No taboos

Chapter 536 Fate Entangled (8,000 words)

Inspector Yang was not there to investigate the case of a powerful clan in Champa keeping evil spirits.

However, this case occurred in Xu Yuan's jurisdiction.

Therefore, Inspector Yang deliberately used this title to put maximum pressure on Xu Yuan.

By deliberately sending his subordinates to harass and provoke Xu Yuan, and by making their first meeting unpleasant, he was putting pressure on Xu Yuan and stimulating his emotions.

Many people are usually very organized in their work and speak very logically.

However, when faced with major events or when excited, they often make the wrong choices.

This is because of insufficient stress resistance.

And going to Beidu... that place is undoubtedly the most stressful place in the entire Ming Dynasty.

Envoy Yang and his party left Xiaotangyi that same day and entered Champa. They met up with Youchen and his group of six on the way.

However, Inspector Yang paid no attention to the case of the powerful clans raising evil spirits.

Inspector Yang simply sent Yue Zheng to visit each household and compile the case files, and that was the end of the matter.

Xu Yuan suspected that Lord Yang was turning a blind eye, and Inspector Yang said to him: "You little rascal, don't think that you are the only one in the entire Exorcism Bureau who is fair and just and protects the local people."

Our Exorcism Division is under the jurisdiction of the Supervisor, which is different from the Mountain and River Division and the Demon Extermination Army.

Are the Lin and Shen families secretly harboring evil spirits?

Xu Yuan nodded: "The evidence is conclusive."

Inspector Yang spread his hands: "Isn't that settled? Don't think that just because a lot of people have died and a lot of noise has been made, we inspectors will swarm around like flies to the smell of excrement—if it weren't for the fact that I wanted to come and see you, I would never have bothered with this case."

A bunch of scum and trash, it's better if they're all dead, not worth wasting my time on!

Xu Yuan finally felt a warm sense of "I am not alone on my path".

Perhaps not many, but at least so far in the Exorcism Division, I have encountered Ma Tianshou, Inspector Yang, and the various officials under the Supervisor!

Inspector Yang only stayed in Champa for one day, finished the case files, and completed the superficial work before directly requisitioning an official boat from the canal dock to return north.

Before leaving, he took off the jade belt from his waist and "forced" it into his third senior brother's hands.

The third senior brother declined three times, but finally accepted it.

Then, watching Inspector Yang board the ship and leave, he praised Xu Yuan beside him, saying, "Lord Yang is truly a man of his word! The bet between us was just a casual joke, but he insisted on keeping his promise."

Xu Yuan nodded and said, "There aren't many good officials like Inspector Yang in this world."

At this moment, neither of them knew that Inspector Yang and Elder Ma Tianshou had another bet, and that Inspector Yang had also lost.

He paid off his third senior brother's gambling debts, then jumped onto the boat and ran away.

Xu Yuan and his third senior brother were his juniors.

He was too embarrassed to renege on his debt.

But that scoundrel Ma Tianshou—who deliberately tricked me out of a fourth-rate craftsmanship item—how could I let you, you old dog, have your way!

Xu Yuan and his third senior brother saw off Inspector Yang and returned to Champa, still riding in the "Dream Come True" carriage.

The third senior brother said to Xu Yuan, "Tell them to stay away. I have something to tell you."

Xu Yuan thought he was going to talk about "that matter" in Beidu.

He waved his hand, and Lang Xiaoba and the others wisely fell thirty feet behind.

A hint of excitement flashed in the third senior brother's eyes as he said, "Once you enter Beidu, we'll join forces! I'll be in the open, and you'll be in the dark. There are many powerful and influential families in Beidu who secretly harbor evil spirits!"

I've disliked them for a long time, but I'm troubled by not knowing how to deal with them!
I sought advice from my teacher, but even he couldn't answer my questions on this matter.

But your method is truly satisfying…

He became more and more excited as he spoke, and his words came faster and faster. Xu Yuan grabbed him and said, "Stop!"

"Dreams come true" is mistaken for a way to stop oneself.

The car came to a screeching halt.

Lang Xiaoba and the others behind them also stopped immediately.

