Now speaking of Lu Yun and Gu Qianxi’s sudden reunion – the two were reluctant to part. This official’s daughter unexpectedly became willful, leaving only a letter of explanation and departing south with her beloved to take up his post.

Actually, this southern journey worried not only Lu Yun about the separation of two places, but even Gu Qianxi was secretly anxious. Just look at Lu Yun’s stubborn streak when doing things – how could Gu Qianxi feel at ease? This appointment was crucial to Lu Yun’s bureaucratic career. If his strange temperament acted up and he was careless, he might be ostracized by local powerful families and would certainly provoke countless disputes. For this reason, Gu Qianxi made up her mind to accompany him, providing mutual support.

Besides this, Gu Qianxi naturally had some feminine concerns that were inconvenient to mention openly. Her beloved was handsome in appearance, held the position of prefect with local authority, yet was unmarried – with such a prize catch, who knew how many vixens in the Jiangnan region were salivating, just waiting to prey on him. Unfortunately, Lu Yun was a blockhead who had no idea how to deal with women. If he wasn’t careful, by the time he returned to the capital to report on his duties, he might bring back a beautiful Jiangnan girl. Then Gu Qianxi’s face would be thoroughly lost. For this reason too, she decided to shadow him step by step to keep close watch.

The carriage traveled at a leisurely pace. This day they had reached near the canal crossing at Dezhou. Coincidentally, this canal was none other than the very place where Lu Yun had once fled in distress. Lu Yun, recalling past events, wanted to pay his respects, so he ordered the carriage to stop and stood alone on high ground to gaze into the distance.

Gu Qianxi alighted and approached, asking softly: “What’s wrong?”

Lu Yun looked at the boats traveling north and south. Seeing the scenery unchanged while he himself had transformed from a fugitive into a prefect appointed by the court, he couldn’t help feeling deeply moved by past events. He looked back at his beloved and sighed softly: “Back then when I escaped from the Shandong prison, I traveled south by boat along this very canal to reach Yangzhou, where I met you. Ah… these two years, so many things have happened…”

Hearing his melancholy words, Gu Qianxi immediately comforted him: “You’re now a distinguished champion scholar and will soon become Prefect Lu. Why dwell on those unpleasant old matters?” Lu Yun shook his head and sighed: “One must not forget one’s roots. Though I, Lu Yun, was born humble and have achieved modest success today, I absolutely cannot enjoy wealth and comfort while forgetting the conscience and good heart from my impoverished years.”

Hearing these words, Gu Qianxi immediately looked up at him with affection overflowing, smiling: “Lu Lang, do you know why I’m so fond of you?”

Lu Yun had always been like wood in romantic matters, quite clumsy in courtship. Hearing Gu Qianxi suddenly say this, he couldn’t help being slightly stunned: “This… I… I…” Seeing Gu Qianxi smiling at him and remembering their first meeting at the lantern festival years ago, he coughed twice: “It… it couldn’t be my skill at solving riddles, could it?”

Gu Qianxi spat and blushed: “Your riddle-solving skills? If I hadn’t been there that day, you still wouldn’t have guessed that ‘bird held in palm’!” Hearing her expose this, Lu Yun laughed dryly and looked around, wanting to change the subject.

Seeing her lover’s uneasy expression and furtive glances, Gu Qianxi reached out to touch his cheek and smiled charmingly: “You really don’t know your own good qualities?” Lu Yun coughed a few times and laughed dryly: “If I knew, wouldn’t I take proper advantage and become a ‘romantic Prefect Lu’?”

Hearing him mention Yang Suguan, Gu Qianxi’s heart stirred slightly and she said softly: “Lu Lang, are you still concerned about Doctor Yang’s matter?”

Lu Yun had originally spoken in jest, but hearing Gu Qianxi bring this up, Yang Suguan’s handsome face appeared before his eyes. Thinking of this colleague’s various strengths, he couldn’t help sighing and shaking his head.

Seeing his slight jealousy, Gu Qianxi quickly grasped his hand and smiled: “You’re now a distinguished imperial champion scholar. Compared to anyone, you’re in no way inferior. Why are you still sighing?” Hearing this, Lu Yun only shook his head without responding.

Gu Qianxi stood beside him as they looked at the canal together. The sky was blue as the sea, sunlight sparkling dazzlingly on the water – momentarily quite glaring. After a long while, Gu Qianxi asked softly: “Why aren’t you speaking?” Lu Yun smiled bitterly and sighed: “What’s there to say? Speaking of Doctor Yang, he truly is a dragon among men… My family background doesn’t match his, my official rank doesn’t match his, my knowledge, experience, appearance – in all respects I must bow in defeat. Ah… I’m worlds apart from him. Every time I think of it, I feel deeply ashamed…”

Hearing him speak this way, still seeming to feel inferior, Gu Qianxi deliberately wanted to provoke her beloved. She bent down and looked up at Lu Yun with a smile: “You’re not wrong. Speaking of Doctor Yang, he truly is a dragon among men – his literary talent and martial arts both shock the world. Such a man would find it hard not to win a girl’s heart, don’t you think?”

Hearing this, Lu Yun suddenly remembered that day in the tea shop when Yang Suguan spoke with his beloved. His heart immediately felt sour and uncomfortable, and he turned his head away and stepped back.

Seeing her lover’s intense jealousy, Gu Qianxi regretted her careless words. She quickly approached and gazed at Lu Yun, saying softly: “I was just joking – are you angry?” Lu Yun lowered his head and shook it: “Qianxi, let me speak seriously with you. Since Doctor Yang is such a good person and likes you so much, why do you wrong yourself by staying with me?”

Gu Qianxi said gently: “You have your good qualities. Even if he were ten times stronger, it wouldn’t concern me.”

Lu Yun sighed softly. He gazed at the passing sails on the canal and said in a daze: “Qianxi, from the day I met Doctor Yang, I never thought of competing with him… Though I’ve been unwilling to accept my fate since childhood, that was just a scholar’s stubborn pride. For other external things, I must learn to see through them. Ah… life has so many disappointments – if one doesn’t open one’s heart, how can one get through it?”

Hearing his words full of sadness, Gu Qianxi smiled slightly and looked up at him: “You shouldn’t speak this way. Even if what we’re competing for is me, would you still yield?” Lu Yun smiled – that smile was slightly bitter, but he didn’t respond.

Gu Qianxi stepped forward and tightly grasped Lu Yun’s hand, saying softly: “Lu Lang, ah Lu Lang… Yang Suguan is an exalted figure – romantic, elegant, refined and scholarly, like someone stepped out of a painting… But you, Lu Yun, are a living person who has experienced human warmth and coldness, a true man weathered by hardship.” Saying this, she pressed close to Lu Yun’s body and placed her cheek against his chest, saying in a low voice: “The reason I can’t forget you is precisely because of your proud integrity.”

Though Gu Qianxi was bold in her actions and never constrained by worldly conventions, these words revealed her innermost feelings. For a moment she couldn’t hide her shy demeanor, her face completely flushed. After saying these words, her body became soft and weak.

Lu Yun exclaimed “Ah!” and was deeply moved. Seeing Gu Qianxi’s bashful and charming rosy face, so adorable, his heart stirred and he couldn’t help reaching out to encircle his beloved’s slender waist, pulling her closer.

With their bodies pressed together in tight embrace, Lu Yun lowered his head to her ear and said softly: “Qianxi, that Lu receives such love from you in this life – I truly don’t know how to repay it.”

These four words “how to repay” made it sound like a business transaction, and the words “that Lu” sounded like the form of address bandits use when forming gangs to kill – not at all like lovers. Hearing him speak so formally, Gu Qianxi couldn’t help being secretly angry. She immediately glared at him and said coquettishly: “You needn’t repay me – just as long as you, Lord Lu, restrain that stubborn temper of yours in front of me, this girl will thank heaven and earth!”

Lu Yun made a “huh” sound and couldn’t help scratching his head, thinking: “Didn’t she love my proud integrity? How is she now saying she doesn’t want my stubborn temper?” While he was still puzzled, he suddenly saw Gu Qianxi’s pretty face turn stern as she pushed him back a step and said seriously: “Lu Yun, listen well – don’t think that because I’ve followed you south, you can bully and mistreat me. Let me make this clear first: if it weren’t for that night when you came to my house in humble supplication, even disguising yourself like a mouse hiding under the bed, I would never have paid attention to you again. Do you know this?”

Lu Yun was greatly shocked and said tremblingly: “This… is this really true?”

Gu Qianxi snorted: “Would I lie to you?” She turned her face aside, pointed her index finger lightly against her cheek, and frowned: “I’ve just been puzzling over it – I don’t know how you suddenly became enlightened and actually knew to humble yourself and seek a girl’s forgiveness?”

Lu Yun let out a long breath and thought: “Thank heaven – if it weren’t for Zhonghai’s blundering mistake that hid me under Qianxi’s bed, this lovesickness would surely have come to nothing.”

Seeing him repeatedly patting his chest as if greatly relieved, Gu Qianxi couldn’t help glaring at him again and saying coquettishly: “You! A distinguished champion scholar, yet afraid to even write a love letter, turning it into some strange literary style like ‘Southwest Archway Ode,’ treating people like scenic attractions – it’s utterly baffling.”

Lu Yun smiled miserably, remembering Qin Zhonghai’s absurd behavior, and quickly waved his hand: “That… that was a misunderstanding…”

Seeing his terrified expression, Gu Qianxi immediately snorted and said petulantly: “What misunderstanding? This ‘West Corner Archway’ couldn’t be some brothel, could it? That night when you and that rogue surnamed Qin were talking under my building, I could tell just by listening that you’d already learned bad habits… Lu Yun, ah Lu Yun, instead of learning good things, you just associate with those rogues and ruffians. I won’t pay attention to you anymore…” Saying this, she stamped her delicate foot and stormed off angrily.

Lu Yun’s face was full of embarrassment as he thought: “This West Corner Archway is quite harmful – it should be demolished as soon as possible…”

Being from an official family, Gu Qianxi inevitably had a somewhat strong temperament – this was Lu Yun’s first real experience of it. In the past when they were together in Yangzhou, because Lu Yun’s status was humble, Gu Qianxi was afraid of hurting him with her words and instead accommodated him in everything, never daring to lose her temper. But now Lu Yun was no longer a lowly page boy but the prefect admired by the people. If she had to flatter and please him, that wasn’t Gu Qianxi’s way of doing things. So she decided to establish her authority now for easier management in the future.

Lu Yun was actually clever and accommodating. Seeing that Gu Qianxi had left home for him, how could he let her be unhappy? He put away his former arrogance and was doubly considerate along the way, not daring to contradict her in the slightest. During the journey, whenever they encountered famous scenic spots or beautiful mountains and waters, he would certainly stop for a long time, never leaving lightly without taking his beloved to appreciate the scenery and pay their respects. Xiao Hong, who had originally viewed Lu Yun somewhat unfavorably, saw her young mistress happy and joyful, and so also put on a smiling face toward this future son-in-law, being quite well-behaved with daily inquiries about his comfort.

The two traveled in high spirits with a simple entourage, and in a few days reached Changzhou.

