Chapter 003: The Warmth and Coldness of Human Relationships

Second Young Master? Hmph, Lu Cheng silently scoffed, his expression caught the attention of the guard surnamed Chen, prompting him to shake his head repeatedly. "Cheng Ge, you need not be too upset. Today, the Second Young Master might be in a bad mood. He has always treated you well, and I believe that once he calms down and this day passes, he will still value you highly."

Hmph, we, the four loyal and benevolent servants, often find him self-righteous, acting as if he is the boss, and does he really think that the second young master will not hit him anymore

You? Lu Cheng was startled, as you, the second young master of the Lu family, are so petty and vengeful. I merely glanced at you, and you act like this? You scoundrel

Compared to the excruciating pain in his rear, Lu Cheng's heart felt even colder. Fortunately, he had recently achieved a minor success in his martial arts, rising to the rank of a low-grade martial student; otherwise, he would not have been able to hear what they were saying at all

Lu Cheng is certainly talking nonsense; the notions of gentlemen and fairies are all fabrications of his own. He heard Shi Miaoyin mention the British Empire just now, but she never spoke of the meaning of the sovereign fairy. In a moment of inspiration, he started to ramble on. Even if he is mistaken, he will then refer to the book of love, and surely Shi Miaoyin would not dare to question the book of love.

The echoes of the twenty major events resounded, and Lu Cheng was struck hard, blood splattering everywhere. A piercing pain surged throughout his body, even though he had just acquired the incredibly miraculous Chaos Heart Cleansing Technique. Before the joy of this achievement could fully settle, he was met with a heavy blow.

As long as you like it, haha, Lu Zhiwu was overjoyed and quickly said: "I sought this painting specifically to gift it to Sister Yin. Sister Yin is a fairy-like being, and to speak of silver is truly too mundane."

Shi Miaoyin sat for a moment longer, and finally took her leave from the Lu residence with Tu and the little purple.

Not long after, the physician from the residence came to examine him, administered some medicine, and then left. In the past, when he even had a minor illness, countless servants would come to offer their condolences in Lu Cheng's room. Now, it was quiet, with only the sound of Lu Cheng's heavy breathing.

The seemingly inept and frivolous young master Lu Zhiwu, surprisingly, had keen observations and had long harbored doubts about Lu Cheng. This statement, even for an old fox like Lu An, made him feel a spark of realization, and his gaze instantly fixed on Lu Zhiwu's face.

Lu Cheng's heart was cold, yet he did not dare to speak again. Although he had just become a martial student, he was still of the lower grade, while these two guards were both of the upper grade martial students, not to mention the large number of guards in the Lu residence.

Lu Cheng gave a bitter smile, shook his head as he looked at Guard Chen, and then lowered his head heavily again

As a martial artist, when galloping on the battlefield and traversing the world, I now find myself being pressed to the ground like a dog, with my backside beaten until it blooms.

The world is harsh and people's feelings are fickle, Lu Cheng secretly shook his head and gave a self-deprecating smile. Suddenly, the miraculous "Chaos Heart-Washing Technique" flashed through his mind

Nonsense? Try the twenty big boards; if you really want to take action, even a tiger would be beaten to death

I treated each of you like brothers on ordinary days, yet I never expected this, never expected it at all? Lu Cheng gritted his teeth as he stared at the ground: "Lu Zhiwu... I still have to thank you..." "Ah... ah..." With each heavy slap that landed, Lu Cheng cried out to the heavens, his heart filled with sorrow.

Crawling on the ground, twenty boards? What a disgrace and humiliation - an insult to both images and books

is not

Who says the second young master is uneducated and accomplished nothing? It seems he is hiding his talents quite well. However, is it really true that he is so calculating and vengeful?

Lu Cheng let out a quiet sigh of relief, finally putting an end to this damned affair, and from now on, he could rest easy, with peace reigning in the world.

Lu Cheng was unaware of his misfortune; today, when he finally faced adversity, the other servants who had previously treated him with utmost respect began to take the opportunity to speak ill of him behind his back.

Hahaha, well said, well said, but..." Suddenly, Lu Zhiwu, who had just been smiling, darkened his expression: "Although you have merits, they do not outweigh your faults. What did your gaze just now mean? Do you think that this young master has been too indulgent towards you, allowing you to act recklessly? I haven't struck you for three years, but this time, I want you to remember it for three years. Someone come!"

This passage describes a gentleman who is upright, genuine, and possesses an ethereal quality. Even someone as dull as Lu Zhiwu could understand the meaning, and he is not actually dull. For a moment, he took the words of the love letter to heart, feeling overjoyed and animated. "Very good, excellent, Lu Cheng, you have handled this matter well. I misjudged you earlier. Hahaha, go back to the accounts room and fetch ten taels of silver; I want to reward you handsomely."

Hehe, what are my own brothers saying? It is rare that Cheng Ge does not look down on us rough people, and often drinks with us. When a brother is in trouble, we naturally help. Unfortunately, I am of little significance and cannot speak on your behalf in front of the Second Young Master

Hello, Cheng Ge'er, you should lie down for a while. Zhan and the others have gone to call Doctor Fang!

