Martial Cultivator

The war in the north has started, and the smoke can be seen, but fortunately this is not the first time. The northern border troops did not panic because they had guessed that this time would be an unprecedented war. They had guarded the border for more than two hundred years and countless lives were at stake. Once in, they are no longer allowed to have problems with those little things.

Things are in order on the north side, the only thing to consider is the south side.

Now, the Liang Dynasty was already in operation before the war in the north started. The huge empire had a reaction speed that was far superior to that of the previous dynasties. All the officials, regardless of whether they were united or not, had to work hard for this matter. move.

On the post road, the sound of horse hooves was non-stop, and post soldiers belonging to various state capitals poured into the divine capital from all directions, and then left the majestic city at high speed.

Many postmen didn't even have time to stop at the rouge shop in Shendu to bring back a piece of rouge from Shendu for their daughter-in-law who had never left their hometown in her life.

And on the official road, the government's motorcade kept stopping, and the armored soldiers had solemn faces and were always on guard.

For more than two hundred years, the so-called bandits in Daliang have been wiped out long ago during the Taizong period. As for the so-called bandits that have been reported from time to time since then, most of them are actually chess pieces secretly controlled by Fang Wai. Let Daliang live in peace, but these bandits have almost disappeared after Master Wu Hao shed blood and the master of the Chaotic View was replaced by the young master.

The monsters within the country have been the number one enemy of the people of Daliang for more than two hundred years. However, in the past few years, the guards of Daliang at all levels have been dispatched everywhere, and with the help of some local cultivating sects, Almost 60% to 70% of the monsters in the country have been wiped out.

In some states and counties, it even reaches 90%.

According to the current trend, as long as the monsters from the north do not go south, the imperial court will be able to eliminate the monsters in the country and restore real peace to the people in five or six years at most.

Can the demon clan in the north give Daliang this chance?

…

…

A caravan with more than fifty carriages, which had been sleeping in the open for more than a month, finally arrived outside the gate of Shendu City. However, it did not rush into the city. Instead, it drove the carriage away from the official road and waited in the open space on one side. .

A middle-aged man walked out of the carriage headed by him. He glanced at the long queue at the city gate, then turned to look at the carriage behind him and said, "Qing Ling, I guess we can't enter the city until dark."

A woman also happened to walk out of the carriage. It was Lu Qingling, a descendant of the Lu family who had worked side by side with Chen Chao in Longjiao County, Huanglong Prefecture a few days ago.

As for this middle-aged man, he actually has some connection with the young guardian envoy.

His name was Lu Yuan. When he was on a ferry, because he didn't want to say anything bad about the imperial court, he forcefully gave the Green Algae Sect one hundred thousand days of money.

However, after Mr. Lu took out the hundred thousand days of money, the Green Algae Sect was removed from this world.

Lu Qingling smiled and said: "Second uncle, we have arrived at Shendu City anyway. It doesn't matter if we wait a little longer. Let's not cause any trouble to the court."

Lu Yuan nodded, deeply convinced. Based on the Lu family's influence in the divine capital, if there is something urgent now, it is not impossible to enter the city first. But for things that are not urgent in the first place, Lu Yuan is not willing to cause trouble. You must know that most of the caravans waiting to enter the city in front are supplies needed by the Ministry of War. After entering the city from here, they can stay in the divine capital for up to three days before being sent to the north.

This is a major military matter, so don't delay it if you can. Maybe it's because of their lack of delay that fewer people will die in the north and they will have a better chance of winning.

Since he was no longer in a hurry to enter the city and had nothing to do, Lu Yuan thought for a while and curiously asked about what happened in Longjiao County that day, "Qing Ling, tell your uncle, those common people at that time, seriously Are you not afraid at all, waiting to live and die with the guardian envoy? "

Although the events of that day spread out quickly afterwards, everyone only knew a general idea. Occasionally there were some detailed explanations, but no one knew whether they were true or not. Instead of listening to what these outsiders said, it was better to ask the person in front of me who had experienced it. My niece is.

