lcionline Chapter 69 Gaining Trust
Chapter 69 Gaining Trust
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Heaven, Earth, Ruler, Parents, and Teacher—the ancients valued filial piety, considering it a matter of course. Although Bai Lian was dissatisfied with the court and had no concept of loyalty to the emperor, she couldn't circumvent the concept of filial piety. She couldn't think of a solution to this dilemma. A father's loyalty to the emperor was his own business, and she could ignore it, but she couldn't insist on causing a rift between father and son, or have her son bear the stigma of being unfilial; otherwise, the sin would be immense.
Seeing Bai Lian trapped in the vicious cycle she had set for herself, frowning and deep in thought, Liu Ye secretly wiped away a bead of sweat. Fortunately, Ling Xi'er provided an idea, and with his ability to lie without a draft, he fabricated a father who was loyal to the emperor and loved his country, thus escaping a disaster.
He thought for a moment, and realized that even without becoming an apprentice or joining the sect, he could still continue to deceive her. Once he gained her trust, he could find an opportunity to escape. So he said, "Fairy, although I cannot join the sect or become an apprentice for the time being, I can still follow you and listen to your teachings and comprehend the doctrines. Although I am not currently with the White Lotus Sect, my heart yearns for it."
Upon hearing this, Bai Lian sighed, "Your level of understanding is already a level above mine. If you can comprehend the doctrines, punish evil and promote good, and benefit the people, why be so concerned about whether or not you have joined the religion? Alas, I am ashamed."
Upon hearing that there was a chance, Liu Ye immediately seized the opportunity: "Fairy, can you tell me what we've been searching for the rebels for all this time?"
Bai Lian thought for a moment and said, "Since Tian Nan is already one of us, there's no harm in saying it. Right now, our most important task is to infiltrate the rebel army and use them for our purposes, creating an opportunity for the White Lotus Sect to start an uprising in Shandong. If the rebels could directly become the White Lotus Sect's guardian soldiers, that would be even better. However, there is another person in our White Lotus Sect who has gained the upper hand, and we are still at a disadvantage. We can only contact the rebels through him now."
Ling Xi'er added to her master's words: "That person is Wang Bao, whom we are talking about. He is very good at bewitching people and knows some crooked and evil magic. He has many followers, and even the rebel army has his disciples, so his people can easily infiltrate the rebel army."
Liu Ye had a basic understanding of the ins and outs of the matter: "So, if we don't speed up and catch up with Wang Bao, and the rebels capture Dengzhou, then Wang Bao will take advantage of the situation and rally the White Lotus followers in Dengzhou. Then, the entire White Lotus sect in Shandong and even the whole of Beizhili will have to respect him?"
“That’s right. Wang Bao isn’t genuinely trying to glorify our White Lotus Sect; he’s just using this opportunity to satisfy his own desires. Unfortunately, many in the sect have been deceived by his sweet talk. If he gains power, it won’t be good for the White Lotus Sect.” White Lotus said worriedly.
Liu Ye comforted her, "Fairy, don't worry too much. We still have a chance. As I said, Sun Yuanhua wants to recruit Kong Youde, and the rebels also want to make a quick buck and then turn back into government troops. The rebels won't be able to capture Dengzhou City in a short time."
"That's all we can hope for."
Ling Xi'er thought of something and said to Bai Lian, "Master, Liu Ye has become one of us, so doesn't that mean your fundraising plan is..."
Bai Lian was also helpless, waving her hand, "Let's take it one step at a time."
Liu Ye asked, "What is the purpose of the money you're raising, Fairy Maiden? Perhaps I can help."
Ling Xi'er continued, "Master is not a greedy person. This money is for opening altars and performing rituals, recruiting followers, and for necessary bribes after infiltrating the rebel army. The rebels are not kind-hearted people; they only recognize knives and silver. Wang Bao swindled many believers and amassed a lot of ill-gotten wealth. He was generous with his money, which is why his disciples have grown like a snowball, making it easier for him to carry out his mission."
"I see," Liu Ye clapped his hands. "What a big deal! Fairy, don't worry. Although I'm not from a wealthy family, I can still come up with a few thousand taels of silver."
Bai Lian was quite embarrassed. "Liu Ye, I kidnapped you before because it was an emergency. How could I not know that doing so violated the doctrine? But..."
“Fairy, you’re exaggerating. Great things don’t come from trivialities. You’re so fussy, no wonder you can’t beat Wang Bao.” Liu Ye said dismissively. “It’s just that I didn’t bring much cash with me to Dengzhou this time, so I need to send someone back to get more. I don’t know if it will be in time.”
Unexpectedly, things had come full circle, returning to where they started, only this time it was voluntary instead of kidnapping. All three realized this, exchanged glances, and found it amusing.
Ling Xi'er asked curiously, "Liu Ye, are you really from Qiongzhou Prefecture? Is it true that the fast boat you mentioned can travel between Dengzhou and Qiongzhou in half a month?"
"I would never lie to you or my master! This ship was built by skilled craftsmen I commissioned. It's called the Far Voyage because it can cut through the waves and is incredibly fast. I set sail from Qiongzhou and arrived at Dengzhou in just six days!"
Bai Lian understood him less and less, and sighed, "Indeed, the new generation surpasses the old, and I am old. In the end, the world belongs to young talents like you."
Ling Xi'er hooked her arm around hers and said coquettishly, "Master, you're not old at all! If you didn't say so, people would think you're my older sister! Isn't that right, Liu Ye?"
Liu Ye casually replied, "Yes, yes, when I first saw the fairy, I thought she was a young woman of sixteen or seventeen!"
Bai Lian tapped Ling Xi'er on the head, "You little sycophant!" Pointing at Liu Ye, "Don't you dare learn bad things from my unreliable disciple!"
Ling Xi'er stuck out her tongue and said in a voice barely above a mosquito's buzz, "Who knows who'll pick up bad habits from whom? She's obviously a smooth talker..."
Liu Ye pretended not to hear and said to Bai Lian, "Fairy, since that's the case, please find a way to contact my brother, and I will order him to go back and get the money."
Bai Lian pondered for a moment, then, without putting on airs, said, "Although a letter has already been left, it would be better if you went in person to avoid worrying them."
Ling Xi'er stood beside Bai Lian, looking at Liu Ye with considerable confusion. Although her master believed him, she didn't think he was genuinely interested in supporting her master's plan.
Liu Ye, however, had ulterior motives, but he certainly couldn't reveal them to the master and apprentice.
The next day, Bai Lian led the two back along the same route. Meanwhile, Lin San and several guards were still following the trail that Bai Lian had deliberately left behind.
Seeing his master appear unharmed before him, and noticing that the two women in white seemed to have lost their initial hostility, Lin San was momentarily confused. In any case, he was relieved that his master was alright. He knelt before Liu Ye, saying, "Your subordinate failed in his duty to protect you, causing you distress. Please punish me!"
"No, no, you did nothing wrong. It's all in the past now, and we're all on the same side." Liu Ye quickly helped him up. This incident turned out to be a close call, and even a blessing in disguise, as it revealed a way to intervene in the coup and seek personal gain.