Chapter 120: Chapter 98: The Xu Family Arrives, Seeking Death?
The gate tower of Changshan County Town stood imposing and tall, its bluestone walls gleaming with a cold, hard light in the morning sun.
At the gate, the rumble of carts and horses was incessant, and the flow of people was like a weaving shuttle. The cries of street vendors and the grinding of axles on stone slabs intertwined into a bustling urban symphony.
A lavishly decorated, two-horse carriage slowly entered the city gate to the crisp clopping of hooves.
The carriage was crafted from red sandalwood, its curtains made of the finest Su embroidery. Gilded bells hung from its four corners, chiming melodiously as it moved, all of which spoke to the occupant’s status as either wealthy or noble.
Inside, a maid in an aqua-blue dress, with a pretty and vivacious face, was excitedly lifting the side curtain. Her lively eyes curiously surveyed the county town’s scenery, which was so different from that of the Prefecture City.
"Miss, we’ve arrived in Changshan."
Hong Xiu’s voice was filled with a touch of excitement.
On the other side of the carriage, a woman in a long, moon-white silk dress heard her and slowly opened her eyes.
She was about sixteen years old, with skin as white as snow and brows like distant mountains. Her willow-leaf eyes held a gaze that was thirty percent gentle and seventy percent cold. This was none other than Wang Zilan, the legitimate daughter of the Wang Family, a top-tier Noble Family in Ning’an Prefecture.
"Head straight for the County Government Office."
Wang Zilan’s voice was pleasant, but it carried a detached indifference, as if the bustling world outside had nothing to do with her.
"Yes, Miss."
The maid, Hong Xiu, answered, leaned forward slightly to give the order to the driver through the curtain, and then turned back.
"Miss, are you really that close with Miss Han from the Han Family? To come all the way from the Prefecture City to Changshan County just to get her out of trouble? Once Miss Han is free, why don’t we stay and have some fun for a few days before heading back?
I’ve heard that while Changshan is small, there are some lovely sights outside the town."
Wang Zilan’s slender fingers brushed over a non-existent wrinkle on her skirt as she replied coolly,
"I simply had some minor business that required me to pass through here. It was convenient to make a stop, not a special trip."
"Oh..."
Hong Xiu nodded, only half-understanding, then asked in confusion, "Isn’t Miss Han engaged to that young master from the Xu Family? Couldn’t they have just sent someone? Why trouble you to come personally, Miss?"
A flicker of barely perceptible frustration crossed Wang Zilan’s eyes.
"Ling’Er is devoted to the path of cultivation and has long intended to break off the engagement. It wouldn’t be appropriate for the Xu Family to get involved, logically or emotionally. Besides, she wrote to me a few days ago, earnestly pleading for my help. Since I already agreed, I can’t back out now. I can resolve this matter while I’m here."
Wang Zilan sighed inwardly.
If she and Han Ling’Er hadn’t been such inseparable friends back in the day, and if Ling’Er hadn’t helped her out a few times, she would never have gotten involved in such a troublesome affair that could so easily offend people.
Although the Xu Family couldn’t compare to the Wang Family in terms of power, they still held considerable influence in Ning’an Prefecture. Making an enemy of them for no good reason would be most unwise.
"Speaking of which," Hong Xiu tilted her head and continued, "how exactly did Miss Han offend the officials here in Changshan County? Logically, with her status as a disciple of the Iron Sword Sect and the future daughter-in-law of the Xu Family, the local officials should be trying to curry favor with her, not rashly offending her, right?"
"There are only two possibilities."
Wang Zilan’s gaze drifted to the passing scenery outside, her voice calm and steady. "Either the person in charge has a powerful background and fears neither the Han and Xu Families nor the Iron Sword Sect, or they are relying on their official government status to act impartially, refusing to give face to the Noble Sects.
And either way, they won’t be easy to deal with."
"No matter how difficult they are, once they learn your identity, Miss, would they still dare not give the Wang Family some face?"
Hong Xiu covered her mouth with a light laugh, her tone filled with vicarious pride.
The Wang Family had been established in Ning’an Prefecture for hundreds of years. They were deeply rooted and influential, with a profound heritage. Even the Lord Prefect himself had to show them some deference, let alone some petty officials in a small county.
"The Wang Family’s face is not meant to be used for such conveniences."
Wang Zilan shook her head gently, disagreeing with her maid’s way of thinking.
She was more inclined to pay a tangible price in exchange for the person’s release.
Debts of human favor are the hardest to repay. If the other party did them a favor today on account of the Wang Family’s face, would the Wang Family not have to return this ’face’ somewhere else in the future? If they failed to do so, the Wang Family’s reputation could suffer instead.
"Miss, I think someone is following us."
Hong Xiu casually lifted the curtain again to look back. At the far end of the official road outside the city, she saw a figure Flying towards them with incredible speed, like a great roc spreading its wings. He was about a foot off the ground, his robes fluttering, and he closed the distance to the city gate in just a few leaps.
Wang Zilan glanced back. The figure had already landed at the city gate. It was a middle-aged man in a brown brocade robe, with a square face, a wide mouth, and an aura of Evil Qi about his brow.
"It’s Xu Yuanhai, the Patriarch of the Xu Family. He must be here to rescue his son, Xu Shenzhi."
Her tone was placid. She lowered the curtain, showing no intention of getting out to exchange pleasantries.
Although Xu Yuanhai was the Xu Family Patriarch, he was not important enough for her to disembark and greet him personally.
"Patriarch Xu came himself?"
Hong Xiu’s eyes lit up, and she instantly perked up. "Doesn’t that mean we’re in for a good show at the County Government Office today?"
"Not necessarily."
Wang Zilan closed her eyes again, regulating her Inner Breath. "The Xu Family may have two Innate masters, but that’s not enough to challenge the authority of the Government Office. He’s likely here more to apply pressure and negotiate."
"Should we join Patriarch Xu, then? We’d have a more imposing presence together."
"No need. That would be superfluous. We will go to the County Government Office on our own later."
Wang Zilan’s tone was decisive, and she said no more.
...
Behind them, Xu Yuanhai entered Changshan County Town with a grim expression.
Recalling the moment his family received the news from the Prefecture City, a nameless fire of rage ignited in his chest.
He had sent his son, Xu Shenzhi, to Changshan County to support the Huang Family, who was attached to the Xu Family through marriage, and to give the future heir of the Xu Family some practical experience.
