Promise!

Chapter 110, continuing to

"shut up!"

Zhao Bin was shocked to see that Zhuang Jin had slapped a huge accusation on him after he had only questioned her. It was simply outrageous!

He was petty, vindictive, and pretentious, and his reputation within the Enforcement Division was indeed mediocre. But to say he was all-powerful, a "local tyrant"...

Zhuang Jin is slandering me!

Zhuang Jin is slandering him!

Zhao Bin could imagine how much trouble this nickname "Living Tiger" would bring him. At this moment, the expression on his face was as ugly as if he had eaten shit, and his gaze towards Zhuang Jin, the instigator, was as if he wanted to kill him: "Zhuang Jin, you are insolent!"

He stopped calling him "Zhuang Town Guardian" and addressed him by his first name, which shows how angry he was!
"Outrageous? This is the Shen family residence! This is the Enforcement Division! What is there that cannot be said? Director Zhao, are you so eager to shut me up? Could it be that I hit the nail on the head?"

As Zhuang Jin spoke, she looked at Directors Ren Ze and You Donglai, probing their attitude: "I would like to ask these two directors to judge this matter. I was attacked as soon as I came in. Who can I complain to? What's wrong with accusing someone of being a spy? None of the other colleagues who came to support us said anything, but Director Zhao turned around and started blaming me, the 'victim'..."

“Director Zhao is wrong.” Ren Ze nodded, stopping Zhao Bin, whose gaze seemed to want to devour him.

You Donglai also shielded Miao Shao, whose face was grim, and tried to smooth things over: "Miao Shao was a bit impulsive when his younger brother died in battle... Director Zhao also misspoke..."

The two men instinctively stopped Zhao Bin and Miao Shao, whom they knew relatively well, and tried to appease Zhuang Jin, who seemed unapproachable, like a powder keg, and whom they didn't know well. They stood on Zhuang Jin's side, otherwise they really doubted that Zhuang Jin, who was as aggressive as a baboon, could shout something like "The Enforcement Division is a den of snakes and rats, in cahoots" at this moment!
Zhuang Jin observed the two men and secretly concluded: 'These two section chiefs haven't been completely won over or bribed by Zhao Bin.'

In fact, Zhao Bin had indeed spoken to the two of them, saying that Zhuang Jin was recruited from outside martial arts schools, and that their backgrounds and stances were different... and so on, asking them to side with Miao Shao during the trial.

Ren Ze, being an upright person, refused.

You Donglai agreed. On the one hand, Zhao Bin was a colleague, while Zhuang Jin was a stranger, making their relationship obvious. On the other hand, Zhuang Jin's martial arts students, who were recruited from outside, had now all broken through the Seven Classics, seriously impacting the status of these old men and inevitably leading to competition for 'high-end resources'. This was a clash and confrontation between the old and new forces. With different interests, they naturally favored old men like Miao Shao who came from the same background.

However, he was the kind of smooth and worldly person. He had agreed before, but now that he saw Zhuang Jin's aggressive nature like a baboon, he decided to observe for a while longer. Well, even if he still wanted to take sides, he would do it subtly and without leaving a trace.

This is exactly the effect Zhuang Jin wanted!
Reality is just like that. If you don't complain and are as submissive as a sheep, others will see you as a "nice guy," despise you, and take advantage of you. When something happens, they will sacrifice your interests first. If you make a fuss and shout, you are as fierce as a wolf. If you are provoked, you will get angry and bite back. You are as irritable as a baboon. If you are provoked, you will not let it go. You are not someone to be trifled with. People who dare to stand up for themselves and have sharp edges are actually more feared and people will consider the consequences of offending them.

"Alright, both parties are here. Let's prepare for the trial!" Ren Ze said, glancing at Zhuang Jin with a slight frown.

He was the kind of person with an upright personality. Zhao Bin refused to greet him, but that didn't mean he had a good impression of Zhuang Jin. Before, when Miao Shao made a move, Zhuang Jin shouted "Medicine King Gang spy" without warning, making a big fuss. Just now, he used clever words to slander Zhao Bin... He didn't like this kind of troublemaker either.

You Donglai chuckled and said, "Yes, Garrison Commander Luan has already gone to the side hall with the evidence and is waiting."

"It needs to be thoroughly investigated!" Zhao Bin suppressed his anger and said with a forced smile, emphasizing the words "thoroughly investigated," clearly intending to retaliate in the trial.

"We must investigate thoroughly; we cannot wrong innocent people, nor can we let guilty people go free." At that moment, a voice rang out.

The one who said this was Ninth Young Master Shen Xuqing—the same young master whom Ni Ying married.

The reason he came was because of Chen Yun.

Chen Yun returned to the Shen family headquarters and parted ways with Zhuang Jin and Luan Zhenyun. She first went to find some familiar inner courtyard maids, but Zhuang Jin was already of the seventh level, which was beyond the level of an inner courtyard maid, so they couldn't help with such an important matter... After thinking for a while, she went to find her cousin Ni Ying.

