[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-lord-of-the-proles":3,"chapter-lord-of-the-proles-lord-of-the-proles-chapter-810":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},2291108,4478,"Chapter 810: His Body","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-810",810,"\u003Cp>Wu Bian City, Mingxi Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Lijun, after careful preparation, arranged for Li Qi and Nian Shangyou to meet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meeting place was chosen by Li Qi; Mingxi Hall’s nature is unique, its structure shifting with the emotions of those within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou arrived first; the once crystal-clear crystal pillars quickly turned pitch black, reflecting his heavy heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Li Banfeng entered the hall, the pillars around Nian Shangyou began to tremble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng had achieved his goal—he did not wish to hear Nian Shangyou beat around the bush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grand Secretary Nian, spare the formalities. Get to the point.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou hesitated, then gently conveyed Qiao Yi’s intent: “The Imperial Envoy is consumed by state affairs, neglecting sleep and meals, worn to the bone. Commander Qiao, unable to bear it, humbly begs the Prince to recall the Envoy, granting him several days of rest.” Li Banfeng tilted his ear, listening for a moment: “Did I hear right? Is Qiao Yi worried about Cui Ti?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou smiled: “We all serve His Majesty. Among colleagues, there is naturally mutual concern.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng stared at Nian Shangyou: “Really?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really.” The glass pillars behind Nian Shangyou began trembling again—proof he had lied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng asked: “What if Cui Ti refuses to leave?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, he… he must ultimately obey His Majesty’s orders.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng said: “What if His Majesty doesn’t want him back?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whether His Majesty wants it or not… depends entirely on what the Prince wants.” Nian Shangyou glanced at Li Banfeng, seeking to read his thoughts, watching for changes in Mingxi Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Insolent!” Li Banfeng snapped. “What does His Majesty think? How could I possibly sway him? I will seek His Majesty’s decree before giving you any answer!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood.” Nian Shangyou said nothing more and immediately took his leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind Li Qi, Mingxi Hall showed no change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it because Li Qi’s heart remained utterly still?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or was Mingxi Hall unable to perceive Li Qi’s thoughts?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mingxi Hall was of high rank; when Nian Shangyou still served in the army, he had once heard it said that Mingxi Hall was equivalent to a first-class weapon with the ability to peer into the soul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could even a first-class soul-peering weapon not detect Li Qi’s thoughts?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou wiped sweat from his brow. If Qiao Yi hadn’t pressured him so fiercely, he truly would not have come to see Li Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng went to Yu Cui Tower, pondering Qiao Yi’s intentions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the plague raged most fiercely, Chao Ge had become a living hell. Qiao Yi had not moved against Cui Ti, nor had he intended to recall him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that the plague had passed, why was Qiao Yi in such a hurry?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had Cui Ti developed a new pathogen?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng took out the rope made by Ayi, wondering whether to bind Cui Ti and bring him back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Cui Ti had indeed developed a new pathogen, what consequences would follow if he were recalled now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would he spare no effort to bring his dream back to Pu Luo Province?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng looked at Jiang Linger: “Fools act without reason.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Linger nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng said: “I’ll go to Chao Ge in a few days to assess the situation, then decide.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou returned to report: “Lord, Li Qi did not say he would recall Cui Ti, nor did he say he wouldn’t. He said he must first seek His Majesty’s decree before deciding.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What Majesty? That’s just a puppet on the throne. Why consult him?” Qiao Yi picked up his brush and wrote a letter. “Deliver this to Shu Wanjuan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou took the letter and read it: “Lord, you’re ordering Shu Wanjuan to attack Ink Fragrance Shop?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Yi nodded: “Since Li Qi refuses counsel, he must be taught a lesson.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou didn’t fully understand: “Seizing Ink Fragrance Shop would teach Li Qi a lesson? Li Qi and Ink Fragrance Shop don’t seem closely connected.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Yi shook his head and sighed: “Shangyou, you still lack depth in state affairs. Ink Fragrance Shop is one of Pu Luo Province’s foundations. Seven out of ten literati in Pu Luo Province graduated from Ink Fragrance Shop. If the court controls it, we can reshape Pu Luo’s literary lineage—and ultimately transform its folkways.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The court once sent Ge Jun to seize Ink Fragrance Shop, aided by He Caiyuan and Chu Shaoqiang. Everything was arranged perfectly, destined for success—yet due to interference from Green Water Bow, He Jiaqing, Li Qi, and Cui Ti, the opportunity was lost. By the time the Peddler arrived, the mission failed at the final moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ink Fragrance Shop is deeply tied to Li Qi, and it is a place Pu Luo Province cannot afford to lose. Shu Wanjuan is its creator.