392-395

Chapter 392: Rising Climax

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

"Report."

The carriage stopped at a place only two streets away from the Suzhou government. The Tiger Guards kept an alert out for nearby movements. An Overwatch Council spy wearing common clothing stood closer. After his token was verified, he leaned close to the window in the carriage and spoke in a quiet voice.

In the carriage, Fan Xian was holding something and looking at it closely. He nodded and said, "Speak."

"The Ming Garden didn't offer any resistance. The people of the Fourth Bureau have already entered and are currently searching. For now, there haven't been any results."

Fan Xian was silent for a moment then said, "Use appropriate force, tell Deng Zi Yue not to be too aggressive."

The spy made a sound of acknowledgement. He turned and left the carriage, disappearing into the morning crowd in Suzhou.

The carriage slowly began to move again. It had gone half a street toward the Suzhou government when another Overwatch Council spy flashed out from a corner of the street and approached the side of the carriage. They lowered their voice and reported, "No strange movements at the docks."

Fan Xian was silent and did not speak. He waved his hand and had the person leave.

To get from Hua Garden to the Suzhou government, they had to cross almost half of city. Along the way, the carriage advanced silently and did not draw the attention of too many people. Most of the people in Suzhou did not know that early this morning, the Overwatch Council officials had already charged aggressively into Ming Garden.

In this distance, the crows that the Overwatch Council had moved at the last minute began to report on information from all quarters. All information relating to the Ming family's reaction was gathered in this moving carriage.

The situation in Ming Garden, the situation of the Ming family's merchants opening shop like usual, and the response of the governor's manor, all of this was sent at the quickest speed to the carriage to be handed to Fan Xian for him to consider holistically.

Today, this carriage was the Overwatch Council's headquarters.

Fan Xian also felt something was strange. Even if the Ming family feigned weakness, they could not allow themselves to be bullied without any sign of a response. To the contrary, it was the governor's yamen that started to tense up. There were already thoughts of mobilizing the military.

In today's plan, seeing the Ming family's reaction was one part, but capturing Zhou was the most important part.

Ming Garden had been under the Overwatch Council's constant and strict surveillance. Zhou shouldn't have had an opportunity to escape. Most importantly, up until now, the Ming family shouldn't have known that the Overwatch Council had the information of Zhou hiding in Ming Garden.

Fan Xian couldn't stop a trace of a self-deprecating smile from rising to the corner of his mouth. For the big clans and families in this world, if they were attacked by outsiders, they were always like centipedes and would not die in an instant. If their internal problems were incited, then they would face true difficulties. These words were said by Cao Xueqin in "A Dream of the Red Mansions." He was having this feeling now because Zhou's hiding place was told to Fan Xian through some channel by someone in the Ming family, someone very powerful in the Ming family.

Otherwise, given the strict defenses of Ming Garden how could they know so certainly that Zhou was there? The Overwatch Council, over a dozen years, still had not succeeded in planting a high-level spy.

As long as Zhou was in Ming Garden, then today's matter could be considered successful.

…

…

The carriage slowly drove toward the Suzhou government. More Overwatch Council spies came forward to report various pieces of information. When there were no more peculiarities, the carriage burrowed into an unremarkable little alley. Close to a thick wall, the carriage stopped for some unknown reason.

About three meters to the left of the Suzhou government was the jail holding criminals. The prison executed people in the autumn and fed them in the spring. It now was the time when the population was most prosperous. In a single prison, it held 40 to 50 people.

Through the metal doors of the prison and to the end of the path, there was some light splashing through the skylight that carried warmth. It dispersed some of the dampness. Compared to the other cells that did not see the sky or the sun, it was much more comfortable.

This cell had a layer of straw on the ground. Below it, something forbidden, like a cotton blanket, could faintly be seen. A pale-faced middle-aged man was drinking alone, enjoying the treatment not afforded to usual prisoners.

This was the Fourth master of the Ming family. Because the Overwatch Council wanted to defeat the Ming family, he became the first sacrifice that was offered. He was forced into the Suzhou government. It had already been over 10 days, yet there was still no indication of him being let out. However, the Ming family was still a large family with great power. The Suzhou government had practically been supported by them, so there was someone taking care of everything while he stayed there. His days could be considered quite comfortable. There were some infamous bandits in the cell beside his who all looked at him with envious gazes.

The Fourth Ming master couldn't be bothered to acknowledge those petty thieves. He only slanted his eyes to look at the three bailiffs outside of his cell door. A slight mocking smile appeared at the corners of his mouth. "What's happening today?"

The bailiff opened the cell door with a bang and a bailiff bowed. With a flattering smile, he said, "Fourth master, it's been hard on you these days. However, the Overwatch Council keeps a tight watch, so we can't move you to a single cell."

The Fourth Ming master shook his head and sighed. "The matter at hand is to be able to get out of here as quickly as possible. Has there been no word from the family?"

At this time, two other bailiffs had already brought in good food and alcohol and laid it out in front of him. The fragrance washed over their senses.

The Fourth Ming master was confused. It was not yet time for lunch, why were they bringing food so early? Suddenly, he thought of something and couldn't stop his expression changing dramatically. In a hoarse voice, he asked, "What does this mean?"

"After this meal, it's best to be on your way." The bailiff sighed.

The Fourth Ming master's face was deathly white. He couldn't quite believe his own ears. At most he was forcefully dominating the market. How could it be a capital offense? Besides, he was of the Ming family. How could the government dare to kill him so casually? He unconsciously backed away and stared at the bailiff with hatred. Viciously, he said, "What you said, I don't understand."

The bailiff lowered his head and said, "It's the intention of the Overwatch Council. Please don't blame me."

The Fourth Ming master was not a stupid person. After a moment of thought, he understood the matter from beginning to end. He was silent for a moment then laughed mournfully. "What Overwatch Council? It's probably the family that wants to kill me."

The bailiff straightened and lowered his voice. "Since Fourth master already understands, then don't take it too much to heart. It's for the good of the family…the Overwatch Council is forcing the family hard right now. Rumors say that they already entered the Ming Garden this morning. If nothing is done and trouble not stirred up, how could the Overwatch Council be willing to draw back their hand? You're the Fourth master. It is worth it to use your life to temporarily ensure half a year of peace and safety for the family."

The Fourth Ming master cursed in a rage, "Those sons of b*tches! If they need someone to die, why don't they have the old matriarch die? F*ck her ancestors!"

Having reached the moment of life and death, he understood why the Ming family would send someone to kill him. This was certainly not to silence him. He did not know anything about the core of the family business. This was a stain to be smeared onto the Overwatch Council's face. Since the Ming family had decided on the battle plan of feigning weakness and tragedy last year, they needed the death of the Fourth master of the Ming family to be the explosive turning point.

Thinking of this, his heart was unbearably hopeless, unhappy, and angry.

The bailiff's expression changed."The old matriarch is the protector of tens of thousands of families, Fourth master's words should be more respectful."

The Fourth Ming master smiled miserably. He backed toward the corner and cursed continuously. "I am also a master of the Ming family. Why should it be me who has to die? Just because I'm not her trueborn?"

At this moment, two bailiffs had already walked to the Fourth Ming master's side. They completely ignored the Fourth master's cursing and resistance. Taking out a scrap of dirty cloth, they stuffed it into his mouth blocking his obscenities. At the same time, they tied his hands behind his back.

By this time, the noise in the room had already alarmed all of the prison. Many prisoners were looking curiously and fearfully towards this direction.

The lead bailiff furrowed his brows and yelled, "The Overwatch Council is conducting business. Silence, all of you!"

Even though they were locked in prison, these prisoners knew that, currently, the Overwatch Council was suppressing the Ming family. However, no one thought that the Overwatch Council could come into the prison to secretly kill the Fourth master. They couldn't stop a chill running through them, and they gradually felt a sense of injustice for the Ming family, but no one dared to look in that direction again. They were terrified of bringing trouble on themselves.

…

…

The bailiff looked at the plate of food in front of him and shook his head. He sighed in regret and said, "You couldn't even eat your last meal. It's truly been hard on you."

After saying this, he waved his hand. The two bailiffs who had caught the Fourth master slipped a noose around his neck.

The Fourth master's neck was pulled tight, and his face turned a bright red. His two feet scrabbled against the floor and kicked up the straw dirtying the blanket underneath.

