Chaotic World Book-Chapter 449 - 436 Zhai Muzhi

"Turns out it’s Brother Xie," Zhao Changhe maintained his composure and adopted the appropriate air of superiority expected of someone with his standing within the Wang Daozhong’s circle, and casually said, "I’d grown weary of the Central Plains and thought to travel a bit."

Although he slightly altered his voice through control of his internal breath, since this was not something he had practiced, it didn’t sound quite like Wang Daozhong.

Fortunately, Xie Ruhai was not very acquainted with Wang Daozhong either, their interaction having consisted of only a few encounters many years earlier, hence their ability to recognize each other’s voices was limited. In fact, to a true acquaintance, the difference in appearance would have been apparent, and only those less familiar could be mistaken on the street.

Hearing what Zhao Changhe had said, Xie Ruhai found it somewhat amusing inside. It was said that he had been captured not long ago; it appeared he had been released through some maneuvering. Of course, it wouldn’t do for him to continue dangling under the watch of the Yang Family and the Demon Suppression Department, so the only thing to do was either to stew in seclusion in Langya or to be "exiled" to faraway places.

And it looked like he had chosen to travel far to the southwest.

He said with a chuckle, "If Mister Daozhong has come all this way, why not pay a visit to Prefectural Magistrate Zhai? We would be delighted to show you our hospitality."

Zhao Changhe thought to himself, heaven knows how well Zhai Muzhi and Wang Daozhong knew each other; only a fool would go, especially since he was hardly in the mood for any side complications. He shook his head and responded, "I have some business in the Miao Region and don’t wish for any delay..."

He had intended to offer some polite but superficial pleasantries, but suddenly felt like an idiot for being courteous on behalf of Wang Daozhong. Why not offend a few more people? That would be rather good, wouldn’t it?

So he said haughtily, "Furthermore, Zhai Muzhi isn’t worthy of the trouble to pay him a visit."

Li Si’an at his side gave an expression that clearly said he couldn’t bear to watch, silently mourning for Wang Daozhong.

Wherever Zhao Changhe went, his reputation for being a heroic and righteous man only grew, his circle of friends widening, while Wang Daozhong’s name became increasingly tainted, finding enemies in both righteous and demonic paths alike. What kind of karma had he accumulated...

Xie Ruhai, on the other hand, felt this was quite typical behavior. Top aristocratic families always had this arrogance. Not to mention someone with Wang Daozhong’s standing who was on the Earth List, even a random scion could conceivably be more arrogant than he. Unbothered by the slight, he chuckled lightly and said, "Then, I won’t disturb Mister Daozhong during your meal."

With that, he bowed and took his leave.

Zhao Changhe glanced at the restaurant nearby and grumbled, "Does this mean we’re not going to be able to eat?"

Li Si’an chuckled and asked, "Why do you say that?"

"If he reports to that what’s-his-name Zhai Muzhi, saying that Wang Daozhong is here dining, and if Zhai Muzhi actually comes here to see Wang Daozhong, wouldn’t that give us away..."

Li Si’an laughed and said, "If our information is correct, Zhai Muzhi has never met Wang Daozhong. People from different ends of the earth, if fated not to cross paths, there are plenty of individuals who will only ever know of each other’s names their whole lives and only converse in spirit. Who else roams about the world as much as you do?"

"Eh? Aren’t they about the same age, both from aristocratic families, and both officials? Didn’t they socialize together in their youth?"

"Not everyone has met face to face, especially with the reclusive nature of Shu, where such socializing is even less common. Of course, what we know might not be the whole truth; perhaps there are private acquaintances we’re unaware of." Li Si’an mused, "What do you say, shall we meet him? If you want to investigate the disappearance of the Sword Pavilion, perhaps questioning him might lead to some clues."

Zhao Changhe pondered for a moment and then nodded.

The matter of the Sword Pavilion was closely related to Yue Hongling, and he should seize any opportunity to look into it. If they were exposed, Li Si’an could simply claim ignorance due to being deceived and that would be the end of it.

They entered the restaurant and casually ordered some dishes and drinks. They had barely started eating when a commotion arose at the entrance, followed by a hearty laugh, "Brother Wang has traveled from afar, why not inform me so that I could have welcomed and hosted you? This is too unexpected."

Zhao Changhe keenly observed that all the diners’ faces in the restaurant turned pale, not one daring to remain seated, as they all stood and withdrew to the side. The owner’s legs trembled uncontrollably.

This...

It did not seem like the typical awe civilians felt for government officials; this was fear that went to the bone.

Even Li Si’an stood up and gave a respectful greeting, "Greetings, Governor."

Zhai Muzhi politely nodded back at Li Si’an, "Fourth Master, please sit."

Then he took a seat next to Zhao Changhe and said with a smile, "Brother Wang, this kind of eatery suits your taste?"

Zhao Changhe glanced at him.

Despite looking like a cultivated and affable middle-aged man with a willowy beard and an air of handsomeness and charisma, with the current atmosphere around him, the impression was chillingly cold.

Zhao Changhe leisurely continued with his meal, not lifting his head, "Just passing through and I’ll be leaving shortly. When on the road, what need is there for fuss? Brother Zhai has countless tasks to attend to, and really shouldn’t be bothered by the likes of me."

Zhai Muzhi seemed entirely unaware that only moments ago he had been told, "Zhai Muzhi isn’t worthy of the trouble to pay him a visit," and he laughed heartily, "Now that Brother Wang is here, no number of tasks can compare. Bring the dishes!"

As he spoke, dishes were brought in like a flowing stream.

