who owed him a favor.

"He secretly joined the farmhouse alone, huh?" The chivalrous leader pondered for a moment, then smiled and quickly made a decision: "Then let's transfer him to work for Li Mu, and have Li Mu take 'good care' of him."

"Yes, Brother Lu."

Ah Yu had been following Lu Wei for almost twenty years and immediately understood what he meant...

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The Mohist school had already begun building its stronghold in Sanghai. In addition, since most of its disciples were killed in the battle of the Mechanical City, and some were lost during the symbolic resistance and feigned defeat the next day, there was more than enough room for all the surviving Mohist members to live in the stronghold.

During the retreat, Gao Jianli served as the acting leader. After the retreat was successful and he settled down, he was directly promoted to the official position through a vote by the Heavenly Will.

Despite this, Gao Jianli had no idea what the Mo family was going to do next, except for continuing to carry out the Azure Dragon Plan and seek revenge.

Anyway, it can't be wrong to oppose Qin. We can figure out other development issues after the rebellion against Qin is successful.

The Azure Dragon Plan still needs to wait for the right opportunity; the tyrant Ying Zheng has not yet begun his tour.

However, they couldn't be idle while waiting. As soon as they were idle, they would easily recall the Mo family's past glory and present decline. Therefore, Gao Jianli took the initiative to organize several attacks on the Qin army near Sanghai City.

By keeping busy, one can pretend to be on the path of reviving the Mohist school, using fatigue to numb one's senses.

The Mohist movement only caused minor trouble for the Qin army. The Qin forces in Sanghai City were mainly concentrated at the Mirage Shipyard, where the defenses were excellent and far beyond the Mohist forces' current capabilities to breach...

Sanghai City is the territory of the Confucian school. Zhang Liang, the third leader of Xiaoshengxianzhuang, united the anti-Qin forces in the Battle of the Mechanical City and gained a certain reputation. However, it was also because of his mistake that he took away all the masters in the Mohe Secret Chamber. He should bear some responsibility for the tragedy that followed in the Mohe Secret Chamber.

This responsibility was not imposed on him by the Mohists, but rather a pressure that Zhang Liang put on himself: the anti-Qin righteous men had suffered too many losses, not to mention the irreparable rift that had formed between the deceased noble forces and the Mohists.

In anticipation of the potential dangers posed by the Mohists' hasty actions, Zhang Liang specifically arranged for Tianming, Shaoyu, and Gao Yue (disguised as a woman) to enter Xiaoshengxianzhuang: the Mohists' strongholds were relatively safe, but ultimately not as safe as Xiaoshengxianzhuang.

Moreover, these three children are of extraordinary status, and any influence exerted on them can have a repercussion effect on the Mohist school and the Xiang family.

“Sanghai City is not peaceful. The existence of the mirage may very well turn it into a second mechanical city someday.”

Wei Zhuang, holding the Shark Tooth sword, leaned against a pillar in the pavilion. In the reflection of his pupils, one could see the reflections of Gai Nie and Zhang Liang.

The three of them were now on a secluded cliff by the sea, which was Zhang Liang's safe zone.

"We are too weak right now, and we need to find new allies in Sanghai City."

After gently pouring three cups of tea, Zhang Liang did not pick them up to drink, but simply placed them on the stone table: "Even if the peace of Sanghai City is only temporary, it is still precious."

"I wonder who Brother Zifang is referring to as an ally?" Gai Nie's initial purpose in defecting was simply to escape, but now, embarking on the path of rebellion against Qin is inevitable.

Given this situation, he had no choice but to actively participate in the anti-Qin plan.

"Confucianism, and also, the Agricultural School!" Everyone present valued their time and didn't have time to play riddles, so Zhang Liang's answer was straightforward:

“My senior brother Fu Nian is someone we can win over, and Lu Wei of the Farmer’s Clan has always been the most steadfast member of the anti-Qin camp. If they are willing to stand with us, the loss of the Mechanized City will be insignificant.”

"What kind of person is Lu Wei?" Gai Nie had heard this name many times and thought of Ji Yan, the Four Mountains Hall Master who appeared in the Mechanized City. He said solemnly, "Why do his subordinates have the Eight Swords of Yue King? And why do they use them openly in the martial arts world? I didn't hear Luo Wang mention this when I was in Xianyang."

"There's actually been a rumor circulating in the martial arts world about this," Zhang Liang said, shaking his head as he answered Gai Nie's question: "'In the Great Marsh Mountain, even the Net and Quicksand would suffer a terrible price if they rashly entered.'"

As he spoke, he looked at Wei Zhuang, who didn't mind sharing his defeat: "This rumor is at least half true. As for the other half of the evidence, it's probably that Jingni sword... and the position of the leader of the knights."

Wei Zhuang said solemnly, "Lu Wei's true strength has not been shown much in the past ten years, and it has been even rarer to be shown publicly. But I can tell you that even if all of the Quicksand forces were to go against him, it would not be enough."

