Starting with a blind date with a female constable, you acquire the Nine Swords of Dugu.

Chapter 209 Factions

Night falls at the Hu Family Manor.

Gu Guanqi was sitting cross-legged in a room.

Suddenly, the front yard of the manor became noisy and chaotic, accompanied by shouts of "Assassins!" and "Seal off the area immediately! No one is allowed to enter or leave!" and a cacophony of footsteps.

Gu Guanqi opened his eyes, slowly got out of bed, and pushed open the door to walk out.

Just then, the door to the next room opened.

Shen Qingqiu stood inside the door, his two swords hanging at his waist.

The two exchanged a glance, and Shen Qingqiu said, "It looks like something has happened."

Gu Guanqi nodded and said, "We'll find out when we go out and take a look."

Then, the two walked out side by side.

They had only taken a few steps when they saw Qin Lang and Shen Li walking quickly towards them.

Shen Li, carrying a lantern, ran over quickly and said, "Cousin, something's happened! Old Master Hu has been murdered!"

Shen Qingqiu raised an eyebrow, surprised, and asked, "Old Master Hu was killed in the Hu family?"

Shen Li quickly said, "And it's in his study. However, I don't know the specifics. My mother-in-law asked us to invite you over."

Shen Qingqiu nodded slightly.

Gu Guanqi said softly, "Could it be that someone is targeting you?"

Shen Qingqiu's expression darkened. He stepped forward and said in a low voice, "I was just trying to win over Old Master Hu during the day, and he was killed tonight—it's hard to say."

Gu Guanqi followed beside Shen Qingqiu and said, "Let's go and see what the specifics are before we talk about it."

The group rushed over.

Before long, they arrived at a courtyard.

Many people had gathered in the courtyard, but the study was sealed off by Hu Bing, the head of the Hu family, and his men.

Upon seeing Gu Guanqi and Shen Qingqiu arrive, Hu Bing hurriedly came out to greet them. His eyes were red, and he bowed and clasped his hands, saying, "Governor Shen, Alliance Leader Gu!"

Shen Qingqiu nodded slightly and asked, "Was the scene disturbed?"

"No." Hu Bing stepped aside, "I had the courtyard sealed off immediately, and nothing inside has been touched."

Shen Qingqiu nodded and walked towards the study. Gu Guanqi followed behind Shen Qingqiu and also entered the study.

The study is small, and all the furnishings are clearly visible.

Hu Changqing lay face down on the ground in front of the bookshelf.

He was lying face down, with a very thin bloodstain on the side of his neck, and the blood flowing on the ground had already congealed.

The room was clean and there were no signs of a struggle.

Shen Qingqiu stopped at the threshold, her gaze slowly sweeping from the corpse to her surroundings. Then she squatted down and carefully examined the wound under the light.

Gu Guanqi squatted down beside Shen Qingqiu, glanced at him, and said, "One blow killed him; Old Master Hu didn't even have time to react."

Shen Qingqiu nodded slightly and said, "It's a sword wound."

As she spoke, she slowly straightened up, her gaze sweeping across the room, and continued, "Judging from the scene, Old Master Hu was probably standing in front of the bookshelf, perhaps to retrieve something, or perhaps just looking at something. Then, he was drawn to something, turned his head slightly, and looked towards the door. At that moment, someone attacked from the right, severing his throat with a single sword strike."

Gu Guanqi glanced at the small, empty patch of wall to the right of the bookshelf and frowned slightly. "This is a bit unreasonable. There's nowhere to hide on this right side. The other party's concealment methods are a bit outrageous. I think it's more likely that it was someone they knew who committed the crime."

"Old Master Hu's martial arts skills are superb; ordinary concealment methods wouldn't be able to hide him, especially in such an obvious environment. Therefore, it's indeed more likely that it was an inside job, something he didn't anticipate." After saying this, Shen Qingqiu looked at Hu Bing: "Patriarch Hu, who was the last person Old Master Hu met?"

Hu Bing quickly replied, "It was me. I was discussing some things with my father here earlier, and I left about an incense stick's time ago. At that time, only my father and I were in the room."

The study was only so big, and there shouldn't have been anyone there at the time. A little while after I left, the guards found my father lying on the ground during their routine patrol. When they came in, they discovered that my father had been murdered.

