From a humble farmer to a great martial arts master

29. Settling Accounts

"Ren Qingshan, you mustn't speak nonsense in front of Miss!"

In his haste, Fang Yonggang shouted loudly, already somewhat losing his composure.

After all, the master was unaware of the matter of withholding money from his subordinates.

Even if the master knew, he would probably turn a blind eye.

However, the young lady was very particular and could not tolerate any wrongdoing. If Ren Qingshan let something slip, she would probably be punished.

Ren Qingshan glanced at him, his expression calm.

"What nonsense can I possibly be spouting?"

"You're deducting your subordinates' pay for talking nonsense?"

"Or are you spouting nonsense, accusing me of embezzling funds from procurement?"

The old story has been brought up again, and now that the opportunity has presented itself, it's only natural to vent our anger.

They had already fallen out with Fang Yonggang.

Upon hearing this, Lu Qingyi frowned slightly, glanced back, and said nothing more under the watchful eyes of everyone. She simply calmly reassured them, "Uncle Fang, now is not the time to talk about these things. Ren Qingshan, come with me."

So the two of them headed straight for the Hall of Righteousness.

This Lu family girl is quite composed and knows how to behave appropriately.

Ren Qingshan silently made his assessment.

After passing through the bustling market, there were hardly any people on the road ahead.

Lu Qingyi's eyes flickered slightly, and she was about to speak.

But then Ren Qingshan said, "During the New Year, you distributed rewards to the guards. I was supposed to receive five taels, but Fang Yonggang tried to withhold two taels. I argued with him and managed to get the two taels back, but he retaliated by sending me to guard the No. 3 salt field from the first to the fifteenth of the month, not allowed to return home even once. As soon as I finished my guard duty and returned to the Lu family, he ordered me not to come back, and he didn't even settle my wages for that month... Is this how the Lu family bullies people?"

Lu Qingyi then understood the whole story, and a hint of anger flashed in her eyes, but she quickly suppressed it.

Fang Yonggang, how dare you do this!

"I'm sorry... it's my fault for not managing my subordinates properly."

After a moment's thought, Lu Qingyi stopped and looked sincerely at Ren Qingshan, apologizing softly.

This surprised Ren Qingshan somewhat.

She had been quite dignified and authoritative during the previous year's exam, but now she was apologizing.

"I will investigate this matter thoroughly and give you a satisfactory explanation."

"As for the salary owed to you, I will give it to you now, double the amount, as compensation."

She took out a ten-tael silver ingot from her purse, presented it with both hands, her long eyelashes fluttering as she looked formally at Ren Qingshan.

Ren Qingshan chuckled to himself.

Of course, I rightfully reached out and took it.

"You are quite the woman who can manage a household; you have a remarkable presence. What happened just now?"

Lu Qingyi resolved the old grudge and then said, "I encountered bandits on the official road not long ago, around noon."

"Are they bandits from the official road of Jiuzi Mountain? What's their strength?"

Lu Qingyi's eyes were solemn: "One Silver Blood and six Iron Bones are all top-notch fighters. Their swordsmanship is ruthless, and they move like the wind. If I'm not mistaken, they are notorious bandits who frequently rob people on the road. However, I have never heard of such a group in Huaiyin County. It is very likely that they came from other counties."

What she didn't say was: If no locals provided information, how would these people know that my Lu family set off for the prefectural city today and passed through this place?

The time and place were exactly the same.

Ren Qingshan pondered, "The Lu family must have been targeted this time. What kind of gift did they send that would cause even a Silver-Blooded Warrior to willingly fall into depravity?"

"It was being escorted to the Salt and Iron Bureau in the prefectural city, to be used to purchase this year's salt permits. Fang Jinping tried his best to protect it, and fortunately it still survived."

Lu Qingyi did not hide anything; things had already come to this point, and there was no need to keep it a secret anymore.

After a pause, she asked, "What are you doing here?"

"I originally intended to go to the mass grave to kill that weasel spirit that the Demon Suppression Division had a bounty on my head for, and make some money. I happened to see Mr. Fang passing by, and then I saw you, so I thought I'd settle the score from before first."

"Now that you are aware of this matter and have paid double, the previous debt is considered settled."

"Is there anything else I can do for you? If not, I'll take my leave now."

Ren Qingshan took the initiative to inquire.

This sum of money is quite substantial. If possible, I'd really like to get involved and see if there's any profit to be made.

Lu Qingyi understood his meaning perfectly.

He still wanted to make some money off the Lu family.

However, what used to be a guard service is no longer priced like a guard service.

"I need to go to the Gathering Righteousness Hall. The hall master, Li Yiming, has a history with my father and is a well-known Silver Blood expert. I would like to ask him to escort me on the rest of the journey."

"If you are willing to help me this time, then come with me. If you can't persuade Li Yiming, then you will have to go to the county town to get the invitation from my Lu family and invite another Silver Blood."

Lu Qingyi knew Ren Qingshan's abilities; he was only a silver medalist and not capable of much use.

But it's still good enough for running errands and handling some miscellaneous tasks.

In short, there is a shortage of manpower right now.

"OK."

"Then I'll go first."

Ren Qingshan understood her meaning; she wanted him to run errands, but he didn't reveal his strength beforehand and agreed in advance.

The outcome will be revealed at the crucial moment.

……

The two arrived at the main gate of Juyi Hall and received the invitation from the Lu family.

The gatekeeper recognized the Lu family and, not daring to be negligent, invited the two in.

Passing through houses and rooms, we arrived at the inner courtyard, where we saw a robust middle-aged man practicing shooting. His marksmanship was like a dragon, and his aura was particularly impressive.

The spearhead, carrying a heavy iron lock weighing hundreds of pounds, moved as if it were nothing, its movement smooth and effortless.

A dozen or so subordinates and disciples stood respectfully watching.

Hearing footsteps, Li Yiming quickly finished his training, put down his spear, and laughed heartily, "What brings my niece here today? It's been years since I last saw her; the little girl has grown into a beautiful young lady."

Lu Qingyi cupped her hands in greeting and greeted them with a smile.

"Uncle Li is still as charming as ever. I would like to sit down with you for tea and catch up, but the matter is urgent and I am extremely anxious. I would be grateful if Uncle Li could lend a helping hand."

"We encountered bandits in the mountains. I was injured, and more than a dozen of the guards were also wounded..."

Only then did Li Yiming notice the bandage on her leg, and his eyebrows shot up sharply: "Where did these ruthless bandits come from? How dare they rob the Lu family?"

He certainly knew about the situation in this area.

Those bandits in Jiuzi Mountain would never dare to do that.

"Yes……"

Lu Qingyi recounted the information about the group of robbers again.

Upon hearing that Silver Blood was leading the team, Li Yiming frowned slightly, then smiled and said calmly, "Even if it is Silver Blood, he is just a petty thief, not worth mentioning."

"Very well, my dear niece, you may rest and eat at my house and recover from your injuries. I will send someone to inquire first."

"Sharpening your axe won't delay your woodcutting. Let's gather some information first, what do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Qingyi...

It was clear that he was deliberately delaying.

Li Yiming is a renowned Silver Blood expert with a very high status and plenty of money. To get him to escort you all the way, you can only rely on personal connections.

However, the favors the Lu family had shown in the past were probably not worth this price.

But since he needed something from the other party at this moment, and the other party's attitude was impeccable, he couldn't say much.

Lu Qingyi sighed inwardly.

Asking for help is like swallowing a three-foot sword; it truly is that difficult.

……

……