Chapter 468

After initially establishing contact with the Ruan Clan Three Heroes, Chen Wen did not rush to seek success.

He knew well that consolidating trust and deepening relations required time and opportunity.

After lingering another two days in Stone Tablet Village, using the pretext of discussing cooperation details, he and the Ruan brothers boarded a boat to go deep into the marsh; nominally to survey waterways and familiarize with the environment, but in fact taking this opportunity to more finely sense the Fortune Momentum flow around Mount Liang, especially in the direction of the stronghold.

The Ruan brothers were indeed local water tyrants; their boat-handling skills were superb, and they knew every inlet, hidden current, and shoal of the marsh like the back of their hands.

As the boat moved across the water, breaking through layers of reeds, waterbirds took flight, green waves rippled, distant mountains held verdant hues; if one did not know this place hid murderous intent, it would indeed be a fine scenery.

Chen Wen, look,

Ruan Xiaoqi pointed to a faintly visible hill in the distance, where one could barely see some simple fences and banners.

That is the Liangshan stronghold, now occupied by a white-clad scholar named Wang Lun.

That guy has a narrow mind, cannot tolerate people; we brothers went once and then couldn't be bothered to deal with him again.

Chen Wen looked in the direction he indicated and activated Shi Yong.

Only see that above the stronghold, killing energy coiled, yet appeared scattered and weak, mixed with a sour, narrow-minded intent; indeed it was not yet formed.

In conversation with Ruan Xiaoer and Ruan Xiaowu about the marsh livelihood and nearby prefectures' scenery, Chen Wen's words revealed his insight and sympathy for the people's livelihood, repeatedly causing the two brothers to nod silently.

During this time, Chen Wen also seemingly casually mentioned the northern border situation, the Khitan harassing the border, etc., subtly conveying the sense of Northward Aspiration, while observing the reactions of the several brothers.

Ruan Xiaoqi reacted most directly, cursing and swearing, feeling extreme indignation toward the Khitan barbarians who repeatedly invaded the border.

Ruan Xiaowu's eyes flickered, as if in thought.

Ruan Xiaoer was much steadier, merely listening silently, not readily expressing his stance, but Chen Wen could feel that these words had not failed to stir ripples in his heart.

That afternoon, everyone boarded the boat and returned to Stone Tablet Village.

When the boat reached the lake's center, the sky suddenly grew somewhat overcast, and the wind on the water became slightly rough.

Chen Wen stood at the bow, talking with Ruan Xiaoer, when suddenly his mind and spirit trembled without any omen!

It did not come from external wind and waves, but originated from the newly unlocked Cause-and-Effect Fragment function.

A segment of extremely vivid information, carrying a strong "mark" meaning, forcefully intruded into his perception without any warning.

That was not a scene near Mount Liang, but seemed to have crossed a vast distance, coming from the northwest direction!

In the fragment, what first entered perception was a dazzling, blinding radiance, shaped like an auspicious beast, galloping and roaring, bearing an aura of arrogance that looked down on the world, and…… a hidden tragic killing intent lurking beneath the splendor.

Upon the radiance, two clear large characters emerged—【Jade Qilin】!

Immediately after, another name surged forth—【Lu Junyi】!

Place name—【Daming Prefecture】!

Then came a blurry yet heart‑shaking image fragment: a long street, a towering figure bound by ropes, being escorted past, surrounded by people pointing and sighing, while in the sky a phantom of a poisonous bird flickered and vanished……

Finally, there was a cold, merciless chain of phantom "Nether Energy" seemingly condensed from rules, tightly entwining the radiance of the 【Jade Qilin】, attempting to lead it toward a predetermined path full of framing and imprisonment.

All this sounds lengthy, but in fact it flashed through Chen Wen's mind and spirit like lightning.

He let out a muffled groan, his face instantly paled slightly, and his body swayed a little.

Chen Wen, what's wrong with you?

Ruan Xiaoer beside him was the first to notice the abnormality, quickly reaching out to support him, asking with concern.

But the wind on the lake is strong, blowing uncomfortably?

Shi Dun also immediately became alert and drew near.

Chen Wen waved his hand, suppressing the surging qi and blood from the information impact, and forced a smile.

It's fine; perhaps I didn't rest well yesterday, occasionally feeling dizzy, a short rest will do.

But his heart was tumultuous.

Lu Junyi!

Jade Qilin!

North of the River Daming Prefecture!

The strength of this person's Star Power far exceeds anyone he has seen so far, even faintly surpassing the combined might of Chao Gai and the Ruan brothers!

The tragic killing intent beneath that splendor, and the extremely clear trajectory of framing marked by the Iron Crow Army's Nether Energy chains…… all show that this person is an extremely important key piece in the Iron Crow Army's 'script', whose fate has long been arranged.

A hero of unmatched martial prowess, vast wealth, and fame across Hebei, ultimately ended up imprisoned, his family ruined and dead, and was then 'forced' onto Liangshan…… The drama and tragedy of this are exactly the perfect material the Iron Crow Army uses to drive the plot and gather killing intent.

We must not let him succeed!

Returning to the temporary lodging in Stone Stele Village, Chen Wen immediately summoned Shi Dun and Qian Gui, who had secretly come to report.

He then told them all the karma fragments he had just sensed concerning Lu Junyi.