Arriving at the county border, lanterns were already being lit. Local yamen runners had come to greet them early, forming two long lines. Lu Yun saw their respectful expressions but remembered how he had once been brutally beaten by these wolves. Knowing that government people had one face in public and another in private, he remained cautious, showing neither joy nor anger, and said flatly: “Which one is the secretary?”

A middle-aged man emerged from the crowd and bowed: “Reporting to Your Honor, the yamen secretary had business today and couldn’t come to greet you.”

Seeing this man’s fierce appearance, Lu Yun asked: “Who are you?” When the prefect inquired, the man quickly replied: “This humble person is Changzhou’s head constable, surnamed Hong, given name Mingchong.”

Lu Yun’s expression remained flat as he merely nodded slightly: “So it’s Constable Hong.”

Gu Qianxi leaned over and said quietly: “Something’s not right. A new prefect taking office is such an important matter – how dare the yamen secretary not attend? Could there be some hidden circumstances?” Having followed her father to various posts since childhood, Gu Qianxi was always familiar with such exclusionary tactics and spoke up to remind him.

Lu Yun thought this was correct – if the secretary didn’t have illegal activities he feared being discovered, why wouldn’t he dare come to pay respects? But since he had just taken office, there was no rush to expose this. He waved his hand: “Very well, since the secretary isn’t here, let’s proceed!”

Seeing this new prefect’s unfriendly expression, Constable Hong secretly feared and said with hands at his sides: “Yes. This subordinate obeys orders.”

When everyone entered the city, it was already evening, but they saw the city gates wide open with no one standing guard. Having once accompanied Qin Zhonghai on the western expedition, Lu Yun was well versed in military affairs. Seeing the city gates unclosed and the garrison soldiers nowhere to be found, he was displeased and said sternly: “What a Changzhou – military discipline has deteriorated to this extent! In a moment I must find the militia instructor and question him thoroughly!”

Hearing him say this, Constable Hong knew the local militia commander Cai was in trouble. Cold sweat poured down his body as he thought: “This prefect doesn’t seem like a naive newcomer – I must be careful in dealing with him.”

A coachman nearby asked: “Reporting to Your Honor, what about our transit documents?” Lu Yun snorted: “Since no one’s guarding the city, we needn’t submit them for inspection – let’s just go in!” Constable Hong wanted to speak but hesitated, afraid of being scolded. He lowered his head to lead the way and hurried forward.

Entering the city by carriage, they saw many civilians walking the streets, blocking their path. Constable Hong shouted repeatedly for the people to make way. Lu Yun frowned and lifted the carriage curtain, saying sternly: “We’ll enter the city quietly – don’t disturb the people!” Constable Hong was startled and thought: “Terrible! Here comes a self-righteously clean official – there’ll definitely be hardships ahead!” He hunched his head and walked beside the carriage with a bitter expression.

Gu Qianxi and the others were visiting Changzhou for the first time. Everyone in the carriage kept looking out, wanting to see Changzhou’s local customs. They saw distant shops with blue flags fluttering, people coming and going, bustling activity everywhere – truly prosperous commerce. Xiao Hong laughed: “What a fine Changzhou city! I thought it would be quite desolate, but it’s unexpectedly so prosperous, like a flower city.” Everyone seeing the beautiful lantern decorations like silk ribbons everywhere thought her description as “flower city” was quite apt. Gu Qianxi poked her head out to look and saw colorful ribbons hung and lanterns lit on houses all around, making the humble street scene magnificently beautiful. She couldn’t help laughing: “It’s truly beautiful! Is there some celebration in the city today?” Saying this, she glanced at Lu Yun with eyes full of smiling meaning.

But Lu Yun was most insensitive to romance. Seeing the brilliant lights throughout the city, instead of admiration, he only snorted. He glared at Constable Hong and said coldly: “My taking office is only a yamen matter – why the need for lanterns and decorations, wasting public funds? Whose idea was this?” Constable Hong was startled and exclaimed: “Your Honor sees clearly! This wasn’t our doing!”

Lu Yun said sternly: “If not you, then who created this ostentation?” Constable Hong said: “This is because a Mr. Ouyang in the city is celebrating his birthday, which is why Changzhou is decorated like this.” Lu Yun knew he had wrongly blamed them but only frowned without speaking. Constable Hong didn’t know what to say and remained secretly cautious.

Gu Qianxi was an official’s daughter and always familiar with worldly affairs. She immediately smoothed things over, asking: “Constable Hong, you mentioned the Ouyang family celebrating a birthday – what’s that about?” Seeing someone who understood social niceties, Constable Hong was relieved. Seeing Gu Qianxi elegant and graceful, behaving intimately with Lu Yun, she must have an extraordinary relationship with this cold-faced prefect. He smiled: “This noble young lady is so distinguished – could you be Miss Lu?”

Hearing him address her as a member of the Lu family, Gu Qianxi’s heart secretly rejoiced for a moment. Though quite embarrassed, despite her lifelong cleverness, she didn’t know how to respond. Beside her, Xiao Hong saw her young lady’s shy state and covered her mouth, secretly laughing.

But from inside the carriage came a heavy snort, followed by two stern gazes shooting out – the new official’s three fires, this new prefect Lu Yun was asserting authority again. With a stern face, he said coldly: “Constable Hong, don’t try to curry favor! This young lady is my relative – just address her as Miss Gu!”

Constable Hong cried “Aiya!” and cursed Lu Yun thousands of times in his heart: “Even calling her young mistress isn’t allowed – this prefect is truly a damn monster!” But he dared not disobey and said with a bitter face in a low voice: “This humble official pays respects to Miss Gu.”

Lu Yun nodded with feigned solemnity: “Very good.” After maintaining his cold face for a while, he felt his facial muscles were tense and rather tired, so he turned toward Gu Qianxi. But he saw her looking outward, completely ignoring him, and Xiao Hong was even more unfriendly, rolling her eyes and acting as if he didn’t exist. Lu Yun was puzzled and thought: “What are these master and servant doing? On my first day taking office, why is Qianxi suddenly unhappy?”

Lu Yun had always been stubborn and hard like a stone – how could he understand a girl’s feelings? By calling Gu Qianxi his “relative,” he was being distant. In the future, when servants and officials gossiped behind their backs about Gu Qianxi’s unclear origins and improper conduct, what would she do? Look at this Lu Yun – full of statecraft principles but ignorant of human relations, he had offended his beloved. This could be truly disastrous.

Lu Yun poked his head around, still puzzling endlessly. Gu Qianxi was truly angry and thought: “Lu Yun, ah Lu Yun, when people ask about my background, you could say I’m your fiancée, or at least your cousin – why use such a lukewarm term as ‘relative’? How am I supposed to conduct myself in the future?” Thinking that leaving home had only earned her such treatment, she was so angry tears nearly fell. But with outsiders present, she couldn’t show her anger and could only suppress her grief and indignation.

Constable Hong was far more astute than Lu Yun. Seeing Gu Qianxi’s displeasure as she gazed distantly, completely ignoring Lu Yun, he thought: “This young lady must be the prefect’s beloved, but this Prefect Lu is a shy bookworm whose foolish words have made her unhappy. Let me do them a favor.” Thinking he might need this young lady to save him if he offended Lu Yun in the future, he bowed and scraped to smooth things over: “Miss, when you asked about Mr. Ouyang earlier, did you want to accompany our prefect to pay birthday respects? If you command it, this humble person will definitely make arrangements.”

Indeed, these words made Gu Qianxi smile and nod slightly. Traditionally, only close relatives and companions could accompany someone to birthday celebrations. Constable Hong’s words were truly brilliant – without deliberately stating the intimacy between the two, he could still highlight the unusual relationship between Gu Qianxi and Lu Yun, neither offending the master nor displeasing the lady. Without ten years of official experience, one could never speak such words.

Hearing this, Gu Qianxi was greatly pleased and completely forgot her anger. She turned to Lu Yun with a smile: “How about it? Shall we go to this birthday banquet or not?” Before she finished speaking, she saw Lu Yun call Constable Hong over with a dark expression and say coldly: “What’s this Mr. Ouyang’s background? Has he committed any crimes?”

Seeing her lover’s unprovoked intimidation, Gu Qianxi couldn’t help turning pale. She had asked a perfectly innocent question just wanting to meet local personalities, but Lu Yun was again making her lose face. For a moment Gu Qianxi was both shocked and angry, her eyes brimming with tears.

Gu Qianxi didn’t know that Lu Yun, born humble and having suffered much bullying from wealthy families, was well aware of the ugly collusion between local officials and rich households. If he didn’t investigate the Ouyang family’s background, how could he, an upright and incorruptible official, continue?

The atmosphere was tense. Seeing the prefect’s fierce face, Constable Hong secretly wailed even more. He bowed and said miserably: “Reporting to Your Honor, this Mr. Ouyang was formerly granted the imperial title ‘Jiangnan Foundry Master,’ specializing in ironwork in Changzhou until he retired over ten years ago. This family’s ironwork was famous far and wide – they ran a legitimate business and are definitely not criminals.”

Lu Yun snorted: “Has he bullied the good people or oppressed civilians with tyrannical household behavior?”

Constable Hong shook his hands repeatedly: “No, absolutely not! The Ouyang family has lived in Changzhou for generations and are famous philanthropists. They usually help the poor, build bridges and roads. Their eldest disciple is even our yamen secretary. If Your Honor doesn’t believe it, just check the official documents and ask any poor commoner – then you’ll understand!” Hearing his earnest defense, Lu Yun deduced that the Ouyang family were not local tyrants and bullies. His expression softened slightly as he asked again: “Our secretary has connections with the Ouyang family?”

Constable Hong said in a low voice: “Our secretary is named Gong Zhi – truly skilled in both civil and military arts, smart and capable. The reason our secretary didn’t come to greet Your Honor is precisely because he’s a disciple of the Ouyang family and had to handle his master’s birthday banquet arrangements. He went out of the city last night, which is why he couldn’t greet Your Honor.” Lu Yun was relieved and nodded: “So it was delayed by his master’s birthday banquet – he can’t be blamed for that.” Originally Lu Yun had been quite worried that the secretary was privately engaged in wrongdoing and felt guilty, which was why he dared not greet the arriving official. Hearing the actual circumstances, he felt relieved.

Seeing Constable Hong’s fearful expression and thinking how he had repeatedly been suspicious of him, Lu Yun felt somewhat sorry. He put aside his airs and said warmly: “It seems this Mr. Ouyang is no ordinary person. I should go congratulate him tomorrow and seek his advice on local affairs.” Hearing his intention to befriend the Ouyang family, Constable Hong was overjoyed: “If Your Honor would grace them with your presence, Mr. Ouyang would be infinitely pleased.”

Lu Yun’s investigation of the Ouyang family’s conduct and background before agreeing to attend the birthday celebration truly showed his upright, unselfish, people-loving heart. But by being thorough in this way, he gained in one aspect while losing in another – this performance offended his beloved. Indeed, Gu Qianxi felt bitter and thought: “Lu Yun, ah Lu Yun, you do whatever you want, only caring about your own face – do you still have me in your heart?” The more she thought about it, the sadder she became, and she couldn’t help secretly sobbing.