The third senior brother revealed an extremely cheerful and pure smile: "Don't worry, I, Shi Qiusheng, would never betray a true friend!"

Xu Yuan, of course, believed it.

Shi Qiusheng could have easily reported himself to Inspector Yang.

Shi Qiusheng gazed at the vast sky and sighed, "All the scholars in the world, like me, have studied the classics since childhood."

They all understand the principles, and they can explain them very logically.

But of those who actually put it into practice, not one in a hundred!

Xu Yuan remained silent, deeply agreeing.

For example, the prefect was also a scholar who had studied the classics and passed the imperial examinations.

The article was written in a beautifully flowery style.

But he was full of wicked men and women.

But he couldn't agree with his third senior brother's words.

That night, the powerful families in the city who harbored evil spirits were punished—a fact that could be done but not spoken of!

Interestingly, the third senior brother glanced at Xu Yuan and immediately understood what Xu Yuan meant.

A tacit understanding was reached.

"Let's go back to the city," the third senior brother said. "The matter in Beidu will most likely fall on your shoulders."

Don't worry, our Jinxiu Bookstore will fully support you!

Xu Yuan suddenly asked, "Is this true?"

The third senior brother waved his hand dismissively: "Ask whatever you want to know, I'll tell you everything I know!"

This matter...should have a conclusion, to be reported to our ancestors and to be proclaimed to our subjects."

Inspector Yang was hesitant and dared not speak.

But the third senior brother undoubtedly trusted his confidant's character more.

Moreover, he made it clear that he was willing to reveal the situation to Xu Yuan in advance because he felt that this matter should have a "result".

It has already dragged on for far too long.

Xu Yuan nodded and asked first, "If I accomplish this task, will His Majesty issue an edict to pardon the River Workers' Lane?"

The third senior brother was not surprised at all when he mentioned "Hegong Lane," clearly knowing that Xu Yuan was a "criminal."

After thinking about it carefully, the third senior brother said, "There is a chance, but it is not guaranteed."

This matter is very complicated. If you handle it in a way that pleases His Majesty, there will be absolutely no problem.

The problem now is that no one knows His Majesty's true thoughts or his attitude towards this matter.

His Majesty has grown old and his thoughts have become increasingly profound. Even senior cabinet ministers like Wei Shiqi and Zhang Shuangquan have gradually come to feel that they can no longer fathom His Majesty's intentions.

Xu Yuan nodded. His third senior brother was a true gentleman.

Xu Yuan asked this question first because the answer to it was the key to his decision on whether to accept the assignment and go to Beidu.

If he could be pardoned for his status as a "criminal," then Xu Yuan would be willing to take the gamble.

Even if the chance is slim, is it still slimmer than the chance of facing Master Ruan Tian?
Once the criminals are pardoned, they will never have to concern themselves with the affairs of Ghost Witch Mountain again!

According to the third senior brother, the probability of success is not low!

Xu Yuan then asked, "What exactly is it that requires you to travel all the way from southern Jiaozhi to find a lowly law officer like me to handle this?"

The third senior brother slowly said, "Do you know anything about what happened to Prince Yong back then?"

Xu Yuan thought to himself, "I know them all too well. I even personally crushed a major conspiracy by those mediocre people in the Yongwang Mansion."

"I know a little," Xu Yuan nodded.

“After the Yongwang, the position of heir apparent has been vacant.” The third senior brother said, “Over the years, there have been people who have wanted to claim the credit for his support.”

However, every time they tried to probe, His Majesty swiftly suppressed them.

Until a few years ago, when the nineteenth prince was born.

At this point, the third senior brother paused, as if he wanted to sigh: "Since then, His Majesty has had no more children—neither princes nor princesses."

From the age of three, the nineteenth prince was praised for his intelligence and wisdom.

His Majesty also broke with tradition, bestowing the title of 'Prince of Zheng' upon his three-year-old son!

Xu Yuan's expression immediately turned serious.

King Zheng!

Xu Yuan remembered Wenren Luo saying something to him.

His Majesty's original title was "King of Zheng"—the intention is all too clear.

"I'm not capable of getting involved in such a major matter as establishing an heir..." Xu Yuan wanted to refuse.

