Chapter 346 - 343: Making Amends
Chapter 346: Chapter 343: Making Amends
The great hall of the Law Enforcement Hall was filled with a solemn and dignified air.
Elder Zhou Jin was reviewing case files when he heard that Fang Han sought an audience. He immediately ordered for him to be brought in.
"Disciple Fang Han pays his respects to Elder Zhou."
Fang Han entered and bowed in salute.
"There’s no need for such formalities. Have a seat."
Zhou Jin set down the Vermilion Brush in his hand, his gentle gaze falling upon Fang Han as he nodded slightly.
"Why have you come today?"
"Elder, I have come today regarding the recent rumors about me."
Fang Han said as he took a seat.
"Oh?" Zhou Jin raised an eyebrow, having clearly heard something of the matter. "Go on."
"According to Tingyu Hall’s investigation, the source of the rumors is Wan Yuntian, the Young Master of the Tower."
Fang Han summarized what Zhao Ming had reported to him, then added,
"The cause of this matter might be related to a trip I took some time ago..."
He paused in thought for a moment before recounting how Lan Yuexin’s caravan was ambushed, how he had intervened to help, and how he had likely foiled Wan Yuntian’s plot to kill Lan Yuexin.
Elder Zhou Jin listened quietly, the gentle expression on his face gradually fading, replaced by a deep solemnity.
After Fang Han finished speaking, he was silent for a moment, then tapped his knuckles twice on the polished surface of the desk.
"The Young Master of the Tower... Wan Yuntian."
Zhou Jin began to speak slowly. His voice was not loud, but it carried a commanding authority.
"The scion of a mere merchant guild dares to use such despicable methods to frame a True Inheritor of my Qingxuan Sect and ruin the reputation of a Qingxuan Sect disciple!"
Fang Han was a prodigy the Qingxuan Sect was investing all its resources into cultivating. He represented the Sect’s face and its future. For someone to dare slander him was tantamount to plucking a tiger’s whiskers—the Qingxuan Sect’s tiger.
He paused, then his tone became firm and resolute.
"The Sect will see that justice is done for you in this matter. Go back and focus on your Cultivation. There’s no need to trouble yourself with such trivialities. The Sect will make the Ten Thousand Treasures Building give us an explanation."
The Ten Thousand Treasures Building might be one of the top three merchant guilds in the county and possess some influence, but how could it possibly compare to the Qingxuan Sect, one of the Seven Sects?
Besides, the Ten Thousand Treasures Building was clearly in the wrong to begin with.
"Thank you, Elder Zhou! Thank you, Sect!"
Fang Han bowed deeply, a warmth spreading through his heart. ’This is the benefit of having a sect to rely on.’
"Mm, you may go."
Zhou Jin nodded, watching Fang Han leave the great hall.
Once Fang Han’s figure had vanished, he turned back to his desk, his eyes growing sharp.
’This matter requires a formal and severe warning to be issued to the Ten Thousand Treasures Building in the Sect’s name.’
...
「Several days later, at the headquarters of the Ten Thousand Treasures Building, in the study of Master Wan Zhongshan.」
The atmosphere was so heavy it was nearly suffocating.
Wan Zhongshan’s face was ashen. He clutched a letter sealed with the Qingxuan Sect’s unique insignia, his fingertips white from the force of his grip.
Before him stood Wan Yuntian, head bowed. The usual composure and arrogance were gone from his handsome face. His lips were pressed into a thin line, and a flicker of unease showed in his narrow, almond-shaped eyes.
"Look at what you’ve done!"
Wan Zhongshan slammed the letter down on the red sandalwood desk with a loud SMACK. His voice was like ice.
"How have I taught you all this time? The way of business is a battle of strategy and timing! Even if you use underhanded tricks, you must do so without leaving any evidence for others to grasp!"
"But what did you do? You used a despicable method like spreading rumors to frame Fang Han—the True Disciple currently making the biggest waves on the Celestial Pride List—and you even got caught by the Qingxuan Sect!"
The more he spoke, the angrier he became, his chest heaving.
"Who is this Fang Han? Sixty-eighth on the Celestial Pride List! He’s a treasure the Qingxuan Sect is cradling in the palm of its hand! Did you think he was backed by some minor sect or family that you can just push around as you please?"
