“Now that the General Who Guards the North is here, I suppose nothing major will happen today. That brat really is lucky—he gets to go home safely with his wife,” many people thought to themselves.
At that moment, Lin Feng’s gaze remained fixed on the middle-aged man. From what he had learned during his time in the army, the General Who Guards the North should be at the northern frontier, overseeing the entire situation and stabilizing military morale. Why would he suddenly appear in a small town like Yan Pass?
Lin Feng instinctively felt that something was off.
Young Master Liu Long was infuriated when he saw that Decurion Zhang backed down just after seeing a worn token and no longer laid a hand on Lin Feng and He Caiwei. He first shot a contemptuous glance at the middle-aged man, then sneered, “Decurion Zhang, it’s just a broken token.”
“What General Who Guards the North or General Who Guards the South? Those kinds of big shots would never come to a small place like Fengshui County. This man is definitely a fraud!”
The more Liu Long spoke, the more confident he felt, “If you ask me, even if the General Who Guards the North really came, I, Young Master Liu, wouldn’t be scared!”
At that moment, another voice rang out.
“In broad daylight, such vile acts happening in Fengshui County—this magistrate will not let it slide!”
A large group of officers and soldiers rushed in again, their footsteps loud and orderly.
County Magistrate Liu Hong led all the yamen runners under his jurisdiction to the scene. Their numbers far exceeded those under Decurion Zhang earlier.
Upon arrival, Liu Hong narrowed his eyes and saw his son Liu Long sitting on a bench, his right arm dangling, nearly touching the ground.
Liu Hong’s eyes turned cold. He asked angrily, “What happened?”
This was his only precious son, whom he doted on dearly. To have something like this happen in his jurisdiction, Liu Hong was instantly filled with murderous intent.
“Father, it was him—he’s the one who just hit me!” Liu Long had finally regained his senses, his eyes filled with hatred as he glared viciously at Lin Feng.
“Don’t worry, Long’er. Now that your father is here, the sky won’t fall!” Liu Hong patted his son reassuringly, then turned around, puffed out his chest, and in a righteous tone asked, “So, who is causing trouble today?”
At that moment, the servant who had snuck out earlier leapt forward, pointed at Lin Feng, and shouted loudly, “It was him! He’s the one who broke Young Master’s arm just now!”
“Young Master was merely concerned about whether that man’s wife had been sick or caught a cold recently. Who knows what madness possessed him—he just twisted Young Master’s arm and broke it!”
“Master, you must seek justice for Young Master!”
That servant clearly knew how to go with the wind. His tone was dramatic and vivid, clearly a man well-versed in such performances.
“So that’s what happened.” Liu Hong narrowed his eyes slightly, raised his hand, and pointed at Lin Feng, saying, “Men, seize him! We have both witness and testimony. Today, this magistrate must uphold justice in Fengshui County!”
Seeing how things were escalating, Decurion Zhang Tianlang didn’t dare stand by any longer. If this blew up, it wouldn’t end well. He quickly rushed to County Magistrate Liu Hong’s side and whispered, “My Lord, please reconsider! That man is under the protection of the General Who Guards the North. If things really blow up and the Ministry of Personnel gets involved, it won’t bode well for your reputation or your position.”
Hearing this, Liu Hong’s expression instantly changed.
With Zhang Tianlang’s reminder, he hurried over to the middle-aged man, bent down, and greeted respectfully, “This humble official Liu Hong, County Magistrate of Fengshui County, greets the General Who Guards the North.”
“I was unaware of your arrival, General. It was my negligence. Please allow me to offer my respects.”
Seeing that the General Who Guards the North—none other than the famed Yan Nantian—did not respond, Liu Hong kept smiling and turned around to subtly gesture at the yamen runners who had almost acted against Lin Feng.
Seeing this, the yamen runners had no choice but to step back.
Liu Hong spread his arms and walked up to Lin Feng and his son Liu Long with a beaming smile, saying, “This whole matter is just a misunderstanding—like floodwaters bursting into the Dragon King’s Temple, family failing to recognize family.”
“My precious son was just concerned about your wife’s health. You were simply too protective of your wife and acted a bit harshly.”
“Now that I understand the matter as the magistrate, I can say no one truly owes anyone. Let’s just resolve this peacefully, no need to escalate it.”
Just as Liu Hong thought this would help him curry favor with the General Who Guards the North, Yan Nantian suddenly sneered and said, “In broad daylight, under the heavens, Magistrate Liu’s ability to twist truth and falsehood truly opens my eyes today.”
The moment those words were spoken, Liu Hong’s face went pale. He hurriedly said, “General, you flatter me too much. I dare not!”
Liu Hong looked terrified, hunched over with his head down, his submissiveness on full display.
“May I invite the General to the county office so that I may fulfill the duties of a host? I assure you, the General will be satisfied.”
At this point, Liu Hong truly believed that the General’s displeasure wasn’t solely because of what his son did to Lin Feng, but more likely because he hadn’t shown enough respect.
Naturally, he was now determined to make amends and salvage the situation.
If he could cling to the General Who Guards the North, perhaps he still had a chance to rise higher.
“Oh? Is that so?”
“Your fine son just said even if I came in person, he wouldn’t be afraid.”
Yan Nantian took a step forward. The imposing pressure of someone in a high position instantly enveloped Liu Hong.
Liu Hong turned even paler and trembled violently. He quickly lowered his head and forced himself to say, “General, this humble official’s hospitality will surely please you.”
By now, Liu Hong was clearly prepared to give up everything he had to make amends.
As for Liu Hong’s many schemes, Yan Nantian couldn’t be bothered. He let out a cold snort.
A mere 7th-rank county magistrate—Yan Nantian had never taken such a person seriously.
Walking up to Lin Feng, his gaze briefly rested on He Caiwei’s heterochromatic eyes. Though surprised for a moment, the emotion vanished quickly.
He was already over fifty and had seen such traits before. All those superstitions about heterochromia being ominous were nothing more than rumors spread by those with ulterior motives—hardly worth mentioning.
Instead, his gaze grew more intrigued as it fell on Lin Feng.
Lin Feng was the real reason he had stepped in earlier.
Though Yan Nantian didn’t mind He Caiwei’s heterochromia, that didn’t mean others could be as indifferent.
“Heterochromia?” Ye Kai’s heart stirred when he saw He Caiwei.
For a brief moment, he was stunned by her beauty. But only briefly—he quickly recovered.
He Caiwei was beautiful, but not to the level of causing the fall of nations or being a femme fatale.
“Many thanks to the General for today’s help,” Lin Feng cupped his hands and said.
Regardless of Yan Nantian’s reasons for coming to Yan Pass, his help was genuine, and Lin Feng’s gratitude was warranted.
“My wife and I will never forget the General’s kindness today,” He Caiwei also bowed slightly, respectful and courteous.
Yan Nantian waved his hand and smiled, “With your strength, little brother, dealing with that group of trash would’ve been a piece of cake. Even if I hadn’t stepped in, you and your wife would’ve been just fine.”
Hearing this, Decurion Zhang Tianlang and the county soldiers nearby all flushed with embarrassment, wishing they could crawl into a hole.