As you can see, in every dynasty, the struggle for the crown prince has always resulted in countless deaths.
Only a very few people can ultimately gain the merit of following the emperor.

Although facing Ruan Tianye was dangerous, for a border law enforcement officer to get involved in such a matter meant that he was truly handing his life and death entirely over to someone else.

The third senior brother waved his hand: "It's not about choosing an heir—if it were, it would have been a huge uproar long ago, and wouldn't have dragged on until now."

"Not establishing an heir?" Xu Yuan asked in surprise.

Third Senior Brother: "This matter has to start with the nineteenth prince—the birth mother of the current Prince Zheng, Consort Yi."

The Imperial Noble Consort Yi was brought back from outside the palace by His Majesty.

She was originally a dancer in the old prince's mansion.

The third senior brother glanced at Xu Yuan and explained, "The old prince is Princess Ruicheng's father, His Highness Prince Rong."

Princess Ruicheng was not an imperial daughter; she should have only been granted the title of a county princess. However, she was greatly favored by His Majesty, so she was granted the title of princess.

His Majesty treats her even better than his own daughter.

"His Majesty and the old prince are the brothers with the best relationship."

"His Majesty also often leaves the palace to visit Prince Rong's residence for leisure."

After a pause, the third senior brother said, "Prince Rong often arranges beauties for His Majesty, and this matter is widely known in the Northern Capital."

Everyone in Beidu knows that the old prince is only particularly devoted to two things: making money and serving His Majesty.

Therefore, the beauties that the old prince arranged for His Majesty never had any problems.

But it is said that the beauty arranged by the old prince that night was not Consort Yi, but His Majesty happened to take a liking to Consort Yi at first glance among the many dancers.

After a night of his favor, she was brought back to the palace, and after ten months of pregnancy, the nineteenth prince was born.

The third senior brother took a deep breath and said with some helplessness, "The problem lies with this Consort Yi."

She seemed a little anxious.

Her hometown was Chang County, Quyang Prefecture, Beizhili. The county government reported that auspicious omens had appeared in the home of the Imperial Concubine Yi.

A golden rooster landed on her family's ancestral grave, crowed for three days, and then flew away.

Hundreds of people in the county witnessed it firsthand!

Xu Yuan opened his mouth; he was indeed getting a little anxious.

Xu Yuan couldn't help but ask, "A golden rooster? Why doesn't she just create a phoenix?"

The third senior brother also gave a wry smile.

The meaning of a golden rooster laying golden eggs is self-evident.

"With this auspicious omen appearing, a group of officials in the court naturally submitted memorials to praise it, and then the topic gradually shifted to establishing Prince Zheng as the crown prince."

The problem was that there happened to be an imperial censor in Quyang Prefecture, so he went to Chang County to take a look.

Upon investigation, it was discovered that Consort Yi had apparently been married in her hometown...

"What?!" Even Xu Yuan couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

The third senior brother shook his head and said, "If you react like this, you can imagine what the court officials must have felt at the time."

The Embroidered Uniform Guard immediately took action to block the news.

Then the cabinet ministers secretly discussed sending someone to Chang County to investigate the matter.

But the people of Beidu are like that... they can't keep this kind of news to themselves.

Before I left, all sorts of rumors were already circulating among the people, and the royal family's dignity was clearly in jeopardy.

Xu Yuan was surprised: "Even the Embroidered Uniform Guard couldn't suppress it?"

Third Senior Brother: "Moreover, people from Beidu especially like to talk about these kinds of things with outsiders..."

Xu Yuan wanted to laugh but held it back and asked, "Then why keep dragging it out? Why not just send someone to investigate and find out the truth?"

"It's not that simple." The third senior brother shook his head and said, "This matter involves a great deal of people."

First, there's the old prince. Consort Yi is from his household, and he needs to find a way to arrange for someone who is friendly to him; otherwise, he won't feel at ease.

Xu Yuan said, "He should avoid suspicion at this time..."

"He is His Majesty's closest brother, and His Majesty trusts him greatly. Moreover... His Majesty still favors Consort Yi. After this matter came to light, His Majesty even stayed overnight in Consort Yi's palace for seven consecutive days!"

