[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-lord-of-the-proles":3,"chapter-lord-of-the-proles-lord-of-the-proles-chapter-129":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Lord of the Proles",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2290427,4478,"Chapter 129: Lu Dongliang Is Out of the Pot","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-129",129,"\u003Cp>At the Chu family mansion, Miss Chu placed a nail on her knee and slowly hammered it in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The steward, Yang Yanzheng, knocked and entered the room, whispering: “Miss, it’s confirmed—Ma Wu drove out the Song family and became the master of Lanyang Village.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss Chu pulled the nail out of her kneecap and sighed: “This isn’t your fault—it’s just that Song Jia Sen is too useless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Yanzheng felt uneasy: What do you mean it’s not my fault? It never was my fault to begin with—you came up with the idea yourself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, he couldn’t argue back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss Chu sighed again: “The Song family is useless, and the Liu family hasn’t moved either—are they just willingly swallowing this humiliation?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Yanzheng shook his head: “The Liu family’s intentions are still unclear.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Forget about this bunch of waste,” Miss Chu placed the nail on the arch of her foot and picked up the hammer beside her. “Go prepare some supplies, pick a good day—I’ll go see Ma Wu myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng left the village early in the morning and went out to deliver goods again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be honest, Ma Wu had no idea how Li Banfeng managed to deliver the goods—he only knew that the goods were delivered to Li Banfeng’s room the night before and vanished by morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng would leave in the morning and return the next day with money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what method Li Banfeng used, Ma Wu knew he must not ask—and shouldn’t ask. His job was to keep Lanyang Village’s economy running smoothly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lanyang Village was no longer the same: those without resources went hunting in the wilds; those with some means found ways to run proper businesses; even the urge to fight had faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu, watching his ledger grow thicker, was calculating the next batch of purchase prices when he suddenly smelled a strange odor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a child, Ma Wu had been bitten by a spider and was extremely sensitive to the smell of spiders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood by the window for a moment, then turned to Xiao Chuanzi: “Go invite that foreign-looking fool outside in.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Chuanzi stepped out and saw a middle-aged man in a black tailcoat, wearing a top hat, holding a cane, smiling at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time the man was brought inside, Ma Wu had already brewed tea: “Great detective, what brings you to this dump?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew Daboyens—he’d once done work for the Ma family in Lüshui City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daboyens remained gentlemanly: “I heard you’ve made your fortune in Lanyang Village, so I came to see for myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fortune? I’m drowning in debt, Great Detective—I’m telling you straight: I didn’t hire you, and I can’t pay you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Ma, that’s too cold. Today I came to ask about someone,” Daboyens handed Ma Wu a photograph. “Have you seen this man?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu looked at the photo—it was Li Banfeng. “Why is his clothing so strange? From another province?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Ma, sharp eyes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu studied it for a long while: “No memory. I haven’t seen him recently. Three years ago I saw someone from another province, but I can’t recall his face.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daboyens added: “Master Ma, you know I never let anyone work for me for free. If you find this man, I won’t let you down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really?” Ma Wu’s eyes lit up. “Then tell me—if I find him, how much will you pay?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One hundred thousand silver dollars. Is that acceptable?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine!” Ma Wu nodded. “I’ll keep the photo. I’ll keep an eye out for him—I’ll tell you the moment I hear anything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This clearly wasn’t the answer Daboyens wanted: “Master Ma, if you don’t mind, may I ask others as well?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ask away—whoever can find him gets the reward. Can I stop them?” Ma Wu smiled. “But one thing: I’ve just settled here. Be discreet when you ask—don’t stir up panic. You know my situation—holding onto this business isn’t easy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course, of course,” Daboyens nodded repeatedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu suddenly brought up another matter: “The Lu family had an incident—have you heard? Lu Dongliang is still missing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daboyens’s heart tightened, but his smile didn’t falter: “I know. I also heard Lu Dongliang appeared recently at Qianyue Pavilion, confronting He Yuxiu face-to-face—he claimed she attacked him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu froze: “Really? You mean Lu Dongliang is still alive? Then you don’t need to worry!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daboyens was stunned: “Master Ma, what do you mean? Why should I worry?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu smiled: “Do I really have to spell it out? It’s obvious!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daboyens’s heart pounded, but his face stayed calm: “Master Ma, I still don’t understand. What exactly is obvious?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu feigned surprise: “Aren’t you always pushing for the Lu family to open new land? If Lu Dongliang is gone, your deal falls apart.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, you mean that. No problem—the accounts are settled,” Daboyens stood. “I doubt Li Banfeng will come to Lanyang Village anyway. I’ll take my leave, Master Ma.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu saw Daboyens to the door and ordered Xiao Chuan to follow behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew Xiao Chuan couldn’t keep tabs on Daboyens—but it was a statement: he didn’t want Daboyens causing trouble on his turf.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Daboyens’s retreating figure, Ma Wu fell into thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lu family had stopped looking for Li Banfeng—why was he still obsessed with this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was Lu Dongliang really still alive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He came to me first instead of investigating directly in Lanyang Village—he still doesn’t want to offend the Ma family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that doesn’t mean he won’t return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Brother Li, don’t rush back to the village—don’t rush at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daboyens didn’t linger in Lanyang Village. After leaving, he went straight to Tai Ming Town and found Zhuo Yuling in a private house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuo Yuling hurriedly asked: “Any news on Li Banfeng?