This statement is somewhat inaccurate, because while it sounds like the entire Quicksand gang would be involved, in reality, only Wei Zhuang and Bai Feng are skilled enough to cooperate against the enemy, and the difference between the two is huge, so it doesn't really reflect Lu's true combat strength.

“We are not enemies with Lu Wei. The stronger he becomes, the more trouble Qin will have. Why worry too much about this?” Zhang Liang said after a moment of silence.

However, this remark drew a sneer from Wei Zhuang: "Why does Zifang deceive himself?"

"The biggest challenge in cooperating with farmers lies in how to allocate the leadership."

“Lu Wei is domineering. Now that we want to talk about cooperation, the conditions he proposes are most likely that he will only allow the farmers to incorporate us.”

"If we cannot demonstrate our value, the word 'cooperation' is meaningless in the first place."

Chapter 330 The Brothers and Sisters of Mount Shu

"Yes, so we need to go to Dazeshan."

Zhang Liang raised his teacup, the tea being made from farm-grown tea leaves: "Since you two are traveling together, you must give us some face wherever you go."

"Without winning over the peasants, the anti-Qin campaign cannot be considered a full-fledged effort."

He was unaware that Lu Wei would be coming to Sanghai in a month or two, so he wanted to take the initiative to visit him.

"There are rumors that the Imperial Chancellor Li Si will come to Sanghai next year, but we have limited time."

The Prime Minister's trip was no small matter. Even the slightest clue from Li Si would be watched by many eyes. Moreover, given his status, it was not something shameful for him to go to Sanghai on the Emperor's orders. There were Confucian scholars serving as officials in Xianyang, so it would not be difficult for them to find out about this news.

In response to Zhang Liang's suggestion, Gai Nie also picked up the tea on the table and looked at his junior brother Xiao Zhuang.

The gazes of his senior brother and Zifang prompted Wei Zhuang to approach, his eyes narrowing as he looked at the last cup of tea...

With their pupils trembling slightly, Yu Ziqi and his sister Xiao Yu looked at the two cups of hot tea that had been served to them, and their emotions were instantly stirred from the deepest part of their hearts.

"Tiangong Yunwu Cui is a famous tea from Sichuan. Its finished product has a glossy color, tender leaves, clear soup, mellow taste, and refreshing aroma. Although the tea from Dazeshan is also famous throughout the world, I love tea and have also collected some local specialties from other places."

Lu Wei smiled and gestured to the two guests to taste the tea: "Knowing that you two are from Shu Mountain, I brought out some of it. It may not be as good as the local tea from Shu Mountain, but Shu Mountain tea is now only used in Xianyang and is rarely circulated outside. I apologize for the inconvenience."

"Brother Lu is actually the leader of the Farmer's Clan..."

Hearing Lu Wei mention Mount Shu, Yu Ziqi felt extremely sad, but he forced a smile and said...

Three years ago, Mount Shu was destroyed by the Qin army led by Meng Tian. The treasures of Mount Shu either entered the Xianyang Palace or were sent to the Mirage Tower. The local people of Mount Shu had no choice but to submit to the Qin people. Although a few capable rebels could be protected by the people of Mount Shu, their ideal was to revitalize Mount Shu.

Within Xianyang City, any Shu people exposed would be expelled. Even if they could hide their identities, they could not cause any damage to the magnificent Xianyang Palace. Therefore, most of the Yu Yuan Guard's forces were concentrated around the Mirage Tower.

The Yin-Yang School seeks immortality, while the Shu Mountain School only desires a peaceful life. But at this moment, it seems the only path they can take to reclaim their rightful peace is the same: the same pursuit of immortality...

Neither the Qin state nor the Yin-Yang School could rival the power of Mount Shu.

"I concealed something from Brother Yu when I was in Shouchun, which was indeed impolite."

Lu Wei's friendship with Yu Ziqi dates back eight years, a short memory.

“No, when Qin attacked Chu, Lu Xiaokui’s concealment was out of necessity.” Yu Ziqi shook his head and took the initiative to defend Lu Wei: “I don’t mean to blame you, I’m just a little surprised.”

Yu Ziqi's younger sister, Xiao Yu, kept quiet and listened to her brother's conversation with the important farmer, while carefully watching the emerald tea leaves floating in the clouds and mist in front of her.

The aroma of Sichuan mountains... I haven't smelled or touched it in so long...

She and her brother, along with other Shu people, had been wandering in Qi for over a year. They originally had a small courtyard in Sanghai City as their base, but last year their base was attacked by Yun Zhongjun of the Yin Yang School. It was only thanks to her companions risking their lives to cover their escape that they were able to get away.

After that, the power of the Shu people diminished even further.

A calm analysis reveals that the mirage was heavily guarded before its completion, and to infiltrate it, one would have to wait until the mirage's trial voyage.

Under these two premises, before the long wait, Yu Ziqi attempted to separate his companions and hide them under other forces, using the established power of others to evade the pursuit of the Yin Yang School.

