Chapter 005: The Aoki Phoenix Pattern Qinqin

Standing at the door were originally Lu Zhong and Lu Ren, two young attendants

Unexpectedly, upon witnessing Lu Cheng being humiliated, his expression changed immediately

In the past, this matter was all handled by you, Lu Cheng. Today, it is my turn, isn't it? The wheel of fortune turns, and one person can never be so fortunate forever

"I was wrong, I was wrong, Lord Lu, Lord Lu, you, as the Prime Minister, can tolerate anything, just treat us as a mere fart and let us go!" Lu Ren's face, which he was made to step on, had become deformed, and his mouth was full of dirt while he continued to plead for mercy

It is not good; one must break through to the top-tier martial artist.

Lu Cheng maintained a calm demeanor and respectfully returned the salute, yet inwardly he cursed him countless times, thinking to himself, if you have the guts, let me out of the residence; I will eventually become a great general.

Startled, Lu Cheng looked up and saw a boy of similar age, around sixteen or seventeen, gazing back at him. This boy had a much darker complexion than Lu Cheng, and wore a smile that made him appear even more polite. "Brother Cheng, I am new here, and I hope to receive your guidance in the future"

As soon as he took hold of it, a powerful wave of heat seemed to emanate from the body of the instrument. Lu Cheng felt as if he were inhaling the most nourishing essence of the universe with each breath, and the small energy sphere he had painstakingly gathered over the past half month suddenly doubled in size.

A man named Lu Ren passed away half a year ago, and it was only then that Lu Zhiwu realized that one of the four prominent families was missing. With a casual command from m.hetushu.com, he arranged for a replacement from below. Meanwhile, he was overly concerned about his pet dog, a "Tianba Dog" from the Liuyue Dynasty, which was shedding a few hairs each day. This clearly indicates that in Lu Zhiwu's heart, people like us are even less significant than a dog; in fact, we are even less significant than the dog's fur.

is not

Lu Ren, who had fallen nearby, had not yet recovered from the suffocation and excruciating pain. With a light step, Lu Cheng placed his foot on Lu Ren's face: "Damn it, what are you two? I, Lu Cheng, am still alive, and you want to step on my head? How many maids and servants die in my Lu residence each year? Do you believe I can punch you to death one by one, then report to the Second Young Master that you are missing? Do you think the Second Young Master will send someone to look for you? Ah, you dog slaves, how dare you try to ride on my head?"

In the past, Lu Cheng was favored, and although these two individuals were older than Lu Cheng, they still treated him with great respect, addressing him as "big brother" with utmost deference

Lu Cheng pretended to only dare to raise his head at this moment, cautiously lifting it up. Lu Zhiwu's four loyal and honest servants, namely Zhong, Cheng, Ren, and Hou, have unexpectedly changed to another Lu Hou. Did the original Lu Hou die or where did he go?

Is there a problem with this instrument? Could it be a treasure from the celestial realm? Lu Cheng suddenly recalled some of the tales told by street storytellers about celestial treasures

Lu Ren's eyes lit up as he looked up and down, saying, "Heh, I see that the more you hit these twenty big boards, the better they get. Lu... big... brother, it seems you have gained quite a bit of weight after not seeing you for several days? It appears that even if we raise a pig in the Lu residence, it would grow fatter and fatter."

Lu Cheng himself is also a servant, yet he scolds them by calling them dog servants, to the point that Lu Ren and Lu Zhong nearly lost their breath from anger

As he spoke, a hint of pride involuntarily flashed in Lu Hou's eyes

Damn it, you bitches, two bitches!

Oh... big brother...

is not

Gently and swiftly placing it on the table, he retreated several steps before daring to breathe again

Lu Cheng, has your injury improved a bit these days? His tone was gentle, and he slightly adopted a demeanor of caring for someone beneath him

Lu Cheng was utterly astonished, nearly breaking through to the top-tier martial artist with just a single breath. At this moment, he absolutely could not reveal any flaws. He quickly calmed himself, exhaled deeply, and instantly held his breath, taking a swift step forward. "This zither is invaluable; even I, a mere person, fear damaging it!"

Now you think of me, you bastard. Lu Cheng silently cursed him ten times and walked over seriously. On the table lay an ancient green-colored guqin.

Lu Cheng is proficient in all forms of art, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Among the servants of the Lu family, when it comes to talent, he is considered second to none, with no one daring to claim the first position. This is also why he has been able to follow the inept and foolish Lu Zhiwu for three long years.

He resented that Lu Cheng's slow painting last time had implicated him, but he also knew that Lu Cheng was not wrong. Today, if the two of them were to die here, Lu Zhiwu might not even pay them any mind, at most instructing Lu An to find two substitutes, Lu Zhong and Lu Ren, to take their place.

