[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-lord-of-the-proles":3,"chapter-lord-of-the-proles-lord-of-the-proles-chapter-200":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},2290498,4478,"Chapter 200: False Virtue (High-Energy Chapter)","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-200",200,"\u003Cp>Ma Wu arrived at Lan Yang Village with the cargo; the three capesilks clung to him in farewell, and A Qin had to leave too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next, Ma Wu had to deliver the goods to Lüshui City—along the way, there was almost no one to protect him; he relied entirely on his own cultivation and experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His second-layer cultivation wasn’t quite enough, but Ma Wu was experienced—he unfurled the Lu family’s banner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lan Yang Village was Lu family territory; raising the banner was perfectly fine—so long as the flag flew, ordinary bandits and thieves dared not approach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He traveled safely to Lüshui City, unloaded the goods, and bought a newspaper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second page of the paper still carried news about Ma Wu, still claiming he had made great strides in Lan Yang Village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The news was unremarkable, but Ma Wu noticed another item.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lu family has lost Lan Yang Village; incapable descendants have squandered the family fortune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who wrote this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who dares directly shame the Lu family?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This newspaper has too much nerve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wait a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one with nerve may not be the newspaper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu read the two stories together and saw the pattern: from the content, it wasn’t the newspaper challenging the Lu family—it was Ma Wu himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu had made bold moves in Lan Yang Village, as if he had seized the Lu family’s inheritance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After buying the paper, Ma Wu drank tea at Yufangzhai, stayed twenty minutes, and sorted out his thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Li Qi and I keep expanding our business in Lan Yang Village, we’re forcing the Lu family to turn against us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If something happens to me in Lan Yang Village—say, if I die at Lu Xiaolan’s hands—the Lu family becomes the prime suspect and must take the blame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The intent behind these two stories is deeply malicious!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, I won’t let them spread lies unchecked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This shipment earned over seven thousand silver dollars; Ma Wu took two thousand to have Yufangzhai’s shopkeeper prepare four fine gifts, then borrowed five thousand more from the shopkeeper, totaling ten thousand silver dollars, which he immediately packed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the afternoon, Ma Wu brought the four gifts and ten thousand silver dollars to the Lu family estate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the estate, Ma Wu was humble—he said he had come only to visit Master Qiu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monkey Qiu invited Ma Wu into the small pavilion, learned his purpose, then hurried to the main house to notify the Lady and summon the two young masters to greet the guest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu felt embarrassed: “Uncle Qiu, I came today to visit you, not to trouble you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monkey Qiu laughed: “Junyang, what nonsense— you’re visiting the Lu family, not me, the steward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu understood perfectly what Monkey Qiu meant—he had come today to give the Lu family face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four gifts: one each for Lady Duan Shaoxia, the eldest son Lu Yuan Shan, the second son Lu Yuan Hai, and the chief steward Qiu Zhiheng—no one was slighted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ten thousand silver dollars were Lan Yang Village’s offering to the Lu family—this told everyone that Lan Yang Village was still paying tribute to the Lu family, still their territory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu’s gesture gave the Lu family full face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan Shan sighed in admiration: “Junyang, you’re still the one who knows how to make money—Lan Yang Village has become a good place under your hand. How long have you been managing it? You’ve already earned this much?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan Hai laughed: “Old Five, don’t pretend you’re richer than you are—if you hadn’t made this much, don’t force it. I say, take half back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu sighed: “I won’t hide it from you two brothers—this money was hard-won, earned through blood and sweat. When I was at my lowest, you two brothers left Lan Yang Village to me, gave me a way to survive—I’ll never forget this kindness.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duan Shaoxia smiled: “Don’t speak of kindness—it’s too far. Junyang is just such a likable boy. Stay for dinner tonight—you’re not leaving under any circumstances.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Monkey Qiu gave Lu Yuan Shan a glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Face must be shown outside the house, not kept inside!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan Shan quickly took the cue: “What’s the point of eating at home? Tonight, at Bailomen—I’m treating. Food, drink, and girls to keep company—you’ll be properly entertained, Junyang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan Hai followed: “Old Five, there’s a singing gala at Bailomen tonight—you’re an expert, you must come as a guest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duan Shaoxia frowned: “Don’t corrupt Junyang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan Shan widened his eyes and laughed: “Mom, you think we’d corrupt him? We grew up together—who knows whom better?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s far worse than both of us—if he goes tonight, no other singer will get into anyone’s room.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu waved his hands: “Brothers, in front of Auntie, don’t slander me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone laughed and chatted, in perfect harmony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monkey Qiu watched Ma Junyang, nodding repeatedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This boy understands propriety—he’ll accomplish great things one day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That night, Ma Junyang attended the Bailomen singing gala as a guest; reporters came for an exclusive interview.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These weren’t Ling family reporters—they were Lu Yuan Shan’s reporters. Though the Lu family’s newspaper sold poorly, this was major news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu personally came to deliver tribute to the Lu family—this alone proved that all rumors about the Lu family and Lan Yang Village were baseless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing frowned on his sickbed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu wasn’t avoiding the Lu family—he was actively showing goodwill. This surprised He Jiaqing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man’s voice whispered beside him: “How should we respond?