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“None,” Daboyens shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuo Yuling frowned: “Didn’t you suspect Li Banfeng was in Lanyang Village?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daboyens shook his head: “I didn’t just suspect it before—I still believe Li Banfeng is in Lanyang Village.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then why haven’t you investigated?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because it’s Ma Junyang’s territory. I’ve already offended the Lu family—I can’t offend the Ma family too, or I won’t survive in Pulu Province.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuo Yuling grabbed Daboyens’s hand: “No matter what, you must find Li Banfeng—he’s the only one who can prove Xiao Lan’s innocence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daboyens pulled his hand away: “Your daughter’s innocence doesn’t matter anymore. You attacked Lu Dongliang—and now he’s alive. Do you think he’ll let you and your daughter live?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You want Li Banfeng only for the Supreme Crimson Lotus. To be honest, I want that treasure too—but I value my life more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Take your daughter and leave—get out of Pulu Province as soon as possible. You still have travel permits, right? Leave early, leave fast—that’s my advice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuo Yuling clung to Daboyens: “Help me—I’ll pay you! Name your price!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daboyens shook his head and smiled: “Do you still think you’re the Lu family’s Lady? You’re nothing now. Save your money for your old age—wouldn’t that be better?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have other savings—more than you can imagine. Don’t you want them?” Zhuo Yuling gripped his hand. “Spider Bin, I know you better than anyone—you won’t give up on the Crimson Lotus.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daboyens paused, then said: “I’ll go back to Lanyang Village once more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two alleys away from the mansion, Cui Ti bent down, picked up a strand of spider silk, and rubbed it between his fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Such resilient silk is rare—I must have found the right place.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, Daboyens indeed returned to Lanyang Village—this time without informing Ma Wu, sneaking in quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Li Banfeng hadn’t returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Lüshui City, Li Banfeng encountered an unexpected incident—one born from a good thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After delivering the goods, Li Banfeng brought the money back to the Traveler’s Dwelling, planning to stroll through Lüshui City, when he unexpectedly found the Bronze Lotus had bloomed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did it take this long just because of Lu Dongliang?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elixir had long been finished—but the Bronze Lotus had withheld the seed, fearing Li Banfeng’s recklessness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Banfeng’s emotions had stabilized recently, the Bronze Lotus finally allowed him to remove the seed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when the seed cracked open, Li Banfeng’s emotions destabilized again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the seed burst eighty-one Jin Yuandan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did eighty-one Jin Yuandan mean?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It meant eight thousand one hundred days of cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eight thousand one hundred days equaled twenty-two years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Li Banfeng consumed all these pills, he could leap four realms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, swallowing eighty-one Jin Yuandan at once also meant he might die instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Return to the Traveler’s Dwelling and ask his wife to detoxify him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last time he took pills, he brushed it off—how would he explain this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he got caught, exposed as a Traveling Cultivator, how could he survive under his wife’s watch?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forget it—if he couldn’t explain, he wouldn’t try.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eating eighty-one at once? Impossible. But one at a time? Should be fine!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng swallowed one Jin Yuandan, then went to a restaurant for a meal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Halfway through eating, he sensed something was wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, the food and wine tasted bland—even the chili powder in the dipping sauce had lost its flavor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then came numbness: no matter how hard the girl massaging his shoulders and back pressed, he felt no pain, no itch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sensation wasn’t unfamiliar—he was about to lose bodily sensation again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng paid immediately and found the nearest inn to stay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lay in the inn from afternoon until dawn the next day before regaining partial feeling—the potency of the poison was astonishing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did regaining sensation mean the detox was complete?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would toxins remain?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng couldn’t be sure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hurried back to the Traveler’s Dwelling—if any poison remained, the mansion should cleanse it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as soon as he stepped inside, the phonograph exploded: “Fool! Where did you wander last night? Gone a full day and night—what do you think cultivation is? What do you think of my warnings?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yesterday, the Dwelling Cultivator’s training was missed—traveling from Lanyang Village to Lüshui City, but the Traveling Cultivator’s training was still sufficient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng was about to explain to his wife: “Yesterday I had something urgent to attend to…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A wisp of steam rubbed up and down, and the gongs and drums slowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang clang clang~ Dah!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heyyy, husband, what’s that smell on you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did my wife smell the poison from the elixir?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng was drenched in sweat: “W-what smell? There’s no smell.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph, hmph, hmph~” His wife laughed three times, and at once all three large trumpets began to smoke, “You dare lie to me! You reek of powder and perfume—where did you go fooling around with that wanton?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng turned bright red from the heat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The copper lotus, in the outer chamber, was drenched in cold sweat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: My wife’s temper is too fiery—I always feel she’s even crazier than Banfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1811,"2026-06-20T03:43:13.043Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","12d087026a7150f69c67bb65c5e6e68679ed473dbf3a50d4b91ce4b04f68c27c","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-130","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-128",863,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Flord-of-the-proles-cover.jpg"]