Chapter 114: Then Forget It (Two in One Chapter)

Wei Xun explained the entire sequence of events to Emperor Wu in detail. In reality, he was explaining it not only to the emperor but also to the civil and military officials present.

Wei Xun placed a particular emphasis on how the four prominent families of Baihe County had been tyrannical, leaving the common people bitterly resentful. He subtly suggested that Xu Ming and Xu Pangda's actions were entirely out of necessity.

Otherwise, most of the minor officials in Baihe County had been bribed by these four families. Finding witnesses and evidence was nearly impossible. Solving any case under such circumstances was practically a fantasy.

After Wei Xun finished speaking, the voices in the court gradually quieted. Initially, many officials had assumed that Xu Ming, in his youthful impulsiveness, had clashed with the four powerful families and killed them all in a moment of anger.

But they hadn't expected that Xu Ming and Xu Pangda's actions were not for themselves but for the suffering people of Baihe County.

"Minister Wang," Emperor Wu turned to Wang Can, "Xu Ming acted for the people. Moreover, before Xu Ming left, I personally granted him the Water Dragon Token, giving him the authority to act first and report later. How does this violate the laws of Wu Kingdom?"

Cold sweat broke out on Wang Can's forehead, but he had no choice but to press on. "Even with the Water Dragon Token, there must still be justification for Xu Ming's actions."

"Justification? Hmph." Emperor Wu let out a cold laugh. "The cries of the people in Baihe County are the justification! Furthermore, Xu Ming and County Magistrate Xu were already in the process of gathering evidence and were planning to report the matter to the capital. How can you assume they had no justification?"

"If they fail to provide evidence, they will be punished accordingly. But if they do, what will you have to say for yourself, Minister Wang?"

The tone of Emperor Wu's voice had clearly turned displeased.

"Furthermore, I wish to see more upright officials like them, not those pedantic and corrupt old schemers!"

"Your Majesty, I am deeply remorseful!" Wang Can hurriedly bowed, not daring to lift his head. However, he still stubbornly retorted, "Even so, Your Majesty, the actions of the Top Scholar are still unreasonable. If everyone followed his example, what would happen to the common people? Wouldn't it create widespread fear and unrest, destabilizing the dynasty?

Moreover, among the four prominent families of Baihe County, there are cultivators. While the heads of these families may be guilty, what does that have to do with the other cultivators in their families? If Xu Ming fails to produce evidence proving that these cultivators oppressed the people, how can we explain this to their sects? How can we account for this to the hundreds of sects within Wu Kingdom's borders?"

"Minister Wang, your argument is flawed," a voice suddenly interjected.

All eyes turned toward the speaker. It was none other than Yu Ping'an, limping as he stepped forward to the center of the hall. "Your Majesty granted the Water Dragon Token to the Top Scholar, giving him the authority to act first and report later. What, Minister Wang—do you think everyone under heaven holds a Water Dragon Token granted by His Majesty?"

"Moreover, you demand evidence. There's no need to wait for the Top Scholar to send his memorial. I can provide evidence on his behalf right now."

Yu Ping'an bowed deeply toward Emperor Wu and declared, "Your Majesty, this leg of mine—broken when I was still a Xiucai—was because I offended Li Hui, the son of the Li family in Baihe County. He had it broken."

Yu Ping'an's words caused an uproar in the hall.

"What does the Li family in Baihe County think they're doing?"

"They dared to break a Xiucai's leg? How could they be so bold?"

"Does that Li Hui think that being a direct disciple of a sect gives him the right to act so recklessly?"

"Your Majesty! This matter must not be brushed aside just because Li Hui is dead! His sect must be held accountable!"

For a moment, the entire court—both civil and military officials—was filled with outrage. A Xiucai already holds an official title through the imperial examination, yet someone dared to break his leg? Outrageous! Did these people hold the imperial examination in contempt? Did they have no respect for official titles?

This was akin to slapping the face of every scholar and official repeatedly.

The military officials, in particular, had long been displeased with the mountain sects. These sects constantly refused to obey the court, either causing trouble or on their way to cause trouble. This incident presented the perfect opportunity to reprimand them.

On the other hand, Wang Can was left dumbfounded. He had never expected that the Tanhua Yu Ping'an's injured leg had been the result of Baihe County's Li family's son breaking it.

