The Legend of the Condor Heroes: From Being Expelled from Peach Blossom Island

Chapter 575 Second Assassination
The next morning, at the prefectural government office, Lü Fang had not yet arrived. Ma Cheng and Wu Chengyu waited while discussing Lü Fang.

Of course, Wu Chengyu sat comfortably in his armchair, sipping tea, while Ma Cheng stood respectfully beside him, bowing and keeping his head down.

"In your eyes, as a veteran bureaucrat, what is this Lü Fang like?"

"From the moment I received the imperial decree appointing this person to replace me as the prefect, I ordered someone to investigate all of this person's information."

His talent was undeniable; his second-place ranking in the imperial examinations was well-deserved. Although he wasted some time due to a lack of connections, his career flourished after marriage. However, his wife's family background was somewhat strange; all that was known was that they were quite powerful, and their details had not yet been uncovered.

Furthermore, this man did not seem to be greedy for money. Before the banquet yesterday, the wealthy families of Suzhou had already presented gifts through my introduction, which included gold and silver treasures, antiques and paintings, as well as deeds to houses and land, totaling tens of thousands of taels of silver, but all of them were politely declined by Prefect Lü.

I am a corrupt official myself and have seen many corrupt officials. I can tell that he doesn't seem to have much interest in gold and silver. Of course, it's also possible that this person is too cunning and has bigger ambitions, and I haven't seen through his scheme.

During his conversation with the scoundrel, Lü Fang showed great interest in the past development of Pingjiang Prefecture, repeatedly inquiring about various information about the prefecture and discussing with the scoundrel the measures for governance and the difficulties that existed. His words were insightful and thoughtful, and if they truly came from the heart, this man would likely become a capable official in the future.

The impression I get is that Lü Fang seems to have come to Suzhou with the intention of making a name for himself and achieving something great. Or perhaps he is extremely ambitious for a career in government and will not stay in Suzhou for more than a few years. His ultimate goal is to return to the Hangzhou court and one day be ennobled and appointed prime minister.

However, during yesterday's banquet, I discovered that this man is quite lecherous. When the courtesan I found appeared, he lost all his composure, completely succumbing to lust, and no longer possessed the calm demeanor he had at the beginning.

However, when the humble servant suggested giving him the courtesan, Lü Fang immediately sobered up, a sense of guilt and fear creeping into his bones. He realized that his wife must be very jealous and difficult to deal with.

Wu Chengyu nodded. In ancient times, corrupt officials all rose through the ranks by passing the imperial examinations. In the ups and downs of officialdom, those who ultimately succeeded usually had some ability. Putting aside Ma Cheng's greed, this man had a very good eye for people and was generally quite accurate in his judgment.

Lü Fang studied diligently for many years and became the second-highest scorer in the imperial examination. He genuinely wanted to make a difference, but it wasn't necessarily for the sake of the people. He was more interested in power.

His father-in-law, Bai Yuchan, was a figure equivalent to a national advisor, wielding immense power and influence. He was also the patriarch of the Southern Taoist sect, and his family had more money than they could ever spend.

Lü Fang married Bai Xian'er. Bai Xian'er was jealous, controlling, cruel, and crazy, but she loved Lü Fang's looks and was not stingy with money. Therefore, Lü Fang was not keen on embezzling money.

It's certain that this guy is lecherous, but it's probably not just lechery. Now that he has a half-human, half-ghost wife at home who acts ruthlessly and whose power and status completely overwhelm his wife, Lu Fang's lechery is probably more about seeking comfort from other women.

Wu Chengyu felt a little sorry for the man. Just then, the poor man arrived at the prefectural government office in a carriage with several guards.

He still acted the same way as yesterday, with a dignified appearance and elegant demeanor, like a handsome middle-aged man. The left side of his face, which was swollen by Bai Xian'er last night, had completely healed, and there was no trace of the injury. Bai Yuchan's lineage was the Golden Elixir Sect, so he must have done a lot of research on elixirs.

Ma Cheng took the lead and went out to greet them, while Wu Chengyu stepped back and followed behind Ma Cheng.

"Haha, Brother Lü has arrived. Please come in. I have been in Pingjiang Prefecture for many years and have many things to do. I can't finish the handover so quickly. I'm sorry to have taken up your time, Brother Lü."

“Brother Ma, what are you saying? You know everything about Pingjiang Prefecture. I have gained a lot from talking with you these past few days. I wish I could sleep in the same bed with you and talk day and night. Only in this way can I have more confidence in governing Pingjiang Prefecture.”

"May I ask who this gentleman is?"

After exchanging pleasantries with Ma Cheng, Lü Fang noticed Wu Chengyu, also known as Murong Xiu, standing behind Ma Cheng. He was dressed in the uniform of a sixth-rank military officer, which was unusual for a sixth-rank military officer to be present during the handover of government affairs between Ma Cheng and Lü Fang.