The rope became tighter and tighter. The Fourth Ming master's eyes seemed like they were about to pop out. His nostrils flared wide, and he appeared strangely horrifying. The strength of his kicks became weaker and weaker, like a dying frog, he struggled weakly and without strength.

It was easy to imagine the hopelessness in the heart of the Fourth Ming master who was about to die. It was easy to imagine the hatred and resentment he felt toward that old woman of the Ming family and Ming Qingda. However, he was about to die, what could he do?

The bailiff coldly watching the dying Fourth Master suddenly felt strange. His gaze slanted toward the cell next door and saw that the prisoner was looking at him. He looked at the bailiff coldly. Not like he was coldly watching the ruckus, but rather his face was completely expressionless.

He suddenly turned and saw that the prisoner had removed something from the pile of straw and was aiming it at him.

It was a crossbow.

Thunk! Thunk! Thunk! The crossbow rang out three times, and three bolts flew out. They accurately pierced the throats of the three bailiffs. Their hands flew to their throats, but they didn't have time to make a single sound before they fell to the floor. Their legs kicked a few times, and then they died.

Once the bailiff died, the rope loosened. The originally dying Fourth Master kicked weakly and gradually recovered his strength.

He slowly opened his eyes and looked at the prisoner in the cell beside his with a dazed and blurry gaze. He didn't know why the other party saved him, and he didn't see clearly how the other party saved him.

The other prisoner was acting like he had done nothing. His eyes stared flatly into the distance as he squatted beside the bars.

The Fourth Ming master's entire body was sore and rubbery. He had also soiled his pants, and the stench was unbearable, however, he knew had just had a narrow escape.

Suddenly, the thick wall behind him seemed to have been moved by spirits. A gash quietly opened up and revealed the deep blue sky outside.

…

…

Gao Da withdrew his large knife. His face was slightly pale, forcing his way through the thick walls of the Suzhou government prison had drained a lot of his zhenqi. He entered the cell, picked up the Fourth Ming master with one hand and left again.

Another official of the Overwatch Council entered and pulled out the bolts from the three bailiff's throat. He carefully arranged the scene inside the cell, then he walked to the bars and extended his hand.

The prisoner that had saved the Fourth Ming master earlier did not say anything. He handed the Overwatch Council official the secret crossbow in his hand, then he pointed to the lunch box to the side. The Overwatch Council official picked up a drumstick and placed it in his hand. The prisoner smiled and looked somewhat pleased.

The Overwatch Council official lowered his voice and said, "Wait another two months, Sir still needs you to be a witness."

The prisoner nodded as he munched on the drumstick.

Not long after the Overwatch Council official left, the prisoner flicked what was left of the drumstick into a cell across from him. Suddenly his expression changed and he cried hoarsely with distress and terror, "Help! Help! Someone is killing and escaping!"

…

…

The carriage left the little alley behind the Suzhou government and slowly drove to where the governor's manor was. However, there was now an extra person in the carriage.

The Fourth Ming master lay distressed and terrified under the chair in the carriage. He raised his head to gaze at the young and handsome figure, and couldn't speak for some time.

Fan Xian shook his head and sighed. "Indeed, the large and wealthy families are not very dark."

Shortly after, he smiled slightly and said, "Naturally, you already understand, so I will not need to say much. You need to have a good grasp on the Ming family of the future and work well with Seventh Ming."

The Fourth Ming master swallowed. The scene of his narrow escape from death had been too much for his state of mind and did not allow him any consideration of the offer before he nodded his head fiercely.

Fan Xian quietly said, "The old matriarch wants to kill you but she fell into my Overwatch Council. She made it known to the public and created for me a shameless and cold-blooded appearance. She wanted to incite the public's emotions to protect the Ming family…however, now that I have rescued you, instead the dirt is on the Ming family. To say that the Ming family broke into a prison…how do you think she will respond?"

The Fourth Ming master's eyes were empty. He shook his head. Enduring the pain in his throat he hoarsely said, "Sir…don't underestimate that old…that old whore."

Chapter 393: Who Was Not Surprised?

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Fan Xian sat in the carriage, his eyes looking out. He said in a quiet voice, "Regardless of whether you should be dead right now or captured by the Ming family, in any case, during this period of time, it's impossible for you to appear before people. The Council has arranged for a place for you. Hide there and come out after this matter has settled down."

The Fourth Ming master weakly agreed.

Fan Xian glanced back at him and couldn't help shaking his head. "Back when I had Seventh Ming meet with you, you should have agreed. Why the need for such a scare?"

The Fourth Ming master gritted his teeth and said in a hoarse voice, "Who would have thought this pair of mother and son could be so ruthless?"

Fan Xian shook his head impatiently, "To protect such a large family, naturally, there needed to be many sacrifices."

The Fourth Ming master fell into silence. His hand touched his red, tight, and very sore throat. He knew he was nothing more than a sacrifice and did not have much right to ask for anything.

When the carriage had traveled half the distance of the set route, another carriage took the Fourth Ming master from Fan Xian's carriage. This left only Fan Xian and a few members of the Qinian Unit. The seven Tiger Guards were following Gao Da's orders and were scattered around the carriage, covering up their tracks.

"Sir, where are we going now?" A subordinate asked in a low voice.

Fan Xian thought about it and then said, "Wait another half hour and then send a message to the governor's manor. I want to see Xue Qing again." His gaze landed on this subordinate's face and asked, "Earlier, did you make the appropriate arrangements in the prison?"

The subordinate said in a low voice, "Yes. Furthermore, the Suzhou government has had someone keeping watch. The Ming family will not be able to escape the accusation of breaking out prisoners, only…"

"Speak straightforwardly." Fan Xian furrowed his brows.

"I don't understand, if the Ming family wanted to kill the Fourth Ming master to frame the Overwatch Council, there is no need to do it so ridiculously."

Fan Xian shook his head and said, "The methods are not important, what was important was the time. Today, the Overwatch Council entered the Ming Garden to search it and the Fourth Ming master died in prison. Regardless of how he died or how the Ming family arranges his funeral…as long as he died, and his body is found by others, all of the gentry and people in Jiangnan will think that I had done it."

He smiled and said, "The Ming family…has been waiting for me to grow impatient and enter the Ming Garden so they could throw out this sacrificial pawn. However, now that the Fourth Ming master did not die, I am truly curious as to how the Ming family will continue to play the tragedy card."

The carriage came slowly to a stop. The morning sun in Suzhou warmly and softly touched on the long street, touched on people's hearts, and then touched on the top of four-wheeled black carriage as if it wanted to stroke away the coldness in the heart of the person in it.

Estimating that a ruckus had already started over in Ming Garden, Fan Xian lifted the curtain and stepped down from the carriage. The Tiger Guards gathered near him as he stepped toward the tall doors of the governor's manor.

An official of the Overwatch Council had long delivered a calling card, so the doormen of the yamen did not dare obstruct him. An advisor hurried out and invited Fan Xian inside.

It was still in the study. In it was the governor, Xue Qing, and the imperial envoy, Fan Xian. The latter straightforwardly expressed his reason for visiting and informed the governor that Overwatch Council people had already entered Ming Garden.

After hearing of the situation that had already occurred, Xue Qing's eyes tightened, almost unnoticeably, at the corners. He sighed and slowly said, "There are many things that cannot be achieved by rushing."

Going to Jiangnan to defeat the Ming family was an established policy of the Qing Emperor. Fan Xian was just the specific executor of this policy. As the Emperor's confidant, Xue Qing knew the origins of this matter. However, he differed greatly from Fan Xian on the specific measures to be taken.

The court had not set a timeline for the assimilation of the Ming family. The Emperor believed he had plenty of time and enough patience to slowly swallow up all of the large families in Jiangnan. Thus, accordingly, Xue Qing did not want to act too hastily. He had always used appeasement as the main strategy to prevent creating too much trouble and causing chaos in Jiangnan, thereby destroying the foundations of the court's rule.

Xue Qing was not very happy about Fan Xian coming directly to the yamen and stating his entry into the Ming Garden. He still did not understand why Fan Xian was in such a rush. He was a young, powerful noble, not yet twenty. What did he care if it took a few years?

He also felt a thread of anger in his chest. He knew Fan Xian's action was to force him onto the same boat and to pick up a knife. The Overwatch Council had already entered Ming Garden. If the two sides clashed, as the Jiangnan governor, no matter what, he had to ensure the peace. He would have to do whatever was necessary.

