Chapter 77: From now on you will be my half brother!

“Miss Shao, are you willing to be this Young Master’s maid?”

Lu Changsheng looked at Shao Yuyao before him and asked with a smile.

Although it was the same whether he asked or not, the woman before him had no right to refuse.

But perhaps it was hypocrisy, or perhaps a flexible moral bottom line, so he still asked.

After all, Lu never forced anyone.

Shao Yuyao’s expression froze slightly.

Then, looking at Lu Changsheng, she squeezed out a smile and said, “This humble one is willing to be Young Master’s maid.”

“Alright, Steward Feng, I’m quite satisfied with her.”

Lu Changsheng nodded to Feng Jiuniang without further ado upon hearing this.

In his opinion, with her appearance, figure, and Spiritual Root, 150 Spirit Stones was not expensive; it was very much worth it.

As long as she gave birth to a few children with Spiritual Roots, it would be an even bigger profit!

Immediately, Feng Jiuniang waved her hand, signaling the red-dressed woman to take Shao Yuyao out.

To complete the subsequent transaction with Lu Changsheng.

After Lu Changsheng paid the remaining Spirit Stones, he was also given a Spirit Contract.

It was Shao Yuyao’s deed of sale.

However, this Spirit Contract was much more overbearing, capable of deciding Shao Yuyao’s life and death.

Furthermore, if Shao Yuyao had any problems or brought any Karma trouble within three years, Lu Changsheng could take this Spirit Contract to Baiyu Tower and have Baiyu Tower resolve it.

“Young Master Han, please take care. If you have any needs in the future, please feel free to visit often~”

Feng Jiuniang enthusiastically saw Lu Changsheng and Shao Yuyao out of Baiyu Tower.

As a steward of Baiyu Tower, she could tell from Lu Changsheng’s attire, appearance, and demeanor that he was a highly potential major client.

Otherwise, such a small business would not warrant such politeness.

“Good.”

Lu Changsheng thus took Shao Yuyao back to the Lingfu Shop first.

It was noon, and Zhang Shan’s wife brought their child and a food box to the Lingfu Shop to deliver lunch.

Seeing a beautiful woman with lowered eyes following behind Lu Changsheng, Zhang Shan’s eyes showed a hint of envy.

Upon reaching the third floor, Lu Miaoge saw Shao Yuyao and simply asked if this was the maid Lu Changsheng bought from Baiyu Tower.

Lu Changsheng nodded and briefly explained Shao Yuyao’s situation.

Hearing this, Lu Miaoge did not say much.

She was even more aware than Lu Changsheng of the cruelty faced by low-level Cultivators in the Cultivation World.

Every day, there were incidents of being buried in the wilderness, families broken, wives and children separated, and so on.

If one were to sympathize with such matters, there would be no end to it.

In her opinion, it was already fortunate that this woman could become Lu Changsheng’s maid.

After all, in Qingzhu Mountain, although Lu Changsheng had a somewhat poor reputation due to marrying too many wives and concubines and having too many children.

His reputation regarding his treatment of wives, concubines, and children was still quite good.

Night fell.

Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge finished work and returned to the East District Lu Family Courtyard.

The little maid, Shao Yuyao, followed half a step behind Lu Changsheng, her eyes lowered.

Li Shi and Wang Wu couldn’t help but exchange glances when they saw this scene.

They both saw a hint of sadness in each other’s eyes.

Although they wanted to give themselves to Lu Changsheng, they also understood.

A man like Lu Changsheng was not lacking in women.

The people in the Lu Family Courtyard naturally said nothing when they saw Lu Changsheng bring back a woman.

It was just buying a maid.

Only Second Miss, upon seeing her, let out her usual cold snort.

And today’s snort was a few decibels louder than usual, and her face showed even more disdain.

Lu Changsheng smiled faintly, returned to his small courtyard, and directly instructed Shao Yuyao.

“Go fetch water for my bath.”

Since she was bought as a maid, she was naturally to be used as a servant.

Although he had a moral bottom line, he did not have moral潔癖.

He wouldn’t talk about equality or treat purchased maids and servants as equals.

A maid naturally had to act like a maid.

