Chapter 212 2/3

It was quite a coincidence that He Yi had previously told Lu Mingshan about the people who were close to Fan Weiyan. Lu Mingshan had even disguised himself and secretly observed them once.

Now, seeing that Li Qingzhi had no intention of exposing him, Lu Mingshan became excited.

“Everyone, I can help you check. Some of you don’t need to ward off any resentment, but others might indeed need it.” Lu Mingshan recited “Blessings and long life to the heavenly master” and then had those who had been in contact with Fan Weiyan come to him one by one.

“What is your name?” Each time someone approached, Lu Mingshan would ask this while carefully examining them as if looking for signs of resentment.

The scholars obediently answered.

He Yi had collected a lot of information on the scholars attending the plum appreciation party to help Lu Mingshan play the role of a swindler convincingly. Lu Mingshan knew all about those close to Fan Weiyan.

For the majority of scholars, Lu Mingshan claimed they had no resentment. However, when it came to Fan Weiyan’s friends…

If someone was a good person who approached Fan Weiyan because they liked Li Zhao, Lu Mingshan would say, “You have a slight layer of resentment. I have some copper coins here that have been used in rituals. Carry one with you and get plenty of sunlight. The resentment will dissipate in seven days.”

For those of questionable character who had previously oppressed the common people, Lu Mingshan would say, “You were very close to that man. You also… I won’t say more. Take this copper coin, get more sunlight, and do more good deeds to avoid being affected.”

If someone asked Lu Mingshan about other matters unrelated to Fan Weiyan, he would dismiss them by saying he was primarily dealing with resentment today and would address other matters later.

For those deeply involved with Fan Weiyan, Lu Mingshan, knowing their details, would provide pinpoint advice.

One scholar who frequently visited and helped Fan Weiyan after coming to the capital asked about his prospects. Lu Mingshan said, “You are smart but lack diligence. Spend more time improving your weaknesses, and you will surely pass the imperial exams soon!”

This scholar was talented but had poor handwriting. Impressed by Lu Mingshan’s insight, he resolved to improve his penmanship.

Standing nearby, Li Qingzhi silently watched Lu Mingshan swindle money.

After giving out the copper coins, the scholars, impressed and grateful, gave Lu Mingshan various amounts of silver, ranging from a few to over a dozen or even twenty taels each.

In no time, Lu Mingshan had swindled over a hundred taels of silver, and the scholars increasingly viewed him as extraordinary.

Hidden among the crowd, He Yi thought, “…”

Watching the situation from the plum grove since early on, Li Zhu was equally baffled.

What was going on with Lu Mingshan?

When He Yi had initially threatened Lu Mingshan to help them, Li Zhu had observed from the shadows, fully aware of Lu Mingshan’s true nature as a complete fraud.

So why had his eyebrow suddenly turned white?

Though puzzling, this unexpected development was beneficial. Lu Mingshan’s suddenly white eyebrow had made everything go incredibly smoothly.

Li Zhu decided not to dwell on it. For days, she had been anxious about Fan Weiyan, unable to sleep well. Now, she could finally relax a bit.

That disgusting person could no longer deceive others using her father’s name!

Fan Weiyan had been sent to the authorities; he was finished!

Li Zhu wanted to laugh but instead found herself crying.

As she cried, she suddenly heard the clear voice of a child reciting a poem: “Even as they fall to mud and dust, their fragrance remains the same.”

The voice pulled Li Zhu out of her sorrow and anger.

She had veiled her face and sat in a sedan chair to remain unnoticed, but now she lifted the curtain slightly and peered outside.

Two women with three children and some servants were approaching. The poem was being recited by two identical boys at the front.

No, they weren’t quite identical—these boys had darker skin, looking very healthy.

The key point was that these boys resembled her brother. Her brother had looked just like them when he was young.

Li Zhu’s gaze was drawn to the children, almost unable to look away.

Nevertheless, she also glanced at the two women emerging from behind a plum tree.

She recognized both women.

One was the Shopkeeper of Jinye Embroidery Shop, and the other… was her aunt?

But that couldn’t be—her aunt wasn’t this young, nor would she be pregnant.

Yet, their resemblance was undeniable—that was her aunt!

After settling down, Li Zhu had sent people to inquire about the Qian family, only to be told they had disappeared.

Where had the Qian family been all these years?

Her uncle was unable to have children, but her aunt was pregnant. Had she remarried?

And who were these children that looked so much like her brother?

“Mom, someone is watching us!” The perceptive Li Damao noticed Li Zhu’s gaze.

Jin Xiaoye, hearing this, warily looked towards the nearby sedan chair.

The chair seemed ordinary, but it had not only two carriers but also four maids, indicating the occupant had some status.

Li Zhu took a deep breath and lifted the curtain. “Shopkeeper Jin, we haven’t seen each other since the docks.”

Even with her face veiled and dressed differently, Li Zhu’s beauty was unforgettable.

Jin Xiaoye was pleasantly surprised. “Shopkeeper Mu?”

“It’s me.” Li Zhu removed her veil, glanced at Madam Qian, and said to Jin Xiaoye, “Shopkeeper Jin, I’ve booked a room here in the villa. Shall we go there for tea and a chat?”

Of course, Jin Xiaoye was willing to have tea with such a beautiful woman, but there were many of them…

Jin Xiaoye hesitated, but Madam Qian quickly agreed, “Sure!”

Madam Qian had been unsure about recognizing Li Qingzhi due to his significant changes, but she immediately recognized Li Zhu despite the years.

Eager for the reunion, Madam Qian insisted, “We must have tea together!”

With Madam Qian’s enthusiasm, Jin Xiaoye couldn’t refuse.

Li Zhu put her veil back on and said, “I’m not well, so I won’t come down. Please follow me.”

“It’s no trouble,” Jin Xiaoye replied with a smile.

Madam Qian looked at Li Zhu with concern—her niece was unwell?

Madam Qian had watched Li Zhu grow up. Though she didn’t have children back then, she treated Li Qingzhi as her own son and Li Zhu as her daughter.

She had always worried about Li Zhu. Seeing her alive now filled her with indescribable joy.

The group soon arrived at the rental houses built for tourists by the villa’s owner.

Li Zhu indeed had a room there, a small but private house with a courtyard.

After everyone entered, Li Zhu got out of the sedan chair, now much calmer.

Inside, Li Zhu said to Madam Qian, “Madam, I would like to speak with you privately.”

Madam Qian eagerly agreed, “Of course!”

Jin Xiaoye paused, then realized the two women probably knew each other. She didn’t say much and watched as they went into the adjoining room.