Chapter 4

"Then it's settled."

With a wave of his hand, the four soldiers who were restraining Instructor Zhang immediately stepped back. Gao Fangping said, "Old Instructor Zhang, although the matter was not my intention, a soldier did indeed die at your hands. Do you admit this?"

The body was there, and there was no denying it. Although the death of the soldier was suspicious and definitely due to Lu Qian's secret machinations, during the fight, the soldier had tried to avoid the iron rod, but Lu Qian had secretly pushed him from behind, causing his death. However, how could such a situation be clarified? Thinking about this, Instructor Zhang, with tears streaming down his face, nodded.

Gao Fangping turned to Lu Qian and scolded, "What are you doing, Lu Qian! I asked you to bring people to seek guidance from Old Instructor Zhang and to be careful, not to use real weapons. What did you do with my instructions?"

Seeing that he could not stop the young master's decision, Lu Qian had no choice but to kneel and say, "I was careless, and an accident happened during the sparring with Old Instructor Zhang. As a superior, I cannot escape responsibility. Please punish me, Young Master!"

Seeing the situation, Xu Ning, though he found it distasteful, could only accept it as the best outcome. He said, "Young Master, there's no need to blame yourself too much. As military men, it's not uncommon for accidents to happen during sparring. I'm sure everyone can understand. It's just a pity for the soldier who died unexpectedly. I wonder what his family thinks?"

Mentioning the soldier's family, Lu Qian's face turned cold, and he gripped the hilt of his sword as he walked out, saying, "Young Master, rest assured. I will immediately go to comfort the family of my subordinate."

Gao Fangping shouted, "Come back! This matter doesn't need your involvement."

"Yes, Young Master." Lu Qian had no choice but to wait by his side.

Gao Fangping then shouted to the military leader outside, "Have the constables from the Prefecture arrived?"

"Reporting to Young Master, three of them arrived earlier but were intimidated by our imposing presence and only two stayed to observe from a distance. One of them seems to have gone to seek someone with authority," the military leader outside replied.

"Do not make things difficult for them. Invite them in to investigate and tell them that a death occurred here, but it was an accident," Gao Fangping said, then turned to Lin Nangzi's father and said, "Old Instructor Zhang, although Lu Qian may have been too aggressive, you did resist the soldiers, and a death did occur. By law and by reason, you must go to the Prefecture to face the consequences. With everyone as witnesses, it will be considered an accidental injury, and it shouldn't be too severe. Whether you will be exiled or not, I am illiterate and don't understand, but I will do my best to smooth things over. The matter has already happened, so don't think too much about it. That's all."

After saying this, he left with Xu Ning and a group of lackeys.

Their testimony to the Prefecture would be enough. As a spoiled young man, Gao Fangping did not want to go to the Prefecture's hall...

Turning to the alley entrance, Gao Fangping's scalp tingled as a large group of constables surrounded a carriage and approached.

New to the area, Gao Fangping couldn't quite understand the banners and emblems, so he asked a nearby lackey, "Who is that up ahead?"

This lackey, to boost the young master's prestige, puffed out his chest and loudly said, "It's just the old man Zhang Shunye from the Prefecture. No need to worry... Ow!"

Before he could finish, Gao Fangping slapped him on the head.

Today, he had learned what it meant to be flattered to death and what it meant to be intellectually bankrupt. This was how a spoiled young man was forged, step by step, into a dead end.

The Prefecture's chief, a respected civil official and a key minister of the court, the first major official under the emperor, these people were not to be taken lightly. Gao Fangping was very disheartened.

In no time, the Prefecture's convoy was close.

The proper etiquette must be observed. Gao Fangping quickly led his people to the side, bowed his head, and remained silent.

Didn't you see the words "Silence" and "Yield" on their banners?

The constables, seeing the young master's behavior, breathed a sigh of relief and secretly thought that this young man was finally showing some sense.

The carriage stopped in front of him, and the curtain was lifted, revealing a square-faced scholar with a dignified and elegant appearance, about forty years old, with a neatly trimmed beard. It was Zhang Shunye.

"Student Gao Fangping, I pay my respects to the Prefecture's chief," Gao Fangping said, not knowing why he was in charge of the Prefecture, but he followed the etiquette as seen on TV.

Despite some dissatisfaction, Zhang Shunye was somewhat pleased with the young man's current sense of propriety. He said coolly, "That's too much. I am not of your ilk, and I certainly don't have a student like you. I only ask that you give the Prefecture some face and refrain from causing trouble in this important capital. I would be most grateful."

With that, he lowered the curtain and drove away.

Gao Fangping felt depressed. The reputation of his predecessor was so bad that if he wanted to enter the ranks of the literati and be called out at the Donghua Gate, he would have to pass through Zhang Shunye, who was a tough hurdle.

Calling himself a "student" was a small trick. If he wanted to be considered a scholar, he would have to go through the local and provincial exams, which were overseen by the Prefecture's chief, making him a nominal student of Zhang Shunye. However, Zhang Shunye, being so clever, said, "You are not my student," a double entendre that subtly blocked the path of the spoiled young man.

