Chapter 723 - 722: Thank You
Huangfu Yuxuan: "..."
The Injustice Bell, does he think the Injustice Bell belongs to his family?
And does he think the drumsticks are cabbages? To be taken whenever he wants?
No, what kind of matter is this?
On a small scale, it’s a thrilling yet harmless event, why beat the drum? Who would care?
On a larger scale, it’s about accusing Prince Zhuang. If it’s really taken seriously, on the surface, it seems to strike at Prince Zhuang, but who knows better than he does? If the Capital Governor and the Ministry of Justice really get involved and investigate thoroughly, will Prince Zhuang continue to keep Mr. Gongyang’s secret?
Finding out about Mr. Gongyang would make things tricky.
However, just as he was thinking about how to prevent it, he turned his head and saw Xia Sichen with a peculiar smile on his face. He instantly understood; this guy was toying with him.
But as long as he doesn’t actually go and beat that Injustice Bell, that’s fine.
All he wanted was for the people of Haotian Village to hate Prince Zhuang.
With Xia Sichen adding this bit of comic relief, the topic didn’t continue further. How could Huangfu Yuxuan know that after last night’s analysis by Xia Wenjin, even if Xia Wanqing saw the results he personally delivered today, there would be little faith in it.
Not getting the result he wanted, Huangfu Yuxuan was somewhat disappointed.
It seems like the folks of Haotian Village aren’t as easy to deceive as before.
Jianghu loyalty, contradictions, hatred, persecution, kidnapping... so many things, so many schemes, so many efforts. Why does it feel like Xia Wanqing is less amicable towards him than when they first arrived in Capital City?
Where did things go wrong?
Huangfu Yuxuan didn’t feel comfortable sitting there for long and decided to take his leave, yet Xia Wanqing didn’t even bother to urge him to stay.
Instead, Xia Sichen raised the paper in his hand, smiling brightly: "Young Master Xuan, you’re truly kind-hearted. Not only did you save our Wenjin, but you also identified the mastermind. We are deeply grateful!"
Huangfu Yuxuan felt a bit more comforted by these words and smiled: "Brother Sichen, you’re too polite! I said that Wenjin’s affairs are my affairs. Besides, Wenjin was implicated because of me, so it’s naturally my responsibility!"
Xia Sichen adjusted his expression, cupped his hand in respect, and said gratefully: "Young Master Xuan, with your words, I am reassured. I was thinking that with Prince Zhuang’s status and prestige, seeking revenge seems hopeless. Since Young Master Xuan regards this as your affair and is willing to take responsibility, we’ll leave it to you! I thank you on behalf of Wenjin!"
Huangfu Yuxuan was taken aback, instinctively looking at Xia Wanqing, who unexpectedly nodded with a satisfied look and said approvingly: "This brat hit the nail on the head. With someone of Prince Zhuang’s stature, indeed only Young Master Xuan can shake him."
Huangfu Yuxuan: "..."
What is this situation?
As a Jianghu person, aren’t we supposed to be intolerant of sand in our eyes? Shouldn’t we, as Jianghu people, be about seeking justice courageously? How come as a father, as a brother, they were so concerned about Xia Wenjin’s affairs, yet so indifferent about this kidnapping revenge?
He forced a smile: "No, Uncle Xia, what I meant was that regarding this matter, I’ll do my utmost to help!"
"Exactly!" Xia Sichen amiably patted his shoulder and said: "We understood your meaning. With your intelligence, wisdom, brilliance, strategic foresight, youthful talent, literary and martial skills, and your willingness to assist, there’s no need for us to worry anymore! We’ll leave everything to Young Master Xuan!"
Xia Wanqing also nodded, expressing thoughtfully: "If I were ten years younger, such a grudge, I would definitely handle it myself. But now I’m old, lacking those ambitions, lacking that vigor, can’t compete with you young folks! Alas!"
Huangfu Yuxuan: "..."
Is this family putting on a show?
He felt both annoyed and resentful, yet outwardly appeared more gracious and gentlemanly, saying: "Good thing Wenjin is unhurt, Prince Zhuang must have wanted us to suffer quietly. Then, I shall certainly make him suffer quietly as well; otherwise, it would be hard to alleviate Wenjin’s resentment! So, I will take my leave now and meet again tomorrow!"
Even after leaving the gate of Xia Mansion, Huangfu Yuxuan felt as if everything just now was like a dream.
Having lived in Haotian Village for so long, he thought he had some understanding of those Village Chiefs’ temperaments.
After Huangfu Yuxuan left, Xia Wanqing disapprovingly glared at Xia Sichen, saying: "Brat, what are you up to again? When did we allow outsiders to meddle in Haotian Village’s affairs?"
Xia Wenjin, who hadn’t spoken much earlier, now smiled and said: "Since someone is willing to handle it, why not relax for a bit? Doing everything ourselves is tiring!"
Xia Wanqing remained unconvinced and said: "Daring to target you, how can we let someone else handle such a matter?"
Xia Wenjin chuckled: "Fifth Uncle’s investigation results aren’t out yet. We shouldn’t rush before getting results. By the way, Dad, have you seen Fifth Uncle in the past two days? When is he coming?"
Xia Wanqing asked: "How did you know I saw him?"
Xia Wenjin pursed her lips and smiled: "Father always thought Brother and I were children, our words not worth trusting. But from yesterday to today, you actually listened to what I said, clearly it’s not that you think we’ve grown up. It’s because you considered something you hadn’t thought of before!"
Xia Wanqing: "..."
Is that so? It seems to be true.
It appears Wenjin truly has grown up, being able to notice even the small changes in his attitude.
Admitting it like this, as a father, felt somewhat embarrassing. So he changed the topic, saying: "Your Fifth Uncle will come today!"
Xia Wenjin felt relieved; her father had sent Fifth Uncle to secretly investigate those matters, and he hadn’t appeared in front of them since. She knew Bai Feichen had arrived in Capital City, but she didn’t know where he was or the progress of his investigation.
Since Fifth Uncle would come today, it meant there were results.
Xia Wenjin felt quite expectant.
And Bai Feichen did not disappoint her expectations, arriving at Xia Mansion by evening.
Of course, he did not take the front entrance.
Suddenly appearing under a tree in the courtyard, Bai Feichen startled Xia Sichen, who said: "Uncle Bai, why did you come like this?"
Bai Feichen asked: "Where’s Big Brother?"
Xia Sichen replied: "Let me take you!"
As they walked towards Xia Wanqing’s room, he remarked: "Uncle Bai, you’re looking very dapper today!" His beard was shaved clean, and he wore a plain long robe, blending in with the crowd.
Bai Feichen stroked his chin, chuckled twice, and said with satisfaction: "I also feel much more spirited!"
Xia Sichen said: "Wenjin is looking forward to seeing you. She’ll be delighted to know you’re here. I’ll go inform her! Uncle Bai, you head that way, my father is there!"
Over there, Xia Wanqing had already heard the commotion, standing at the door and waving: "Old Fifth, over here!"
The two brothers met, and Bai Feichen directly asked: "This house has been monitored, did Big Brother know?"