Shao Yuyao seemed to realize something, her eyes trembling slightly, and she hummed in acknowledgment.

Then, carrying the bathtub, she brought hot water, her cheeks flushing crimson as she undressed Lu Changsheng.

She also pursed her lips, undid her own dress, and amidst the splashing water, entered the bathtub with Lu Changsheng, her two fair, smooth hands scrubbing Lu Changsheng’s body.

As a Cultivator, and wearing a magic robe, Lu Changsheng’s body would not have any filth, so bathing or not was irrelevant.

But bathing was a form of relaxation and enjoyment.

If he had the means, he naturally had to enjoy it properly, otherwise, would he just cultivate bitterly all day long just for the sake of long life?

After wiping Lu Changsheng’s body all over, Shao Yuyao’s cheeks were as red as blood, her two jade arms gently wrapped around Lu Changsheng’s neck, and she said shyly, “Young Master…”

Although her movements and voice were a bit stiff, it was clear that Baiyu Tower had taught her well; she was very sensible.

Immediately, Lu Changsheng no longer suppressed himself.

After all, he had not touched women for almost a month.

Then, the bathtub surged, water splashed, and it vibrated violently.

The next day.

“Indeed, solitary Yin does not produce, and solitary Yang does not grow. It is still necessary to harmonize Yin and Yang more.”

Lu Changsheng pushed open the door and walked out of the room, feeling refreshed.

There still needed to be someone by his pillow.

Without embracing a warm, soft beauty, he felt like something was missing when he slept at night.

He did not take Shao Yuyao to the Lingfu Shop.

As soon as he walked out of the courtyard, he met Lu Miaocheng head-on.

“Changsheng!”

Lu Miaocheng saw Lu Changsheng and quickly stepped forward.

On his somewhat haggard face, he showed a hint of an embarrassed smile and said, “Changsheng, do you have any extra Spirit Stones on you? Lend me twenty Spirit Stones.”

“Uh.”

Lu Changsheng had thought the other party was looking for him again to read books and drink tea.

He didn’t expect it to be to borrow Spirit Stones.

And it was twenty Spirit Stones right off the bat.

Although he spent money lavishly, twenty Spirit Stones was not a small sum.

After all, when lending money, one had to be mentally prepared that the other party might not return it.

Although Lu Miaocheng also managed a shop, his monthly allowance was not much.

“Among the new teas at Chunman House last time, there was a female Cultivator I really liked, so I spent all my Spirit Stones during this period, which is why I came to borrow some Spirit Stones from you.”

“Changsheng, let me tell you, the female Cultivators at Chunman House are not only stunningly beautiful, but they can definitely give you the ultimate pleasure in that regard, incomparable to ordinary maids or concubines…”

Lu Miaocheng continued, the smile on his handsome face appearing somewhat lewd at this moment.

Lu Changsheng had also heard of Chunman House.

He knew it was a brothel in the Market.

The从业 personnel inside were all Immortal Ladies skilled in the Dao of Yin and Yang.

So the prices were also very high.

One experience would cost several Spirit Stones, or even dozens of Spirit Stones.

Lu Miaocheng probably went there often during this period.

It was normal for him to have spent all his Spirit Stones.

After all, such a place was completely a money pit.

No matter how many Spirit Stones you had, you couldn’t afford to go every day.

“Cheng Ge, I’ve spent most of my Spirit Stones these days, and I just bought a maid, so I don’t have many Spirit Stones left.”

“Take these twenty Spirit Stones, but it’s better to go to such places less often in the future.”

Lu Changsheng feigned a difficult expression, then took out twenty Spirit Stones and said.

They were, after all, part of the same family, constantly seeing each other.

The other party had also greeted him quite a bit these days.

Although they were all asking him to read books and drink tea, they still had some acquaintance, so it was not good to directly refuse.

If the other party truly didn’t return it, he would just consider the twenty Spirit Stones lost.

“Good brother, thank you!”

“When I have Spirit Stones, I’ll pay you back, and then I’ll treat you to a good experience at Chunman House!”

Lu Miaocheng took the Spirit Stones and immediately smiled, saying.

Then he turned and left.

“Alas.”