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knows it best. He is the ideal choice to handle this matter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou muttered to himself: What do you mean “ideal choice”? Does Shu Wanjuan even obey you anymore? Even if he does, he can’t hold Ink Fragrance Shop after seizing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had to make this clear to Qiao Yi—otherwise, he’d be blamed later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord, Shu Wanjuan has had no contact with the court for many days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Yi understood Nian Shangyou’s meaning: “Shu Wanjuan, proud of his achievements, remains discontent despite his Marquis title. I’ve already written to him: if he seizes Ink Fragrance Shop, the court will reward him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What reward? Would that still fool Shu Wanjuan?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou added: “Lord, if Shu Wanjuan seizes Ink Fragrance Shop, the Peddler won’t let him keep it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Yi nodded: “I’ve already prepared for this. First, deliver the decree to Shu Wanjuan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou returned to his mansion, entered a secret chamber, lifted a hidden panel on the floor, and opened a steam valve beside the bed. An eight-foot-square nail board rose from underground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After carefully positioning it, Nian Shangyou inserted ninety-nine candles, lit them all, then extinguished twelve, leaving eighty-seven burning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took Qiao Yi’s letter and swiftly passed it over every candle. When the letter caught fire, the ash fell onto the nail board and vanished instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On Xueya Mountain, Shu Wanjuan was discussing thirteen new territories with Dan Chengjun, when he discovered He Jiaqing had begun reclaiming land again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun’s thinking was simple: “He Jiaqing lost his deed, Li Qi took it back, then returned it to him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan shook his head: “From what I know, these two have a grudge and have clashed many times.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun waved his hand: “Second King, your vision is shallow. You see only surface appearances. How will you ever govern the realm with me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though Li Qi and He Jiaqing fight, they surely cooperate behind the scenes. Just like you and me—we fought plenty in the past, yet now we’re as close as brothers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan made no comment on the “brothers” analogy. This was Xueya Mountain—lying would make rocks explode.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan turned two pebbles in his hand several times, then shook his head: “That deed is too precious. Li Qi wouldn’t give it to He Jiaqing so easily. Something else is going on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun said: “Why not ask He Jiaqing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan wasn’t sure if Dan Chengjun was joking: “Wouldn’t that be inappropriate?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun said seriously: “If you think it’s inappropriate, I’ll ask for you. Don’t worry—I can see your heart’s smoking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan pulled a smoldering yellow paper from his robe, blew out the flame, and read its text.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After reading, he sighed: “Breaking promises, playing tricks, exhausting all sincerity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun’s face darkened: “What’s exhausted? Be clear!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan handed the paper to Dan Chengjun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun read it and exclaimed: “Good news!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan frowned: “What good news?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is from Qiao Yi—he promises a reward if you seize Ink Fragrance Shop.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan carefully observed every rock around him. None exploded—proof Dan Chengjun wasn’t lying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He studied Dan Chengjun closely, utterly baffled by his mental state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Dan, I think you’re a sensible man!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun puffed out his chest: “I’ve always been sensible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You said Qiao Yi has been lying to you all along!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun nodded: “He’s lying to you now too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan’s eyes widened: “Then why call this good news?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun said: “He wants you to seize Ink Fragrance Shop—that proves it’s valuable, that it holds something precious. If we take it, we can bargain with him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan frowned: “Ge Jun went once and died. What’s so valuable in Ink Fragrance Shop?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun slapped his thigh: “You tell me—it’s your hometown!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan rubbed his chin for a long while: “Could it be my disciple’s body?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun froze, then hugged the Xueya Monster: “Old Shu, keep your disciple’s body. I’ve got a wife—I don’t crave that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan glared at him: “What are you thinking? That’s the body of a Huiye Literati—the most gifted among our Dao sect.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun hugged his monster: “Still don’t want it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan frowned: “Neither do I!