Wandering Sword Seller's Life in the Qin Dynasty

He paused, then asked, "So, have you decided where you're going next?"

Wu Kuang fell silent again, the candlelight in the dark room illuminating his bewildered face. He didn't know where he should go next.

……

Over the years, Tian Guang has been traveling between countries, busy recruiting all sorts of extraordinary people and expanding the influence of the Farmer's Clan, and rarely concerning himself with the internal affairs of the Farmer's Clan.

In his view, the internal situation of the peasant family was stable. Although there were occasional frictions between the Tian family and other disciples from other surnames, they were able to maintain a superficial peace, so he did not need to worry too much.

However, after this incident, Tian Guangcai suddenly realized that his previous ideas were too naive. There were already undercurrents within the peasant family, and the conflict between the Tian clan and non-Tian disciples was far more acute than he had imagined.

He had barely shown his intention to make Chen Sheng his successor when Chen Sheng immediately ran into trouble and was convicted by Tian Meng and others with irrefutable evidence. The speed of the action was so fast that it seemed as if everything had been prepared in advance.

On the surface, Tian Meng and others' actions were in line with the rules of the farming community, after all, the farming community has always had zero tolerance for those who bully their sister-in-law and harm their brothers.

However, Tian Guang was filled with doubts. He knew Chen Sheng's character to some extent and found him to be far from reckless, impulsive, or heartless. Wu Kuang's recent behavior also suggested that there was more to the story.

Even if Tian Guang was a chivalrous leader, he could not rashly exonerate Chen Sheng without evidence.

He was not involved and did not witness the incident firsthand. If he were to intervene forcefully, it would only cause dissatisfaction among the Tian clan and might even lead to a split within the farming family.

Therefore, he had no choice but to remain inactive for the time being and secretly investigate the truth of the matter.

Chen Sheng has fled the farm and his whereabouts are unknown; Wu Kuang's injuries have not yet healed and he needs to recuperate in secret.

The most pressing issue facing Tian Guang right now is the selection of a leader for the Kuiwei Hall.

After much thought, he finally focused his attention on one person—Big Iron Hammer.

Tian Guang sent someone to bring the big iron hammer to his residence.

The room was simply furnished.

Iron Hammer, dressed in a tight-fitting outfit, was burly and stood in the room, almost filling half of the space.

Seeing Tian Guang, he was somewhat puzzled and cupped his hands, saying, "I wonder what brings you here, Chief Hero?"

After joining the farm, Big Hammer learned about Mr. Tian Guang's identity, and the way the two got along changed.

Tian Guang looked at the big iron hammer with a gentle expression, "Iron Hammer, we're old acquaintances, there's no need to be so nervous."

He then revealed his purpose: "Iron Hammer, are you interested in taking on some heavy responsibilities?"

Upon hearing this, Big Hammer paused for a moment before stammering, "Chief, I... I haven't been with Kuiwei Hall for very long, and my experience is still limited. I'm afraid I'm not up to the task."

Although Da Tiechui hadn't been with the peasant family for very long, Chen Sheng and Wu Kuang had taken good care of him during that time, often drinking and chatting with him, and teaching him some martial arts moves and ways of dealing with people.

Therefore, upon learning of the scandal involving Kuiwei Hall, Da Tiechui was filled with shock and disbelief; he refused to believe that Chen Sheng would do such a thing.

But he was, after all, just a newly recruited disciple, and his voice carried little weight. Even if he had doubts, he couldn't change anything. Now, Tian Guang suddenly proposed that he take on a heavy responsibility, which left him somewhat at a loss.

Seeing Da Tiechui's surprised expression, Tian Guang smiled gently: "Don't be so quick to refuse. I know you haven't been with the Farmer's Clan for long, but I've seen your abilities. You are upright, highly skilled in martial arts, and loyal and righteous—qualities far more important than seniority. Now that Kuiwei Hall has lost both its leader and steward, it's leaderless, and the disciples are filled with anxiety. We urgently need someone capable and responsible to step forward and stabilize the situation. And you are the most suitable candidate in my mind."