Lu Yun leaned down and asked Gu Qianxi softly: “Qianxi, would you be willing to accompany me to pay respects tomorrow?”

Still angry, Gu Qianxi said coldly: “I’m just an unknown relative – how could I be worthy of such an occasion?”

Lu Yun said gently: “Don’t speak that way. You’re well-informed and experienced – if you could accompany me to the birthday banquet, I’d feel much more at ease.”

Gu Qianxi snorted, her beautiful eyes only gazing at the street scenery, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Lu Yun was truly like a wooden rooster in romantic matters. Years ago when escorting the princess for her marriage alliance, whenever he saw her suddenly acting petulant, he always treated it as catching cold. Now seeing Gu Qianxi’s unreasonable bad temper, he really didn’t know how to handle it. He looked around outside the carriage, wanting to find a way to resolve the situation. Suddenly seeing several lanterns hanging on the street, an idea struck him. He leaned over and said gently: “Qianxi, look how those lanterns and decorations look so much like our Yangzhou lantern festival?”

Gu Qianxi looked out as he suggested, remembering the scene of first meeting Lu Yun years ago. Her heart suddenly stirred with tender feelings, and her anger slightly subsided.

This move was indeed brilliant, called “Tiger watching lanterns becomes a sick cat” – the key was to redirect the heart and change focus, wanting to make her reminisce tenderly and completely forget her anger. This was Yang Suguan’s lifelong specialty, yet Lu Yun’s wonderful comprehension allowed him to learn it without a teacher.

Seeing his strategy working, Lu Yun immediately struck while the iron was hot, grasping her small hand and saying softly: “From the capital to Changzhou, these hundreds of li with your companionship have been truly delightful. Qianxi, these past days I’ve been so happy…”

This move was called “Smart person talking nonsense to confuse you” – the key was to speak honeyed words at every opportunity. Any woman in the world, hit by such continuous sweet talk, would have impaired thinking and act like they were bewitched. This already had seventy percent of Yang Suguan’s skill level. Even with Gu Qianxi’s intelligent nature, hearing such gentle and tender words, she would likely be enchanted.

Indeed, Gu Qianxi’s body trembled as if greatly moved. With her naturally gentle disposition, suddenly hearing this blockhead scholar’s heartfelt words immediately touched her heart’s hundred tender feelings. She thought: “Today is Lu Lang’s day of taking office. He studied hard for ten years to finally have today – I really shouldn’t have lost my temper with him.” Thinking this, she showed an expression overflowing with affection. Seeing Lu Yun still holding her hand, she quickly said: “There are others present – stop this quickly.” But Lu Yun didn’t retract his hand, only holding tightly to her small hand in a reluctant-to-part manner. Gu Qianxi was both shy and happy, having thrown her anger to the ninth heaven.

Seeing the two’s demeanor, Xiao Hong covered her eyes and made faces with a crooked mouth and protruding tongue.

Constable Hong peeked into the carriage window and saw the two reconciled as before. He thought: “Look how eloquent I am – just a few words and they’re both smiling. Hehe! In the future, as long as I can win over this prefect’s wife, there’ll definitely be good days ahead.” He smiled obsequiously: “Master and madam – no no, Your Honor and Miss – though Mr. Ouyang’s birthday celebrations these past days can’t compare to the atmosphere of great cities like Yangzhou or Suzhou, compared to the poor northern counties, this is still quite a remarkable place. Your Honor has rare leisure these days and should definitely take Miss around to see the sights.”

Lu Yun nodded: “You’re quite right. Changzhou is under my jurisdiction – I should properly examine the local customs and conditions.”

Constable Hong smiled to himself, thinking: “Win over the wife and the master becomes putty in your hands – this iron rule is definitely correct.” Since ancient times, official interactions have all followed the same pattern. Whether Embroidered Uniform Guard commanders or imperial bodyguards, one must master this secret manual. Seeing Constable Hong so astute, he would surely have a prosperous official career in the future.

The large carriage slowly proceeded. Lu Yun and Gu Qianxi sat side by side, their hearts quite peaceful. After watching the street scenes for a while, he asked: “When does tomorrow’s Ouyang birthday banquet begin?” Constable Hong bowed: “Replying to Your Honor, the time was set long ago – tomorrow at the wei hour.”

The wei hour was before dusk, merely mid-afternoon – rather early. Lu Yun couldn’t help feeling somewhat strange and asked: “Why so early?” Constable Hong answered: “Your Honor may not know about this matter. According to Secretary Gong, tomorrow evening Mr. Ouyang will take advantage of his seventieth birthday’s auspicious timing to reopen his iron foundry. To choose an auspicious time for resuming business, he selected the shen hour for the banquet.”

Lu Yun nodded: “I see. Since the Ouyang family has double happiness, I should go early to have a look.”

Everyone proceeded to the yamen, where the stationed officials rushed out and set off firecrackers at the gate. In the joyful sound of firecrackers, Lu Yun gazed at the main gate and remembered his hasty escape years ago, when he couldn’t clear his name because of government persecution. Who would have thought that today he could come here as an official? He stared at the bright mirror hanging high in the yamen and made up his mind – in the future he would definitely uphold justice and eliminate harm for the people, living up to his ambitions and aspirations.

The group hurriedly toured the yamen and then went to the official residence. The two places were not far apart, just a stone’s throw away. When everyone reached the gate, Constable Hong ordered the officials to get the keys, but after a long while they still couldn’t find them. The previous prefect had long since left office, and the official residence had been unoccupied for half a year. The subordinates had certainly been careless and lost the keys. Constable Hong looked embarrassed as he bowed to Lu Yun with a bitter smile: “Terrible! The keys are missing!” He knew this Prefect Lu had a bad temper and would surely be severely scolded for not finding the keys. Just as he was trembling with fear, he heard Lu Yun smile: “Everyone don’t panic. If we can’t find the keys, it’s no matter – let me handle this.”

Lu Yun was in an excellent mood at this moment. Earlier he had maintained a cold face only because he feared Constable Hong and the yamen secretary might deceive and break the law. Now that he knew the truth, his naturally gentle and polite nature wouldn’t allow him to lose his temper randomly. Seeing the missing keys, he wasn’t angry in the slightest. He stepped forward and gently embraced Gu Qianxi’s waist with a smile: “Qianxi, let’s go over together – what do you say?”

Seeing him being intimate with her in front of everyone, Gu Qianxi was both shocked and delighted, her face full of bashfulness as she thought: “Has this rigid scholar taken the wrong medicine? He’s actually not afraid of being embarrassed?” Before she could recover her senses, Lu Yun was already laughing heartily, embracing Gu Qianxi’s slender waist and lifting his qi to leap up. In an instant, like a flying bird, he soared over the wall. Gu Qianxi couldn’t help crying out in alarm while in mid-air. Lu Yun smiled: “With me protecting you, don’t be afraid.” He concentrated his strength, bent his knees, and regulated his true qi, carrying Gu Qianxi horizontally in his arms as they landed steadily on the ground.

Constable Hong was also a martial artist. Seeing this wall was two people high, yet Lu Yun could leap over it in one bound while carrying another person, he couldn’t help shouting in praise: “Lord Prefect’s lightness skill is excellent!”

Though Constable Hong shouted himself hoarse with seeming admiration, his heart was actually dismayed: “This is terrible! Of all people to come, it had to be a martial artist as my superior. If he decides to deal with me in the future, this old life of mine will surely die without a burial place!” From the city gate all the way here, he had been trembling with fear, progressing from his initial thought of “I’m in for hardship” to now “I’m going to die without a burial place” – he was thoroughly frightened by this new prefect.

Though the household servants hadn’t practiced martial arts, seeing this newly minted champion scholar’s impressive skills, their hearts were also shocked. Xiao Hong felt afraid and thought: “So Young Master Lu’s martial arts are this formidable – in the future when Miss quarrels or fights with him, she’ll definitely be bullied by this scoundrel.” She secretly worried, not knowing that her young mistress was supremely clever and skilled in the art of managing husbands. Even if Lu Yun’s martial arts were as supreme as Ning Bufan’s, he would probably still be handled by Miss Gu until he was completely obedient and docile as a sheep.

Lu Yun opened the mansion’s main gate to let everyone in. Though the previous prefect had already left office, the furniture and furnishings in the official residence were still complete with everything needed. Constable Hong, experienced and capable, saw that the prefect’s party looked weary and knew they were tired from travel. He took the initiative as host, ordering subordinates to prepare food and wine and settle their luggage.

Lu Yun was young after all. Seeing his beloved beside him and now having his own nest, he felt joyful and exuberant with a sense that nothing was impossible. Taking advantage of the early hour, he held Gu Qianxi’s small hand as they explored the halls and chambers. After looking around for a while, Lu Yun was filled with happiness and smiled: “From now on, this will be our home. As the lady of the house, you’ll need to put in more thought.”

Gu Qianxi’s face reddened slightly: “We haven’t formally arranged a matchmaker or held a wedding – how can I be the lady of your house?”

Lu Yun smiled: “When I return to the capital to report on my duties, I’ll personally petition Uncle Gu to marry his beloved daughter to me.”

Hearing this, Gu Qianxi was overjoyed but couldn’t show her happiness. She said quietly: “What if Father doesn’t agree?” Lu Yun smiled: “Then I’ll have no choice but to abandon my office and flee, taking you to wander the world.” Gu Qianxi grasped his hand and said softly: “Wherever you go, I’ll follow you.” Lu Yun’s heart warmed as he smiled: “Come, let’s see how we should arrange the house. After all, I’ll be serving as prefect for two or three years – I must organize the living quarters properly.”

The two strolled leisurely, touring rooms and halls. Gu Qianxi was indeed exceptionally intelligent – whenever she saw flowers, plants, or chambers, she had ingenious ideas for arrangement. Lu Yun listened to her with a smile, thinking: “Heaven has been so good to me. That I, Lu Yun, can have today – no amount of suffering matters.” Both thinking of their beautiful future days, their hearts were filled with joy and peace.

After eating, Lu Yun’s mind turned to official business, so he went with Gu Qianxi to inspect the yamen. It was already evening, and the court hall was completely dark. Lu Yun lit an oil lamp and looked around by the dim light. The hall was cleaned thoroughly – clearly the officials swept it daily without daring to slack off.

Lu Yun walked up the steps and looked down from the prefect’s seat. The view was broad, with every detail of the hall’s interior and exterior visible. Lu Yun smiled slightly and thought: “This will be where I try cases in the future – I must do great work here!”

Smiling as he explored the surroundings, he looked toward a corner when suddenly his body trembled. It seemed a young man was kneeling in the shadows – a man of dignified bearing but covered in wounds, looking at him with eyes full of indignation and sorrow, as if wanting to say something but the words weren’t clear…

Past events flooded his mind. Lu Yun couldn’t help but have tears well up, actually weeping in a daze.

Seeing him suddenly crying for no apparent reason, Gu Qianxi couldn’t help being startled. She quickly approached and asked softly: “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?” Not wanting to speak of past tragic events, Lu Yun immediately wiped his tears with his sleeve and shook his head: “I’m fine – don’t worry.”

