Chapter 148: Villain
After Zhu Chengwu was stopped by Taoist Qingfeng while chasing after him, he immediately returned to the Marquis Fu'an Mansion in Xuzhou City.

"My Lord~"

Qiuyue, who was in charge of the affairs of Fu'an Marquis Mansion in Xuzhou City, was shocked to see Zhu Chengwu suddenly appear after the large group of people from Fu'an Marquis Mansion left.

After Zhu Chengwu took away the main force of Fu'an Marquis Mansion, the Fu'an Marquis Mansion under the leadership of Qiuyue no longer has the intelligence capabilities it once had.

Qiuyue knew nothing about the battle between Zhu Chengwu and the three great monks of Shaolin Temple.

Qiuyue's current understanding of the front line is still at the stage where the large force of Fu'an Marquis' Mansion is blocked at Yantai Pass.

Seeing Zhu Chengwu suddenly appear, Qiuyue quickly verified Zhu Chengwu's identity through various means agreed upon in advance, and finally confirmed that the person in front of her was indeed Zhu Chengwu who had left before, and not someone else who had impersonated him through disguise or other means.

This world is a world of martial arts, with extraordinary powers.

In order to prevent others from impersonating others, the Fu'an Marquis Mansion has its own means of verifying identities.

puff~
Qiuyue had just verified Zhu Chengwu's identity when Zhu Chengwu, who had just entered the Marquis of Fu'an's Mansion, couldn't help but spit out several mouthfuls of blood.

Bang bang~~~
At the same time, Zhu Chengwu's blood vessels burst and blood gushed out of his body.

Many of the injuries that had been suppressed could no longer be suppressed after returning to Fu'an Marquis Mansion and his heartstrings were no longer so tense.

"My Lord~~~"

Qiuyue spoke again, with inexplicable horror in her eyes!
Qiuyue never expected that Zhu Chengwu, who suddenly returned, was so seriously injured.

“Don’t make it public!
Immediately seal off the inside and outside of Marquis Fu'an's Mansion, and no one in the Mansion is allowed to go out unless necessary!

Mobilize the forces of all affiliated forces in Xuzhou City and let them strictly guard Xuzhou City. From today on, Xuzhou City will be under martial law!
At the same time, have the Li family, the Xiaodao Gang, and the Xuzhou County Office send messages separately, asking the Fu'an Marquis's troops to return as quickly as possible, and at the same time inform the Zhao family and my mother that I will no longer enter the capital!"

Zhu Chengwu made quick arrangements.

"Yes, Lord Marquis!"

Qiuyue bowed in response.

"Also, have your father, mother, and brother move into the Marquis of Fu'an's mansion immediately. I want to see them arrive within half an hour.

Before the large army from Marquis Fu'an's Mansion returned, he lived next door to me!
Qiuyue, don’t blame me for not trusting you!

You should know that I don’t trust anyone 100%!

Let's be a villain first and a gentleman later!"

Before Qiuyue left, Zhu Chengwu hesitated for just a moment and then gave instructions again.

Although doing so would probably leave a thorn in Qiuyue's heart, Zhu Chengwu could not accept losing everything because of a moment of "softness".

"Yes, Lord Marquis!"

Qiuyue was stunned for a moment, but finally bowed in response.

Zhu Chengwu had already said this, and Qiuyue knew that she had no right to refuse.

If she refused, she would probably be met with Zhu Chengwu's wrath.

Although Zhu Chengwu seemed to be seriously injured now, Qiuyue didn't want to gamble whether Zhu Chengwu still had the strength to suppress her.

As one of the four close attendants, Qiuyue is well aware of Zhu Chengwu's strength and the number of cards he has.

Moreover, with Zhu Chengwu's prestige in Fu'an Marquis' Mansion, if she disobeyed his orders, Zhu Chengwu would not need to do it himself. With just a single order, he could make her, the person who was temporarily in charge of the overall situation, a prisoner.

After carefully sensing with the master's spiritual sense, Zhu Chengwu felt that Qiuyue did not seem to have any intention of betraying him, so he waved his hand and asked Qiuyue to go out and do his work.

Zhu Chengwu began to heal his wounds.

The three great monks of Shaolin Temple are no ordinary people, not to mention that Zen Master Fangyuan and Taoist Qingfeng also intervened in the middle.

Don't be fooled by Zhu Chengwu's strong performance. After killing Wuwo first, then destroying Wu Se and Fang Yuan, and finally facing the sneak attack from Qingfeng Taoist, Zhu Chengwu had already reached his limit.

When Zhu Chengwu finally gave up chasing Wu Se, Wu Xiang and Fang Yuan, Taoist Qing Feng was very afraid that Zhu Chengwu would find out that he could only make one move with all his strength and was unable to move easily, so he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Zhu Chengwu retreating.