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive boulder on the mountain shattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun clutched the Xueya Monster, pulling away from Shu Wanjuan: “Old Shu, I’ve always treated you like a brother. Truly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan shook his head: “I don’t crave his body. I crave a worthy disciple.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun watched the surrounding rocks—none exploded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You scared me!” Dan Chengjun wiped sweat and released the Xueya Monster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan asked: “What are you afraid of?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun shook his head: “I’m a martial cultivator. I don’t understand your Dao. Who knows what literati ponder?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides, your disciple isn’t bad—Zhou Badou is no pushover.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan sighed: “In raw talent, Badou the Ink Scholar falls slightly short of a Huiye Literati.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun sneered: “What use is talent? I trust talent least of all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan said: “It’s useful. If you place a soul into a Huiye Literati’s body, you create an unparalleled genius.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun thought: “You mean using the Great Furnace to reforge the soul? If so, Ai Yeqing’s body could fetch a high price too—but isn’t the Great Furnace broken?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Broken things can be repaired.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun pondered long, then shook his head: “No, it’s not that simple. Think harder—what else is precious in Ink Fragrance Shop?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan thought deeply: “If there’s another treasure, it must be the literary lineage—Pu Luo Province’s literary lineage resides in Ink Fragrance Shop.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun’s eyes lit up: “You didn’t mention this sooner? Where’s the literary vein hidden? Let’s find it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan didn’t know how to explain: “The literary vein isn’t hidden—it’s this place, Moxiang Shop. All the literati of Pulu Province were cultivated here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun waved his hand: “Stop dragging in useless talk. What even is a literary vein? Is there a martial vein? I’ve never heard of it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Regardless, Moxiang Shop must have something valuable. If all else fails, we ask the local deity—who’s the local deity of Moxiang Shop?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan sighed deeply: “Besides the peddler, you care for no one; the local deity of Moxiang Shop is the learned scholar of karmic literature.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Didn’t you say the learned scholar of karmic literature is merely a hollow vessel? Where is his soul?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No one knows where his soul is.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun smiled: “So it’s unclaimed land—that’s perfect. We take the territory without killing the local deity or making a sound. Then you negotiate business with Qiao Yi!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan pondered long, then pulled out a sheet of yellow paper: “Should I reply to him now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun nodded: “Reply now. We move tomorrow!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tomorrow?” Shu Wanjuan was startled. “Isn’t that too hasty?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun shook his head: “The longer we wait, the more trouble comes. Tomorrow is perfect.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou received the reply and hurried to report to Qiao Yi—he hadn’t expected Shu Wanjuan to actually agree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Yi showed no great delight. Shu Wanjuan’s agreement was good, but if he refused, Qiao Yi would simply send someone else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, Shu Wanjuan didn’t agree unconditionally. Though the letter was tactful, it still expressed hope for reward:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though my talent is dull, I rise with the dawn and toil till dusk, gazing toward the imperial countenance, yearning for promotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though my merit is slight, I serve with utmost loyalty and wisdom, cherishing my humble achievements, hoping for grace and honor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Yi snorted: “That’s bluntly put!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou asked: “My lord, what title do you plan to grant Shu Wanjuan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Yi glanced again at the letter: “He says he’ll act tomorrow? Let’s wait for tomorrow’s outcome.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou said nothing, but his mind brimmed with grievances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Qiao Yi doesn’t fulfill this promise now, he’ll never be able to ask Shu Wanjuan for anything again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Lu’s Bookhouse, Li Banfeng was designing characters with Master Lu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mo Chuan Xuan” was selling well, so Master Lu had published a new volume. Many of its characters felt rigid, so he asked Li Qi to revise them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mo Chuan Xuan” is a tale of the strange and supernatural. If every character is just a green-faced, fanged monster, readers will find it dull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng had read fewer books than Master Lu and his diction wasn’t as ornate, but he excelled at plain sketching—using subtle details in speech and action to define characters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Lu admired this: “Between the lines, vivid and lifelike—that’s talent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng shook his head: “Talent? I’ve received plenty of guidance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was true—the Judgement Pen had been guiding Li Banfeng all along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thanks to the Judgement Pen, Li Banfeng’s skill in “Golden Chamber Concealing Beauty” had improved greatly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Lu nodded slightly, then asked: “Young Master Li, have you ever taken a disciple?