Previously, Xue Qing refused to relent because he didn't have the confidence they could defeat the Ming family, and he was worried about the talk in the capital. Now that Fan Xian had played him, his rage gradually rose. In a low voice, he said, "Who will be responsible if it all goes wrong?"

Fan Xian thought quietly for a bit and then said, "There shouldn't be any problem."

Xue Qing looked at him coldly and said, "Not to pull rank, but I am still your senior no matter how you look at it…you haven't been careful enough in this matter. The Ming family has already feigned weakness for almost half a year. They were just waiting for you to take advantage of them. Now, you've taken that advantage through the door. How could they miss this opportunity?"

Fan Xian shook his head. "What can they do now that I have entered Ming Garden?"

Xue Qing lowered his eyelids slightly and said, "The Ming family supports 1,000 private soldiers. Although the court has always known, for the sake of the contributions they've made for the court, they've always looked the other."

For a large family of tens of thousands, it was not difficult for them to use various methods and give various reasons to support a thousand soldiers. After hearing this, Fan Xian couldn't help laughing coldly. "Is it for contributions to the court or for contributions to the Junshang Conference?"

The words "Junshang Conference" silenced Xue Qing. For such a mysterious organization with such limitless power to appear in the Jiangnan he governed, it had to be said that he had failed in his duty. He had been severely scolded in a secret letter from the Emperor.

Xue Qing understood that Fan Xian was using the Junshang Conference to pressure him. He could only helplessly shake his head. "What exactly is your plan?"

Fan Xian was quiet for a moment and then said, "The Ming family was going to kill the Fourth Ming master and frame the Overwatch Council. I stopped this from happening."

"In the Suzhou government?" Xue Qing was slightly startled. Only now did he understand why Fan Xian appeared to have a card up his sleeve.

"One thousand private soldiers…but if the Ming family do not dare to raise their flag in rebellion, I only have to send in 40 people and they won't dare to move at all." Fan Xian continued to smile slightly. "Don't they like to play using retreat as advancement? I want to see how far they can retreat."

Xue Qing watched him through half closed eyes. "They truly won't dare to move? You're not holding an imperial edict."

Measure for measure, Fan Xian replied, "I don't have an imperial edict, but I have the Emperor's sword."

Xue Qing lightly said, "The Ming Garden just has to wait for a few people to die to use that as an excuse to change their tune. They couldn't directly bury the 40 Overwatch Council spies in Ming Garden, it wouldn't be impossible. The Emperor's sword? Ming Garden could find sufficient excuses to argue that they didn't know about this point. They just thought that Sir Fan junior of the Overwatch Council wanted to kill people and steal property, so they were forced to retaliate…don't forget, the Ming family has laid down good foundations these last few months. For something like this to happen right now, everyone under heaven will believe their side."

These words struck right at Fan Xian's heart. If they really pushed the Ming family too far, it was possible they would do such an insane thing.

Given the Ming family's foundation and support in the capital, it was completely possible for them to shed all pretenses with Fan Xian and fight. Furthermore, it was the Overwatch Council who entered the Ming Garden first. Even if the two sides fought openly, public opinion would be on the side of the Ming family.

However, unexpectedly by Xue Qing, Fan Xian did not seem to care about this at all. There was not a ripple of expression on that young, handsome face.

Xue Qing couldn't help furrowing his brows.

Fan Xian finally opened his mouth. There was a light self-mocking smile at the corners of his mouth. "While the Ming family was waiting for me to act, I was waiting for them to act. As long as all pretenses are shed…if they actually dared to touch my subordinates, I will, no matter what, accuse them of rebellion. I don't care if no one believes me. I will put that hat on the head of the Ming family matriarch, that old bastard."

To say such crazy things in front of the governor proved that Fan Xian didn't lack daring. However, his following words made Xue Qing feel a slight chill.

"Naturally, no one will believe they would rebel," Fan Xian said with a slight smile. "But once I strike, the Black Knights that have been staying in Jiangbei would come. I will have everyone in the Ming Garden killed. As long as everyone in the six families are all dead, who will cry for the injustice? The gentry or the people of Jiangnan?"

He continued to say calmly, "Even if they brought their injustice to Jingdou, so what? Even if they brought the lawsuit before the crown, so what? The people in the six families have been wiped out by me\. There would only be Xia Qifei left and, at most, the addition of the Fourth Ming master for show. The court would still receive the Ming family's property…as long as the goal is reached, it's fine if the methods are somewhat dirty."

He turned his head and stared at Xue Qing's eyes. "I trust that if my Overwatch Council loses 40 something people and then I move the Black Knights to Suzhou, you won't obstruct me, right?"

Xue Qing's pupils constricted. If matters really developed in this way, if the Overwatch Council threw in 40 something officials and he still forcefully obstructed the Black Knights from coming South…he was afraid the Overwatch Council would truly flip out. If he angered that old man in the wheelchair, then even if he was the governor, it would probably still not end well for him.

Looking at Fan Xian's warm and innocent eyes, Xue Qing felt a sudden chill for no reason. He had a whole new understanding of the young official beside him. It turns out that Commissioner Fan of the Overwatch Council was indeed a ruthless person who killed without blinking. Indeed, the younger generation handled matters with sufficient craziness.

"What about you?" Having massacred the Ming Garden, naturally, Fan Xian would have to suffer the consequences. Xue Qing still did not believe Sir Fan junior would make this gamble with the Ming family.

"I? At most, they'll remove all of the noble positions, remove me from my post, and reduce me to a commoner…and exiled 3,000 li away?" Fan Xian seemed to be thinking of his own end. He laughed out loud and said, "It's not like you don't know, I can go anywhere under heaven."

Xue Qing couldn't stop himself shaking his head and sighing. "Then the 40 subordinates you sent into the Ming Garden…they're all sacrifices?"

Fan Xian closed his eyes and shook his head. "Not necessarily, I was only talking about the worst possible situation. I believe, given the cunning of the mother and son of the Ming family, they will certainly not make this choice. I am very curious how exactly the Ming family will respond."

"This is like playing cards. I might not win with this one round, but I am curious which card the other party will play." He opened his eyes and smiled. "Sometimes, I have the curiosity of a gambler."

"I…am also beginning to feel curious." Xue Qing's eyelids quivered slightly. "I hope your judgement was right and that account master Zhou is still in Ming Garden."

"Relax." Fan Xian encouraged this governor. "I have someone in Ming Garden."

Xue Qing furrowed his brows. He didn't know who exactly Fan Xian had placed into the Ming Garden. Given his identity, it was not convenient for him to ask, so he closed his mouth and did not speak. The two leading figures of the Jiangnan officialdom sat like this in silence in the study, waiting for news to come from Ming Garden.

They didn't wait long before the news came. The advisor of the governor's manor approached Xue Qing's side and whispered for a moment in his ear.

Xue Qing became silent, and then he looked at Fan Xian. He sighed and said, "The card the other party played seemed to have been beyond your expectations…I am going to start mobilizing soldiers."

Fan Xian furrowed his brows slightly.

Xue Qing continued to smile bitterly and said, "I'm mobilizing soldiers…for the protection of your subordinates and not to prevent you massacring the Ming Garden."

Xue Qing knew he didn't have to tell him in detail. He hurried out of the study with a still shocked expression. Fan Xian stood and heard the whole story from the mouth of the member of the Qinian Unit outside.

The Overwatch Council's information should have traveled faster than that of the governor's manor, but because he was, after all, in the governor's manor, the information actually ended up arriving slower.

After Fan Xian had heard what had happened in Ming Garden today, he still couldn't help reacting like Governor Xue Qing. A shocked expression came across his face and his mouth was slightly open. He signed and said, "Extreme…even more extreme than me."

He was ready to curse out some obscenities to release the feeling of absurdity in his heart, but in the end, he resisted. He smiled bitterly and shook his head. His expression gradually became calm, and then he gave out orders.

"Have Deng Zi Yue pull everyone back."

"Do not respond to attacks or verbal assaults."

The official of the Qinian Unit accepted the orders and left. Following this, Fan Xian walked out of the main doors of the governor's yamen only to see that the yamen was in chaos. Most of the officials who did not know what was happening looked at each other. They did not understand why the governor had picked now to inspect the governance of the city. Why was he calling at this time for all the military officials in the city to come to the manor to discuss matters.

