Chapter 37

"An innocent man bears no guilt, but one who possesses a precious jade is blamed..."

Just as Tang Long thanked Wang Lun, put away the gold, and was about to leave hastily, he suddenly heard a sigh from a nearby seat. A middle-aged scholar in his thirties or forties sighed, saying. When Wang Lun and the others entered the tavern, this man was lying on the table, sound asleep as if drunk, and since the tables were quite far apart, no one paid much attention to him at the time.

Hearing his sigh, which seemed to carry hidden meanings, the four of them were all startled, wondering if this man had overheard their conversation. Wang Lun, confident that their previous talk had not revealed any secrets, was not panicked. However, Tang Long could no longer hold back and rushed to the man’s table, asking, "Scholar, speak clearly!"

The middle-aged scholar did not answer immediately but stared at Tang Long for a while before saying, "Is Xu Jiaoshi, the instructor of the Golden Lance Corps, your brother?"

Tang Long, unsure of the man’s intentions, replied, "Yes, what do you want to know?"

The scholar shook his head and, seeing that the three of them were all looking at him, got up and walked over to sit at Wang Lun’s table. Tang Long followed.

As soon as the scholar sat down, he said, "I have long heard that Hebei and Shandong are home to many generous and righteous people. For this gentleman to spend a hundred gold coins in a single gesture is indeed rare!"

Wang Lun looked at the scholar and smiled, "Helping a friend is a matter of the heart. Those with money should contribute money, and those with strength should contribute strength. One should not measure righteousness by the amount of money spent."

The scholar laughed heartily and said, "I spoke out of turn!" Then he apologized to Wang Lun and the others, "I just woke up and happened to overhear your conversation. I was moved by it and disturbed you, for which I apologize!"

Wang Lun bowed in return, "No problem! Meeting is a form of destiny. Since we have met today, let’s share a drink!"

The scholar chuckled, clinked his cup with Wang Lun’s, and drank the wine in one gulp. After the drink, Wang Lun brought up the topic, "Why did you sigh just now?"

The scholar looked at Tang Long and said, "Does your brother have a family heirloom?"

Tang Long was startled and blurted out, "The Tangni Armor!?"

Wang Lun, realizing the situation, asked the scholar, "Could it be that Gao Qiu has his eye on the Xu family’s armor?"

The scholar shook his head and said, "He is just taking the blame for someone else. There’s no need to go into details. However, Xu Jiaoshi is not in danger of losing his life. The Kaifeng Prefecture will not sentence him to death!"

Tang Long hurriedly asked, "Why is that?"

The scholar slowly explained, "Disregarding the law and disrespecting superiors—what kind of crime is that? If judged harshly, he could be executed according to military law. If judged leniently, he could be beaten and the case closed. This is clearly a flexible charge. If Gao Taiwei really wanted to sentence Xu Jiaoshi to death, he would not leave such a big loophole. He would at least put in the effort to frame him like he did with Lin Jiaoshi. Besides, his previous attempt to harm Lin Jiaoshi failed, and now sending him to the Kaifeng Prefecture, he risks the case being dismissed due to lack of evidence, and Xu Jiaoshi being exiled to a military state."

Hearing the scholar’s convoluted explanation, Tang Long became more and more confused and urged the scholar to continue. The scholar chuckled and said, "For a military officer like Xu Jiaoshi to be sentenced to death, the judgment must be reviewed by the emperor after being approved by the Three Yards and the Kaifeng Prefecture. If Gao Taiwei really wanted to sentence Xu Jiaoshi to death, causing a stir in the city and drawing the emperor’s attention, it would not be in his best interest. Therefore, he will set a charge that can be big or small, which will not attract much attention. Even if the Kaifeng Prefecture reduces the sentence to exile and confiscation of property, Gao Taiwei’s goal will be achieved!"

Tang Long was still puzzled and asked, "Why does Gao Qiu still use the Kaifeng Prefecture? Can’t he just sentence my brother through the Three Yards?"