Seeing Lu Miaocheng’s departing back, Lu Changsheng shook his head and said.

“This Cheng Ge is, after all, a Cultivator at Qi Refining fifth level, yet he became so haggard from frequenting brothels and had to borrow Spirit Stones from me.”

“It’s best to avoid such places if possible. With this money, wouldn’t it be better to take a few concubines and buy a few maids and servants?”

“No, how could Lu be someone who indulges in pleasure and fleeting intimacy? Even if I marry wives and concubines, it is for the Great Dao, for eternal life!”

Lu Changsheng muttered to himself, his eyes bright, and his posture straightened a bit.

Then he strode forward confidently, heading to work with Lu Miaoge.

Upon arriving at the Lingfu Shop, Lu Changsheng drew several Medium-Grade Talismans as usual.

He had come to Nine Dragon Market to manage the shop, but the Lu family’s monthly Talismans drawing task for him was still ongoing and needed to be completed on time.

However, Lu Changsheng himself was unwilling to give up this task.

After all, this matter not only brought Spirit Stones, but the excess Materials also went straight into his pocket—a huge profit!

At noon, Lu Changsheng again called Lu Miaoge to eat at Yushan Hall.

Although it was a bit expensive, the taste was indeed good.

Eating there every few days was still quite nice.

However, Lu Miaoge, when going to Yushan Hall with Lu Changsheng these few times, would not let Lu Changsheng pay, indicating that they would take turns paying.

Lu Changsheng was indifferent to this and wouldn’t rush to pay or anything.

Lu Shi Spirit Talisman Shop of Green Bamboo.

Inside the Talisman Chamber.

“Hmm, can even High-Grade Talisman paper have defects?”

Lu Changsheng had just finished drawing a High-Grade Talisman, a Dungeon Talisman, and his expression was somewhat surprised.

He had almost failed to draw this Talisman just now.

The reason was simple.

On the Talisman paper, there was actually a small flaw, which almost caused him to fail the Talismans.

Subsequently, Lu Changsheng inspected the remaining dozen or so Talisman papers; all of them were fine.

Only the one he had just drawn had a small flaw.

Seeing this, Lu Changsheng didn’t pay much attention to it and put it out of his mind.

After all, among several stacks of Talismans, having one with a small flaw was acceptable, he supposed.

After resting for a while, Lu Changsheng thought that he had been in Nine Dragon Market for almost a month.

In a few days, after inspecting the monthly incoming goods, he could go home.

“I’m going back soon, so I should buy some gifts to take back.”

Immediately, he greeted Lu Miaoge, went out for a trip, and bought some gifts for his wives, concubines, and children.

That night.

Lu Changsheng’s eyes were slightly narrowed as he leaned back in the bathtub.

After a while, Shao Yuyao’s head emerged from the water, and she covered her mouth, coughing softly.

Lu Changsheng raised his hand and used the Lesser art of controlling object to pour a cup of tea from the teapot on the nearby table, which then landed in his hand.

He handed it to the attendant in front of him and whispered, “Actually, there’s no need…to swallow it.”

“It’s alright, Young Master.”

Shao Yuyao took a sip of tea, her eyes lowered as she spoke softly.

Her clear eyes were no longer as numb and vacant as before.

Through their interactions over the past few days, she had come to realize that her Young Master was a decent person.

Especially yesterday.

The woman who had always given her Young Master a cold shoulder even offered her a few pointers.

She said that her master, apart from being fond of women, was actually quite good to them.

As long as she behaved well, she wouldn’t be mistreated, except for having to bear children.

Lingfu Shop.

“Owner, these are this month’s goods.”

“Among them are 496 basic Talismans, 851 Low Grade Talismans, 388 Medium-Grade Talismans, and ordinary Talisman paper…”

Zhang Shan handed a list and five Storage Pouches to Lu Miaoge for her to inspect.

Lu Miaoge nodded, then went to the third floor and called Lu Changsheng to come over and inspect the goods together.

With so many goods, a full inspection was naturally impossible.

Otherwise, there was no telling how long it would take.

Moreover, most of the Loose Cultivators cooperating with the Lu Family Spirit Talisman Shop were fixed, so a partial random inspection of the goods provided by each person would suffice.

