[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-lord-of-the-proles":3,"chapter-lord-of-the-proles-lord-of-the-proles-chapter-174":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},2290472,4478,"Chapter 174: Breaking the Impasse","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-174",174,"\u003Cp>In Lan Yang Village, Ma Wu was trying to persuade Chu Er.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sell the Bailing Men to Monkey Qiu while there’s still time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After waiting so long, finally getting Ma Wu here—and all he brings is this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Huaiyuan lost control, lunged forward, and grabbed Ma Wu: “Bailing Men is mine! Why should I give it to him? Why?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu shoved Chu Er away and snapped: “If you want to throw a tantrum, go home and do it—don’t bring your bad luck to me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why?!” Chu Er wailed, tears streaming. “How much effort did I pour into taking over Bailing Men? Why should he just say one word and take it? Isn’t the contract written in black and white?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu straightened his torn clothes, calmed himself, and said: “When I was down and out, you nearly killed me—I haven’t even settled that score with you. Logically, I shouldn’t say a word to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But this matter drags me into it. I’m just warning you: while Monkey Qiu doesn’t want to make a scene yet, sell Bailing Men to him at a fair price.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When Lu Dongliang was in charge, most business was handled by Monkey Qiu. Calm down and think: how ruthless is he? You can risk your life, but don’t drag me into it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Er shook her head: “I don’t trust you. Where’s your friend? That Li Qi? He’s a real man—make him meet me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu sat on the sofa and took a long sip from his cup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He too wanted to know where Li Banfeng was. The situation was growing more complex—he needed Li Banfeng’s advice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu had repeatedly told the press he had no special ties to Chu Er—but the press ignored him, publishing daily headlines fabricating their past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Er glared at Ma Wu, voice hoarse: “If I can’t hold onto Bailing Men, neither will you. If we die, we die together!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu glared back: “I’ll ask you one last time: were those stories in the papers written at your order?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Er raised an eyebrow: “Yes, I did! So what? You don’t want to be tied to me? Fine! Give me a good idea—tomorrow, I’ll shut the press up!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu frowned at Chu Er. Something felt off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zuo Wugang was indecisive, but as a senior branch head, his fundamentals never failed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since arriving in Lan Yang Village, Chu Er, fearing Monkey Qiu’s sabotage, never left the village—occasionally sending Yang Yanzheng out, but only to Green Water City to gather news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wouldn’t even leave Lan Yang Village—and yet the press kept circling her. Wasn’t that strange?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And as far as Ma Wu knew, after taking over Bailing Men, Chu Er’s finances were dire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under such conditions, what value could she possibly offer the press? Why would they still follow her orders?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone was pulling strings behind the scenes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The papers belonged to Ling Miaowen—if this was the Ling family’s doing, what was their goal?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To spark conflict between the Lu, Chu, and Ma families?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This had to be settled quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Ma Wu pondered how to persuade Chu Er, Senior Branch Head Zuo Wugang entered, tense: “Young Master Wu, Monkey Qiu is here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who sent him?” Ma Wu shot up from the sofa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He came himself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Few people frightened Zuo Wugang, given his strength and experience—but Monkey Qiu was one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Er stood instantly: “Good—he’s here! Let’s settle this now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu called out: “Miss Chu, this is my territory—show me some respect. When you meet Manager Qiu, speak politely!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Yanzheng added: “Miss, please listen to Young Master Wu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Er said nothing. Ma Wu went out himself to invite Monkey Qiu in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monkey Qiu wasn’t alone—he was accompanied by Lu Yuanshan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone sat. Before any pleasantries, Chu Er glared at Monkey Qiu: “Manager Qiu, cut the nonsense. Do you want my life? Come take it if you dare!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Hongyan tensed, ready for battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zuo Wugang waited for Ma Junyang’s order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Yanzheng tugged at Chu Er, begging her to calm down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuanshan chuckled dryly, turning to Ma Wu: “Junyang, control your woman. How dare she speak so disrespectfully before elders?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu took a deep breath: “Brother Shan, she’s not my woman. There are many misunderstandings—we must talk slowly…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Er snapped: “Enough! Qiu Zhiheng, why are you here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monkey Qiu remained calm: “I want to buy Bailing Men.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Er slammed her fist on the table: “Not for sale!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuanshan frowned: “Crazy woman, can’t you speak reasonably?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu lowered his hand, signaling calm: “Uncle Qiu, if you’re offering to buy, let’s discuss a price.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Zhiheng nodded: “Fair enough. Fifty thousand silver dollars. Is that acceptable?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Er gritted her teeth: “Fifty thousand? Are you joking? Lu Dongjun sold me Bailing Men for eighty thousand! You cut it by half? Why should I sell to you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu said to Qiu Zhiheng: “Uncle Qiu, that price is unreasonable. Bailing Men is the flagship of Green Water City…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Buy half.” Monkey Qiu smiled at Ma Wu. Ma Wu froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Er shouted: “I won’t sell even half! I won’t—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu glanced at Chu Huaiyuan. She felt blood surging upward, thickening near her throat, choking her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood Surge Technique?