[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-dragon-lies-hidden":3,"chapter-the-dragon-lies-hidden-the-dragon-lies-hidden-chapter-3":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Dragon Lies Hidden",{"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},2289301,4477,"Chapter 3: Bound to Master Zhang","the-dragon-lies-hidden-chapter-3",3,"\u003Cp>The refugees, being a disorganized mob, seeing they could not break through the Wei estate’s hard shell, moved on to other areas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Youcai brought Wei Yuan down from the corner tower, took his seat in the main hall, and began handling the aftermath. Little Wei Yuan, covered in blood, was taken away to bathe, change clothes, and clean up; afterward, Wei Youcai had him brought back to the main hall, where a chair was placed beside him, and he sat watching Wei Youcai manage the aftermath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the battle, matters piled up like mountains: dozens of retainers who had fought were wounded, and several had died. Dozens of refugee corpses littered the walls and courtyard—all had to be removed first. The steward selected a few bold and meticulous retainers to search the refugees’ bodies for valuables. In a year of great disaster, even a little extra wealth was welcome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Wei Youcai issued orders one by one, Bald Six entered the main hall carrying a man and threw him to the ground. “Big brother, I picked up this one from the refugees.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man wore a scholar’s robe, his hands bound, his mouth tightly stuffed with a rag. Otherwise, he showed no other injuries—his robe was merely dusty, clearly having suffered no real hardship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the scholar, the steward felt he looked familiar; upon closer inspection, he cried out: “Master Zhang!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Youcai turned to the steward, who said: “This is the scholar who gave your son the character ‘Yuan’ three years ago.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Youcai slapped his thigh. “So it’s Master Zhang Sheng! How did you end up like this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hurried to Zhang Sheng’s side, personally untied the ropes binding his hands, then glared fiercely at Bald Six.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bald Six immediately protested: “It’s not my fault! When I found him in the refugee camp, he was already like this!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Sheng pulled the rag from his mouth and smiled bitterly. “It has nothing to do with this warrior—I should thank him for rescuing me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wei Yuan’s name was given by you, so you’re no stranger.” Wei Youcai ordered a chair brought for Zhang Sheng, then asked: “How did you end up among the refugees?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Sheng sighed. “To my shame, I was teaching in Lin County, hoping to earn travel funds, when suddenly a large group of refugees arrived. The city’s garrison fled at the first sight, abandoning the entire county to them. One refugee leader, seeing I could read, insisted I become his strategist. I refused, so he bound me and brought me here. Along the way, he treated me with some courtesy—but if he grows impatient, he may well boil me up like the others.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Youcai frowned. “I recall you’re a cultivator with magic power—how did refugees capture you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Sheng stammered and could not explain clearly. Seeing this, Wei Youcai did not press him, but studied Zhang Sheng up and down, then suddenly smiled—so warmly that Zhang Sheng felt a chill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Youcai bowed to Zhang Sheng. “Three years ago, my son—no, my humble son Wei Yuan—was born and blessed with his name by you. Now, after three years, I meet you again. Clearly, we are fated to be connected!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, no!” Zhang Sheng blurted out, startling Wei Youcai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Wei Youcai’s expression change, Zhang Sheng quickly added: “I mean, the young master has great fortune—he deserves that character. I contributed nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Youcai’s smile widened. “You are a man of great talent. How great, I cannot say—I never studied—but within dozens of li, no one knows more characters than you. Now, with war and chaos outside, my son has reached the age to begin his studies. Would you not consider teaching him to read and write, and instructing him in the ways of the sages?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, seeing Wei Youcai smile so pleasantly while speaking in that half-literary tone, Zhang Sheng shivered again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Sheng quickly declined: “Master Wei flatters me. I am shallow and unlearned—teaching others would only mislead them. Besides, all I have studied is Daoist doctrine, far removed from the sages’ teachings.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Sheng spoke gently, but meant simply: he did not wish to stay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Youcai seemed to understand nothing of his meaning, smiling warmly: “Teach as long as you wish—no need to decide now. Sit!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether intentional or not, two fat retainers flanked Zhang Sheng, while Bald Six stood behind him, hand on his sword hilt. Bald Six still bore several fresh wounds, blood seeping through his bandages—his body radiated not only menace but the warm stench of fresh blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Youcai returned to his seat and resumed handling the aftermath. Zhang Sheng said: “I seem out of place here. I should withdraw to avoid suspicion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Youcai waved his hand with a smile. “No need. You’re no stranger—just watch!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Sheng could not leave now—he had to sit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, the steward hurried in, glanced at Zhang Sheng, then hesitated. Wei Youcai said: “Master Zhang is one of us—speak freely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The steward said: “Master, there are many wounded refugees outside—most severely injured, unable to move. I’ve counted: over ninety. What should we do with them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bald Six spoke up: “I’ll tell you what to do. Dig two big pits. Bury the dead first—deep. Then line the living up beside the other pit. Tomorrow morning, see who’s still alive. If they are, save them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Sheng frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the least wounded refugees had been slashed deeply—they’d have fled long ago if they could move. Left out in the wild overnight, who could survive? This brute’s words were nothing but abandonment of the dying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Sheng looked at Wei Youcai, who sat with half-closed eyes, as if asleep, hearing nothing. The steward left without waiting for orders—clearly following Bald Six’s command.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Sheng turned back and met Bald Six’s gaze. The brute grinned, showing a cruel smile. Zhang Sheng understood at once: say another word, and you’ll be buried with them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after the steward left did Wei Youcai seem to wake from a nap, slowly opening his eyes. “Where’s Old Eight?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The steward rushed back in. “Just dealt with a small matter. Big brother… Master, what are your orders?