Chapter 52: The Most Lucrative Post in Jingzhou

  Zhang Ping, although not holding a high position in the military, only a marquis, his reputation in Jingzhou was very loud, nicknamed Water Wolf, notorious for his cruelty. He relied on his cousin Zhang Yun and brother-in-law Cai Zhong to support him, and he rampaged unchecked on the Han River, almost every boatman on the Han River had suffered at his hands.

  In the empty space outside the hospital, dozens of soldiers stood against the wall, forming a large circle. Everyone's eyes were filled with anticipation as Zhang Ping was about to challenge the newly appointed Du Cao. This made everyone very nervous, as both men had powerful backgrounds - one being the younger brother of Zhang Yun and nephew of Cai Zhong, while the other was the nephew of the provincial governor.

  Everyone was especially worried about Liu Xuan, although Liu Xuan had won the sword fight against Cai Jin and caused a sensation in Xiangyang, but that was just a martial arts competition between young people. When facing a real adult master, how many rounds could he withstand? If something happened to Liu Xuan, how would they explain it to the governor, and wouldn't they be implicated themselves?

  Everyone began to worry, dozens of eyes turned to Zhang Ping. Lu Sheng sat on a large stone, covering his nose, and his heart was even more worried. Liu Xiang had come down to fight because of him, and if something happened to Liu Xiang, Lu Sheng would likely be the first to be implicated. Lu Sheng knew Zhang Ping's character all too well - he was ruthless and merciless, with no regard for human life, and countless people had been injured at his hands.

  "Heaven forbid anything happens to him!"

  In the courtyard, Zhang Ping and Liu Xuan stood on either side, each holding a black and red dual-colored staff in their hands. This was the patrol stick they used when patrolling, made of jujube wood, with a heavy texture that was extremely solid and sturdy. Although it didn't directly harm people like a knife or sword, if struck at a vital spot, it could still be life-threatening.

  Zhang Ping's eyes gleamed with a sinister light, his back slightly arched, like a wild wolf that had discovered its prey. A faint, wicked smile hung on his face, and he had personally witnessed the martial arts competition between Liu Xiang and Cai Jin, which was not bad, but in his eyes, it was just child's play. If they wanted to compare with him, they were still far behind!

  He didn't dare to kill Liu Xiong directly, but today he had to give Liu Xiong a severe lesson, making him quit his job as supervisor of Cao, and at the same time giving himself an excuse for his brother-in-law Cai Zhong. He knew that Cai Zhong hated Liu Xiong extremely, and today was a good opportunity to vent his anger on behalf of Cai Zhong.

  Liu Xuan, however, seemed rather calm and composed, his hands carelessly waving the double-colored staff, but in his mind he was thinking rapidly about how to transfer that Wind and Thunder Change knife technique onto the staff. He suddenly discovered it was entirely feasible; no matter what weapon he used, he could use that Wind and Thunder Change move.

  Just treat the stick as a sword.

  His arms began to gather strength, waiting for the fatal blow to burst out.

  At this time, Lu Sheng slowly walked to the side of Jin Cao Li Jun, who was also a main official in charge of checking merchants' tax payments. He had just returned and encountered Zhang Ping challenging Liu Yun. With his hands clasped together in front of his chest, he coldly watched the two men duel in the courtyard.

  "Jin Cao, who do you think will win?" Lu Sheng asked worriedly.

  "Talking about martial arts, Cao might not be able to defeat Zhang Ping, but in the end, it's definitely Zhang Ping who will suffer."

  "Why?" Lu Sheng asked in puzzlement.

  Li Jun glanced at Lu Sheng and shook his head, saying: "It seems that Zhang Ping's punch was not light, and Shu Zuo is a bit confused. Can Zhang Ping escape the crime of offending his superior?"

  Lu Sheng bit his lip and said, "Perhaps Zhang Yun will say that they were just competing in skills and didn't mean to offend anyone."

  "Hum! Zhang Yun would certainly say so, but what would he say about the person who arranged for Gongzi Xuan to take office?"