Gu Qianxi supported him and said gently: “Don’t hide things from me. If you have any troubles, just tell me – don’t keep them bottled up inside.”

Lu Yun sighed. Looking down at the hall, he said melancholily: “Before, kneeling down there, I could only wonder how the officials sitting above could have such black, cold hearts. Today, walking up these steps and truly tasting this position, I finally understand – this platform is so high, so distant… Sigh… Common people kneel on the ground while great officials sit high in the hall. Over time, who wouldn’t consider themselves superior? The longer one sits, the blinder one’s eyes become, the harder one’s heart, the sharper one’s tongue…” Full of emotion, he turned to Gu Qianxi: “I don’t want to become like that. In my lifetime, I’d rather die poor than become like that.” Saying this, he clenched his fists, his body trembling slightly.

Lu Yun’s face showed compassion as he gazed down at the hall, a sense of pitying heaven and people naturally arising. Seeing his expression, Gu Qianxi felt both proud and loving. She approached and lightly kissed his cheek, saying softly: “Fool, this stubborn temperament of yours will never change. Even if you died, you’d still be like this – it definitely can’t be changed.”

Lu Yun said happily: “Really? This stubborn temperament for a whole lifetime?” Gu Qianxi made a face and teased: “Look how pleased you are, you dumb ox – what’s there to be proud of?” Seeing Lu Yun’s embarrassed expression, she gently pushed his back and smiled charmingly: “Don’t talk about this now – go sit at the court desk and let me watch for a while.”

Not knowing what she intended, Lu Yun sat behind the desk as requested and asked: “Like this?” Gu Qianxi smiled: “Sit up straighter.” Lu Yun made an “oh” sound and straightened his back. He sat there stupidly, not knowing what Gu Qianxi wanted to do. Seeing her eyes sparkling with mischievous intent, he suddenly understood – she wanted to see him acting with official authority as prefect. Lu Yun laughed heartily, picked up the gavel, and struck it while shouting: “What an audacious woman, daring to tease your prefect!”

But there was a strange “click” sound from the gavel. Lu Yun was puzzled when Gu Qianxi walked up smiling and picked up a wooden block: “This is the gavel, Lord Prefect – you picked up the wrong thing.” Lu Yun’s face reddened as he thought: “Then what was I holding?” Looking down, he saw it was an inkstone and couldn’t help feeling deeply embarrassed.

After touring the yamen, they strolled around Changzhou city to familiarize themselves with local conditions.

Walking side by side on Changzhou’s streets, they saw the large street full of pedestrians – some were vendors making a living, others were families out for entertainment. Everyone’s faces showed happiness as if attending a market fair. Lu Yun nodded: “Today is the thirteenth – there shouldn’t be a market. The Ouyang family must be wealthy and influential to make Changzhou city so lively.”

Gu Qianxi smiled: “Aren’t you going to congratulate them tomorrow? How come you’re not worried about the congratulatory gift?” Lu Yun clapped his hands and exclaimed: “Yes! How did I forget this!” He took out his money pouch, looked inside, and smiled miserably: “This is terrible – I only brought ten taels of silver. What can I buy with this later?”

Gu Qianxi smiled and took out a stack of banknotes, putting them in Lu Yun’s hands: “Don’t worry – use these for now.”

Lu Yun quickly waved his hands and said urgently: “This is your money – how can I use it? No! No!” He pushed them away. Hearing his distant words that created a separation between them, Gu Qianxi’s pretty face showed anger as she said coquettishly: “If you’re always so formal, I might as well go back to Beijing!” Saying this, she stuffed the banknotes into Lu Yun’s hands and turned to leave.

Seeing his lover’s anger, Lu Yun was alarmed and quickly said: “Qianxi, don’t be angry!” He ran after his beloved, but in his panic didn’t grip the banknotes firmly – half the stack fell and scattered in the wind. Lu Yun was shocked, knowing these banknotes were worth hundreds of taels each and were all Gu Qianxi’s private money – how could he lose them? He couldn’t worry about chasing Gu Qianxi and used his lightness skill to grab five or six notes, but three still flew away. Just as he was about to catch them, he suddenly saw a weasel-faced man rush from the roadside, reach out to catch them, stuff the banknotes in his bosom, and hurry away.

Lu Yun was both shocked and angry, shouting: “What are you doing!” Hearing the shout, the man walked even faster. Seeing the man had already escaped far away, Lu Yun immediately used his lightness skill to leap along the houses and in an instant had blocked the man’s path.

Lu Yun spread his arms to block the road and shouted: “Thief! Quickly hand over the silver!” But the man was a scoundrel. He looked Lu Yun up and down and sneered: “What silver? What are you talking about, pretty boy?” He picked at his ear as if he couldn’t hear clearly, acting completely shameless.

Lu Yun shouted loudly: “Audacious scoundrel! I am the newly appointed Prefect Lu of this region. You stole money and still dare to deny it? Quickly hand over the silver!” The man yawned: “What prefect or governor – I’m still imperial relatives!” Seeing this person’s completely unruly appearance and fearless attitude, Lu Yun couldn’t help sighing inwardly: “How unlucky I am! Before, as a commoner, I always encountered corrupt officials and wolves. Now as an official, I keep meeting these scoundrel rats. Sigh… my life is so bitter!” In his sighing and self-pity, he couldn’t help feeling sorry for himself.

Seeing Lu Yun still wouldn’t leave, the man sneered: “Get out of the way – I want to pass!” He tried to brush past Lu Yun. How could Lu Yun let him go? He grabbed him and said sternly: “Taking people’s money makes you a criminal. If you still know your wrongs, hand it over early and this official can be lenient with you.”

The man laughed wildly: “Blocking my way deserves death. If you’re still sensible, get lost early and I might spare your life!” This person was extremely arrogant, mimicking Lu Yun’s tone of speech. Lu Yun gave a “hey” and said: “You cunning little thief – you’ll suffer for this!” The man shouted: “Bullshit!” and immediately kicked out.

Though Lu Yun had been busy with official duties these days and hadn’t diligently practiced martial arts, he had studied under Lu Guzhan – how could his boxing and kicking compare to ordinary people? He snorted and used “Peerless Continuous Punches,” knocking the man to the ground with one punch, then pulled him up and shouted: “Quickly hand over the money!”

The man hadn’t expected this pale-faced scholar to have such martial skills. He was both panicked and afraid, just about to comply obediently when he suddenly saw many pedestrians on the road, with quite a few people looking their way. An idea struck him and he suddenly screamed: “Help! Murder! Bandits are robbing!”

This cry was extremely shrill, as if he were being tortured. Nearby people were shocked and immediately gathered around. Seeing Lu Yun grabbing the man, they couldn’t help exclaiming: “How is it that a perfectly good pale-faced scholar is beating people here?” An old man advised Lu Yun: “This person is Yellow Peddler – just a poor local character with nothing to gain. Quickly let him go!”

Seeing countless people speaking critically, Lu Yun quickly said: “This person stole money and should be prosecuted. How can I let him go?”

Yellow Peddler feared the crowd would believe Lu Yun’s story and opened his mouth to shout, but Lu Yun knew this person had a slick tongue. If he let him speak freely, it would inevitably cause trouble. He applied internal force to his hand, channeling it directly into Yellow Peddler’s meridians. Yellow Peddler cried out in pain and couldn’t speak anymore.

Lu Yun shouted: “Still won’t hand over the money!” Yellow Peddler wailed: “I’ll give it! I’ll give it!” He took the banknotes from his bosom and obediently handed them to Lu Yun. Lu Yun counted the banknotes – not one was missing. He immediately shouted: “Now come with me!” He was about to arrest him.

Yellow Peddler cried: “Master! The money’s already returned to you – please spare my life and don’t take me away!” He refused to comply, rolling on the ground pleading pitifully.

Lu Yun snorted: “If you had handed it over early, there wouldn’t have been trouble. Now you know regret – isn’t it too late?”

Hearing Yellow Peddler crying and wailing while Lu Yun spoke harshly, the crowd felt pity. Several old men urgently called: “Come quickly! Bandits are robbing in broad daylight! They’re even taking people away!” Over ten young men stepped forward with righteous courage, immediately shouting and preparing to fight.

Seeing the crowd’s uproar and realizing he was in a suspicious position that would inevitably cause misunderstandings, Lu Yun quickly said: “Friends! I really am the newly appointed Changzhou prefect. This person stole money, forcing me to personally arrest him. You’ve misunderstood!” The crowd shouted: “What prefect! You’re obviously lying!” Lu Yun gave a “hey” and said: “Everyone look clearly – this is the official seal granted by the court.” He reached into his bosom for the prefect’s seal, but it was packed in his luggage and he hadn’t brought it with him.

Seeing Lu Yun fumbling around but unable to produce any seal or official documents, and looking at his young age and unremarkable appearance, they didn’t believe he was a prefect. Their shouting became even more fierce. Several strong young men strode forward, ready to teach him a lesson.

Lu Yun had practiced the “Unparalleled Heart Method” and mastered “Peerless Continuous Punches.” He had once fought Luo Moshi for a hundred rounds in the Western Regions and entered battlefields as commonly as eating meals – how would he fear a few villagers? But these were all good local people – he couldn’t beat them all up, could he? Lu Yun sighed, feeling quite troubled.

Seeing an opportunity, Yellow Peddler immediately lay flat on the ground and cried: “Great King, please return the silver to me! That’s my mother’s medical money!”

It turned out this Yellow Peddler’s nickname was Yellow Wasp, and he was best at being a fair-weather friend with the wonderful skill of climbing up when given a pole. Seeing everyone suspicious of Lu Yun, he decided to use a victim strategy to get the crowd to beat him up.

When a scholar meets soldiers, reason can’t be explained clearly. Though Lu Yun was naturally intelligent and well-read, having properly dealt with the Khan’s national teacher and martial heroes on battlefields and even composed himself in court, he most feared these kind of shameless scoundrels. These people wanted money but not face – when they acted shamelessly, the various despicable methods they used were truly unbelievable.

The surrounding crowd, seeing this pitiful drama, all fell for the trick. Seeing Yellow Peddler so pitiable made them even more furious, all wanting to fight Lu Yun to the death.

Lu Yun’s heart grew dismayed as he thought: “Fine! I, Lu Yun, am well-versed in military strategy, yet today I’m being toyed with by a third-rate scoundrel. How can I try cases or serve as an official in the future?” Thinking this, he felt utterly discouraged. Though unwilling to hit people, he couldn’t just take a beating for nothing, so he prepared to defend himself.

Just then, a gentle voice nearby said softly: “Everyone, don’t start fighting – if someone gets killed, that would be bad. Let me ask what happened clearly, then we can report to the officials.” Lu Yun heard this voice seemed to be Gu Qianxi’s and was overjoyed. He quickly turned to look and indeed saw Gu Qianxi speaking up. Just as he was about to explain to her, he saw Gu Qianxi repeatedly signaling with her eyes for him not to acknowledge her. Lu Yun understood his beloved intended to help him out of this predicament and remained silent, quietly observing.