"This..." Xu Yuan opened his mouth, and finally gave a bitter smile.

Clearly, His Majesty doesn't really care whether Consort Yi was married before.

If I like it, that's fine.

"So the old prince is essentially backed by His Majesty, so he doesn't care about avoiding suspicion. He only cares that if the investigation team doesn't include his people, the investigation results will be unfavorable to him."

"The court officials were divided into factions, and those who supported the other princes naturally wanted to take the opportunity to impeach Consort Yi, accuse her of deceiving the emperor, and then eliminate any hope that Prince Zheng would become the crown prince."

"Furthermore, although the Grand Supervisor never interferes in court affairs, no one can ignore his attitude."

Although the supervisor doesn't give orders, the candidate must still satisfy him.

The Department of Purification was also drawn into the mess.

So the various parties have been pulling in different directions, and it has dragged on until now.

But the news has already started to leak, and we really can't delay any longer.

Xu Yuan suddenly remembered something: "What does this have to do with your Jinxiu Bookstore?"

The third senior brother coughed and said, "That censor is a student of our Jinxiu Academy."

Xu Yuan roughly understood.

This is a matter in which various forces are pulling in different directions.

I'm not satisfied with the candidates you suggested, and you don't agree with the people I recommended.

However, since we can't delay any longer, we must find a suitable person to lead this investigation as soon as possible.

Just then, Princess Ruicheng recommended herself to His Majesty.

A young law enforcement officer from the southern border region.

She has excellent case-handling skills, works for the Bureau of Purification, and has a close relationship with Princess Ruicheng.

Mr. Feng and Miss Jinxi can be considered as endorsing Xu Yuan.

Those approved by the Imperial Censor were trusted by the court officials to be of good character.

Therefore, all parties could barely accept it.

Xu Yuan thought for a moment and then asked, "Do you think it's true that Consort Yi was once married?"

The third senior brother said, "That censor is my junior brother. I know him well and I believe he wouldn't lie."

But... I can't guarantee he won't be manipulated and given false information.

Xu Yuan nodded, having grasped the general situation.

The next step is for you to make your own decision.

The third senior brother said, "After you enter Beidu and complete this task, you should be directly retained by the General Administration. At that time, you and I will join forces and sweep away the darkness and ugliness in Beidu!" The third senior brother's eyes were full of anticipation.

Xu Yuan returned to Shanhe County that same day.

Lin Wanmo and Grandpa Shen were nowhere to be seen in Hegong Lane.

Only Aunt Wang and Uncle Mao were there.

"Where is the stepmother?" Xu Yuan had a vague idea.

"I went to Ghost Mountain." Aunt Wang only said this much: "Don't worry about anything else. If you want to help, come back during the Ghost Festival."

Xu Yuan pondered for a moment and said, "Auntie, could you tell me something about this?"

Aunt Wang remained silent.

Xu Yuan then said, "Now there is an opportunity that requires me to go to Beidu to do something."

If we succeed, we can get rid of the label of "criminals" on our heads.

Aunt Wang became anxious: "That must be extremely dangerous, A-Yuan, you mustn't..."

Xu Yuan shook his head: "It may not be that dangerous, Auntie, don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Aunt Wang turned her head, her neck cracking slightly.

"The canal cannot enter Ghost Mountain, and Nguyen Thien Ye cannot leave. Nguyen Thien Ye is a collection of the ideas of the pseudo-Kingdom of Jiaozhi."

Its greatest obsession is actually to restore the glory of the Nguyen family in the past.

It constantly thinks about breaking free—the reason it can't is because we did something in the underworld back then, locking it in Ghost Witch Mountain.”

Aunt Wang sighed and said, "Actually, we lost back then. After the riot, we were suppressed by the imperial court. We couldn't beat them, so our six families petitioned the court: if we wiped out Lord Ruan, the court would pardon all the river workers who participated in the riot and send them back to their hometowns for resettlement."

He pardoned the river workers, but not the six families.

How could the court feel at ease if they pardoned and sent back to their hometowns?
"The imperial court provided tremendous support at that time, and our six ancestors then entered the underworld to carry out this plan."