Fan Xian had the right to participate in the discussion, but he knew it was not appropriate for him to stay in the governor's manor today. He would have to trouble Xue Qing to quell the unrest that was about to arrive, while he should go do something else.

In the carriage, Fan Xan rubbed between his eyes. He suddenly said to Tiger Guard Gao Da, "Actually, a lot of times, how a matter progresses completely depends on the order in which people die."

Gao Da was startled. He did not understand what the commissioner was talking about.

Fan Xian scratched his head and said, "Clearly, I wanted him to die, but if he died before I wanted him to die, then…we actually have some problems."

"Who died?" Gao Da asked with a frown.

"The great-grandmother in the eyes of the Jiangnan people, the matriarch that saved who knows how many poor people." Fan Xian smiled slightly. "Because she couldn't stand the humiliation of the Overwatch Council entering Ming Garden and the oppression by Sir Fan junior over the last while. This morning, she hung herself in anger."

The old Ming matriarch committed suicide?

Gao Da fell into shock. Although he was from Jingdou, he knew of the prestige and status that this old ancestor of the Ming family had throughout Jiangnan.

"Using her death to demonstrate her convictions," Fan Xian laughingly scolded. "Ming Qingda sure is ruthless enough, even more ruthless than his mother."

In reality, the old Ming matriarch did not want to die. Even though the old Ming matriarch was gradually becoming older and older and the breath of her life had flowed out for many years, even though she had sufficiently enjoyed a happy and prosperous life, she still did not want to die.

The Ming family had a great reputation in Jiangnan. Opening shop and giving out porridge, sponsoring scholars, and such, the Ming family had done countless such charitable acts. This old Ming matriarch was like a benevolent immortal from the skies in the heart of these people, wrapped from head to toe in honey-sweet and glowing clothing to the point that now the Jiangnan people, and even some from further away, had begun to erect shrines to her.

Clearly, the old Ming matriarch had not connected her life to the shrines, and she had never thought that now the shrines have been erected. She could have, or rather should have, lived for a few days.

In this beautiful morning, hearing that the Overwatch Council spies had entered the Ming Garden to search, the old woman had been angry and cursed. "After Ming Garden was constructed, when has it ever been searched by the government? Even if the governor was entering the manor, he had to bring his manners. These Overwatch Council bastards!"

The little garden she lived in was deep in Ming Garden. She couldn't hear the clamor of the Overwatch Council searching the front at all, however, this kind of humiliation still made her angry. She narrowed her eyes and said, "Are you planning to allow our family to be thus bullied?"

Standing beside her was Ming Qingda. His face was slightly grey. He understood what his mother was saying. In a small voice, he replied, "The people have gone, only…Fourth, after all, is also a brother."

The old Ming matriarch looked at her son coldly and with irritation, thinking, If you're not ruthless, how can you accomplish big things? How could you have the family struggling at death's door under the Overwatch Council's powerful attacks and endure until the day that the tables turn in the capital?

"You have to be ruthless."

The old Ming matriarch scolded.

Ming Qingda glanced at his mother's wrinkled face. A very filial smile appeared on his face as he acknowledged her words.

Chapter 394: Black Mud Beneath The White Frost In the City

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

"The Overwatch Council charged into Ming Garden like this today because of Mr. Zhou," Ming Qingda glanced at his elderly mother and said evenly. "Do you think we should…"

The old Ming matriarch looked at him coldly. She knew what he meant. Housekeeper Zhou was the main housekeeper of the Ming family, and he was also the account's master of the Junshang Conference. He was too important. If they let the Overwatch Council find him, many of the Junshang Conference's secrets would be known to Fan Xian and, through him, the Emperor.

Regardless of whether it was for the protection of Ming Garden or the safety of the Junshang Conference, housekeeper Zhou had to die. However, there was a problem. The matriarch sighed gently and said, "It's not like you don't know, but Mr. Zhou was sent to us by the Eldest Princess. Whether or not to kill him, it is not our decision to make."

"The search is about to reach the back," Ming Qing said without expression, but a cold smile flashed through his heart.

Junshang Conference? How was an organization at that level something a wealthy and large merchant family like the Ming family should be implicated in? As expected, now that they were past the point of no return, they couldn't get rid of it even they wanted to. He always had a deep prejudice against the old matriarch binding them so close to the side of the Eldest Princess. As for the Junshang Conference, he found it even more necessary to avoid.

The old matriarch slowly closed her eyes. "Relax. Mr. Zhou's safety shouldn't be a problem." The old woman suddenly furrowed her brows and said hesitantly, "There is one matter I still don't understand, why is the imperial envoy so certain that Mr. Zhou is still hidden in Ming Garden? If he doesn't find him, how will he explain it to the world?"

Ming Qingda's heart thumped. A similar look of confusion rose on his face.

The matriarch thought about it and felt a bit tired. She shook her head weakly. Her white hair clearly showed her age.

"I'm tired," The old woman said irritably. "Don't let those Overwatch Councils thugs disturb my rest."

"Relax, mother." Ming Qingda walked to her side and placed both his hands on her shoulders. He seemed to be getting ready to help her stand, in an even voice, he said, "No one will disturb your rest ever again."

…

…

The old matriarch suddenly turned her head back and saw guilt, fear, and malevolence appear then immediately disappear from the eyes of her trueborn son.

Then her mouth was covered with a leather rope wrapped tightly around her throat.

She wanted to cry out but could not make a sound. Her hands were held tightly by her own son. She could only kick with her small feet. They kicked randomly and made clapping sounds.

Endless fear and anger flashed through the old woman's eyes. She stared intensely at her female servant not far from her. She had countless trusted and aides in the manor, but at this moment, none of them were beside her. She didn't know where they had disappeared to.

The female servant glanced at the old Ming matriarch and slowly turned her body around.

The rope at her throat became tighter and tighter. The matriarch could not breathe. A fiery pain was in her chest. Her eyes began to fade. She knew everyone had betrayed her. However, compared to the betrayal, the strong and thick sense of remorse and hatred were even more difficult to suppress. It flowed out with her tears and the saliva from her mouth.

"You have to be more ruthless."

"To succeed in great matters, of course, there needs to be a sacrifice."

All of these words suddenly rang out again, accompanying the ringing in her ear, just before death attacked the old woman's heart. Her eyes bulged. She stared intensely at her trueborn son in front of her.

Ming Qingda lowered his head unwaveringly. He grasped her hands and didn't make a sound.

Perhaps a long time passed, or perhaps it was only a short instant that passed, but the chest of this old Ming matriarch sitting in the grand wheelchair, who controlled Jiangnan from the shadows for decades, gave a muffled thump. Her body suddenly became soft. Her feel dangled lifelessly below the chair and did not make any movements.

When people were old, they should rest.

…

…

The Overwatch Council's search of Ming Garden was not going smoothly. Although no one dared to obstruct them, Deng Zi Yue could feel the anger in the gazes of the people growing stronger and stronger. Furthermore, the guards and hired thugs staring and waiting in the shadows could pull out their weapons and rush up at any moment.

There was no nice way of searching the home. All along the way they overturned tables and chests, and berated everyone in stern voices to return to their rooms. They appeared to have the imposing manner of an evil predator and incited a sense of enmity among everyone in Ming Garden.

However, Deng Zi Yue was not worried. As Commissioner Fan had told him to enter the garden, he must certainly be confident. As expected, although the people looked at him with loathing and hatred, no one dared to obstruct him. However, Ming Garden was too big. After looking for a while, they had only searched half of it and had not found any trace of housekeeper Zhou.

"I am going to search the back garden," Deng Zi Yue said to the young master of the eldest branch, Ming Lanshi, who had been beside him the entire time.

"No!" Ming Lanshi stared intensely at him and harshly said. "What exactly do you want to do? Do you really think the Ming family is so easily dishonored?"

In the back garden lived the woman and relatives. How could it be searched? Ming Lanshi used this as a pretext to kick up a fuss and angrily cursed out the Overwatch Council officials. Deng Zi Yue set his face and refused to budge even a single step. In his hand he held a document written in Fan Xian's own hand on which was the imperial envoy's seal. It was sufficient excuse for a search.

Of course, he couldn't search in the name of the Overwatch Council, he could only do it in the name of the imperial envoy of Jiangnan.

It must be noted that the Overwatch Council was not allowed to be involved in local governmental affairs. They were particularly not allowed to judge civil matters on their own authority. The outing today was a move of hanging a sheep's head while selling dog meat. It could be said that Fan Xian was borrowing soldiers.

