Green Mountain-Chapter 580 - 440: Master’s Return, Scholar’s Verse
"Murder!"
On both sides of Zhengyang Gate Street, the crowd suddenly exclaimed, "Murder!"
As soon as they spoke, the people instinctively retreated several steps, and those who had been lurking among the crowd also blended in and disappeared.
Someone suddenly shouted, "Why panic? The Yulin Army merely dealt with the villains who disrupted the Imperial Guard. It’s no big deal!"
Another voice loudly declared among the people, "Yes, someone disrupted the Imperial Guard, and the Yulin Army should have acted decisively, indeed!"
Lin Yanchu killed Wang Gui, and it was entirely justified. No matter how you put it, Wang Gui disrupted the guard, and killing him was not only correct but actually commendable.
Yet rules are rules, and emotions are emotions.
On the long street of bluestone, the Yulin Army stood still with their horses, no longer bothering with the passing citizens, but instead looking incredulously at Lin Yanchu.
Then they looked at Chen Ji.
Qi Zhenzhuo said dryly, "Master, is there no other way? Shall we accompany you to the Imperial Palace Gate and explain the situation somehow?"
Li Xuan, ignoring the guard, rode ahead to Qi Zhenzhuo and said in a low voice, "Nonsense, do you intend to intervene with the army? How many heads do you have to risk that at the Imperial Palace Gate?"
He turned to Chen Ji, "At this point, let’s settle this later. With your skills, finding a way to deal with him isn’t difficult. Right now, with these people watching, let’s have the guards escort the best scorer, second place, and third place to the banquet at Qionglin Garden."
Chen Ji stood still, allowing the long street’s wind to sweep over him, looking down at Wang Gui’s body lying in a pool of blood.
Ignoring Li Xuan, he lifted his head along the dripping long spear, looking at Lin Yanchu, "Is it for money, or power?"
Lin Yanchu’s lips trembled, unable to speak.
Qi Zhenzhuo cursed angrily, "Damn it, I’m asking you a question!"
Duobao placed the long spear against Lin Yanchu’s neck, "Believe it or not, I can take your head off right now. Do you remember who got you out of the Imperial Prison?"
Li Xuan also asked sternly, "Who instructed you?"
Lin Yanchu ignored the spear at his neck, gritting his teeth, refusing to admit, "No one made me do this. He disrupted the guard, deservedly died. I serve close to the Emperor as the Imperial Guard, and when faced with villains disrupting the ceremonies, I can act first and report later!"
Chen Ji nodded, "That’s a smart way to put it. No matter who asks, you must insist on this rationale to survive."
Lin Yanchu was slightly taken aback.
Chen Ji shifted his tone, "Then a question arises, I’ve disrupted the guard too, will you kill me? Not killing me would mean neglecting your duty, wouldn’t it?"
Lin Yanchu looked troubled, "Please don’t force me, Lord."
Chen Ji sighed lightly, "Well played."
He was not referring to Lin Yanchu, but to Official Chen.
A small pawn easily stirred the board.
At first glance, it seemed not so clever. An official standing high in the court should kill subtly, making it feel profound and mysterious, but now there has been blood, a man killed.
Yet upon careful thought, Chen Ji realized the opponent had set a leisurely move beside him early on; such foresight was indeed brilliantly played.
Even somewhat ironic.
Lin Yanchu, seeing Chen Ji in silence, couldn’t bear it, turning his head slightly, "Lord, this is probably my Lin family’s only chance in many generations, and there won’t be another. I owe you a favor and will surely repay it in the future."
Qi Zhenzhuo angrily asked, "What will you repay with?"
Duobao’s eyes were wide with rage, "You want fame and fortune, can’t the Lord grant you that? Can’t achievements be earned through skill?"
Lin Yanchu bowed his head, "I’m different from your noble sons; even with skills, I may not be able to bring glory to my family. I’m the only son in my family, unable to marry into another’s family like Lord Li."
Qi Zhenzhuo exploded in anger, "What the hell are you saying?"
Meanwhile, Chen Ji was no longer paying attention to Lin Yanchu or the noise but was looking to the roadside.
The crowd had retreated to ten zhang away, leaving only one person behind.
The man was clad in a black Daoist robe, strategizing calmly, his demeanor unruffled.
Chen Xu.
Seeing Chen Ji look over, Chen Xu immediately bowed to the Yulin Army, "Gentlemen, please allow me a moment to speak privately with my lord."
Qi Zhenzhuo and the others looked at Li Xuan, who looked at Chen Ji; Chen Ji nodded slightly.
The group dispersed with their horses.
From a distance, Shen Ye teased, "Hey, do you all remember we’re supposed to be parading?"
Li Xuan cupped his fists and said solemnly, "Best scorer, please wait a moment."
Shen Ye laughed heartily, "No problem, I’m in for a good show!"
...
...
Chen Xu approached Chen Ji and said warmly, "My lord, this man’s death won’t cost you much, it’s just satisfying some anger. Second Master will depart for Lu State tomorrow, and the entire Qingzheng Garden will be yours. The Second Master won’t trouble you again, just wait a year, and the Family Head will certainly give you a satisfactory answer."
Chen Ji said nothing.
Chen Xu implored, "My lord, victory and defeat are a common occurrence in the Military School. Forcing the master to make this idle move already places him far above his peers, losing to the master isn’t disgraceful. Countless gentlemen have lost to him in court... You have a long journey ahead; the Chen family will be yours in the future. Come home with me; the master specifically instructed to prepare dinner for you tonight, including your favorite pot-steamed tofu."
Yet just at this moment, a deep drumbeat sounded atop the drum tower.
It started with one drum, then spread to all eight massive drums on the East City walls, pounding thunderously.
These were not evening drums; they were war drums!
Chen Xu furrowed his brows slightly, looking north with everyone else.
A change?
Why did the drums suddenly start beating on the city wall?
After another moment, even the drums from the north, south, and west city walls joined in, arousing intense excitement, as if a thousand armies and horses were rushing forth!
