Chapter 36: Magu's Thoughts

Lu Qing and his companion's large-scale shopping spree at the grand market naturally drew a significant amount of attention.

Consequently, as the two were leaving, several people gathered outside the market, whispering among themselves.

"Boss, those two kids bought quite a lot. They look like fat sheep. Should we go up and shake them down for some money?" a shifty-looking youth suggested first.

However, as soon as he spoke, he was immediately met with disdain from the others.

The man called the "Boss" in particular looked at him as if he were an idiot.

"Has your brain been kicked by a donkey? Didn't you see even Lord Ma being polite to that kid? You want me to go rob them?"

Having been scolded for no reason, the shifty-looking subordinate felt somewhat aggrieved.

"I just saw how well-off they are. Look at what they're carrying; they couldn't have gotten that without several hundred wen. Two such fat sheep—if we just grab a little, it'll be enough to keep us happy for several days."

Hearing this, the Boss fell silent.

How could he not be tempted? Setting everything else aside, the meat those two boys were carrying alone was enough to make him salivate.

Lately, their group had been struggling, and they hadn't tasted meat for several days.

But the moment he thought of Lord Ma in the market, he felt a bit cowardly.

That man was not someone to be trifled with; if they offended him, they would all be in deep trouble.

Yet, thinking about the goods Lu Qing and his companion were carrying, the Boss couldn't help but feel tempted again.

While these men were hesitating, Lord Ma was also beckoning a subordinate over within the market.

"Xiao Tian, I recall that Old Doctor Chen seems to live in Jiuli Village, correct?"

"That is correct. The old doctor lives on the slope of a small mountain next to Jiuli Village. People from the surrounding villages all know of him," the subordinate named Xiao Tian replied respectfully.

"Then find some time to go to Jiuli Village and investigate whether that old doctor has recently taken on an apprentice named Lu Qing."

"Yes," Xiao Tian answered respectfully.

He knew Lord Ma wanted to investigate the youth who had just come to the market with silver to buy goods.

Thinking of this, Xiao Tian suddenly remembered something and hurriedly reported, "Lord Ma, when I was coming in just now, I seemed to see Chen San's gang acting suspiciously outside. It seems they have designs on that youth named Lu Qing."

"Chen San? What are those little punks doing on my turf?" Lord Ma's eyes narrowed.

"I heard they stole some things from Damu Village a while ago and were ordered by the village elders never to approach the village again, so they've been hanging around here."

"Those little punks do nothing but think about stealing chickens and dogs all day. Go out and warn them: if they dare touch a guest in my market, I will break all their legs!"

"Yes, Lord Ma!"

Xiao Tian left, feeling somewhat excited.

He had long been dissatisfied with Chen San and his gang of hooligans. They never did anything productive, only knowing how to steal and prey on the villagers.

A cousin of his who had married into Damu Village had once complained to him that Chen San and his lot had stolen several chickens from her home.

He hadn't had the chance to teach them a lesson before, but now with Lord Ma backing him, he could certainly teach them a proper lesson.

After Xiao Tian left, a commotion soon broke out outside the market, accompanied by bursts of pleas for mercy.

Lord Ma ignored these trivial matters and sat in his chair, lost in thought.

Lu Qing's appearance today had been quite a surprise to him.

If this youth truly was the apprentice of Old Doctor Chen, it would be excellent news for him.

The common folk in these rural areas only knew that the old doctor possessed amazing medical skills and a kind heart, making him a divine physician.

They did not know that in the city, this old doctor also possessed incredible influence.

Many powerful figures and wealthy merchants treated him as an honored guest.

This was because the old doctor was not only a master of medicine but also a great master of martial arts.

Even the County Magistrate had once praised him, saying his cultivation was profound, nearly reaching the realm of a Grandmaster at the peak of the Houtian stage.

He had wanted to make connections with such a figure for a long time but had never found a good opportunity.

