Chapter 15: First Signs of Turmoil

Chapter 15: First Hints of Chaos

The two guests at the Baibao Pavilion, who had been chatting, showed little interest in the sudden arrival of Yu Xian and even found it somewhat intrusive.

“What business is it of yours what we’re talking about? Just because you ask doesn’t mean I have to answer,” the younger guest frowned and said.

Yu Xian clasped his hands apologetically, showing great politeness.

“Sorry, it’s just that a friend of mine was once involved in an arms case, so when I overheard you mentioning it, I got a bit agitated.”

“It’s nothing serious; it’s not much of a secret. The news should come out in a few days,” the older, more experienced guest said, placing a hand on his companion’s to stop him from saying more. Then, turning to Yu Xian, he smiled somewhat reservedly.

“This arms case is linked to the Guangnan Rebellion. About five months ago, in Guangnan County down south, a riot broke out. A group of commoners, instigated by rebels, stormed the government office and quickly seized several county seats. The imperial court was furious, and soon after, imperial envoys were dispatched.

Later investigations revealed that the weapons and siege equipment used by the rebels were the same batch stolen from the Cangbei County armory two years ago. Subsequent inspections in various counties found many weapons missing. The court then sealed all major ports, aiming to find out who was smuggling arms to the rebels.

We small traders who rely on water transport have suffered quite a bit because of this. At first, we heard the rebellion had been suppressed. But just half a month ago, the imperial envoy stationed in Guangnan and the county governor were assassinated by the rebels right inside the government residence. Now, Guangnan is in chaos, with even the county seat occupied.

We have some contacts in the south, so we learned of this early. After selling all our goods here in Changning City, we plan not to proceed further south.”

“I see. Thank you for clearing that up.”

Yu Xian bowed in thanks again, but his heart tightened sharply.

Damn it—rebels! Any matter involving arms is definitely trouble. If the Sun Family Pharmacy claims no connection to the southern rebels, he’d write their name backward.

No, he must report them!

Without hesitation, Yu Xian betrayed Sun Family Pharmacy.

After all, the Yue Kingdom hardly seemed on the brink of collapse. This minor uprising should be quelled soon, but during the cleanup, he might inadvertently get caught up in trouble.

Indeed, collecting ten thousand taels of silver was no easy task.

Fortunately, he was just accepting payment for services, and now that he had revealed his innate mid-stage strength and maintained a proper attitude, he was confident that even if Prince Fu learned of it, he wouldn’t say much.

After Yu Xian took his leave, the young man whose hand had been held to silence muttered in displeasure:

“Brother, this information was hard-earned. You just blurted it out, and if it leaks, won’t our goods’ prices be crushed?”

The elder brother spoke earnestly: “Xiao An, when we roam the martial world doing business, making money is secondary; the most important thing is to read the signs clearly. Otherwise, you don’t lose money—you lose your life.

Do you know where that man came from just now? The VIP room of Baibao Pavilion, personally sent out by Manager Liu. I saw his waist bent like a hunchback.”

“He’s just gracious and chooses not to quarrel. Believe me, if you dared argue again, one displeased call from him, and we wouldn’t just lose business—we’d be going to prison.”

“And do you think only we know this news? Baibao Pavilion knows too. Rest assured, with what I said just now, we might not suffer losses at all.”

Sure enough, not long after, Manager Liu invited the two brothers into the VIP room and bought their goods at a fair market price without any discount.

All this happened simply because they had spoken a few more words with Yu Xian and seemed to get along well.

Manager Liu was happy to do a good deed within his jurisdiction, even if Yu Xian was unaware.

After leaving Baibao Pavilion:

“Brother, you’re amazing!” the younger brother’s admiration almost overflowed from his eyes.

“This is what a real big shot is—unassuming and subtle. Just by chatting a few words with us, he solved a big problem.”

The elder brother sighed, patting the silver notes he held.

“Though we didn’t make much silver this trip, thankfully we didn’t lose anything. I wonder how many merchants heading further south have lost everything this time.”

Small traders have poor resilience; almost every shipment stakes half their fortune, sometimes even borrowed money. One mishap, and their families are ruined.

Of course, high risk can mean high reward, and those who return safely get rich.

“Brother, I want to stay a few more days. I heard Baibao Pavilion will hold a grand jade and stone exhibition soon.”

“Alright, anyway this place won’t get chaotic anytime soon,” the elder brother said, slinging an arm around his brother’s shoulder with a warm smile.

“These days almost turned my hair white with worry. It’s time to relax.”

...

Prince Fu's Mansion.

This was Yu Xian’s second time meeting Prince Fu since coming to the mansion.