Shen Qingqiu said calmly, "Old Master Hu's time of death was also about an incense stick's time ago, which means that Old Master Hu was killed right after you left."

Hu Bing asked suspiciously, "Could it be that while my father and I were discussing something, there was really someone hiding here? How could neither my father nor I have noticed them!"

"Very likely." Shen Qingqiu nodded and asked, "Is anything missing from the room?"

Hu Bing quickly replied, "No, the scene is exactly as you see it. There are no signs of ransacking. There's nothing valuable in my father's study. Everything else is here."

At this moment, Gu Guanqi, who was standing to the side, gave Hu Bing a deep look.

Shen Qingqiu's gaze swept around the room again before he said, "Then, based on the initial assessment, this was a premeditated murder. Has Old Master Hu offended anyone recently?"

Hu Bing thought for a moment and shook his head: "Not recently. But the Hu family has been established in Yanzhou for a hundred years, so there are bound to be enemies in the martial arts world. In addition, my father's birthday is approaching, so there are a lot of people coming and going in the Hu family."

Shen Qingqiu said, "Immediately conduct a full investigation of the guards responsible for this area, and find out who has approached this courtyard today, especially if anyone has appeared in this area and then disappeared."

Hu Bing clasped his hands in a fist and said, "I'll take care of it right away."

"Keep the area sealed off and don't let anyone in," Shen Qingqiu added. "Then arrange a place for me; I want to question all the suspects one by one."

Hu Bing responded and turned to walk out of the courtyard.

A short while later, a steward from the Hu family came to invite Shen Qingqiu to move.

Gu Guanqi, Shen Qingqiu, and Madam Yu and others followed them out.

As they walked, Gu Guanqi whispered, "Hu Bing was lying just now."

Shen Qingqiu was slightly taken aback and said, "You noticed it too?"

Gu Guanqi turned his head to look at Shen Qingqiu and chuckled, "I almost forgot, Governor Shen is a master at investigating cases."

Shen Qingqiu said, "When I asked him just now if anything was missing, I had already noticed some minor marks on the bookshelf, indicating that something should have been there before. Hu Bing deliberately emphasized that there were no valuables in the study, which seems like he was trying to cover something up."

Gu Guanqi said, "Could it be that Hu Bing killed his father for something?"

"We can't rule out that possibility," Shen Qingqiu said. "Moreover, Hu Bing fits the criteria. If he killed Old Master Hu, then it's reasonable that Old Master Hu was killed without any warning."

Gu Guanqi said, "Then I'll interrogate him for you in a bit. I have a mental technique that can make him tell the truth."

Shen Qingqiu's eyes lit up, and he said, "I was planning to investigate this secretly, and having such martial arts skills makes things much easier. I'll leave it to you in a bit."

Soon, Gu Guanqi and his group were led to a large hall.

The hall was brightly lit, with several copper lamps arranged along the walls, illuminating the blue brick floor.

Madam Yu sat in the guest seat on the left, with Qin Lang and Shen Li on either side of her, while Gu Guanqi and Shen Qingqiu sat on the right.

A short while later, a series of steady footsteps came from outside the door.

Hu Bing walked in from outside, clasped his hands in a fist and bowed to Shen Qingqiu, and said, "Governor Shen, the guards responsible for patrolling tonight have all been gathered and are waiting outside the courtyard. Do you think we should call them in for questioning now?"

Shen Qingqiu stood up and said, "No rush. I have something I'd like to ask Patriarch Hu first."

Hu Bing was slightly taken aback, and quickly said, "Governor Shen, may I ask, I—"

Just then, Gu Guanqi suddenly appeared beside Hu Bing, reached out his right hand, and gently placed his five fingers on Hu Bing's shoulder.

Hu Bing's body suddenly stiffened.

His pupils dilated for a moment, then returned to normal, but the clarity and alertness in his eyes were gone, replaced by emptiness and bewilderment.

He stood there, his shoulders and back straight, his hands hanging at his sides.

The lights in the hall were still on, casting the shadows of the group onto the wall behind them, which swayed slightly with the flickering flames.

Madam Yu's gaze lingered on Hu Bing's face for a moment before she turned her head away without saying a word.