Immediately, Lu Miaoge informed Lu Changsheng about the inspection standards for the goods.

For Talisman inspection, first, the quality of the Talisman paper must not be too poor.

Then, the drawn Talisman lines should appear very smooth at a glance, without any bumps or breaks, and finally, the Spiritual Energy inside must flow smoothly.

As long as a Talisman is completed, it can be used.

However, there will be a 10-20% difference in power and effect depending on the Materials, Talisman lines, and Spiritual Energy.

Previously, Lu Changsheng had sold Talismans to the Lingfu Shop precisely because the quality of his Talismans was excellent, which made the sales so smooth.

As for Talisman paper and spiritual ink, the requirement was that there should not be a single flaw in quality.

Upon hearing this, Lu Changsheng finally understood the standards for the Lingfu Shop’s goods.

He couldn’t help but recall how a few days ago, he had bought two stacks of Talismans from the shop, and one of them turned out to be flawed.

Was it just his bad luck, a coincidence, or was the quality control not up to par?

Immediately, Lu Changsheng began his inspection with increased diligence.

After all, this Lingfu Shop would soon be handed over to him to manage.

It would be problematic if the quality of goods or the reputation suffered under his watch.

“Miaoge, according to the standard, is the Spiritual Energy flow within this Talisman considered smooth?”

Lu Changsheng held a Medium-Grade Talisman in his hand, gently caressing it, feeling the Spiritual Energy flowing within, and asked.

“This one is just at the passing line; if it were any worse, we couldn’t accept it.”

Lu Miaoge said.

Upon hearing this, Lu Changsheng nodded and began his work.

This round of work took the two of them a full two days to complete.

“Changsheng, thank you for your hard work. If it weren’t for your help, it would have taken me another two or three days to finish the spot checks.”

Lu Miaoge said with a faint smile on her face.

“This is what I should do.”

Lu Changsheng smiled, then took a list and said, “The goods from these few people are problematic, so we’ll return them and stop cooperating in the future, right?”

During the two-day spot check process, they still found some Talismans, Talisman paper, and spiritual ink that did not meet the quality standards.

“That’s right. Running a shop in the Market primarily relies on reputation.”

“If there are too many issues with the goods, and the reputation suffers, the shop will effectively be ruined. Therefore, strict control in this area is essential.”

Lu Miaoge nodded her head, her tone serious as she spoke.

“Alright, I will control this aspect well.”

Lu Changsheng naturally understood this principle.

It is said that officials get rich by the death of their peers; there is naked hatred between peers.

With so many Lingfu Shops in Nine Dragon Market, the competition is quite fierce.

It was not easy for the Lu Family’s Lingfu Shop to achieve its current standing.

If any problems arose, other Lingfu Shops would surely seize the opportunity to worsen things, and business could plummet.

“Uncle Zhang, I have already spot-checked all the goods. The pass rate for these few suppliers is a bit low, so return all their goods and terminate our cooperation henceforth.”

Lu Changsheng held a list and found Zhang Shan, saying.

“Yes, Second Owner.”

The shopkeeper Zhang Shan nodded, took the list, and glanced at it. Seeing one of the names, he couldn’t help but say, “Second Owner, this Loose Cultivator named Jia Huai’ren has been cooperating with our shop for several years, and there has never been any problem during that time.”

“Could there be some issue this time? How about I ask him about it later?”

Zhang Shan said.

“Cooperated for several years, never had a problem?”

Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow upon hearing this.

“That’s right. After the First Owner took over this shop, this Jia Huai’ren started cooperating with us, and there has never been any problem. The quality has always been good.”

Zhang Shan said with an unchanging expression.

“Alright, you have his goods sent back and tell him to inspect them all himself.”

“I’ll take a look again later. If there’s no problem, we’ll let it go this time.”

Lu Changsheng looked at Zhang Shan in front of him, his eyes slightly narrowed, and said after a moment of thought.

“Understood, Second Owner.”

Zhang Shan immediately nodded in response.

Afterward, Lu Changsheng also discussed this matter with Lu Miaoge.

