Chapter 118: Chapter 108: Making a Move
"Shopkeeper, you’re truly brilliant! No wonder you paid a high price to hire the Village Chief. These mud-caked peasants were clearly terrified."
The pedantic Scholar approached Shopkeeper Qi, his face a mask of fawning admiration as he offered his flattery.
"To get things done, you have to aim high and think long-term. All that fighting and killing is a last resort. When dealing with these troublesome commoners, officials from the Government Office are the most effective tool."
Shopkeeper Qi chuckled, his gaze sweeping contemptuously over the several hundred villagers before him.
He had, of course, considered this situation might arise before he came.
After all, this land ’didn’t belong to the Fang Family’ in the first place. As the original owners, the villagers of Da Liushu Village were bound to cause a fuss.
That was why he had spent a hefty sum to invite the local Village Chief.
Originally, he had only planned on using the Village Chief’s name to intimidate the villagers.
He hadn’t expected an accidental discovery at Chen Liang’s house—he had ’found’—no, *invited*—the father and elder brother of the renowned Fang Wuju.
So, as a matter of course, he had the two of them press their finger seals onto Chen Liang’s debt agreement, making them the guarantors.
And just like that, everything was in order.
As long as this was settled, he wouldn’t have to fear anyone looking into it in the future.
Paying one’s debts is only right and proper.
No matter who came asking, they would have to acknowledge this principle.
"Fellow villagers, respected elders, please make way! We are here today mainly to discuss a matter of debt with Fang Wuju’s family. Paying one’s debts is only right and proper. Wouldn’t you all agree that’s how it should be!"
The pedantic Scholar, a subordinate of Shopkeeper Qi from the Four Directions Gambling House, waved a folding fan in his hand, its surface greasy and black with grime.
He scanned the intimidated villagers of Da Liushu Village, feeling immensely imposing.
The Four Directions Gambling House ’had’ reason on their side this time.
They were used to throwing their weight around, but convincing people with ’reason’ felt surprisingly good.
’Truly, the Shopkeeper is in a league of his own. His methods are so sophisticated.’
’We’re essentially plotting to seize a Martial Scholar’s land, so naturally, we have to ’invite’ people with official standing. Everything must be ’reasonable and lawful’.’
’If we don’t lay the groundwork perfectly, the whole affair won’t be clean enough. It’ll be easy for someone to dig it up in the future, and that would be a messy situation to clean up.’
"That’s right. This is a debt dispute. What does it have to do with you? As long as Fang Wuju repays Shopkeeper Qi’s silver, his father and older brother will naturally be fine. Otherwise, we’ll have no choice but to escort them to the Government Office."
At this moment, seeing the villagers hesitate, Village Chief Chen also stepped forward and spoke in a grave and earnest tone.
In truth, he hadn’t wanted to get involved in this matter.
Shopkeeper Qi of the Four Directions Gambling House had formidable backing and was very powerful in Xiahe County Town.
But Fang Wuju also held an official rank.
Neither side was easy to provoke. But then again, Fang Wuju was crippled. ’Is a crippled Martial Scholar even a Martial Scholar anymore?’
Besides, Shopkeeper Qi had been extremely generous, giving him two hundred taels of silver.
For the sake of all that silver—oh, wait, no—for the sake of helping Shopkeeper Qi collect his debt, he had agreed to be a witness.
"Nonsense! You’re talking nonsense! Who owes you silver? You forced my hand to make that finger seal on the IOU!"
Father Fang’s face was crimson with rage. He struggled and roared, looking as if he would have lunged at the pedantic Scholar and the shopkeeper if he weren’t being restrained.
The villagers of Da Liushu Village, who had been swayed by Village Chief Chen’s words, grew agitated again upon hearing this and looked ready to surge forward.
"Heh heh, so you deny it. Fine. Then let’s have your good nephew tell us about it," the pedantic Scholar said with a slight smile.
Then, Chen Liang and Chen Kang emerged from the crowd.
The two of them kept their heads down, not daring to look at Father Fang. But, thinking of the gambling house’s promise, they forced themselves to speak:
"Uncle, this is all my fault. I’m sorry for making you my guarantor. Now I can’t repay the silver taels, and I’ve implicated you."
"But please rest assured, Uncle. Once I pass the Martial Examination to become a Martial Scholar next year, I will definitely repay you for this silver, with interest."
Chen Kang also spoke up, "Everyone, this is my son’s fault. Fang Mu acted as a guarantor for my family, but now we... sigh... it’s all our family’s fault..."
Chen Kang and Chen Liang were relatives from Fang Mu’s wife’s family—Fang Yue’s maternal uncle and cousin.
Most of the villagers in Da Liushu Village knew who they were.
With these two stepping forward to speak, the villagers instantly became hesitant.
’This whole thing... it seems like it might actually be true!’
’Surely Chen Kang and Chen Liang wouldn’t frame their own brother-in-law and uncle, would they?’
"Oh, so that’s how it is. I was wondering how my father could possibly owe someone money. So that’s the reason."
Just then, Fang Yue parted the crowd and walked through.
He immediately saw his father and older brother, taking in their wretched state. It was obvious these people had laid hands on them.
Fang Yue’s expression instantly darkened. He walked straight forward.
The thugs from the Four Directions Gambling House were about to shout and block his way, but one look from the newcomer sent a tremor through their very souls.
It was as if they had seen a terrifying beast; they were all frightened stiff, frozen in place.
In truth, when Martial Artists cultivate, they absorb power from Secret Medicines to develop their potential.
Their strength, physique, and power gradually develop beyond human limits.
Not to mention, Fang Yue had slaughtered countless wild beasts during the course of his training.
His entire being had long ago developed a powerful, murderous aura.
He usually kept it restrained and hidden.
But now, unleashed without reservation, how could any ordinary person withstand it?
"You... you... who are you? What do you want?"
The pedantic Scholar, having weathered many storms with Shopkeeper Qi, was terrified but still managed to screw up his courage, step forward, and ask the question.
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