Chapter 507 - 301: Not Even My Own Father Will Do
Chapter 507: Chapter 301: Not Even My Own Father Will Do
When Chen Yunfan first arrived in Shu State, he didn’t think much of it. Even though he hadn’t undergone the three years of experiential learning in the Capital Prefecture and was directly promoted to the Junior Fourth Grade Assistant Governor under the Governor of Shu State, he merely thought it was a sign of the Holy Emperor’s high regard. After all, that Emperor had practically forced the title of Imperial Top Scholar onto his head. What did an exceptional promotion matter in comparison?
However, since coming to Shu State, experiencing certain events, and meeting certain people, he began to feel increasingly that something was amiss. The government affairs assigned to him were always simple, easy to execute, and yielded significant achievements. From time to time, inexplicable merits would also be delivered to his doorstep. For instance, Xiao Dongchen had handed over a task he had almost finished himself for him to complete. For example, tax grain collections were always assigned in villages and towns closest to the Prefecture City, requiring minimal effort and worry. Furthermore, whenever there was evidence of corruption involving officials from the Governor’s Office, it would always end up in his hands in the most "reasonable" manner.
It felt as though an unseen hand was secretly orchestrating all of this specifically for him. Although Chen Yunfan found it strange, he saw no reason to reject the achievements that landed in his lap. Moreover, assuming it was the assistance of the White-robed Minister where Chun Ying belonged, he naturally didn’t overthink it.
Today, however, Uncle Zhong, also known as Lin Zhong—a loyal servant whose ancestors had served the Jiangnan Prefecture Chen Family for generations—brought over Lv Jiunan’s corpse. This made him realize that the implications behind all this were vast. The mastermind wasn’t the White-robed Minister... Or more accurately, those orchestrating this from the shadows were the White-robed Minister and the Chen family themselves. Only he, the Eldest Young Master of the Chen family, was kept entirely in the dark.
Lin Zhong looked at the cold-faced Chen Yunfan, subconsciously scratched his head, and let out a dry laugh.
"Eldest Young Master, you know how it is. Regarding the orders from the Master and the Second Master, I merely follow them. I wouldn’t dare ask for the reasons.
"How about you write them a letter to ask?"
Chen Yunfan knew he was making excuses to avoid speaking. "I will write the letter, but as for this so-called ’achievement’ in the form of Lv Jiunan, send it right back where it came from."
Lin Zhong’s face turned bitter. "Eldest Young Master, this Lv Jiunan is a horse bandit under King Landu of Poshisu Country. Anyone who claims his corpse would be credited with a tremendous achievement. Why are you refusing it?"
Chen Yunfan scoffed. "I don’t want it. Throw him out quickly before he dirties my carpet."
If it were anyone else’s corpse, he might have accepted it. But he knew exactly why Lv Jiunan had appeared here. And it wasn’t just him. The entire Shu State knew that Lv Jiunan had been killed by the Dragon Spear Liu Wu. If he took the corpse to the Government Office to claim the reward, the merits and the strange smiles from his colleagues aside, what about Liu Wu? Or rather, Chen Yi. If Chen Yi found out about this, wouldn’t he laugh his head off? How wonderful. A Lv Jiunan discarded like trash by Chen Yi was picked up by him and added to his record of achievements. What would that make him, Chen Yunfan? How would he ever hold his head high as an elder brother in front of Brother Yi in the future? In short, even if beaten to death, Chen Yunfan would never accept this achievement concerning Lv Jiunan!
Seeing his resolute expression, Lin Zhong could only concede. "Since Eldest Young Master has made a decision, I will take the person back."
Hearing this, Chen Yunfan’s expression softened slightly, and he waved his hand. "Take him away quickly. It annoys me to look at him."
Inwardly feeling helpless, Lin Zhong stepped forward and hoisted Lv Jiunan’s corpse onto his shoulder. Just as he was about to leave, he heard Chen Yunfan tell him to wait.
"I almost forgot to ask. When did you arrive in Shu State?
"And what is your purpose for coming this time?"
"To answer Eldest Young Master, after you wrote a letter to the Master previously, he also wrote a letter to the family when replying to you," Lin Zhong replied.
Chen Yunfan raised an eyebrow. "Father sent you here?"
Lin Zhong nodded. "The Master is worried about your safety in Shu State, so he asked me to come and guard you."
"What else did he say?"
"Nothing... Are you referring to the matter regarding Young Master Yi?"
Chen Yunfan turned his head away, feigning ignorance while clearly knowing the answer.
Lin Zhong’s heart stirred. The Eldest Young Master was indeed exactly as Chun Ying had said—he cared a great deal about Young Master Yi.
"In his letter, the Master reprimanded the Madam and asked your Fourth Granduncle to temporarily manage the clan’s affairs."
"Reprimanded... Is this to make Mother reflect on her actions?"
"Most likely... Eldest Young Master, there is something I’m not sure if I should say."
Chen Yunfan cast a sidelong glance at him. "Since when did Uncle Zhong become so coy?"
Lin Zhong chuckled. "I wonder if, during your time in Shu State, Eldest Young Master has formed any opinions about Young Master Yi’s current situation?"
"Opinions?
"I have no opinions.
"Brother Yi has now achieved success in his Calligraphy Dao, and his reputation for talent has spread across the Great Wei Nine State and Three Prefectures. He is also highly regarded by the Xiao Family. His days are boundlessly carefree."
Chen Yunfan said with a hint of jealousy, "If you’re asking for my opinion... it’s just that he completely disregards me as his elder brother. Whatever happens...
"Forget it, let’s not talk about him."
Recalling what he had seen and heard at Puyin Temple earlier, Chen Yunfan waved his hand in displeasure, signaling that the man could leave.
"Since Father has already arranged for you to come, just stay here properly. While you’re at it, teach Ning Yu and Niu Mountain Martial Arts.
"Those two lazy bums are still hovering at the Sixth Grade in their Cultivation. Urge them on for me."
Lin Zhong smilingly agreed, bowed respectfully, and left the study carrying Lv Jiunan’s corpse.
For some reason, he felt that the Eldest Young Master paid far too much attention to Young Master Yi, even harboring a hint of competitiveness. He really didn’t know what there was to compare between the Eldest Young Master and Young Master Yi.
With this thought, he walked out of the middle courtyard and glanced at Ning Yu and Niu Mountain, who were standing not too far away. He grinned broadly.
"You two boys are in luck.
"Eldest Young Master has given the word. From now on, you two will train in Martial Arts with me."
"Huh?"
Ning Yu’s expression changed. He exchanged a glance with Niu Mountain, and both couldn’t help but shrink their necks back.
"What do you mean, ’huh’?
"Back in the Chen family, I gave you two plenty of extra training. Don’t be ungrateful."