But now, Lu Qing's appearance offered a glimmer of hope.

If he could befriend Lu Qing and establish a connection with Old Doctor Chen, perhaps he would have a chance to return to the city in the future.

He had truly had enough of this godforsaken, desolate market.

If it weren't for the trouble he had caused earlier, and his father's decree that he stay here for five full years, he would have thrown in the towel and gone back long ago!

Lord Ma sat alone, silently calculating his moves.

Lu Qing and Wang Da'an, however, had no idea what had transpired in the market after they left.

Lu Qing remained vigilant, knowing that their shopping spree had been somewhat conspicuous.

But there was no other way; he had many things to attend to in the coming days and wouldn't have the time to make frequent trips to the market, so he had to take the risk.

Fortunately, no unexpected incidents occurred until they reached the village entrance.

The two men took down the red string from the large tree, placed it back under the stone slab, and continued carrying their goods toward Lu Qing's house.

It was nearly noon, and most villagers were resting at home, so there were few people walking through the village.

Consequently, Lu Qing encountered no one upon returning home.

"Phew, we're finally back," Wang Da'an said, panting slightly after setting the things down.

"Thank you, Brother Da'an. Without your help, I wouldn't have been able to carry all this back," Lu Qing said with a look of gratitude.

The heavier items, the grain and meat, were with Wang Da'an.

Lu Qing was carrying the lighter daily necessities.

"Don't thank me, it's what I should do. Actually, I should be thanking you. Today was the first time I've spoken to Lord Ma so closely, and he even remembered my name!"

At this, Wang Da'an became excited again.

"Is this Lord Ma very powerful?" Lu Qing asked curiously.

"Of course he is!" Wang Da'an said. "You should know, Lord Ma manages the entire market. He has a group of subordinates, and in this area, he is the most formidable person!"

This made Lu Qing even more puzzled.

In his view, while the prosperity of the market was somewhat beyond his expectations, it was ultimately just a small-scale marketplace.

The things sold there weren't luxuries, mostly just agricultural products.

A market like this couldn't possibly earn much money.

Yet, judging by Lord Ma's display of authority, he didn't seem like someone who would care about such small change.

Why, then, would he stay in this market?

Could there be some hidden secret?

Lu Qing couldn't quite figure it out.

"Brother Da'an, has this market always been managed by Lord Ma?"

"Not exactly. It used to be managed by an elderly man everyone called Uncle Li. It was only about two years ago that Lord Ma took over."

"I see..." Lu Qing mused.

"Alright, I have to head back. A-Qing, you should rest first. You must be tired after carrying all this back."

Seeing Wang Da'an about to leave, Lu Qing hurriedly called out, "Wait a moment, Brother Da'an!"

He then pulled a piece of half-fat, half-lean pork from his basket.

"Take this meat back. Make something delicious tonight and let Grandpa Wang have a taste as well."

"I can't, I really can't!" Wang Da'an waved his hands repeatedly upon seeing it. "This meat isn't cheap. You should save it for yourself and Xiao Yan!"

"I have plenty more, as you saw. Besides, you guided me here and helped me carry all this. Consider this meat my gift of thanks."

"But it's too much. A piece of meat this size is worth over ten wen!"

"Just take it!" Lu Qing forced the meat into Wang Da'an's hands. "If you don't take it, I'll be too embarrassed to ask for your help again in the future."

"This... alright then."

Seeing Lu Qing's insistence, Wang Da'an could only accept the meat.

"There, don't be shy. Hurry back. We've been out so long, Grandpa Wang might be worried. Go back quickly and let him know you're safe."

Seeing that Wang Da'an still looked somewhat embarrassed after accepting the meat, Lu Qing pushed him toward the exit.

After Wang Da'an left, Lu Qing cut another small piece of meat.

Then, holding the meat, he prepared to go to Grandpa Zhang's house next door to bring Xiao Yan back.