The two sides faced off in front of the door to the back garden. The Ming Garden guards had resisted for a long time and couldn't resist anymore. Obscenities flowed out as they cursed endlessly. Under the impassioned emotions, the hired thugs and private soldiers that were supposed to stay hidden at the sides emerged and completely surrounded almost 40 Overwatch Council officials in the center of the yard.

Deng Zi Yue darkened his face and said coldly, "Young master Ming, are we to continue searching…or are you prepared to resist the imperial edict?"

When the imperial envoy was out, they represented the Emperor's wishes. Who dared to resist an edict?

Ming Lanshi's face turned green then white. He tightly gritted his teeth and acted sufficiently humiliated and embarrassed. A moment later, he roared in an angry voice, "Go search! The heaven has eyes! I don't believe that the Overwatch Council won't have retribution in the future for bullying others through force!"

Why would Deng Zi Yue pay attention to all this? With his hand holding the hilt of his simple knife, he stepped toward the back garden.

Unexpectedly, he had not gone 10 steps when someone came rushing out straight into him. He saw the person wore the outfit and accessories of a servant. Based on the quality of her clothing and appearance, she was also an important person in Ming Garden. This girl's face was deathly pale, and her eyes were lifeless. She charged toward the crowd crazily like she had seen a ghost. She cried out indistinctly, "Dead! Dead! Dead!"

Dead?

Deng Zi Yue felt his heart jump and some kind of inauspicious omen. He frowned and stopped the girl. In a severe voice, he asked, "What happened?"

There was a trace of the haughty air of a large family on the girl's face, but right now she seemed to have been overly shocked. Her face was a mask of distress and terror. She trembled for a long time and couldn't say a complete sentence. She could only shake uncontrollably in front of Deng Zi Yue. If he had not ignored taboo and grabbed her arm, she would probably have collapsed to the ground already.

The Overwatch Council people searching the garden did not recognize the girl, but the Ming family people knew her: she was the old matriarch's personal servant and one of her confidantes. Suddenly, everyone from the six branches gathered around. Seeing her expression, they couldn't help being scared and wonder what exactly had happened.

Ming Lanshi urgently grabbed the girl from Deng Zi Yue's hand. Holding onto her collar, he asked, "What's wrong? Who died?"

Deng Zi Yue stood at the side and watched with cold eyes. A strange light flashed through his eyes.

The girl servant was shaken by the young master a few times before she finally regained her senses. Her mouth cracked open. Before she could say anything, she first burst into mournful tears. "Young master, the old matriarch…the old matriarch, she…"

"What happened to the old matriarch?"

"The old matriarch…she's gone!" The girl servant struggled to finish her sentence, then her head tilted and she fainted in Ming Lanshi's arms.

It was like Ming Lanshi had been struck by lightning. He stood there in a daze. For a moment, he couldn't believe his own ears.

The members of the six branches around him all looked at each other with wide eyes and wide mouths, frozen like countless frogs. It seemed they did not know how to use a shocked expression to express their current inner feelings.

The old matriarch was gone?

The old matriarch was gone!

The yard remained deathly silent for a long time. The first cry suddenly exploded out and was followed by rising cries. It was like a grand chorus of singing. The miserable cries and sobs rose and fell in succession. Many people sat down in shock, unable to stand up again no matter what.

Ming Garden was enveloped in an atmosphere of shock and sorrowful rage.

Other than the Fourth Ming master in the Suzhou prison and Master Ming, who was beside the old matriarch, masters from the four branches were present. These four men cried and sobbed. Pushing aside the dazed Ming Lanshi, they lifted their long gowns and charged into the back garden.

Instantly, no one cared about the rule of not entering back garden without permission. No one had to give a cry for the hundreds of people who had appeared in Ming Garden to rush into the back garden accompanied by sobs.

The Overwatch Council officials present looked at each other and had become the most awkward group of people. Deng Zi Yue's pupil constricted and felt a sense of crises. When he had accepted his orders and came to search the garden today, he never thought that it would turn into such a situation.

Although they didn't know how the old matriarch had died, Deng Zi Yue was sure that she had died too miraculously and coincidentally. It was so ingenious that the Overwatch Council wouldn't be able to avoid the responsibility if they tried.

A moment earlier, he caught sight of Ming Lanshi's state of mind, which made more questions arise in the depths of his heart.

The old Ming matriarch's death had shocked everyone in Ming Garden. The guards all rushed out and charged to the Overwatch Council's side. With weapons and bows in their hands, they enveloped the Overwatch Council. Hatred flashed in their gazes.

Deng Zi Yue furrowed his brows slightly and knew that if they made one misstep right now, it would end in a fight. However, before they came, the commissioner had explained clearly, things…shouldn't have developed like this.

He made a prompt decision and ordered his subordinates to enter the back garden. Ming Garden was in a state of chaos, so no one had the time to care about them. Furthermore, those Ming Garden private soldiers holding weapons and watching them would never attack in the place where the old Ming matriarch had died.

…

…

They walked in the back garden for a long time. Following the sounds of crying, Deng Zi Yue saw the ground covered with kneeling people outside of a quiet little garden. He couldn't help feeling a chill in his heart. Sweeping his gaze around, he saw in the large central room, below the rough roof beam, a long white sash with a person hanging from the end. It was an old woman.

The old woman's hands hung by her side. The points of her feet pointed toward the ground, and she swayed in the air with the gentle spring breeze. The scene was just as creepy as it seemed, particularly the pair of bulging eyes that refused to close. The eyes were bloodshot from her final struggle before death and looked out full of hate and dissatisfaction.

Coincidentally, they looked straight at the Overwatch Council officials outside the garden.

Deng Zi Yue was arrested by the sight of the dead person's gaze. He quickly turned his head and ordered his subordinates to be prepared to break out at any moment.

The sound of crying filled the garden. The descendants knelt across the ground, sobbing their eyes out and endlessly kowtowing.

The old Ming matriarch was dead. Ming Garden would certainly hold the Overwatch Council responsible for this debt. With emotions in the crowd running so high, no one knew what would happen. However, the path of retreat had long been blocked by the private soldiers, who watched them like predators with eyes full of hatred. If they were to kill their way out, it would be difficult.

Before long, Ming Qingda, whose forehead was already bleeding from his kowtowing, removed the old matriarch's body from the roof beam with the help of his four brothers. He forcefully suppressed his sorrow and made the related arrangements for the funeral, and then led his four brothers out of the garden.

No one dared to talk. Everyone used their exit to stare at the Overwatch Council officials outside.

Deng Zi Yue had never had this many people want to devour him. The Ming family's gaze already expressed this kind of hatred clearly. He knew that right now they could not retreat. Once they retreated and news of it got out, it would bring great danger to the Overwatch Council. If the moment the old Ming matriarch died, the people of the Overwatch Council fearfully retreated, what was this but an act of a guilty conscience?

He set his face and narrowed his eyes. "The old Ming matriarch colluded with Dongyi and committed suicide for her crimes…temporarily pause the funeral arrangements. After her cause of death has been determined, then proceed."

From the perspective of the Overwatch Council, he had to appear particularly unyielding at this time. For the Ming family, the old ancestor had just died and the Overwatch Council had already accused her of committing suicide for her crimes. No one could endure this.

The Sixth young master loved to wrestle and was a big man with a crude personality. Adding to the fact he was the youngest of the Ming children and always the best loved by the old matriarch, he also had the strongest feelings for the old matriarch. His mother had just suddenly died. In his moment of sorrow and rage, when he heard Deng Zi Yue's words, he turned around, grabbed a chair, and began to bring it down on him.

Deng Zi Yue lifted his knife and blocked the chair with a clunk.

The Sixth young master's eyes were red, and the muscles in his face twisted. In a sharp howl, he said, "Come, beat this group of heartless hired thugs to death!"

The Ming family guards were waiting for this order. In this half year, they had almost been suffocated by the Overwatch Council's suppression. No matter how they bowed and scraped, they were unable to protect themselves. Today, they had even forced the old matriarch to death. Looking at the Overwatch Council officials present, it was like looking at evil dogs that had charged into their home. The crowd roared and rushed forward with their weapons, fearing that they would not attack fiercely enough. Clangs and bangs ran out in the chaotic fight.