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng lifted his teacup and drained it: “That’s a joke. With my meager writing skills, how could I dare take a disciple?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Lu shook his head: “Not just writing skills—other abilities too. If you met a disciple with extraordinary talent, would you teach him everything?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng thought a moment: “Perhaps…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Lu continued: “If you met a disciple of exceptional talent, would you entrust him with important tasks?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng nodded: “That’s only right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Lu pressed: “If you met a disciple destined for greatness, would you push him through rigorous trials?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng paused, then asked: “Just trials? No hidden agenda?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Lu replied eagerly: “Absolutely none!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Judgement Pen responded sharply: “Pah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng said nothing, and drank another cup of tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Lu had never seen Li Qi refill his cup, yet the tea never ran out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps his refilling motion was too swift—he hadn’t noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Lu picked up the teapot, intending to refill Li Banfeng’s cup, and found it empty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master Li, wait a moment—I’ll bring fresh tea.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Master Lu found the situation odd, Li Banfeng’s phone rang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Boluo. They’d gathered news in Chaoge: Cui Ti had departed as Imperial Envoy to Bozhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng doubted the truth of this—how could Cui Ti’s movements be so easily tracked across such vast distances?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boluo replied: “Young Master, it’s easy to find out. After Cui Ti left, Chaoge lit lanterns and celebrated for three full days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ti was off to wreak havoc in Bozhou again—and Qiao Yi let him go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this still about eliminating rivals?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or was Qiao Yi so desperate he’d throw anything at the problem?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was Qiao Yi really thinking?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou entered the study carrying a stack of documents: “My lord, all are reports from Bozhou.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All about the Imperial Envoy, right?” Qiao Yi flipped through two pages casually. “Bozhou formed a new cabinet and handled many affairs. The envoy’s inspection is only natural. Just reply briefly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This attitude made Nian Shangyou uneasy—he feared Qiao Yi would later blame him: “My lord, if Cui Ti goes to Bozhou, how many lives might he take?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Yi looked up: “Then what do you suggest? Go persuade him to return to Chaoge?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou fell silent and followed Qiao Yi’s orders, replying to each document.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By dusk the next day, Nian Shangyou yawned and sent out all the replies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bozhou sent no further reports. The Imperial Envoy had arrived. Those who could flee had fled; those who couldn’t were trapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Yi judged the time right and told Nian Shangyou to reply to Shu Wanjuan: “Take Moxiang Shop within three days. If successful, grant him the title of Jing Shuo Commandery Prince.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A prince! He’s serious now!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou drafted the document. Qiao Yi reviewed it, made minor edits, sealed it immediately. Nian Shangyou took it home, lit a candle, and sent it back to Shu Wanjuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lighting the candle was an encryption process. Shu Wanjuan could encrypt letters directly, but Nian Shangyou needed tools.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan and Dan Chengjun waited at Moxiang Shop, having rented a private room in a teahouse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’d drunk several pots of tea that day, with no word from Chaoge. Shu Wanjuan wanted to leave, but Dan Chengjun urged him to wait:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He hasn’t named his price—we don’t move. He’s not in a hurry—why are you? Either way, you lose nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I fear Qiao Yi will mock me again—” Shu Wanjuan’s chest burned again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun cheered: “Quick! Open it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan opened the letter: “He’s made me a prince.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What prince?” Dan Chengjun read the letter and shook his head. “Jing Shuo Commandery Prince? He gave you a title, but no territory!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan thought taking Moxiang Shop for a commandery prince title was fair. But he knew Dan Chengjun wouldn’t accept it—it benefited him nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun snatched the letter and burned it: “Second King, this won’t do! We demand real gains. Change ‘Commandery Prince’ to ‘Prince of the Blood.’ Your rank must not be lower than Li Qi’s.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And you demand the territory. Don’t settle for a small patch. I’m the Great King, you’re the Second King—you must include my share.