Chen Yun told Ni Ying about Zhuang Jin's breakthrough to the seventh level of the classics and about Miao Lun's matter. Ni Ying was naturally shocked upon hearing this. After thinking for a moment, she took Chen Yun to see Shen Xuqing.

Back then, when Zhuang Jin broke through the Five Classics, Ni Ying was promoted to concubine because of it. She felt ashamed. No matter how complicated her feelings were, there was no doubt that she could benefit from Zhuang Jin's good fortune and her cousin's good fortune. At the same time, she also knew that her young master valued Zhuang Jin and wanted to befriend him, so she dared not intentionally obstruct or cut off the news.

That's why Ninth Prince Shen Xuqing came over at this time.

Only he came; Chen Yun and Ni Ying remained in the inner courtyard. Firstly, with Miao Shao here, Chen Yun didn't want to cause trouble for Zhuang Jin in case of extreme circumstances. Secondly, Ni Ying's situation was somewhat awkward; she didn't want to come, and Chen Yun also thought that Zhuang Jin might not want to see her. Therefore, although she was very worried about the situation here, she didn't want to distract Zhuang Jin.

"Zhuang Zhenshou, I've long admired your name. To be honest, we're practically brothers-in-law!" Shen Xuqing said with a hearty laugh, making it clear that he had come to support Zhuang Jin.

"Thank you, Ninth Young Master!" Zhuang Jin quickly understood the situation and naturally wouldn't refuse this unexpected help, so he stepped forward to pay his respects.

"Haha, you're welcome..."

As a young master from such a prominent family, he received an elite education from a young age. Even though he was an illegitimate son with mediocre martial arts talent, he was still remarkable in his interpersonal skills, making people feel like they were bathed in a spring breeze.

The three heads of the law enforcement department who were handling the case, as well as Miao Shao, had different reactions after exchanging greetings and seeing how affectionately Ninth Prince Shen Xuqing treated Zhuang Jin.

Ren Ze was the kind of upright and rigid person. He frowned and then relaxed his brows. Just as he wouldn't accept Zhao Bin's greeting before, the arrival of Ninth Young Master Shen Xuqing wouldn't change his impartial attitude.

'This Zhuang Jin has such a connection? Although the Ninth Young Master lacks martial arts talent, he is still a young master…'

You Donglai narrowed his eyes, assessed the situation, and then his mind changed. He decided to pretend that Zhao Bin's greeting had never happened and to act impartially later.

As the head of the Enforcement Department, frankly speaking, he didn't need to fear a lazy, good-for-nothing young master. But Shen Xuqing, after all, had access to the family head and could reach the highest levels of government. If he were to side with Miao Shao and Shen Xuqing reported him later, the consequences would be dire…

Zhuang Jin's rise to power, recruiting martial arts students from outside the family, has indeed impacted the status of these older folks and created competition for 'high-end resources.' Under equal conditions, he is undoubtedly on the side of the Shen family elders... but if it means taking risks and harming his own interests, then forget it!

The two who looked the worst were naturally Miao Shao and Zhao Bin.

Needless to say, Miao Shao lost his younger brother, and this hatred is impossible to resolve. As for Zhao Bin, he chose to side with Miao Shao, did so much, and completely broke ties with Zhuang Jin, so he is now in a difficult situation.

Miao Shao looked at Zhao Bin with a questioning gaze, and a hint of doubt about whether he was up to the task. Zhao Bin had previously assured him that he had already made arrangements, full of confidence, but now… Zhao Bin was stung by this gaze. Although he was somewhat wary of Shen Xuqing, he thought of the other party's mediocre talent and didn't care anymore. He said, "Ninth Young Master, I heard that your wedding is imminent. You must be quite busy these days?"

The implication is: This is not something you should get involved in!
Shen Xuqing naturally understood the meaning behind the words, and the smile on his face immediately froze. He never expected that Zhao Bin would be so disrespectful to him, a young master.

'A martial artist! A natural talent for martial arts!'

He felt a pang of pain in his heart, but as a well-known "parasite playboy," this wasn't the first time he'd experienced something like this. His expression paused slightly before he smiled again: "I am busy, but I do have some time."

Shen Xuqing had come to support him, so Zhuang Jin couldn't just ignore it and was about to speak up.

Just then, another voice rang out: "Ninth Brother's marriage is arranged by his subordinates. What, are we not even allowed to sit in on a trial held by the Enforcement Department?"

It was none other than the Eighth Young Master Shen Xuchen, who arrived with his attendant Zou Qingfeng.

"The Eighth Young Master?!"

At this, Ren Ze, You Donglai, Zhao Bin, and Miao Shao all changed their expressions and quickly came over to pay their respects.

