Chapter 108: Waves of Criticism Arrive One After Another

Li Shun moved swiftly.

After requisitioning three Moonlit White Horses, he immediately brought Li Qing to pay a visit to Duan Jiuzhang.

Although Duan Jiuzhang's identity was never explicitly revealed, Li Qing had spent a long time in Wei Wuqi's company. His horizons far surpassed those of ordinary people.

He instantly sensed Duan Jiuzhang's extraordinary nature. Despite the man's farmer-like appearance, he showed not the slightest hint of disrespect and still offered a courteous salute.

"Brother Sun, I'll leave these refugees in your care."

Before departing, Duan Jiuzhang did not forget to remind him in a solemn tone.

"Brother Duan, rest assured. If anything goes wrong, you may hold me accountable when you return," Sun Chengyou promised.

After bidding their farewells, the three mounted their horses and galloped away.

"With the speed of the Moonlit Whites and the enhancement of the official roads, they should reach Yunguan County in three days."

Sun Chengyou gazed at the dust cloud fading into the distance as he spoke quietly.

"I investigated earlier. The magistrate of Yunguan County is named Ning Wenyuan. His lineage traces directly back to the Right Chancellor's estate."

"The Right Chancellor?"

Fang Xun's heart skipped a beat.

"There's no need to panic. He isn't a direct disciple of the Right Chancellor, merely a branch descendant of the Legalist school. Still, the matter of the Six Visits to Disciple has only just spread, yet someone is already eager to probe and test the waters. The implications behind this are worth considering."

Sun Chengyou's expression darkened slightly.

Fang Xun's thoughts stirred. Recalling his rapidly rising reputation, he cautiously cupped his hands and asked, "Senior, the news of Ingenious Creation and the Six Visits to Disciple spread with astonishing speed. Could there be major factions pushing things along behind the scenes?"

Sun Chengyou shot him an approving glance.

"Your reaction isn't slow at all. This matter does indeed involve an important affair, though it's not convenient for me to explain the details just yet."

"You only need to know that this undertaking requires the cooperation of all the Hundred Schools."

"The Confucians, Mohists, Daoists, Legalists, and Strategists will each select three participants."

"The Yin-Yang School, School of Diplomacy, Physicians, Agriculturalists, and Miscellaneous School will each provide two."

"As for the hidden schools, they may not participate. But if they choose to emerge, each will send one representative."

"And all participants must remain below the Grotto Mystic Realm."

"Although the matter itself will not begin for another two years, the competition and open and hidden struggles surrounding it have already begun."

Fang Xun pondered for a moment.

"From the sound of it, Senior, participating in this matter seems to offer enormous benefits?"

Sun Chengyou sized him up and let out a soft chuckle.

"'Benefits' hardly begins to describe it. If one succeeds and returns..."

"He will possess the qualifications to step directly into Creation and instantly enter the core ranks of his respective school."

Fang Xun immediately grasped the true weight behind this so-called grand gathering of the Hundred Schools.

"Don't overthink it."

Sun Chengyou rapped him lightly with his words.

"Your elders will handle these matters behind the scenes. Your only responsibility is to fulfill your duties properly."

Fang Xun's expression turned serious as he withdrew his wandering thoughts.

The next day, the twenty-fourth day of the second month.

Fang Xun was inspecting the registration of refugees within the city when a yamen runner hurried over to report that a young man was requesting an audience at the government office entrance.

"Hm?"

Fang Xun froze.

He racked his brain for quite some time but could not think of anyone who would seek him out at a moment like this.

Filled with suspicion, he hurried back.

The moment the young man saw Fang Xun from afar, he dropped to his knees in the street.

"Greetings, Uncle!"

"You are...?"

Fang Xun carefully examined the somewhat unfamiliar face before him.

"Zhang Han?"

A moment later, surprise appeared on his face.

"What are you doing here?"

"Mother has passed away. I have no one to rely on now, so I could only come seek refuge with Uncle."

Zhang Han raised his head, his eyes already red and swollen from crying.

Fang Xun hurriedly helped him to his feet and brought him into the study.

Only after questioning him in detail did he learn the full story.

Zhang Han was the son of Fang Xun's younger sister, Fang Yao.

Fang Yao's life had been full of hardships.

