283: They are all waiting for that legendary figure! Lu Xuan!

Shen Yunwei spoke while secretly observing County Magistrate Liu Bifu's expression, and only when he saw that the other party's demeanor had eased slightly, did he secretly breathe a sigh of relief.

"Starting tomorrow, the relief and charity stalls will all be changed to operate under the name of the County Yamen."

Shen Yunwei knew clearly that County Magistrate Liu Bifu, as the official in charge of Dengfeng County, held real power.

If he offended him, the Shen family would likely find it difficult to move an inch in this Fu City in the future.

Shen Yunwei thought again that his Shen family had already provided charity for more than half a year in the name of Lu Qingqing, the future mistress of the Shen family, and the prayers were almost sufficient.

Over the past half year, due to Lu Qingqing's good deeds, the Shen family's prestige among the common people had grown day by day, but it had also attracted some unnecessary attention.

For example, this Lord Liu in front of him.

Next, only a few months remained until a full year.

One year of charity was a decision he had made initially, firstly to pray for Lu Qingqing, and secondly for the vast suffering populace.

So, for the remaining few months, they would distribute aid to the impoverished people in the city under the name of the County Yamen.

This way, it would not only give County Magistrate Liu Bifu a way out and maintain good relations with the government, but also ensure that the charity work had a good beginning and end, without leaving any room for criticism.

Shen Yunwei secretly calculated, his face still maintaining that benevolent smile, as if everything was his willing and long-planned intention.

Hearing Shen Yunwei's words, the smile on County Magistrate Liu Bifu's face deepened by a few points, clearly indicating his satisfaction with Shen Yunwei's good sense.

County Magistrate Liu Bifu nodded, and said in a gentle tone, "Master Shen is indeed a sensible person."

"Since the Shen family is willing to provide charity to the people in the name of the County Yamen, this official will naturally also contribute and fully support your Shen family."

"This way, the common people can not only receive practical benefits but also feel the care of the County Yamen. Isn't this killing two birds with one stone?"

Shen Yunwei hurriedly bowed in salute, his tone respectful: "Lord Liu is absolutely right!"

"The Shen family is merely doing its humble part; it is this old man's honor to be able to share the County Yamen's concerns."

County Magistrate Liu Bifu finally nodded with satisfaction, took a small sip from his teacup, and then smiled.

"Master Shen, there's no need to be nervous. This official came today to bask in the Shen family's auspiciousness."

"Your Shen family has a great joyous occasion today, and this official has also prepared a humble gift. I hope Master Shen will not disdain it."

As he spoke, he waved his hand, and the man who had been insolent earlier immediately presented an exquisite gift box to Shen Yunwei.

"Since the matter has been settled, this official will not disturb you further."

"Master Shen, please continue with your busy schedule. This official has many affairs, so I will bother you again another day."

Shen Yunwei quickly accepted the gift box, his face showing gratitude: "Lord Liu is too kind!"

"Your presence alone is already an honor for the Shen family, why bring a gift?"

"You truly make our Shen family feel overwhelmed by favor!"

County Magistrate Liu Bifu laughed heartily and waved his hand: "Master Shen, there's no need to be so polite; this is just a small token of this official's regard."

"Today is a joyous day for the Shen family, so this official will not disturb you further. I will properly catch up with Master Shen another day."

Shen Yunwei hurriedly bowed in salute: "Lord Liu, take care!"

"This old man will certainly visit another day to personally thank Lord Liu!"

County Magistrate Liu Bifu nodded and turned to leave with a few attendants.

Shen Yunwei watched County Magistrate Liu Bifu leave, the smile on his face gradually receding, replaced by a look of solemnity.

It seemed that the Shen family's prestige in Fu City had clearly aroused the apprehension of this official.

However, this Lord Liu had not done anything wrong; for his Shen family, a family of healers, such great prestige was indeed a bit overstepping.

Shen Yunwei was just afraid that this Lord Liu had other intentions towards the Shen family.

And Shen Yunwei's conjecture was indeed correct.

After leaving the Shen family's residence, County Magistrate Liu Bifu directly got into his exclusive County Yamen sedan chair.

