Chapter 90 Raising the Big Flag (Third Update)
As fate would have it, if there was any other way, Wu Youren really didn't want to reveal Hong Yan's name.
The banner of the Great Knight is not so easy to raise. Last time, he owed three thousand silver dollars, and that was only a slight punishment from the Hong Da.
Moreover, saying this might cause some trouble for Instructor Hong.
However, there was nothing they could do; the other party's malice was too deep, and they had begun to resort to any means necessary to frame them.
However, he could have hinted at it appropriately; there was no need to say it so explicitly.
However, he had one concern—the other party might not understand subtle hints!
Barbarians fear power but do not cherish virtue; besides using fists and swords, we must use a language they understand!
Wu Youren didn't know if the people of Jin were more reserved in their speech, but the Liang were definitely not!
So it's good to speak clearly, so that even if the other party wants to pretend they don't understand, they won't have the chance.
As expected, the Knight was taken aback upon hearing this.
After a long pause, he finally asked, " Hong Da, which Hong Da?"
" Chief Instructor Hong Yan," Wu Youren replied in a deep voice, and then said nothing more.
Others might think he was bluffing, but he really couldn't say another word.
These five words are enough; saying more might lead to more mistakes!
The Knight stared at him for a full five seconds, then turned and walked away without a word.
His expression remained calm, but he was somewhat relieved: thankfully, he hadn't tied the other person up!
I knew it! How could a hostage from Jin not have some important figures behind him?
Seeing this, the other team members looked at each other and also gave up.
Those two who just attacked, they should quietly retreat a bit—a light punch or kick shouldn't be a problem, right?
Although the Martial Academy has a large number of students, there are only a few senior instructors, and Hong Da is notoriously difficult to deal with.
The other Great Knight may not be weaker, but everyone knows that Hong Yan has a bad temper.
Perhaps because she was a woman, she was much more likely to encounter martial artists with ill intentions or who spoke rudely than others.
Among them were Knight, and also Great Knight.
The Chief Instructor Hong ' attitude was: they never tolerated this kind of person!
When it's time to act, they don't hesitate; they're truly ruthless and have even crippled Knight.
Half an hour later, the Knight leading the team returned, still with a cold expression.
He looked at the hostage from Jin and said calmly, "Setting such a vicious trap in Red Pine is wrong!"
"Yes," Wu Youren nodded, his eyes clear. "I know. It's mainly because I've encountered the Weird Race, and I feel insecure."
" Red Pine —it's actually quite safe," the Knight said, his face still cold. "Otherwise, our night patrol would be pointless."
"I know I was wrong," Wu Youren nodded again, his eyes still clear. "Thank you for reminding me, Instructor."
"But I might be being targeted by the Weird Race. What kind of legitimate protection should I have?"
Killing too many Weird Race might attract unwanted attention; that's common sense, and his words aren't really sophistry.
Of course, whether it's a lie or not is not up to him to say.
However, the Knight was too lazy to argue with him, and simply waved his hand impatiently, saying, "You don't need to tell me about this!"
Is this what you call "not worth it"? Isn't this called letting go?
Even the team members around them had already understood – today's matter had returned to square one, it was just a regular dispute.
As for what exactly happened, and what the Knight was thinking during his psychological transformation, is it necessary to ask further?
As it turns out, things really did come full circle.
Wu Youren was waiting to see how things would develop so that he would be summoned by the Martial Academy for further investigation.
After Hong Da's name was used against him, he was unsure how he would react—he was somewhat uneasy.
However, that was the end of it; the matter seemed to have simply passed.
Although he was not held responsible for the assault, no information was provided regarding the treatment of the other trainees.
It was as if the whole thing had never happened.
Wu Youren understood. Turning big problems into small ones and small problems into nothing—this kind of tactic between countries is not surprising at all.
Even among ordinary people, many things are handled in this way.
But was that really the end of it? He didn't believe it.