The onlookers saw Gu Qianxi was beautiful as a flower and had the bearing of an official’s daughter. Thinking she must be knowledgeable, they all quieted down to let her ask questions.

Gu Qianxi walked forward with a smile and asked Yellow Peddler: “Uncle, what’s your surname and name? How much silver were you robbed of? Should I report this to the officials for you?” Seeing Gu Qianxi’s beauty, Yellow Peddler immediately showed a lecherous smile: “I’m surnamed Huang and I’m a local peddler.”

Gu Qianxi nodded: “So it’s Uncle Huang.” She pointed at Lu Yun and asked: “Uncle Huang, how much silver did this bully rob from you?” Yellow Peddler had grabbed the banknotes randomly and couldn’t remember clearly, so he said: “I can’t remember exactly – anyway, it was several hundred taels.”

The onlookers heard this and couldn’t help discussing among themselves, all finding it incredible. Gu Qianxi frowned: “You can’t even remember how much silver you lost – how can I report this to the officials?”

Yellow Peddler was secretly alarmed and quickly said: “Anyway, they were those hundred-tael banknotes – probably lost three or four!” Gu Qianxi covered her mouth and laughed: “You have such a bad memory – you can’t even remember how many banknotes you brought out.” Yellow Peddler became suspicious, fearing she was in league with Lu Yun, and quickly shouted: “I got robbed and you’re still laughing – what kind of behavior is this?”

Hearing his rude words, Lu Yun immediately became furious. Gu Qianxi quickly signaled him to remain calm.

Gu Qianxi said: “Uncle, don’t get angry – I’m just asking questions with no ill intent.” She smiled and asked again: “I wonder what business you’re in – how come you’re carrying several hundred taels in banknotes at night? Isn’t that quite dangerous?” Lu Yun smiled slightly, knowing Gu Qianxi had hit the crucial point. Being in a suspicious position himself, even with the greatest eloquence he couldn’t use it effectively – he could only watch his beloved’s skills.

Yellow Peddler, questioned by Gu Qianxi, couldn’t answer at all and could only grunt: “What business I do is none of your concern, woman!” People nearby called out: “Yellow Peddler sells fruit in the city!” Gu Qianxi said wonderingly: “Selling fruit requires carrying several hundred taels in banknotes? Are you going to buy an orchard, Uncle?” Hearing Gu Qianxi’s reasonable words, everyone asked: “Yes! Yellow Peddler, when did you become so wealthy?”

Fearing his scheme would be exposed, Yellow Peddler pretended to be angry: “I said before – my mother’s been unwell recently, and I need to get her medicine. How can I not bring plenty of silver?” Gu Qianxi smiled: “It’s so late – banknotes can’t be exchanged for cash. Aren’t you afraid you can’t make change?” Yellow Peddler shouted: “Mind your own business! I want to buy old mountain ginseng for home tonic – is that your concern?”

After Gu Qianxi asked several questions, she had exposed various unreasonable points. The crowd, who had originally sympathized with Yellow Peddler, now all turned suspicious. Gu Qianxi smiled slightly and was about to expose his tricks when suddenly an old woman called loudly: “Son! It’s so late – why aren’t you coming home? Why are you still arguing with people on the road?”

This voice was powerful and strong, making everyone’s ears ring. Yellow Peddler turned to look and suddenly saw the woman was robust in build – it was his mother. Suddenly seeing his mother, he was so frightened he wanted to cry out, then quickly signaled with his eyes. But the old woman didn’t understand and just wondered: “Why are you blinking? Was fruit business bad today?”

Gu Qianxi observed their expressions and smiled: “Could this be Mrs. Huang? Her complexion is ruddy and she looks very healthy!” Yellow Peddler spat and was about to speak when the old woman glanced at Gu Qianxi and suddenly slapped Yellow Peddler, shouting: “You dead boy, are you bothering this pretty girl again? I just beat you last time – are your hands itchy again?”

Yellow Peddler cried out in pain: “Mother! You’re sick – why aren’t you resting at home?”

The old woman was furious and shouted: “What sickness do I have? You unfilial son, how dare you curse your mother? I’ll beat your stinking mouth!” She chased after him to beat him. Seeing Yellow Peddler pinned down and beaten by his mother, everyone knew he had been trying to extort money and couldn’t help laughing.

In the midst of the commotion, Constable Hong had heard the news and arrived. Seeing the crowd surrounding Lu Yun, he broke out in a cold sweat and quickly stepped forward, kneeling and calling loudly: “Lord Prefect! This subordinate arrived late to rescue you – please punish me severely!”

What authority Constable Hong had – which villager didn’t recognize him? Seeing the dignified head constable kneel down and address this pale-faced scholar as Lord Prefect, they realized Lu Yun truly was the newly appointed prefect. In an instant, all the villagers were scared out of their wits. Several old men who had joined in the scolding earlier were now pale with fear, trembling and not knowing if they’d be arrested and beaten in the yamen.

Before Lu Yun could speak, Constable Hong was already full of anger. He stood up and glared furiously at the crowd, shouting: “You blind fools! This is Prefect Lu who just came here to take office – what fortune Changzhou has that the Emperor’s personally appointed champion scholar came to serve as our official! How dare you commit such offenses? Quickly kneel and beg forgiveness!”

Hearing this, the people quickly knelt and cried: “We common folk didn’t know Your Honor had arrived – please forgive us!”

Lu Yun was a scholar – seeing all the villagers kneeling, how could he still be angry? Besides, they had acted with righteous intentions, though rash, it came from good hearts. He quickly said: “Fellow villagers, please don’t do this – ignorance is no crime. Please get up!” He personally went forward to help them up one by one.

The villagers saw his polite behavior, completely different from ordinary officials’ arrogance, and couldn’t help marveling in amazement.

Constable Hong grabbed Yellow Peddler and forced him to kneel, shouting loudly: “Reporting to the prefect, this person stole property and spoke wildly – his crimes are unforgivable! Please punish him severely, Lord Prefect!” Yellow Peddler’s mother stood aside, frightened into kneeling and crying: “This child momentarily saw money and was tempted – please spare his life, Lord Prefect!” She kowtowed repeatedly, quite pitifully.

At this time, the Huang family mother and son were trembling with fear, but Lu Yun said nothing. He looked down carefully and saw patches on both their clothes, and both had dark complexions – apparently their daily life was indeed hard, which led to this moment of greed when seeing money.

Lu Yun’s heart stirred with pity as he thought: “This person’s nature may not be bad. If I punish him severely, it would ruin his whole life.” Having once been a fugitive and imprisoned, he understood the darkness within and was extremely cautious in judging cases. After pondering for a long while, he said: “Yellow Peddler’s crime isn’t serious – he’s just too greedy for money. This official will punish him to sweep Changzhou’s main street for half a year, sweeping morning and evening. In the future, if Constable Hong sees even half a fruit peel or paper scrap on the street, he should hold Yellow Peddler accountable.”

Hearing this light punishment, Constable Hong couldn’t help making a surprised sound. Earlier when Lu Yun had been repeatedly tormented by Yellow Peddler and nearly beaten by the people, he expected him to take fierce revenge to vent his anger, but who knew it would end so mildly. Constable Hong, being worldly-wise, already knew this prefect had a cold face but warm heart – he was a good person. He bowed and replied: “Your Honor, rest assured – this subordinate will definitely handle it!”

The Huang family mother and son, hearing the light punishment, quickly knelt to thank him and express gratitude for his benevolence. Lu Yun pulled Yellow Peddler up and earnestly advised: “Money is external to the body – in the future you should earn money through proper means. If I catch you in similar activities again, I’ll punish you severely without mercy. Do you understand?” Yellow Peddler was moved to tears and quickly said: “I wouldn’t dare again! Even if I found silver while sweeping streets, I’d take it to the yamen to report to officials.”

Lu Yun smiled slightly: “Good, remember what you said. You mother and son can go now!”

Seeing Yellow Peddler being dragged away by his mother’s ear – he would surely get thirty heavy beatings when he got home – Lu Yun and Gu Qianxi exchanged glances and smiled, their earlier small unpleasantness immediately thrown to the ninth heaven.

Lu Yun shook his head and smiled bitterly: “Though I’m well-read in classics and claim to understand military strategy, I can’t even handle a cunning scoundrel – I’ve really made you laugh at me.” Gu Qianxi grasped his hand and said gently: “Don’t think that way. Reading and being an official are two different things. It’s like how famous generals who always win battles don’t necessarily understand common people’s clever schemes. You’re so intelligent – in the future you’ll gain wisdom from each experience. With more experience, you’ll gradually understand these trivial matters.”

Lu Yun nodded slightly and was about to respond when he heard low laughter nearby. Someone whispered: “This young lady is quite capable – not inferior to men.” Another laughed: “Look how beautiful she is – she’ll definitely be our supreme prefect in the future…”

Lu Yun was startled and quickly looked around. He saw over ten people hiding nearby, smiling as they stared at the two of them, watching like a theater performance. It seemed these villagers were quite curious about their prefect and, seeing he had no temper, had grown bold enough to come peek and had indeed heard wonderful dialogue.

Lu Yun and Gu Qianxi looked at each other, both slightly embarrassed and feeling awkward.

Constable Hong rushed over and shouted loudly: “What are you all doing? Don’t want your heads anymore? All of you go home!” The villagers feared this constable far more than the prefect. Hearing his roar, they laughed and dispersed.

Seeing everyone scatter and Constable Hong bow and leave, Lu Yun immediately laughed heartily. He bowed to Gu Qianxi and cupped his hands: “Many thanks to the Supreme Prefect for saving my life – this commoner Lu Yun pays his respects.” Gu Qianxi blushed: “Where did you learn such improper behavior? Stop fooling around.” Lu Yun smiled: “The superior hasn’t said to rise – how dare this commoner move without permission?”

Gu Qianxi spat and was about to speak again when they suddenly heard a young girl’s voice in the distance wondering: “Isn’t that Brother Lu? Why is he bowing and scraping here – does he owe someone money?”

Lu Yun hadn’t expected someone else to be watching. His face reddened as he quickly straightened up and turned to look. He saw a young girl bouncing toward them. Looking at her beautiful features in the prime of youth, her face also carried a mischievous smile – it was Juan’er.

Suddenly seeing an old friend, Lu Yun was overjoyed and smiled: “Isn’t this Miss Juan’er? How did you come to Jiangnan?” Juan’er smiled: “I came with my master to have fun!” Lu Yun nodded: “So your esteemed master has also arrived – what an honored guest indeed.”

Juan’er smiled: “Let’s not talk about that – but you, Counselor Lu, with your high martial arts, instead of fighting Western Region monks, how did you run to Jiangnan!” Hearing her mention past events, Lu Yun couldn’t help being slightly surprised. He had always kept his Western Region affairs secret – he didn’t know how Juan’er learned of them. He smiled slightly: “That’s a long story – how do you know about my military service? Who told you?”

Juan’er giggled: “It was General Qin! When we went to Mount Hua together, he told me so many of your deeds. I heard that Brother Lu was very brave in the western frontier, repeatedly risking life and death, defeating the monks completely – really amazing!”