Qin Lang and Shen Li didn't dare to speak either, they just watched quietly.

This is an enhancement of the Heavenly Demon Sound by Gu Guanqi after obtaining the Longevity Technique and entering the Shattered Realm. It can directly activate mental power, and no longer needs to control the minds of others with sound.

Immediately, Gu Guanqi asked, "Did you kill Old Master Hu?"

Hu Bing, his expression blank, replied, "No."

Gu Guanqi continued, "Then why did you lie just now? What exactly went missing from the study?"

Hu Bing said in a deep voice, "What was lost was the Heavenly Calamity Sword. The reason I dared not say it is because if this matter gets out, the Hu family will be in big trouble. My father is dead, and the Heavenly Calamity Sword is lost, so the Hu family will completely lose its deterrent power."

Shen Qingqiu and Gu Guanqi exchanged a glance.

They could understand what Hu Bing meant. The Hu family was able to establish itself in the Jianghu of Yanzhou mainly because of two things: the most important was the Heavenly Calamity Sword, and the second was Old Master Hu.

In an instant, both were lost.

For the Hu family, that was truly a devastating blow.

Gu Guanqi continued, "So, you mean Old Master Hu's death has nothing to do with you?"

"Yes," Hu Bing replied.

"Is there any other information you're hiding?" Gu Guanqi pressed.

"No," Hu Bing replied.

Gu Guanqi paused for a moment, confirming that he had not detected any trace of mental resistance waves in his mental perception. He could then confirm that what Hu Bing said was true, and slowly withdrew his hand from Hu Bing's shoulder.

Hu Bing stood still, swaying slightly.

Slowly, his gaze refocused.

He was momentarily stunned, then his pupils contracted sharply, and panic and alertness appeared on his pale face. He took two steps back abruptly, looked at Gu Guanqi, and exclaimed, "What—what did you just do to me?"

Gu Guanqi cupped his hands and said, "I apologize, Patriarch Hu. I could tell you were lying in the study just now. And since you were highly suspicious, I used some special methods on you. However, it is now certain that you are innocent."

Hu Bing's expression changed drastically in an instant, and he said, "So, you all already know about the Heavenly Calamity Sword."

Gu Guanqi said, "Don't worry, we will keep it a secret. This matter will never be leaked."

Madam Yu also said, "Nephew Hu, I can assure you that the news of the lost Heavenly Calamity Sword will never be spread among us."

Hu Bing glanced at Gu Guanqi, a hint of displeasure in his eyes, but dared not show it. He bowed slightly and said, "Thank you all. Please keep this a secret!"

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Hu Bing then said, "I'll go and call the guards in."

"Wait a minute."

Madam Yu's voice came from behind.

Hu Bing stopped in his tracks.

He turned around, his gaze falling on Old Madam Yu, and asked, "Does Old Madam have any further instructions?"

Madam Yu slowly stood up, walked to Hu Bing, and asked, "Nephew Hu, I know you are grieving the passing of your father. But there are some things I feel I should tell you now."

Hu Bing quickly said, "Please speak, Madam."

Madam Yu said, "I don't know if your father mentioned to you that Governor Shen came to Yanzhou this time to integrate the Six Doors."

Hu Bing nodded and said, "He did. Before my father was murdered, I was discussing something with him in the study, and that was the matter we were talking about."

Madam Yu asked, "Now that your father has passed away, you are in charge of the Hu family. What are your thoughts on this matter?"

Hu Bing paused for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Madam, I'm sorry. My father's body is barely cold, and I really have no mind to consider these matters. The Hu family is already in dire straits. I only want to handle the immediate situation first. As for the rest—I can only ask Governor Shen to find someone more capable."

Madam Yu quickly said, "Nephew Hu, there's no need to rush to give a reply on this matter. You can think it over carefully. This matter concerns the future of the Hu family!"

Hu Bing waved his hand and said, "No, the Hu family is content with the status quo. We have no ambition and only wish to guard our own little corner of the world. We will never get involved in any disputes."

Madam Yu frowned slightly, about to say something more, but Shen Qingqiu raised his hand to stop her.

Shen Qingqiu said, "Madam, let's drop this matter. Patriarch Hu, everyone has their own destiny and their own wishes; we cannot force it. Since you have made your decision, I will respect it."