As a hostage, the slightest carelessness could lead to his demise.
Later that afternoon, Luo Xi drove Cynthia and Liu Jingming back to his cabin.
Wu Youren was busy in the vegetable garden. He had been robbed yesterday and needed to clean up the mess today.
Upon seeing the scene, Liu Jingming was immediately enraged. "This is outrageous! It won't be cleaned up in at least half a month!"
"It won't take that long," Wu Youren replied casually, "About three days should be enough."
The scene was indeed a mess, and he was annoyed by how he cleaned it up, but apart from those with damaged roots, the rest could still be saved.
It's only a little over 100 square meters, barely two-tenths of an acre.
Liu Jingming disagreed, asking, "How long does it take for this vegetable to grow!"
Wu Youren smiled and said, "We must believe in the possibility of survival."
" Little Wu, I need to talk to you about something," Luo Xi called him aside.
He rushed over on the day the incident occurred, and not just because he was concerned about the hostage from Jin.
He had a very important task here: to speak on behalf of the night Knight from the previous night.
"He asked me to tell you that he didn't mean to target you, it's just that he's been on night patrols lately, and the strange occurrences are serious, so he's under a lot of pressure—"
If this isn't directed at me, I'll gouge my eyes out! Wu Youren smiled and nodded, "I understand."
I don't believe you! Luo Xi heard from that person how cunning the boy was.
He sighed softly, "To put it bluntly, he comes from a humble background and doesn't want to get involved in those court intrigues—you understand?"
This truly reflects the Knight's state of mind: he was a little scared.
A hostage prince from Jin managed to become Great Knight at a mid-level Martial Academy; it sounds reasonable enough, since everyone has connections.
But what's the cost? If you're wrong, start over—but is that all?
When faced with conflict, some may see it as an opportunity; however, others know that when the waters are too deep, it's best not to get involved if you're not capable enough.
The vortex is too big; people will die! More importantly, it's very likely that it will involve more than just one person!
Wu Youren laughed upon hearing this; he genuinely couldn't help but exclaim, "He's a sensible person!"
The other party had some ideas in mind, but given their humble background, it's truly remarkable that they could resist the temptation of opportunity!
Especially for the Liang, there are very few people with brains.
"You Jin people are truly cunning," Luo Xi gave him a deep look, "You understand even this so easily?"
Wu Youren rolled his eyes at him, "If you'd ever been a hostage, you'd understand!"
"As long as Great Liang keeps winning," Luo Xi replied nonchalantly, "Why should I be a hostage—mainly because I'm not qualified!"
After they finished speaking, Cynthia took the initiative to speak, her expression grave, "This matter may not be so easily resolved."
"One of the guys was seriously injured; his treatment last night cost over thirty silver dollars!"
"Doesn't he deserve it?" Liu Jingming couldn't help but ask. " Youren was honestly farming in Red Pine, what did he do to offend him?"
"That's not what you said," Cynthia glanced at him indifferently, "Or rather—he's not worthy to say it, and you're not!"
She was, after all, a martial artist from Liang. Love could cloud her judgment, but someone unworthy was simply unworthy!
Liu Jingming rolled his eyes. "I'm not going to argue with you."
Then he looked at his companion and said seriously, "You continue with these mechanisms; the other Jin trainees are also looking forward to it."
Is that really the case? Wu Youren wasn't sure. What he was curious about was, "How did the news spread so quickly?"
"How could it be slow?" Liu Jingming rolled his eyes. "The other trainees don't seem to notice, but the news spreads too fast within the Jin people's circle."
For some reason, there wasn't much excitement on his face.
Wu Youren had a little expectation for his fellow townsman's reaction, after all, he was also quite young.
"Everyone is willing to support it?"
"There are even people who want to organize to support you," Liu Jingming's expression turned strange, "Because they think it will affect diplomatic relations between the two countries."
