Chapter 9: Cunning Tricks

Tu Niu'er originally intended to pay a visit to the master who could teach Liang Xiao archery, but was stopped by Liang Xiao. Liang Xiao repeatedly cautioned him, urging him not to mention it in front of others. Tu Niu'er, feeling annoyed by the repeated admonitions, rolled his eyes and retorted: "A Xiao, do you no longer consider me a brother?"

Liang Miaomei raised an eyebrow and said, "Why do you not practice archery, but instead learn this kind of service skill?"

Liang Miao stopped the loom, glanced at Liang Xiao, and frowned slightly. "What you did is indeed quite inappropriate. To act in such a manner in front of so many people, how can you ensure complete safety? It is inevitable that someone will notice the flaw. If you truly seek revenge, you should challenge him openly and honestly. Losing would not be shameful, and if by chance you win, he would have nothing to say."

The prisoner looked at his palm and said softly, "From what you are saying, it seems you are prepared to give up"

Liang Xiao was very eager to get up and take a look, but he did not move

After finishing the meal, Liang Xiao walked into the western chamber, sitting beside the loom to continue his visual training. Liang Miao found it strange and glanced at Liang Xiao several times, yet said nothing, busying herself with her own tasks.

After reading the announcement, Liang and * Tu * Shuxiao quickly left the Prime Minister's residence. By the time they returned to Qingyun, it was already past noon

"Hmm, this is more like a husband," Liang Miao nodded in satisfaction and then got busy again

Liang Xiao remained silent as he took a seat opposite. He respectfully performed a bow and recounted the events, concluding with, "In response to Lord Huan, there is no person named Huan Sheng in Shili. I have failed to live up to your high expectations, and I am truly ashamed."

Upon entering the house, Liang Xiao first went to the west wing to take a look. As usual, his mother, Liang Miao, was busy at the loom. Hearing Liang Xiao's footsteps, she glanced up briefly before lowering her head to continue her work

Liang Xiao was sweating profusely, and inadvertently revealed his true colors again

I have already eaten. Liang Miao noticed her son's strange expression and couldn't help but let out a laugh: "What's wrong?"

I understand. Liang Xiao originally intended to say that he would challenge him right away, but the words were on the tip of his tongue, and instead he said: "I will practice archery diligently and then challenge him."

Liang Xiao stepped out of the west wing, listening to the clattering sound of the loom behind him, feeling an immense weight on his heart. Although his mother spoke lightly of the matter, he was acutely aware that all of this was predicated on Hu Lai's maintaining decorum and the pretense of propriety. Once Hu Lai abandoned decorum and wielded the power of the Hu family against him, they would be like ants facing a giant beast, utterly powerless to resist

I was impulsive just now, only considering immediate gratification, without realizing how serious the consequences would be

"Mother, have you eaten?" Liang Xiao approached the loom, observing the beads of sweat on his mother's forehead, and suddenly felt a pang of guilt

Uncertain how much time had passed, he suddenly heard the sound of the window in the east wing rattling twice, followed by the sound of the prisoner Huan Jun's cane tapping on the ground. Then, the door of the wing creaked once and fell silent again

"Break off all ties!" shouted Tu Niu Er in anger, turning around and leaving.

"What is this story about?" Liang Miao asked in surprise, "Xiao'er, what does this old Laizi have to do with Laozi? Also, where did you hear these stories? I have never heard of them before."

Since he knows Huan Sheng, he must also be aware of the prisoner. When he hears the news of the amnesty, he cannot help but come to investigate. Liang Xiao's intention is to draw him here to see just how significant this prisoner, Huan Jun, truly is. If it proves to be too dangerous, it would be wise for him to keep his distance, lest the fire at the city gate endanger his own small fish.

The mother and son were each busy with their own tasks, working until late at night. Liang Miao finished weaving the brocade, raised her hand, and gently tapped her sore and swollen shoulders. Liang Xiao quickly got up and stood behind Liang Miao. "Mother, let me give you a massage."

Liang Xiao once again paid his respects, stood up, and was about to leave when the prisoner called out to him

After he came out of the stone, he turned back to ask the village head about the amnesty, and he was not speaking carelessly. When he mentioned the name Huan Sheng, the village head's expression was very suspicious; he must have known this person and was aware that Huan Sheng was not in the stone, and even that Huan Sheng was not nearby, which is why he went to inquire in the vicinity.

Liang Xiao hesitated for a moment and said: "Lord Huan, one should not receive rewards without merit, so I dare not accept it." After speaking, he performed a deep bow and withdrew, closing the door behind him.

Outside the door, a hint of a smile appeared at the corner of Liang Xiao's mouth, which soon returned to calm. With steady steps, he walked into the kitchen and took down the food from the stove to eat.

The rice is in the pot, the soup is on the stove, help yourself

Liang rolled her eyes, saying that she is indeed a single mother, and her boldness is no less than that of a man

He can roughly guess who the person is, and he is also very clear that these two individuals are not ordinary people. With his own abilities, he cannot possibly hide from their eyes and ears. Rather than acting hastily, it is better to remain still and observe what they are up to, and then make calculations later.

Yes. Liang Xiao turned his head and looked towards the west wing, pondering for a moment: "I have never met Lord Huan before, and to rashly challenge Lord Huan's archery skills is indeed somewhat overestimating my own abilities. In Guangling City, there are hidden dragons and crouching tigers, a mix of fish and dragons; I am merely a commoner and cannot afford to engage in such games. It is better for me to withdraw and keep my distance."

"Come here," said the prisoner, simultaneously extending his left arm as if holding a bow. "Touch my shoulder."

Mother, sharpening the knife does not hinder the work of chopping wood; the time for practicing archery has not yet come, and practicing now would be in vain. Although massage is a skill for serving others, what is there to be ashamed of when a son serves his mother? Even Lao Lai, at the age of seventy, still donned colorful clothes to entertain his parents

Liang Xiao spent a considerable amount of effort to cover up the story of Lao Laizi. Upon returning to his residence, he washed up, undressed, and got into bed. However, instead of sleeping with the book, he perked up his ears to listen to every movement outside.

Am I someone who speaks recklessly? The tea cow's face turned red.

The prisoner remained motionless, watching Liang Xiao leave, the corner of his mouth twisted slightly, a fleeting smile appearing and disappearing.

No, I just asked you to be more discreet and not to speak carelessly

Liang Xiao stared at Tu Niu'er for a long time, nodding vigorously: "It looks like it."

Liang Xiao laughed heartily, not bothering to chase after him, and returned home on his own. He had been in a relationship with Tu Niu Er for so many years, having declared a breakup countless times, yet never lasting more than a day. Perhaps half an hour later, Tu Niu Er would come looking for him again

"Oh, it's nothing," Liang Xiao scratched his head. "Well... I encountered Hu again today and had a bit of a scuffle." He recounted the incident of meeting Hu in front of the Prime Minister's residence, and finally said, "Mother, I... have caused trouble again."

The prisoner nodded. "What you say makes sense; seeking wealth and honor through risk is indeed not suitable for everyone"

Liang Xiao stood in the corridor for a moment before walking into the east wing. The prisoner Huan Jun was sitting by the window, gently rubbing his leg, with a single, bright eye fixed on Liang Xiao, his expression indifferent. "Have you found out anything?"