From the moment he found about the old matriarch's death, Deng Zi Yue knew that things were going to go wrong and had warned his subordinates to be prepared to do battle. Although the battle came suddenly, none of them were caught off guard. The people of the Fourth Bureau formed into a small defensive circle and pulled out the plain knives at their waists, ready to do battle.

For a while, only the sounds of the wind could be heard, and only the light flashing off the swords and knives could be seen. Occasionally, there was a fresh tragic cry accompanied by the scared screaming of the Ming family women.

Ming Garden had the advantage of numbers. Within the private soldiers, there were a few aces and masters who showed their faces. Many of the Overwatch Council were injured, and blood flowed like it cost nothing.

Although the Fourth Bureau was not a martially powerful yamen of the Overwatch Council, they were, after all, people who had received professional training. Although people were injured, they were immediately replaced by those within the circle. They barely managed to maintain the defensive circle and successfully repel the Ming family's private soldiers' first wave of attack.

But…how long could they last? The Sixth young master was about to go crazy, yelling with all his strength.

There came the light sound of a slap.

The Sixth young master's face received a slap. He turned his head in shock to see his eldest brother's still sorrowful but more so rage-filled face.

Ming Qingda lowered his voice and gritted his teeth. "Do you want the whole clan to die as well?"

Not waiting for the shocked and dazed Sixth young master to reply, Ming Qingda set his face and yelled, "Everyone, stop!"

His voice was not loud and so many people did not hear. Spots of red appeared on Ming Qingda's pale face and he raised his voice to a roar, "Do you want to rebel?"

…

…

After all, he was the Master of this generation in name. After the old matriarch's death, the words "in name" could be removed. Under Ming Qingda's order, all of the thugs in Ming Garden stopped and retreated.

The crowd parted to make a path. Ming Qingda coldly followed the path and walked forwards until he reached the Overwatch Council officials.

The Master of the Ming family looked coldly at Deng Zi Yue like he was looking at an evil dog waiting to die.

Deng Zi Yue did not appear weak at all and smiled coldly. "Master Ming, you asked a good question…are you really going to rebel?"

Ming Qingda's gaze carried a trace of coldness and disdain, yet he still did not say anything. At this time, what response could the Ming family make? Kill the 40 officials of the Overwatch Council in front of them? Without even needing to wait for an edict from Jingdou, Sir Fan junior sitting Suzhou and Governor Xue Qing could mobilize troops at any moment and wipe out Ming Garden.

But…the other party had forced his mother to death.

All of these doubts and painful internal struggles appeared on Ming Qingda's face, and it was all seen by the Ming family and Overwatch Council officials.

"Brother!" The Sixth young master rushed crying to Ming Qingda's side. "They forced mother to her death. We can't let these dogs leave alive."

After everyone in Ming Garden had gradually calmed down, they seemed to all understand the difficulty and struggle in the Ming Master's heart. The Sixth master was not an exception. The mother and son relationship ran deep. How could he endure this anger?

"The humiliation and pain you have brought to the Ming family…" Ming Qingda's mouth trembled slightly. His face was deathly pale as he stared at Deng Zi Yue's and said, "The Ming family will return in tenfold…as for today, kneel and ask forgiveness from the old matriarch, and I shall let you leave the garden."

The Sixth young master could not believe his ears. He urgently said, "Brother, you can't let it go just like this!"

On the contrary, it was Deng Zi Yue standing opposite who narrowed his eyes and said after a moment of thought, "Master Ming, you should know that the Overwatch Council kneels only for the heaven, the earth, and the ruler. We do not kneel for anyone else."

Ming Qingda furrowed his brows. His spirit seemed to have taken a major hit after today's repeated attacks. He stood a bit unsteady and barely managed to hold onto the Sixth master's shoulder, which also prevented the Sixth master from acting rashly. In a hoarse voice, he said, "Then…the good and bad will burn together."

As they were talking, Deng Zi Yue felt the gaze with which Ming Qingda looked at him seemed to be trying to signal some kind of deep hidden meaning, but he couldn't figure it out.

Ming Qingda sighed in his heart. He had not expected the Overwatch Council would be so unyielding to not be willing to make any superficial concessions even in the face of such a dangerous situation. The confrontation continued. It could explode at any moment.

There were always a clever figure or two of the six masters. Seeing that the situation was not right and hearing their eldest brother words, they felt a trace of alarm. As merchants, what right did they have to burn alongside the court? To smash a rock with an egg, putting on this appearance would not make the rock lose anything.

Furthermore, they weren't trueborn sons of the old Ming matriarch. Why should they pay with their lives? So, the Second master and Third master both came around. They put a sorrowful expression on their faces and leaned close to Ming Qingda's ear to urge the Ming Master to put the tens of thousands of lives in the family first and temporarily endure it. They had to slowly plan for the revenge for the old matriarch.

Ming Qingda had personally killed the old matriarch, so he already had a guilty conscience. The paleness of his face was not purposely enacted. In the current situation, he had to act like he and the Overwatch Council could not live under the same sky and the two powers could not co-exist. Now that the Second and Third masters had come out to persuade him, he felt a bit more at ease and put on an expression of a painful struggle.

No one knew how long the confrontation went on when suddenly there was a clamor outside of the garden. Following it was the thundering of hooves and countless riders as their horses crashed in.

Ming Qingda's heart stuttered, thinking, the Overwatch Council's Black Knights were clearly still in Jiangbei, so they couldn't have charged into the Garden right now. Who were the newcomers?

…

…

Thousands of soldiers and their horses swept in with spears as dense as a wooded forest and an impressive military might. Immediately, they separated the Ming family's private soldiers and Overwatch Council officials. For a moment, the dust rose and the grandeur was imposing.

The people who had come were the provincial soldiers the Jiangnan governor had mobilized. Using an urgent order, they had rushed as quickly as possible and made it before the disaster began. They stood between the two groups, who had their swords drawn and bows drawn.

The leader was an experienced general. He had already heard what had happened. With a serious expression, he exchanged some words with Ming Qingda. Originally, he wanted to enter to pay his respects to the old matriarch, but he knew that Ming Garden was not ready, so he could only drop the subject.

Along with the provincial military entering the garden, there was also a member of the Qinian Unit of the Overwatch Council. He moved closer to Deng Zi Yue's side and relayed the two sentences the commissioner had said.

Deng Zi Yue was surprised. It wasn't a problem to retreat right now. With thousands of provincial soldiers' present, even if the Ming family wanted to make a move they wouldn't be able to. The problem was if they did so, did they not make true the fact the Overwatch Council had forced the death of the old Ming matriarch? He did not understand what Fan Xian was thinking. The best response was clearly to mobilize the Black Knights and use this as an excuse to completely wipe out the Ming family.

However, the arrival of the provincial military protected the lives' of the Overwatch Council officials, but they also prevented the possibility of the Black Knights massacring the garden.

As for Deng Zi Yue's suspicions about the cause of the old matriarch's death…only the Suzhou government had the authority to investigate it; the Overwatch Council did not have this authority. However, all of the government officials in the Jiangnan region belonged to the Ming family, so they were certain not to find any problems. He was even more confused. Just what arrangements had the commissioner made? Were they still going to capture housekeeper Zhou? Was he just going to allow the situation to develop like this?

…

…

It was the depths of spring, yet Suzhou was covered in silver adornments and plain wrappings. It was not snow, yet it was colder than snow.

It seemed like all the people of Suzhou were wearing mourning. Those strips of snow-white cloth were like strands of imperial orders, speaking of the Ming family matriarch's benevolence and contributions to the Jiangnan people.

The news of the old Ming matriarch's death seemed to spread throughout Jiangnan in a single night, and the specific circumstances of her death spread through the mouths of different people and became stranger and stranger.

Regardless of which version of events they heard, the blame was all squarely pointed at the Overwatch Council. The anger of the people began to converge, yet they could not, at the moment, find a channel through which to vent it. The Overwatch Council yamen had always been secretive, and so temporarily there hadn't been the heroic scene of tens of thousands of people sealing the door and demanding justice. As for Hua Garden where the imperial envoy lived, it was heavily guarded. The people, for now, did not yet have the daring to demonstrate there.

Thus, everyone could only wear mourning and use the sorrow and anger on their faces, and the hate-filled cursing in the marketplace, to express their silent protest. This was against the Overwatch Council as well as against Sir Fan junior.

