From a tuberculosis patient to a martial arts master

"Yeah?"

Zhu Hong ignored Jiang Yannian's threat, slowly raised his eyelids, and smiled faintly: "I hope it is as the clan leader says. If that day really comes, I will personally send him back." His tone was casual, as if he didn't care at all.

This step was expected.

Jiang Cong, a clan elder, was nothing more than a scout sent out by the Jiang family to block the gate, a vanguard in the battle. No matter how big the trouble became, the Jiang family could always deflect blame by saying that "his subordinates acted on their own initiative," and still manage to absolve themselves of any responsibility.

But Jiang Yannian is different.

As the patriarch of the Jiang clan, every word he uttered represented the entire Jiang clan's stance, and there was no room for ambiguity. Faced with the prefect's decree, even with his confidence, he had to be cautious in his words. Therefore, Jiang Yannian's statement just now was not unexpected.

Jiang Yannian was not annoyed at the moment.

With a flick of his sleeve and a wave of his hand, he dismissed them, saying, "Goodbye, and don't bother seeing me out."

Zhu Hong smiled and handed Jiang Feng to the side:

"Put it on."

Upon hearing this, Gu Shu immediately led several constables over, and like hawks seizing sparrows, they quickly bound Jiang Feng hand and foot and dragged him away to imprison him.

Zhu Hong then waved his hand behind him and said:

"Return to the yamen!"

Upon hearing the sound, the constables from each yamen moved swiftly, forming a protective circle like geese on either side, their steps steady and orderly as they filed out the door.

"Lord Zhu!"

In the corner, Zhao Guishang knelt on the ground.

He trembled like a leaf. Seeing that Zhu Hong and his group were about to leave without looking back, as if they had completely forgotten about him, he was terrified. He scrambled forward a few steps, his knees hitting the blue bricks with a thud.

"What about me...?"

With a sob in his voice, Zhao Gui pleaded, "What am I going to do?!"

This poor wretch, who had been dull-witted his whole life, was now clear-headed. He knew perfectly well that if he were truly left in the Jiang family mansion, the entire Jiang family would hate him for betraying his master and informing on them. They would certainly not let him off easily and would have to torture him to death to appease his anger.

Zhu Hong suddenly stopped in his tracks.

"Zhao Gui".

He slowly turned around, his gaze icy, landing on Zhao Gui, who was digging at the ground, banging on the bricks, his eyes filled with pleading fear, looking like a stray dog. He said softly, "Go ahead and curse." Before he finished speaking, he turned his gaze to Jiang Yannian, who stood in the hall with his hands behind his back.

"Chief Jiang, this piece of trash is yours to deal with."

Consider this a small token of my appreciation.

……

Not long after.

The six constables, having finished their business, quickly dispersed, leaving only the main hall empty.

The Jiang family members looked at each other, filled with resentment.

"hateful!"

Today, they all feel deeply ashamed.

Jiang Yannian lowered his eyelids slightly and glanced indifferently at Zhao Gui, who was huddled in the corner, trembling all over. His gaze was indifferent, as if he were looking at ants and weeds.

"Chief Jiang, spare my life!"

Zhao Gui was so frightened that he fell to his knees with a thud, banging his head on the ground and pleading, "I was forced into this. Please, clan chief, have mercy and spare my worthless life."

Jiang Yannian, too lazy to say more, parted his thin lips slightly and coldly uttered two words:

"It's been dealt with."

Several servants rushed forward, dragged Zhao Gui away, and took him outside.

"I hate..."

Before Zhao Gui could even shout, his mouth was covered, leaving only muffled sobs that faded into the distance until they were no longer heard.

a long time.

"Brother," Jiang Cong stood beside Jiang Yannian, his brows furrowed, finally unable to hold back any longer, and whispered:

"Are you just going to let Feng'er be taken away like this?"

Jiang Yannian didn't answer, but slowly turned around and returned to his seat. He picked up his now-cold teacup, took a sip, and then said unhurriedly, "If the golden token is genuine, and the Prefect wants to arrest people, do you expect me to resist arrest and drag the entire Jiang family, numbering in the hundreds, into the mire?"

Jiang Cong was speechless and subconsciously turned to look at his father.

Jiang Boyong sat in a grand chair to the side, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly spoke, his voice hoarse, yet carrying a steady strength:

Jiang Boyong's old eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he said in a deep voice, "Yan Nian is right. A head-on confrontation will only give the enemy a handle against us, and besides, what the government wants has never been Feng'er." He paused, a sly smile playing on his lips.

"They used Feng'er as bait."

They're just trying to take advantage of the Jiang family; he'll be fine.

Jiang Cong was taken aback, then suddenly realized:

"Father means... Feng'er will be alright?"

"Not right now," Jiang Boyong said calmly. "But whether we can bring him back safely depends on our next step."

Jiang Yannian nodded and continued, "The most urgent task is to find out exactly where that kid surnamed Zhu comes from." His gaze darkened slightly, and he tapped his fingers lightly on the table. "He has the cultivation of the Tendon Refining Realm at such a young age, and the six chief constables are personally protecting him."

"Such a person couldn't have just appeared out of thin air."

"I'll arrange it right away."

Jiang Cong clasped his hands in a fist salute, then turned to leave.

"Wait a minute," Jiang Boyong suddenly called out, stopping him. A ruthless glint flashed in the old man's eyes, but his tone remained calm. "While you're at it, take a trip to Jingu Garden."

Jiang Cong paused, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes:

"Hmm." Jiang Yannian nodded slightly, offering no further explanation, only saying calmly, "Some things are best left unsaid; caution is the best policy. We cannot intervene, but others can." He added softly:

"I'll leave this matter to you."

Jiang Cong replied, "Understood." He then turned and pointed to the group of people below:

"Come with me."

After he left, Jiang Yannian dismissed the remaining clansmen, leaving only the father and son in the main hall.

"Father, there's one more thing."

Jiang Yannian leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes for a moment, then suddenly opened them and looked at Jiang Boyong, his tone becoming more solemn: "I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you to make the trip yourself."

"Alright."

Jiang Boyong smiled, a knowing look in his eyes:

"My grandson was taken from our home. As his grandfather, I can't just stay silent." He gazed at the deep night outside the door and slowly said, "Prepare a generous gift. Tomorrow I'll personally go to the yamen and meet with that Gu Huai'an." As he spoke, he closed his eyes, his voice gradually lowering.

"I'd like to see.

What exactly are the government officials up to?

……