Chapter 63

The two family guards of the Murong family, along with Ajū and Abì, and Wang Yuyan, were all so anxious that their faces turned red. Although the Murong family had a high status, they could not afford to provoke the imperial court! In private, they might plot to restore their kingdom and engage in clandestine activities, but on the surface, they maintained a respectful distance from the court, never daring to provoke it in the slightest.

Otherwise, if the army were to besiege them, not only would their plans to restore the kingdom be ruined, but they would also risk becoming homeless and facing the danger of family destruction and death.

Bao Bùtóng never imagined that his loose tongue would provoke such a corrupt official as Chen Áng, who seemed to be ready to frame them with false charges, even to the point of exterminating their clan.

Master Zhiguang clasped his hands together and spoke up for justice: "Sir, you are exaggerating. Although this Bao Sir has formidable palm strength, it is far from matching the might of the Beggar Sect's Dragon Subduing Palm. Please think carefully, sir."

"Then, Master, do you mean it was the Beggar Sect who did it?" Chen Áng asked with a smile.

Master Zhiguang hurried to explain: "I did not mean that. The members of the Beggar Sect are well-versed in national affairs and are patriotic heroes. They have earned their merits for the Song Dynasty by risking their lives on the battlefield. They would never do such a thing."

"That's right. The Beggar Sect would never do such a thing. Someone must take responsibility. I see that this Xianbei remnant has a rebellious bone in his back and is certainly not a good person. Since he claims to be a descendant of the Later Yan emperor, he must have plans to restore the kingdom and commit treason. Killing him would not be a bad thing."

Chen Áng said with a sense of righteousness: "This way, I can give an account to the court, and the Beggar Sect's loyalty can be preserved. Isn't that wonderful?"

Most of the Beggar Sect members had no good feelings toward the Xianbei Hu Zhong and were angry that Murong Fu had caused Jiao Feng to resign as the leader. More than half of them suspected that Murong Fu had killed Ma Dayuan. Seeing the Murong family take the blame for them, most of the group showed signs of joy. Only the two elders who were deeply loyal to Jiao Feng were unwilling.

The elder in charge of passing on skills spoke up: "This is not only a matter for the court but also a major issue for the Beggar Sect. The Beggar Sect is willing to catch the real culprit and seek justice for Lord Cai, and also to investigate who stole the Dragon Subduing Palm." He saw some of the beggars showing disagreement and sternly shouted.

"Our Beggar Sect is straightforward. How can we let others take the blame for us? When Jiao Feng was the leader, how many grievances and tests did he endure? Did you ever see him frown? We cannot deceive the world! If someone frames us today and the Murong family takes the blame, what will happen if he uses the same trick tomorrow?"

His words were righteous and made a lot of sense. Even those who were dissatisfied with the Murong family had to suppress their feelings. Only Xu Elder and Quan Guanqing were meek and submissive.

Xu Elder tried to smooth things over, and Quan Guanqing said frankly: "Sir, what you said is correct. The Murong family's Duanzhu Xingyi is incredibly skillful. If someone can die from their techniques, it shows they are proficient in various martial arts. If someone commits a crime using this method, they are the most likely suspects."

Chen Áng waved his hand and laughed: "I am just giving you a suggestion. The Murong family has long violated the law and committed treason. I came here partly because of their plans to restore the kingdom. Their extermination is imminent. I thought one more charge wouldn't matter. Since you are unwilling, I am happy to be at ease."

The Beggar Sect had never seen such a 'frank' official who could frame someone so confidently. For a moment, they were speechless, and many even thought Chen Áng was doing a good job.

On the other side, Wang Yuyan and the others were already pale with fear. She said anxiously: "You are lying. My cousin would never do such a thing."

Chen Áng sneered: "Don't you know if he would do such a thing?"

Wang Yuyan recalled her cousin's 'great cause' and his grand ambitions and was momentarily speechless.

The people present were all experienced and shrewd. Seeing the expression on her face, they believed her to some extent. Master Zhiguang clasped his hands together and recited a Buddhist chant, and the Murong family members were subtly excluded.

Only Duan Yu, the naive young man, was still anxiously circling around Wang Yuyan.

Bao Bùtóng was extremely anxious: "You corrupt official, your mouth stinks! Full of nonsense! With your ability to twist the truth, you can say anything. You have no evidence, just empty words. How can the Murong family admit to it?"

"Ha ha!" Chen Áng laughed loudly: "Does the court need evidence to handle matters?"

"Naive!"

Chen Áng said heavily.

The people present did not know what to say. They had no position or need to speak for the Murong family, but Chen Áng's attitude of being the law made them frown.