Most importantly, Wu Chengyu had toasted Lü Fang at the welcoming banquet yesterday, but Lü Fang had no recollection of it and did not value officials of lower rank than himself.

"I am Murong Xiu, the military commissioner of Gusu. I am disturbing you, Lord Lü, but I have urgent military business to report to you. Please forgive me, Lord Lü."

"Oh, Pingjiang Prefecture has been peaceful and tranquil in recent years under Lord Ma's governance. Where did this urgent military matter come from?"

"Reporting to Lord Lü, the Jin delegation is heading south to Hangzhou and will pass through Pingjiang Prefecture in a little over a month. The imperial court has ordered us to ensure the delegation's safe journey."

Now, the mission will probably pass through Taihu Lake, but recently there have been many water bandits in Taihu Lake. Taihu Lake is vast, and it is difficult to wipe them all out in a short time.

But now the Jin delegation is getting closer and closer. I want to wipe out these river bandits before the delegation arrives so as not to disturb the delegation and affect the friendship between the two countries. However, the troop movement requires the approval of the prefect in addition to the order of the Pingjiang Prefecture Commander.

Now that Lord Ma has stepped down, I must first consult Lord Lü before my militia dares to take any action.

For Song officials, anything concerning the Jin Dynasty was a major event. Upon hearing this, Lü Fang dared not be negligent: "In that case, let's move to the study first, and let Commander Murong tell me about these Taihu Lake bandits."

"Dare to disobey orders."

Ma Cheng led the way, while Lü Fang followed behind, chatting and laughing happily with Ma Cheng. Wu Chengyu, as a low-ranking military officer, followed respectfully behind them until they entered the study.

The three of them talked about something in the study for most of the day before Lü Fang finally came out of the study, bowed to Ma Cheng to say goodbye, and got back into the carriage to return to the prefect's residence.

When the carriage arrived at the gate of the prefect's residence again, Lü Fang stepped out of the carriage. His face still carried a hint of dignity, and his demeanor remained unchanged. However, his gaze towards the gate of the prefect's residence was complicated, and he hesitated to step inside for a long time.

Just then, the old man in Taoist robes reappeared at the gate of the mansion: "Young master is back. Why don't you go in? Miss has been in a bad mood ever since young master left today. She has been waiting for young master to return. Young master, you should go and see Miss first."

The moment the old man in Taoist robes appeared, Lü Fang's demeanor immediately crumbled. His once upright posture became somewhat hunched over, and a smirk appeared on his face. He could no longer see any dignity in him: "I'm sorry to have troubled Uncle Gui. Don't worry, Uncle Gui, I'll go and keep Xian'er company right away."

The old man in Taoist robes always seemed to address Lü Fang as "son-in-law," but when Lü Fang tried to ingratiate himself with him, the old man never responded. He would just give a low hum and step aside to let Lü Fang go first.

Lu Fang unconsciously wiped the sweat from his forehead. When he passed the old man in Taoist robes, he bent his back even lower and his smile became even more ingratiating, but he did not dare to say anything more. Instead, he hurried past and walked towards the backyard of the prefect's residence.

As soon as I stepped into the backyard, I was hit by a strong stench of blood. I saw two stretchers being carried away, carrying two hunched and curled-up corpses. They should have been young women, but now they looked like old women.

Lu Fang immediately realized what his wife had done again. In recent years alone, no fewer than twenty maids had died before his very eyes. His heart pounded wildly, and his legs trembled uncontrollably, making him afraid to take another step forward. At that moment, Bai Xian'er's mad, shrill voice came from inside the room: "Go find them! Ordinary women like that are useless. I don't know when my legs will recover. Go find those three women who ran away earlier!"

Even if you have to turn the entire city of Suzhou upside down, you must find them. I need their life essence. You have three days, or your heads will be chopped off.

A group of Taoist soldiers walked out of the house and hurriedly left, brushing past Lü Fang, but none of them even glanced at Lü Fang, the so-called son-in-law.

At this moment, the mad shouting voice suddenly changed, becoming coquettish with a hint of allure, yet with a venomous snake coiling around her neck: "Husband, you've finally returned. When I woke up and couldn't see you, I wished I could kill a few more people."

To be honest, I'd rather not take this official position. All I want is for my husband to stay by my side forever, never to be separated from me for a moment. Come in quickly!

The fear and humiliation in Lü Fang's heart made him want to turn around and leave, but when he heard Bai Xian'er calling his voice, he immediately shivered and quickly put on a smile.

"It is my fault for keeping you waiting, my lady. Please wait a moment." Lü Fang had no choice but to pull himself together and step into the room with a bright smile.

"Someone, bring a copper basin of clean water for the master to wash up. This government office is the filthiest place. The people inside are scheming and treacherous. Entering the government office brings bad luck. Husband, please clean yourself up properly."

"But your hands are cleaner after you kill someone?" Lü Fang thought to himself as he washed his hands, his face all smiles, revealing nothing of his true thoughts.

At this moment, Bai Xian'er was lying on a daybed. In the center of the daybed was a low table with several kinds of pastries on it.