Lu Miaoge indicated that if the problem wasn’t significant, giving him a chance was acceptable, and Lu Changsheng could handle it as he saw fit.

She then stated that she would depart for Qingzhu Mountain in two days.

Upon returning to the East District Lu Family Courtyard, Lu Changsheng also told Shao Yuyao that he would be returning home in a few days.

Shao Yuyao knew that her Young Master still had a group of wives, concubines, and children in the Lu Family, and she obediently responded.

Meanwhile.

Inside a small courtyard in the West District.

“Brother Zhang, why are all the Materials returned for rework this time?”

A burly man asked Zhang Shan.

“Why are they returned for rework? You’re asking me?”

“A new owner joined the shop this month, so the goods will be more strictly controlled for the next few months. You keep a close eye on it yourself and don’t try to pass off inferior goods as good quality again.”

“If I hadn’t spoken up this time, our cooperation would have been directly terminated.”

Zhang Shan said irritably.

“Terminate it then. We can just change the name and continue cooperating as usual.”

The burly man said nonchalantly.

“If we change the name and there are still problems during inspection, it will be even more troublesome to deal with.”

“Besides, I haven’t figured out the temperament of this new owner yet. Tell Old Zhou and Old Yang to keep an eye on things as well.”

Zhang Shan continued, his face showing a hint of seriousness, leaving no room for doubt.

“Alright, Brother Zhang, I understand.”

Seeing this, the burly man also nodded seriously.

Two days later, early in the morning, Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge rode Iron Feather Eagles from Nine Dragon Market back to Qingzhu Mountain.

Similar to their journey there, it took them two days, and they smoothly returned to the Lu Family.

“Husband~”

“Husband is back!”

“Daddy, Daddy!”

As soon as Lu Changsheng entered the door, his wives and concubines in the courtyard and the children playing saw him return and excitedly ran over, surrounding and embracing him.

“This is the feeling of home!”

Seeing this, Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but smile, rubbing his wives and concubines and hugging his children.

Afterward, his other wives and concubines also came to see Lu Changsheng.

During the process, Lu Changsheng also saw a woman he had never met before.

The woman looked about seventeen or eighteen, with an elegant and refined appearance, seeming a bit shy.

Later, under Lu Miaoyun’s explanation, he learned that this woman was named Guan Xin.

She was a woman sent by Hong Yi when he came to Qingzhu Mountain a short while ago to trade Talismans, and she possessed an 8th Grade Spiritual Root.

At this point, Lu Miaoyun even pouted slightly, playfully complaining that Lu Changsheng wasn’t satisfied with them and even had people help him find women outside.

Upon hearing this, Lu Changsheng immediately recalled the scene.

Lu Miaoyun, with her pregnant belly, went to trade Talismans on his behalf, and Hong Yi ended up sending him a girl.

In this situation, it was normal for Lu Miaoyun, as the legitimate wife, to have a bit of a temper.

He immediately comforted her, stating that he truly hadn’t done so, truly didn’t know.

After Jiu’er and Shui’er last time, he had already told Hong Yi not to do such things again.

He asserted that if he had been present, he absolutely would not have accepted her.

Then followed a string of sweet words, praising Lu Miaoyun for her demeanor as a great wife, how she was his virtuous helper, and so on.

Of course, while saying this, in his heart, it was: Hong Yi, good brother!

It was not easy to find people with Spiritual Roots in the secular world.

Let alone young women.

Now that Hong Yi found one and sent her to him, this was definitely a true brother from another mother and father.

Lu Changsheng also thought to himself that he could now sell some Medium-Grade Talismans to Hong Yi.

On one hand, it would increase his income.

On the other hand, it would also give Hong Yi some benefits.

After all, since the man was so good to him, treating him like a brother, how could he not show some appreciation?

Afterward, Lu Changsheng also chatted with Guan Xin, asking about her family situation, whether she was willing, and if she had been forced into anything.

The latter stated that her family was an ordinary family of five, and she had voluntarily sold herself to Ruyi Marquis Manor to serve an Immortal Master.

Upon hearing this, Lu Changsheng was relieved.

A gentleman loves women, but takes them with Dao!

Lu’s bottom line was not to force anyone, also to avoid getting involved in any trouble.