The old Ming matriarch's mourning hall had not yet opened, so the officials and nobles from various places who had come to offer their condolences were temporarily living in Suzhou.

The entire city was enveloped in that cold atmosphere and was at odds with the surrounding spring scene.

However, Fan Xian did not care about this. His skin was thick enough, his heart black enough, and his spirit strong enough to be able to pretend the entire city wearing mourning was a movie from his previous life. As for those voices that cursed him from the shadows and in the light, he was able to prevent them from entering his ears.

He sat in the top floor of the Suzhou branch of the Xinfeng Restaurant that he had booked. In his heart, he only worried about Haitang. She had gone in his stead to apprehend Mr. Zhou of the Junshang Conference and had not yet returned. He didn't know if she had run into danger.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help giving a self-mocking laugh. In this world, the only people who could hurt Duoduo were those Great Grandmasters.

He picked up his whole bowl and slurped up some noodles before giving a satisfied sigh. Then, he opened his mouth to say, "Master Ming, I've really been wretchedly played by you this time."

Ming Qingda knelt at his side, repeatedly kowtowing, and fawningly said, "Sir's thinking is as agile as the Yangtze River, and your power is as lofty as a mountain. How could you care about such a tiny breeze around you?"

Chapter 395: I Watch The People's Hearts From Above

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

"Torrential river water? A flooding Yellow River?"

"Rise, you are now the true master of the Ming family. You don't have to be so careful in front of me."

Fan Xian took his measure of Ming Qingda with an amused gaze, and then picked up his bowl to slurp up more noodles to eat.

Ming Qingda had secretly come to Xinfeng Restaurant. He had been very careful to avoid the eyes and ears of everyone, and he also felt a bit nervous. After all, a sorrowful and angry atmosphere was building in Suzhou. All ten thousand of the Ming clan were watching this master. If others knew that he had come secretly to see the imperial envoy, he probably wouldn't be the master for much longer.

However, although they had met today, the imperial envoy would still not say anything clearly. Ming Qingda found this to be a bit peculiar.

Fan Xian put down the bowl and thought for a bit before speaking. "There is no need to talk about anything else. I will only ask you, the Mr. Zhou you promised to give me, where is he now?"

Ming Qingda felt the chill and imposing force in the imperial envoy's words and unconsciously lowered his head to explain himself.

"That person…I was not able to control him and let him out of the garden. This is my mistake. Please punish me."

"Punish?" Fan Xian smiled self-mockingly. "Now that you've done this, how can I punish you?"

Ming Qingda sighed and said, "By this point, do you still not believe my sincerity?"

Fan Xian shook his head and said, "Last time in the courtyard of the palace treasury I already said you must hold the blow like a dragon spitting pearls, to reach with chopsticks like a phoenix bending its head, to eat until mostly full, and to pack away what is not finished…being a person is like eating a meal; the pose must be beautiful and you must know your limits."

He stared at Ming Qingda's eyes. "In our agreement, you sell the person to me and respond as necessary to the situation, but it did not involve the later content…you did not tell me about this matter and did it yourself. The current situation puts me in a very difficult position."

Ming Qingda was quiet for a moment and then said quietly, "Matters are already like this. In order for the Ming family not to dissolve into smoke in my hands, some of the people obstructing ahead need to rest. I trust you will be able to understand."

"Understanding is one matter. You acting on your own without my receiving my permission is another matter." Fan Xian scolded. "Don't think you can use the opportunity of my subordinates entering the garden to do as you wish and that this matter will be completely hidden. You have to know, I have paid too high a price for this matter. Right now, the entire Jiangnan is watching me…have a think about how you can fix this situation."

Ming Qingda was silent. A moment later, he said, "This is my fault, I will think of a solution."

Fan Xian nodded his head, but he actually did not particularly trust this ruthless and cunning old fox.

Ming Qingda saw that the imperial envoy's expression had cleared a bit. Only then did he gather his courage to speak. "Sir…there were people in Ming Garden who surrounded and attacked the Overwatch Council officials, this matter has to be investigated."

Hearing these words, Fan Xian couldn't help but smile. Not only was this Ming master ruthless, but the thickness of his skin was actually comparable to his own. He sighed and said, "If these words were heard by outsiders, who knows how shocked they would be. The Master of the Ming family is actually urging the Overwatch Council to investigate Ming Garden."

Ming Qingda smiled slightly and said, "If I don't do so, how can I have you trust me?"

"Relax." Fan Xian calmed down. "My identity and position are not the same as yours. You are unable to hand me Mr. Zhou, but I will still do what I promised you. I will deal with Sixth Ming; you won't need to worry."

"However…" he stared at Ming Qingda's eyes and said in an imposing manner, "as I said earlier, you played me this time, and now everyone in Jiangnan wishes they could devour me. You have to think of a way to handle this matter, otherwise, you know the consequences."

Ming Qingda bowed sincerely and accepted the order, then he carefully asked, "What about Fourth?"

Fan Xian was silent and did not answer his question.

Ming Qingda's sighed and knew that the imperial envoy had to hold some information to use against him to feel at ease with allowing him to sit in the position as the head of the Ming family. Concerning the matter of the Fourth master being broken out of jail, the Overwatch Council had witnesses. They could throw it out any moment to have him killed.

Fan Xian gave him a not-quite-there smile. How could he bring out such a piece as the Fourth master right now? If they didn't follow up the jailbreak matter, then there would be little use of for the Fourth master. If they did follow up with is, the Fourth master would only die, would it not be a waste for him to die like this?

"Right now, the emotions are still running high in your family. Don't rush the matter of cleaning out the old matriarch's trusted aides," Fan Xian advised. He suddenly smiled and said, "In these matters, you are more experienced than me, my words are extra."

Ming Qingda quickly replied respectfully, "It's all thanks to your advice along the way."

"Don't lie." The corner of Fan Xian's mouth quirked up and he stopped him speaking. "The ferocity of the last method was not something I could have thought of."

"Besides," Fan Xian said in a quiet voice, "after the matter has cooled down, you need to arrange for the matter of Xia Qifei returning to the family."

Ming Qingda suddenly raised his head. He looked at Fan Xian with a calm but complicated gaze. A moment later he faintly said, "You still don't trust me."

"In the future, don't say so many pompous things," Fan Xian said. "You know, and I also know, you don't trust, so, I also don't trust you. Xia Qifei is someone that I can truly trust. Each day that he doesn't enter Ming Garden to discuss the matter, the agreement between us will not be considered made."

The furrow between Ming Qingda's brows appeared to grow even deeper. He took a deep breath and said, "When Qingcheng was young, he and I had disagreements. I'm afraid he hates me to the bone right now, but, I will follow your orders. I am willing to back down. However, the old matriarch just passed away…right now the emotions are high. Everyone knows that Qingcheng is your trusted aide. If I let him return home, I'm afraid I won't be able to suppress the backlash of the tens of thousands of people in the clan."

Fan Xian shook his head and said straightforwardly, "Look at the situation. Everyone in Jiangnan hates me. Do you think I care about the backlash from the tens of thousands of people from your clan? You created this situation, so you will have to settle the backlash. I only ask for results. As for the process, that is something for you to worry about."

Ming Qingda's face darkened slightly. "This matter…is truly rather difficult."

"There is nothing difficult." Fan Xian smiled mockingly and looked at him. "I have always had an appreciation for your methods. The old matriarch is about to be buried, and the Overwatch Council has no authority to investigate anything. However, I will have the grave constantly watched. It is better for it to be difficult for you than for it to be difficult for me. If I am truly put in a difficult situation that is impossible to endure, then you should face difficulties for your entire life."

The Overwatch Council already had enough information to use against Ming Qingda. If he got any ideas again, before Fan Xian's good days came to an end, Ming Qingda would have first died of a thousand wounds. With the situation as it was, Ming Qingda understood that although his crafty plan had allowed him to be the true Master of the Ming family, he had sat down right in a volcano, particularly that last move which he had hidden from the imperial envoy. Although it meant that the Overwatch Council would no longer be able to threaten the Ming family, it had also truly angered Fan Xian.

Toward this kind of naked threat, Ming Qingda knew he could only wholly accept it. He had done such an unfilial thing. Unexpectedly, in the end, it had all completely benefited the other party. He raised his head and looked at the imperial envoy, "Sir, that's very calculating."

