Stranger Danger-Chapter 1354: Threatening

In this world, there were certain things that you could do but not speak of, much less publicize. Otherwise, the consequences were unimaginable.

Take this matter for example. It was one thing if it was carried out in secrecy, but if it was known to all under the heavens, then not even Fang Zhiyong, Grand Mentor of an empire, could handle the sea of criticisms that would be hurled in his direction.

Fang Xiaoman, Gu Suitang, Lin Yuhuai and Chu Nianjiu were members of the Pacification Bureau and imperial officials of Chu. But now, someone had taken their families hostage for personal reasons. This was a taboo to the general public and the imperial court.

First, Fang Zhiyong kidnapped another person’s family for the sake of personal revenge. These people had no direct relations to the person he was taking revenge against either. Every wrong has its perpetrator, and every debt has its creditor. Forget a scholar who studied the wisdom of the sages, even jianghu ruffians would find this method of revenge despicable.

Therefore, if his actions were brought to light, then he would be criticized by thousands and scorned by tens of thousands. Not only would his fame as a respected sage and the Grand Mentor of Chu be ruined in the blink of an eye, his stink would be remembered for ages to come.

Second, Fang Zhiyong was a Grand Mentor, and his friends were imperial officials. By putting them in danger and kidnapping their families, he was breaking both the law and the unspoken rules of the imperial court. Any official would loathe what he did as no one hoped that their families would be harmed for no reason.

Fang Zhiyong would surely be targeted and rebuked by his fellow officials if they knew about this. His political enemies would not allow this opportunity to slip through their grasp as well. One misstep, and Fang Zhiyong might lose more than just his reputation. His life might be on the line as well.

Thirdly, Fang Xiaoman, Gu Suitang and more were Pacification Bureau members. They risked their lives to do battle with Strangers and protect the people everyday. However, not only did the empire fail to provide the protection their family deserved, they were kidnapped by the Grand Mentor himself. This would undoubtedly anger the Pacification Bureau, who was famous for their protectiveness.

In conclusion, this action was both insane and suicidal. Only a madman would do such a thing.

Was Fang Zhiyong insane?

Obviously not. A madman could not become a Grand Mentor.

Was Fang Zhiyong not afraid of death?

Of course he was. In fact, there was no such thing as a person who didn’t fear death.

Besides, if he really was fearless, he would have killed Ye Qing using this method a long time ago. He would not have waited until now.

So, if Fang Zhiyong was neither insane nor unafraid of death, then why did he choose a suicidal method that guaranteed both their demises now?

The answer was simple: because he was confident he would not suffer any consequences whatsoever.

“Oh, you don’t have to worry about that. My adopted father has already prepared a solution.”

Fang Zhaoyi asked smilingly, “Do you still remember what your identity is, Brother Ye?”

Ye Qing lifted an eyebrow. “My identity?”

Fang Zhaoyi hinted, “Your identity in Chu.”

Ye Qing answered, “A fugitive?”

“That’s right.” Fang Zhaoyi’s smile widened. “You are the villain who killed the geniuses of Chu, and the rebel who damaged the dignity of Chu. You are a man every man and woman in Chu is obliged to remove.”

“Fang Xiaoman, Gu Suitang, Chu Nianjiu and Lin Yuhuai are imperial officials of Chu and proud members of the Pacification Bureau, but instead of upholding their loyalty and removing a threat to their homeland, they chose to collude with a murderous, traitorous rebel of Chu instead. In the best case scenario, we may interpret their actions as negligence of duty and a breach of the law. In the worst case scenario, we may judge them as traitors of Chu!”

“I shouldn’t need to say this, but the crime of treason is great. They would be lucky to get away with just the execution of themselves and their families. Either way, it is perfectly reasonable for Chu to detain them and their families for interrogation, don’t you agree?”

Ye Qing nodded. “It is.”

Fang Zhaoyi declared a little proudly, “With all that said, do you still think that people will scorn father for his actions? Rebuke him for what he has done?”

Ye Qing shook his head. “No, I don’t!”

Fang Zhaoyi grew even prouder. “What do you think of this plan overall?”

“It’s good. It’s flawless. Like literally, perfect,” Ye Qing replied honestly.

The plan was pretty perfect. By defining Fang Xiaoman, Gu Suitang, Lin Yuhuai and Chu Nianjiu as lawbreakers who colluded with a traitor, Fang Zhiyong’s actions could be construed as perfectly reasonable.

Forget denouncing him, the people wouldn’t even be able to criticize his actions.

Even if someone guessed Fang Zhiyong’s objective, even if they believed in his friends’ strength of character, they did not have any justification to refute the Grand Mentor or help them.

After all, he was the true culprit behind Fang Muyun and Chu Wangsun’s murders. Sure, he managed to spread the word first and gained the public support, but from Chu and the imperial court of Chu’s perspective, he was the villain who killed the geniuses of Chu, the rebel who damaged their dignity, and the felon they were hunting right now.

It was an indisputable fact that they were in contact with him. If they weren’t, then Fang Zhiyong’s strategy wouldn’t have worked. They might face pressure and censures from others, but it would have been difficult to take overt action against them. But now, Fang Zhiyong could easily turn them into serious criminals that every member of Chu would hunt like rats if he so wished.

“Hahaha... you think this plan is perfect too, don’t you? I’m the one who came up with it. Father always said that one must think thrice before doing anything; consider defeat before they dream of victory. He also said that when a person makes a plan, they must always ensure that it is watertight and flawless.”

Fang Zhaoyi’s expression grew zealous, reverent, and admiring when he spoke of Fang Zhiyong. “That is why I prepared this plan and some backup plans in case it fails.”

“The plan is so good that father even praised me. Did you know? This is the first time father praised me in two years!”

“Is that so? Congratulations to you then,” Ye Qing quipped sarcastically. “So? What are you going to do now? Or should I say, what is Fang Zhiyong plotting?”

“Oh that? Father will tell you that himself.”

Fang Zhaoyi removed a hairpin from his head. The hairpin then slowly grew into a scroll painting.

Floating in the air, the scroll painting slowly unfurled itself to reveal an ink wash painting.

The painting showed a tall mountain with a peak that was surrounded by clouds. Standing on the peak was a man with his hands clasped behind his back. He was looking down on the ebbing and flowing tide of clouds and the world underneath his feet.

The lines of the painting looked simple and almost rugged, and yet it fully portrayed the treacherousness and loftiness of the peak and the aloofness and nobility of the man in just a few strokes.

After the ink wash painting was fully unfurled, the man on the peak seemingly came to life. Then, he turned around and looked straight at Ye Qing.

“This child greets you, adopted father!”

Fang Zhaoyi hurriedly dropped to his knees and kowtowed, his expression reserved yet full of fanaticism.

The man in the painting—the Grand Mentor of Chu Fang Zhiyong—ignored Fang Zhaoyi and examined Ye Qing up and down. “Are you Ye Qing?”

Fang Zhiyong’s voice was aloof and noble just like his image. His voice was dignified but mellow, steady but vibrant. It was quite the voice.

“I am.” Ye Qing nodded.

Completely unrelated to the story but look at my shoddy attempt to make Ye Qing in Mecha Break!

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