Hearing her praise him, Lu Yun was quite pleased. His face smiled as his eyes glanced toward Gu Qianxi to see if she showed amazement. Indeed, he saw Gu Qianxi smiling and listening attentively. With his beloved nearby, Lu Yun wanted to talk more about past heroic deeds and smiled: “Miss, you flatter me – dying wrapped in horse hide on the battlefield is only duty. I wonder what else General Qin said?”

Juan’er smiled: “General Qin said quite a lot – do you want to hear it all?” Lu Yun laughed heartily: “Naturally – tell me everything.” Juan’er thought for a moment, cupping her round face and tilting her head: “Hmm, I remember General Qin said a lot – he said you put on a bitter face every day to trick girls into pitying and loving you, ten times worse than that Yang Suguan from Shaolin Temple, and told me to be careful not to be deceived by you.”

Lu Yun’s face turned deathly pale: “What kind of nonsense is this?”

Juan’er ignored him and continued: “General Qin also said that after the princess spent a few days with you, she was deceived so badly that she thought about you day and night. Is this really true?” Hearing her speak more and more outrageously, Lu Yun’s face had turned completely pale. Juan’er, seeing his extremely ugly expression, frowned: “Did I say something wrong? General Qin told me all this!”

Qin Zhonghai was now far away in the capital, but his harm reached all the way to Changzhou. Lu Yun’s heart was dismayed and he was just about to ask Juan’er to stop talking when he suddenly felt two sharp gazes staring from behind like ice. Lu Yun was secretly alarmed and turned to look, only to see a beautiful young lady walking over with a half-smile, looking at him – it was Gu Qianxi.

Seeing the beauty arrive, Juan’er couldn’t help looking her up and down, then smiled and tugged Lu Yun’s sleeve, whispering: “Brother Lu, this sister is so beautiful – is she Princess?” Lu Yun’s face looked terrible as he quickly stole a glance at Gu Qianxi. He saw her smiling as if not too angry, but Lu Yun knew women’s temperaments were changeable – with such an expression on her face, who knew what she was thinking inside? For a moment he felt his heart pounding with fear.

Juan’er was naturally clever – how could she not understand social situations? She was purely doing this on purpose to torment him. Seeing Lu Yun’s miserable expression, she wanted to add insult to injury when suddenly a woman said: “Junior sister is being naughty again. Really getting more childish, just like our A’Sha.” Everyone heard this voice carried a tone of reproach. They turned to look and saw a radiantly beautiful woman gracefully approaching – it was Senior Sister Yan Ting.

Behind Yan Ting were two men – one sitting on horseback wearing a human skin mask over his face, who was the Azure Robe Scholar, and another of extraordinary appearance standing beside a white horse. This man was half a head taller than the Azure Robe Scholar, with an extremely robust build, but his face carried an ugly foolish grin – identity unknown.

Yan Ting approached and asked Juan’er: “How is it? Did you find a lodging inn?” Juan’er had just been fooling around and hadn’t bothered looking for any inn. She giggled and pointed at Lu Yun: “Didn’t find an inn, but found a friend – no worry about having nowhere to stay.”

Yan Ting made an “oh” sound and was about to inquire when the Azure Robe Scholar had already ridden forward. With a martial arts senior arriving, Lu Yun dared not be rude and quickly bowed to the Azure Robe Scholar: “This junior Lu Yun pays respects to Master Azure Robe.”

The Azure Robe Scholar returned half the courtesy and nodded: “At the Mount Hua gathering several months ago, I never expected that half a year later, Young Master Lu would have already achieved champion status – truly cause for congratulation.” Lu Yun was slightly surprised that this Azure Robe Scholar, living in the martial world, was so well-informed about court affairs. He immediately replied humbly: “I dare not accept such praise. My achieving jinshi status was pure luck and can’t be taken seriously.”

Hearing Lu Yun mention champion status, Juan’er couldn’t help being greatly astonished. Yan Ting was also shocked. She quickly approached and curtsied in salute: “So the young master’s literary talent is so outstanding – this young woman was unaware and should seek your guidance in the future.” Yan Ting had only met Lu Yun once before. Last time when they encountered each other on Mount Hua, with many people present and much noise, they hadn’t talked in detail. She hadn’t known this pale-faced scholar was so remarkable – her admiration and respect were quite genuine.

Juan’er giggled and glanced at Yan Ting: “Senior Sister, what would you, a girl, seek guidance about from him? You can’t take the champion examination too!” Yan Ting smiled: “We women can’t participate in imperial examinations, but reading more books daily isn’t a bad thing.” She then curtsied lightly to Lu Yun again and said gently: “This young woman is quite dull – I fear I’ll need to trouble Champion Lu for much guidance in the future.”

Since Zhang Zhiyue’s death, the Azure Robe Scholar had deliberately trained this female disciple, having her learn to handle everything so he could eventually entrust Mount Jiuhua’s affairs to her. Lu Yun saw her gracious demeanor, completely different from her shy appearance on Mount Hua that day. His handsome eyes fixed on Yan Ting, somewhat dumbstruck.

Seeing him looking at her, Yan Ting smiled: “Is Champion Lu looking at me like this because you want to pose questions to test this younger sister’s aptitude?” Lu Yun, seeing Yan Ting’s charming beauty and tall, graceful figure – the epitome of northern beauty – didn’t know how to respond appropriately. He only coughed a few times: “This… this isn’t…”

Gu Qianxi had been watching with a smile from the side. Seeing this beauty’s gracious and stunning appearance, being especially courteous and intimate toward Lu Yun, her elegant eyebrows raised and her delicate foot stepped forward as she entered the scene. She smiled and asked Lu Yun: “These two young ladies are lovely as jade and snow – I wonder which families they’re from? Could you introduce us?” She nodded slightly to the two girls in friendly greeting.

Yan Ting had already been paying attention to Gu Qianxi. Before Lu Yun could speak, she curtsied slightly and spoke herself: “This young woman is Yan Ting – may I ask this young lady’s honorable name?” Lu Yun was about to introduce Gu Qianxi when she spoke up herself, saying gently: “So it’s Miss Yan Ting – I’m surnamed Gu. What fortune to meet you.”

Both young ladies were around twenty years old, having reached marriageable age. Gu Qianxi smiled charmingly with all the gentle refinement of a Jiangnan beauty, while Yan Ting had a peach-blossom smile with the bright vivacity of a northern heroine. Both had rosy, delicate faces and exquisitely proportioned, alluring figures that couldn’t help but leave this blockhead scholar Lu Yun staring foolishly.

Seeing the two women chatting warmly, Lu Yun was quite pleased. Suddenly someone said roughly: “You forgot to ask about me!” Everyone turned to see Juan’er pouting with red lips, looking quite displeased. Yan Ting smiled slightly: “This is my junior sister named Juan’er – she’s usually very mischievous and troublesome.” Juan’er made an “mm” sound: “It seems every time you introduce me, you never leave out those four words ‘mischievous and troublesome’ – I really should reflect on this.” Everyone found Juan’er’s innocent charm amusing and couldn’t help laughing.

The four young people chatting inevitably neglected the Azure Robe Scholar. As a sect master and martial arts senior, a leader of a school, it wouldn’t be proper to be rude. Lu Yun introduced Gu Qianxi to the Azure Robe Scholar, but since Gu Qianxi had run away from home, out of consideration for Gu Siyuan’s face, Lu Yun couldn’t reveal her true identity and only said she was his cousin. Hearing this, Gu Qianxi felt sweet inside and thought: “This blockhead has made progress.”

At this moment, with beautiful women beside him, if Lu Yun wanted to completely distance their relationship, she would definitely turn hostile and leave.

Hearing about the cousin relationship, Yan Ting made an “oh” sound: “So Miss Gu and Young Master Lu are cousins! You two came to Changzhou together – are you visiting relatives?” Lu Yun was about to explain when Gu Qianxi said directly: “Not necessarily – I came south accompanying Cousin Lu to take up his post. He just accepted the position of Changzhou Prefect and entered the city for the first time today.”

Though Yan Ting was intelligent, she hadn’t expected Lu Yun to already be a local magistrate. She covered her mouth in amazement: “So the young master is already Lord Prefect – this young woman was truly rude earlier.” She curtsied repeatedly. Lu Yun quickly waved his hands: “Not at all, please don’t be so…” The word “formal” hadn’t left his mouth when Gu Qianxi smiled: “It’s fine – our Prefect Lu just took office and will need all you friends to provide much care and guidance in the future.”

Yan Ting smiled slightly and looked up at Lu Yun: “Miss speaks too seriously – with our Prefect Lu’s champion scholar abilities, how would he need us common people’s care?” Hearing this praise, Lu Yun only smiled foolishly, not knowing his place. But Gu Qianxi said flatly: “The official world has always been treacherous – only ignorant fools who don’t know their limitations would be arrogant and look down on others. Even those holding positions as high as chief minister need friends from all walks to guide them to maintain long-term safety.”

Yan Ting made an “oh” sound and covered her mouth laughing: “Really? How could Prefect Lu, being so modest, look down on others? This younger sister doesn’t believe it.” Hearing this, Gu Qianxi only smiled slightly and said no more.

Lu Yun saw the two young ladies smiling at each other – Yan Ting’s autumn eyes sparkling, Gu Qianxi also smiling charmingly. His heart suddenly felt uneasy as he thought: “Today’s situation is a bit strange – I’d better avoid provoking them.”

Seeing these two beauties ready for battle, Juan’er couldn’t help secretly laughing, thinking: “Senior Sister just can’t stand other girls being prettier than her – looks like she’s competing with this Miss Gu! Hehe, poor Scholar Lu is going to be used for their practice – he’s in for big trouble.”

Girls sometimes compare looks and figures. If no men were present, it would be fine, but once multiple beauties encounter young men, they must treat it as a battlefield. Unless they can verify they’re the unparalleled beauty who surpasses others, they absolutely can’t give up. This principle was the same as when Ning Bufan, Zhuo Lingzhao and others competed in martial arts – not to be underestimated. Ordinary people without Yang Suguan’s skills and insight, encountering such high-level duels, would find it extremely difficult to escape unscathed. If unfortunately like Lu Yun, being inflexibly bookish, there would be great suffering ahead.

Indeed, Lu Yun felt afraid and quickly walked toward the Azure Robe Scholar to chat.

Lu Yun coughed and said: “Since our hasty parting at Mount Hua, I’ve never been able to visit the mountain to pay respects. Today with the master fortunately coming to Changzhou, let me fulfill my duties as host and invite you to stay at my humble residence.” Before the Azure Robe Scholar could speak, Juan’er was already laughing: “Wonderful! We have a place to stay!”

Seeing Lu Yun flee far away, how could Yan Ting willingly let him go? She approached again with a smile: “Thank you, Prefect Lu – we couldn’t find an inn tonight and were just worried. Fortunately we met you here, or we would have been distressed.” Lu Yun most feared this beautiful woman and only dry-laughed a few times, looking at the ground without daring to respond. Gu Qianxi approached and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Lu Yun, smiling as she asked: “I wonder how you all happened to come to Changzhou? Are you here to congratulate Mr. Ouyang on his birthday?”

