Une jeunesse errante

Chapitre 3

He has three sons and four daughters. His eldest son, Li Hong, born to his first wife, is twenty-nine years old this year. He is violent by nature, addicted to alcohol, and fond of women. His second son, Li Ying, born to his second wife, is twenty-six years old this year. He is handsome, talented in both literature and martial arts, far-sighted, and decisive in his actions.

The third son, Li Lin, is twenty years old this year and was born to the third wife. He has always respected Li Ying the most, and his relationship with his eldest brother is extremely bad. Three of his four daughters are married. His youngest daughter, Li Hongxiu, is eighteen years old and rumored to be exceptionally beautiful, earning her the nickname "Pearl of the Desert." "Lord, this is all the information I have."

"Lord Cai Si, what you said is as good as nothing, it doesn't solve any problems."

The one who made the provocative sound was the third lord, Zhong Dakun, who had a fierce face and a broad back.

Cai Zhonghe didn't even lift his eyelids, and said without getting angry, "It's obvious that the Eagle Sect's operation against this fortress was definitely orchestrated by Li Ying behind the scenes."

Zhong Dakun's small eyes gleamed with a sharp, chilling light. "So what?"

Cai Zhonghe said as if singing, "Three lords, only by knowing yourself and your enemy can you win every battle."

Cai Bo'an stood up, his square face displaying a calm and stern expression. His imposing presence immediately silenced Zhong Dakun's provocative tone. This man was Cai Zhonghe's older brother, the current Chief Enforcer of Lujiabao.

He said, "From the reports, it's clear the enemy's actions are extremely swift and agile. They must be employing a strategy of quick victory. Therefore, we should immediately issue orders to all regions, instructing each branch to disperse and conceal their forces, waiting for the opportune moment. On the other hand..."

Zhong Dakun interrupted forcefully, "I think this is inappropriate. Chief Enforcer Cai, with your wife not here, don't make hasty decisions."

Lu Qingcheng seemed not to hear, and echoed, "The Grand Enforcer speaks very well."

Tong Sen said arrogantly, "Da Kun is right. Qingcheng, you don't need to worry about these things at all. Just leave them to us."

Lu Qingcheng's face remained expressionless.

Cai Zhonghe frowned, his tone still gentle and pleasant, yet it carried a hint of terrifying coldness. "There are priorities in everything. If we delay the battle, it will bring incalculable serious consequences to this fortress."

Cai Bo'an said firmly, "Please give the order immediately, Lord. I will bear all the consequences."

“You can afford to take the blame, but I can’t.” Zhong Dakun scoffed. “I only obey Madam’s orders. Without Madam’s command, I will never send troops.”

The council chamber fell into a moment of such silence that you could hear a pin drop.

Cai Bo'an, Cai Zhonghe, and all the lords, deacons, and supervisors silently looked at Lu Qingcheng. Among them were a young couple, both around twenty-four or twenty-five years old, full of youthful vigor and fierce as tigers. They were both furious and angry at Zhong Dakun's overbearing manner, their veins bulging, and their eyes filled with anxiety.

Liu Jianhua wore a gloomy smile. "Lord of the Fortress, how could the insignificant Sky Eagle Sect be a match for this fortress? With your subordinates and the Second and Third Lords here, we guarantee that the Sky Eagle Sect will pay the price for what they have done."

The eighth lord, Li Anguo, was as taciturn as ever.

Tong Sen slammed his hand on the table. "That's right. Qingcheng, go back and rest. Don't let this little thing bother you."

Zhong Dakun exclaimed, "I agree too. Please, Lord of the Fortress, return."

Lu Qingcheng, who was sitting loosely in the chair, just smiled lazily from beginning to end. She looked as if she was listening to a play with a bored expression. Finally, after they finished singing, she smiled and said, "See you at the moon."

Kiyoshi, who had been watching the spectacle with bated breath, was suddenly called upon. Startled, he didn't even have time to pull his finger out of his mouth. When everyone's eyes fell on him, he was utterly embarrassed. He hastily pulled his finger away and said with a grin, "Lord, you called me?"

Cai Zhonghe sighed inwardly: So he was Qing Jianyue. What a fool! He really didn't know if the lord of the fortress had gone mad or what; tired of women, he even played with boys. Alas, the day of Lu Family Fortress's demise was not far off!