Zhao Changhe sat at a simple small square table, where the dishes could only accommodate a few courses before it was full, so the servants stood by with additional dishes, holding them steady without daring to make a single move.

Most of the dishes required a certain amount of rare birds just for a tiny portion of their delicacies, reminding Zhao Changhe of the desolation he had encountered along his journey.

The pain of the ordinary people and the luxury of the aristocratic families have always been worlds apart.

In fact, families like the Cui, Wang, Yang, and Tang probably didn’t live much better, but they didn’t make it so evident and at least didn’t make a deliberate show of it. When Wang Zhaoqing had initially hosted the Hidden Dragons, the feast was fine, giving the impression that’s just how wealthy households are, without it seeming too excessive... Perhaps their family had already moved beyond the stage of appearing like nouveau riche.

But deep down, they’re not that different, as evident from Zhai Muzhi’s attitude towards Wang Daozhong—they’re all birds of a feather.

Fa Chi and others joined Maitreya in rebellion, not entirely out of deception at the beginning... There were genuine reasons to rebel, and Maitreya Sect also had its own distinguished figures. Not all bandits and outlaws necessarily wanted to be thieves. When Xue Canghai set up his camp in Wushan, his followers were disciplined like a military force, sharpening their blades vigorously, truly awaiting an opportunity.

How many in the world were like Fa Chi and Xue Canghai...

Therefore, although Zhao Changhe respected Tang Wanju’s loyalty to the Empire and her wish for peace, he genuinely agreed with the righteousness of Vermilion Bird Chichi’s rebellious cause, and he hoped Tang Wanju would retire and return to civilian life—a sentiment he never concealed from her; she knew... Maybe Tang Wanju really didn’t fully give in to him because she saw he was nearly healed and swiftly left, perhaps this was the main reason.

Oh right, why didn’t I think of this before, this is the real reason, damn...

As these thoughts flickered through his mind, he feigned an air of worldliness in his speech, saying indifferently, "Brother Zhai, you’re making this difficult for me..."

Zhai Muzhi laughed and said, "How so? Could it be that you find my hospitality lacking?"

Zhao Changhe shook his head, "Wang Daozhong is heading to the Miao Region, which requires preparation for hardship. What if Brother Zhai spoils my palate, and I then refuse to leave?"

Zhai Muzhi clapped his hands and laughed heartily, "Brother Wang, you worry too much. Someone like you will never suffer hardship wherever you go."

"Oh?" Zhao Changhe said, "Brother Zhai is familiar with the Miao Region, no? I heard that you’re in charge of the Provincial Government there, is that right?"

"Not directly subordinate, not directly subordinate," Zhai Muzhi replied with a smile. "Of course, if Brother Wang is to go there, I might still be able to exert some influence."

Zhao Changhe purposely asked, "Wang Daozhong caused some trouble in Hongnong, aren’t you afraid of getting embroiled in that mess?"

Hongnong’s trouble, in essence, was a clear display of Wang Family’s rebellious intent. Zhai Muzhi’s warmth towards him, despite that, what was he planning to do?

Zhai Muzhi feigned ignorance, chuckling, "Who doesn’t have a skeleton in the closet... In the future, Brother Wang, if you make amends to the Yang Family, it might all blow over. Who could hold grudges against a mainstay like Langya Wang?"

Zhao Changhe gave a slight smile, raised his cup and indicated a toast, "Then I’ll have to ask Brother Zhai to help set things straight when there’s a chance."

"Of course, of course," Zhai Muzhi clinked his cup and asked with a smile, "Brother Wang, what brings you to the Miao Region? Is there anything I can help you with?"

"I’m merely seeking to familiarize myself with the chieftains of the Southwest, to see if it’s possible to expand our family’s business. If Brother Zhai could facilitate connections, that would be most appreciated."

"Of course," Zhai Muzhi passed over a token, "With my token, the Provincial Government in the Southwest should give you some recognition."

Zhao Changhe accepted the token and said with a smile, "I’ll remember this favor from Brother Zhai. Should you come to Langya, I, Wang Daozhong, will spare no effort to host you."

Li Si’an nearly spit out a mouthful of wine.

But then, Zhao Changhe changed the subject casually, as if making small talk, "By the way, I passed by Ba Mountain on my way here, intending to visit Wuding. To my surprise, I found Sword Pavilion deserted. What happened?"

"We are also investigating that. Sword Pavilion was emptied silently at some unknown time, leaving Ba Shu in shock, with no one knowing the reason," Zhai Muzhi replied with a smile. "It’s not surprising though. If they found an excellent Secret Realm for their sect’s base, moving the entire sect isn’t unusual... If Sword Pavilion disciples reappear and start traversing the Worldly Society after some time, the truth will naturally reveal itself. It’s not a matter worth spending much effort on."

Zhao Changhe pondered.

Sword Pavilion had a sizable number of members. A mass relocation of such a large combat force would not go unnoticed, and as Shu County Governor, it seems impossible that he’d have no intelligence on it, especially since, reportedly, many in your offices are nameless disciples of Sword Pavilion—is this indifference to the sect’s movements sincere?

Zhai Muzhi’s explanation must be covering for Sword Pavilion.

Perhaps the reason Sword Pavilion could disappear so silently, with news reaching the Demon Suppression Department so late, was because of official protection from behind the scenes.

From this perspective, the relocation might truly have nothing to do with Yue Hongling... On the contrary, it could be that Yue Hongling stumbled upon some anomaly after their relocation, something they wanted to silence, which is why a fight broke out...

Could it actually not be Listening Snow Tower?

Why has it become more complicated...

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