The next afternoon, Lu Cheng, who had gotten drunk and fallen asleep after drinking with Ma Chengwei the previous night, was still in a deep slumber when a series of urgent knocks sounded at the door

Little man Lu Cheng, meet the Second Young Master

Lu Zhiwu nodded: "This is Lu Hou, the new member of your four major families. Please get to know him, as you will be working together in the future, supporting each other, and especially, do not bring shame to our Lu family when you are outside."

Lu Cheng deeply bowed, not daring to raise his head. The earlier arrogance had completely vanished, and he appeared to be a trembling and terrified young boy.

Lu Zhong was the first to react, while Lu Cheng was merely stepping on Lu Ren. He crawled and rolled to Lu Cheng's feet, clutching his ankles, saying, "I was wrong, I was wrong..."

Lu Cheng was enraged upon hearing this. He swiftly reached out with both hands, grabbing Lu Ren on the left and Lu Zhong on the right, each by the throat. His move was as quick as lightning, and given the close distance, Lu Zhong and Lu Ren, who were unskilled in martial arts, did not expect Lu Cheng to take action. In an instant, they found themselves firmly in his grip.

Brother Lu, Elder Lu, I was wrong, I was blind to my own faults, please forgive us and let it go

Upon seeing the "Good Qin," Lu Chengchu's eyes lit up. He remarked while picking it up, "This qin is of the Zhongni style, simple yet grand. The Zhongni style is the most common type among ancient qins. It features only two recessed lines at the waist and head of the instrument, with no other embellishments. Its simplicity and fluidity, along with its understated elegance, best reflect the moderate and reserved style of the Fourth Prince. Moreover, this qin is made from the rare 'Yunqing wood,' which combines nobility with elegance, making it perfectly suited to the Fourth Prince's esteemed status.

"Second Young Master, I am now no longer a hindrance and can serve you at any time like a loyal dog or horse." At this moment, Lu Cheng's attitude was significantly more respectful than before, indicating that this severe beating had indeed taught him a lesson.

Originally, they would not so openly and brazenly despise Lu Cheng so quickly. However, after half a month had passed, Lu Zhiwu finally mentioned Lu Cheng, and his tone was not very pleasant. He ultimately believed that Lu Cheng's favor had become a thing of the past

Lu Zhiwu cast a slight glance, letting out a soft hum, quite pleased with Lu Cheng's current attitude. A servant is indeed a servant; they must be taught a lesson to be obedient, otherwise, they are bound to become arrogant due to favoritism.

Well, you two have met. Both of you have won my favor in your work. Today, I have invited you both to accompany me to a grand banquet. Today marks the 20th birthday of the Fourth Prince, Du Feifeng, and I have also received an invitation to attend. A few days ago, Lu Hou selected a gift for me, which is this 'Qingmu Fengwen Qin.' Lu Zhiwu pointed to a blue ancient zither on the table and said, 'The Fourth Prince loves ancient music the most and enjoys collecting ancient musical instruments and scores. I had to put in a lot of effort to obtain this zither from my father. Lu Cheng, please take a look and see if this gift is suitable.'

You two servants, how dare you have such an attitude towards me? Do you believe I can crush you with a single grip? Ah, do you believe it?

Who the hell is that bastard? "Who is it?" Lu Cheng, feeling dazed, walked to the door and angrily yanked it open.

Both individuals were almost speechless, on the verge of losing consciousness. Suddenly, Lu Cheng loosened his grip, and before they could catch their breath, with two loud thuds, he kicked one of them away with a swift kick.

Lu Cheng let out a deep breath of frustration, snorted, released Lu Ren, and straightened his clothes before going to meet Lu Zhiwu

Damn it

"I dare not; everyone is working for the Second Young Master, and it is sufficient to do one's own duty well." What does this mean? Previously, I was always the only one following him. Could it be that today is a warning to me, reminding me that I might be replaced in the future?

Lu Zhong's expression was no longer one of respect and reverence towards him, and a trace of disdain flashed in his eyes: "Lu Cheng, are you ready yet? You've been lying down for half a month after just twenty lashes? The second young master wants to ask you, if you are still alive and can walk, will you go to the hall to see him?"

Lu Cheng was enraged and exerted his strength. With a forceful grip, the sounds of "ka, ka" echoed, resembling the friction or cracking of throat bones, which left Lu Ren and Lu Zhong, who had never encountered such a situation, terrified and pale, their faces resembling that of a pig's liver. "No... no, Lu... don't...!"