Chapter 195: A Great Feat

When you kept having doubts about a certain matter, it became hard to erase the deep memory!

So, early the next morning, as Xiao Jing carefully combed Emperor Hongzhi’s hair,

Emperor Hongzhi looked at his own reflection in the bronze mirror while allowing Xiao Jing to tie up his hair bun and place the crown upon his head. Suddenly, Emperor Hongzhi stared at him and spoke lightly, “Companion Xiao…”

“Your Servant is here.”

Xiao Jing stood hunched, always with a cheerful expression.

“Tell me… can the rebel leader truly be captured within three days?” Emperor Hongzhi asked with great seriousness.

Xiao Jing’s heart suddenly skipped a beat. He had thought yesterday’s matter was already behind them, but now…

That Fang Jifan really broke someone’s rice bowl. You farm your land and be your study companion—isn’t that great? But I make my living from this job.

Xiao Jing suppressed his inner turmoil and could only chuckle in reply, “Your Majesty, the Eastern Depot and Imperial Guard have tens of thousands of people spread throughout the Capital Region, diligently searching.”

He did not state how professional he was at such matters, nor did he mention his own competence. Instead, he indirectly said that the Eastern Depot and Imperial Guard were working hard on the case.

After speaking, he carefully glanced at Emperor Hongzhi and saw the emperor’s faint smile in the bronze mirror.

Clearly, His Majesty had understood his meaning.

Xiao Jing’s intent was: Look, so many commandants and enlisted soldiers are working hard on the investigation. Fang Jifan, however, claims he can capture the rebels easily within three days. Isn’t that just a joke?

If His Majesty believed Fang Jifan, wouldn’t that mean all these hardworking commandants and enlisted soldiers were inferior to Fang Jifan alone? If they found out that Your Majesty actually trusted the boastful claims Fang Jifan made behind closed doors with his disciples, how disheartening would that be?

Emperor Hongzhi then nodded toward Xiao Jing.

“What Companion Xiao says is not without reason. However… this matter must be expedited. It has already been over half a month. Not a single trace of the rebel leader has been found yet. I am not blaming you or Official Mu. I know you have already given your utmost effort. So many people from the Eastern Depot and Imperial Guard are active everywhere; they have worked very hard…”

Emperor Hongzhi turned and gave Xiao Jing a serious look before saying, “Speed it up!”

“As you command.” Xiao Jing carefully fastened the crown for Emperor Hongzhi, then cautiously backed away two steps and bowed. “Your Servant will now go to the Eastern Depot to urge them further.”

“Go ahead.”

…

Wang Shouren had lost weight.

When Fang Jifan saw him again, he noticed that the already slender Wang Shouren looked even thinner.

Fang Jifan felt uneasy, so he clenched his fist and gave Wang Shouren’s chest a hard punch.

Thud…

A dull sound echoed; the punch felt like hitting a solid wall.

Fang Jifan immediately furrowed his brows deeply, grimaced in pain, and shook his hand while cursing loudly, “You hurt my hand!”

“……” Wang Shouren’s gaze was somewhat vacant. With the punch landing near his shoulder, he wasn’t sure what expression to give Fang Jifan.

He felt he was going crazy.

The Rain Prayer Ritual… actually succeeded…

That was beyond human capability, wasn’t it?

But was he an immortal?

Clearly not. If this person in front of him—shaking his hand, grimacing, and shamelessly blaming the actual victim—was an immortal, then Wang Shouren thought he should stick his head in a latrine to sober up.

Seeing Fang Jifan blame him, Wang Shouren felt an inexplicable sense of guilt, bowed to Fang Jifan, and said with an apologetic expression, “Newly Established Count, my apologies.”

“Forget it.” Fang Jifan waved his hand generously and said, “I called you here to catch a thief.”

In truth, Wang Shouren had noticed something unusual when he was summoned.

As soon as he arrived in front of Fang Jifan, a group of shabbily dressed Imperial Guards surged forward, their eyes gleaming, rubbing their hands eagerly.

These people… indeed were Imperial Guards, for they clearly wore the fish-scale uniforms of the Imperial Guard, carried sabers, though their clothes were somewhat tattered, and they gave off a distinct earthy smell. A few looked familiar—weren’t they the ones hoeing and farming when Wang Shouren visited the Western Hills?

They… had put down their hoes and come to catch thieves…

Wang Shouren was baffled.

“May I ask, Newly Established Count, which thief are we catching?”

Fang Jifan’s eyes sparkled, a sharp and eerie glint that sent chills down one’s spine: “The leader of the Beggar Sect!”

Wang Shouren was stunned: “You know where he is?”

“Of course I do. We’re going to catch him right now.” Fang Jifan said with full confidence.

Wang Shouren’s face changed dramatically.

That… was impossible.

He regularly read the Capital Gazette. The Emperor had already issued an edict to arrest this person. The Eastern Depot and Imperial Guard were operating everywhere, conducting numerous inspections. They had captured countless suspected rebels. It was said that even if one didn’t talk inside the Brocade Guard, they would make you talk. Yet, until now, there hadn’t been the slightest clue about that rebel leader.