Lu Qingling glanced at her second uncle. In fact, she did not mention these things deliberately after returning from Longjiao County, but there were many people with her at that time. Those people couldn't stop drinking, so it was very difficult for them to stop drinking. Soon everyone in the Lu family knew about this.

If someone else asked, Lu Qingling might just find an excuse to fool him, but now since it was her second uncle who asked, Lu Qingling was silent for a moment, and then told the truth about the scene that day. In fact, even if it was the time Today, recalling the scene that day, Lu Qingling still felt a little dreamy. Almost all the people in that county were powerless, but they still dared to stand up and stop in front of the young guard.

Throughout the more than two hundred years of the Liang Dynasty, has this kind of thing happened once? Even if you look through the annals of history, can you find even a few words of record in the annals of history?

In fact, she also knew that even now, many courtiers in the court still regard the young guardian envoy as the most powerful official in ancient times, but what about in the hearts of the people?

I'm afraid that 90% of the people in the Liang Dynasty regarded this guardian envoy as a god.

If he hadn't really done so many things for the people, how could there be such a situation?

"No matter what others think, my uncle is a person who has truly received his kindness. Moreover, my uncle has traveled all over the country for so many years and has met countless people. There is one thing that I have only seen in him."

Lu Yuan sighed, remembering the eyes he saw when he saw Chen Chao that day.

Chen Chao's appearance is not as good as that of a real immortal like Yun Jianyue, but his eyes are like stars, and they have always been extremely beautiful.

But the eyes that Lu Yuan thought of at this moment were not because they were beautiful, but because he had never seen someone in a high position with such a pair of pure eyes.

Like a pool of clear water.

He gives people a very special feeling, that is, as long as you don't stand opposite him, you can trust him unconditionally, and he will never let you down.

After listening to Lu Yuan's words, Lu Qingling also recalled the days she spent with Chen Chao. At that time, she didn't know that the sickly young man was the guardian envoy, but at that time, she had confirmed that he was absolutely Not bad anymore.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have taken him in just because she saw him on the official road.

Lu Yuan saw Lu Qingling lost in thought, and said with a smile: "Qingling, some men will make women remember them for a lifetime after meeting them once, but don't fall in love with him, because there will be too many women who like him, and he likes The other women have already been destined to be just spectators on the shore."

Lu Yuan smiled and said, "Did you know that the gods now have a saying that once you see Mr. Chen, you will miss your life."

There are quite a few girls in the city of Shendu who look at a portrait all day without thinking about food or tea.

Lu Qingling smiled and said: "Uncle is worrying too much. Qingling still knows how much he weighs and won't think too much about it."

"Qing Ling, you don't have to belittle yourself, it's just that some people don't share the same path."

Lu Yuan thought for a moment and gave an explanation, which was a disguised form of comfort.

Lu Qingling laughed it off and didn't say anything else. She was just a little worried that Chen Chao would encounter troubles that she couldn't solve after disappearing in Longjiao County.

But then I thought about it, with the Great Sword Immortal protecting him, he shouldn't have to worry.

As Lu Yuan and Lu Qingling chatted, time passed quickly, and it was already dark in the blink of an eye. All the carriages at the city gate over there had entered the city, and the city guards trotted over with a smile on their faces, "It's Mr. Lu, right?" , I’ve been waiting for a long time, hurry up and enter the city.”

The Lu family is a wealthy businessman, and caravans enter the divine capital all the year round. Naturally, they are very familiar with the soldiers guarding the four city gates. Lu Yuan smiled slightly, and naturally there was a middle-aged man who looked like a manager beside him and handed out a money bag.

"Brothers, you have all worked hard. Mr. Lu is treating everyone to a late-night snack."

Mr. Lu was usually generous, and he also needed the soldiers for convenience. Anyway, there would always be money every now and then. But this time, the soldier did not accept the money as usual, but pushed it back and smiled. Said: "Second Master Lu, no need. I heard that the profits of Second Master Lu's goods have been donated to the court several times in recent times. My brothers have heard about it a long time ago. Second Master Lu is so noble, we want it again." Money, it doesn’t make sense.”