The scholar shook his head and said, "No one wants to take the blame for others. The one who wants to harm your brother is not Gao Qiu!"

Tang Long finally understood. His face turned pale, and he bowed to the scholar, "I beg you to save my brother!"

The scholar helped him up and said, "Follow the advice of this gentleman and find Sun Fuer. He and Gao Qiu do not get along. His daughter is a concubine of Cai Jing’s grandson and is very favored. Gao Qiu’s power is not yet solid, and he cannot do much to Sun Ding. Moreover, Gao Qiu does not intend to harm your brother’s life. His goal is the armor he was entrusted to obtain. Go and smooth things over as soon as possible to reduce your brother’s suffering!"

Tang Long was overjoyed and bowed to the man, "I wish to know your name, sir!"

The scholar waved his hand, "It’s a small matter, not worth mentioning!"

Tang Long insisted, and the scholar, unable to avoid it, finally said, "My surname is Wen. Go, brave man!"

Wang Lun, sitting nearby, listened to the scholar’s detailed account of the political intrigue in Dongjing and his clear understanding of Gao Qiu’s plot against Xu Ning. Hearing that he was surnamed Wen, a name came to mind.

"Thank you, sirs, for your help. I will thank my brother on your behalf!" Tang Long bowed deeply to Wang Lun and the scholar.

Both of them got up and returned the bow. Wang Lun asked Zhang San to accompany Tang Long to the Kaifeng Prefecture, as he was familiar with the area and could help with the matter.

After thanking them, Tang Long left with Zhang San. Wang Lun refilled the scholar’s cup and said, "I heard that outside Dongjing City, in Anren Village, there is a scholar named Wen Huanzhang, who is well-versed in military strategy and has close ties with many high-ranking officials. Sir, are you not afraid that Gao Qiu will blame you for revealing his secrets?"

The scholar, seeing that Wang Lun had guessed his identity, looked at him curiously for a while and then smiled, "I didn’t expect anyone to recognize me!"

Wang Lun smiled and said, "Do you remember, over ten years ago, a man known as the Four-legged Snake performed on the street and became friends with you? Now he is the Governor of Shangdang and often speaks highly of your talents and wisdom. I have heard so much about you that I remember you well."

Wen Huanzhang slapped his forehead and said, "It’s him!" Then he sighed, "Even in poverty, old friends do not forget each other! I have lived outside Dongjing for over a decade and almost forgot this old friend, but he still remembers me!"

Seeing Wen Huanzhang’s sigh, Wang Lun could understand his loneliness. This man, despite his talents, had never been recognized. He was not from Dongjing and had wandered as a young man. In the past decade, he had lived outside Dongjing and had many connections with high-ranking officials, but was often envied and suppressed. After over a decade, he remained a commoner. Later, when Gao Qiu sent troops to Liangshan, Xu Jing, the Governor of Shangdang, recommended him to Gao Qiu, but Gao Qiu did not value him. After the military defeat, he returned to seclusion.

Thinking about this, Wang Lun had an idea and said, "As the saying goes, a tree dies when moved, but a person thrives when moved. Have you ever thought about changing your environment?"

Wen Huanzhang smiled and stared into Wang Lun’s eyes, "Are you trying to recruit me?"

Wang Lun laughed, "Did I show any signs?"

Wen Huanzhang also laughed, "I wandered as a young man and have seen many people. The hero behind you is not like a common bodyguard hired by a wealthy family. He has likely shed blood. Your skills are impressive for a young man. You and Xu Ning are strangers, yet you are willing to go to great lengths to save him, which is admirable. If I were ten years younger, I might have followed you with enthusiasm, but now I am old and my heart is calm."

Wang Lun smiled, "So you are determined to stay outside Dongjing, watching your distant future slip away?"

Wen Huanzhang did not speak, only gazing out the window at the leaves dancing in the wind, lost in thought.

Note: It’s another odd day, so I’m posting two updates as usual.

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