Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Since ancient times, it has been said that a person's name casts a shadow. Only those who cherish their reputation as much as their own life can truly understand this, for they grasp the profound meaning it encompasses. Reputation cannot be seen or touched, yet it can make its presence felt at the most critical moments. It can validate all causes and effects; even strangers will trust you as if you were an old friend simply based on your words.
Is it difficult to earn someone's trust? The world continually proves that it is indeed not easy!
Luzi revealed his identity, immediately earning the admiration of Peng Gang, a retainer from West Rampart. In Peng Gang's eyes, Luzi's words were worth a hundred percent trust. While asserting his status in the martial world, he gestured for Wang Jian and Li Xin to leave.
Once only the two of them remained in the room, Peng Gang was no longer as carefree as before. Despite Luzi's repeated invitations, he insisted it was better to stand while speaking. Rules are rules; they cannot be broken in their presence!
No longer pressing Peng Gang, Luzi continued the conversation but did not inquire about his accent. Instead, he got straight to the point: "How are the Queen Dowager and Chancellor?"
Having already touched upon the matter of accents, Peng Gang, who spoke with a Qi State accent, did not dare to hide anything. He immediately expressed that thanks to Lu the Shopkeeper, both the Empress Dowager and Chancellor were doing well.
Records from the Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period indicate that it was not only the Warring States Four Young Masters who kept retainers. Any noble family with wealth would do so and take pride in it. However, these retainers differed slightly from those of the Warring States Four Young Masters; they were often referred to as vassals by later generations.
Vassals, as the name implies, can also be understood as personal bodyguards. To illustrate their status simply: if the master’s household represents the administrative structure of a state, then these individuals are akin to those who possess professional titles. They enjoy state allowances but are not state officials.
Due to their unique status, these individuals are often elites among elites. In their master's eyes, their standing is second only to that of family members. Thus, one can understand that their lifetime of honor and disgrace is closely tied to their master.
Vassals will fight to the death for their masters like many retainers in noble households but will never betray them. They remain loyal even when their master's fortunes decline; as long as there is breath left in them, they will follow without complaint for life.
This is not to deny the retainers of noble families but rather to discuss matters objectively. No matter how many elites there are, there is always a limit; with more people comes greater complexity. If some ill-intentioned individuals join in, even the purest water may appear murky to outsiders.
For Luzi, who possesses dual identities, discerning the true identity of others merely requires time. As soon as Peng Gang began to speak, Luzi started calculating his thoughts. To confirm that Peng Gang was not deliberately using an accent from another state, the ensuing conversation became particularly crucial.
If Luzi were to speak with a Qi State accent, even a native Qi Ren would not be able to discern the truth. To be cautious, he had gone through repeated comparisons. The answer was clear: the person sitting across from him was a standard Qi Ren.
It was not surprising for a Qi Ren to follow Wei Wujie, as many from various Feudal States served as Retainers. However, if such a skilled individual appeared beside Wei Wujie, that would raise questions.
Why is that? The answer is quite simple!
When Luzi was sent by King Zhao of Qin to persuade Qi State not to join the Allied Forces, he had crossed paths with a Retainer from Wei Wujie's household outside the capital of Qi State. If Peng Gang had been among those Retainers, it was likely that Luzi would have fled before Prime Minister of Qi Housheng arrived.
As for the claim that Wei Wujie encountered and recruited Peng Gang by chance in Qi State, that possibility is minimal. Places that had been vetted by Luzi were already rare finds. Moreover, such an extraordinary expert would undoubtedly have left records, even if not recruited by the Qin State.
After thorough scrutiny, only one explanation remained. Those loyal retainers who would never betray their masters! The sudden appearance of the Qi Ren Peng Gang at the West Rampart was ninety-nine percent likely to be a retainer from a noble family in Qi State.
Some of these retainers were accustomed to being discreet and served only their masters, which meant that their existence was largely unknown to the outside world. Additionally, some inherited their roles from their parents, working for their masters for generations, further obscuring their identities.
The real secrets often go to the grave with those who hold them.
This was also the helplessness faced by the information gatherers of the Prosperity Record. No matter how skilled they were at gathering information, there were still limits. If everything could be known, there would be no secrets left in this world.
Who dares to say that Luzi has no secrets!?
This is why he wanted to send away Wang Jian and Li Xin. While confirming Peng Gang's identity, he did not want anyone to know that Qi State was still causing trouble. If one must distinguish between state affairs and family matters, then Qi State fell under his family matters. When issues arose within one's own household, it was best resolved privately!
With many people around, there are bound to be loose lips; what gets out may not be pleasant!
Luzi, confirming Peng Gang's identity, no longer held back and directly said, "Peng Gang! Protecting Wei Wujie should be the order given to you by the former Prime Minister. I believe he will inform you that there is also a Luzi within the Qin Army ranks, right?"
Peng Gang nodded in agreement and explained that this was indeed the case. He continued, "My master has another order: no matter what, do not harm Lu the Shopkeeper! If even a single hair is harmed from Big Shopkeeper, bring me their head! Furthermore, he said, 'Lu the Shopkeeper is my elder! If you see Lu the Shopkeeper in Shangdang, just follow Big Shopkeeper's instructions. As for the task of protecting Wei Wujie, it doesn't matter!'"
Luzi was not worried about whether he would lose a single hair; instead, he felt deeply saddened after hearing Peng Gang's words. That kid Housheng only thought about instructing not to harm Lu the Shopkeeper but completely forgot that Lu the Shopkeeper's true identity was a Qin person and also a general in the Qin State during the Shangdang Campaign!
You sent Peng Gang to protect Wei Wujie, which is fine, but he immediately killed several scouts from the Qin Army. This debt must be settled! If this matter is left unaddressed, how can one face the fallen scout brothers!?
Luzi raised his hand to point at the general armor on himself so that Peng Gang standing opposite could see clearly. "Peng Gang! It is understandable to protect important figures! But as a skilled fighter, you should have some restraint! You killed my soldiers; how do you explain this matter?!"
This statement was somewhat harsh, but the truth could not allow Luzi to be polite.
Unexpectedly, it was now Peng Gang who became confused, swaying his slender body in the dark night looking somewhat unsettling. "Big Shopkeeper! The scoundrel didn't go all out!? Could it be... could it be that someone is seriously injured and won't survive!? This is impossible!"
Upon hearing this, Luzi suddenly realized that he was the one truly confused. The scout had injuries in vital areas yet was still alive; this alone indicated a problem.
Comment 0 Comment Count