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Chapter 36: Ma Ye's Thoughts
Lu Qing and Wang Da An’s extravagant shopping spree at the Big Market naturally drew plenty of attention. By the time they left, several men had gathered outside, whispering among themselves.
“Boss,” said a sly-looking youth, “those two kids bought a lot. They’re clearly easy marks—should we go talk to them and get some cash?”
His suggestion was immediately met with scorn from the others—especially the man dubbed “Boss,” who stared at the youth as if he’d lost his mind.
“You’ve got a brick for a brain! Didn’t you see even Ma Ye treated that kid with respect? You want me to rob him?”
The young man bristled at the sudden rebuke. “I’m just saying—they’re fat targets. Look at what they’re carrying. That’s got to be worth hundreds of cash coins. Even a little piece of that would keep us in feasts for days!”
The boss fell silent.
He wasn’t immune to temptation. No one could blame him—those two kids were loaded with meat, and it was enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Lately, they’d been scraping by, going days without so much as a bite of meat. But then he thought of Ma Ye—inside the Big Market.
That man wasn’t someone to mess with. Cross him, and all of them would end up broken and bleeding.
Yet the sight of the goods on Lu Qing and Wang Da An’s backs tugged at his greed.
Just as the group hesitated, inside the Big Market, Ma Ye motioned for one of his subordinates.
“Xiao Tian,” he said, “I remember Chen Laodaifu lives in Jiu Li Village, right?”
“Yes, Boss,” Xiao Tian replied respectfully. “The old doctor lives on the slope of a small hill just outside the village. Everyone in the surrounding area knows him.”
“Then go to Jiu Li Village on your way back. Find out if he’s recently taken on a new apprentice named Lu Qing.”
“Yes, Boss.”
Xiao Tian knew exactly what Ma Ye was after—checking up on the silver-handed boy who’d just bought a mountain of supplies.
As he turned to leave, a thought struck him. He paused and added quickly, “By the way, Boss, when I came in, I saw Chen San and his gang lurking outside. They looked… interested in that Lu Qing kid.”
“Chen San?” Ma Ye narrowed his eyes. “What are those little pests doing on my turf?”
“Rumor has it they stole some things from Da Mu Village recently. The village elders banned them from ever coming near the place. So they’ve drifted over here.”
“Those scoundrels,” Ma Ye muttered. “All they do is steal and cause trouble. Go tell them—if they so much as lay a finger on any of my guests, I’ll break every one of their legs.”
“Yes, Boss!” Xiao Tian replied, excitement flickering in his voice.
He’d long despised Chen San and his gang. They did nothing but steal chickens and harass villagers. His own cousin, married into Da Mu Village, had once confided in him about how Chen San’s crew had stolen several of her family’s chickens. Back then, he’d had no power to stop them. But now? With Ma Ye’s backing, he’d finally get his chance.
Xiao Tian stepped out, and soon, the commotion outside erupted—shouts, groans, and desperate pleas for mercy.
Ma Ye ignored it all, reclining in his chair, lost in thought.
Lu Qing’s arrival today had been a pleasant surprise.
If that boy truly was Chen Laodaifu’s apprentice, it was a golden opportunity.
The villagers only knew Chen Laodaifu as a legendary healer—someone whose medical skills were miraculous, a man of unmatched compassion. But few knew the truth: in the city, the old doctor was also a man of immense influence. Nobles, wealthy merchants, even high-ranking officials—everyone vied for his favor.
And why? Because Chen Laodaifu wasn’t just a master of medicine. He was also a formidable martial artist—so powerful that even the county magistrate had once remarked he was nearing the peak of the Post-Natural Realm, a true master.
Ma Ye had long wanted to form a connection with him—yet never found the right opening.
Now, with Lu Qing in the picture, a chance had finally appeared.
If he could win the boy’s trust, he might just gain access to Chen Laodaifu’s circle. And if that happened… perhaps he’d finally get a way back to the city.
This backwater market was a prison. He’d had enough.
If not for his father’s strict five-year ban—punishment for a past mistake—he’d have left long ago.
Alone, Ma Ye plotted.
But Lu Qing and Wang Da An had no idea what had unfolded after they left the Big Market.
Still, Lu Qing remained alert. He knew their shopping had been conspicuous. But there was no help for it—what lay ahead would keep him busy for days. He couldn’t afford to make frequent trips to the market. So he’d taken the risk.
Fortunately, nothing untoward happened. By the time they reached the village entrance, all was quiet.
They retrieved the red rope from the tree, slid it back under the stone slab, and continued carrying their burdens toward Lu Qing’s home.
The sun was nearing noon. Most villagers were resting indoors, and the streets were nearly empty.
So when Lu Qing finally reached his house, he didn’t run into anyone.
“Phew… finally back,” Wang Da An sighed, breathing heavily.
“Thank you, Da An Ge,” Lu Qing said gratefully. “I couldn’t have carried all this without your help.”
The heavier items—grains and meat—were all on Wang Da An’s back. Lu Qing carried only the lighter daily necessities.
“Don’t mention it,” Wang Da An said. “Honestly, I should be thanking you. Today was the first time I’ve ever spoken so close to Ma Ye—and he even remembered my name!”
His voice trembled with excitement.
“Is Ma Ye really that powerful?” Lu Qing asked, curious.
“Of course!” Wang Da An said. “He runs the entire Big Market. He’s got a whole crew of men. In this region, he’s the most feared man around!”
Lu Qing frowned slightly.
To him, the Big Market’s bustling scene had been surprising—but it was still just a modest village fair. The goods sold were mostly basic farm produce, nothing fancy. Such a market couldn’t possibly make much profit.
Yet Ma Ye carried himself like a man who didn’t care about petty sums.
So why stay here?
There had to be more to it.
Lu Qing couldn’t figure it out.
“Da An Ge,” he asked, “has Ma Ye always been in charge of the Big Market?”
“No,” Wang Da An replied. “Before him, it was Li Bo—an old man who ran it for years. But about two years ago, Ma Ye took over.”
“Hmm…” Lu Qing mused.
“Well, I’ve got to go back now,” Wang Da An said. “You should rest, Xiao Qing. You’ve carried so much—must be exhausted.”
As Wang Da An turned to leave, Lu Qing called out, “Wait, Da An Ge!”
He reached into his basket and pulled out a half-fat, half-lean pork chop.
“Take this,” he said. “Cook something good tonight. Let Wang Ye Ye taste it too.”
“Absolutely not!” Wang Da An waved his hands frantically. “This is too expensive. You should keep it for you and Xiao Yan!”
“I’ve got plenty more,” Lu Qing insisted. “And you helped me carry everything, showed me the way—this is my thanks.”
“But this piece is worth over ten cash coins!”
“Just take it,” Lu Qing said firmly, pressing the meat into Wang Da An’s hands. “If you don’t, next time I need help, I won’t even dare ask.”
“…Alright,” Wang Da An relented, still uneasy. “I’ll take it.”
“Good,” Lu Qing smiled. “Now go. We’ve been gone a long time—Wang Ye Ye must be worried. Hurry back and let her know you’re safe.”
After Wang Da An took the meat, he still looked a bit embarrassed. Lu Qing gently pushed him toward the door.
Once he was gone, Lu Qing cut off a small piece of meat.
Then, with the meat in hand, he headed next door to Zhang Ye Ye’s house—to fetch Xiao Yan.
(End of Chapter)
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