Lu Yuan was startled, but then he stopped insisting. After taking back the money, he smiled and said, "Then consider it as brothers also contributing to the imperial court."

The soldier smiled and moved out of the way without saying much.

Lu Yuan and Lu Qingling did not go back to the carriage. Instead, they each carried a lantern, walked through the city gate, and stood on the side of the long street.

After this batch of goods entered the city, 70% of the profits from the sales were actually donated to the court. This was not a request from the court overtly or covertly, but a spontaneous act on their part.

Now that the north is dangerous, they can't go to the battlefield, so they have to do their best.

Watching the carriages continue to enter the city, Lu Yuan's eyebrows showed a hint of fatigue. He had traveled around for many years. Although the world was getting better and better and he didn't need to worry as much as before, after all, it had been decades and his energy was not as good as before. It’s a matter of one less trip.

Lu Qingling noticed Lu Yuan's tiredness and said softly: "Uncle, don't worry about other things later, just leave it to me."

Just as Lu Yuan was about to speak, several more lanterns suddenly appeared in the distance, and footsteps kept approaching.

Lu Yuan looked up and asked curiously: "Xiaoxin, why are you here?"

The visitor was none other than Lu Xin, a young man who was very popular in the Lu family. Lu Xin, who was already very talented in business, after getting acquainted with Chen Chao and starting a business partnership with the young guard envoy, his status in the Lu family became even higher. A rising tide lifts all boats. At the beginning of this year, the old family owner even handed over half of Lu's business to Lu Xin. After taking control of that half of the business, Lu Xin not only did not have any decline, but actually made those businesses more and more prosperous. This has not yet happened. Judging from the current situation, the young man in his thirties is obviously the next head of the family.

Nowadays, it is not easy for the children of the Lu family to see Lu Xin.

"Second uncle, sister Qingling, thank you for the hard work of traveling and traveling all the way."

Although Lu Xin now has a very high status in the Lu family, he is still extremely humble and polite, so that Lu Yuan cannot find any fault.

Lu Qingling also looked at her cousin and nodded slightly.

After the greetings, Lu Xin got straight to the point and said, "Second uncle, I'm afraid I'm going to bother you with the rest of the matter. There is a meeting at the ancestral hall tonight, and I want to take Sister Qingling there."

Lu Yuan was startled at first, and then he subconsciously wanted to ask questions, but when the words came to his lips, he was held back by the second master Lu. He just nodded and said with a smile: "Okay, leave these matters to me, second uncle. You Just don’t worry.”

In this room, Lu Yuan still had a lot of say in the first two years, but with the rise of Lu Xin, now he has become the real talker in this room. In addition, Lu Yuan himself is already old, not to mention that He was ambitious, so Lu Yuan, who subconsciously wanted to ask what the ancestral hall meant, didn't ask anything in the end.

He has long accepted the fact that he is old and now the world is dominated by young people.

Lu Xin came in a hurry and left in a hurry. After leading Lu Qingling into the carriage, the young successor of the Lu family didn't say a word and just looked at the lantern in his hand.

Lu Qingling is older than Lu Xin, but not as good as Lu Xin in business, so she has been positioned as Lu Xin's right-hand man for a long time. However, this time the ancestral hall meeting was held, she was a little confused as to what her younger brother was going to do with her. .

Lu Xingxing may have sensed Lu Qingling's uneasiness, so he raised his head and looked at his cousin, and said softly: "Sister, don't worry, I took my sister this time just to embolden me. There's no need for anything else." Do."

Lu Qingling became even more curious after hearing what he said. She looked at Lu Xin again and frowned: "What are you going to do?"

Lu Xin rubbed his head, shook his head, and just said softly: "I'm a little sleepy, I have to sleep for a while."

Although she knew that her younger brother was avoiding her inquiry, Lu Qingling still did not ask the question. She always remembered the advice her father gave her. Today's Lu family, even including the head of the old family, did not If a person is as good as Lu Xin, whatever he wants to do, you just have to give him your full support.