"Husband, come quickly. The food in Suzhou is very particular. These are the most famous snacks in Suzhou that I had someone buy early this morning. Husband, you must be tired from your official duties. The lunch at the government office probably wasn't to your liking. It's not time for dinner yet, so please have something to eat first."

When Bai Xian'er wasn't acting crazy, she was extremely considerate and attentive to Lü Fang, but her eyes were always fixed on Lü Fang's handsome face, looking like a lovesick fool.

Lu Fang approached step by step, and Bai Xian'er's eyes grew brighter and brighter: "My husband is so handsome. If one day, my husband's face grows old, I don't know what I will do."

The closer Lü Fang got to Bai Xian'er, the brighter his smile became. He slowly stretched out his hand, about to reach the plate of butterfly pastries on the low table, and only a foot away from Bai Xian'er's half-exposed chest.

Just then, a sigh suddenly came from the room: "Young friend, you are indeed cunning. You agreed with me to make a move three days later, but less than a day has passed and you have already come. Although the art of disguise is ingenious, it is ultimately a minor skill. Why use it again and again?"

This Lü Fang was naturally Wu Chengyu in disguise. The real Lü Fang was no match for the Life and Death Talisman. After a round of interrogation, he had already revealed everything he knew about the Bai family.

Wu Chengyu also disguised himself as Lü Fang and returned to the mansion, intending to deliver a fatal blow when he got close to Bai Xian'er, but unfortunately he still failed.

His hand was already close enough to Bai Xian'er, but it was still instantly bound by an invisible rope, unable to move forward an inch. It has to be said that being controlled by someone else's tricks, and being used on them again and again, was really infuriating.

But Bai Yuchan had already arrived, and his ethereal figure appeared behind Wu Chengyu. At this point, there was no point in attempting an assassination.

Wu Chengyu abandoned his murderous intent, slowly withdrew his hand, and the invisible ropes binding him immediately disappeared. He stopped trying and left the area of ​​the Arhat bed, walking to Bai Yuchan.

"I'm a pragmatist. Although I know you won't let your guard down, if you really think I'll assassinate you in three days, what if you're careless and I succeed? It would be foolish not to lie when you should lie."

Moreover, in just one day, two more young girls have been murdered. I will not rest in peace until your daughter is dead, and the souls of the dead will not find peace either. I, Wu, do not want to give this crazy woman more opportunities to harm people just because I keep my promise.

Unfortunately, we failed this time as well. However, I have a question that I would like to ask for your guidance.

Just then, Bai Xian'er seemed to realize something and cried out in a shrill voice, "You are not my husband. Although my husband is afraid of me, he would never dare to assassinate me. Who are you? Where did my husband go?"

"Father, when did you arrive at my residence? Why didn't you tell me? Quickly, help me kill this man and bring my beloved back."

No matter how much Bai Xian'er shouted, Bai Yuchan and Wu Chengyu ignored her. If she weren't Bai Yuchan's daughter, how could Bai Xian'er be worthy of being noticed by Wu Chengyu and Bai Yuchan?

Wu Chengyu continued with the previous question: "Yesterday I came to assassinate her, but I didn't know that this woman was the senior's daughter. Before I made my move, I showed my killing intent, which alerted the senior, and that's why I was unable to succeed."

But this time? I transformed into Lü Fang's appearance. Unless you are face to face with me, you will not easily find any flaws. I think you don't value this son-in-law. There is no reason why you would notice me as soon as I entered the mansion.

Just now, I revealed my killing intent just as I was about to make my move. I was so close to your daughter that even if you were hiding in the mansion, you wouldn't have had time to stop me at that distance. It's a pity that you stopped my assassination attempt again, which means you discovered me as soon as I entered the mansion.

What I don't understand is how you managed to do that, senior. Unless you were always by my side, it would be impossible to react so quickly.

Bai Yuchan nodded and smiled: "You've put a lot of thought into this. I really don't take Lü Fang seriously, but Xian'er likes him, so I usually don't even see him."

You're right. I knew you were here as soon as you entered the manor, and I followed you within three zhang of you the whole time. Otherwise, I really wouldn't have had time to stop you.

As for the reason, do you know what kind of power the Innate Realm possesses?

Wu Chengyu said solemnly, "My Quanxing sect does have an ancestor who is at the Innate Realm who is still alive, but we don't know where he has gone. Maybe he's in some brothel enjoying himself. Let's not talk about him for now."

However, he once said that upon reaching the Innate Realm, in addition to a greatly increased lifespan and the preservation of youth, internal energy will be transformed into true qi. Furthermore, each person who enters the Innate Realm will possess a unique ability.

As for what kind of skills they were, my old man only said that it varied from person to person; some were completely useless, while others were quite miraculous. But he never said what his own skills were.

Therefore, the fact that you were able to discover my presence in this mansion so quickly must be due to the unique ability you gained from your Innate Realm cultivation.

(End of this chapter)