Madam Yu opened her mouth, but swallowed the words that were about to come out. She sighed softly and stopped talking.

Shen Qingqiu looked at Hu Bing and said, "Patriarch Hu, go and call for help. The case still needs to be investigated."

Upon hearing this, Hu Bing cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Governor Shen."

Immediately, he went out to call for help.

Soon after, Shen Qingqiu began the questioning process.

Gu Guanqi used his ability to control minds with the Heavenly Demon Sound to assist him, and the process was quite fast. However, even after working on it until the middle of the night, he still hadn't made any progress and hadn't found any useful information.

All the guards were innocent, and then the guests were investigated, but the result was the same – no useful information was found.

Gu Guanqi and Shen Qingqiu didn't go to rest until it was almost dawn.

Early the next morning.

Regarding the case of Hu Changqing's murder, the local county government officially took over the case and began an investigation.

Shen Qingqiu and Gu Guanqi discussed it and decided that there was no need for them to stay here any longer.

The case was handed over to the local county government, and the Yanzhou Martial Arts Alliance responded that they would help with the investigation. Shen Qingqiu's main purpose in coming to the Hu family was to win them over, but now that Hu Bing had clearly refused, there was no point in staying any longer.

So, after finishing breakfast, they said goodbye.

Madam Yu decided to leave with them.

Now that the Hu family's joyous occasion has turned into a funeral, Hu Bing naturally has no time to try to persuade them to stay. After exchanging a few perfunctory pleasantries, he sees the group off to the door.

The entrance to the Hu Family Manor.

Madam Yu looked at Hu Bing and said, "Nephew Hu, your father and I have been friends for many years, and I also regard you as my own son—"

Nephew, let me tell you the truth. Given your father's misfortune and the current situation of your Hu family, joining Governor Shen's forces would be the best course of action—"

Hu Bing interrupted Madam Yu directly, saying, "Madam, I understand your intentions, but everyone has their own ambitions. The Hu family will absolutely not get involved in any struggles. We will just live our lives in our own territory. The Hu family has limited capabilities and has no intention of expanding or growing stronger."

Madam Yu said, "Man may not have intended to harm tiger, but tiger may have intended to harm man. Nephew Hu, in the world of martial arts, one is often not in control of one's own destiny. It's not that you can avoid fighting just because you don't want to."

"Right now, the Hu family still has leverage that Governor Shen can value. But if they lose even that later, it will be too late for regrets."

Hu Bing shook his head and said, "Don't worry, Madam. The Hu family has no ambition for advancement, but it has the strength to maintain its current status. No matter what the trend of the times is, the Hu family has no intention of going with the flow, nor will it do anything against the flow. It's enough to just stand still and be at peace."

Madam Yu still wanted to persuade her.

Hu Bing then said, "Madam, it's getting late, and you still have a long way to go. I also have some things to take care of at home, so I won't see you off any further. Have a safe journey!"

Madam Yu sighed, feeling helpless.

Hu Binglian had already said something to drive the customer away; if she continued, she would offend someone.

So she cupped her hands in greeting and walked straight onto the carriage.

As soon as she reached the carriage, she said to the guard, "Go and invite the young mistress here."

Then, Madam Yu got into the carriage.

A moment later, Shen Li came over, got into the carriage, and asked, "Grandma, is there anything you need?"

Madam Yu beckoned and said, "Come in. You'll be coming with me on this trip back to Yanzhou City. I'll explain everything to you about the matters that the second branch of the Qin family hasn't yet handed over to you."

"Huh?" Shen Li asked doubtfully, "Mother-in-law, is this...appropriate?"

Madam Yu said, "Before, we had to put on an act every day to keep people calm and make others think I was dissatisfied with you. Now that Governor Shen and Alliance Leader Gu have arrived, everyone knows that Qin Lang is the one who's trying to climb the social ladder. There's no point in continuing to act like that."

Shen Li immediately entered the carriage.

Immediately, Madam Yu ordered the group to set off.

The carriage slowly began to move forward. Madam Yu held Shen Li's hand and said, "When we return this time, I will announce that you will take over the second branch of the Qin family. You and Governor Shen are sisters, so it is most appropriate for you to assist Governor Shen in the future."