Compared to their first encounter, Prince Fu’s complexion had clearly improved.

Yu Xian knew that Chen Xiao suppressed the poison in Prince Fu’s body every three days, allowing him to enjoy a meal with chicken legs afterwards.

Chen Xiao clearly understood his position—he could never fully remove the poison from Prince Fu, or he would risk his life, even if threatened by Prince Fu’s nominal sister.

Thanks to Yu Xian’s protection, Chen Yi no longer had to act in the charade and avoid Chen Xiao’s harsh punishments and beatings.

“Yu Gongfeng, this matter involves rebels and is no small issue. The Sun Family Pharmacy has a good reputation, often giving medicine free to commoners and is well-loved by the people. Without evidence, rash action against them would bring criticism upon me,” Prince Fu shook his head, looking troubled.

Yu Xian spread his hands, feeling relieved.

“In that case, forget it. Your Highness, please rest. I shall take my leave.”

After all, Yu Xian had handed over the report in person. If Prince Fu didn’t believe it, he could never link him to the rebels; such a false accusation was unlikely.

Prince Fu was stunned, caught off guard by Yu Xian’s straightforwardness.

“Why don’t you try persuading me a bit more?”

“Wait, Yu Gongfeng!” Prince Fu hurriedly said, dropping his usual airs. “Since Sun Family Pharmacy is suspicious, let’s arrest and interrogate them first. If they’re innocent, we can release them later.”

Prince Fu knew more about the Guangnan rebellion’s inside story than merchants on the streets.

It wasn’t an ordinary riot but an organized, premeditated uprising, possibly involving cultivators.

Combined with previous arms thefts across counties, it was easy to imagine a secret organization had long extended its tentacles everywhere, perhaps with local officials as inside men.

If it were just ordinary martial artists, it would be one thing—they couldn’t match the imperial court.

But with cultivators involved, who knew what powers stood behind them?

Prince Fu felt helpless and somewhat fearful.

Since the emperor’s elder brother became obsessed with cultivation, the court had effectively left the vassal princes to fend for themselves. The assassination attempt on Prince Fu hadn’t even been addressed yet.

He might use the Sun Family Pharmacy incident as a warning to shake the mountain and alert the tiger—to display force.

If they were wrongly accused, so be it.

Were they to expect him, a prince, to apologize?

“But Your Highness, there’s no evidence,” Yu Xian repeated his own words.

“Yu Gongfeng’s words are evidence enough. I entrust this matter fully to him and will have others cooperate with you,” Prince Fu resolved to make Yu Xian the vanguard.

He was conflicted about Yu Xian—an enigmatic man with unclear background, who joined the mansion halfway through, yet possessed great strength.

A master at the innate stage was a significant asset, especially now that Yu Xian had advanced to mid-stage; the mansion was reluctant to let him go.

This matter was a good opportunity to deepen Yu Xian’s ties with the mansion.

Unexpectedly, Yu Xian declined naturally.

“No,” he said.

Prince Fu: “...”

“Yu Gongfeng, since you personally reported Sun Family Pharmacy, isn’t it inappropriate for you not to act?” Prince Fu suppressed his frustration.

Normally, evading responsibility was one thing, but to do so openly in front of him—was this disrespect?

Did he even want to clear the suspicion?

Yu Xian looked torn, reluctant.

“To be honest, the old manager of Sun Family Pharmacy and I became fast friends, even confidants. Reporting him now pains me deeply.

If I personally lead the arrest, I wouldn’t know how to face myself.

I beg Your Highness to find someone more capable—like Ding Gongfeng, skilled in martial arts and experienced in the Jianghu. I believe he is the best choice.

Of course, if Your Highness insists on me going, even at the cost of being unjustly implicated, I will go.

But then I would have no face to remain in the mansion and would have to roam the martial world elsewhere.”

Seeing Yu Xian had spoken plainly, Prince Fu knew pushing further would force him into injustice and drive him away, leaving him no retort.

Damn it—if not for the fact Yu Xian had just broken into mid-stage innate!

Reluctant to lose such a constant presence, Prince Fu suppressed his anger and forced a smile.

“I am not such a man. If Yu Gongfeng is unwilling, then so be it. I will entrust Ding Gongfeng with this matter.”

Yu Xian showed gratitude.

“Thank you, Your Highness, for understanding.”

Meanwhile, Ding Le, nursing wounds in the third Heavenly Tower, suddenly sneezed.

He rubbed his nose and then impatiently told the disciples of the Chang Le Sword Sect before him:

“Take the silver to that Yu fellow. Remember, say nothing.”

(End of chapter)