Chapter 212 3/3

After leading Madam Qian into the room, Li Zhu quietly said, “Aunt.”

Initially, she had been unsure, but the way Madam Qian looked at her had confirmed her identity.

“Zhu’er!” Madam Qian exclaimed, her eyes filling with tears.

“Aunt, where have you been all these years? I sent people to look for you, but they said you had disappeared.”

Madam Qian had a lot to ask Li Zhu, but since Li Zhu had asked first, she began to explain: “Zhu’er, we were deceived by that wretched Prince Yan…”

Madam Qian spoke softly, recounting the events that had befallen the Qian family over the years, focusing particularly on Li Qingzhi’s experiences.

“Ah Zhi had a stroke of luck after his hardships. He became very intelligent…” Madam Qian narrated Li Qingzhi’s journey, including the fact that he was the enigmatic author, Qiongdu Sanren.

She completely trusted her niece.

Li Zhu was utterly shocked.

She hadn’t expected her brother to be so clever.

But thinking back, her brother had always been resourceful.

Her brother had endured fleeing famine, being captured by the Prince Jin to mine, and then had a renowned teacher. It made sense that he had become accomplished.

No wonder Qiongdu Sanren had written so highly of her father—it was her brother’s work!

No wonder those two children resembled her brother—they were his!

This was truly wonderful!

After recounting their story, Madam Qian asked about Li Zhu’s experiences.

Tears streamed down Li Zhu’s face.

If Madam Qian and her brother were ordinary people, she wouldn’t say much, but seeing how remarkable her brother was…

Li Zhu threw herself into Madam Qian’s arms and began sharing her own story over the years.

While Lu Qingxi used talented people regardless of gender, it was far more challenging for a woman to find opportunities to showcase her talents compared to men.

Reaching her current position hadn’t been easy.

If not for the hatred driving her, she might have collapsed long ago!

“I am truly happy today, really happy…” Li Zhu said.

Today was the happiest day she had experienced in years.

Fan Weiyan was finished, and she had found her family!

Li Qingzhi had no idea that his sister had already reunited with Madam Qian.

While Lu Mingshan was busy reading fortunes, he wandered around but didn’t see his sister. He did notice some suspicious individuals, but couldn’t be sure if they were connected to his sister.

Given this, it was better to keep an eye on Lu Mingshan and find people through him.

Speaking of which… Lu Mingshan only had one white eyebrow. It seemed uncomfortable to look at. One day, he should make the other eyebrow white too.

When Li Qingzhi returned to Lu Mingshan, he saw Lu Mingshan looking exhausted, addressing the crowd: “Everyone, I’m feeling a bit tired today, and I’m afraid I can’t answer any more questions.”

“Taoist, please go rest!”

“Taoist, where do you live? I’ll escort you back?”

“Taoist, I have a room booked in this villa. Why don’t you rest there?”

…

“Blessings and long life to the heavenly master, I have my own accommodations,” Lu Mingshan said, unwilling to go with anyone since he still needed to report back to He Yi and collect the remaining fifty taels of silver.

Despite already earning nearly two hundred taels of silver, one could never have too much money!

Lu Mingshan picked up his heavy silver with joy, though his face remained calm.

At this moment, Li Qingzhi stepped forward and said, “Taoist Lu, let me escort you back.”

Saying this, Li Qingzhi supported Lu Mingshan.

Lu Mingshan didn’t want Li Qingzhi to escort him!

However, despite being a scholar, Li Qingzhi had great strength and controlled him… Lu Mingshan didn’t dare resist and said, “Then I’ll trouble you, sir.”

“I’ll join you,” Du Yongning said.

Li Qingzhi squeezed Lu Mingshan’s arm.

Lu Mingshan said, “Mr. Du, please stay. I wanted Mr. Li to escort me because I have something to discuss with him privately.”

So that was it! No wonder Lu Mingshan refused everyone else but agreed when Li Qingzhi offered!

Du Yongning didn’t insist and watched Li Qingzhi take Lu Mingshan away.

After they left, the remaining scholars exclaimed: “Taoist Lu is amazing!” “I think his skills are no less than Master Hongming of Xiangguo Temple.”

“When Taoist Lu is rested, I must ask him to read my fortune thoroughly!”

“Me too…”

…

Lu Mingshan was unaware of the many business opportunities awaiting him. Being coerced by Li Qingzhi as they left the plum appreciation event, he asked, “Mr. Li, can you let go now?”

“Not yet,” Li Qingzhi replied.

Lu Mingshan silently handed his silver to Li Qingzhi: “Mr. Li, I only have this silver…”

“I don’t want your silver,” Li Qingzhi said.

Good, he didn’t want the silver! Lu Mingshan immediately took it back.

At that moment, Li Qingzhi spoke: “Lu Mingshan, I want to know who arranged for you to come here. Take me to see that person.”

Lu Mingshan felt like crying: “Please, just take my silver.”

Judging by all the misfortunes Fan Weiyan had faced recently, it was clear the person who had hired him was very capable. If he disobeyed, that person might kill him!

He couldn’t afford to offend them!