That was a huge gamble.

Even with the full support of the imperial court, our chances of winning will not exceed 20%.

We lost the bet, but at least we achieved something; we managed to trap Master Ruan Tian in Ghost Mountain.

However, Master Ruan Tian is too powerful. Over the years, we have had to send generations of people into the underworld to reinforce this restriction.

The river workers were not completely pardoned; although they survived, they still had to continue dredging the river.

A large number of river workers followed the canal, some to various parts of Jiaozhi (Vietnam), and others to places like Siam.

Of those who survived and settled down in various places, only about 30% will likely remain.

The six families living in Hegong Lane were all labeled as "criminals".

The imperial court didn't kill them because they were still useful.

Every year on the 15th of the seventh lunar month, one needs to enter the yin realm.

Hegong Lane has its own traditions, and because of repeated visits to the underworld, they can see many secrets that cannot be seen in the mortal world, making their traditions stronger and stronger.

However, because they are in the yin realm, the infection on their bodies is always difficult to completely remove, and it becomes more and more serious as it accumulates.

Their lifespan is far shorter than that of cultivators at the same level.

Xu Yuan couldn't help but wonder: "After all these years, it seems the imperial court has forgotten about us."

Didn't any of our ancestors ever consider simply running away?

Aunt Wang said, "Yes, people leave quietly in every generation. That's why our ancestors deliberately added some restrictions to our lineage. People from Hegong Lane will suffer a backlash if they make a move outside."

This backlash is not fatal; it only weakens one's strength to some extent with each attack.

When Aunt Wang and Uncle Mao reached their age, they could no longer withstand this weakening.

Especially Aunt Wang, whose health condition was the worst.

But Lin Wanmo can still hold on.

"Our ancestors weren't heartless," Aunt Wang added. "Later, each family would try their best to raise more children."

Those who were willing to stay in Hegong Lane were thus inherited.

Those who are unwilling, or who want to venture out into the world, will be given some money to leave, but they can no longer learn the skills we use in this alley.”

Xu Yuan's second uncle, Xu Chuanyang, didn't learn the ways of the alley.

Xu Yuan shook his head repeatedly: "Auntie, that's not what I'm asking about."

What I mean is, the court has forgotten about us, and no one is even monitoring us. Why didn't our ancestors just leave?"

On the contrary, for more than a hundred years, it has been sacrificing its own lifespan every year to go to the other side of the underworld to reinforce the restrictions?
This kind of thing can't be completely controlled by a simple "group training".

"You'll understand when you go to the underworld on the Ghost Festival." Aunt Wang smirked, looking both comical and bizarre, almost like a puppet. "Since we entered into this gamble back then, the fates of our six families were sealed!"

Xu Yuan was even more confused.

Aunt Wang said softly, "Our fates are now intertwined with that of Master Ruan."

We've tied Ruan Tianye's life to Ghost Witch Mountain, and Ruan Tianye has also tied our lives to his!

If we run away, the first thing it will do when it comes out of Ghost Mountain is to exterminate all the people of the six surnames!

Including those descendants of the six surnames who have left Hegong Lane and are now living ordinary lives!

At this point, Aunt Wang paused for a moment, then sighed and said, "After all these hundred years, it still couldn't be sustained."

By your father's generation, there were only four young people left from the six families in the alley.

This includes your second uncle as well.

Your second uncle passed away. Apart from your father, the other two younger uncles died even earlier.

Neither of them got married or had children; only your father had you as his son.

So your heartless father adopted Xiao Mo, wanting Xiao Mo to shoulder this heavy burden.

"Actually, your aunt can understand. If we don't do this, your generation will have no chance at all."

You are an only child in your life. With such a heavy burden, which parent would have the heart to just leave it to their child?

Auntie just feels sorry for Xiao Mo, sigh...

Xu Yuan frowned and tentatively asked, "Can you tell me about the arrangements my father made?"

Xu Huanyang must have done something to struggle for that sliver of a chance.

Otherwise, this responsibility would be left to Lin Wanmo. Once Lin Wanmo and the others are all dead, and Ruan Tianye breaks out, Xu Yuan will not survive either.