Only Duan Yu, seeing Wang Yuyan's frightened tears about to fall, stepped forward with concern: "Brother, what you say is not right. Everything must be based on evidence. Matters without evidence cannot be done."

The people looked at his fair face and aristocratic appearance and secretly laughed, preparing to see him make a fool of himself. But Chen Áng suddenly changed his expression and replied kindly: "Since the prince requires it, of course, we must present evidence."

Everyone was shocked and did not understand why Chen Áng's attitude had changed so much. He had just been an official, but now he was kind to the young man.

Duan Yu was also surprised: "Do you know my identity?"

"大理 is a friendly neighbor of the Song Dynasty, and the two countries are like brothers. You, young brother, are the prince of 大理, a distinguished guest from a friendly country! This matter must be based on evidence to avoid shocking the friendly country," Chen Áng said kindly.

The people present were all frustrated. Some of the Beggar Sect disciples showed anger and cursed in their hearts: "Shocking the friendly country! Such servility is truly the court, the court! Twisting the truth internally and causing public resentment, you are not afraid, but a sentence of shocking the friendly country makes you present evidence."

Chen Áng turned his head and saw Huang Shang nodding in agreement, which made him feel amused, but he continued to act as a loyal servant of the court. He signaled to Huang Shang, who then revealed a pile of miscellaneous items from behind.

Bao Bùtóng saw this and could no longer maintain his composure, looking at the small flags and symbols on the ground with fear.

"Yunzhou Qin Family Fort, Taihang Eighteen Forts, Wan Family Fort, look, is anything missing?" Chen Áng smiled: "Are you surprised how the Yan flag was exposed? The Murong family widely recruits outlaws, issues the 'Black Yan Flag Order,' and those who receive it must follow the Murong family's commands to assist in the future restoration of the kingdom."

Chen Áng coldly snorted: "I have both witnesses and evidence. You cannot deny it."

The people present looked at the ground and indeed saw weapons and flags marked with the Yan symbol, all made of black silk, exquisitely beautiful and darkly shining. Some keen-eyed people recognized that this was the special silk from the Murong family's workshop in Suzhou, which outsiders could not easily replicate.

Bao Bùtóng was drenched in cold sweat and forced himself to be stubborn: "Not so, not so! Our Murong family is in business. This fabric can be bought by anyone. How can it be used as evidence?"

The people already believed it to be true and would not allow him to argue. Wu Elder, the most resolute, was grateful for Jiao Feng's kindness and admired his character, and was furious with the Murong family for causing Jiao Feng to leave. He shouted sternly: "Xianbei remnant, the evidence is clear, how can you argue?"

Chen Áng smiled: "I have more evidence!"

Everyone was shocked: "What evidence?"

Chen Áng coldly said four words: "Huan Shi Shui Ge!"

These words were like a thunderbolt, striking the Murong family. Wang Yuyan's face turned even paler.

Chen Áng coldly asked Master Zhiguang: "You once said that the Liao people's attempt to steal the Shaolin Temple's scripture hall was a threat to the Song Dynasty. If someone steals the secret manuals of the entire martial arts world, is that not a plot?"

Master Zhiguang recited a Buddhist chant: "Misfortune, all misfortune!"

"Indeed, misfortune. We will discuss your matter later! The Huan Shi Shui Ge of the Murong family contains eighty percent of the martial arts manuals from all the sects in the world. How did they obtain them, and what are their intentions? Is this not evidence?"

The people present, hearing that their martial arts secrets had been leaked, were indignant and shouted in unison: "Of course, stealing others' martial arts is the most despicable, indeed a plot."

Bao Bùtóng, seeing the Beggar Sect and martial arts world people shouting in the apricot grove, knew that the situation was hopeless. He carefully protected Wang Yuyan, Ajū, and Abì, and retreated. Feng Bo'e also guarded them. However, the indignant Beggar Sect disciples surrounded them, and even Duan Yu, who was jumping with anxiety, could do nothing.

"I have a third piece of evidence!" Chen Áng said loudly, seeing everyone's eyes on him. He smiled and turned to Master Zhiguang: "This is a shocking conspiracy that has lasted for decades. You discovered the Murong family's dirty deeds over ten years ago, didn't you, Master? Outside the Yanmen Pass, who were the accomplices, and under the spirits of the wronged, have you slept well these past few years?"

Master Zhiguang's face turned pale, and he lowered his eyes: "I have not slept for decades. Every time I close my eyes, I see that tragedy! I only wish to use my remaining life to resolve this karma."

"I don't think so. A few wronged spirits cannot compare to the thousand-year reputation of Shaolin. Which temple does not have wronged spirits? Master, you have considered it very carefully," Chen Áng said with a smile.