CHAPTER 389: CHAPTER 362: KICKED FLYING

The lately appointed "Eight-Character Beard" was dispatched to serve under the Crown Prince, unaware of the happenings in the capital, let alone the figures and events within literary circles. He recognized no one.

The reason "Eight-Character Beard" won the Crown Prince’s favor and was put in charge of investigating the Witch Clan was because during the last capture of Witch Clan members, he happened upon the right person purely by luck. Later, when the Crown Prince asked how he knew that person was from the Witch Clan, "Eight-Character Beard" couldn’t simply claim it was purely instinct.

This was a rare opportunity for a promotion, the likes of which were hard to come by. How could he let it slip through his fingers? So, he lied, saying he had a special nose that could identify the unique scent the Witch Clan carried.

Jun Tingye had interacted quite often with the Witch Clan and had heard of the Arrowhead Birds, understanding they identified Gu Worms through scent. Thus, when "Eight-Character Beard" claimed sensitivity to the Gu Worm aroma, Jun Tingye almost unquestioningly believed him.

In this way, "Eight-Character Beard" became the leading officer, and even those guards who had accompanied the Crown Prince from the capital had to obey his orders for now.

It was Min Yunki, originally one of the Crown Prince’s men and a distant relative of Imperial Concubine Min, who whispered words to "Eight-Character Beard." He had long been accompanying the Crown Prince since his youth, yet never earned the Crown Prince’s trust because of his distant relation to Imperial Concubine Min.

"Eight-Character Beard," whose real name was Zhang Keqiu, was initially a small-time constable from Jingchu County, now recognized by the Crown Prince, and unexpectedly surpassed Min Yunki, causing Min Yunki to feel quite uneasy inside. After all, he had loyally served the Crown Prince since youth, never getting significant trust from him.

Min Yunki initially didn’t intend to remind "Eight-Character Beard," considering he had arrested the wrong individuals repeatedly. But upon seeing Yu Xiaolian’s name on the road permit, Min Yunki couldn’t hold back.

His younger brother, having received care from Deputy General Jiang in the army, had invited Deputy General Jiang to their home for drinks when Great General Yu Zhenye returned to the court. During the feast, they talked of various subjects, moving from battles to the imperial exams, eventually discussing the computation topic in the palace examination, amazed the designer was a woman.

Min Yunki recalled how Deputy General Jiang proudly told them Yu Xiaolian was his sworn sister.

Since he happened upon Deputy General Jiang’s sworn sister, naturally, he couldn’t let her suffer injustice.

However, Min Yunki couldn’t have anticipated that even after such a clear reminder, Zhang Keqiu ignored him, laughed twice, then whispered to Yu Xiaolian, "A token given personally by Prince Jin? It’s well known that Prince Jin and the Crown Prince are at odds. As you belong to Prince Jin, consider yourself trapped by me today."

Standing behind Zhang Keqiu, Min Yunki listened to his words loudly and clearly, immediately furrowed his brow, and pulled Zhang Keqiu aside, "Boss, if because of a little girl you bring trouble for the Crown Prince, it won’t be good."

Zhang Keqiu turned, glaring at Min Yunki, "What trouble could it bring? Could this girl be cherished by Prince Jin? No wonder you’ve followed the Crown Prince for a decade without ascending; you are too timid. Step back and watch how I earn merit before the Crown Prince."

Listening to "Eight-Character Beard," Yu Xiaolian realized he was determined to punish her, unsure of what had gone awry in his reasoning.

"You need a reason to arrest someone—What’s the crime I’ve committed?" Yu Xiaolian was infuriated by this buffoon "Eight-Character Beard."

Could Jingchu City be at odds with her? Last time, for exiting the city, she argued with the gate officer, and now they directly want to arrest her.

"Eight-Character Beard" Zhang Keqiu pointed around with his knife handle, "Look, do you see any young woman like you among these inn guests?

I suspect you are a Witch Clan person and will take you back for thorough interrogation—not just arresting randomly."

"What kind of reason is this? Just because I’m the only young woman, I have suspicion?" Yu Xiaolian placed her hands on her hips, raising her voice, "I see you’re exploiting your position for personal gain, abusing authority! I am a Ninth Grade Scholar; I need not kneel before a County Magistrate. You have no right to detain me. If you wish to arrest me, have the Crown Prince come himself."

"Isn’t Ninth Grade smaller than a county official? No need to kneel before the County Magistrate?" Zhang Keqiu turned and whispered to Min Yunki.

Min Yunki was distressed, realizing Zhang Keqiu was simply a fool, yet the Crown Prince, frightened by the Witch Clan, irrationally petted and trusted him.

"Boss Zhang, officials in literary circles are like this; leave alone a Ninth Grade Scholar—even a Scholar need not approach officials with honor. This Ninth Grade Scholar is more esteemed than a Scholar.

Moreover, this female Teacher is well acclaimed even before Elder Fu and Prince Jin. Today if you cause trouble with her, later when Elder Fu seeks her services and cannot find her, knowing it was you who meddled, things may not end well." Min Yunki seized the chance to persuade earnestly.

Zhang Keqiu’s expression darkened, feeling Min Yunki had tricked him, reprimanding him, "Why didn’t you say early?"

Now he’s deeply offended; besides, stopping the arrest would hurt his dignity.

Min Yunki was helpless; he initially advised to let it be; Zhang Keqiu didn’t listen, now berates unfairly—what a person indeed!

Zhang Keqiu mulled over the situation quietly. In front of so many, he couldn’t falter; he’d take her first, interrogate symbolically, intimidate, then release her as a goodwill gesture, saving face without offending anyone.

"The Crown Prince is preoccupied; where would he find time to deal with you? He entrusted the assignment of inspecting and catching Witch Clan members in Jingchu City entirely to me. Now forget being a Ninth Grade Scholar—even if you were a Seventh-rank County Magistrate—my suspicion of you being a Witch Clan member grants me authority. Come! Bind Yu Xiaolian and take her away!" Eight-Character Beard" Zhang Keqiu gleamed with pride.

Unexpectedly, as the men approached with ropes to bind her, Yu Xiaolian showed no hint of fear, rather sprang into fierce resistance, kicking an advance officer away.

Zhang Keqiu panicked, "You know martial arts?"

This young girl kicking an adult man away must possess incredible skills.

Oh dear, the world indeed has changed! Women can be Teachers like men, not to mention possessing formidable martial skills at a young age—this is undermining male status!

Yu Xiaolian shook her head, "I don’t know martial arts; I’m just a bit strong!"

Yes, ever since Miao Danyi transferred inner strength to her, Yu Xiaolian noticed her remarkable agility and astonishing strength.