"Lu Junyi? But that is the famed 'Jade Qilin' of Hebei!"

Qian Gui had obviously heard of this person, his face showing surprise.

"This person's spear and staff skills are unmatched under heaven, his wealth immense, and his prestige extremely high in Daming Prefecture and throughout Hebei Circuit!"

"If this person too is schemed by the Iron Crow Army and forced onto Liangshan, then Liangshan's strength will surely surge!"

Although Shi Dun didn't understand martial world affairs deeply, hearing Qian Gui say this, he also knew this person was no ordinary individual.

"My lord, since this person is an important piece, the Iron Crow Army will surely defend him strictly; we are far away in Shandong—how can we intervene?"

Chen Wen pondered for a moment, then spoke slowly:

"Daming Prefecture is far away in Hebei; our current focus is on Liangshan, so it is indeed difficult to intervene directly."

"Moreover, observing those karma fragments, Lu Junyi's ascent to the mountain does not seem imminent; there is still some time to spare."

"For now, we need to list him as a long-term priority target."

"Qian Gui, immediately send word to the Peace and Security Office's secret agents in Daming Prefecture, at any cost, to gather detailed information on Lu Junyi, his family, his steward Li Gu, and even the Acting Secretary Liang of Daming Prefecture, and others."

"Pay special attention to whether any abnormal persons or events are attempting to approach or influence the Lu Junyi household."

"Understood!"

Qian Gui solemnly accepted the order.

Subordinate will attend to it immediately. However…… Daming Prefecture is the False Song's Northern Capital; the Iron Crow Army has operated there for a long time, making investigation difficult and likely to alert the enemy.

No problem.

Chen Wen's eyes were deep.

For now, we only need to observe covertly, record any clues, and not act unless absolutely necessary.

Know their movements, understand their layout, wait until we have a firm foothold on Bright Mountain and have built up strength, or until a critical juncture appears in their fate's trajectory, then we will plan our next move.

This person is a double-edged sword; if used well, they could become a blade to pierce the Iron Crow Army's heart; if fully controlled by the Iron Crow Army, they will become an endless future trouble.

He paused, then added:

Also, inform Li Yuan's side: if there are any unusual memorials or personnel changes concerning Daming Prefecture or Hebei Circuit, they too must be watched.

Just as Chen Wen, by the Shandong Marsh, was settling on a long-term strategy against Hebei's Jade Qilin.

False Song's Dongjing, Bian Liang, within Huangcheng.

The newly appointed Minister of Revenue, Li Yuan, tablet in hand, stood in the Hall of Civil Virtue, facing the throne where His Majesty Emperor Zhao Heng sat, and the chief ministers standing solemnly to either side, and presented his memorial aloud.

What he presented was precisely the hidden danger of livelihood distress and rising banditry in Shandong, Hebei, and surrounding areas.

"Your Majesty, recently in Shandong's Yunzhou and Hebei's Daming, there have been repeated memorials reporting widespread livelihood hardship and incessant small bandits."

"My humble view is that this cannot be eradicated by mere suppression and pacification."

"This is because prefectural and county officials are either incompetent and inactive, or corrupt and cruel, causing resentment to accumulate, and those forced to take to the roads grow daily."

"I hope Your Majesty will clearly see, strictly order local officials to comfort the people, rectify governance, ease harsh taxes and levies, giving the people a chance to breathe; then the source of banditry can be cleared and the state secured."

His voice was clear and earnest, he cited classics, analyzed the ills of the age; though he did not directly blame the upper echelons, he laid bare the harms of local official corruption without omission.

Many officials in the hall heard this, their expressions varied.

Some agreed wholeheartedly, some felt sorrow, some wore displeased faces, thinking his words too extreme and damaging to the Imperial Court's dignity.

Emperor Zhao Heng on the throne listened to Li Yuan's presentation, his face showing no ripple; after a long while, he slowly spoke:

"Li Qing, I have already heard your presentation. Officials' governance concerns the foundation of the state and must be examined. Order the Chancellery together with the Ministry of Personnel to deliberate on an evaluation method for prefectural and county officials, and submit a report."

His tone was flat; he did not immediately adopt Li Yuan's core suggestion of tax relief, nor did he rebuke him, amounting to a vague response.

Li Yuan inwardly sighed, knowing this could not be resolved overnight; to obtain even a single word 'deliberate' from His Majesty was no small feat, so he bowed in thanks and withdrew.

Yet his remarks, grounded in people's livelihood and directly pointing at official governance, were like throwing a stone into a still pond—though they did not raise great waves, they already created ripples.

At least, in the hearts of those pragmatic officials concerned with state affairs, they left a deep impression.

What he did not know was that, as he left the Hall of Civil Virtue and his figure disappeared at the end of the palace corridor,

in the shadowy corner outside the hall, a vague 'shade' also quietly vanished, having recorded today's presentation by Li Yuan and the sovereign's vague attitude, and conveyed it to an unknown distant place.

Shandong Marsh, Hebei's famed city, the Dongjing court.

Intangible threads seemed to be quietly linking these seemingly unrelated people and events.

Chen Wen, however, stood on the bank of Stone Stele Village, gazing toward the northwest toward Daming Prefecture, his gaze seeming to pierce thousands of mountains and waters.

"Jade Qilin..."

He murmured to himself.

He noted this pawn.