"It's not that Auntie is unwilling to talk about it, but those things would be exposed if they were mentioned in the mortal world."

Anyway, there are only a few months left. You'll understand when you get there.

Xu Yuan then changed his question: "Then, Auntie, how confident are you of success?"

Xu Yuan added, "If you include me, I am now a fifth-level cultivator of life cultivation, a fifth-level cultivator of business law, a fourth-level cultivator of alchemy, and a fourth-level cultivator of the Dragon Transformation Method."

Xu Yuan even told Aunt Wang about his destiny.

The only thing left unsaid was "no taboos".

Aunt Wang's eyes grew brighter and brighter.

It's the kind of brightness that's real and tangible.

Aunt Wang's entire body was transformed into cinnabar; the two pupils of her old eyes could truly shine.

"Good, good!" Aunt Wang murmured to herself, "Our Ayuan is really becoming more and more successful. Your father at your age was far less accomplished than you."

While she kept praising Xu Yuan—the aunt genuinely loved the younger generation in the alley—she pondered for herself and finally gave an estimate: "Originally, without you, we only had a 10% chance of winning."

This result left Xu Yuan speechless.

Our ancestors used to call it "a gamble in the heavens," but at least they still had a 20% chance of winning.

When Aunt Wang saw his expression, she laughed and said, "Don't think your father is useless. In fact, all of our ancestors were geniuses."

The current situation is exceptionally complex, even more so than it was back then.

"It's already quite an achievement that your father could do all by himself."

Then she added, "You're better than your father, and now with you in the mix, we have a 20% chance of winning!"

Xu Yuan exclaimed in his heart: "Excellent! Father and son working together, we have finally caught up with our ancestor!"

This was completely unexpected by Xu Yuan.

Xu Yuan originally thought that after achieving the second-tier fourth rank, he should have a 40% chance of winning.

It turned out to be far below my expectations.

Xu Yuan's expression was visibly downcast, and Aunt Wang added, "Actually...we old folks still don't want you to go..."

Xu Yuan waved his hand and said without hesitation, "Auntie, let's not talk about this anymore. We've already made a decision."

Xu Yuan thought about it again and realized that Ruan Tianye's strength was definitely above the top tier.

The strongest person in the alley right now is Grandpa Shen. What level is he at?
Second-rate?

Xu Yuan wasn't quite sure either.

But there is no doubt that Grandpa Shen is not a normal second-rate person.

For a group like this to have a 20% chance of winning against Master Ruan Tian, ​​that's already quite high.

So... it's obvious we still have to go to Beidu!
At this moment, Xu Yuan made a final decision.

Moreover, even if he didn't handle the task in Beidu to His Majesty's liking and failed to remove the label of a criminal, Xu Yuan would still have the opportunity to get close to important court officials.

Xu Yuan would take the opportunity to explain Ruan Tianye's situation to the imperial court.

At such a critical moment, if the imperial court does not send strong reinforcements, Ruan Tianye will break out of Guiwu Mountain and wipe out more than just the six families of Hegong Lane!

Only by going to the northern capital and speaking out loudly could the court possibly take the matter seriously.

If Xu Yuan doesn't go to Beidu and stays in Champa, at most he can only ask Ma Tianshou and Mr. Feng Si to help him submit a petition, and the probability of success is extremely low.

Xu Yuan left Shanhe County and returned to Champa overnight.

The third senior brother was still in Champa when, as if by magic, he produced another jar of "Jade Ice Burnt Tea".

He had previously told Inspector Yang that only that small gourd remained—even a gentleman can lie.

After the two drank for a while, the third senior brother said, "I have received the news that the imperial decree should arrive tomorrow."

He sighed softly, looking at Xu Yuan with some reluctance: "I'm leaving first thing tomorrow morning, so it's inconvenient for us to go to the capital together."

Third Senior Brother really wanted to go back with Xu Yuan, and watch the sunrise and sunset on the boat, discuss the country and talk about their life ambitions.

Unfortunately not.

Xu Yuan raised his glass: "Then I'll see you off in advance!"