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Youcai smiled. “I said Master Zhang is no stranger—no need for such formalities. Tell me again about the fields and grain stores.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The steward answered without hesitation: “We have fifty-three mu and five fen of top-grade land, one hundred thirty-seven mu of second-grade, and sixty mu of third-grade. One hundred seven tenant households farm for us, each leasing about two mu and three fen. We sold some old grain at the start of the year—now we have two hundred thirty shi of stored grain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Youcai said slowly: “This year’s harvest is certainly lost. If we only aim to keep everyone alive until next spring, how many can these stores feed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The steward thought, then spoke reluctantly: “Sixth Brother can hunt...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bald Six snorted. “Even the grass is gone from the hills—what game is left?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then we can barely feed two hundred forty people—three taels per person per day. No less.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Youcai murmured: “So, even our own tenants returning home—only three in ten will survive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If tenants could survive only in thirds, the rest would starve or flee as refugees. Those unwilling to starve or flee had only one path left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Zhang Sheng understood: the Wei estate’s grain could not even feed its own tenants—how could it sustain the wounded refugees? For the first time in years, Zhang Sheng faced such a cruel choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this brief moment, watching silently, Zhang Sheng gained another insight: everyone in this room was likely a killer without mercy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He suddenly recalled the aura he had seen three years ago when casting the Kui Shui He Guang Array—and his heart leapt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Zhang!” Wei Youcai suddenly turned to him, eyes half-lidded, smiling. “Have you decided? Will you teach Yuan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking into Wei Youcai’s smiling eyes, Zhang Sheng thought of the two pits being dug outside. If he refused, he’d be buried in one with the refugees. In the past three years, his cultivation had vanished—he was as powerless as a mortal. Now, with refugees sweeping through, every blade of grass within a hundred li had been devoured; all he saw was yellow earth. Even if he escaped, he’d starve in the wilderness. To die now would be meaningless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Sheng weighed every option—and found no way out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought again: teaching is noble. After all, he had been teaching in Lin County. He said: “I am willing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Youcai beamed and immediately pulled Wei Yuan forward to perform the master-disciple ritual. Little Wei Yuan obeyed without hesitation, kneeling before Zhang Sheng and bowing deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Sheng’s face flushed and paled alternately; he wanted to rise and flee—but behind him stood Bald Six and his great blade. Where could he run? He hesitated only a moment—then Wei Yuan had finished his three bows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Sheng sighed inwardly; having accepted the master-disciple ritual, the bond was now sealed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since he was here, he might as well accept it. After the ritual, his heart grew calmer. He stepped forward, helped little Wei Yuan up, and studied him closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three years ago, Zhang Sheng had left in haste and never seen Wei Yuan—this was his first time. The boy had sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, his large eyes especially beautiful, brimming with spirit. Zhang Sheng felt a quiet fondness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Little Wei Yuan looked up at Zhang Sheng, then slowly smiled. He could sense: Zhang Sheng was the fourth person to truly care for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching that small face slowly brighten with joy, Zhang Sheng’s heart softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Youcai, seeing the ritual complete, said: “For the next three years, Yuan is entrusted to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Three years?” Zhang Sheng was startled. He had never planned to stay so long—only to teach him to read, then leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Youcai’s eyes narrowed as he lifted his teacup, sipped slowly, then said: “Three years from now is the Great Tang Immortal Sect’s official recruitment exam; Yuan will be six—that’s the perfect age to apply. Three years of foundational training is already tight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Sheng slapped his forehead—he’d nearly forgotten the sect’s recruitment exam. But three years exceeded his plans. He said: “I have urgent matters—I must go to Nan Qi. I cannot stay three years.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Youcai smiled faintly. “Every county nearby is overrun with refugees—they’ll become bandits in an instant. The land won’t stabilize for two or three years. You couldn’t leave Yongzhou in the past three years—how will you leave now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Sheng froze, thinking carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Zhang Sheng knew he was trapped for the next three years. He steadied himself and said seriously: “To prepare for the sect’s exam, three years is indeed tight. Then, Master Wei, prepare yourself—we begin lessons tomorrow morning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Youcai was overjoyed, immediately ordering servants to prepare rooms and arrange a study for Zhang Sheng and Wei Yuan. When all was settled, he lifted his teacup, took a small sip, and smiled: “Since you’re no longer a stranger, I’ll forget about that wild chicken you threw into my courtyard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Sheng broke into a cold sweat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next morning, for the first time, the Wei estate echoed with the sound of reading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the study hastily prepared the night before, Zhang Sheng and Wei Yuan sat facing each other; Zhang Sheng’s clear, resonant voice filled the room:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The tide of the world: long division leads to union, long union leads to division. The end of the Zhou dynasty’s seven... cough! Wrong—this: The Great Tang has ruled a thousand years, first establishing Jin and Qi...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the window, Wei Youcai, Bald Six, and the steward crouched against the wall, ears straining to listen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while, Wei Youcai slapped his thigh and whispered: “The tide of the world: long division leads to union, long union leads to division! Even though I never studied, I know this is profound! This master truly has talent!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three years passed in the blink of an eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hills turned green again, the Tong River surged once more, and Zhang Sheng had taught Wei Yuan everything others needed ten years to learn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2042,"2026-06-20T03:38:27.933Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","e54dc6e993fc8caa9c2c17dc664872e0ffecec119f83407568626fce46717c88","the-dragon-lies-hidden-chapter-4","the-dragon-lies-hidden-chapter-2",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-dragon-lies-hidden-cover.jpg"]