However, Taoist Qingfeng did not know that Zhu Chengwu was already trying his best to chase down Wu Se, Wu Xiang and Fang Yuan. After using his last forbidden technique to break through their sneak attack, Zhu Chengwu had reached his limit and was no longer able to resist any of the masters.

He was worried that Zhu Chengwu would find out that he could only use one move with all his strength and that his movements were limited. Zhu Chengwu was even more worried that he would find out that Zhu Chengwu no longer had the fighting power of a grandmaster.

Therefore, after seeing Taoist Qingfeng appear, Zhu Chengwu quickly retreated without saying a word after breaking through Taoist Qingfeng's sneak attack.

After the evacuation, Zhu Chengwu even dared not go back to the place where the Fu'an Marquis Mansion's large army was located, for fear that his weakness would be discovered by the masters who were secretly observing from various forces of the Ming Dynasty.

After much consideration, Zhu Chengwu finally chose to return to the Fu'an Marquis Mansion in Xuzhou City.

After Zhu Chengwu led a large army to leave Xuzhou City, the Fu'an Marquis Mansion in Xuzhou City became almost invisible.

Moreover, because it was the base camp, even if Zhu Chengwu led the main force of Fu'an Marquis Mansion away, the force left by Fu'an Marquis Mansion in Xuzhou City would be considerable.

"My Lord~~"

Just as Zhu Chengwu was practicing internal energy to heal his wounds, Qiuyue's gentle voice rang out.

Qiuyue lowered her voice so low because she was afraid of disturbing Zhu Chengwu's recovery.

After some psychological struggle, Qiuyue finally brought her father, mother, younger brother and other family members to Zhu Chengwu.

Although Qiuyue didn't know what her master Zhu Chengwu had experienced, she knew that Zhu Chengwu's trip to Beijing was not smooth from the fact that he suddenly appeared and was seriously injured.

Qiuyue also hesitated, wondering whether the ship of Fu'an Marquis' Mansion was about to capsize and whether she should jump off the ship in advance.

But in the end Qiuyue chose to believe Zhu Chengwu!

"You are here! Boss Qiu, Madam Qiu, and little brother Qiu~~ We're sorry to bother you to live in the yard next door for the time being!" Zhu Chengwu said in a kind tone.

How could Zhu Chengwu not know the determination and resolve Qiuyue needed to send her father, mother, younger brother and other family members to live in Fu'an Marquis Mansion under the current circumstances.

Zhu Chengwu should give some face to Qiuyue and her family who are so loyal.

Looking at Zhu Chengwu, who had not yet bathed or changed his clothes and still had blood stains on his body, Qiuyue's mother and brother had a hint of fear in their eyes.

"Since the Marquis has summoned you, Qiu Ruofeng will come with all his strength!" Qiuyue's father, on the other hand, looked at Zhu Chengwu with excitement.

Relying on the master's spiritual perception, Zhu Chengwu could feel that Qiuyue's father's excitement was positive excitement...

I didn’t expect that! did not expect!

In the current unclear situation, Qiuyue's father Qiu Ruofeng would still be excited about being summoned by Zhu Chengwu and meeting Zhu Chengwu.

"I have sensed the intention of Gang Leader Qiu! If I can successfully survive this disaster..."

Zhu Chengwu narrowed his eyes slightly, and his words revealed a hint of worry about the current situation and future development.

"The Marquis is a martial arts legend of the time, who can and who dares to be his enemy?

Even if there are a few ignorant lunatics, I believe they would only be a minor threat to the Marquis.

My Lord will solve it soon!
The Marquis is gifted with extraordinary talent, both literary and martial virtues, and will surely unify the Ming Dynasty and achieve his wish!"

Qiu Ruofeng was unaware of Zhu Chengwu's temptation and simply flattered Zhu Chengwu.

At the end, Qiu Ruofeng even knelt on the ground and complimented Zhu Chengwu.

Not only did Qiu Ruofeng kneel down himself, but at his signal and coercion, Qiuyue's mother and brother also knelt down.

"My Lord is gifted with extraordinary talent, both in literature and martial virtue, and will surely unify the Ming Dynasty and achieve his wish!"

Qiuyue's mother and brother continued Qiu Rufeng's words and complimented Zhu Chengwu.

It's a pity that they have not received any professional training, so even if there are only two of them and only a few words, their conversation is disorganized.

The compliments were untidy and lacked momentum.

"How shameful! My father is so... Fortunately, my father can't control me, so I don't have to do such shameful and flattering things!"