Shen Li said, "I'm worried that the eldest son's family might cause trouble."

Madam Yu waved her hand and said, "When I go back this time, I will invite the third son out. No matter how much infighting occurs within the Qin family, it mainly depends on the presence of the third son, a grandmaster. Once he knows about your relationship with Governor Shen, he will know what to do. He will take care of the eldest branch of the family, and he will also hand over the Qin family to you completely."

Shen Li asked in surprise, "Such a big thing? Will Third Uncle just agree to it?"

Madam Yu said, "Your third uncle isn't senile. Our second branch has this relationship with Governor Shen, so he'll definitely pull the Qin family into a big gamble. Besides, with Alliance Leader Gu as his backer, Governor Shen is inherently invincible."

To be honest, our Qin family's allegiance to Governor Shen is a sure-fire win. If we win, the landscape of Yanzhou will be rewritten. We don't know how many of the four major families and seven major gangs will survive, but the Qin family will definitely rise above them.

Even if they lose, with Governor Shen and Alliance Leader Gu backing them up, the Qin family can at least retain their current status. In this situation, anyone in the Qin family who dares to oppose them is tantamount to hindering the family's century-long prosperity, and your third uncle would immediately draw his sword and kill someone. Not everyone is as blind to the situation as Hu Bing!

Shen Li nodded slightly and said, "Everyone has their own ambitions. Patriarch Hu is mature and prudent, and has no ambition."

Madam Yu shook her head and said, "That's short-sighted. The Hu family had already attracted the attention of external enemies after the news of the Heavenly Calamity Sword's failure. Now that Old Master Hu has been murdered, the Hu family has been plunged into a precarious situation."

However, Hu Bing still couldn't see the situation clearly. He thought that the Hu family could maintain its current status. Without the Heavenly Calamity Sword and Old Master Hu, the Hu family's overall strength was only second-rate. Holding onto such a large family business was like a child carrying gold in the market.

Perhaps, in his view, if the Hu family couldn't hold on, they could simply give up their interests to preserve the family. This was better than getting involved in court disputes and risking the destruction of the family.

In reality, he simply didn't understand the essence of the martial world, which is a dog-eat-dog world. Once someone makes a move, they won't leave any room for maneuver; only by ensuring the Hu family's complete collapse can they sleep soundly. Giving in? That would only make you appear weak and powerless to resist; the other side wouldn't stop, but would only escalate their attacks.

Shen Li nodded slightly and said, "But Patriarch Hu doesn't seem to understand; he even looks somewhat displeased."

Madam Yu sighed and said, "Actually, from the moment Old Master Hu was murdered, when I advised him to seek refuge, it wasn't about winning him over, but about helping him protect the Hu family."

Without Old Master Hu and the Heavenly Calamity Sword, the Hu family is of little value to Governor Shen. Although the Hu family still has influence and connections, with Old Master Hu dead, the family will fall apart, and its power will be greatly diminished.

If they could find a new patron, the Hu family could still unite as one. In fact, once Governor Shen completely gains control, the Hu family could reap significant benefits. But it seems Hu Bing hasn't understood my good intentions.

Shen Li laughed and said, "They probably still think you're plotting against them."

Inside the Hu Family Manor.

As Hu Bing walked, his face darkened, and he said unhappily, "It's true what they say, 'When people leave, the tea cools; people become indifferent.' Old Madam Yu kept saying she was my father's good friend, but now that my father has just been murdered, she's already busy scheming for her own benefit."

-

Beside Hu Bing was a middle-aged woman who asked doubtfully, "Sir, wasn't Madam Yu acting out of kindness?"

"What good intentions? It's all scheming," Hu Bing said. "Old Madam Yu brought the second branch of the Qin family to seek refuge with Shen Qingqiu, but their bargaining chips weren't strong enough, so she tried every means to drag our Hu family along. Do you think she's really thinking of our Hu family? She's trying to increase the weight of the second branch of the Qin family in Shen Qingqiu's hands."

Our Hu family's overall strength is far inferior to the other three of the four major families. Now that my father has been murdered, we should keep a low profile, try to swallow our anger and navigate between various forces, and maintain good relations with all parties in order to protect the Hu family.

