I Can See Through Everything

Lu Qing and Wang Da'an's grand shopping spree at the Grand Bazaar naturally attracted quite a bit of attention.

So, when they left, a few people gathered outside the Grand Bazaar, whispering among themselves.

"Boss, those two kids bought a lot of stuff. They look like fat sheep. Should we go and get some money from them?" suggested a young man with shifty eyes.

However, his suggestion was met with immediate disdain from the others.

Especially the man called "Boss," who looked at him as if he were an idiot.

"Are you out of your mind? Didn't you see even Mr. Ma was polite to that kid? And you want me to rob them?"

Feeling unjustly scolded, the shifty-eyed youth felt a bit aggrieved.

"I just thought they looked like easy targets. Look at all the stuff they're carrying. It must have cost hundreds of wen. Even taking a little would make us happy for days."

(Translator Note: The word "Wen" (文) refers to a unit of currency used in ancient China. It was a form of cash coin and was widely used for transactions.)

How could he not be tempted? Just the meat those two kids were carrying made his mouth water.

Lately, they had been down on their luck and hadn't tasted meat in days.

But thinking of Mr. Ma in the Grand Bazaar made him a bit scared.

That guy wasn't someone to mess with. Offending him would spell trouble for them all.

Still, the thought of the goods Lu Qing and Wang Da'an were carrying was hard to resist.

As they hesitated, inside the Grand Bazaar, Mr. Ma was summoning one of his subordinates.

"Xiao Tian, I remember Old Doctor Chen lives in Jiuli Village, right?"

"Yes, that old doctor lives halfway up a small hill next to Jiuli Village. Everyone in the nearby villages knows him."

Xiao Tian replied respectfully.

"Find some time to visit Jiuli Village and see if that old doctor has recently taken on an apprentice named Lu Qing."

"Yes," Xiao Tian replied, understanding that Mr. Ma wanted to check on the young man who had bought items with silver just now.

Suddenly recalling something, Xiao Tian quickly reported, "Mr. Ma, I saw Chen San and his gang acting suspiciously outside. It seemed like they had some ideas about that boy named Lu Qing."

"Chen San? What are those little punks doing on my turf?" Mr. Ma squinted his eyes.

"I heard they stole some things from Damu village recently and were banned from going near it by the village elders. So, they've been hanging around here."

"Those little punks never do anything good, just thinking about stealing and robbing. Go warn them. If they dare touch our customers, I'll break their legs!"

"Yes, Mr. Ma!"

Xiao Tian went out excitedly.

He had long been annoyed by Chen San and his gang. They never did anything good, only stealing and causing trouble in the villages.

His cousin, who was married in Damu village, had complained to him about their house being robbed of several chickens by Chen San's gang.

Now, with Mr. Ma's backing, he finally had a chance to deal with them properly.

After Xiao Tian went out, there was soon a commotion outside, accompanied by cries for mercy.

Mr. Ma ignored these minor issues and sat in his chair, deep in thought.

Lu Qing's appearance today had been a pleasant surprise.

If this young man was indeed Old Doctor Chen's apprentice, it would be great news for him.

The common folks only knew that the old doctor had amazing medical skills and a kind heart, a godly doctor.

But they didn't know that in the city, this old doctor was also highly influential.

Many noble and wealthy people treated him as an honored guest.

Because not only did the old doctor have remarkable medical skills, but he was also a martial arts master.

Even the county magistrate had praised him for his profound skills, nearly reaching the peak of the Postnatal stage.

Such a person was someone Mr. Ma had always wanted to befriend, but he had never found the right opportunity.

Now, with Lu Qing's appearance, he saw a glimmer of hope.

If he could win over Lu Qing and connect with Old Doctor Chen, he might even have a chance to return to the city.

He had had enough of this godforsaken place.

If not for the trouble he caused earlier, leading his father to order him to stay here for five years, he would have left long ago!

Mr. Ma silently plotted his next steps.

Meanwhile, Lu Qing and Wang Da'an were unaware of the happenings at the Grand Bazaar after they left.

However, Lu Qing remained vigilant, knowing that their purchases at the bazaar were quite eye-catching.

But there was no choice. He had a lot to do in the coming days and couldn't afford to make frequent trips to the Grand Bazaar, so he had to take the risk.

Fortunately, they encountered no unexpected incidents on their way back to the village.

They took down the red ribbon from the big tree, placed it back under the stone slab, and continued carrying their goods to Lu Qing's house.

It was almost noon, and most villagers were resting at home, with few people walking around the village.

So, when Lu Qing returned home, they didn't run into anyone.

"Phew, finally back," Wang Da'an said, panting as he put down the stuff.

"Thank you, Da'an. Without your help, I wouldn't have been able to bring all these things back," Lu Qing said gratefully.

The heavier items like grains and meat were carried by Wang Da'an, while Lu Qing carried lighter daily necessities.

"Don't mention it. It's what I should do. Besides, I should thank you. Today was my first time talking so closely with Mr. Ma, and he even remembered my name!"

Wang Da'an said excitedly.

"Is Mr. Ma very powerful?" Lu Qing asked curiously.

"Of course! You should know, the entire Grand Bazaar is managed by him, and he has a group of subordinates. In this area, he's the most influential person!"

This made Lu Qing even more puzzled.

To him, the Grand Bazaar's prosperity was a bit unexpected.

But after all, it was just a small market, not a big deal.

The items sold there were mostly agricultural products, not luxury goods.

The money earned from such a market wouldn't be much.

But looking at Mr. Ma's manner, he didn't seem like someone who cared about such small money.

Why would he stay in the Grand Bazaar?

Could there be some hidden reason?

Lu Qing couldn't figure it out.

"Da'an, has Mr. Ma always managed the Grand Bazaar?"

"No, it used to be managed by an old man called Uncle Li. About two years ago, Mr. Ma took over."

"I see…" Lu Qing thought deeply.

"Alright, I need to go now. Lu Qing, you should rest. Carrying so many things back must have tired you out."

Seeing Wang Da'an about to leave, Lu Qing quickly called out, "Wait a moment, Da'an!"

Then he took out a piece of pork from the basket, half fat and half lean.

"Take this meat home and cook something good tonight. Let Grandpa Wang have a taste too."

"Oh, I can't take this! This meat isn't cheap. You should keep it for yourself and Xiao Yan."

"I have plenty more. You saw it yourself. Besides, you led the way and helped me carry so many things. Consider this a token of my gratitude."

"But it's too much. Such a big piece of meat is worth more than ten wen."

"Just take it!" Lu Qing insisted, pushing the meat into Wang Da'an's hands. "If you don't take it, I won't feel comfortable asking for your help in the future."

"Well, alright then."

Seeing Lu Qing so insistent, Wang Da'an had no choice but to accept the meat.

"Alright, don't feel bad. Hurry back. We've been out for a while. Grandpa Wang might be worried. Go home and let him know you're safe."

Seeing Wang Da'an still feeling a bit embarrassed after accepting the meat, Lu Qing urged him to leave.

After Wang Da'an left, Lu Qing cut a small piece of meat.

Then he took the meat and went next door to Grandpa Zhang's house to pick up Xiao Yan.