Big Hammer still hesitated after hearing Tian Guang's words.

Tian Guang seemed to see through his thoughts and continued, "I know you have some concerns, but the farm is going through a lot right now, and Kuiwei Hall can't do without someone. If you are willing to take on this important task, it will not only be for Kuiwei Hall, but also for the future of the farm."

What Tian Guang valued was not only Da Tiechui's abilities, but more importantly, the relationship between Da Tiechui and Xu Qing.

That was a friendship forged through life-and-death trials and bloodshed.

In Tian Guang's mind, neither Chen Sheng, Wu Kuang, nor the other leaders of the peasant family could compare to Xu Qing.

Xu Qing's sword-making skills are unparalleled in the world, and all the swords he forges are divine weapons; his personal strength has also reached the top level in the world. Such a talent is someone that Tian Guang has always wanted to win over.

He had invited Xu Qing to join the Farmer's Clan many times before, but Xu Qing had declined each time. He thought Xu Qing would fade into obscurity, but unexpectedly, Xu Qing sent him a letter through the Farmer's Clan's secret channels. Only then did he learn that Xu Qing had actually infiltrated Hou Sheng's ranks, gained a foothold in the State of Qi, and even become Hou Sheng's capable assistant.

For this reason, Tian Guang also showed more care to those who were related to Xu Qing.

Supporting Big Hammer was not only because of his abilities, but also because they hoped to further maintain their connection with Xu Qing through him.

Besides the big iron hammer, Tian Guang also plans to support Situ Wanli, Xu Qing's earliest business partner. Over the years, under Situ Wanli's management, the farm family's business empire has continued to expand, accumulating a large amount of wealth for the farm family.

Situ Wanli has made such a great contribution and deserves the promotion and important position he is given.

"Perhaps Wu Kuang has a good place to go." After talking with Da Tiechui, Tian Guang stood alone by the window, watching the leaves falling outside, and a thought suddenly came to mind.

He recalled Xu Qing's situation in Qi. If Wu Kuang were to go to Qi and seek refuge with Xu Qing, it might not only allow Wu Kuang to avoid the conflicts of the peasant faction, but also give Xu Qing another ally. At the same time, it could further strengthen the connection between the peasant faction and Xu Qing, which would be a win-win situation.

The conversation between Tian Guang and Da Tiechui took place in private.

Among the farmers, there are quite a few who have designs on the head of the Kuiwei Hall.

"Master Tian Meng, you must help me!" Tian Mi said softly to Tian Meng.

Then, as a widow, she got busy with her affairs.

Tian Meng nodded in agreement as he enjoyed himself.

Tian Mi helped him a great deal by crippling Chen Sheng, so naturally he had to give her some reward. Although this woman's methods were mediocre, she was still a member of the Tian family. If she became the head of the Kuiwei Hall, it would be beneficial to him.

Meanwhile, inside the Shennong Hall.

Zhu Zhong, the adopted son of the Zhu family, also sought help from his adoptive father, the Zhu family.

"Godfather, I want to compete for the position of the head of the Kuiwei Hall!"

Over the years, he has made great contributions to Shennong Hall. He believes that his skills and abilities are first-rate, but because of his adoptive father, he has no way to advance. Now that Kuiwei Hall is without a leader, he wants to compete for it.

"I'll think about this..."

The Zhu family did not give a direct reply; instead, they hesitated.

He always felt something was off about Chen Sheng's situation, which was why he chose to help Chen Sheng escape. Perhaps one day, Chen Sheng could clear his name and return to his farm, provided that Wu Kuang's body could be found.

After Chen Sheng committed a serious crime, Wu Kuang's body disappeared. It is unknown whether he was still alive or whether someone deliberately destroyed the body to destroy evidence.

In short, these events were unusual, making it difficult for the Zhu family to support their adopted son.

He didn't notice that his attitude only made Zhu Zhong more dissatisfied, and resentment towards his adoptive father gradually grew in his heart. He then thought of Tian Meng's previous promise.

