"Over a hundred members of the Zhaang family, from top to bottom, have all been thrown into prison. Was this your doing?"

Having been so blatantly pointed out, Zhao Minghua felt that not admitting it seemed a bit inappropriate.

"Yes, what’s wrong? Feeling sorry for them?"

"You." Chun Nuan hadn’t expected a certain someone to be unaffected by such old grievances: "Why would I feel sorry for a stranger? I’m just worried about you..."

"Don’t worry, no one knows it was me."

Chun Nuan... This man truly grows more formidable by the day. There is nothing he can’t achieve once he sets his mind to it.

Sometimes Chun Nuan wondered if perhaps her grandfather’s path of neutrality back then was a mistake.

The Capital is a giant melting pot; one must guard against others while harboring no ill intentions oneself.

If her grandfather had his own network of connections back then, the imperial concubine’s case could have been better avoided.

Now that Chun Ning has entered the court as an official, some matters still need attention to avoid repeating past mistakes.

She would discuss this with her father when she went back to her maternal home.

The Xiao family is divided now.

Her usually indifferent father and mother have started learning to manage affairs.

To speak of good fortune, it must be credited to her mother.

Since childhood, she never had to worry much in her maternal home, and upon marrying into the Xiao family, the household affairs were managed by her elder sister-in-law, Mrs. Xu, so she never had to worry.

Later, when trouble struck the Xiao family, all matters in the household were taken over by Chun Nuan.

Now back in the Capital and with the family divided, Chun Ning’s wife can also manage the affairs.

"Nuannuan, I’ve thought about this matter too, but wouldn’t it be too conspicuous if our family got involved?"

Chun Nuan... Who said you should do it openly?

Therefore, it was clear her father really wasn’t up to it.

It’s better to find Chun Ning for this matter.

"Sister, I’m just a frail scholar..." The words halted on Chun Ning’s lips as he suddenly recalled something: "Sister, perhaps I have a way."

"Let’s hear it."

Seeing Chun Ning’s eyes light up, Chun Nuan thought there might be hope.

"Last year on the road back to the Capital, I happened to encounter someone who was severely injured..."

Chun Nuan widened her eyes in disbelief at her brother.

He truly dared!

He offended someone from the Prime Minister’s Mansion!

It’s known that during the late Emperor’s reign, the Prime Minister almost had absolute power.

The person Chun Ning saved was a sworn enemy of the Prime Minister’s Mansion, a member of the Jianghu, being hunted down by assassins hired by the Prime Minister and gravely injured when he hid in Chun Ning’s guest room.

"At that time, I was indeed quite scared, but as a doctor, saving lives is my duty, so I treated his wounds and gave him a bottle of pills."

"Did you tell him directly who you are?"

Oh, this silly brother, what if he ends up like the man who saved the wolf in the fable?

"He recognized me."

What?

"He saw the pill bottle and identified me as a family member of Doctor Xiao." Chun Ning said, "I was equally surprised at how he recognized it?"

"He said his father once received treatment from my grandfather, with those very pills." Chun Ning continued, "Once he recovered, he left before dawn, saying that if we ever needed his help, he would be willing to serve the Xiao family."

At that time, Chun Ning hadn’t considered using someone from the Jianghu.

Now it seems that it was predestined by fate.

"Do you know where to find him?"

"Yes, he left a token with a message."

"What’s his name? I’ll have your brother-in-law check it out."

"Okay."

There’s no choice, even though the Xiao family is native to the Capital, they truly lack any foundation.

To establish his own influence, he’d rely on his brother-in-law’s support.

"You’re saying Chun Ning knows Ye Yihai?"

"Your expression seems rather surprised, doesn’t it?"

Who on earth is Ye Yihai to warrant such astonishment?

"He is a famous figure in the Jianghu, known for his hatred of evil and being a good man, but consequently, he has made quite a few enemies."

Zhao Minghua shook his head: "Chun Ning’s intent to use this person may not be prudent."

Chun Nuan nodded; if he indeed has many enemies, the Xiao family cannot afford to use him.

"However, he could ask him to introduce a few reliable people to serve as guards for Chun Ning; that would also be a good option."

"Alright, I’ll mention it to Chun Ning."

Chun Ning was quite surprised to hear this; he didn’t expect someone he casually aided would turn out to be a major figure in the Jianghu.

His brother-in-law suggests asking him for guards?

A few strong men should suffice for guards, no need to venture into the Jianghu.

"The people he recommends surely have skills; you can assess them, and keep those that are suitable for your use."

This lad is still a bit naive, lacking in experience, but it’s understandable.

Nonetheless, he’s really quite remarkable already.

How to put it?

His uncles and father were essentially rendered ineffectual by his grandfather’s upbringing, unable to bear any responsibility when facing matters.

Chun Ning, yet below the age of twelve, was already the little man of the house, and he has been honed over the years.

Only, he’s always walked the path of the scholarly, never involved in the violence of this sort of matter, retaining a certain innocence and naiveté.

Chun Ning went to Moyu Bookstore.

"What kind of book does the gentleman need?"

"I’m looking for an out-of-print book that’s been hidden for years; it has a name starting with ’Yi’ something."

The shopkeeper paused, then nodded after sizing up Chun Ning.

"This book is indeed in our store, but due to its age, it requires a good search. Please have a seat in a private room on the second floor; I will go find it for you."

"Much appreciated."

Chun Ning sat in the private room on the second floor, and tea was immediately served.

The tea was brewed, and there came a knock on the door.

"Young Master Xiao, it’s indeed you."

Ye Yihai cupped his hands: "I left in a hurry that day and didn’t have the chance to thank Young Master Xiao for saving my life."

"No need, Mr. Ye. Today I’m intruding a lot; I hope you don’t mind."

"Having Young Master Xiao visit truly graces my humble abode." Ye Yihai, being a Jianghu person, said straightforwardly without any pretense: "I wonder what guidance Young Master Xiao has come to offer."

"It’s not guidance; I have a request for Mr. Ye."

Chun Ning explained his idea.

"You’re looking for some guards?"

"Yes, with some skills and reliability."

Ye Yihai nodded, understanding what kind of talent Chun Ning sought.

"Here’s the plan: in three days, Young Master Xiao shall come to the bookstore to meet them."

"Thank you, Mr. Ye."

Walking out of Moyu Bookstore, Chun Ning still felt a bit dazed. Can you believe it? In the bustling streets of the Capital, where frail scholars frequently visit, lies the haven of the renowned Ye Yihai from the Jianghu?

On one side, it’s all poetry and literature, and on the other, unseen blades and swords—indeed, small concealment lies within the market, while grand concealment rests in the wilderness!

Three days later, Xiao Chunning met six young men, each looking bright and spirited, seemingly harmless to both humans and animals. For a moment, Xiao Chunning even wondered: Could they truly fight, kill, and gather intelligence?

"These three are my junior fellow apprentices, and these three my junior nephews." Xiao Yihai turned to them and said, "Young Master Xiao saved my life and wishes to hire some guards; you may talk to each other, and if both parties agree, you can discuss further. I have some matters to attend to, so I’ll excuse myself."

"Thank you, Mr. Ye." Chun Ning was deeply moved—Ye Yihai indeed exemplifies a Jianghu person, completely free from pettiness.