"Seriously—naive and innocent girls exist everywhere," Wu Youren thought for a moment and shook his head. "Did you try to dissuade them?"
"Just inform them of the consequences," Liu Jingming said calmly, "They might face retaliation in private."
That's moral support, Wu Youren nodded calmly. "That's good, there's no need to escalate the situation."
It's best if fewer people know about the proton's identity.
Luo Xi spoke again, "Then this time, my message has been delivered."
"There wasn't really anything wrong with that instructor's behavior," what else could Wu Youren say?
To put Luo Xi at ease, he even said, "You were the one who helped me buy many of these materials, so I'll definitely do you a favor."
"I didn't mean for you to do this to people!" Luo Xi rolled her eyes.
"Say less, I'd rather lose face than become an accomplice."
He genuinely wouldn't mind supporting the teenager in procuring materials and setting up protective mechanisms.
But he does feel a little regretful about the current situation.
Those troublemaking teenagers, though unruly and reckless, are ultimately the future of Liang.
In the following days, as expected, no one came to bother them again.
The vegetable garden quickly came back to life. In addition to replanting some vegetables, Wu Youren also set up some government offices.
He even covered the light bulbs outside with tempered glass, which didn't really serve any purpose; it was just to show his attitude.
Moreover, he never left his hut; even when practicing standing meditation or cultivation, he did so within the hut itself.
The most important thing is the food issue; he has already started cooking for himself, and currently has a sufficient supply of grain and oil.
Cynthia also told him that if he needed to buy groceries, he could contact her for help.
However, she didn't come frequently. This matter had already caused some impact on a small scale, Mirage Sea Alliance warned her to exercise restraint.
It's not that we forbid her from coming, but rather that we maintain a certain level of intimacy.
The Mirage Sea Alliance wields considerable power, but they also don't want her to get too close to the people of Jin, as this would damage her reputation.
At the very least, we should wait until the heat of the matter has died down before resuming normal interactions.
Chapter 91 Unexpected Development (Fourth Update)
These days, even the administrators rarely come; everyone is avoiding each other, a tacit understanding.
However, he still came by that day, looked at the vegetable garden, and said, "It's recovering well, but we can't send it to the cafeteria anymore."
Therefore, things cannot be so easily forgotten.
Wu Youren knew his true purpose, and brought out two jars of wine, "This month's share."
The administrator was somewhat surprised, "You didn't leave, where did you get this from?"
But then he immediately started imagining things, "Try not to leave at night. Even if it's not for patrols, what if someone's lying in wait for you?"
Wu Youren didn't explain, only saying, "I can't just lock myself up here, can I?"
"Wasn't it the same at the hostage residence?" The administrator shook his head dismissively. "I heard the conditions there were even worse than here."
Two=========Two's words are really straightforward.
That evening, someone sneaked over—it was Liu Jingming. "You have honey?"
"There are only three jars," Wu Youren said, "I'm not able to move around easily right now."
"Safety first," Liu Jingming said, showing he knew how to speak.
But then he sighed, "What a pity, I could have sold all thirty jars."
"Hmm?" Wu Youren raised an eyebrow. "When did Red Pine's purchasing power become so strong?"
"We recently landed a big client," Liu Jingming said mysteriously, "We'll take as many as they have."
"Really?" Wu Youren wondered to himself: Aren't you afraid of getting diabetes?
He knew that sugar could stimulate dopamine production, but the question was, "Don't you think honey is too expensive?"
"They're from Red Sleeves Beckon," Liu Jingming said with a slightly lewd smile, "They're not short of money."
Red Sleeves Beckon is also a club at the Martial Academy, with both men and women.
Most of the female warriors there provide temporary romantic services, while the others are responsible for negotiating business deals or ensuring smooth payments.
Great Liang doesn't prohibit this kind of business, and the cost of martial arts training is high, so it's quite normal for such groups to emerge.
For most male martial artists, female martial artists not only enjoy higher social status but are also more resilient, so their businesses naturally thrive.