Zhang Shunye's message was clear: cause less trouble and avoid embarrassing the Prefecture and the Palace Guard, and that would be a contribution.

His corrupt father had already pointed out last night that the old foxes in the court did not want the Gao family to produce talented people. Instead, they could accept a spoiled young man as long as he didn't rebel. This was why, despite the bad reputation of the Lin Chong incident, none of the ministers in the court had questioned Gao Qiu.

Coming to Bianjing, if he only wanted to be a spoiled young man, it wouldn't be bad, but it wasn't what he truly wanted. He wanted much, much more!

Thinking about this, Gao Fangping continued to act the part of a spoiled young man, walking through the market with a group of lackeys, and people made way for him even without the imposing presence of the Gao family's banner.

"Young Master."

He encountered a young woman from a commoner's family, who approached with a strange smile.

The lackeys seemed to recognize her and, understanding the situation, formed a circle around the young master and the young woman, blocking the view of passersby.

Gao Fangping, feeling awkward, said, "Do I know you?"

The young woman, blushing slightly, whispered, "Young Master, you haven't come to meet me recently. Why is that?"

"Um... I've been busy lately, ordering some soy sauce to pick up," Gao Fangping said, feeling a bit dizzy.

"Young Master, come over tonight. My husband, after your lesson, has become more relaxed about it," the young woman said, tugging at Gao Fangping's clothes.

Oh no!

Gao Fangping tried to shake off her hand and run away.

Seeing that the young master was no longer interested, but she still clung to him, one of the eager lackeys, angry, kicked her in the waist. She winced in pain, fell to the ground, and tears welled up in her eyes, but she still clung to Gao Fangping's clothes.

The lackey, seeing this, was about to strike her with a wooden stick but felt a sharp pain in the back of his head.

No need to ask, it was another slap from the young master. The young master was about to act cool again, so the lackey, holding his head, obediently stepped back.

Gao Fangping helped her up and, with a stiff face, asked, "Do you want some medical expenses? I find it hard to apologize."

The young woman, pale with fear, stammered, "I would never dare to blame Young Master. I'm not trying to纠缠 (entangle) you, but... but my husband is ill and can only lie in bed helplessly. So please come tonight."

"Damn! Do you want to kill him with a shock? Don't drag me into such a despicable act. Do it yourself, and I won't report it," Gao Fangping said, trying to run away again.

The young woman burst into tears, "Since Young Master hasn't come these past days, my family has lost a source of income. My father-in-law is ill, and my husband is ill. They both need money for medicine."

Gao Fangping was speechless. He asked the lackeys for a bag of copper coins, which was quite heavy, probably more than a guan, and handed it to her. Then, with a black face, he left without a word.

He couldn't say he was angry or amused, but such a ridiculous situation had indeed happened.

Xu Ning, who had been silent, watched this scene with interest. Then, he became alert and looked around the crowd, but saw nothing.

"I feel as if someone is watching the young master. Lord Gao must have a reason for sending me here," Xu Ning muttered to himself.

After Xu Ning turned and followed Gao Fangping, a pair of beautiful eyes in the crowd continued to watch...

Finally home, he felt a sense of security.

Xu Ning, not wanting to stay with such a poorly reputed young man, bowed and said, "I have completed Lord Gao's task. Young Master, I will take my leave."

Gao Fangping called out, "Do you have any interest in taking a position in my Gao family?"

Xu Ning was taken aback, frowned, and found it difficult to answer.

To be honest, the position of a drill instructor was low, not an official post, and the salary was average. It had no future and no extra benefits, not even as good as a captain. Gao Yanniang's suggestion was a good one, a promotion, but... looking at the young man again, he felt that the Gao family's affairs were complicated, and getting involved could bring unpredictable consequences.

"Have you heard that Drill Instructor Xu has a family heirloom armor, impervious to blades and arrows? Is that true?" Gao Fangping suddenly asked.

This was a sensitive topic for Xu Ning, his most cherished possession. Hearing the young master mention it, his face changed, and he was shocked, "How did you know, Young Master?"

Gao Fangping said, "Desiring treasures is a natural human trait, especially for those who can obtain such high-level treasures. I have no interest in weapons and would never rob you. However... I cannot guarantee that Commander Bu or Commander Ma won't covet it. Drill Instructor Xu, you understand the saying 'to possess a treasure is to invite disaster,' right?"

Xu Ning broke out in a cold sweat, "Everyone understands that. The commanders of the Imperial Guards and the Cavalry are martial men who value treasures as much as their lives. This..."

Gao Fangping smiled and said, "I won't force you, but I can read faces. I predict that Drill Instructor Xu will eventually face a great disaster because of this family heirloom that you dare not show."

---

Finally home, he felt a sense of security.

Xu Ning, not wanting to stay with such a poorly reputed young man, bowed and said, "I have completed Lord Gao's task. Young Master, I will take my leave."