The benevolent smile that had been plastered on his face instantly vanished, replaced by a look of sinister gloom and ruthlessness.

His demeanor changed drastically, as if he had become a different person.

And the secretary who had been following closely outside his sedan chair, the same man who had just spoken sarcastically about the Shen family.

At this moment, he was slightly bent over, his eyes darting around from time to time, looking furtive.

"My Lord!"

He leaned close to the sedan window, lowering his voice, his face full of doubt, and whispered through the sedan's curtain, "Is this all we need to do?"

"Idiot!"

County Magistrate Liu Bifu heard the man outside speaking recklessly, a fierce glint flashed in his eyes, and his tone was full of impatience and disgust, "Why ask so many questions!"

This useless fellow, in broad daylight, even dared to inquire about such matters from him. Didn't he know that walls have ears?

County Magistrate Liu Bifu cursed inwardly, his brows tightly furrowed, and anger surged within him.

He slightly lifted the sedan curtain, his gaze like a knife sweeping over the secretary outside, his tone carrying a hint of warning: "Shut your mouth."

"Say one more word, and beware of your head."

The secretary shivered, startled by County Magistrate Liu Bifu's gaze, and quickly lowered his head, not daring to speak further.

He secretly regretted his slip of the tongue, having forgotten County Magistrate Liu Bifu's greatest taboo.

Which was discussing such secret matters in public.

County Magistrate Liu Bifu snorted coldly, lowered the sedan curtain, and leaned back in the sedan chair, closing his eyes to rest.

His face still carried a hint of coldness, but he was calculating his next plan.

The Shen family was one of the top families in Dengfeng County, with strong financial resources and extremely high prestige.

Since taking office, County Magistrate Liu Bifu had long set his sights on this lucrative target.

It was just that the Shen family's prestige was too high, and they had considerable support from various forces, so he had never found a suitable opportunity to make a move.

"Shen Yunwei, this old fox, is quite sensible."

County Magistrate Liu Bifu sneered inwardly, "However, this alone is not enough."

What County Magistrate Liu Bifu wanted was not just the Shen family's reputation, but also their wealth.

He had indeed set his sights on the Shen family, this fat sheep.

The Shen family had been operating in this Fu City for many years, possessing vast wealth and deep foundations.

Especially in recent years, the Shen family's business had been thriving, subtly showing a trend of becoming the top family in Fu City.

County Magistrate Liu Bifu had long coveted the Shen family's wealth and had always sought an opportunity to make a fortune.

This time, using the Shen family's charity work as an excuse to make a big fuss, was merely the first step in his plan.

This time, County Magistrate Liu Bifu's goal was to first weaken the Shen family's prestige for a period of time.

When the time was ripe, he would make an example of the Shen family.

He knew in his heart that to completely devour the Shen family, he had to proceed step by step, slowly.

"It seems I still need to put more pressure on the Shen family." County Magistrate Liu Bifu thought to himself, a cold smile playing on the corner of his mouth.

The County Yamen's sedan chair moved slowly forward, but County Magistrate Liu Bifu's thoughts became increasingly clear.

He decided that upon his return, he would immediately arrange for people to secretly investigate the Shen family's weaknesses.

As long as he found the Shen family's weaknesses, he could decisively act against them.

A mere ant in the Marrow Refinement Realm was not qualified to possess so many martial arts resources.

As County Magistrate Liu Bifu thought, he also felt a great pang of heartache.

The Shen family had been providing charity for more than half a year; how rich must they be?

All of that was this official's money!

All that gleaming silver scattered to the poor, it was simply an abomination!

At the same time, Shen Yunwei stood at the entrance of his mansion, watching County Magistrate Liu Bifu's sedan chair disappear into the distance.

The smile on his face gradually faded, replaced by a look of solemnity.

However, Shen Yunwei then turned and returned to the mansion, greeting other guests with a smile.

"Father, Lord Liu, he..." A man of about eighteen stepped forward and asked in a low voice.

This was Shen Wenfen, one of Shen Yunwei's five sons, the third son born to a concubine.

Shen Yunwei waved his hand, signaling him not to speak further, then whispered, "Wenfen, go and make arrangements. Starting tomorrow, all charity stalls will operate under the name of the County Yamen.