In the Qi region, the first forces to come into view in this regard were undoubtedly Xiaoshengxianzhuang and the Farmers.

Just as Yu Ziqi was about to give it a try, the Farmer Clan, who had been monitoring the Shu Mountain forces for some time, made their move first.

After Ziwu stormed into the Shushan temporary stronghold with his sword, defeated Yu Ziqi, and left him a note, Yu Ziqi learned that the leader of the Farmer's Clan wanted to see him.

But he really didn't expect that this Lu Wei, the leader of the peasant heroes, was the same Lu Wei he had a few days' friendship with in Shouchun many years ago.

"I have heard about the Battle of Shu Mountain and was worried about Brother Yu. I am so glad to see you today."

Lu Wei did not dwell too much on the matter of concealing his identity. He smiled and limited the topic to Shu Mountain itself, saying frankly, "The Farmer's Clan actually had information about Brother Yu's actions even before today's meeting. I have some idea of ​​what Brother Yu is doing, so I won't keep you in suspense."

"Brother Yu, have you come for the Mirage?"

When the matter was brought up, Yu Ziqi and Xiao Yu sat up straight and looked at Lu Wei with serious expressions: "Indeed, the Mirage Tower has a deep connection with our Shu Mountain."

Yu Ziqi certainly knew how massive the Farmer's Clan was. Putting aside his past minor friendship with Lu Wei, the fact that Lu Wei had mentioned the Mirage meant that he likely had a very deep understanding of the Shu Mountain's actions.

Further concealment will not work.

"Is your enemy Yun Zhongjun?" Lu Wei delved deeper step by step, not mentioning the entire Yin Yang School, his purpose was obvious.

Faced with this question, Yu Ziqi fell silent. He wanted to think clearly about Lu Wei's purpose in asking before answering. However, seeing that his brother did not answer, Xiao Yu next to him said in a clear and affirmative voice, "Yes!"

Yun Zhongjun and Mount Shu are sworn enemies...

Even hearing his name would make Xiao Yu feel disgusted and nauseous: this alone could make her forget about his attack on Mount Shu.

In Sanghai City, Elder Jin of the Yin-Yang School captured several disciples of Shu Mountain, including several guards of Yu Yuan.

Yun Zhongjun not only cruelly experimented on these prisoners with various inhumane elixirs, but also used the Ghost-Controlling Elixir to refine them into inhuman, ghost-like... medicine people!

During Yun Zhongjun's attack on the Sanghai stronghold of Mount Shu, Xiao Yu witnessed firsthand several former comrades transformed into twisted drug-infused humans...

Since his sister had already answered, Yu Ziqi didn't have time to think too much and could only nod to vouch for her words: "Yes, Brother Lu mentioned Lord Yunzhong. May I ask why?"

"I'd like to introduce you to a friend."

Lu Wei's smile remained unchanged. He raised his hand and clapped his hands. To the astonishment of Yu Ziqi and Xiao Yu, a girl in a purple dress with a veil covering her face walked in gracefully. The characteristics of her aura and the patterns on her clothes clearly indicated her identity: a member of the Yin-Yang School!

'It's a trap!'

The Shu Mountain siblings simultaneously sensed something was wrong. Their bodies, driven by muscle memory, leaped up and drew the short swords from their sleeves and waists. However, before they could even make an attack, Lu Wei waved his hand and unleashed several bursts of finger energy, knocking their weapons away. At the same time, under the immense pressure of his internal energy, both of them stiffened and were unable to move.

Shao Siming stood behind Lu Wei the entire time, her bright eyes watching everything with pure innocence, only the air currents causing her long hair to flutter slightly...

The pressure lasted only for a brief five or six breaths. When the pressure on their bodies melted away like melting snow, Yu Ziqi and Xiao Yu were covered in cold sweat, gasping for breath and unable to speak.

"Brother Yu and Miss Yu, please sit down. You should now understand that I don't need to lay any ambush to kill you."

With a casual gesture of invitation, Yu Ziqi and Xiao Yu exchanged glances under Lu Wei's watchful gaze before quietly returning to their seats, remaining silent and waiting for the leader of the Farmer's Clan to continue.

The opponent's strength is even more terrifying than that Dongjun of the Yin-Yang School. If he wanted to kill my brother and sister, he certainly wouldn't have the patience to talk nicely here.

"I am well aware that the relationship between Shushan and Yin-Yang School is long-standing, and they have been mostly adversaries for a long time."

A calm and unhurried voice rang out, and Lu Wei remotely drew tea from the teacup to add some more to the portion that the Shushan siblings had just drunk: "But as I asked before, the one with the deepest grudge against Shushan is Elder Yunzhongjun of the Jin Clan."

"The young master behind me is the elder of the Wood Department of the Yin-Yang School. He has no grudge against Mount Shu, so the two of you don't need to be too nervous."

They're all elders of the Yin-Yang Clan, how could they not be enemies!