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pay to buy up every copy of the Lu family’s newspaper from every newsstand—suppress the story.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if we buy the evening papers, tomorrow’s morning papers will come out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Buy them all—however many they print, we buy them. At least this matter must not spread in Lüshui City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our own paper must continue publishing news about Lan Yang Village and Lu Mao—inflate the story, make Ma Wu waste his ten thousand silver dollars.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Late at night, Ma Wu pushed aside the girl beside him and stepped out of the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl was tonight’s singing queen—beautiful, with a magnificent voice, a true beauty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Ma Wu had no interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some things, no girl could understand—or learn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He went to the dance hall to listen to music and found Lu Yuan Shan and Lu Yuan Hai there too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan Shan called out: “Junyang, come sit. What’s wrong? The singing queen didn’t please you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu shook his head and smiled: “I’ve been traveling hard—I’m just exhausted.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan Hai laughed: “Old Five, you’re teasing me. You’ve ever been too tired?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the three chatted, a subordinate stepped forward and whispered something to Lu Yuan Shan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan Shan’s eyes widened: “What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The subordinate nodded: “Absolutely true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan Hai asked: “What happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan Shan glanced at his brother, then at Ma Wu: “You won’t believe this—both Ling family printing houses were burned down, and their press was destroyed too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu was startled: “Who did this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ling family ranked among the top five clans in Pulu Province—who would dare burn their printing houses?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The subordinate shook his head: “We don’t yet know who did it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan Shan looked regretful: “I was on decent terms with Ling Miaowen. Should I go see after such a disaster?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan Hai nodded: “You should go—it’s major news. Shouldn’t we bring reporters along to cover it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan Shan slapped his thigh: “Right! You reminded me—Old Five, come with us. Show your respect to the Ling family—you’ll need to deal with them often.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu waved his hand: “I won’t go—I didn’t prepare anything…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan Hai laughed: “No need to prepare, brother—I’ll arrange it for you. It’s just a gift—don’t worry about it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the brothers’ reactions, Ma Wu’s heart churned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were excited!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why were they so excited?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they arrived at the printing house and saw the ruins, Ma Wu understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the Lu family’s warning to the Ling family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lu family had been struck—but they hadn’t fallen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On his sickbed, He Jiaqing clenched his fists, teeth gritted: “Barbarians! They attacked a printing house—these barbarians are what ruined Pulu Province.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s voice whispered again: “What now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go back to Lüshui City and investigate the printing house fire.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I must return—this land is no longer defensible. Tie Yang’s Three Heroes are dead; Rong Yeguang is furious and wants to withdraw his men.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let them withdraw. How much effort did we pour into the printing house? Can’t you weigh what’s important?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But if we withdraw now, what about that thing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing exhaled deeply: “Wait. My brother won’t abandon this inheritance. We’ll reclaim it in time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng stood beside the new land Lu Xiaolan had opened, staring blankly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strange—why is no one here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng had just been planning how to deal with Lu Xiaolan—and now she’s gone?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What happened?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu rushed back to the new land, reached the ten-li plot, and searched everywhere for Li Banfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chuanzi said: “Seventh Master returned to the original plot—he said he’d cultivate hard these two days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu went to the plot, waited half a day, and finally caught Li Banfeng: “Old Seven, something happened in Lüshui City.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What happened?” Li Banfeng wasn’t particularly interested in Lüshui City’s affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Ling family’s newspaper office was burned down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A fire?” Li Banfeng had even less interest in such things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It doesn’t look like a fire—I went to the scene. It was definitely the Lu family’s doing. Both newspaper offices and one printing plant were burned.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng sat stunned for a long while, thoughts churning in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu continued: “I went to the Lu family with ten thousand silver dollars, hoping to clear up the misunderstanding. They invited me to stay at the Bailingmen, and that very night, it happened…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Ma Wu was still describing the events, Li Banfeng cut him off: “Where did you buy the phonograph?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What phonograph?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The phonograph in the council chamber—where did you buy it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu blinked: “Miaosheng Phonograph Shop. Only they make a phonograph that good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng’s expression turned blank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu said: “Let’s not talk about the phonograph yet—let’s talk about the Ling family. This isn’t ordinary…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not ordinary. Such an important matter—we should discuss it back in the council chamber. Listen to music while we talk. Go back and wait for me. I’ll be there soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu couldn’t understand Li Banfeng’s thinking, but Li Banfeng insisted, so Ma Wu went.