"This blame really landed squarely on me."
Zheng Fan closed his eyes, feeling somewhat amused and helpless. This must be karma.
"Although Qian State has suppressed the news, at least in the three counties of Qian State, this line of text left by my lord is, one might say, quite widely known. Mr. Chen arrived at the village, found this line of text, and directly concluded that you, my lord, massacred the villagers. This is quite normal. Moreover, local officials would likely protect each other and wouldn’t genuinely investigate who was truly responsible. Blaming it on you, my lord, is also the most convenient course of action. After all, once hostilities begin, plundering civilians and such are just commonplace."
After seeing the inscription and getting confirmation from the local government, then recalling my recent exploits of leading troops to break cities and shift battlefields, it’s perfectly logical that Mr. Chen identified me as the true culprit.
"Find out the full name of that Garrison Commander. How dare he frame me ! The next time I go to Qian State, I’ll definitely settle accounts with him."
Zheng Fan didn’t intend to settle accounts with Mr. Chen, but he wouldn’t think of forgiving the fellow who dared to plagiarize his creative idea and ruin his reputation.
"Actually, based on the news from the merchant caravans, your previous exploits have caused quite a stir in the capital of Yan State. Many civil officials are denouncing you verbally and in writing, saying your trampling of the academy was a disgrace to civility, and that instigating border conflicts was utterly lawless. Of course, for everyone who vilifies you, there’s someone who admires you. After all, in this Yan country, the civil officials don’t hold that much sway. However, Lord Jingnan has shielded you from all this turmoil, which is why our fortress has remained so quiet all this time."
"Because the reputation of a fortress commander can be disregarded, but Lord Jingnan’s prestige must be taken into account, is that it?"
"Although Lord Jingnan hasn’t given you any assignments since the last incident in Qian State, the fact that he’s willing to actively protect you from the repercussions is enough to show that you truly are ’favored by the sovereign’."
"If Lord Jingnan really does declare himself king, this ’being favored by the sovereign’ would become even more valuable."
"Whether Lord Jingnan will declare himself king or not... this subordinate truly cannot guess, nor would I dare to speculate wildly."
"Oh? Is there something you can’t guess?"
"This subordinate has never met Lord Jingnan in person. I believe that on this matter, you, my lord, have more right to speak."
"And what if I guess wrong?"
"One must be willing to accept a loss. If you sit down at the gambling table and then express regret, you’ll only be looked down upon."
"Alright. By the way, how is Mr. Chen?"
"He’s recovering quite well. At least, his life isn’t in danger. I’ve already given instructions for him to receive the highest standard of living."
"You always handle things so reliably."
"My lord, you flatter me."
"Give me the envelope. I’m going to see Mr. Chen." ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡~𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢~𝙣𝙚𝙩
"My lord, don’t overexert yourself."
Blind Bei handed the envelope to Zheng Fan. Zheng Fan took it and tore open the seal. Since Blind Bei had already read the letter’s contents, Zheng Fan didn’t read it again. He just waved his hand, and Siniang, understanding immediately, pushed Zheng Fan’s wheelchair away from the sunning spot.
Liang Cheng remarked with some emotion, "Barring any accidents, we’ll be gaining another expert."
"My lord’s luck is truly good," Xue Three said.
Blind Bei just smiled and said,
"Everyone, let’s step it up. That Zombie, Shatuo Queshi, plus this swordsman, were all brought back by my lord single-handedly.
Don’t let it get to the point where my lord brings back a few more, and we seven end up being sidelined.
We all think we’re quite something, HEH. But in the end, we might just find out we’re like the free starter pets the village elder gives new players when they leave the beginner village."
The room where Mr. Chen was staying was very clean. A charcoal brazier burned within, and two young maids were sitting on chairs, roasting potatoes. Mr. Chen lay on the bed, a prosthetic limb resting beside it.
When Siniang pushed Zheng Fan in, the two young maids immediately stood up in fright and bowed respectfully.
"You were told to serve Mr. Chen, yet you dare to slack off here! What’s this? Do you think you’re the mistresses now, is that it?"
Siniang’s stern voice rang out, and the two young maids instantly dropped to their knees in fear. Clearly, Siniang held a position of profound and long-standing authority in their minds.
Just as Mr. Chen, lying on the bed, was about to speak,
Zheng Fan cut in, admonishing Siniang, "They’re just young girls. What’s wrong with eating roasted potatoes? We’re all human; don’t be so unreasonable. To be born human is to be naturally equal; there’s no such thing as master and servant."
"Yes, my lord. Your rebuke is noted. This servant has learned her lesson."
Upon hearing Zheng Fan’s words, an expression of approval appeared on Mr. Chen’s face, especially at the phrase: To be born human is to be naturally equal.
It resonated deeply within Mr. Chen.
Siniang led the two young maids out, closing the door behind Zheng Fan as she left.
Zheng Fan maneuvered his wheelchair closer to the bed by its handles. Watching Zheng Fan slowly approach, Mr. Chen struggled to sit up, propping his head slightly higher against the headboard.
If Zheng Fan’s body was severely overdrawn, then Mr. Chen was like someone who had been thoroughly pummeled from head to toe that night by Shatuo Queshi, who possessed the dual constitution of a peerless martial artist and a Zombie. Recovering from such injuries would not be easy.
Zheng Fan handed the envelope to Mr. Chen and said,
"The matter of Chahe Village has been thoroughly investigated. This is the report that was sent back. The people there... I truly didn’t kill them."
Mr. Chen reached out, took the envelope, opened it, and began to read.