  Lu Sheng no longer made a sound, his eyes again cast towards the two people competing in martial arts. He was most worried that Liu Xuan would be injured or crippled, and if that happened, Liu Xuan wouldn't be able to stay any longer either. Once Zhang Ping took over the household, Lu Sheng would be in trouble. Lu Sheng's heart was twisted into a knot, hoping that Liu Xuan wouldn't make any mistakes.

  In the courtyard, Liu Xuan suddenly became a different person, no longer as careless as before, but turned into a cheetah, his eyes fixed on Zhang Ping like sharp blades, every muscle in his body tensed up, his strength had been gradually accumulating, already reaching the critical point of being triggered at any moment.

  Zhang Ping also felt Liu Xuan's change, and he was slightly shocked in his heart. This seemed like a seasoned soldier...

  But Liu Jiong didn't give him time to think, and with a loud roar, he suddenly launched himself at Zhang Ping. He was like a hunting leopard, his body as fast as lightning, and in an instant, he was in front of Zhang Ping, the double-colored club in his hand slashing down towards him, the club seeming to transform into a knife in his hand.

  An ordinary stick, yet it contains the ultimate principle of martial arts.

  "Welcome!"

  Zhang Ping let out a loud shout and swung his club at Liu Xuan's left shoulder. His actual weapon was a forty-jin heavy copper rod, which was much stronger than Liu Xuan's in terms of martial arts skills. Seeing that Liu Xuan was using the rod as if it were a knife, he couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

  At this time, Liu Xuan's stick was still two feet away from Zhang Ping's forehead, while Zhang Ping's stick had already arrived first and was only one foot away from Liu Xuan's left shoulder. Zhang Ping sneered, "Young man, fall down!"

  As soon as the words fell, Zhang Ping's eyes suddenly widened. How did the other person's stick suddenly appear in front of him? It was as if countless sticks were swaying in front of him, unable to dodge again. 'Slap!' A stick heavily hit his forehead, and the intense pain made him let out a miserable cry. His vision went black, and he fainted.

  Liu Jing's stick was withdrawn, and he coldly looked at Zhang Ping who had fallen to the ground. His heart was also surging with emotions, but unfortunately, his hand wasn't holding a sword, so he couldn't unleash that kind of majestic aura. However, the 24th move of his attack was simplified into one move, and even though it was just a wooden stick, it still brought out the essence of that move.

  The surroundings were silent, and everyone couldn't believe their eyes. The famous Water Wolf was actually knocked down with just one stick. He's a master of playing with sticks, yet he couldn't even block one?

  The silence was only for a moment, and suddenly the small courtyard was filled with thunderous applause. Everyone couldn't help but cheer up, and the crowd rushed forward, lifting Liu Xuan high into the air, throwing him towards the sky, as if welcoming a triumphant hero returning home, their joy was heartfelt.

  Several of Zhang Ping's trusted subordinates, who had been brought by Zhang Ping himself, carried the unconscious Zhang Ping and quietly slipped away.

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  "This time, Du Cao launched a heavy blow against Zhang Ping, sweeping away his prestige and greatly relieving the soldiers' hatred. In fact, everyone hoped that Du Cao would win."

  On a small street east of Fan City, Lu Sheng led Liu Xuan and more than a dozen men to visit the wife and children of his predecessor, Ma Du Cao. Lu Sheng was exceptionally excited, and Liu Xuan's final victory made him breathe a sigh of relief in his heart. At least he didn't have to worry about Zhang Ping collecting himself anymore.

  "It's not over yet!"

  Liu Jiong said calmly, "You will write a memorial later and report it to Wang Jun Cheng. Say that Zhang Ping and others have committed the crime of offending their superiors, according to military law they should be beheaded. If those above are not willing to punish him and want to shield him, then I will reflect this matter to the provincial governor."

  Things wouldn't end like this, how could Liu Xuan allow Cai Zhong's brother-in-law to be under him and cause trouble for himself on the first day? How would he let him do things in the future? He must take this opportunity to drive Zhang Ping away. The best excuse is to commit a crime against his superior. He believes that Wang Jue will help him.