So at this moment, Lu Qingling just looked at Lu Xin with his eyes closed in front of her with complicated eyes, guessing what he was going to do.

She always felt that it was no small matter.

…

…

The carriage stopped slowly, and the two of them walked out of the carriage. Lu Qingling glanced at the Lu family's ancestral home in front of her. As a woman, she was actually qualified to come here only a handful of times in the past few years, but she didn't have the qualifications to come here. , Lu Qingling doesn’t yearn for this place either.

Lu Xin walked in through the gate with a lantern. The servants on both sides lowered their heads, but they still secretly looked at the young man who was now in the spotlight in the Lu family.

Lu Qingling followed Lu Xin. The Lu family's ancestral house in front of her was brightly lit tonight, but she didn't know if it was just today or always like this.

Lu Xin, who was holding a lantern, walked slowly in a long corridor. A steward came trotting over and looked at Lu Xin with some embarrassment, "Master, the second grandpa is already urging me. Look..."

Lu Xin looked at the steward expressionlessly, and then said, "Is it Lu's second grandpa who makes the decision now?"

The steward had always heard that Lu Xin had a good temper, and thought that he would be able to get things done simply by going over there, but to his surprise, this young man who was in the prime of his life seemed to have trouble talking at all.

The steward's expression immediately turned ugly, and he knelt down with a snap.

"Master, it's the little one's fault..."

Lu Xin just glanced at him, said nothing, and continued to walk slowly forward.

Lu Qingling looked at Lu Xin's back without saying a word. In a family as big as the Lu family, if you only have ability and a good person, you will definitely not be able to gain a foothold. If you are just a good old person, the Lu family will not treat such a big family like Lu Xin. The great authority was given to Lu Xin.

Therefore, this is the only way Lu Xin can stand firm in a group of people and not be bullied by others.

A corridor is tens of feet long. When the Lu family's ancestral house was first built, nothing else had been decided yet. It was decided that this corridor would lead to the Lu family's ancestral hall.

The original idea of ​​the head of the Lu family was actually very simple, that is, to let all his children and grandchildren think clearly about what they want to do before coming to the ancestral hall.

In front of those ancestral tablets, you have to think carefully before saying anything.

Near the ancestral hall, the sounds of quarrels inside could be heard. Lu Qingling could vaguely distinguish a few voices among them, including those of her second grandfather and her third uncle.

These elders are Lu's most powerful figures. They not only represent themselves, but also represent their respective houses.

Lu Qingling had only seen so many elders during the birthday of her old family leader. Now that she thought about those elders in the ancestral hall, Lu Qingling actually felt a little nervous.

Even though she already has a calmness far beyond her peers.

"Don't worry, sister, I'll take care of everything."

Lu Xin smiled, and after a few words of comfort, he arrived in front of the ancestral hall.

He stretched out his hand and handed the lantern in his hand to the servant on one side. The servant took it and was about to retreat, but Lu Xin shook his head and said, "Don't leave, just wait here."

Just as the servant was about to raise his head and look elsewhere, Lu Xin said calmly: "What I say doesn't work?"

The servant lowered his head, but before he spoke, a majestic voice came from the ancestral hall, "Xiao Xin, why haven't you seen me for a few days? You are living more and more, why are you competing with a servant?"

As the sound rang out, a middle-aged man walked out from the gate of the ancestral hall. He looked at Lu Xin with an unkind expression, "It's not appropriate to have a group of uncles and elders wait for the ancestral meeting, isn't it?"

Lu Xin smiled and said: "The servants are ignorant and have to be taught. As for the discussion, the time has not yet come. The uncles can arrive early if they have nothing to do, but my nephew does not have that much time. Doesn't Seventeenth Uncle know this?"

Uncle Seventeen's expression changed, and he was about to speak, but Lu Xin would never give him a chance, and then said: "The tea business that Uncle Seventeen is in charge of lost 30% last month. If I hadn't gone to see it in person, I'm afraid I wouldn't have done it this month." Are you going to make ends meet?”

