Chapter 136 - 119: Cousin 2
With a surge of resolve, he rolled out of the way.
Casually grabbing two onlooking government constables standing nearby, he hurled them toward Fang Yue.
Then, without a single glance back, he fled into the distance.
In just a few breaths, he was already tens of yards away, vanishing in the blink of an eye.
’He ran?’
This was completely unexpected. Fang Yue hadn’t anticipated his opponent would be so decisive in his escape.
Besides, he couldn’t just leave everyone here, so he had no intention of giving chase.
If he had, the man surely wouldn’t have gotten away.
"Hey, Fang Wuju, that was all a misunderstanding. I just remembered—I have official business to attend to. Lord Liu is waiting for me, so I’ll be taking my leave."
Huang Yuangu was just as shocked, but he reacted quickly.
After blurting that out, he immediately turned to leave.
But in the next moment, a large hand clamped down on his shoulder.
"Trying to run? Did you ask Lord Fatty for permission? That man just now was your uncle, right? He seemed to be having a grand old time throwing punches. He ran off, but as his nephew, you can’t just leave."
Bai Xingqiu yanked Huang Yuangu toward him and slapped him squarely across the face.
’It’s a good thing I’m this chubby. The Cultivation Technique I practice makes me extra durable. Otherwise, it wouldn’t just be my arm that was aching right now.’
’So I have to teach these guys a proper lesson.’
「A quarter of an hour later.」
A bruised and swollen Huang Yuangu, along with the equally battered government constables, finally staggered away from the Tea Garden in disgrace.
~~~~~~
The time leading up to the meeting with County Magistrate Liu Zheng passed without any further incidents.
In a private room at a restaurant, a full spread of dishes and wine was already neatly laid out on the table.
When Fang Yue entered, Liu Zheng was seated by the window, sipping tea. He had clearly been waiting for some time.
"Haha, Fang Wuju, you’re here. I was so relieved to hear you had recovered from your injuries. After all, if not for your righteous intervention, we would have struggled to capture those bandits from Mo Mountain."
"Please, have a seat! Have a seat!"
Liu Zheng was incredibly warm, his face wreathed in a friendly, disarming smile that made one feel instantly at ease.
"You are too kind, My Lord. I only did what was expected of me," Fang Yue replied courteously.
’But inwardly, he was on high alert. For Liu Zheng to arrange this meeting... his motives were likely anything but pure.’
’After all, every time he’d seen the man before, Liu Zheng had been stern and self-important. This sudden switch to a smiling face, and a private meeting at that, meant he was definitely after something.’
"Haha, excellent. You are truly worthy of being a Martial Artist who has achieved Marrow Transformation at such a young age. The imperial court is in dire need of talent like yours, Fang Wuju."
Liu Zheng smiled, gestured for Fang Yue to sit, and then continued speaking.
"However... a couple of days ago, someone came to me with a complaint against you, Fang Wuju. They said you used your position to bully people and violently resisted law enforcement. I’m sure this is all just a misunderstanding."
Fang Yue considered this for a moment, growing even more certain that Liu Zheng had an ulterior motive.
’Could it be about the incident from two days ago? No, that’s not right. This meeting was arranged before that ever happened.’
"Oh, by the way, I heard that the misunderstanding arose because someone was causing trouble at the Tea Garden, is that right?"
Fang Yue picked up his teacup, blew away the steam, and took a sip, continuing to listen.
"You are still too young, Fang Wuju, despite your rapid progress on the Martial Dao. There are many things in this world that are difficult to control.
For instance, on that day, you shouldn’t have resorted to violence. The moment you did, you lost the moral high ground, even if you were in the right. So tell me, how am I supposed to handle this?"
Liu Zheng continued with a slight smile.
After he finished, he watched Fang Yue with a knowing smile.
Fang Yue’s brow furrowed. He shot Liu Zheng a surprised look, almost wondering if the man was a transmigrator too.
’This kind of argument actually exists in the ancient world?’
’If you get bullied, you can’t fight back, or else it’s considered a mutual brawl? And if you’re being harassed by an Official, you still can’t fight back, because the moment you do it’s ’violently resisting law enforcement’?’
"What is it that Lord Liu wants?" Fang Yue asked after a moment of thought.
’The fact that this County Magistrate was meeting him here, instead of in the main hall of the Government Office, spoke volumes.’