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan thought: “Where should we demand territory? Should it be far from Chaoge? Too large a territory won’t work—Qiao Yi won’t give it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun had already planned: “We don’t want land from the Shang Kingdom. We want those thirteen territories. He Qiaqing’s deed was taken by Li Qi, but Chaoge still holds a copy. We demand that one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan doubted it: “Qiao Yi won’t give us that land.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dan Chengjun laughed: “He won’t give it? We take something valuable from Moxiang Shop—and we won’t give it back either. Do you think I’m really working for him? Who outsmarts whom depends on skill!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shu Wanjuan immediately replied to Chaoge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou delivered the reply to Qiao Yi, who agreed: “Give him the deeds to those thirteen new territories.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Give him?” Nian Shangyou stared. “How? My lord, those thirteen deeds were stolen—haven’t you forgotten?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Yi washed his brush: “When were they stolen?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Long ago.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So long ago?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s been quite some time—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Think again. Was it really that long ago?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou understood Qiao Yi’s meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Shu Wanjuan seized Moxiang Shop, then tell him the deeds were stolen—it’s still empty-handed trickery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou sighed, wrote the reply, and was about to head home when Qiao Yi called him back: “Shangyou, you’ve traveled back and forth—you’re worn out. Leave this to me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took the letter and held it over the candle on his desk—lit it directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou gasped in shock!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That meant no encryption—sending the letter raw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a letter could be easily intercepted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord, this is unacceptable—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No problem!” Qiao Yi flicked his wrist. The ash scattered—and vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nian Shangyou sensed danger and warned: “If the peddler intercepts this, Shu Wanjuan won’t stand a chance. Shouldn’t we send reinforcements to Moxiang Shop?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Yi shook his head: “No reinforcements needed. Whoever intercepts it—doesn’t matter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Tianyi City, the radio crackled. Ba Suan listened to the static, noted its frequency, calculated briefly, and turned it into a letter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother!” Ba Fang called Boluo urgently: “Send word to Young Master Li—Shu Wanjuan is moving to seize Moxiang Shop!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng was writing with Zhang Xiuling. “Yu Xiang Ji” needed many character revisions—his notebook had doubled in thickness these past days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Writing books requires clarity and depth—you must make it understandable,\" Li Banfeng had just given two pieces of advice when Boluo called.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Learning that Xie Qiaoyi had ordered Shu Wanjuan to seize the Moxiang Shop, Li Banfeng couldn’t fathom his motive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Has he set his sights on this land again?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ge Jun nearly lost his life last time and suffered such a heavy blow—has he already forgotten?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Judge’s Pen whispered, “Could it be he wants my body?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng blinked. “Is your body really that good?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Xiuling couldn’t hear the Judge’s Pen, but she heard Li Qi’s words. Blushing, she said, “My body is quite fine—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng shook his head. “I’m not talking about you—I’m talking about the Hundred Flowers Goddess.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Xiuling gasped. “Seventh Master, did you hear a divine revelation? What command did the Hundred Flowers Goddess give?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Hundred Flowers Goddess commands you to stay home and write your book.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving the Hundred Flowers Garden, Li Banfeng headed straight for the Moxiang Shop. On the way, he asked the Judge’s Pen, “Where is your body?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s a cloud at the Moxiang Shop. I’ll take you there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You leave it on a cloud? Aren’t you afraid someone will steal it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No one ordinary can steal it. It’s the highest and largest cloud in Puluo Province. My body rests atop the highest peak of that cloud, from where you can see all of Puluo Province—” The Judge’s Pen sang for a while before finishing, “—but what if he doesn’t want my body? What if he wants the land instead?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Banfeng said, “Go see both places. If all else fails, retrieve your body and return to be the local deity again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ll protect both the land and your body.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I won’t go!” The Judge’s Pen snorted. “I’ll abandon my body!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: The Moxiang Shop isn’t one of those thirteen new plots—Shu Wanjuan couldn’t possibly have prepared so much!\u003C\u002Fp>",3671,"2026-06-20T03:43:18.603Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","f96b792647ac998fb8deefb108d9648faf86b569e556a8f194a8bf57815365dc","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-811","lord-of-the-proles-chapter-809",863,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Flord-of-the-proles-cover.jpg"]