After hearing this, Uncle Seventeen was even more speechless. Lu Xin stepped over the man and said with a smile: "Uncle Seventeen, nothing is static. You can't rest on your laurels. "

After speaking, Lu Xin officially entered the ancestral hall, followed by Lu Qingling who walked inside.

However, the two of them had just entered when an elder of the Lu family, who had already taken his seat, frowned and said, "How unbecoming is it to let a woman enter the ancestral hall? Lu Xin, are you going to rebel?"

Although the Lu family is engaged in business, the clan concept is actually stronger than that of ordinary families. Women are not allowed to enter the ancestral hall except for major sacrifices. This is the ancestral motto of the Lu family.

Lu Xinming knew this ancestral precept and still acted like this, which made some people feel that there was an opportunity, while others were a little worried.

Today's Lu Xin is obviously different from the usually cautious one. They don't think that Lu Xin has reached this level of arrogance. They only think that Lu Xin must have some ulterior motive.

"Uncle Fifteen, don't put such a heavy label on your nephew. The imperial court is at its peak. Even if he wants to rebel, what can Mr. Lu do if he puts his life on the line?"

"Spend some money to organize an army? What do you mean, Uncle Fifteen is thinking that while the war in the north is going on, he can change the dynasty?"

"you……"

The fifteenth uncle's face turned red with anger. Of course he didn't mean it this way, but he was unreasonable, and Lu Xin would be even more unreasonable than him.

Lu Xin said softly: "My nephew has told all the elders clearly that this ancestral motto of the Lu family has been in existence for more than a hundred years. My nephew feels that it is wrong and should no longer abide by it. Both men and women have the surname Lu. What is the difference?" Not being allowed to enter the ancestral hall is really ridiculous. Don’t tell me that this has always been the case. The queens and empresses of this dynasty all had the title of female students back then. They were not inferior to men in terms of talent and learning. Then the women of the Xie family can also teach in the academy. Now even as a general in the north, if the imperial court adheres to the so-called ancestral precepts so much, won't our Liang Dynasty lose such a good general? "

Lu Xing's voice was not too loud when he first spoke, but when he spoke later, his voice was not quiet at all.

There are two examples, one is the late queen, and the other is Xie Nandu who is now at the peak of his power. No matter who it is, no one can find a reason to refute it.

The ancestral hall suddenly became quiet.

Although Lu Qingling looked calm on the surface at the moment, in fact, her heart was already turbulent.

Although she didn't care whether she could enter the ancestral hall or not, the other women of the Lu family would still care.

But she never thought that her brother would bring her into the ancestral hall just to speak out for all the women of the Lu family today.

Somewhat too sudden.

"Lu Xin, this kind of thing cannot be decided in one or two sentences. The head of the family is still here, why are you talking about this?"

An elder who usually had a good relationship with Lu Xin spoke up and wanted to help Lu Xin. Among other things, the Lu family was not the one who made the decision now. Even if they all agreed on such a big matter, the final decision would still need to be made by the head of the family.

Just as Lu Xin was about to speak, footsteps sounded outside, and an old man walked in with a cane.

The old man has white hair and a solemn expression. He is the old head of the Lu family, Lu Yin.

After Lu Yin appeared, everyone's eyes fell on the old patriarch. For so many years, all major events of the Lu family were decided by this old patriarch.

Everyone, including Lu Xin, bowed and saluted after seeing Lu Yin.

The old head of the family glanced at Lu Xin, then walked to the main seat, sat down, and said calmly: "Xiao Xin's statement is somewhat reasonable, but things cannot be accomplished overnight. The old rules have been established for so many years. It won’t change overnight. This is not the time to talk about this tonight, just take your time.”

The head of the old family opened his mouth to set the tone for this matter, so the rest of the people naturally had no problem. After a few echoes, the place quickly became quiet again.