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng returned to Suishenju and spoke to the phonograph: “My dear wife, I’ve found the traitor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Congratulations, my husband. What kind of person is he? Let’s have some fun with him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The traitor isn’t a person.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t say that, my husband.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not angry—it really isn’t a person. Wife, lean in close.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The phonograph hummed: “Your humble servant has no ears!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng whispered into the speaker, and his wife couldn’t help laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That tickles! My husband, this is interesting—very interesting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please, my wife, explain in detail.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In the past, I’d only punish them lightly. But now that my cultivation base has recovered somewhat, I can give them a proper feast.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How big a feast?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have one killing technique I haven’t used in ages. It consumes a lot, but I want to try it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t use it if it’s too draining—your health matters most.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s fine. For my husband, I’d give up not just this technique, but even my life.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu waited in the council chamber for a long time before finally seeing Li Banfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng carried a vinyl record and sat across from Ma Wu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu glanced around, lowered his voice: “Don’t you find the Ling family’s affair suspicious? I think it’s connected to Lu Xiaolan’s case!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Suspicious how? Clan clashes like this aren’t uncommon in Pulu Province.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing lay in bed listening to the live broadcast; hearing Li Banfeng’s voice, he smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Banfeng still doesn’t understand Pulu Province’s environment—this is far beyond Ma Wu’s grasp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu shook his head repeatedly: “Old Seven, there’s much more here. Those reports in the Ling family’s newspaper were clearly aimed at us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing nodded. Ma Wu was clever indeed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng still dismissed it: “I don’t want to hear about Lüshui City. I’m sick of it. I’ve been through enough these days. Let’s play chess, listen to music—I don’t want to hear your troubling stories.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But, Old Seven—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng ignored him, placed the record on the phonograph.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A lively violin melody rose, accompanied by trombones and trumpets, playing a playful dance tune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a unique Pulu Province dance style—blending Western jazz with local flavor—titled “The Hypocrite.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hypocrite, hypocrite,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why pretend to be so proper?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You want to look, you must look,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then look closely, see clearly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the upbeat rhythm, Li Banfeng held his top hat with one hand and a feather duster with the other—and began to dance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu was speechless: “Enough, Old Seven. Let’s just play chess. Why are you dancing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng laughed: “Come on, dance with me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing smiled in his bed. Banfeng had gone mad again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t mad—but sometimes his actions were simply incomprehensible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why must he listen to this song?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t act so solemn, so serious,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t scowl and frighten people!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His smile vanished abruptly. He Jiaqing realized something was wrong!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was something in the song—a strange, potent force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the chorus swelled, the volume surged violently, splitting He Jiaqing’s head with pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tried to sever the connection, but failed each time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop! Stop it now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man’s voice echoed in his ear, weak and fading: “Can’t stop… can’t stop…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cut the hook!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can’t cut… can’t cut…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s voice vanished—but the song did not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Jiaqing clapped his hands over his ears; blood gushed from both, trickling between his fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Ling family mansion, Ling Miaowen lay on the ground, convulsing uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two attendants rushed forward and lifted him up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master, what’s wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ling Miaowen could not speak—blood kept spewing from his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Quick!” one attendant shouted. “Call the physician!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time the physician arrived, Ling Miaowen was already dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ling Miaowen, head of the Ling family, controller of all major newspapers in Pulu Province, Seventh-Stage Seer—was dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hypocrite, hypocrite,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Your eyes have long since\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slid over, slid back,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sneaking glances, never stopping!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The council chamber replayed “The Hypocrite” on loop, volume unchanged, melody still light and cheerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng grew more entranced, danced with greater vigor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Wu couldn’t help himself—he joined in: “Old Seven, we’re dancing, but can you put down the feather duster?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: The battle between Banfeng and He Jiaqing—Banfeng wins!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Hypocrite” is delightful—especially Gong Li’s version. Just hearing it makes Shala want to dance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2485,"2026-06-20T03:43:13.043Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","b0a97cb935575321521e3b8cc5541e651eda8430aaa3e4c6e01c89922a880126","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-201","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-199",863,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Flord-of-the-proles-cover.jpg"]