Lu Qingcheng picked up her teacup and took a leisurely sip. "Tell me about it."

Because he was caught off guard, Kiyomi Tsuki hesitated and wondered: What does he want me to say?

Lu Qingcheng stared at him, the profound meaning and chilling coldness in her gaze striking the depths of his soul like lightning.

Kiyoshi Tsuki was greatly shocked, thinking to himself: So that's how it is. He then bowed and said, "This subordinate understands."

He turned to look at Cai Zhonghe, who was somewhat surprised by how clear and bright his eyes were. Suddenly, Qing Jianyue smiled at him, a smile as refreshing as a gentle breeze, "Lord, that handsome brother sings the best."

Upon hearing this, everyone exclaimed, "Hey! He's actually watching a big show!"

Lu Qingcheng let out a short laugh, appearing extremely relaxed and casual. "Pleasant to listen to? How is it pleasant to listen to?"

Kiyoshi said with a smile, "Lord of the Fortress, the handsome brother sings beautifully, but every time he gets to the exciting part, he gets interrupted by some clanging and annoying noises, which is quite disappointing."

Lu Qingcheng immediately showed an interested and curious look, and asked, "Really?"

Everyone wondered: What are the lord and this kid up to, working together like this?

Kiyomi Tsuki said, “It’s like this. Suddenly someone unexpectedly punches you and knocks you to the ground. At this time, the handsome older brother teaches you that you should jump up and use all your strength to punch the enemy away. But those clanging sounds say, you can’t do it, you’re just a wet behind the ears. Listen to me, crawl home and cry to your mother.”

"Bang—" Zhong Dakun slammed his hand on the table and roared, "You little bastard, what kind of thing are you, daring to spread rumors and spout nonsense here. Men, take this dog out and cut out his tongue."

Two burly men rushed in, glanced at the smiling Qing Jianyue, and then looked at Lu Qingcheng with slight hesitation.

Qing Jianyue remained calm and composed. "May I ask you two gentlemen, do you know whether the surname of the Lu family is Lu, or whether the surname of Dingdingding is Zhong?"

The two burly men hurriedly bowed and said in unison, "Please give your orders, Lord."

Lu Qingcheng said coldly, "Get out."

The two burly men bowed and left the council chamber.

Liu Jianhua and Tong Sen's eyes met quickly, and Liu Jianhua thought to himself: What is Lu Qingcheng up to?

Unable to bear the loss of face at the hands of an unknown youth, Zhong Dakun angrily shouted, "Fortress Master, this little bastard clearly harbors ill intentions and is trying to sow discord between us. You cannot forgive him; he must be severely punished."

Lu Qingcheng smiled lazily, as if she hadn't heard anything.

Qing Jianyue looked at Lu Qingcheng, who nodded slightly. A smug smile appeared on Qing Jianyue's lips. He thought to himself, "Very good! If we're going to make trouble, let's make it as big as possible. That'll make things more interesting." With that thought, he said in a serious tone, "Zhong Dakun, you're a despicable pig."

As expected, Zhong Dakun flew into a rage and shouted, "How dare you be so disrespectful to me!"

Qing Jianyue remained expressionless, yet her clear eyes gleamed with a strange light. She coldly said, "Zhong Dakun, don't you know the meaning of reciprocity? Although I, Qing Jianyue, am merely a lowly guard, I am by no means humble. You are merely a lord, yet you don't understand the importance of humility. If you wish for me to respectfully address you as Third Lord, then please politely call me Guard Qing. If you wish to insult me, I will gladly oblige. Even if you must use gibberish, I will not stutter."

Lu Qingcheng burst into laughter as if she had heard something amusing; Cai Bo'an and the others all wore strange expressions. Cai Zhonghe, on the other hand, stared intently at Qing Jianyue's bright, sparkling eyes, his interest growing, and his preconceived notions subtly shifting. As the ancients said, "You can't judge a book by its cover." This kid, he really was unrecognizable.

Zhong Dakun was a rough man, and after being refuted by Qing Jianyue's sharp tongue, he was speechless for a long time, and his fleshy face turned into a monkey's butt.