She asked us to pledge allegiance to Shen Qingqiu, which would inevitably put us on the opposite side of various forces. You must understand that Shen Qingqiu's consolidation of the Six Doors would inevitably offend the local forces in Yanzhou, especially since many of them were originally related to Zhang Jiexi. Those people would inevitably be at odds with Shen Qingqiu. If our Hu family pledged allegiance to Shen Qingqiu at this time, we would offend most of the martial arts world in Yanzhou.

"The Qin family has a Grandmaster in charge, so whether Shen Qingqiu wins or loses, the Qin family won't have much of a problem. But our Hu family doesn't have that kind of foundation. Even if we win, Shen Qingqiu won't get much credit from us; the Qin family will get the lion's share. And if Shen Qingqiu loses, our Hu family will have nothing."

The middle-aged woman frowned and said, "But, sir, Governor Shen has the backing of the imperial court and the support of Alliance Leader Gu. It's unlikely that he'll lose. If our Hu family chooses sides now, even if the Qin family gets the lion's share of the credit, we'll still reap considerable benefits."

"And then what?" Hu Bing said, "Once they pledge allegiance to Shen Qingqiu, it's equivalent to participating in the court's factional struggles. Can they keep winning? The world is too chaotic now. The Hu family absolutely cannot get involved too early, or they will surely be crushed. The Hu family can back down, can retreat, can swallow their pride, but they absolutely cannot take sides too early!"

The middle-aged woman frowned slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but Hu Bing had already strode away.

Watching Hu Bing's retreating figure, the middle-aged woman frowned and said, "Master, is it that you lack confidence in the Hu family, or that you have too much confidence? Can the Hu family really keep maneuvering among various forces, waiting for the right opportunity to make their move?"

After leaving the Hu family, the group traveled for another five days before finally arriving in Yanzhou City.

After entering Yanzhou City, Gu Guanqi and Shen Qingqiu separated from the Qin family. The Qin family returned to their home, while Gu Guanqi and Shen Qingqiu were picked up by the Six Doors headquarters.

Before Shen Qingqiu and Gu Guanqi set off from the capital, Shen Qingqiu arranged for another group of people to come to Yanzhou City in advance to handle affairs, so they had naturally already prepared a place to stay.

In the eastern part of Yanzhou City, in a manor.

Shen Qingqiu was discussing business with his advisors.

At this moment, a constable entered, cupping his hands in greeting, and said, "Governor Shen, Tie Jingshan, the head of the Tie family, requests an audience!"

Shen Qingqiu waved his hand and said, "Take him to the side hall first and have him wait a while."

"Yes."

""

-

The constable received the order and turned to leave.

Shen Qingqiu then continued to discuss matters with the council members of the Six Doors.

The discussion lasted for a long time before it finally ended.

Shen Qingqiu then rose to prepare to see Tie Jingshan. A female advisor followed beside him and whispered, "Governor, should I go and invite Alliance Leader Gu?"

This female advisor was named Meng Shu. She was an old friend who had followed Shen Qingqiu since he was still the commander. She was one of Shen Qingqiu's most trusted confidants. As a woman, she was even closer to Shen Qingqiu, so she knew about the matter between Shen Qingqiu and the Tie family.

Shen Qingqiu waved his hand and said, "Don't disturb Alliance Leader Gu. He must be tired from the long journey. Let him rest well."

Meng Shu smiled slightly and said, "The Governor-General is showing concern for Alliance Leader Gu!"

Shen Qingqiu laughed and said, "If you don't cherish your own man, are you expecting those other women to cherish him?"

Meng Shu said solemnly, "Your subordinate firmly supports the Governor-General in taking the position of Alliance Leader Gu's principal wife!"

Shen Qingqiu waved his hand and said, "Forget it, it's too early to talk about these things now. The situation is turbulent right now, and he has a heavy burden and a lot of pressure. I shouldn't put pressure on him. And none of the women around him are easy to deal with. If they cause trouble, it will be very troublesome."

Meng Shu nodded and said, "Your subordinate understands."

Soon, the two arrived at a side hall.

Tie Jingshan was waiting quietly inside, along with several elderly people.

Upon seeing Shen Qingqiu appear, Tie Jingshan quickly stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "Governor Shen."