Gao Fangping called out, "Do you have any interest in taking a position in my Gao family?"

Xu Ning was taken aback, frowned, and found it difficult to answer.

To be honest, the position of a drill instructor was low, not an official post, and the salary was average. It had no future and no extra benefits, not even as good as a captain. Gao Yanniang's suggestion was a good one, a promotion, but... looking at the young man again, he felt that the Gao family's affairs were complicated, and getting involved could bring unpredictable consequences.

"Have you heard that Drill Instructor Xu has a family heirloom armor, impervious to blades and arrows? Is that true?" Gao Fangping suddenly asked.

This was a sensitive topic for Xu Ning, his most cherished possession. Hearing the young master mention it, his face changed, and he was shocked, "How did you know, Young Master?"

Gao Fangping said, "Desiring treasures is a natural human trait, especially for those who can obtain such high-level treasures. I have no interest in weapons and would never rob you. However... I cannot guarantee that Commander Bu or Commander Ma won't covet it. Drill Instructor Xu, you understand the saying 'to possess a treasure is to invite disaster,' right?"

Xu Ning broke out in a cold sweat, "Everyone understands that. The commanders of the Imperial Guards and the Cavalry are martial men who value treasures as much as their lives. This..."

Gao Fangping smiled and said, "I won't force you, but I can read faces. I predict that Drill Instructor Xu will eventually face a great disaster because of this family heirloom that you dare not show."

---

Finally home, he felt a sense of security.

Xu Ning, not wanting to stay with such a poorly reputed young man, bowed and said, "I have completed Lord Gao's task. Young Master, I will take my leave."

Gao Fangping called out, "Do you have any interest in taking a position in my Gao family?"

Xu Ning was taken aback, frowned, and found it difficult to answer.

To be honest, the position of a drill instructor was low, not an official post, and the salary was average. It had no future and no extra benefits, not even as good as a captain. Gao Yanniang's suggestion was a good one, a promotion, but... looking at the young man again, he felt that the Gao family's affairs were complicated, and getting involved could bring unpredictable consequences.

"Have you heard that Drill Instructor Xu has a family heirloom armor, impervious to blades and arrows? Is that true?" Gao Fangping suddenly asked.

This was a sensitive topic for Xu Ning, his most cherished possession. Hearing the young master mention it, his face changed, and he was shocked, "How did you know, Young Master?"

Gao Fangping said, "Desiring treasures is a natural human trait, especially for those who can obtain such high-level treasures. I have no interest in weapons and would never rob you. However... I cannot guarantee that Commander Bu or Commander Ma won't covet it. Drill Instructor Xu, you understand the saying 'to possess a treasure is to invite disaster,' right?"

Xu Ning broke out in a cold sweat, "Everyone understands that. The commanders of the Imperial Guards and the Cavalry are martial men who value treasures as much as their lives. This..."

Gao Fangping smiled and said, "I won't force you, but I can read faces. I predict that Drill Instructor Xu will eventually face a great disaster because of this family heirloom that you dare not show."

---

Finally home, he felt a sense of security.

Xu Ning, not wanting to stay with such a poorly reputed young man, bowed and said, "I have completed Lord Gao's task. Young Master, I will take my leave."

Gao Fangping called out, "Do you have any interest in taking a position in my Gao family?"

Xu Ning was taken aback, frowned, and found it difficult to answer.

To be honest, the position of a drill instructor was low, not an official post, and the salary was average. It had no future and no extra benefits, not even as good as a captain. Gao Yanniang's suggestion was a good one, a promotion, but... looking at the young man again, he felt that the Gao family's affairs were complicated, and getting involved could bring unpredictable consequences.

"Have you heard that Drill Instructor Xu has a family heirloom armor, impervious to blades and arrows? Is that true?" Gao Fangping suddenly asked.

This was a sensitive topic for Xu Ning, his most cherished possession. Hearing the young master mention it, his face changed, and he was shocked, "How did you know, Young Master?"

Gao Fangping said, "Desiring treasures is a natural human trait, especially for those who can obtain such high-level treasures. I have no interest in weapons and would never rob you. However... I cannot guarantee that Commander Bu or Commander Ma won't covet it. Drill Instructor Xu, you understand the saying 'to possess a treasure is to invite disaster,' right?"

Xu Ning broke out in a cold sweat, "Everyone understands that. The commanders of the Imperial Guards and the Cavalry are martial men who value treasures as much as their lives. This..."

Gao Fangping smiled and said, "I won't force you, but I can read faces. I predict that Drill Instructor Xu will eventually face a great disaster because of this family heirloom that you dare not show."

---

Finally home, he felt a sense of security.

Xu Ning, not wanting to stay with such a poorly reputed young man, bowed and said, "I have completed Lord Gao's task. Young Master, I will take my leave."

Gao Fangping called out, "Do you have any interest in taking a position in my Gao family?"

Xu Ning was taken aback, frowned, and found it difficult to answer.

To be honest, the position of a drill instructor was low, not an official post, and the