Even Emperor Wu was taken aback, his expression becoming stern. "Minister Yu, recount the events in full detail from start to finish."

---

Three days after the court session in the capital, in a small farmhouse in Baihe County:

Xu Ming was playing chess with Fang Ling.

Two cats lazed on the courtyard wall, yawning contentedly. Fang Ling's grandchildren, Fang Wan and Fang Qianqian, were chasing chickens in the coop.

"How are things progressing?" Fang Ling asked casually, placing a black piece on the board.

"Not bad." Xu Ming studied the board and placed a white piece. "We've gathered a substantial amount of evidence against the four prominent families in Baihe County. After organizing everything, the memorial has already been sent back to the capital."

"Good." Fang Ling nodded. "What do you think His Majesty will decide?"

Xu Ming smiled faintly. "He'll probably order me to be punished. After all, I wiped out the four families in Baihe County without presenting evidence at the time. But it shouldn't be too serious—it likely won't cost me my life."

"You brat," Fang Ling shook his head. "I've heard some news. A few days ago, word of what you did in Baihe County reached the court, sparking heated discussions."

"Oh?" Xu Ming looked up, his brows furrowing. "How did it get there so quickly?"

"Do you even need to ask? There must be spies in Baihe County."

Fang Ling rolled his eyes at Xu Ming.

"During that court session, Wang Can from the Censorate accused you of reckless slaughter and disregarding the laws of Wu Kingdom. But Wei Xun, that old eunuch, had already received the news and defended you. Then, Yu Ping'an stepped forward and revealed how his leg was broken by the eldest son of the Li family."

Xu Ming: "..."

Fang Ling placed another piece on the board. "Someone is watching you. The moment you do something—especially if it can be interpreted negatively—the news reaches the capital at lightning speed, and they try to bring you down.

This person has considerable influence, at least within the court, and isn't afraid to spend resources. Just look at this incident in Baihe County—they immediately had Wang Can step forward to impeach you. That alone speaks volumes.

But His Majesty isn't a fool.

How did Wang Can get your news so quickly? Even a fool could deduce that someone fed it to him and urged him to act. After this, Wang Can will likely be reassigned or even forced into retirement. His Majesty is probably already investigating who's behind Wang Can.

But even if he finds out, it might not lead anywhere, because there won't be any evidence. Most likely, it's one of the vassal princes in Wu Kingdom.

Didn't you say before that someone wanted you dead? It's probably one of those princes."

Xu Ming chuckled and shook his head. "Because I'm the future son-in-law of the emperor?"

"Exactly. Because you're the future Imperial Son-in-law."

Fang Ling nodded.

"They didn't expect to completely ruin you through this incident, but they at least hoped to drag you into a storm of criticism.

What they didn't anticipate was Yu Ping'an stepping forward. A Xiucai having his leg broken is an insult to all officials who rose through the imperial examination.

And the military officials? They're undoubtedly furious. They've long disliked the cultivators, and this incident only adds fuel to their anger."

"Still, this time you killed too many people. His Majesty will definitely scold you verbally," Fang Ling said. "As for the sect behind Li Hui, it will probably be completely crushed.

However, can you find evidence of the crimes committed by the eldest sons of the Sun, Xiao, and Zhang families? That will be very difficult. The sects behind them have likely covered up their tracks through various means.

If you can't find evidence but killed them anyway, you'll have to give them an explanation. According to the rules between the Wu Kingdom court and the cultivation sects, they have the right to seek revenge against you anytime. The only consolation is that those sent to kill you can't exceed your cultivation level by more than one realm.

I advise you to return to the capital. If you continue wandering outside, you'll face one assassination attempt after another."

Xu Ming shook his head. "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Fang, but if I go back now, wouldn't I be mocked by the world? Wouldn't I become a coward? As long as they're only one realm above me, I'm confident I can handle them."

"Kid, don't think you're invincible. The number of geniuses in this world far exceeds your imagination," Fang Ling said seriously, staring at Xu Ming.

Xu Ming only smiled faintly and said nothing further.

"Fine, fine. I've done my part to advise you. You're on your own now." Fang Ling shook his head and dropped the subject. "When do you plan to leave Baihe County?"

"There's nothing left for me to do here. I'll leave tomorrow," Xu Ming replied.