"No matter how big the Ten Thousand Treasures Building’s business gets, in front of a behemoth like the Qingxuan Sect, we’re nothing but slightly larger ants! And you dared to go and pluck the tiger’s whiskers?"
Wan Yuntian hadn’t expected to be exposed when he had acted so secretively. He lifted his head and tried to defend himself.
"Father, that Fang Han ruined my plans and is close with that bitch from the Hundred Treasures Pavilion. I just lost my temper for a moment and wanted to teach him a lesson..."
"A lesson? You’re roasting the entire Ten Thousand Treasures Building over an open flame!"
Wan Zhongshan cut him off harshly.
"The letter from the Qingxuan Sect is harshly worded! It directly accuses you of maliciously spreading rumors, damaging the reputation of their True Inheritor, and provoking the authority of the Qingxuan Sect!"
"If this isn’t handled properly, the Ten Thousand Treasures Building’s standing in the county will be affected."
Wan Yuntian’s face paled. He finally realized the severity of the situation was far beyond what he had anticipated.
He had originally thought it was just a few baseless rumors. He assumed that even if Fang Han was personally dissatisfied, there was little he could do. He never expected the Qingxuan Sect to react so swiftly and fiercely, applying pressure directly in the Sect’s name.
"I will issue a public clarification in Fang Han’s name in all the major cities of the county, apologizing to him on behalf of the Ten Thousand Treasures Building. As for you..."
Wan Zhongshan stared at Wan Yuntian and said, word by word,
"Prepare a lavish gift, go to the Qingxuan Sect, and deliver it to Fang Han’s hands. You will apologize to his face. The gift must be worth no less than ten million taels. We must show the Qingxuan Sect the ’sincerity’ and ’remorse’ of the Ten Thousand Treasures Building!"
"Oh, and since you’re the one who caused this mess, you will pay for it yourself."
"Ten million taels?"
Wan Yuntian cried out, his eyes filled with the unwillingness of being forced to apologize and the sharp pain of having to pay ten million taels in compensation.
"Can’t bear to part with it?"
Wan Zhongshan sneered.
"So now you feel the sting? Why didn’t you think things through before you acted?"
Wan Yuntian dejectedly lowered his head, his fists clenched tightly inside his sleeves. His nails dug deep into his palms, but he didn’t dare to argue back.
"Go and do it immediately!"
Wan Zhongshan waved his hand dismissively, his command unquestionable.
"Remember, your posture must be humble, and your etiquette must be perfect. You must handle this matter flawlessly for me, leaving no loose ends!"
...
「A few days later. Qingxuan Sect, Courtyard No. 35.」
Housekeeper Wanfu of the Ten Thousand Treasures Building, a man from Wan Yuntian’s side, arrived with a gift.
Wan Zhongshan had demanded that Wan Yuntian apologize in person, but with Wan Yuntian’s pride, he couldn’t bear such a humiliation. In the end, he could only have Wanfu come and apologize on his behalf.
Wanfu, an old servant who had followed Wan Yuntian for many years, now wore an expression of utmost deference and an apologetic smile.
Behind him followed four porters, carrying two heavy, red-lacquered wooden chests covered with red silk.
In the living room, Fang Han sat calmly in the host’s seat. He watched as Wanfu directed the porters to carefully place the chests in the center of the hall. Then, Wanfu bowed deeply, his hands clasped, until he nearly touched the floor. His voice was earnest:
"This old slave, Wanfu, under the orders of my master, has come especially to beg for True Inheritor Fang’s forgiveness."
"My Young Master is young and impetuous, and he acted rashly. This led to absurd and unfavorable rumors being spread about the True Inheritor, which was truly unpardonable."
"After the Master learned of this, he severely punished the Young Master and immediately ordered people to issue clarifications everywhere to restore the True Inheritor’s good name."
He straightened up and gestured for the porters to remove the red silk covers.
The chests were revealed to be full of dazzling jewels and treasures that glittered in the light.
One chest was filled with neatly arranged, crystal-clear Gemstones, as well as several stalks of excellent-quality, centuries-old old ginseng and Lingzhi.
