“What should we do?”
Zhang Tian Shou furrowed his brows. In theory, they could kill those few people and get away with it.
But this was a matter for the human realm’s officials. They had violated the heavenly laws by taking action.
If Zhang Tian Shou and his group killed the people, they would likely be impeached by many immortals in the Heavenly Court.
Seeing Zhang Tian Shou’s troubled expression, Chen Fan immediately offered a suggestion.
“It’s better to let them go. Since they’re willing to offer compensation, let’s just drop it!”
“Yes, yes, yes, I thank Brother Chen for his kindness. When you come to Qing Shi Town in the future, I’ll treat you to a feast!”
The one-eyed wolf, whose only remaining eye lit up, seized the opportunity to climb down from his high horse.
Zhang Tian Shou frowned at these words, unsatisfied, he pursed his lips.
He reached out to stop the restless Xiao Qi, nodding and saying,
“Since this gentleman pleads for you, then we’ll let it go. You don’t need to send the things over. Just send them to this gentleman’s residence.”
A future human Grand Sage, a few pieces of incense copper and coins, it was worth it!
Zhang Tian Shou’s thoughts were settled, and he naturally suppressed his dissatisfaction.
Xiao Qi and Qing Yi Xiao Wu, who had remained silent, looked very unhappy. They didn’t say much, fearing Zhang Tian Shou’s power.
But their gazes toward Chen Fan were now filled with disgust.
“Young Master Dong, are you alright? I also have to thank you for your help. Unlike some people, they have no skills yet act like big bad wolves!”
Xiao Qi looked at the bruised and swollen Dong Xiucai, giving Chen Fan a pointed glare.
Dong Xiucai slowly sat down on the stool. Although his face was disfigured, he puffed out his chest upon hearing Xiao Qi’s comfort and looked down upon Chen Fan with disdain.
“Miss, you don’t have to be so polite. When we see injustice, how can we scholars stand idly by?”
Chen Fan saw this, shrugged his shoulders, and shook his head slightly.
This kid still lacks the harsh realities of society!
Fu Shaoye and the one-eyed wolf, naturally, didn’t dare stay long and quickly supported each other as they ran away.
Seeing the one-eyed wolf leave, Chen Fan spoke up,
“Madam, your Qing He Zhang Clan should have channels to contact the court, right?”
“What do you mean, sir?”
Zhang Tian Shou was taken aback. Did she have channels? She had nothing!
While the Qing He Zhang Clan revered the Jade Emperor as one of their ancestors, if she went to the Qing He Zhang Clan and said they were her ancestors, you could bet they’d be furious.
“The incense copper tax is collected directly by the court. Below the county level, they don’t have the authority to collect incense copper. Furthermore, unless it’s a large-scale transaction, incense copper, a material used for cultivation, is rarely needed.
The court is indeed eager for incense copper, but the new emperor is merciful, and he doesn’t want to burden the people.
Yet the one-eyed wolf has incense copper in his possession, meaning they are secretly gathering incense. And based on his words and actions, there must be an organization behind him.”
“What, secretly gathering incense?”
Hearing Chen Fan’s analysis, Dong Xiucai stood up excitedly, his eyes flashing with hatred.
You see, if ordinary people worship and gather too much incense, it can shorten their lifespans.
“That’s right, that’s why the beggars and homeless people in town always stay at a certain number. Even though the new emperor ascended the throne two years ago, there have been locust plagues within the pass, droughts in the north and Shandong, and floods in the Guan Zhong region… How come with so many disasters, there hasn’t been a single increase in the number of beggars and homeless people?”
Dong Xiucai suddenly realized and shouted at Chen Fan.
“The current emperor is wise and virtuous, and he loves the people like his own children. How could he allow such evil deeds! Chen Fan, you are spreading such rumors, tell me, are you a remnant of the previous dynasty, an imperial spy?”
Looking at the excited Dong Xiucai, Chen Fan shook his head.
You naive child, prepare to be beaten by society!
“Old Dong, things are not what they seem.
What are disaster victims? In our eyes, they are pitiful people with no homes. But in the eyes of some, they are black marks on their political achievements, a source of unrest.
If someone could help them quietly eliminate these people, and they wouldn’t even have to use the imperial treasury, what would you say they would choose?”
“This…this…this!”
Dong Xiucai’s face instantly turned pale, and his body, which had been standing, suddenly stumbled.
If Da Zhuang hadn’t been quick and caught him, Dong Xiucai would have already collapsed to the ground.
Dong Xiucai was one of the top scholars in the ten miles surrounding Qing Shi Town. The scholars of the Great Tang Dynasty were not the ignorant and corrupt scholars of later generations.
With Dong Xiucai’s intelligence, after Chen Fan’s guidance, even if he couldn’t fully comprehend it, he could still understand some of the key points.
It was precisely because he had grasped this point that he had such a strong reaction. Because his worldview, built over 10 years, had crumbled at this moment!
“Why did you make me let them go then?”
Zhang Tian Shou looked confused. Though she wasn’t very sensitive to politics, she could still understand Chen Fan’s meaning.
The one-eyed wolf and those behind him had committed such heinous acts. Shouldn’t Zhang Tian Shou have killed him with a single sword, based on her understanding?
Seeing everyone’s puzzled expressions, Chen Fan placed his left hand behind his back and slowly turned around.
“You don’t understand. If we killed the one-eyed wolf, we would only alert those behind him. They would simply cut off their tentacles and temporarily retreat. While we would inflict some damage, the force behind them would still be free.
But if we reconcile with the one-eyed wolf, he will never report his own shameful deeds. That way, we’ll have a chance to completely eliminate them!”
Chen Fan looked as if he had everything under control, his eyes sweeping over Zhang Tian Shou and the three girls. He slightly curled up the corner of his lips, revealing a faint smile.
What could be stronger than the bond forged by fighting side by side when it comes to building relationships!
“Sir is incredibly talented!”
Zhang Tian Shou looked shocked, and Dong Xiucai felt ashamed. Xiao Wu and Xiao Qi also changed their impression of Chen Fan.
Only Da Zhuang’s eyes were filled with confusion. He looked back and forth between Chen Fan and Zhang Tian Shou’s group.
“Slap!”
Da Zhuang clenched his right fist and hit his left palm, suddenly realizing.
“I get it. Fan Ge, you’re so awesome!”
Fan Ge is Fan Ge. He wants to have it all!
“You get it? Just remember not to tell anyone!”
Chen Fan nodded. He’d made it so clear, it was normal for Da Zhuang to understand.
Da Zhuang nodded repeatedly and replied.
“Don’t worry, A Fan. I understand. I won’t tell anyone!”