  Lu Sheng was overjoyed and couldn't wait to get rid of Zhang Ping. "I'll go back and write it right away!"

  A crowd of people walked into a small alley, Lu Sheng turned his head and glanced at the dozen or so subordinates behind him, smiling softly: "This move to visit Director Cao's wife and children is very clever! Everyone says that Master Jing has feelings and intentions, but in fact, Director Cao was very considerate of his subordinates. His death made everyone feel sad and dare not speak out. I heard that Master Jing wants to go and visit the widows and orphans, and everyone chipped in some money."

  Liu Xuan smiled but didn't speak, and before long the crowd arrived in front of a small courtyard. The gate was old and worn out, with large patches of paint peeling off to reveal mottled grey and white underneath.

  Lu Sheng knocked on the door and said, "Sister-in-law, it's me, Lu Sheng."

  The door opened a crack, revealing the pale face of a young woman, about thirty years old, who looked fairly pretty, wearing a coarse linen skirt, with a copper hairpin on her head. Behind her followed two small boys, both looking timidly at the large crowd outside the door.

  The young woman recognized Lu Sheng and looked at Liu Xiu hesitantly, asking: "Is there something with Lu Shu Zuo?"

  "This is our new Director Liu Cao, today is his first day on the job, he came to visit Big Sister and Nephew."

  "Oh!"

  The young woman's eyes were dim, she opened the door and said, "Please come in!"

  Liu Xuan smiled and cupped his hands together, "I've disturbed you, sister-in-law."

  He led the crowd into the yard, where a corner was planted with vegetables, and more than a dozen chickens were raised. There was also a small persimmon tree. Although there were chickens and ducks in the yard, it was very clean.

  "Please sit down in the house!"

  The young woman invited everyone to the main hall, and two men brought down a heavy bamboo basket. Liu Xuan pointed at the basket and smiled: "This is ten thousand yuan collected by everyone, it's our little token of appreciation, please accept it, sister-in-law."

  The young woman's eyes reddened, covering her mouth and turning away, holding back tears. After a while, she choked out in a sobbing voice: "Thank you, Director Liu, thank you everyone!"

  Liu Xuan let out a sigh and sat down, Lu Sheng also sat down, while the dozen or so subordinates retreated to the courtyard to wait. At this time, Liu Xuan noticed that there were three sacks of rice behind him, and on the table, there were several bowls of water, as if there had just been guests who had left not long ago.

  The young woman hastily came forward to collect the bowls on the table, apologetically saying: "Some people from my mother's family came over and brought me some rice. They just left a moment ago. I'll go make some sweet water for you."

  "It's all right, sister-in-law, don't be polite, we'll just sit for a while and then leave."

  "What's wrong with you guys? At least drink some hot water!"

  The young woman hastily left, and Liu Xuan turned his head to take another look at the rice bag. To his surprise, he found that there was a character "Kuai" printed on it, which made him pause for a moment in his heart.

  "What's her maiden name?" Liu Xuan asked Lu Sheng in puzzlement.

  Lu Sheng's face showed a hint of embarrassment, and there were some things he didn't want to say, but unexpectedly Liu Xuan discovered them. Helplessly, he said in a low voice: "She is the concubine daughter of the Kuai family, and the backstage of Ma Du Cao is actually the Kuai family."

  This unexpected discovery shocked Liu Xuan, it turned out that the murdered Ma Du Cao was the son-in-law of the Kuai family, what about himself? He had taken over as Du Cao after Yu Xun's death, would he also be a pawn in Kuai Yue's behind-the-scenes manipulation?

  What's the relationship between Liu Qi and Kuai Yue again? It should be Liu Qi who suggests his own position to Liu Biao.

  The fog that had been shrouding Liu Xuan's mind for the past two days was gradually clearing, and from a single leaf one could know it was autumn. The small ripples of the tour inspection unexpectedly reflected the struggles within the official circles of Jingzhou.

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