The other chest contained more than ten Brocade Boxes of various sizes. Opening them revealed a Short Sword with a restrained gleam, a Jade Pendant with ancient patterns, and fragrant Elixir Pills. All were clearly extraordinary items.
"This is but a small token of our Master’s apology. We sincerely hope the True Inheritor will be magnanimous and not let the transgression of the Young Master harm the peaceful relations between our two houses."
Wanfu’s attitude was extremely humble, nothing like that of the head housekeeper of one of Qingyang County’s three great merchant guilds.
Fang Han’s gaze swept over the two wooden chests, his expression calm and unmoved.
He pondered for a moment before speaking slowly.
"Housekeeper Wan, we both know the full story of this matter. Since Master Wan has made an effort to clarify the situation and shown sincerity with this apology, I can let the matter of the rumors go and not hold it against Wan Yuntian."
Hearing this, Wanfu felt a sense of relief. Just as he was about to express his gratitude again, Fang Han’s tone shifted. Though still faint, it now carried a chilling edge.
"However, please relay a message to Young Master Wan of the Tower. I, Fang Han, do not cause trouble, but I am not afraid of it either. This time, out of respect for Master Wan, I will let this matter drop."
"But if Young Master Wan of the Tower still doesn’t know what’s good for him and thinks that I, Fang Han, am someone to be trifled with, and if he causes more trouble in the future or resorts to other insidious schemes..."
He paused briefly, his gaze like lightning as it landed on Wanfu’s face.
"Then, when the time comes, don’t blame me, Fang Han, for being ruthless."
His words were calm, but each one struck Wanfu’s heart like a hammer.
He felt an invisible pressure wash over him. Although the young man in the green robe was just sitting there quietly, he felt like a sharp sword about to be unsheathed, exuding a chilling intent.
He hurriedly bowed again, a cold sweat having already soaked his inner shirt.
"I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare! This old slave will relay the True Inheritor’s words to the Young Master, without missing a single one. After this incident, the Young Master will surely reflect deeply and will never again dare to show the slightest disrespect to the True Inheritor!"
"That would be for the best."
Fang Han lifted his teacup and lightly skimmed the foam from the surface.
"I’ll accept the gifts. Housekeeper Wan, you must be weary from your journey, so I won’t see you out."
This was the gesture of serving tea to see a guest off.
How could Wanfu dare to stay any longer? After offering a few more words of apology, he took the porters and departed in a hurry, almost as if he were fleeing.
The hall returned to silence, leaving only the two chests of priceless treasures. Fang Han set down his teacup, his eyes showing neither joy nor anger.
He knew that this compensation was a demonstration of strength, and even more so, an endorsement of the Sect’s power.
’Wan Yuntian might be intimidated for now, but given his character, I doubt he can truly repent.’
’Still, I’ve given him a warning. If he tries anything again, I’ll have a perfectly valid reason to act. Even if I’m heavy-handed, it will be justifiable to the Ten Thousand Treasures Building.’
...
「Qingyang Commandery City. Deep within the Ten Thousand Treasures Building, in that luxurious Quiet Chamber.」
The furnace in the room was burning brightly, yet it couldn’t dispel the stagnant, icy chill in the air. Wan Yuntian stood alone before the window, his back rigid.
After listening to Wanfu’s trembling, word-for-word recount of Fang Han’s "merciless" warning, the muscles on Wan Yuntian’s face twitched violently. His once-handsome features were now twisted into a near-savage expression.
"’If I don’t know what’s good for me... don’t blame him for being ruthless?’"
He repeated the words in a low voice, each one like a poison-dipped needle stabbing viciously into the proudest, most inviolable part of his heart.
His five fingers dug so deeply into his palm that he didn’t even notice.
Utter humiliation! This is utter humiliation!
He, Wan Yuntian, a self-proclaimed business prodigy who could stir up storms among the younger generation of Qingyang County, had never suffered such an insult!
His father’s thunderous rage, the public scolding, the order to apologize and offer compensation—all of it had already made him lose all face.
And now, that Fang Han had dared to send someone with such an arrogant, almost humiliating warning!
’Does he really think that I, Wan Yuntian, am someone who can be so easily intimidated?!’