Chapter 49: True Identity Revealed Under the Wanted Poster

Same moment in time, a different place.

Lu Jin stretched lazily as he gazed out at the vast expanse of the lake. Though he hadn’t slept long, his energy had mostly returned—such was the blessing of youth.

Last night, while he was stringing Lu Wei along, the bandit fleet had already set sail, arriving on this island by dawn. At that hour, exhaustion had overtaken him, leaving no chance to take in his surroundings.

Now, surveying the scene, he realized this island was no ordinary place. It spanned so wide that the eye could not reach its limits. Towering mountains rose in stately layers, their peaks shrouded in lush greenery and standing tall in proud irregularity. Dense thickets and lofty trees blanketed the hillsides, vibrant and teeming with life.

Beneath his feet, however, stretched a broad plain—or rather, a region of rolling hills, rising and falling like waves, harmonizing with the distant mountains. Around the main island, several smaller islets dotted the waters, encircling it like stars around the moon. Beyond them, the lake stretched open and vast, blue waves merging with the sky at the horizon.

Lu Jin knew nothing of military matters, but his instincts and life experience told him this was an excellent place. For Lu Wei to have claimed such a spot, the man must have some real ability after all.

He was still marveling when several figures approached, led by Lu Wei.

“Big Brother, this place seems perfect. Is this our stronghold?” Lu Jin asked curiously.

“Not exactly—the stronghold is a bit farther on. A month ago, I brought men here and wiped out a fellow named Wang Lun. We’re just using this as a temporary base for now.”

“What?” Lu Jin gaped in surprise.

“What’s wrong, brother? Do you know Wang Lun?” Lu Wei asked, curious.

Should he say he knew him or not? He’d never met the man, but the name was famous. Had he landed in some world of jumbled stories?

“Big Brother must be joking. How could I know Wang Lun? I’m just in awe of your courage. By the way, what’s this place called?”

“There are many islands on Lake Yunmeng—few have names,” Lu Wei replied offhandedly.

“A place like this, and it has no name?” Lu Jin said, puzzled. So Wang Lun was just a coincidence.

“Oh? And what do you think is special about this place?” Lu Wei asked with interest.

“Look, Big Brother—water surrounds us on all sides, with open terrain. If an enemy approaches, we’ll see them coming. The mountains are steep and defensible, easy to hold and hard to attack, with space to hide thousands of men. Those neighboring islets could be garrisoned as outposts, forming a pincer that can support each other. The flat land below is fit for farming, so we could be self-sufficient. If we build a fleet here, even if an army comes, we can advance or retreat at will.” Lu Jin was spouting nonsense. He had no idea if any of this was true, but he wasn’t responsible for it anyway.

Lu Wei hadn’t thought much of it at first, but the more he listened, the more sense it made. He’d always been a small-time bandit, never considered grand ambitions. Bandits, after all, were meant to drift from place to place.

“Brother, your words have opened my eyes,” Lu Wei exclaimed with admiration.

The other bandits behind them were equally astonished—so this was the insight of a learned man! How did he see so much?

“If you combine this with the three strategies for the Lan River I mentioned yesterday, Big Brother, and put down roots here, you could achieve great things.”

“I didn’t expect you truly had my interests at heart,” Lu Wei said, moved. If their conversation last night had left him uncertain, now he felt completely enlightened. He hadn’t just been convinced by Lu Jin—he himself had begun to see possibilities he’d never noticed before.

“Big Brother, do you think I’d try to deceive you?” Lu Jin protested.

“It was my fault for doubting you. Don’t be offended. I’ll bring this up with the others as soon as I get back—your words won’t be forgotten.”

“By the way, what brings you here, Big Brother?” Lu Jin asked.

“Oh! I nearly forgot. I came to see if you were up yet. If you were, we could have a meal together, and I could introduce you to the others in the stronghold,” Lu Wei said, slapping his forehead.

“It would be my honor to meet the valiant men here,” Lu Jin replied politely.

Arm in arm, the two entered a small house.

The room was not large, but crowded with men. In the center stood a makeshift table piled high with meat and fish—rustic fare, but hearty.

“It’s rough, but I hope you won’t mind,” Lu Wei said.

“Big Brother, you’re too modest. I may be a scholar, but I’m no stranger to hardship. Besides, this is just the sort of meal I like best—no delicacy could compare,” Lu Jin replied courteously.

“As long as you enjoy it. I’d hate to neglect you.”

“This must be the Second Chief?” a man in his thirties said with a smile and a bow.

Lu Jin hadn’t expected Lu Wei to actually make him Second Chief.

“And this brother is?” Lu Jin studied the man—a lean face with piercing eyes, a short beard on his chin, dark hair tied haphazardly, clad in a plain green robe.

“This is Ma Su, the former Second Chief. Now that you’re here, he’ll step aside,” Lu Wei explained.

Was Lu Wei doing this intentionally or not? And what a name, what a face—best not to dwell on it.

“Big Brother, how can I accept this?” Lu Jin protested.

Lu Wei hadn’t expected such a strong reaction—everyone nearby was startled.

“You offered me this post last night, Big Brother, and though I knew I lacked the worthiness, I couldn’t refuse you outright. But now that I’ve met Brother Ma—such a worthy and heroic man—how could I take his place?”

“Oh, it’s just my bluntness. You don’t know, brother—since everyone learned of your talents, they’ve all been full of admiration. Even Brother Ma is willing to yield the seat.”

“Second Chief, Big Brother is right. I’m glad to step aside. I’ve only got brawn, not brains. With you here, perhaps we can truly accomplish something. If you don’t take the post, who will?” Ma Su urged.

“How can I accept this?” Lu Jin said, feigning distress.

He didn’t believe for a moment that anyone would give up their post willingly—he certainly wouldn’t. Where there are people, there are rivalries—never simple.

After much persuasion from the group, Lu Jin reluctantly accepted the position.

Lu Wei then introduced the rest of the men in the room—there were a few other leaders not present, but Lu Jin didn’t ask further.

Everyone took their seats around the table and began to eat. Lu Jin had to admit he’d been craving a good meal for a long time.

In the midst of their feasting, someone entered and whispered a few words in Lu Wei’s ear.

“Brother, you keep eating. I have something to attend to. Take good care of the Second Chief,” Lu Wei said, rising.

“Go about your business, Big Brother,” Lu Jin replied, unconcerned about what Lu Wei had to handle.

———

Lu Wei stepped outside, following the messenger to an open spot a few dozen meters away.

“What’s the matter?” he asked.

“Big Brother, that Lu Jin has tricked us badly. Look at this!” The bandit handed Lu Wei a sheet of paper.

Lu Wei took it and froze. It was a high-value wanted notice—fifty thousand taels for Lu Jin’s capture, and the portrait was unmistakably him.

After reading, Lu Wei’s face flickered through a storm of emotions: anger, frustration, resentment, regret—all at once.

So, he was the son-in-law of the Shen family! What nonsense about being detained for a month, or his family all dead—he’d really gone all in.

Nothing but lies, and yet he’d treated the man with such sincerity, even offering him the post of Prime Minister. Scholars truly were the slipperiest of men.

Now, let’s see what clever stories you come up with next!