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墨書 Inktalez
Spring Comes After Winter, Grass Grows and Warblers Fly. The lush green once again blankets the mountains, constantly showcasing the vitality of life. Thanks to the relentless efforts of Wang Jian, the Artificer, and numerous Artisans, the strength of the Qin Army has significantly increased. All cavalry units are now equipped with the most advanced weapons, Crossbows. This has led to the emergence of the Infantry Phalanx's Three-Row Arrow Formation, ensuring a continuous barrage of crossbow bolts.
In this formation, the first row of Crossbowmen fires their arrows while kneeling on one leg to prepare for reloading. Following this, the second row of Crossbowmen continues to fire. Once the second row has finished shooting, they retreat behind the third row of Crossbowmen, who then take over the second row's position to continue firing. The first row, having completed their reloading, resumes shooting. This cycle continues, maximizing the power of their arrows.
The Prosperity Record established by Luzi has not declared bankruptcy due to the disappearance of Innkeeper Lü; on the contrary, it continues to thrive and is praised by many. This is partly due to the inconvenient roads at that time causing information flow issues, but also because Luzi had foresight and made preparations in advance. As long as its operational model remains effective, the role of Big Shopkeeper is reduced to merely maintaining equipment. With automatic devices functioning properly in an orderly manner, there would be no stagnation even if a year passes without intervention.
Strangely enough, the branch of Prosperity Record located in Wei Kingdom remains prosperous despite being under scrutiny. No one has attempted to shut it down or cause trouble. Wei Wujie completely ignores its existence and does not even glance at it when passing by. In fact, not only Wei Kingdom but other Feudal States are also tight-lipped about the whereabouts of Big Shopkeeper from Prosperity Record. They all seem to have a unified stance; anyone daring to speak against this matter would face severe punishment.
Authoritative sources have reported that this is not even the most miraculous aspect; true wonders lie within Qin State! Ever since Qin Zhao Gong learned of this situation, he neither sought a replacement for Luzi nor publicly declared vengeance against any nation for his son’s death. It seems as if these two events never occurred and are merely rumors circulating in society. Although facing pressure from winter, nations typically do not engage in warfare during this season; however, they are all on edge, intensifying preparations for potential conflicts come spring.
The reason for such tension among nations stems from discussions held by insiders during interviews. If Qin State plans to strike against someone, that person becomes a target! Those who dare harm our prince must pay with their lives! There is a saying here: if you sneakily kill someone’s son, it is only natural for me to seek revenge. This time it involves righteous forces; anyone who sends troops to assist would be seen as lacking propriety! King Qi was the first to step forward and declare that those fearing retribution should quickly surrender the culprit; otherwise, they deserve whatever happens next! He issued a decree informing all ministers and generals that anyone daring to discuss sending aid should prepare themselves and ensure their families are safe.
Sensitive individuals have begun to sense the impending taste of war but can only sigh in silence while looking far ahead. Whether it’s sensing danger or continuing in a state of blissful ignorance, dark clouds of war are gathering and entering their final countdown. When this massive machine begins its operation, it will mercilessly crush all obstacles in its path.
Luzi, sporting a small mustache and carrying a bamboo basket, just reached the mountaintop when he was greeted by Chuchu, who had transformed back into a Waiter. Puzzled by her departure, he noticed Li Xin and Thirteenth Brother standing before a stone table. Behind them stood a tall figure with his back turned towards the entrance, admiring calligraphy hanging on the wall.
Luzi signaled Chuchu not to make any loud noises and gently placed his basket at the entrance. He nodded towards his long-lost brothers and then knelt down silently.
The elderly man with his hands behind his back did not turn around but sighed deeply. “I originally thought you had hidden away in these mountains and that your ambitions had faded away. I did not expect that sharpness still shines through your words! It seems once a person's inner fire ignites, extinguishing it becomes quite difficult.”
Luzi lowered his head and replied, “I deserve death for my crimes; hiding here in comfort is unforgivable. Please show mercy and forgive this Child.” Just as he entered, he noticed Li Xin and Thirteenth Brother’s expressions were like those who had debts unpaid. This made Luzi feel uneasy. Whether it was King Qin stabilizing power by passing it on to the prince or if it was intentional on the prince's part—after all, this was their family matter; King Zhao could not possibly be unaware.
Chuchu came from a prestigious background and immediately recognized who the elderly man was without turning around—Zhao Xiang Wang! Seeing Thirteenth Brother and Eighteenth Brother standing like statues without speaking made her realize something was amiss; she hurriedly knelt down and said: “Our Great Qin advocates governing by law; collective punishment is inevitable. The Scoundrel does not wish to live alone but desires to share responsibility with my lord.”
Hearing Chuchu speak so nobly, Shisan and Li Xin felt it inappropriate to linger any longer pretending to be gatekeepers. They hurriedly knelt behind Luzi, simultaneously saying, “Scoundrel Shisan and Li Xin are willing to share the blame with Luzi!”
King Zhao of Qin turned to look at the two kneeling behind Luzi, secretly amused at their willingness to curry favor. He bent down to help Luzi up and examined him closely. It is said that life can change a person's appearance, yet why could he not see any signs of hardship on this man's face? He quickly asked, “Luzi, you truly have a way of preserving your youth. Do you have any good methods? Don’t hold back from this king; hurry up and share.”
Luzi glanced back at the basket by the door and replied, “Wild vegetables and fruits absorb the essence of heaven and earth, which naturally nourishes a person. This Stone House is especially suitable for health preservation, being warm in winter and cool in summer.”
Upon hearing this, King Zhao of Qin couldn't help but laugh heartily. “It is all my fault that Luzi has been living in this remote place. Once the world is unified, I will trade ten cities for your Stone House. How about that?” Seeing Luzi show a troubled expression, he added, “Twenty cities! Thirty cities! Forget it! You are too greedy; I might as well just give it to you!”
Luzi quickly knelt down to express his gratitude. “Thank you, Your Majesty!”
This place still lay within the borders of the Chu Kingdom, undeniably part of the Chu Region. One could say that without the approval of the King of Chu, these two had already made arrangements. The three men remained kneeling on the ground, exchanging glances filled with both laughter and tears.
King Zhao of Qin looked at the greenery outside and suddenly said, “War is coming! Go prepare; return with me to my country.”
If Luzi had initially been forced to live here, over time he discovered the profound meaning of cultivation. As spring turned to autumn and seasons changed, just when winter's harshness brought life to near despair, spring would arrive once more. Quietly observing the changes in the earth allowed him to appreciate the melody of existence—a beauty unseen in the chaotic world. Just as he began to cherish this tranquility, life took another turn. Perhaps this is what life is about: allowing those who have experienced it to only see its past beauty when they look back.
With the big boss from Qin State personally coming to invite him, it would be foolish for a worker not to understand the gravity of the situation. As Luzi took one last look at his beloved Stone House, he noticed that Chuchu's eyes were already filled with tears.
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