Chapter 52

Under the setting sun, the green mountains stand by, and the clear water surrounds them.

During the plum rain season in the Jiangnan region, the fine rain drizzles continuously, adding a thin layer of mist to the green mountains and clear water under the sunset. On that mountain, a rainbow bridge of seven colors spans to another mountain, particularly enchanting.

"Sir, this is the account of this year's harvest in the manor, as well as the taxes to be paid. Please review it."

A scholar in his forties held an account book and handed it to Ning Wuxue, who was sitting in a chair. The old scholar was the head of the tenant farmers in the manor, somewhat similar to a representative of workers in modern times.

The manor had a new owner, and the old scholar was sent to test the new owner. In this era, land consolidation was severe, and the large households in a manor owned most of the land. The other villagers were tenant farmers, working for the large households. Most of the crops grown by the tenant farmers had to be handed over to the landlords.

This small manor was not a large one, with only a dozen tenant farmers. Ning Wuxue bought it along with the land, spending over a thousand gold taels, which was quite expensive.

Ning Wuxue glanced at the accounts, which were filled with small, dense characters. He had no particular expertise in these matters, so he casually flipped through the book and handed it back to the old scholar, smiling, "Mr. Scholar, you can handle it yourself."

He had no intention of becoming a wealthy landlord here, and the rent from the fields was negligible and not something he cared about. He was interested in this manor only because it was near the Lansi Temple and far from the city, making it a secluded and quiet place suitable for cultivation.

"Hmm, let me see..."

Rolan entered gracefully, wearing a clean dress. Her white gauze dress revealed faintly pink skin, and without any makeup, she looked clear and elegant, with a faint fragrance wafting through the room.

Rolan gave Ning Wuxue a sideways glance, took the account book, and carefully flipped through it.

The old scholar looked at Ning Wuxue, then at Rolan, feeling somewhat uneasy.

"Hmm, why is there a missing entry here?" Flipping to a page, Rolan frowned and looked at the old scholar.

The old scholar's face turned pale, and he knelt down, bowing, "Sir, spare my life, Miss, spare my life. Not long ago, a group of bandits came from somewhere and robbed a portion of the rent. The bandits were unreasonable and said that if we reported them to the authorities, they would leave no one alive in the village. Out of necessity, I had to falsify the accounts. Sir, spare my life..."

"Bandits? If that's the case, it's not your fault. Mr. Scholar, please rise." Ning Wuxue raised an eyebrow, stood up, and helped the old scholar up, "Mr. Scholar, as a learned man, how could you be threatened by bandits and do such a foolish thing?"

The old scholar's face was full of shame, and he sighed, "Sir, you don't know. Recently, the army in the city has been mobilized to suppress bandits. The bandits who managed to escape must have had someone backing them. In this world, how can we commoners fight against such people? We can only avoid them if possible."

After the old scholar left, Ning Wuxue stood at the door, watching the night gradually envelop the mountains, and sighed softly. No matter when, without strength, one can only be oppressed.

Inside the room, the candle was lit.

Rolan's delicate hand was clicking the abacus, calculating the manor's accounts with great interest, showing the demeanor of a lady of the manor.

Ning Wuxue just smiled. He didn't place much importance on money, but having someone to manage it was convenient, saving him a lot of trouble. Since Rolan enjoyed it, there was no problem in letting her handle the accounts.

Chen Qinglong returned under the night sky, drenched in rain, and changed into clean clothes. After eating, he came to Ning Wuxue's room and saw Rolan calculating the accounts beside the table, slightly surprised.

He glanced at her and came to Ning Wuxue's side.

"Sir!"

Ning Wuxue was flipping through the "Tao Te Ching" and looked at Chen Qinglong, "What about your brothers?"

"Brothers?" Chen Qinglong was taken aback.

Ning Wuxue said calmly, "A few days ago, a group of bandits robbed a portion of the rent from the village. Were they your brothers?"

"Sir, rest assured, it definitely wasn't my brothers. They took the money and have already dispersed. However, if you're talking about bandits, I do remember a group. Could it be them?"

Chen Qinglong firmly denied it, shook his head, and then frowned, "If it was them, it would be troublesome."

Ning Wuxue closed the "Tao Te Ching" and looked at Chen Qinglong, "Who are they?"

"Without hiding anything from Sir, I was originally a spy under the current Grand Tutor Du Fuwei, operating in Hongnong. When Du entered Chang'an, I saw that the Li Tang dynasty had no good intentions, so I discussed with my subordinates and fled back to Jiangnan. Unfortunately, we ran out of money on the way and encountered Yang Wenqing, which led to our plan to rob Yang Wenqing."

"Oh? Du Fuwei's influence is in the Jianghuai region. Why didn't you go there?"

Having read some history books about the Sui and Tang dynasties, Ning Wuxue had some understanding of Du Fuwei. He didn't expect Chen Qinglong to be one of Du's spies.

"The current chaotic situation has stabilized, and the Li Tang dynasty is gradually consolidating its power. Du entering Chang'an has weakened his control over the Jianghuai region, which will inevitably lead to changes. If I went to Jianghuai, I would be drawn into the conflict. Jiangnan is more stable, and my hometown is also here."

Chen Qinglong explained and continued, "The bandits Sir mentioned might be related to Du."

"Oh?"

"Shen Faxing, who once served as the governor of Wuxing, later proclaimed himself the King of Liang. He was defeated by Li Zitong's general Li Xiaobian and fled into the river. It is rumored that Shen Faxing drowned, but it was just Li Xiaobian seeking credit. Shen Faxing has a nickname, 'Underwater Dragon,' and he is extremely skilled in water and martial arts. When I was in hiding on Qingyun Mountain, I heard that Shen Faxing didn't die and returned to Jiangnan. The only one who could escape the government's bandit suppression is him."

Ning Wuxue fell silent for a moment. Shen Faxing didn't die, but there are no records of him later, so he probably didn't live long or might have changed his name and become a wealthy man.

"The Shen family still has some influence in Jiangnan. For Shen Faxing to survive, his backers must have put in a lot of effort. However, at this time, he has no reason to cause trouble and draw the government's attention. The ones causing trouble might be the soldiers he brought back."

"Um!" Ning Wuxue focused, "Your brothers, did they all return home? I don't think so. In the past, if their families weren't destroyed, who would willingly go to war? What home do they have to return to?"

Chen Qinglong was embarrassed and bit his lip, "To be honest, Sir, those brothers are all in Wuzhou City."

"Hmph, a leopard can't change its spots..." Rolan, who was calculating the accounts, coldly snorted.

Chen Qinglong smiled bitterly in his heart and didn't respond. Some things, once you're used to them, can't be easily put aside.

"Go and bring them here. I think this matter isn't over, Shen Faxing?"

Ning Wuxue looked out into the misty night.

Chen Qinglong's face lit up, and he nodded quickly, "Yes, Sir..."

"Sir, this large manor is empty. Shouldn't we pick a few maids to fetch water, cook, and clean? These tasks need people to do them."

Rolan looked at Ning Wuxue with a hint of resentment. She had cooked today's meal, and after being pampered in Yixiang Garden, she had endured a lot of hardship over the past few months.

After a few complaints, she apologized for the delay. Today, something happened that was a shock to me. My bank card was stolen while I was withdrawing money, and there was over ten thousand yuan in it. Although I reported it lost, I don't know if the money is still there.

I am still a student, and ten thousand yuan is my tuition. I am very worried and don't have the mood to write. During the new book period, please vote more, thank you.

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