Now, the Eastern Depot and the Brocade Guard were in an uproar, wishing they could dig three feet deep across the entire Capital. Even with such efforts, they hadn’t found him. How could you, Fang Jifan, with so little support, know?

Wang Shouren felt his mind spiraling into confusion; he could no longer tell if this world was real or an illusion.

“Are you coming?” Fang Jifan blinked. After all, he was asking for a favor, so… today, he appeared especially… refreshing.

Wang Shouren honestly spoke his mind: “I… don’t… believe it!”

“What?” Fang Jifan was bewildered.

Wang Shouren asked, “How do you know who the rebel leader is? How do you know where he is?”

Fang Jifan smiled brightly and said, “I just know!”

“……” Wang Shouren was being sly. He actually did not entirely disbelieve; he wanted to get to the bottom of it. But Fang Jifan’s reply was straightforward and almost mystical, which depressed him again.

“At the very least, there must be a cause and effect!” Wang Shouren held onto his principles.

Fang Jifan’s next move was to put his hands behind his back and look up at the sky. Then he said, “After catching the thief, I plan to go to the Western Hills to teach, to explain some reasoning to my disciples and their disciples. You can join us.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Shouren’s previously gloomy eyes brightened instantly. He felt his heartbeat quicken but pretended to be calm. “Alright, it’s settled. You won’t go back on your word, will you, Newly Established Count?”

Fang Jifan curled his lips into a smile and said, “If you don’t mind, I can guarantee it with my character.”

“…” Wang Shouren frowned, suddenly thinking to himself: Had he boarded a pirate ship?

And so, they proceeded with the action…

The process of catching the thief also opened Wang Shouren’s eyes.

The group followed Fang Jifan to an ordinary inn.

This inn was very common. Fang Jifan first had Zhang Xin take some men to the backyard, while he led the rest through the front entrance.

Fang Jifan earnestly warned them repeatedly: “Protect me well. Do not leave my side.”

“Okay.” Wang Shouren felt his head was about to explode. He thought… Fang Jifan might be killing innocent people to claim credit.

This inn had been operating for many years. Wang Shouren had passed by many times and occasionally saw the innkeeper and staff warmly inviting guests inside.

These… were the vicious, ruthless, and cunning rebels who had caused so much trouble for the imperial court?

Then he saw Fang Jifan take a deep breath and shout loudly: “Brothers, charge! Don’t let the villain escape!”

The Imperial Guards behind him drew their sabers in a flash, full of vigor, and swarmed inside.

Although, like regular guard station soldiers, they also lived off military farming, they were of a higher status. Regular guard station soldiers had completely become farmers, and malnourished ones at that.

The Imperial Guards mostly came from respectable families with sufficient finances and decent salaries, ensuring their daily needs were met. While on duty farming, they dug soil and built kilns daily. Though it was laborious, it was also a form of exercise. Eating well and working hard, they had built lean muscles and an imposing presence.

In just a short while, the inn was thrown into chaos!

Wang Shouren stayed close to Fang Jifan, his nerves tense as if facing a formidable enemy.

But when the inn staff, the innkeeper, and some half-dressed guests were dragged out, Wang Shouren was taken aback. Just like that… it was over…

It was over…

Fang Jifan stepped forward, grabbed the innkeeper—who looked completely harmless—by the collar, lifted him, and grinned at him.

The innkeeper looked pitiful and even stammered a bit: “I… I am innocent. Wronged… I’ve been wronged.”

Fang Jifan laughed again, with a touch of pride: “Wronged my foot! This Young Lord sees with sharp eyes. Trying to fool me? Beggar Sect Leader Wu Xinjie. Even now, you refuse to confess and accept your punishment? Hah, no worries. You’ll confess eventually.”

Wu Xinjie?

Hearing this name, Wang Shouren’s pupils contracted.

This man was the legendary fierce, monstrous, cunning, reputed to have a hundred thousand followers spread across the world, plotting treason and causing immense trouble for the imperial court—Wu Xinjie?

Wang Shouren felt a strong urge to hold his forehead, feeling his intelligence was deeply insulted.

The innkeeper continued to shout: “I am innocent! I’m not called Wu Xinjie. My name is Zhang Zheng. You can check the Household Register; I am wrongly accused!”

Fang Jifan laughed heartily but paid no further attention to the innkeeper. Instead, he rubbed his hands excitedly and said, “Quick, hurry up and tie up these rebels. We have accomplished a great feat! Get ready to live well following this Bai Hu. Tie them securely. Take them to the Western Hills first. Zhang Xin…”

Zhang Xin had initially been eager and ready for action, expecting to catch rebels. But… they ended up capturing such a group of people. He began to lose confidence: “Bai Hu, I think…”

Fang Jifan said sternly: “Think what? Hurry and report to the Northern Garrison Command. Tell them they needn’t trouble themselves—the person has already been captured. Let the brothers from the Brocade Guard rest. Also, I want to borrow this man. Tomorrow… I’ll use him to teach at the Western Hills. I can use him to impart some life lessons to my disciples. Go quickly… or do you want me to kick you!”

Thanks to his father’s good upbringing, under Fang Jifan’s authority, Zhang Xin dared not argue further. He simply said “Okay” and rushed off to the Northern Garrison Command, though without much confidence.