……

Just as dawn broke, a flock of wild geese flew overhead, their cries echoing through the sky.

Dafu groggily poked his head out of his nest.

The waterbird sisters, not to be outdone, sang joyfully to the sky.

Today's ban:
Singing, shouting in the mountains, burying the dead, setting fires.

Third Senior Brother left early in the morning, accompanied by Senior Brother Zhong.

Mr. Bai also followed. Last night, his senior brother Zhong had extended an invitation to him to travel north to Beijing together.

But Mr. Bai was still hesitant.

I can no longer stay in Champa.

They couldn't even stay in the entire southern region of Jiaozhi anymore.

He was a trusted advisor to the former prefect. Even though the prefect was no longer around, he was well-connected in the prefectural government and could earn a decent income as a middleman for merchants and officials.

Unfortunately, the former prefect had offended Lord Xu.

However, he also planted spies in the Champa government to monitor Lord Xu.

Although Xu Yuan wouldn't make things difficult for him out of respect for his third senior brother, Mr. Bai didn't want to stay here any longer.

He was not originally from Champa.

But when he went to the capital... he was still aware of his own abilities; even in the Northern Capital, he was at the bottom of the class at Jinxiu Academy.

What future can it offer?
So most of the time, he would ask his senior brother Zhong to write a letter of recommendation on the way, so that he could find a new job as a staff member in a certain place in Zhengzhou.

Of course, it would be best if my third senior brother were willing to write a recommendation.

But the third senior brother would most likely politely decline.

Xu Yuan didn't have time to see his third senior brother off; he had to pack his things.

Going north is not an easy thing.

The matter I needed to investigate after arriving in Beidu was even more complicated.

The General Administration, and even the Ministry of Justice, the Court of Judicial Review, and the Imperial Clan Court, will all provide Xu Yuan with manpower.

But those people weren't one of us; they each had their own agendas and were there on missions.

When the time comes, the people you can rely on and trust will still be your own people.

So, who should we bring?

These men under his command were all outstanding talents in southern Jiaozhi.

However, the standards in the northern capital were all low.

Then we can't choose based on cultivation level; we should mainly look at ability.

Xu Yuan first narrowed down the list in his mind: Di Youzhi, Zhou Leizi, Fu Jingyu, Lang Xiaoba, Liu Hu, Lao Qin, Yu Yunhang...

Then we'll consider bringing those craftsmen's items with us.

At noon, a group of people galloped into Champa from the west gate, and rushed to the entrance of the Champa government office.

Ma Tianshou dismounted and flung the reins, which Old Qin quickly caught: "Commander!"

Ma Tianshou ignored him and strode into the Champa office with a solemn expression.

"Xu Yuan!" Ma Tianshou called as he entered the room. Yu Yunhang happened to be passing by and hurriedly said, "I'll go call him..."

Ma Tianshou stopped him: "No need to trouble yourself, just take us there."

"Yes!"

Xu Yuan, who was on duty, hurriedly came out to greet him, clasping his hands in a respectful bow: "My lord!"

Ma Tianshou grabbed Xu Yuan's arm: "No need for formalities, let's go inside and talk."

"Yes!"

The two entered the guard room, and Ma Tianshou's trusted men immediately stood guard outside the door.

Xu Yuan closed the door himself, turned around and saw Ma Tianshou's deep and complicated gaze, and couldn't help but ask, "My lord, has the imperial court sent an order?"

Ma Tianshou nodded, remaining silent for a moment.

After a long while, he finally let out a breath of stale air: "I didn't want you to get involved in this mess, it's too dangerous!"

Xu Yuan was deeply moved.

The old man truly treated me like a junior.

Ma Tianshou patted his shoulder: "What do you think? If you don't want to go, I'll find a way to delay it for you. If you delay it for a while, you won't have to go."

Xu Yuan clasped his hands in a respectful bow: "My lord, I wish to go."

“I knew it.” Ma Tianshou smiled wryly, then gestured for him to sit down before saying, “There is no imperial decree, but the message from above has been conveyed.”

At that moment, a fast ship was docked at the Champa pier.

"You've boarded the ship; we'll arrive in Beidu within three days!"

(End of this chapter)