Wu Youren was somewhat surprised, "You actually play this?"
"I don't have a girlfriend," Liu Jingming rolled his eyes. "Do you think everyone's like you?"
"I didn't do anything," Wu Youren shook his head and sighed, "You work so hard to earn money, and you spend it on this?"
"I've been cooped up in Jin Garden for eight years!" Liu Jingming, somewhat displeased.
"Besides, we're living hand to mouth these days. If we don't have some fun, wouldn't we be missing out?"
Despite their different approaches to Wu Youren, the sense of crisis hanging over their heads equally threatened every single proton.
You should be careful not to let someone cater to your desires! Wu Youren opened his mouth, but ultimately felt that his actions were somewhat unnecessary.
The old saying goes, "One should discourage gambling, not prostitution." If someone who has been a hostage for so long doesn't even have this basic understanding, then they are truly beyond redemption.
"Don't worry, I'm not as stupid as you think," Liu Jingming said. "I'll pay, and I don't care about looks or physique!"
So it turns out it's the ugly ones who get killed off— Wu Youren nodded, "That's good, don't talk about feelings, you're not worthy!"
"That makes sense, but why does it sound so unpleasant to me?" Liu Jingming said, baring his teeth.
So, only handsome guys like you are qualified to talk about relationships?
Cynthia's illicit affair was no secret, not only among the Jin students but also among the Liang.
"I'm not worthy either," Wu Youren said casually.
He wasn't afraid the female warrior would hear him say that, and up until now, he hadn't indicated that he accepted this relationship!
"So that means playing with people's feelings?" Liu Jingming really dared to say that.
But the next moment, his expression turned serious, and he spoke mysteriously, "Do you know why they're buying in such large quantities?"
"Money's not an issue," Wu Youren's focus wasn't on that at all. "I told you last time about the consequences of mass production!"
Without a doubt, it will attract suppression from competitors and covetousness from others!
However, Liu Jingming said with a grin, "I heard it might make you... tighter!"
"Oh no! "Wu Youren slapped his forehead. "How could I have forgotten that?"
Alum is not only used to make fake honey; it has many other uses, for example—it is a highly effective astringent!
Therefore, it was quite reasonable for the people at Red Sleeves Beckon to purchase this item regardless of cost.
Wu Youren was curious about how these people had developed this use.
Indeed, the world is full of wonders; there's nothing you can't imagine that others can't do.
But wouldn't that be too conspicuous?
He shook his head blankly. "I really didn't know honey had this effect. Have you ever heard of it?"
"How could I possibly have that many opportunities to come into contact with honey?" Liu Jingming replied irritably. "Don't you know what kind of life we're living?"
Jin Garden is not without luxury goods, but they are certainly not for the baron's son-in-law!
Wu Youren thought for a moment, then asked curiously, "Are other honeys the same?"
"I tried it, it's different," Liu Jingming looked at him thoughtfully, "This is... interesting."
"Isn't this a good thing?" Wu Youren smiled upon hearing this, looking very happy.
Then, his smile gradually froze on his face. "But, isn't this... a bit bad? Has someone set us up?"
"You really don't know?" Liu Jingming looked at him suspiciously, as if there was something wrong with his face.
After a seven or eight-second pause, he smiled again and said, "I told that person that I added the secret Spring Mood Is Good '," understand?
Wu Youren was speechless. You really are a genius!
But what he was more concerned about was, "That one?"
"Yeah, just one person," Liu Jingming winked and nodded slightly. "He doesn't want others to discover his business opportunity, you know."
However, Wu Youren still looked preoccupied, "Could this be a scheme targeting our Jin hostages?"
"You really didn't do anything?" Liu Jingming still had some suspicion in his eyes.
But in the end, he let out a sigh of relief and gave up asking, "A routine—what kind of routine could there be?"
"Isn't it normal for similar secret medicines to have some side effects? As long as it doesn't kill anyone!"
