When Yuan Wei returned to his residence, his face was ashen.
He didn't care about his own life or death; what mattered was the continuation of the Yuan family line.
Lu Ming's actions were clearly intended to portray the Yuan family as a target of public criticism.
"So many disciples and former officials throughout the land, just like Wang Mang!"
"Wang Mang was a traitor who usurped the Han throne!"
"What does it mean to compare him to Wang Mang?"
Although Emperor Ling hadn't punished him, or even taken action against any of the Yuan family's members or disciples,
Yuan Wei didn't believe he was safe. If Emperor Ling were to take action against the Yuan family, other powerful families would undoubtedly step in to take advantage of their misfortune—that was a given.
This was a rare opportunity. If the Yuan family fell, other powerful families could rise. What about family interests? Common interests?
"I'm furious! That Lu Ming is utterly despicable!" Yuan Wei was enraged; he simply couldn't swallow this insult.
Now, he was bound to offend the powerful families and nobles of Guanzhong; even the Yuan family couldn't afford to antagonize them.
He had to find a way. He sent for his wife, Ma Lun, to discuss the matter.
Ma Lun looked quite well, plump and fair-skinned. When she saw Yuan Wei, a barely perceptible look of disgust and revulsion flashed in her eyes.
"Husband, what happened? Why are you so angry? Someone, make tea for you, sir."
Simply put, when a woman is pretending, there's no change or detectability.
No one would imagine that Ma Lun, who could infiltrate the Yuan family's decision-making circle, would be seduced by a young man!
Such a statement was utterly ridiculous, impossible by any measure!
However, as the saying goes, the impossible is often the most likely to happen!
Yuan Wei accepted the tea from the servant, dismissed him, and quietly recounted the events that had transpired at court. "This Lu Ming is purely trying to kill the Yuan family!"
Ma Lun was somewhat surprised upon hearing this. Did her young lover intend to bring down the Yuan family?
To destroy the Yuan family just to get her?
This was no simple matter; it was an extremely difficult one!
Thinking of this, she felt a surge of emotion and longed to be with Lu Ming right then and there. "Master, this is a wonderful thing!"
"Oh? What do you mean, Madam?" Yuan Wei was also somewhat confused. He still trusted Ma Lun.
Even among women, a learned woman and an unlearned woman are two different things; their thinking and ways of reasoning are different.
Ma Lun was quick-witted and soon figured out how to use the Yuan family's resources to cooperate with her lover, Lu Ming.
To achieve his goal by sleeping with another man's wife, and then secretly betray him—that was truly cunning!
"My lord, why not write the proclamation as His Majesty wishes, making it easier to appease him? Secretly, write letters to the powerful nobles and gentry in Guanzhong, explaining that you are forced into this situation, and highlighting the danger posed by Lu Ming. They should provide the money, provisions, and supplies; then we won't need to worry about dealing with Lu Ming. Why not use a clever tactic, driving one tiger to devour another? Regardless of who wins or loses, the Yuan family can take advantage of the situation!"
This sounded so appealing, but in reality, Ma Lun wanted to give Lu Ming some convenience.
Some people need a few opportunities and resources to sustain them in the early stages, allowing them to rise to power and become difficult to reverse.
She said this to help Lu Ming gain an advantage. Her man was quite capable; once he successfully gained an advantage, the rest wouldn't be her concern.
"Using one powerful force to devour another?" Yuan Wei quickly considered the advantages. If he could pay a price, such as recommending scions of powerful families in Guanzhong to deal with Lu Ming, he could save himself trouble and effort. Why not?
"Even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake. Liu Biao entered Jingzhou alone, and now the affairs of Jingzhou are still controlled by the Ma, Huang, Kuai, and Cai families. Even with His Majesty's favor, Lu Ming is somewhat powerless in Guanzhong!" Ma Lun's words were flawless, even actively helping Lu Ming gain an advantage, deceiving even Yuan Wei.
Once Lu Ming establishes a firm foothold, those powerful and noble families will be no match for him!
The Governor of Liangzhou!
That's a governor!
Liangzhou is a vast province.
Military and political affairs are concentrated in the governor's hands, and the officials below him are also appointed by the governor. This shows his immense ability and power!
Such a person, possessing immense power, could be unafraid of the Yuan family's strength.
The more Yuan Wei thought about it, the more excellent it seemed.
Even if he had to give them a few job opportunities as bargaining chips, or other benefits, it didn't matter, as long as he could get rid of Lu Ming!
Most importantly, it was done through someone else's hands, so Lu Ming's life or death would be none of his concern!
What a brilliant plan! The more he thought about it, the more ingenious it seemed!
"Madam, your idea is truly ingenious! This is a wonderful move!"
"I only offered an idea; the specifics are up to you, Master. You've just recovered from a serious illness; please rest well. I won't disturb you any longer." Ma Lun left with a smile, everything done so naturally, like a virtuous wife and loving mother.
For so many years, she had always been like this, the image of a virtuous wife and loving mother.
Lu Ming returned to his residence.
The steward, Wang Huan, delivered a letter; it was from Yuan Shu.
Lu Ming returned to the hall and sat down, making Aunt Yu kneel before him and suck his large penis. Enjoying the mature woman's oral sex, he then took out the letter to read.
The letter essentially stated that Lu Ming's struggle with Yuan Wei wouldn't affect his trade with Yuan Shu. Yuan Shu would be traveling south on official business, and once things stabilized, he would help Lu Ming develop market resources there.
The perfume business was incredibly profitable, even tempting him.
Furthermore, cultivating relationships required a significant amount of money, so he had to find a way to earn it.
An heir who relied solely on family connections was not qualified to inherit the family business.
He was given initial capital and connections; afterwards, he would need to develop and expand on his own. As for money, he would have to find a way—stealing or robbing, whatever he could get was a skill.
Although Aunt Yu felt ashamed, she complied.
She opened her mouth and took Lu Ming's large penis into her mouth, her nose completely blocked by his thick pubic hair. Every breath was filled with the pungent smell of male pubic hair and sweat, along with a strong, fishy odor that made her nauseous!
She suppressed her nausea and continued licking Lu Ming's penis. Licking a man's cock was her job.
Her status among the maids was the highest; what was wrong with that?