Qiuyue, who was standing aside, tried hard to keep calm on her face, but her toes in her embroidered shoes seemed to be digging out a courtyard with four entrances.

"Boss Qiu, I'm asking for your blessing! Everyone, get up!"

Zhu Chengwu smiled and asked Qiu Ruofeng and his wife and children to stand up. Although he knew that Qiu Ruofeng was trying to please him, Zhu Chengwu couldn't help but feel more favorable towards Qiu Ruofeng.

Being able to make such a flattering move in an unclear situation...

Regardless of other things, Qiu Ruofeng's loyalty is worthy of recognition!
And many times, loyalty is often more important than ability.

This is not only true for Zhu Chengwu personally, but also for many other people.

Not only in this world, but also in Zhu Chengwu's previous life, loyal people are more likely to gain the trust and promotion of their superiors than those with strong abilities.

"However, Qiuyue doesn't seem to agree with her father's approach!"

Zhu Chengwu looked at Qiuyue, whose face couldn't stop shaking slightly, and after sensing Qiuyue's inner emotions, he thought so in his heart.

"Boss Qiu, there is no one available in Fu'an Marquis' Mansion right now. Before the main force returns, I wonder if you are willing to share the worry for me!"

Zhu Chengwu looked at Qiu Ruofeng in front of him with a smile on his face.

This was a temporary decision made by Zhu Chengwu after he discovered Qiu Rufeng's loyalty.

"The Marquis has given the order, Qiu Ruofeng will do his best!"

Qiu Ruofeng assured Zhu Chengwu excitedly.

Although Qiu Ruofeng has limited abilities and is not jealous of his daughter Qiuyue's power, as a father, he still feels dissatisfied when he is always accused of relying on his daughter.

Especially after Zhu Chengwu's wedding, Qiuyue actually asked her second uncle to dismiss Qiu Ruofeng, her father's deputy leader of the Xiaodao Gang. Qiu Ruofeng wanted to prove himself even more.

Even his own daughter Qiuyue didn't believe in his ability, so Qiu Ruofeng often drank to drown his sorrows!

Qiu Ruofeng once found his second brother and wanted to plead with him to restore his position as deputy leader of the Xiaodao Gang. Or even if he didn't restore his position as deputy leader, he could just give him a more important position.

In Qiu Ruofeng's opinion, this is not a problem.

After all, he and his second brother are born from the same mother and have a very good relationship.

Moreover, as the eldest son, when his father passed on the position of leader of the Little Knife Gang to his second brother, he did not cause any trouble...

Qiu Ruofeng believed that he had done his best to live up to his second brother's expectations!
Now, he still has the face to let his second brother off and restore his position.

Unfortunately, Qiu Ruofeng's second brother rejected him in the end.

It was not because of the bad relationship between the brothers, nor because they were worried that Qiu Ruofeng would snatch the position of gang leader, but because his niece Qiuyue had warned Qiu Ruofeng not to get involved in the affairs of the Xiaodao Gang, to prevent Qiu Ruofeng from cheating and offending people under the banner of the Xiaodao Gang.

Qiu Ruofeng's second brother clearly told Qiu Ruofeng that everything could be discussed only if Qiuyue agreed.

From that moment on, Qiu Ruofeng once again understood the importance of his daughter's position as a close attendant to Marquis Fu'an.

That was a force that was enough to break the rigid moral code, force the daughter to dismiss the father, and force the entire Qiu family to obey...

To be honest, from that time on, although Qiu Ruofeng was not jealous of Qiuyue, he began to envy Qiuyue as his daughter.

Not only was he envious, but Qiu Ruofeng also wanted to prove himself in front of his daughter Qiuyue, to let Qiuyue know that she had misjudged her father!
Qiu Ruofeng thought he was capable.

But she didn’t have the luck of her daughter Qiuyue, who met a noble man like Marquis Fu’an.

That's why his abilities were not fully utilized!

As long as there is a noble person like Marquis Fu'an who is willing to give Qiu Ruofeng a chance, Qiu Ruofeng believes that he can do no worse than Qiu Yue.

However, how many nobles of the level of Marquis Fu'an are there in the world?

The legitimate son of King Ming, a martial arts legend, a young master...each of these identities makes Zhu Chengwu seem so unattainable.

During the three years he was unemployed at home, Qiu Ruofeng fantasized more than once that he would be valued and valued by Zhu Chengwu, so that he could prove himself in front of his daughter Qiuyue and feel proud.

After getting drunk with a few drinking buddies, Qiu Ruofeng "saw" Zhu Chengwu more than once and was "received" by Zhu Chengwu.

Unfortunately, in the end, they were all proved to be illusions and fantasies!
Marquis of Fu'an Zhu Chengwu had been in seclusion in the Marquis of Fu'an's mansion and had never met him.