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That shouldn’t be possible—Ma Wu’s cultivation is only Level One.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monkey Qiu was surprised: “Junyang, your cultivation has improved.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu smiled: “Uncle Qiu, you flatter me. My cultivation isn’t strong enough to use Blood Surge—I was just using Encouragement Technique.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monkey Qiu was Level Seven Joy Cultivator, same sect as Ma Wu. He studied closely—Ma Wu had indeed used Encouragement Technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encouragement Technique was a low-level skill, but its principle echoed Blood Surge Technique. To make it mimic Blood Surge’s effect proved exceptional talent in Joy Cultivation—Monkey Qiu was genuinely impressed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Chu Er couldn’t speak, Ma Wu seized the moment: “Uncle Qiu means Bailing Men will be jointly operated by the Lu and Chu families?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monkey Qiu nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu never imagined the seemingly hopeless situation would resolve this way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuanshan looked at Chu Er: “Huaiyuan, Uncle Qiu has shown great face—aren’t you satisfied?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Yanzheng urged: “Miss, accept it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Er swallowed hard, finally catching her breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her mind cleared, her tone changed: “Uncle Qiu, let’s be clear: does Bailing Men belong to the Chu family or the Lu family?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was critical—shares could be split, but who held operational control?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Zhiheng said: “It belongs to both. Given your diligent management so far, I’ll temporarily grant you operational control—with Junyang’s help, Bailing Men won’t lose money. But if losses exceed twenty percent, you surrender control. Agreed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though fierce, Chu Er wasn’t foolish. Monkey Qiu had made a huge concession—she wouldn’t continue her tantrum. She signed the contract immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu exhaled, relieved. He turned to the group: “Uncle Qiu, if you don’t mind, stay the night at Mengchun Garden. Tonight, let me host a dance to show proper hospitality.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monkey Qiu nodded: “Fine. I planned to stay anyway. Tomorrow, I’ll discuss business with Junyang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The relief vanished instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What business would Monkey Qiu discuss with Ma Wu?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu was clever—he could guess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Remove Liu and Si families entirely—Lan Yang Village ultimately belonged to the Lu family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu’s operations here required tribute to the Lu family. The amount? That would be decided tomorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monkey Qiu revealed this now—giving Ma Wu time to prepare. From every angle, Monkey Qiu had covered all bases.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now it was Ma Wu’s turn to show sincerity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How much tribute was appropriate?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fifty-fifty?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would Monkey Qiu be satisfied?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than that, Ma Wu couldn’t afford.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Brother Li, where have you gone?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This matter needs your return to discuss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At seven p.m., the dance began. Lu Yuanshan invited Chu Er to dance; she had no interest—her thoughts were already at Bailing Men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu had prepared meticulously, summoning Lan Yang Village’s most beautiful and skilled dancers to take turns dancing with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monkey Qiu was a Joy Cultivator—he should have welcomed such entertainment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he showed no interest, sitting alone in a corner drinking. Helplessly, Ma Wu danced one dance after another with the dancers, keeping the atmosphere alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Midway through the dance, Xiao Chuan switched songs, and in the rush, played “When Will You Return?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu glared at Xiao Chuan—this song carried special meaning: the dance was ending.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine flowers don’t bloom forever, fine scenes don’t last. Grief piles up, smiles fade, tears soak longing bands. Tonight we part—when will you return?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The music played, too late to stop. Ma Wu grimaced—then saw Monkey Qiu move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shifted from one corner to another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There sat a special guest: dressed in a black suit, wearing a hat pulled low, thick beard barely visible beneath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Qi!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu hadn’t expected Li Banfeng’s return—he didn’t know when he’d entered the ballroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monkey Qiu knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the moment Li Banfeng stepped in, Monkey Qiu had sensed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two sat in silence a moment—then Monkey Qiu asked: “Young brother, how have you been?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He recognized Li Banfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He is a seventh-layer Joy Cultivator, capable of partially offsetting the innate neglect faced by Zhaixiu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most importantly, he had not only seen Li Banfeng’s photograph but also seen Li Banfeng in person; though he could not see Li Banfeng’s face, he had not forgotten his figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng nodded slightly: “I’m fine. How has Brother Qiu been lately?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not well,” Qiu Zhiheng sighed. “Ever since I searched for you in Lüshui City last time, troubles have never stopped.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you here to find me today too?” Li Banfeng assumed Qiu the Monkey had come about the Honglian matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of silence, Qiu the Monkey said: “You could say so.