But Lu Xin just turned around and glanced at Lu Qingling, who had no expression.

Turning his head, Lu Xin took a deep breath and said nothing.

Lu Yin coughed lightly, "I have called everyone here tonight to discuss one thing. Now that the northern border is not at peace, what should I, the Lu family, do for the court? Every house has taken action before, and now it is time I have done something with the whole Lu family.”

Listening to the old patriarch speak, the Seventeenth Uncle stood up and said with a smile: "As Liang people, we should share the country's worries. I propose that this year, 10% of the Lu family's annual profits will be used to assist the court and each house. It’s just a matter of getting less dividends.”

As soon as Uncle Seventeen opened his mouth, many voices of approval rang out.

But soon someone said: "Nowadays, the court is also in troubled times. I'm afraid 10% is a little less, let's take 30%. If we take this out, the court will appreciate our good deeds and the people will praise us. It's the best of both worlds."

"Sixteenth Brother, you are very lighthearted when you say 30%, but have you ever thought about how much less dividends each house will receive this year?"

"Yes, Sixteen, don't be too impulsive."

"Second Grandpa, actually 30% is not much. It would not be much to spread it over the heads of each house."

"No, no, 30% is still too much..."

Arguments were heard in the ancestral hall. The most difficult thing in the world is to take money out of other people's pockets. What's more, for a family like Lu's, 10% of the profit is a huge amount of money, let alone Say it's done.

Bang bang bang——

The old patriarch knocked his walking stick on the ground a few times, and the ancestral hall suddenly became quiet.

"Xiaoxin, tell me, how suitable is it?"

The old head of the family looked at Lu Xin with a smile on his face.

Lu Yin is still satisfied with this most outstanding junior.

"Ten percent."

Lu Xin was silent for a while and then directly gave an answer that no one expected.

There is no doubt that the ancestral hall exploded all of a sudden.

Countless curses rang out at this time.

"Lu Xin, do you know what you are talking about?!"

"Ten percent, aren't you going to make me, the Lu family, work in vain this year?!"

"Lu Xin, I think you are really crazy!"

Curses filled the ancestral hall.

Lu Xin just waited until his voice became quieter before he said: "Ten percent of the profits will be used to aid the imperial court. We can't die. We don't have any balance in previous years? Let alone one year, ten more years will be more than enough, right? In that case, why? No, people are dying in the north, they are dying for us, and we can’t even afford to pay?”

Lu Xin said indifferently: "Although I, the Lu family, have been in business for generations, who still remembers that my ancestor, the Lu family, was a scholar and followed Mr. Zhang's four sentences!"

Lu Xin's voice was not loud, but it was extremely powerful.

Mr. Zhang’s four sentences have always been the pursuit of countless scholars.

Lu Qingling looked at Lu Xin in front of her, feeling as if she was meeting this younger brother for the first time.

"Don't say this, just give 10% of the profits. If something goes wrong with my Lu's business next year, do you, Lu Xin, dare to take responsibility?!"

Someone spoke up and questioned the young man.

Lu Xin just said: "As long as I'm here, there won't be any problems."

What he said was very calm, but very crazy.

But it is also easy to anger some people, because everyone knows that today's Lu's business is indeed getting better and better because of Lu Xin.

The more factual it is, the more hurtful it is.

"Master, Lu Xinde has lost his temper and gone crazy. Today he brought a girl into the ancestral hall and said such crazy things again. I feel..."

The second grandfather stood up, but was interrupted mid-sentence.

"What do you think?"

The old head of the family, Lu Yin, looked at him with no expression on his face.

Lu Yin's words stunned everyone, because everyone could hear dissatisfaction in his tone.

Lu Yin didn't look at anyone else. He just turned to look at Lu Xin and said with a gentle smile: "Xiao Xin, what you said is wrong."

Lu Xin had no expression, but his heart sank halfway.

Everyone raised their eyebrows.

Look, the old master will not be confused!

As a result, the old patriarch shook his head and said: "Ten percent is not enough."

"A long chapter of almost 8,000 words"