Chapter 221 - 160: An Armed Uprising
"What? What did you say?"
"Wang Zili and Wei He from Xiahe County were killed? By those two assassins who attacked the Wang Family in the city?"
The trace of regret in County Magistrate Wang’s heart had yet to fade when he heard the soldier’s report, and his brows furrowed instantly.
’How could this happen?’
’Those two audacious fiends, how dare they kill someone here!’
’And they actually succeeded?’
’The ones who should have died are still alive, while two who shouldn’t have are dead.’
For a moment, County Magistrate Wang was at a loss for words.
It wasn’t until he saw the two bodies that he hastily ordered the soldiers to search the mountain for the two assailants.
Only after giving the order did he turn to Fang Yue.
"Sigh... I never thought something like this would happen," County Magistrate Wang said with a sigh, then continued, "If I may ask, Lord Fang, when was the last time you saw Wang Zili?"
Fang Yue’s heart skipped a beat as he instantly understood. ’County Magistrate Wang suspects me.’
However, he remained composed and immediately presented his prepared account.
He claimed he last saw Wang Zili inside Feiyun Stronghold. Afterward, he was accosted by the remaining bandits and was drawn out of the stronghold.
He explained that he had managed to shake off a few of the bandits with great difficulty, but by the time he returned to Feiyun Stronghold, Wang Zili was nowhere to be found.
As for why Wang Zili had left, or why he was with Wei He, he had no idea.
"In that case, there is a matter I hope Lord Fang will agree to." County Magistrate Wang was merely going through the motions with his questions. After all, his soldiers had seen the culprits, and these were the same two who had caused trouble in the city before.
While others might not be aware, his relationship with the Wang Family meant he naturally knew the inside story. The two assassins were descendants of two other local families, the Chen and the Lin, who had once resided in Wenxi County. They had come to kill the scions of the Wang Family, clearly seeking revenge for their own clans. His earlier question had, in fact, been a mere formality.
"Please speak, my lord," Fang Yue said.
"When we return, we will report that Wang Zili died heroically in a fierce battle with bandits. This will be a suitable explanation for the Wang Family and will prevent their name from being tarnished," County Magistrate Wang said with a sigh.
"That is only proper, of course."
’Why would Fang Yue disagree? The great Noble Families are deeply concerned with their reputations. It wouldn’t do to have it said that members of the Wang Family were being killed one after another by their rivals.’
’If word got out, it would severely damage the Wang Family’s prestige.’
’It would also embolden the many families oppressed by the Wangs to make their own moves.’
’Besides, if he died fighting bandits, the imperial court would have to grant a pension. Death by a revenge killing, however, would get them nothing.’
’Whether for the sake of preserving their reputation or for securing benefits, this was undoubtedly the best way to handle the situation.’
The soldiers searched until nightfall but found nothing.
This was, of course, what everyone had expected. If they were serious about hunting down the killers, these ordinary soldiers would be utterly useless.
In reality, every Military Officer present knew full well that the assassins would have fled the moment they succeeded.
Still, they had to keep up appearances.
After searching for another two days, County Magistrate Wang finally gave the order to return to Wenxi County.
* * *
「That night.」
It was their first day back in Wenxi County. Upon returning to his own home, Fang Yue finally took out the spoils from his recent venture.
He couldn’t be bothered to count the silver banknotes and other valuables; a quick glance told him it was at least several thousand taels.
His main interest was the letter he had taken from the body of the Qi Sensing Martial Master from the Blood Dragon Platform. Fang Yue was curious what sort of secrets would be in a letter kept so close to the chest.
He tore open the sealed letter.
Fang Yue’s brow furrowed. The letter contained only a single sentence: *The Divine Capital affair has failed. All regions are to rise up at once.*
’The Divine Capital affair has failed? Rise up?’
’The Blood Dragon Platform must have been plotting something major in the Divine Capital, but now it’s failed.’
’And after that failure, they’re supposed to rise up? Are they planning to rebel?’
’What makes the Blood Dragon Platform think they can rebel?’
In this world, after all, martial power was held by the individual, and the Great Wei Dynasty’s court possessed the strongest martial might of all—more than enough to suppress any region.
It was nearly impossible for common people to stage a successful rebellion.
It was just like in the memories he possessed from another life: historically, very few feudal dynasties had ever truly fallen at the hands of a peasant army.
Those who succeeded were almost always of extraordinary birth.
’So, in this world, what makes the Blood Dragon Platform think they can start a rebellion?’
’Perhaps I’m just overthinking things.’
Fang Yue couldn’t help but fall into deep thought. Although he didn’t truly believe the Blood Dragon Platform was about to rebel, he still secretly resolved to ask for a few days’ leave to return to his hometown soon.
The next day, Fang Yue requested leave from County Magistrate Wang. He then set off for Xiahe County, traveling light and alone.
’I never thought I’d be heading back after just a few short months in Wenxi County.’
Fang Yue left Wenxi County early in the morning, setting out on the road back to Xiahe County.
* * *
「Meanwhile, in Daze Town of Wenxi County.」
"Listen up, you mud-legs! The Holy Emperor is offering sacrifices to the heavens and constructing the Lutai this year to pray for blessings. Therefore, your taxes for the year will be increased by another thirty percent!"
In the town’s central square, the tax-collecting government constables bellowed.
Upon hearing this, the faces of some villagers turned pale.
This tax was much higher than the amount of grain usually taken from them.
"Sir, the harvest was poor this year! We really can’t come up with that much grain..."
"That’s right! We have so little land to begin with. If the tax goes up again, we’ll truly be ruined!"
"Sir, please give us an extension! We really can’t scrape it all together!"
"......"
"Hmph! All of you, quiet down!" a government constable sneered. "Anyone who dares cause another disturbance is defying the imperial court—a crime punishable by beheading! Now, start handing over the grain!"