She had married far from home, but only a few years later, before she even had the chance to bear children, her husband died unexpectedly.

Her standing within her husband's family immediately became awkward.

Fang Yao repeatedly requested permission to remarry, yet her in-laws refused each time.

In the end, it was only after Fang Xun became Dong Chunqiu's disciple and borrowed the prestige of being a disciple of one of the Three Excellencies that he personally intervened and secured a letter of divorce for his sister.

Yet afterward, Fang Yao never found a man she truly liked and remained alone.

It was not until more than a decade ago that she finally met a good man, married, and gave birth to a child.

Just when it seemed her life had finally improved, disaster struck once more.

When the child was only three years old, her husband died in another calamity.

Mother and child were left to struggle alone.

"Mother's borrowed lifespan expired some time ago. In the end, she couldn't break through her realm and passed away with regrets."

Zhang Han choked back tears as he spoke.

Fang Xun let out a long sigh, his heart filled with sorrow.

"You're thousands of miles from here. How did you find this place?"

"I had heard of Uncle's achievements long ago. After Mother passed away, I decided to come seek your help."

"After great difficulty, I finally obtained travel documents. While I was still on the road, I happened to meet Lord Yin."

"After hearing my story, he allowed me to ride with him in his flying courier carriage for part of the journey."

Zhang Han answered honestly.

"Lord Yin?"

Fang Xun's expression remained unchanged, but alarm bells rang loudly in his heart.

After asking a few more questions about the details, he finally said, "You've traveled a long way. You must be exhausted. Go get some rest first. We can discuss everything tomorrow."

Zhang Han obediently nodded and withdrew.

Fang Xun narrowed his eyes and looked toward the commandery governor's residence.

The Mohists worked with astonishing efficiency. By now, the main structures throughout Guling Commandery had already been completed.

"So Yin Fengshuo has officially taken office."

"He brought my nephew here along the way, but what exactly is he planning?"

A flicker of light flashed through Fang Xun's eyes.

He refused to believe this was merely a coincidence or a sudden act of kindness on Yin Fengshuo's part.

After pondering for a moment, he quickly made up his mind.

Bringing Zheng Zhi with him, he headed straight for the governor's residence.

He encountered no deliberate obstruction.

Inside the reception hall, Fang Xun saw that familiar face seated in the place of honor.

"This humble official greets Your Excellency."

His face filled with gratitude, Fang Xun bowed deeply.

"My nephew has suffered greatly. It is only thanks to Your Excellency's assistance along the road that he reached this place without enduring even more hardship. I am deeply grateful."

Yin Fengshuo smiled warmly.

"Shensi, we've known each other for many years. It was only a small favor. How could I possibly ignore it?"

Then, his expression suddenly darkened, and his tone shifted sharply.

"However..."

"Despite our old friendship, I still must admonish you."

"The Imperial Mausoleum is being rebuilt. Everything lies in ruins awaiting restoration. Every garrison commander and county magistrate is busy with migration and reconstruction and has no time to spare."

"Only you..."

"You seem remarkably free."

"I've only just arrived and haven't even had time to rest before you came calling."

"If word of this gets out, people may start saying that Fang Xun is currying favor with the powerful."

"Shensi, I understand your character."

"But others may not."

"People's tongues are a fearful thing."

Yin Fengshuo's tone gradually softened, but the warning hidden within his words remained unmistakable.

Fang Xun immediately showed a look of alarm.

"This official has acted rashly and failed to consider the matter thoroughly."

"Hurry back."

"As officials, public affairs must come first."

"I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities for us to catch up properly in the future."

Yin Fengshuo smiled coldly, his words seemingly carrying another meaning.

Fang Xun remained silent.

Without another word, he bowed and took his leave.

On the way back, Zheng Zhi frowned bitterly.

"My lord, I'm afraid the charge of currying favor with powerful figures has now been firmly pinned on us."

"If I'd known, we shouldn't have come at all."

Fang Xun's expression remained calm, his steps steady.

"If we hadn't come, we would simply have been accused of neglecting to welcome our superior upon his arrival."

"There was no avoiding it."

"What we do isn't important."

"The important thing is..."

Fang Xun glanced back at the governor's residence.

A chilling coldness flickered through his eyes, but he did not finish his sentence out in the open street.