"Haha, talking to a clever man certainly saves time. The dealings surrounding that Tea Garden are quite complex, Fang. I’m afraid it’s more than you can handle.
Why don’t we do this? You just focus on your Martial Dao, Fang. As it happens, I know a tea business that is quite powerful. If you were to partner with them, I can assure you that similar incidents would not occur in the future."
County Magistrate Liu finished and looked expectantly at Fang Yue.
’So he’s after the Tea Garden too. I never thought the esteemed County Magistrate would be like this.’
’It seems the rumors about him around town aren’t baseless after all.’
’This County Magistrate is just a greedy man.’
"What the County Magistrate says is reasonable, but regarding the Tea Garden... I’ve already signed a contract. For the next ten years, its entire output is promised to a single party," Fang Yue said, feigning difficulty.
It was, in effect, a veiled refusal.
’Within ten years, it would be impossible to do as the County Magistrate suggested. And ten years from now, surely Xiahe County would have a different County Magistrate.’
’By then, agreeing to this would be even less likely.’
"Haha, that’s no issue. A signed contract can simply be voided. Here in Xiahe County, I doubt anyone would dare make trouble for you over it, Fang!"
County Magistrate Liu’s tone grew harsh, and his face turned cold.
Fang Yue still shook his head. If his partner had been anyone other than Chubby—anyone else in Xiahe County—he might have actually conceded.
Chubby was a genuine friend, and he couldn’t abandon him just because he feared County Magistrate Liu’s authority.
Besides, he wouldn’t have gotten injured in the first place if not for this man.
He was fine now, but that was only thanks to his Golden Finger. Otherwise, he would have been crippled.
He already harbored resentment toward the man, so there was no way he would agree now.
Fang Yue shook his head again. "A gentleman’s word is his bond. While I may not be a gentleman, I cannot break my promise to another."
"Good. Very good. Your words give one much to think about, Fang Wuju. No wonder I’ve heard rumors that you’re not only impressive in your Martial Arts Cultivation, but also skilled in poetry. I see today that you are indeed remarkable."
County Magistrate Liu’s expression shifted. After a brief, cold flash, he forced another smile onto his face. He picked up his teacup and took a small sip. "In that case, my official duties are pressing. We’ll talk again when we’re free."
With that, he rose and left, not sparing Fang Yue another glance.
CLAP, CLAP, CLAP...
Just then, a round of applause rang out.
Chubby walked in from outside. "Haha! I knew I wasn’t wrong about you! Fang, that was incredible. I’m truly touched."
It turned out that Bai Xingqiu had come with Fang Yue today, but instead of joining him, he had been waiting in the adjacent room.
When County Magistrate Liu had raised his voice earlier, Bai Xingqiu had been able to vaguely make out what was being said. He was deeply moved by Fang Yue’s steadfastness.
’What a true brother!’
"Since you’re such a stand-up guy, Fang, I can’t let you get the short end of the stick. My cousin... she’s an absolute knockout. A real goddess. Even celestial fairies can’t hold a candle to her. When we get back, I’ll introduce the two of you."
"Don’t worry! With my help, I guarantee you’ll win the beautiful maiden’s heart."
As soon as Fang Yue heard that last part, his face darkened.
He looked Chubby up and down. ’His cousin?’
’An absolute knockout? More beautiful than a celestial fairy?’
’She doesn’t look like him, does she?!’
"Whoa, stop right there! The way you’re putting it makes it sound like I had some kind of ulterior motive," Fang Yue quickly interjected. Ms. Chen was already constantly trying to set him up, which was a big enough headache.
And now Chubby wanted to introduce him to a potential wife too.
’This is getting to be too much.’
"Haha, no, really! She’s gorgeous. You can rest easy, Fang. I guarantee you’ll win the fair maiden’s hand."
Bai Xingqiu looked completely serious, his expression full of sincerity.
’My cousin is gorgeous, alright,’ he added silently, ’it’s just that her fists are a little... hard.’
Fang Yue just kept shaking his head at his words, not daring to let Chubby go on.
He immediately got ready to leave.
"Hey, Fang, don’t be in such a rush to leave! We can’t let this whole table of food go to waste."
Chubby, never one for ceremony, pulled Fang Yue back down into his seat.
Neither of them stood on ceremony. After all, the food was already on the table, and it would be a shame to waste it.
Only after they had eaten and drunk their fill did the two finally leave.