Gu Qianxi was naturally intelligent, no less than Lu Yun. In an instant she had guessed the situation. Indeed, Yan Ting showed surprise and nodded: “Miss Gu is truly well-informed – we came to Changzhou precisely to congratulate the local Master Ouyang on his birthday.” Gu Qianxi and Lu Yun exchanged glances, both thinking: “No wonder so many inns are full – they’re all here to congratulate Master Ouyang.”

Yan Ting looked toward her master and, seeing him nod slightly, took out an invitation and handed it to Lu Yun. This time the invitation was directed at Lu Yun, so Gu Qianxi couldn’t appropriately accept it. She stepped aside and watched her lover’s interaction with this beauty with a smile.

Lu Yun received the invitation and accidentally touched Yan Ting’s smooth wrist. Instantly his heart jumped, and seeing Yan Ting smile charmingly at him with her bright eyes and white teeth looking so lovely, Lu Yun’s face immediately turned completely red, his chest’s blood surging as he stepped back several paces and shrank behind Gu Qianxi.

Lu Yun pressed his chest and gasped, thinking: “What powerful invisible palm force – even a master like Ning Bufan probably couldn’t match it. I must be careful.” He exhaled a long breath before taking out the invitation to read. Suddenly smelling a delicate fragrance, he realized Gu Qianxi was also leaning over to look. With Lu Yun’s face against her powdered cheek, he couldn’t help having his heart stir again, thinking: “This fragrance helps improve martial power – smelling it won’t hurt.” He desperately regulated his breathing and indeed felt refreshed and joyful.

Lu Yun coughed and, remembering everyone was watching, quickly collected himself and read aloud: “To the esteemed Master Azure Robe of Mount Jiuhua: Life at seventy is rare since ancient times. We celebrate our Master Ouyang’s seventieth birthday. Having long admired Master Azure Robe’s complete civil and martial talents that shock the world, we respectfully invite your precious mountain to come to Changzhou Iron Foundry Manor on the thirteenth day of the tenth month for our master’s birthday celebration.” After reading for a while, Gu Qianxi’s black silk brushed his face again, making Lu Yun’s face redden once more.

Lu Yun coughed several times and steadied himself: “This Master Ouyang truly has friends throughout the realm – even Changzhou’s inns are completely full. Tomorrow will surely be quite lively.” The Azure Robe Scholar smiled: “Actually I’ve only met Master Ouyang a few times. I came here purely to see one item.” Lu Yun was curious: “Master traveled thousands of li to Jiangnan just to see one item?”

The Azure Robe Scholar said: “At this birthday celebration, someone presented an extremely important congratulatory gift to Master Ouyang. It’s said that with this miraculous gift, the Ouyang family can reopen for business and resume iron forging. I came specifically for this item.”

Lu Yun made an “oh” sound and asked: “What item is so precious that it could have such effects?”

The Azure Robe Scholar said: “It sounds quite ordinary – it’s a large iron hammer.”

Everyone was quite surprised. Even Gu Qianxi, this official’s daughter, was startled and they all said in unison: “A large iron hammer?”

The Azure Robe Scholar said: “Precisely. Legend has it that Thunder Emperor Lei Ze had a hammer to summon heavenly fire and bring down thunder. This is said to be the hammer the Ouyang family obtained. With this iron hammer’s various divine powers, the Ouyang family will surely be able to restore their former glory.”

Lu Yun knew this would be a long story and said: “Everyone must be tired from traveling – why don’t we go to my humble residence to rest first? We can eat and talk!” Juan’er was delighted: “I’ve been waiting for you to say this! My legs are so sore from standing!” Everyone burst into laughter.

Lu Yun led everyone back to the residence. The household servants, seeing guests arrive, quickly rushed forward to arrange lodging for the Mount Jiuhua party. Lu Yun ordered a banquet table prepared and invited everyone to sit and drink, serving as a welcoming feast.

Juan’er looked at the spacious prefect’s residence and smiled: “How wonderful! To live in such a house. I want to take the imperial examination and become an official too.”

Yan Ting laughed: “Silly girl, we women can’t become officials.”

Juan’er sighed: “I know that too. Sigh, women can’t be officials – who made this annoying rule!” She sulked for a while then suddenly smiled: “Never mind, we women can’t be officials but we can always find an official to marry! Since ancient times, empress dowagers have been stronger than emperors – I’ll find a good official to marry and won’t I manage him until he’s obedient? If not, he can take my surname!”

Yan Ting laughed: “Don’t go looking for other men – maybe your A’Sha could pass the imperial examination too!”

Everyone heard her teasing and turned to look. They saw A’Sha was already eating messily, his hands greasy and dirty. Seeing everyone looking at him, he gave a silly grin that made him look even more foolish. Juan’er gazed at him and sighed softly: “Poor A’Sha’s mind isn’t clear – otherwise with his tall and mighty build, he could even be a great general.”

Juan’er was lively and lovable, treating everyone without reserve. But now she suddenly showed sadness, apparently feeling very differently about A’Sha. Seeing this, Lu Yun quickly consoled: “I think this brother’s madness isn’t incurable. With your master’s excellent medical skills, why not ask him to try sometime? There will surely be hope.” He looked toward the Azure Robe Scholar awaiting his indication.

That day Ling Ding had been severely injured and would have died on Mount Hua without the Azure Robe Scholar’s superb medical skills. If even the Azure Robe Scholar couldn’t cure A’Sha, then A’Sha could only accept his fate. The Azure Robe Scholar looked at A’Sha and said flatly: “No need for Prefect Lu’s instructions – this old man has long examined his condition. But this person’s forehead was struck by external force. Without another major impact, there’s probably no cure.”

Juan’er sighed: “If he can’t get better, we’ll have to ask Master Ouyang to hit him once with that big iron hammer – maybe it would work.” Though A’Sha was quite foolish, hearing about being hit on the forehead with an iron hammer, he actually knew to be afraid and quickly waved his hands: “This won’t do – I, A’Sha, don’t do losing business. Sister Juan’er, don’t harm me!” Juan’er raised her elegant eyebrows and flicked his forehead: “Ten taels of silver says your head can withstand the hammer.” A’Sha made an “oh” sound and said foolishly: “So there’s gambling involved – then a couple more hits would be fine.” Everyone burst into laughter, and Gu Qianxi also found it amusing.

Everyone toasted each other and chatted casually. Lu Yun, remembering the Ouyang family matter, asked again: “Earlier I heard from yamen people that this Ouyang family’s background seems unusual – could they also have connections with the court?” Hearing him mention the Ouyang family, everyone became curious and quieted down to listen attentively. The Azure Robe Scholar nodded: “This Ouyang family indeed has some connections with the court. The Ouyang family head is named Ouyang Nan – he formerly held the position ‘Jiangnan Foundry Master,’ essentially a court official. But over twenty years ago, he was implicated in the ‘Hongwu Heavenly Furnace’ case and had to retire, washing his hands of his former glory.”

Lu Yun made an “oh” sound and asked curiously: “Hongwu Heavenly Furnace? What is that?”

The Azure Robe Scholar said: “In the tenth year of Jingtai, our dynasty captured a batch of firearms from Jiaozhi – red-gold cannons made by Westerners. The Emperor, seeing these weapons’ power, was greatly pleased and ordered Minister Jiang Chong to supervise the manufacture of similar weapons following their design.” Hearing “Jiang Chong,” Lu Yun vaguely felt something ominous – the Ouyang family would surely suffer greatly.

The Azure Robe Scholar continued: “Jiang Chong, seeing the Emperor’s great emphasis on this matter, sought skilled craftsmen from throughout the country. But though these people were skilled, the furnaces in various places were too weak to forge cannon barrels of equivalent material quality. At this time, someone at court recommended Jiangnan master craftsman Ouyang Nan as skilled in iron forging. Jiang Chong petitioned the Emperor to have this ‘Jiangnan Foundry Master’ build a great furnace for the court to manufacture Western firearms.” Everyone heard that the Ouyang family had once had such glory – they were definitely not ordinary country gentry. Yan Ting and Juan’er, both sword practitioners, wanted to meet this renowned contemporary sword-forging master to gain some insight.

The Azure Robe Scholar continued: “The court, hearing Jiang Chong’s suggestion, was naturally delighted and immediately allocated 100,000 taels of silver to build it. Seeing the Emperor’s emphasis, Ouyang Nan also exerted all his efforts. He carefully chose a piece of feng shui treasure land left by his ancestors – a place with strong winds year-round and extraordinary spiritual qualities, a rarely seen excellent site for iron forging. The foundry built there would naturally be a famous furnace rarely seen in a thousand years.” Seeing everyone listening intently, he continued: “Consider Ouyang Nan’s status – even with his master’s position, he spent two years and countless efforts. This divine furnace would naturally be unparalleled in the world, unprecedented and unmatched. Just as the Ouyang family was about to achieve great success, who knew that on the day of the furnace’s completion and first use, the Emperor ordered it sealed and forbade the Ouyang family from continuing their foundry work.”

Everyone hearing this were greatly surprised, not knowing why Ouyang Nan had such bad luck. Lu Yun pondered: “Could it be that treacherous minister Jiang Chong playing tricks?” The Azure Robe Scholar shook his head: “Though Jiang Chong has done much evil, this matter can’t be blamed on him – it was purely the Ouyang family bringing disaster upon themselves.” Gu Qianxi, always intelligent, made some deductions and asked: “From this, it sounds like the Ouyang family’s furnace was poorly made, causing the Emperor’s wrath?”

The Azure Robe Scholar sighed: “What Miss Gu says is exactly the opposite. This Ouyang Nan was called the world’s foremost iron forger – how could his skills be poor? The problem was that this furnace was made too well.”

Everyone made “oh” sounds, all finding it incredible. The Azure Robe Scholar continued: “When the great furnace was completed, Ouyang Nan immediately named it the ‘Hongwu Heavenly Furnace’ – first to show gratitude for Emperor Taizu’s grace, second to demonstrate this furnace’s extraordinary nature. Without complete confidence, he wouldn’t dare use this name. On the day of ignition and first use, most of the court officials came to see this ‘Hongwu Heavenly Furnace’s’ power.” At this point, the Azure Robe Scholar only coughed and said no more. Everyone was listening with interest and wanted to know what happened next. Juan’er quickly shook her master’s hand and asked: “What happened next? Master, don’t keep us in suspense!”

The Azure Robe Scholar sighed: “That day when the furnace fire was lit, it melted Ouyang Nan’s iron tongs.” Everyone were greatly surprised: “Melted the iron tongs?”

The Azure Robe Scholar said: “Precisely. This ‘Hongwu Heavenly Furnace’ blazed with blue-white flames – no iron tongs of any material could withstand the heat. Things could go in but couldn’t come out. That day the Emperor had ordered Ouyang Nan to first forge a batch of firearms, but once the furnace fire rose, it wouldn’t go down. He tried everything but couldn’t retrieve the pig iron inside. Finally he had to douse the fire with water.”