Fan Xian was not angry at all and laughed heartily. "You like to calculate others, and now you think you have been calculated by me, so you feel unhappy. However, don't think too highly of me. In this regard, I truly do not have much talent."

His voice became cold. "Resilience comes from an absence of desire. You want too much, so you give me too many opportunities. As for things like calculation, I have always believed such things like schemes are never as straightforwardly terrifying as power. The calculation goes back and forth, and wastes precious life…Master Ming, in the future, you should do things more honestly and sincerely."

Ming Qingda became silent.

"Go back now, there are still many things for you to deal with, such as the hatred the people in your clan feel for me that need to be comforted," Fan Xian laughed coldly and said. "If there are plans in the future, I will send someone to inform you."

He thought a bit and then advised, "I know you are afraid of that Junshang Conference…however, don't fall out with them yet. I need the Ming family to have a position in it."

Ming Qingda knew he had no other options; he could only agree to this for now. Rising, he went downstairs. His retreating figure became bent, revealing his age.

…

…

After Ming Qingda left, the leader of the Qinian Unit of the Overwatch Council, Deng Zi Yue, came out from behind the curtain. There was no way the shock could be hidden on his face. It was not until today that he learned the commissioner actually had so many secret agreements with the Master of the Ming family.

Following Fan Xian's orders, he sat. Deng Zi Yue opened his mouth wide and was dazed for a while before he organized his thoughts clearly to say, "Unbelievable, truly unbelievable."

Fan Xian couldn't stop himself shaking his head. "What is unbelievable? Ming Qingda is a clever man. He knew this was the court's intention. He could not hope to stand against the court. He only hoped to use a relatively peaceful method to protect some livelihood for the tens of thousands of people in the Ming family…and on this point, he and his mother had some irreconcilable differences. Under such circumstances, if he didn't come to me, who else could he go to?"

"Of course, I still underestimated him." Fan Xian sighed. "I didn't expect his last move. In this way, the Jiangnan people are all watching us, and Xue Qing is also greatly shocked. Regardless of which way the court is leaning, there is no way we can continue with our coercion of the Ming family."

"On one hand, he colluded with me to stabilize his position as the Master of the Ming family. On the other hand, he secretly acted ruthlessly and incited the emotions of the people under heaven to temporarily protect the Ming family's interests. Ming Qingda indeed did not let me down."

"However…there is one thing he didn't account for…he uses me, but I also use him. The problem is that my confidence is much stronger than his, so in the end, he could still only be used by me."

"Everyone miscalculated one thing," Fan Xian explained seriously. "Including the things I said to Xue Qing, in reality, it was all to scare him…you all think I can sweep aside the Ming family at any time, but actually, this is impossible to do. Thus, I need to use Ming Qingda."

Deng Zi Yue looked at the thoughtful commissioner in shock.

Fan Xian closed his eyes and then opened them a while later. He slowly said, "If the Ming family truly rebelled, what can I do? Actually mobilize the Black Knights to Suzhou to massacre the garden? True, that would wipe out all six branches of the Ming family and make the blood run like rivers and cover the wilderness in corpses, but…what good would that do for me?"

He smiled and shook his head. "After a period of solemnity, relying on the court's power, we can claim Ming Garden was rebelling. Within half a year, it will make the entire Jiangnan region keep quiet out of fear. Not one person will dare to say anything. The court will successfully take over the Ming family's enormous property and everything will be as the Emperor planned."

His face became cold. "But, what good is that to me?"

Deng Zi Yue was silent, the commissioner had repeated twice "what good is that for me." The commissioner unconsciously placed his plan and the Emperor's plan against each other. This sent a slight chill through Deng Zi Yue's heart, but he didn't dare say anything.

He understood that if Ming Garden was massacred, it would create a horrifying crisis. Although the Emperor would acknowledge the Ming family's framed rebellion, in order to pacify the hearts of the Jiangnan people, the Overwatch Council would certainly be severely punished and the commissioner would suffer harsh consequences.

To bring the Ming family into the national treasury on behalf of the court required him to give up his own interests…Fan Xian would not do such a stupid thing.

…

…

"This is why I wanted to find Xia Qifei at the start, then the Fourth master, and then finally Ming Qingda," Fan Xian explained evenly. "The situation in Jiangnan appears to be very muddy, but it is actually clear. Xue Qing is the Emperor's confidante and watching from the side, so I had make the waters a bit muddier."

"To bring in the Ming family, it could only be done peacefully…" Fan Xian slightly lowered his eyelids. "If I am too aggressive, the Emperor could throw me out at any moment. You should understand this reasoning."

Deng Zi Yue felt a chill in his heart. He was increasingly confused as to why the commissioner had to mention the Emperor repeatedly in front of him. He didn't understand why the commissioner was telling him all these tabooed things.Was he testing him?

"The old Ming matriarch has always been one of the important figures in the Junshang Conference," Fan Xian continued to say. "Each day she stays in position is another day for it to be impossible for the Ming family to be taken down peacefully by me. So her death, although it has brought me some trouble, speaking as a whole…I am willing to accept this result."

Fan Xian gazed into Deng Zi Yue's eyes and said quietly, "You've been beside me the whole time, of course you know…it has not been easy for me."

Deng Zi Yue sighed in his heart and saluted wordlessly.

Fan Xian walked to the railing at the top floor of the restaurant. He narrowed his eyes and watched the pedestrians below wearing mourning and the incense shop in the distance working against the clock. He knew Suzhou was busy in the wake of that old woman's death. Who knew how many noble and powerful figures had already gathered here waiting to worship in the mourning hall.

Deng Zi Yue followed behind him and looked at the scene below. He sighed and said, "There are too many ways to defeat the Ming family, the current situation…does not seem like the most optimal."

Fan Xian replied calmly, "That is why we will have to get Ming Qingda back later for that trick he played on me."

In today's Jiangnan, with the strange death of the old Ming matriarch and Ming Qingda's secret collusion with Fan Xian, the Ming family and Xinyang perhaps could still promise something on the surface, but in secret, they were very different from last year. While Fan Xian controlled Jiangnan, opening his hands, the palace treasury smuggling business was about to start with great fanfare. Without the Ming family holding them back, it would go much more smoothly.

In the end, the price that Fan Xian paid was nothing more than his illusory reputation. However, in his view, forcing the death of the old Ming matriarch and creating a slight disturbance in the people's hearts, the Emperor was certain to find some reason to thoroughly scold him, but he was happy with this kind of reaping what is sown.

In reality, there was a lot of inside information that affected Fan Xian's decision-making that he did not tell Deng Zi Yue. For example, he couldn't mobilize the Black Knights because he feared the Emperor would throw him out.

Fan Xian clearly understood that it was already an anomaly to be such a young official as him that held such great power. Although the Emperor still very much trusted him right now, who knew when the Emperor would suddenly change his mind? Judging from the Emperor's actions these years, he was a highly suspicious person, so he had always kept a severe gaze on him and strictly prevented him from having any relation to the military side.

Mobilize the Black Knights? Fan Xian smiled self-mockingly. He knew how many would be scared if he took such a ferocious action.

From the recent disturbance with the Ministry of Revenue in the capital, Fan Xian could see even more clearly that before the Emperor had made up his mind to clean out the Eldest Princess' force. He had already begun to be vigilant about the existence of the Fan family. In Jingdou, the Emperor did not manage to use the matter of the Ministry of Revenue's deficits to force his father down. If the Ming family matter became more troublesome, who knew whether or not the Emperor would take away his power?

The word "power" looked simple, but it was like a drug. Once consumed, it was difficult to break away from. Although Fan Xian was aware, he could not stand for the power in his hands to be decreased in any way. He was used to the benefits of power, but, for self-protection and to protect others, he needed the power he held.

To advance through retreat, he had to let his reputation take a hit for now

…

…

Deng Zi Yue followed beside him and lowered his voice. "The situation recently is rather tense. The Eight Bureau suggests perhaps you should go over with a few sticks of incense."

Given Fan Xian's identity as the imperial envoy, if he were to pay his respects to the old matriarch, it would clearly lighten the current situation.

But…Fan Xian only shook his head with a cold expression and said, "No need."

Deng Zi Yue was slightly startled and did not understand why.

Fan Xian extended his hand and pointed to the city people with sorrow on their faces and said in a quiet voice, "In reality, the people's hearts are not scary. What is scary are those who stand above the people and can use the people's hearts…as long as I satisfy those people, what the people think will not impact the big picture."