Lu Xingyao felt that being tricked by a girl under ten would be utterly embarrassing, but if she were sixteen, that changed everything!
After all, girls these days were incredibly sharp.
Lu Qing looked at his eldest grandson, unsure of what to say. Sometimes Lu Xingyao seemed so astute, and yet other times, it was as if his personality had shifted the moment they left the capital. Or perhaps, this was always his nature—just now it’s unrestrained by the formalities of the capital.
But whether nine years old or sixteen, she was still just a young girl.
Lu Qing, having spent decades in court navigating schemes and political plots, now found himself outwitted by a child. Fortunately, no great harm had been done. This was a lesson to never be so careless again.
The commotion in the Lu family camp that night hadn’t gone unnoticed. Du Hangwu’s men had detected the disturbance early on.
Several of his subordinates hesitated to act, unsure if they should intervene. “Boss, should we step in?”
Normally, such matters would fall under their jurisdiction, but they were currently relying on the Lu family’s influence and didn’t dare offend them.
By now, the noise had settled down, with some of the Lu family men dragging a young girl into a tent. It seemed she had caused some trouble.
Du Hangwu watched for a while and then said, “It’s a family matter for the Lu clan. Leave it alone.”
If they needed help, they would come ask for it. The fact that they hadn’t meant they could handle it themselves.
Thinking about tomorrow, Du Hangwu gave instructions to his men, “We’ll be stopping in Ji County tomorrow. Two of you will come with me into town.”
His men exchanged confused glances. “Boss, we’re not short on supplies. What are we going to town for?”
Initially, they had stopped at towns along the way to buy extra food and warm clothing for the journey through winter, but now that the weather was milder and they had enough provisions, there was no need to linger in Ji County. Moreover, Ji County was within the territory of Prince Su, a dangerous figure—it would be wiser to move quickly and avoid trouble.
Du Hangwu responded gravely, “We’re going to help the Lu family purchase some offerings.”
His men were taken aback. “Offerings?”
“What for?”
Someone quickly realized and gasped, “Are we offering them to the Lu family’s deity!?”
“!!!”
Offering to gods was a common practice, but the Lu family’s deity wasn’t just any deity. Their god had manifested actual miracles!
If they could assist in the offerings and show their faces in front of the deity, perhaps they too would receive blessings.
This was a great opportunity!
One of the men immediately volunteered, “Boss! I’ll go with you tomorrow!”
The others, not wanting to be left out, clamored, “Me too!”
“Count me in!”
“I want to go too!”
Thankfully, there were only four of them present. If there had been more, it might have turned into a full-blown scramble.
Du Hangwu held up a hand. “We only need two people.”
The four exchanged determined looks, each resolved to secure a spot. In the end, Du Hangwu had them draw lots to decide.
The two who didn’t win were dejected, but they handed over some silver to their comrades, asking them to buy offerings on their behalf so they too could make an appearance in front of the deity.
One of the winning men had other thoughts. He had previously benefited from passing information to Prince Su’s men and wondered if he could earn more rewards by reporting on the Lu family’s activities in Ji County.
The next day, around midday, Gu Xingzhao learned that the previous emperor had left secret guards for his daughter, and that Yuan’er had been sent specifically to aid the princess. The plan had originally been to take the princess away, but after careful consideration, she had decided to stay.
Yuan’er had gone to meet with the Jinlin Guard, who had sent two skilled warriors back to travel with the group and secretly protect the princess.
Meanwhile, Lu Xingyao and Lu Xingyan accompanied Du Hangwu and his men into Ji County to buy supplies.
The group split up, each Lu family member paired with one of Du Hangwu’s men. Du Hangwu, acting on his own, headed straight to a silverware shop to purchase a delicately crafted silver bowl as an offering.
Ordinary offerings wouldn’t suffice for a deity, especially one of such stature. Lu Xingyao thought hard, first stopping at a bookstore and then at a pastry shop.
By the time he emerged, his hands were full. He noticed the man following him had also bought some ink, paper, and pastries, clearly mimicking his choices in hopes of pleasing the deity.
Next, they visited a shop that specialized in incense and candles, purchasing some incense sticks and candles.
The official following Lu Xingyao figured it was wise to copy him—after all, the Lu family knew the deity personally, so they must know exactly what she liked. Buying the same items seemed like the safest bet.
Meanwhile, Lu Xingyan entered a jade shop. The official accompanying him, however, appeared distracted, frequently glancing around as if trying to memorize the layout of the streets.
Lu Xingyan silently observed the official’s behavior but said nothing. Eventually, the official spoke up, “I’m going outside for a moment. Don’t try anything funny, or you’ll be endangering your family.”
Lu Xingyan smiled. If the Lu family wanted to escape, these fools wouldn’t be able to stop them.
He simply replied, “Take your time, sir.”
Without acknowledging the official further, Lu Xingyan turned his attention to the shop’s neatly arranged selection of fine hairpins. Though he had never seen the deity herself, he imagined she might appreciate such items.
In the end, he selected a finely detailed bracelet and a jade pendant shaped like a bird in flight.
After paying for his purchases, he waited in the shop, enjoying a cup of tea. Eventually, the official returned, visibly pleased, frequently touching his chest as though safeguarding something valuable. It was clear he had just received a significant bribe.
In high spirits, the official led Lu Xingyan back to their designated meeting spot, where Lu Xingyao and Du Hangwu were already waiting.
Though Lu Xingyan had taken longer than expected, Du Hangwu said nothing and led the group back.
On the way, Lu Xingyao asked curiously, “Third Uncle, what did you buy?”
Lu Xingyan showed him the bracelet and jade pendant.
Lu Xingyao blinked, incredulous. “That’s it? Nothing else?”
Lu Xingyan simply replied, “That’s all.”
Lu Xingyao, who was carrying several bags filled with items, was dumbfounded. His third uncle was known for being clever, so why had he bought such ordinary things?
Even the smartest people are still human!
“Third Uncle, not to criticize, but when Second Uncle suggested gold and jade, did you really believe that’s what our ancestor would like? Our ancestor is far too exalted to appreciate such common trinkets!”
Lu Xingyan merely smiled and remained silent.
Du Hangwu, walking nearby, pondered for a moment. It seemed that not all the Lu family members fully understood their own deity.
Leave a Reply