As for why the noble person Qiu Ruofeng has always fantasized about is Zhu Chengwu, it is naturally because among the people Qiu Ruofeng has come into contact with, Zhu Chengwu has the highest status.

Xuzhou City is the base camp of the Fu'an Marquis Mansion. Xuzhou people always talk about Zhu Chengwu before and after meals, and many of them dream of being valued by Zhu Chengwu and rising to the top.

Qiu Ruofeng was removed from his post and had nothing to do all day, wandering around Xuzhou City, which affected him greatly.

Another thing is that the benefactor of his daughter Qiuyue is Zhu Chengwu, the Marquis of Fu'an. Being valued by the same benefactor and having his abilities recognized will naturally make Qiu Rufeng's actions in proving himself in front of his daughter more convincing.

"Boss Qiu, before the main force of the Fu'an Marquis's Mansion returns, you will be the full representative of the Fu'an Marquis' Mansion to conduct external liaisons. Make sure that all forces in Xuzhou Prefecture send their elite troops to Xuzhou City to defend it!"

Zhu Chengwu arranged Qiu Rufeng's tasks.

This external docking work requires loyalty more than ability.

There are specific people responsible for the specific defense.

All Qiu Ruofeng needs to do is to urge the major forces in Xuzhou Prefecture to send their elite troops to settle in, and not let them delay time and pass off inferior troops as good ones.

They even sent in some traitors, spies and traitors.

"Yes, Lord Marquis!"

Qiu Ruofeng seemed full of energy.

He can't wait to prove his abilities.

"As for Madam Qiu and Brother Qiu, they can rest in the yard next to mine. What do you think, Chief Qiu?"

Zhu Chengwu once again emphasized the hostages in his hands.

"It is a blessing for my wife and my son to live in the Marquis' Mansion. I have no objection!"

Qiu Ruofeng had no complaints about Zhu Chengwu's taking of hostages.

Only those who are thinking of betrayal would worry about their family members being held hostage.

If they were loyal, the family would just move to a better place to live.

Qiu Ruofeng had never thought of betrayal. His fantasy had finally come true, and he was valued by Zhu Chengwu, so he even wanted to prove himself in front of his daughter Qiuyue!

And who was the last person whose family was held hostage by Marquis Fu’an?

That is General Zhao Xinghan, the absolute top leader of the Marquisate.

Having no ability is not important to Marquis Fu'an. Given his status, he is too lazy to take hostages!

This time, Marquis Fu'an held his wife and children hostage. In Qiu Ruofeng's opinion, it was not a bad thing but a good thing!

The path that General Zhao Xinghan had walked might be something that Qiu Ruofeng could walk again.

By then, he will become a senior official in the Marquis's Mansion, his legitimate son will become Marquis Fu'an's disciple, and his legitimate daughter will be Marquis Fu'an's close attendant. They will all have a bright future.

As for the current unclear situation, Qiu Ruofeng didn't even think about the deeper meaning of Zhu Chengwu's return to Xuzhou City alone.

Just like the flattery he put it, in his opinion, Zhu Chengwu was extremely talented, even if he suffered a temporary setback, the future still belonged to Zhu Chengwu!

As long as you recognize this fact and do not change it, everything else is trivial!
The future belongs to Marquis Fu'an. This is also the consensus reached by Qiu Ruofeng and many drinking buddies after analyzing the current situation and making suggestions on how to deal with the country.

To be honest, Qiu Ruofeng's trust in Marquis Fu'an is even higher than that in his close attendant Qiuyue.

In fact, Qiuyue was hesitant and cautious when she asked Qiu Ruofeng and other family members to stay temporarily in Fu'an Marquis Mansion.

But when Qiuyue finished explaining the situation at home, Qiu Ruofeng firmly supported coming to Fu'an Marquis Mansion to stay temporarily...

Only then did Qiuyue bring her family back to Marquis Fu'an's Mansion and come before Zhu Chengwu.

At that time, Qiu Ruofeng didn't know that he would be able to meet Zhu Chengwu because of this stay and thus be valued by Zhu Chengwu.

Qiu Ruofeng only knew that by staying at the Marquis of Fu'an's Mansion, he could get more opportunities to meet Zhu Chengwu.

Moreover, Qiu Ruofeng firmly believes that Marquis Fu'an will achieve ultimate victory, and he must fully support his daughter Qiuyue to complete Marquis Fu'an's arrangements and consolidate his daughter Qiuyue's position in Marquis Fu'an's heart.

Therefore, Qiu Ruofeng's flattery cannot even be called flattery!
That was Qiu Ruofeng's truest thought deep in his heart.

(End of this chapter)