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng slipped his hand into his pocket and gripped the key.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu the Monkey continued: “I came to see you about Lan Yang Village. This area still falls under Lu family territory, so eventually you must give them a share of the profits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng kept his posture unchanged and replied softly: “Ma Wu and I are only here to earn our daily bread. How much we keep depends entirely on Brother Qiu’s decision.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earn our daily bread…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Zhiheng recalled how he had begged for food from Li Banfeng on the train.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That incident was over; the debt of gratitude had been repaid. Qiu Zhiheng had no reason to dwell on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only as the music neared its end did Qiu Zhiheng speak: “If you two continue running it, just send the Lu family a token offering at year’s end.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But the Ma family cannot take over Lan Yang Village. The Lu family’s banner still flies here—otherwise, things will be different.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Zhiheng made another concession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng removed his top hat and placed it over his chest, bowing to Qiu Zhiheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a gesture of thanks to Qiu Zhiheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Zhiheng smiled, put on his hat, and left the dance floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That night, Qiu Zhiheng and Lu Yuanshan departed from Lan Yang Village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu was terrified—he thought Qiu Zhiheng had recognized Li Banfeng and would move against him, especially since Lu Dongliang had been hunting Li Banfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that were true, Ma Wu would risk his life and exhaust every last resource to fight Qiu the Monkey to the death and protect Li Banfeng at all costs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But unexpectedly, Qiu Zhiheng simply left—without harming Li Banfeng, and even settling the matter of Lan Yang Village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just send a token offering at year’s end?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could Qiu the Monkey really be this lenient?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu was overjoyed: “Brother Li, do you have some connection with Qiu Zhiheng?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng did not answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was some connection, but not to this extent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The train incident was behind them; both sides were even. Qiu the Monkey’s leniency left Li Banfeng puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the carriage, Lu Yuanshan asked Qiu Zhiheng: “Uncle Qiu, aren’t we giving them too much? I think we should take at least sixty percent of the Bailamen, and at least thirty percent of the profits from Lan Yang Village.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu the Monkey shook his head slightly and handed Lu Yuanshan a newspaper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was tonight’s evening edition; the front-page headline read: Lu vs. Chu—Who Will Carry the Banner of Lüshui City?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the second page was another headline: Tiger Fallen to the Plains—Ma Family Seizes Lan Yang Village; Will the Lu Family Accept This Insult?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Similar news appeared daily; Lu Yuanshan saw nothing unusual in it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Zhiheng said: “If even you think it’s unremarkable, then the entire Pulu Province thinks the same. Tomorrow, if he publishes another story claiming the Lu family has broken with the Ma and Chu families, everyone will accept it as inevitable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuanshan dismissed it: “Newspapers always write like this. Let them say whatever—they’re not true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Zhiheng shook his head: “If we hadn’t settled this tonight, it might become true. If Chu Huaiyuan and Ma Junyang died at our hands, tomorrow we might be at war with the Chu and Ma families.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though these two are cast-offs of their clans, they still concern the dignity of great families. With someone stoking the flames, things could spiral out of control.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuanshan looked again at the newspaper and realized the gravity: “Uncle Qiu, when you say ‘stoking the flames,’ you mean the Ling family?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu Zhiheng’s eyes glinted with coldness: “Lu Dongjun made a huge stir at Haichiling, yet now he’s vanished. Meanwhile, the Ling family has taken in a massive influx of business.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’ve grown rich at Haichiling, and now they’re turning their eyes to Lüshui City. Today, the Lu and Ma families feud; tomorrow, the Lu and Chu families break apart; the day after, the Lu family turns on itself. On their newspaper, the Lu family seems destined to fight everyone in Pulu Province.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We can temporarily yield the income from Bailamen and Lan Yang Village—but we cannot let the Ling family dictate the situation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yuanshan, I remember you once ran a newspaper.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuanshan nodded: “I ran one for a while and made good money. But my father said it was undignified. I also tried film—he disapproved too. So I gave up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Restart the newspaper. Build a film studio. Don’t let the Ling family quietly build their power—dig up their secrets and expose them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuanshan smiled. This was exactly what he wanted to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three days later, Bailamen reopened. Chu Huaiyuan and Ma Wu jointly hosted a singing and dancing contest, selecting this year’s twelve top female singers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing sat on his hospital bed, face dark with rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiu the Monkey had broken the deadlock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shattered the Bailamen scheme—and the Lan Yang Village scheme!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I truly underestimated him!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Even before seasoned veterans, He Jiaqing can misjudge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2472,"2026-06-20T03:43:13.043Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","7d93e0919bc725a3b61162cce7a22de22a6cf2c2537700253acba00da6015dc0","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-175","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-173",863,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Flord-of-the-proles-cover.jpg"]