Wu Youren's concern is that others will discover he's fabricating the story—a matter that could be serious or minor.
The key issue is that it involves huge profits, and if it gets discovered, it could be very difficult to handle.
Hearing the other party's explanation now, he realized that things could be viewed in this way.
But thinking about it, it's a bit laughable. Fake honey can be explained this way, and fake wine can be explained that way too—
Is food safety really that unimportant in this world?
I think I have the potential to become a villain! Wu Youren was somewhat lost in thought.
"Don't worry," Liu Jingming said, trying to comfort him when he saw that he was distracted.
"It's not a big deal. Even if the honey doesn't have that effect later, it's perfectly normal—nothing in this world is completely unchanging."
Selling honey alone is quite profitable; it's just that now there's an added gimmick: someone is buying it without limit.
"Oh dear, I'm a coward," Wu Youren laughed upon hearing this, then couldn't help but complain, "What kind of nonsense is this!"
"If you're so timid, then you're not the brave one," Liu Jingming rolled his eyes, "You even have to smear poison into the traps!"
But what he cared more about was, "I've told you the benefits, this price won't—"
"You discovered it, it has nothing to do with me," Wu Youren waved his hand dismissively, "You could have simply not told me!"
"I have to tell you!" Liu Jingming said seriously, "If we don't work together, I'll have no one I can trust anymore!"
Wu Youren didn't react to this, saying, "Anyway, we must control the shipment volume."
"Of course," Liu Jingming nodded readily, "I'm not kidding, I'm scared too!"
He had previously complained about the lack of goods, but once he discovered the huge added value, he immediately realized the danger.
Wu Youren neither confirmed nor denied this statement. He believed that the other party was only afraid because they had just left Jin Garden, and that they might not be afraid in the future.
People change, especially when faced with huge profits; it's really hard to stay true to yourself.
However, he wasn't interested in thinking that far ahead; it was hard to say how long the honey could be sold.
At least for now, the other party is being rational, and that's enough.
"How much you sell is your business; in the end, you'll still have to rent my weapons anyway."
"That's not necessarily true," Liu Jingming replied with a smile. "If I save enough money, I can buy one too—there are plenty of secondhand weapons these days."
His words seemed to carry a hint of testing the waters.
"That would be great," Wu Youren replied without hesitation, "I never know when I might be on a mission."
Upon hearing this, Liu Jingming hesitated for a moment before asking, " Youren, you already have a perfect-level mission, why are you still risking your life for the Liang?"
Ordinary people of Jin might not have much aversion to Liang, but the hostages who were trapped there for eight years—that goes without saying.
"I have no interest in human infighting," Wu Youren replied with his standard answer. "What's the point of killing one's own kind?"
Liu Jingming sneered, "The insidious nature of the mechanisms you created—do you even believe that yourself?"
Wu Youren didn't want to continue the topic. "How is Shi Linyuan now?"
He could never forgive the culprit who allegedly framed his predecessor, and he believed the other party felt the same way.
"I don't know. I took on a short mission a while ago and I'm back now," Liu Jingming replied casually.
"He's so scheming, I don't contact him anymore, I don't even have his watch number!"
Just as Wu Youren was about to say something, he suddenly frowned, and a faint sound of a bowstring came from outside the door.
Immediately afterwards, a faint gasp was heard, "Ugh~"
Liu Jingming jumped to his feet, "This is—"
"Don't go out," Wu Youren said softly, reaching out to pick up the long knife beside him.
About ten seconds later, he snorted, "They ran away—let's go check it out."
This time, a lone individual accidentally triggered a trap, and of the three arrows fired, only one was hit.
There was no bloodstain on the ground, but it's normal that there's no bleeding for the time being if the arrow isn't removed.
"Damn it, another one of my arrows was taken away."
(This is the fourth update, over 12,000 words. Please continue reading, vote with your monthly tickets and recommendation votes.)