"Additionally, the scale and method of charity must also be adjusted appropriately; absolutely do not be as ostentatious as before."

Shen Wenfen nodded and replied softly, "Yes, Father, I will go and arrange it now."

Shen Yunwei took a deep breath and looked up at the courtyard filled with red silk and celebratory characters, but he felt a subtle unease in his heart.

Just then, a slight sound of footsteps came from the front.

Shen Yunwei turned his head to look, and saw an old man slowly approaching, supported by a young man.

Behind the two of them, followed two middle-aged men in their forties or fifties.

The right sleeve of one of them was empty, clearly indicating the loss of an arm.

These two middle-aged men were none other than Qian Hao and Li Daren of the Huang Grade Xuan Niao Guard!

And the identities of the old man and the young man in front were naturally self-evident.

They were Lu Xuan's biological father, Lu Jiahe, and Lu Xuan's half-brother, Lu Yunan.

Lu Jiahe walked a few steps closer, a gentle smile on his face, and said, "In-law, today is a joyous occasion for the Shen family. I've come to lend a hand and see if there's anything I can help with."

"With Shen Yuan taking care of Qingqing, I'm at ease."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yunwei quickly stepped forward, his face beaming with smiles: "Oh, my dear in-law, your personal visit to Dengfeng County has already brought immense glory to the Shen family!"

"How could I possibly ask you to help?"

Lu Jiahe waved his hand, his tone calm: "Master Shen, you are too polite. Since our two families are now in-laws, we are one family."

"Today's joyous occasion for the Shen family is also a joyous occasion for my Lu family. How could I stand by and do nothing?"

Then, Lu Jiahe smiled slightly, his gaze sweeping across the courtyard filled with red silk and celebratory characters, his tone carrying a hint of emotion.

"Alas!"

"Time truly flies!"

"In the blink of an eye!"

"I already have two little grandchildren!"

"I wonder where Lu Xuan is now."

"If Lu Xuan knew that Qingqing and her children are safe, he would surely be very happy."

Lu Jiahe had stayed at the Shen family for two days, actually hoping for Lu Xuan's appearance.

It wasn't just Lu Jiahe who was waiting.

In fact, within the Shen family, Shen Yunwei, Shen Yuan, and even Li Daren and Qian Hao, were all waiting for that man.

That is the legendary figure among the Baidao Prefecture Blackbird Guard!

Yes, that's right!

During the short period when Lu Xuan served as a Mystic Envoy in Baidao Prefecture, he became a mythical figure in the hearts of all Blackbird Guards in Baidao Prefecture.

"By the way, in-law, our Lu family has already imposed for two days, and it's time for us to leave."

"I will return to Qingyun County early tomorrow morning."

"With Shen Yuan looking after Qingqing, I can rest assured."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yunwei immediately became a little agitated and quickly said.

"Oh!"

"In-law Lu, won't you stay a few more days and let me fulfill my duties as a host?"

"In-law Shen, I appreciate your kindness."

Lu Jiahe waved his hand, not dwelling on this issue, but instead changed the subject.

"Qingqing has been a bit weak recently, so I plan to leave someone here to protect her at all times."

"Daren, I'll trouble you to stay here and protect Qingqing for three months."

After Lu Jiahe finished speaking, his gaze turned to Li Daren behind him, his tone carrying a hint of solemnity.

Then he clasped his hands together and bowed to Li Daren, not treating him as a subordinate at all.

Upon hearing this, Li Daren immediately stepped forward, respectfully cupping his fists in salute: "Brother Lu, there's no need to be so polite with me."

"You can rest assured!"

"I will definitely protect Miss Qingqing."

Li Daren and Qian Hao were both specifically arranged by Li Chengfeng to personally protect Lu Jiahe.

For this task, others would fight to get it!

If Li Chengfeng hadn't still been serving as a Mystic Envoy in Baidao Prefecture, he would have wanted to come and protect this Master Lu himself.

After all, as the biological father of that legendary figure, Lu Xuan.

If anyone knew of Lu Jiahe's identity.

Then Li Chengfeng estimated that the people who wanted to curry favor with Lu Jiahe could line up from Baidao Prefecture all the way to Tiandu.