Lu Yun sighed: “That would be terrible – this pile of pig iron would become waste iron.” The Azure Robe Scholar said: “Not only that – the furnace fire was so fierce it burned the molds and iron materials to unusable slag. Hearing this news, Jiang Chong was furious beyond measure and personally came to question him. Facing the powerful minister’s accusations, Ouyang Nan didn’t say his skills were inadequate but claimed the heavenly furnace’s spiritual nature was too strong and its temperament too stubborn, unwilling to forge ordinary weapons. Hearing this absurd claim and thinking of the 100,000 taels of silver wasted for nothing, Jiang Chong was so angry his seven orifices smoked with rage. He finally exiled the Ouyang family’s eldest son as an example to others.”

Hearing this past event, Lu Yun couldn’t help shaking his head and sighing: “Saying the heavenly furnace’s temperament was too proud is indeed too mystical – no wonder Jiang Chong would be greatly enraged.” Since ancient times, sword forgers liked supernatural phenomena, often attaching absurd legends to famous swords and precious blades. Though Ouyang Nan was a rarely seen sword-forging master in the martial world, he couldn’t escape such superstitions and could only be said to have brought it upon himself.

The Azure Robe Scholar nodded: “It was fortunate that though the Ouyang family lost a son, they still preserved their lives. For over twenty years, they finally found a divine hammer. Legend says this hammer can withstand burning and fears no heavenly fire forging. As the saying goes, ‘To do good work, one must first sharpen one’s tools’ – since the Ouyang family has the divine hammer, they plan to resume business tomorrow evening and reopen this ‘Hongwu Heavenly Furnace.'”

Lu Yun listened in amazement. He steadied himself and quickly said: “Seeing this heavenly furnace is so miraculous, I must have a good look tomorrow.”

Juan’er covered her mouth and laughed: “Yes! Then you, Prefect Lu, will be Little Lu watching the Big Furnace – two furnaces staring at each other.” Knowing Lu Yun’s gentle nature and that he definitely wouldn’t get angry for no reason, she casually made this joke without malice. But Lu Yun was good-natured and honest – Gu Qianxi might not be so easy to provoke. Juan’er stole a glance and indeed saw Gu Qianxi staring at her with wide eyes. Juan’er felt somewhat afraid and quickly made a face to apologize: “Sister, don’t be angry – I was just joking with him.”

Gu Qianxi smiled slightly: “He’s quite rigid – he deserves a few jabs. Don’t mind it, little sister.”

Hearing her call her “little sister” showed they were no longer strangers, and Juan’er was naturally pleased.

The night was cold with heavy dew. Seeing it was late, everyone returned to their rooms. The Changzhou prefect’s residence was spacious with ample guest rooms. Lu Yun had the servants arrange lodging for the Mount Jiuhua party.

After the banquet, Lu Yun was delighted with his new residence and honored guests. During the meal, seeing Gu Qianxi’s appropriate words and gracious demeanor like a prefect’s wife, Lu Yun felt pleased. He and Gu Qianxi walked hand in hand into the garden, smiling at each other, both feeling sweet and warm.

Gu Qianxi looked up at her lover and straightened his hair with a smile: “After several years, I see you’ve become much more sophisticated and have made quite a few martial world friends.” Lu Yun smiled: “So have you. Tonight that Yellow Peddler was quite cunning – if you hadn’t come to my rescue, this prefect might have been beaten by the people!” Gu Qianxi teased: “Who would dare hit you? Our Princess Yinchuan would definitely cut off their heads!” Lu Yun heard the jealousy in her words and felt warmly happy in his heart.

As they spoke, autumn wind blew gently. Gu Qianxi’s clothing was thin and she couldn’t help shivering. Seeing the garden was quite cold, Lu Yun said: “It’s too cold in the courtyard – let’s go sit in the room!” He took Gu Qianxi’s hand and led her toward the prefect’s bedroom.

As they approached the bedroom, Lu Yun pointed at the door and smiled: “Just missing the happiness character above, and you’d be the lady of our house.” Hearing this rigid scholar’s love words, Gu Qianxi was momentarily shy and embarrassed, her body becoming soft as if she had no strength.

Lu Yun pushed open the door and smiled: “Come in – I have something good to show you.”

Seeing Lu Yun openly walk into the room, Gu Qianxi’s pretty face turned fiery red as she thought: “Late at night, alone together, Lu Lang wants me to go to his bedroom… He’s someone who reads sage books – he wouldn’t do anything improper, would he…”

At this time Lu Yun was already waiting in the room, smiling as he looked at her. Gu Qianxi hesitated for a long time, half-reluctant, before slowly walking in. Just as she entered, Lu Yun closed the door with his back hand and looked down admiringly: “Qianxi, you’re so beautiful today.” Gu Qianxi looked up at her lover, both shy and happy. Despite her usual cleverness and wit, in this situation her mind was in chaos, with only one thought of caution: “If he… if he can’t control himself and loses his composure, wanting to do something bad, I… I can’t agree…”

She saw Lu Yun walk to the bedside and beckon: “Qianxi, come over.”

Gu Qianxi’s whole body felt hot and she wanted to turn and flee, but couldn’t move her feet. Seeing her hesitation, Lu Yun called again softly: “Qianxi, what’s wrong? Just come over.”

Gu Qianxi’s heart pounded as if it would jump out of her mouth. She stole a glance out the window and saw no one around, then lowered her voice: “You… you can’t do anything improper…” Lu Yun smiled slightly: “Don’t say such things – just come over quickly. I have a gift for you.” Gu Qianxi lowered her head shyly, thinking: “What should I do? If I go over and Lu Lang tries to take liberties, how should I refuse him? But if I don’t go over, will he be angry?” After much thought and hesitation, she finally moved her lotus steps slowly to Lu Yun’s side.

For Gu Qianxi, these few steps were like crossing thousands of mountains and seas. But Lu Yun was a blockhead – seeing her walking unsteadily, he thought she was drunk. He laughed heartily: “Qianxi, look at the good thing I prepared for you!” He reached under the pillow and pulled out a painting of a beautiful woman to hand to Gu Qianxi.

Lu Yun smiled: “I spent many days painting this…” Before he finished speaking, Gu Qianxi’s whole body went soft and she fell into Lu Yun’s arms. Lu Yun was startled and quickly said: “What’s wrong? Did you really catch cold?”

Gu Qianxi’s face was full of bashfulness as she said softly: “Lu Lang, you always pretend to be naive – you’re so bad… so bad…” She put her arms around Lu Yun’s neck and kissed his lips.

Four lips met – such unexpected romantic fortune! Lu Yun was greatly shocked, not knowing what to do, only thinking: “What… what’s happening? How did such wonderful… no, no, such unexpected things happen?”

How could Lu Yun have such boldness to actually dare invite a girl to his room for intimacy in the middle of the night? Actually, he had secretly painted a portrait of a beautiful woman based on Gu Qianxi’s appearance these past days. Taking advantage of the wine’s influence tonight, he invited her just wanting to personally present the painting and surprise his beloved. Who knew before he could even evaluate it, romantic fortune had arrived? Lu Yun was at a loss. At this moment he was in this fragrant realm, holding warm jade in his arms, kissing red lips – how could he not be confused and enchanted?

His thoughts raced: “When I studied hard in that broken temple, I had already resolved to become like Lu Xiahui, seeking to sit unmoved with a woman in my lap, to pass by a bridal chamber three times without entering, earning praise from Confucius, Mencius, and the Duke of Zhou… Who knew that tonight I would not only be alone with an unmarried woman but actually take liberties with her? Wouldn’t this betray the teachings of eternal sages and the reputation of an upright scholar?”

Though he thought this way, the sweet kiss was in progress. Even iron men and hard men would become docile as cats and sheep. Indeed, this rigid scholar’s mind gradually became unclear, heat rushing to his head, his “Unparalleled Heart Method” long since broken through the dam: “Tonight such fortune – if I can’t kiss a bit longer, how will I have such opportunity to taste her fragrance again? Confucius above, Mencius below – the so-called ‘sage of the times’ means the way of heaven is changeable and cannot be violated. Clouds follow dragons, wind follows tigers – I, Lu Yun, should naturally follow heaven’s mandate…” His heart stirred with emotion, his mind full of wild thoughts, and he actually grew bold enough to embrace Gu Qianxi’s waist.

Red candles dimly lit the warm room. This pair of lovers were sharing sweet kisses, gradually growing more passionate, when suddenly a young girl’s voice shouted in the courtyard: “A’Sha! You can’t relieve yourself in people’s courtyard – be careful or I’ll hit your head!”

The two had originally been inseparable, but hearing this was like a thunderbolt to the head – both were startled and immediately separated.

They heard A’Sha say sheepishly: “What’s wrong? The trees here don’t grow well – they need more fertilizer.” Then came the sound of water splashing in the courtyard – he was indeed fertilizing.

Hearing the unseemly splashing sounds, Lu Yun and Gu Qianxi looked at each other and both shook their heads with bitter smiles. Lu Yun, knowing Gu Qianxi was fastidious about cleanliness, said: “Don’t worry – I’ll have someone clean the courtyard tomorrow.” Gu Qianxi frowned slightly and shook her head: “Forget it – since it’s dirty, let’s tear down the garden and rebuild it.” Lu Yun cried out “Aiya!” feeling heartbroken. His annual salary was about five hundred taels of silver – rebuilding this garden would inevitably cost a fortune. But he didn’t dare object for the moment and could only hem and haw evasively.

Both were quite restrained after this disruption, afraid of more incidents. The two sat silently facing each other when Lu Yun suddenly thought of something urgent: “Oh no! Tomorrow the Ouyang family is celebrating their birthday – we can’t go empty-handed. We must prepare some birthday gifts!”

Originally they had gone out to buy gifts, but after the disruption with Yellow Peddler, they had accomplished nothing. He kept rubbing his hands worriedly: “What should we do? Tomorrow we need to present gifts, and now it’s already the middle of the night… what… what should we do?” Gu Qianxi wasn’t panicked at all and smiled: “What are you worried about? I guarantee that tomorrow you’ll present a grand and wonderful rare treasure – among all the guests, your gift will be the most respectable.”

Lu Yun was shocked: “You haven’t married into the family yet – don’t use your own treasures as dowry!” Gu Qianxi was both shy and angry, spitting and saying coquettishly: “You! Stop bragging!”

Lu Yun cried “Aiya!” and said urgently: “Good girl, just tell me! What exactly should we do?”

Gu Qianxi looked at him and covered her mouth laughing: “It’s rather late now – let’s discuss it tomorrow morning!”

Lu Yun, born humble, naturally didn’t know the etiquette of wealthy families. Thinking that he had become a prefect and was now a court official, when paying birthday respects tomorrow he surely couldn’t present the appearance of his former down-and-out wandering days – just showing up with mocking sneers and cold, proud laughter to boldly enter and take a seat, could he? The more he thought about it, the more worried he became, and he pleaded earnestly: “Something needed for tomorrow evening – isn’t it too late to prepare in the morning? Please tell me quickly!”

Gu Qianxi smiled charmingly and made a mischievous expression, laughing: “Lord Lu, you just wait patiently!” Saying this, she gracefully left the room, leaving Lu Yun standing there in a daze, unable to speak for a long time.