Shen Qingqiu cupped his hands and asked, "Patriarch Tie, what brings you here?"

Tie Jingshan took out a jade hairpin from his bosom and said, "Governor Shen, this was your mother's dowry. This jade hairpin has special significance for her, and I specially found it for you."

Upon seeing the jade hairpin, Shen Qingqiu's expression softened somewhat. She prepared to go to the Yongshan branch of the Tie family, one of her purposes being to retrieve this jade hairpin.

"Thank you!" Shen Qingqiu accepted the jade hairpin and bowed in gratitude.

Tie Jingshan quickly replied, "This is something the Tie family owes you."

Shen Qingqiu asked, "Besides returning the jade hairpin, did Patriarch Tie come here for any other reason?"

Tie Jingshan said, "I mainly wanted to tell you that I went to the Yongshan branch a few days ago. I got back everything that was stolen from you back then, with interest, and I will return it to you later."

"All those who bullied you and your mother back then have been apprehended, a large number have been killed, and several masterminds have had their martial arts crippled. They've also been brought to Yanzhou City and are currently at the Tie family's residence. We'll deal with them when you have time."

Shen Qingqiu waved his hand and said, "No need. Since Patriarch Tie has already taken care of it, I won't go to Yongshan. Patriarch Tie, just hand those people over to the Six Doors. I won't go to the Tie family."

"Alright," Tie Jingshan nodded, then pointed to the other elders and said, "These are all elders of the main branch of the Tie family. They were very angry when they learned about your situation and felt deeply indebted to you. Therefore, they came here specifically to see you and discuss the matter of being reinstated into the family register."

Shen Qingqiu interrupted Tie Jingshan and said, "Patriarch Tie, you misunderstand. I'm perfectly fine with my surname Shen now. I have no intention of returning to the Tie family, and I don't consider myself a member of the Tie family."

At this moment, an elder of the Tie family said, "Governor Shen, the Tie family has wronged you, but our main branch truly knew nothing about what happened back then. Otherwise, we would never have let you suffer such humiliation—"

"I know, that's why I didn't blame the main branch of the Tie family," Shen Qingqiu said.

The Tie family elder hurriedly said, "Then why are you unwilling to acknowledge your ancestors? You should know that although your surname is Shen, the Shen family cannot recognize your identity. You—"

Shen Qingqiu said, "Old man, do you think I, Shen Qingqiu, need anyone to acknowledge my identity? Family genealogy, ancestral recognition—it's meaningless to me. I have no intention of integrating into the Shen family. At worst, I'll just create my own family genealogy, starting with myself on the first page!"

Another elder of the Tie family sighed and said, "Girl, I know you're angry, but given your current status, you can't act impulsively. The Tie family will definitely make up for what we owe you!"

Shen Qingqiu waved his hand and said, "Just as you said, I am angry. Although I don't blame the main branch of the Tie family, what happened back then was, to some extent, caused by the main branch's dereliction of duty."

"All I can do is not blame the main branch of the Tie family, but I cannot be close to them, much less change my surname back. As for compensation from the Tie family, I don't need it. To put it bluntly, what can the Tie family give me that I cannot obtain on my own?"

An elder asked, "What about the support from the Tie family?" He looked at Shen Qingqiu and said, "Although you are very capable, the imperial court is not a place where you can succeed by fighting alone. If you are willing to return to the Tie family, from now on, all the resources of the Tie family will be at your disposal, and you will have someone to rely on in the officialdom!"

Shen Qingqiu chuckled and said, "No need. I don't think any reliance is more reliable than my man!"

For a moment, all the members of the Tie family were speechless.

In the present-day Qian Kingdom, the name Gu Guanqi is indeed the most intimidating asset.

Just then, Tie Jingshan suddenly spoke up: "But—what about your own side? Fang Cunxin has the Hongzhou faction behind her, Jiang Baili and Lin Yourong have the Qingzhou faction behind them, and An Yi and Xue Fuling have the Yunzhou faction behind them. How will you compete with them then?"

As soon as Tie Jingshan said this, everyone looked at Shen Qingqiu.

Shen Qingqiu chuckled and said, "They're all relying on their own men's influence. If they can create a faction, why can't I, Shen Qingqiu, create my own Shen faction?"