It turns out that their respect for me during ordinary days was merely a facade. They pretended to be friendly with me because of Lu Zhiwu's kindness towards me. Now that I am down on my luck, they have all revealed their true colors. My third uncle was right; human nature is indeed treacherous.

Shi Miaoyin smiled faintly and said, "Then I shall not be too polite." She deeply cherished this painting and was aware that Lu Zhiwu intended to please her. It was better to graciously accept it and later find a treasure to return the favor. Her father had fought in battles all his life, and her personality was rather straightforward; thus, she did not care much for such trivialities and confidently took the painting of the celestial being.

"Only twenty big boards? Why not beat him to death with a hundred big boards?"

Lu An has followed his father for many years, and even he must respectfully address him as Uncle An.

Shi Miaoyin carefully examined Lu Cheng, then turned to Lu Zhiwu and said: "Brother Lu, I really like this portrait of the Emperor. Could you transfer it to me? I will pay you double the amount in silver!"

Surrounded by the three prominent figures of loyalty, benevolence, and generosity, along with numerous maidservants and guards, various gazes of sympathy, secret delight, and suppressed laughter swept over Lu Cheng.

Second Young Master! Just now, the two guards stepped forward in unison

Originally, Shi Miaoyin thought that this young man was just flattering and talking nonsense. She smiled at Lu Cheng without saying anything to him. However, when she heard the later implications of the phrase 'the Immortal of the Emperor,' she was taken aback. Although she had never heard it before, it felt somewhat familiar. How much knowledge and culture could this young man possess? How could he possibly know what symbolizes beauty and integrity? Could it be that what he said was true? Did Master Zhong really mention this in the *Tushu*? Her expression turned serious, and she no longer dared to mock Lu Cheng.

Bang, bang, bang

What is it? Uncle An seems to have something to say to me. In the inner court, Lu Zhiwu sat steadily like a mountain, observing the steward of the Lu family, Lu An, below the hall.

Hmph..." Lu Zhiwu let out a cold laugh, suggesting that it would be best to restrain oneself; otherwise? Hmph.

This statement can be considered one of his more elegant expressions

Well done, this young man has long been lawless, relying on the favor of the Second Young Master.

He is bringing shame upon himself; a servant is just a servant. To be a servant, one must have the awareness of a servant. Just because the second young master looks at him differently, does he think his status has become noble?

"Reprimand Lu Cheng with twenty heavy strikes, so that he may remember this lesson well"

"I dare not; serving the young master is a minor skill of mine." Damn it, a slap in exchange for ten taels of silver, I might as well have been bitten by a dog. Though I say this, if it's free, I won't refuse; I'll go and get it right away.

Seeing Lu Cheng in poor spirits, Chen greeted him and left to allow him to rest peacefully

It is not surprising; one must understand that pride can lead to arrogance, and excessive indulgence can result in failure. This Lu Cheng has been with me for three years, always understanding and considerate, winning my favor. Therefore, I have always protected him. However, I have noticed that he is increasingly losing the demeanor of a servant. The last time, he even took the initiative to decide on my lunch without reporting to me. I did not specify the amount, yet I rewarded the gardener in the back hall. Although it is a trivial matter, over time, who is truly in charge of the Lu residence? Is it him, or is it Uncle An who is the true steward?

Brother Chen, just now you were merciful, otherwise, Cheng Ge would have turned into a dead man. I do not need to express my gratitude; I, Lu Cheng, will remember this kindness for a lifetime. There will surely be a day for me to repay you

I scoff; do you really think you can indulge in swan meat? You are trying to fool me with empty promises. Lu Cheng wore a grateful expression, nodding repeatedly. "The Second Young Master and Miss Shi are a match made in heaven, a golden boy and a jade girl, destined to become one family sooner or later"

Lu Zhiwu joyfully bid farewell to Shi Miaoyin, then turned to look at Lu Cheng and patted him on the shoulder: "Very good, Lu Cheng, you did well today. Among the four esteemed qualities of loyalty, sincerity, benevolence, and generosity, I still prefer you the most. I know you usually learn martial arts from the instructors, aspiring to join the army and serve the country in the future, to improve your status. I promise you here, one day, if I can marry Miss Shi, I will certainly recommend you to enlist in the military and grant you your freedom.

At this moment, in Lu Cheng's room, Lu Cheng, covered in blood, was crawling on the bed, while a guard who had just beaten him stood nearby

He hurriedly bowed even more respectfully and said: "So it turns out that the second young master is taking the opportunity to make a point, deliberately giving a reprimand? Lu Cheng will surely learn a lesson this time. With his intelligence and wisdom, he should be able to understand the second young master's intentions. As the saying goes, 'the deeper the love, the harsher the criticism.' He is still young, and there is a long road ahead of him. After this incident, he will surely become more restrained."

It's nothing, just a bit strange? Lu An hesitated for a moment, but ultimately spoke up.

This fellow is quite insidious, usually keeping close company with the guards, looking down on us servants. It is said that he has secretly learned many martial arts techniques. Look, when that Chen guard was fighting, it seemed like he didn't use any real force