"Do you have a destination in mind for your next stop?" Fang Ling asked.

Xu Ming nodded. "I'm heading to fulfill an old promise. Even though she has probably forgotten me by now, I can't go back on my word."

"White Deer Academy?" Fang Ling asked with a teasing smile.

Xu Ming looked confused. "Why White Deer Academy?"

"Oh, not White Deer Academy? Then it must be the Tianxuan Sect." Fang Ling stroked his beard, stood up, and patted Xu Ming on the shoulder.

"Well, that's fine too. Although that Miss Qin probably doesn't recognize you anymore—or has even forgotten about you—since you two are worlds apart as mortal and cultivator, it's still worth going to see her. It'll help you resolve this lingering attachment. When you return, you can marry our princess properly."

Xu Ming smiled helplessly. "I didn't break off the engagement because of Qingwan."

"Sure, sure." Fang Ling clasped his hands behind his back and walked toward his room. "I'm going to rest for a while. I won't see you off tomorrow. Come visit this old man again when you have time."

Xu Ming stood up and bowed deeply to Fang Ling. "Take care, sir."

Fang Ling stopped walking, nodded without turning back, and said, "Come back alive."

"Yes."

After leaving Fang Ling's countryside retreat, Xu Ming returned to the county office to pack his belongings.

He didn't have much to take with him—just a small bundle. His 'pet' white goose seemed very happy upon hearing that they would leave tomorrow.

"Sir, the county magistrate is looking for you," a young servant came to deliver a message later that evening.

"I understand," Xu Ming replied. He tied up his bundle, picked up the white goose, and headed to Xu Pangda's courtyard.

As soon as he stepped inside, the smell of delicious food greeted him.

Xu Pangda emerged from the kitchen, carrying a plate of squirrel fish. He grinned and said, "Fifth Brother, come and eat."

"Alright." Xu Ming sat down at the table. Xu Pangda quickly removed his apron and poured a cup of wine for his younger brother.

"Did you cook all this yourself, Third Brother?" Xu Ming asked with a smile.

"Heh, yeah." Xu Pangda scratched his head sheepishly. "It doesn't taste great, so forgive me if it's not up to your standards."

Xu Pangda raised his cup. "Third Brother drinks to send off Fifth Brother."

"Thank you, Third Brother," Xu Ming replied, clinking his cup with Xu Pangda's before downing the drink in one gulp.

"Fifth Brother, aren't you going to wait for the imperial edict?" Xu Pangda asked.

"No need," Xu Ming shook his head. "When the edict arrives, it'll only be to reprimand me. Since that's the case, I might as well leave before it gets here."

Xu Pangda frowned. "Don't worry, Fifth Brother! I'll hold the line for you at the court! If they want to come for you, they'll have to get through me first!"

"That won't be necessary." Xu Ming smiled. "Instead, Third Brother, you must be careful in your own career, especially when you eventually get to the capital. Keep your wits about you near His Majesty; serving a ruler is like serving a tiger. The emperor's intentions are unpredictable."

Xu Pangda nodded. "I'll remember that."

"Also, don't get too close to Mr. Xiao," Xu Ming continued. "His end may not be a good one."

Xu Pangda opened his mouth as if to say something but ultimately closed it and nodded silently.

"Enough of this, let's not talk about such matters anymore. Let's eat and drink." Xu Ming changed the subject with a smile. "Who knows when I'll get to taste Third Brother's cooking again after this?"

Xu Pangda chuckled. "Fifth Brother must be heading to the Tianxuan Sect, right?"

Xu Ming nodded. "You guessed it, Third Brother."

"But, Fifth Brother, what if Qingwan doesn't recognize you anymore? Wouldn't that make the trip pointless?" Xu Pangda asked, looking at his younger brother with concern.

Over the years, Xu Pangda had learned quite a bit about cultivators. Many of them had people they admired in the mortal world, but once they embarked on the path of immortality, those affections often became nothing more than fleeting memories.

Not to mention, Fifth Brother and Qin Qingwan had been separated since they were six or eight years old. So many years had passed—how could she possibly remember him?

Xu Ming smiled faintly. "Third Brother, you're overthinking it. I'm simply fulfilling my promise. If Qingwan has forgotten me, then so be it."

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