Shen Xuchen has exceptional martial arts talent. At only nineteen years old, he has already mastered the Seven Classics. In terms of future prospects, he far surpasses them by a wide margin. He may even be the next head of the family. How could they dare to underestimate such a person?

This shows the difference in status between the two young masters. When Shen Xuqing came before, they didn't show this kind of caution and respect... In the end, this world still respects strength!
"Myth brother!" Shen Xuqing was also slightly surprised.

"Eighth Young Master!" Zhuang Jin bowed to Ren Ze and the others, the only one who wasn't surprised at all.

"Ninth brother!"

Shen Xuchen nodded slightly to Ren Ze and the other three as a return greeting, and greeted Shen Xuqing in return. Then he looked at Zhuang Jin with a serious expression: "I heard from Zou Changsui that Zhuang Zhenshou was recruited from outside and has now broken through the Seven Classics... I also heard that he is involved in a case. I happen to have some free time today, so I came to listen in and also to meet someone like Zhuang Zhenshou."

Listening to this from the side, Zou Qingfeng knew that his young master had given him face, and he was deeply moved and grateful.

"Thank you, Eighth Young Master!" Zhuang Jin bowed again, his manner formal.

Upon hearing this, Ren Ze and the others understood Shen Xuchen's intentions and felt a sense of pressure.

'The Eighth Young Master is different from the Ninth Young Master; if he were to intervene in this case…'

Ren Ze's expression was solemn, but his resolve remained firm: 'Even if it's the Eighth Young Master... even if the outcome cannot be changed, one must still uphold integrity and say what needs to be said.'

'Good heavens, not only the Ninth Young Master, but even the Eighth Young Master has been invited!'

You Donglai glanced at Zhao Bin subconsciously: "To guard against you, Zhuang Jin went to great lengths, inviting two young masters to serve you. How could you be considered unlucky?"

At this moment, what's this about 'Zhao Bin greeting him and him agreeing'? Bah, is there such a thing?
He, You, is upright, honest, and incorruptible. How could he possibly bend the law for personal gain?

'Even if it involves bending the law for personal gain, it should be for Zhuang Jin's sake!'

Yu Donglai's mind raced, already considering whether he should side with Zhuang Jin during the trial, and show Shen Xuchen some goodwill and give him face.

A seasoned veteran like him has a flexible moral bottom line, and his attitude varies from person to person and from time to time.

Miao Shao and Zhao Bin felt a shadow fall over their hearts. Even if they were in the right, if the two young masters insisted on taking sides, they would still lose!
The outcome of a case decided by the Enforcement Division is generally determined by two factors: the case itself and who is in the right; and the background and connections of the parties involved.

Of these two points, the second is relatively more important. It can be said that as long as you have the right connections and background, others will naturally speak on your behalf to get the result you want. However, this usually doesn't happen because people with such strong connections are extremely rare, and such unbridled behavior would pose too great a risk. Generally, it involves a combination of two factors.

"Thank you both for coming to listen. I am deeply humbled by your kind invitation."

As Zhuang Jin spoke, he looked at Ren Ze and You Donglai and said, "I ask that you two directors uphold justice and judge the case based on facts and evidence. Please clear my name and give me justice, so that you two gentlemen will not suffer criticism because of me."

At this moment, Zhuang Jin clearly had the upper hand, yet he said such reasonable and understanding words, which was in stark contrast to his initial appearance as a flat-headed baboon who was easily provoked. Ren Ze and You Donglai both felt flattered and subconsciously thought: This person is actually quite nice!
Little did they know that Zhuang Jin's initial behavior was a calculated move to create an image of being someone not to be trifled with, given the uncertainty of whether his contingency plan would succeed. He wanted to make it clear that if the case was judged unfairly, he would dare to cause a scene, thus forcing justice to prevail. Now that the two young masters had arrived, that situation was no longer likely to occur, so he had to back down and avoid leaving an impression of being aggressive and abusing his power.

This alternation of tension and relaxation, whether intentional or unintentional, created a tug-of-war between the two.

'You came to the right place!'

Shen Xuqing and Shen Xuchen glanced at Zhuang Jin, and the same thought arose in their minds. As bystanders, they could see it more clearly and understand the scheming behind this advance and retreat.

Shen Xuqing became even more determined to befriend him.

Shen Xuchen inwardly admired: 'Miao Lun made a move because of the beast treasure, and Zhuang Jin killed him on the spot, without hesitation… Upon arriving here, realizing Zhao Bin might be biased, he decisively abandoned the beast treasure without reservation… Now that my ninth brother and I have arrived, we are undoubtedly fair and impartial, remaining clear-headed and taking a step back—a brilliant step back indeed!'

He thought to himself, then glanced at Zou Qingfeng again: 'I've discovered a talent!'

"Pah, hypocritical!" Zhao Bin and Miao Shao, both prejudiced and of different stances, cursed inwardly upon seeing this.

……

(End of this chapter)