……

"This farmhouse is really lively!"

Nestled among the vast mountains are six traditional farmhouses.

Among the disciples of the Farmer School, besides the men, there were also some women.

An ordinary disciple of the Four Mountains Hall was somewhat surprised to learn of the many things that had happened in the farmhouse recently.

Initially, she thought that the Farmer's School had many disciples and few recruitment requirements, making it easy to hide herself, so she infiltrated the school.

What truly made her decide to settle down in the farm was that she heard a familiar name in the farm.

Xu Qing!

This person is a swordsmith. He has a good relationship with the farmers and runs a business with the Siyue Hall. Coincidentally, she also knows a man named Xu Qing, who is also a swordsmith.

She thought that by staying at the farmhouse, she could see him again, but she never expected that a long time would pass and she would still not be able to see Xu Qing.

Fortunately, life in the countryside was quite peaceful, so she could only continue to wait. Until recently, she discovered that the tranquility of the countryside was just a facade, and that undercurrents were surging beneath the surface.

"But what does that have to do with me?"

……

King Jian of Qi still had not returned to Linzi City.

After all, in those days, transportation was inconvenient. The place King Jian of Qi wanted to go was the State of Qin, which was extremely far from Qi. He would also have to travel through other countries along the way. This round trip would take at least a few months, if not a year or two.

Therefore, the advice given by those in the Qi court was reasonable. As the ruler of a country, how could the state of Qi not be in danger if he went to another country for such a long time?

However, King Jian of Qi had already made up his mind, and Hou Sheng even got the Confucian headquarters to intervene, so the matter was forcibly pushed forward.

While Hou Sheng was in charge of state affairs in place of King Qi Jian, Xu Qing was still in his residence, actively training the assassins of the Luo Wang organization, trying to mold them into pawns that met his expectations.

It was at this time that a letter arrived unexpectedly.

Although Xu Qing was hiding in Hou Sheng Mansion, his concealment was relative.

He did not sever ties with the farmers, after all, the farmers had extensive trade routes and were very valuable partners. He briefly mentioned his current situation to Tian Guang.

Unexpectedly, Tian Guang took advantage of the situation and wrote a letter wanting to entrust someone to him.

"Is this a shelter for me?" Xu Qing muttered.

Looking at the introduction of that person in the letter, he immediately had his answer.

Now that he needs people, he doesn't mind accepting the talents sent by Tian Guang.

Besides, isn't this also a form of exchange of benefits?

Xu Qing helped Tian Guang take in some people, and those who were close to Xu Qing were given important positions in the farmhouse.

This is another way to completely bind Xu Qing to the farm family's war chariot.

Chapter 165 I Want You to Infiltrate the Net

Xu Qing ultimately decided to write a letter back to Tian Guang.

Of course, there is a possibility that the letters could be intercepted.

Therefore, both Tian Guang's reply to him and his reply to Tian Guang used special code words and did not directly mention what the matter was.

This code was taught to Xu Qing by Tian Guang back in the Yan Kingdom, in order to further strengthen his relationship with Xu Qing.

The agricultural channels were extensive, and Tian Guang, as the leader of the chivalrous sects, sent his letters through encrypted channels, which ensured rapid delivery.

Not long after Xu Qing replied, Tian Guang received this letter.

Looking at Xu Qing's response on the letter, Tian Guang felt quite pleased with himself.

Indeed, frequently building closer relationships does have its benefits.

Although Xu Qing did not join the farming family, looking back now, it was actually a good thing.

There was an undercurrent of intrigue within the peasant family, and even core members like Chen Sheng and Wu Kuang, who had grown up in the peasant family, were plotted against.

If Xu Qing were to come to a farmhouse as an outsider, who knows how many sordid things he would encounter.

The current situation, where he has the farmers secretly help Xu Qing and Xu Qing secretly helps him in return, with each side acting as an external supporter, seems more suitable for the current circumstances.

Once the tacit understanding is fully formed.

What difference does it make whether Xu Qing comes to the Six Halls or not?