Chapter 299: Only Men Understand Men! (Request Subscription, Request)

Fang Qian had never before gone out on official business, and upon arriving in Shanghe City, he saw that it was well-governed.

He was not wearing his official robe; he was genuinely assessing Lin Lin Yue'e's achievements.

He visited residents of different districts and social statuses—all without exception praised Lin Lin Yue'e.

Since Lin Lin Yue'e came to Shanghe City, its public security had improved unprecedentedly.

No one needed to fear conflicts between cultivators causing regional chaos.

Even disciples from nearby sects came to apply for local positions; now that these positions were official, they fell under their jurisdiction, and they naturally patrolled diligently.

Now they actively hoped for trouble, so they could earn merit points and exchange them for cultivation resources, while also solving employment issues for idle cultivators.

Fang Qian worked diligently, recording every detail.

Finally, he arrived at the Wei family, a newly relocated commercial clan in Shanghe City.

The mistress of the Wei family was very young and beautiful, named Wei Wei Manying.

Even Fang Qian, an easygoing destiny-born cultivator, felt his spirits lift.

All men admire beauty; from the first glance, Fang Qian developed a certain fondness for this beautiful woman.

She was young, and that was natural—Wei Wei Manying was the kind of woman who could win hearts with a single look.

But Fang Qian's main purpose here was to ask Wei Wei Manying and the Wei family whether they had encountered any injustice since moving to Shanghe City, to better understand their situation—after all, Wei Wei Manying appeared unmarried.

Upon learning Fang Qian was an official from the imperial capital, Wei Wei Manying was alarmed—after all, she was a remnant of the fallen dynasty—but when she heard his mission was to evaluate officials, she relaxed considerably and spoke at length with him.

She spoke of Shanghe City's changes, of Lin Lin Yue'e's capable governance, and even of her own future plans.

She pretended to be a genuine merchant clan, not here with hidden motives.

At least she must not let this official from the Ministry of Personnel suspect anything.

Fang Qian listened carefully, nodding occasionally; his evaluation of Lin Lin Yue'e rose another notch.

Just then, Xiao Ming, a senior official from the Ministry of Justice, arrived.

Xiao Ming was Wei Wei Manying's suitor, spending every free moment here.

He entered and saw his goddess chatting with another man—immediately feeling betrayed, he flew into a rage and intended to throw Fang Qian out.

He wore the look of a man guarding his food, without hesitation, ready to shove Fang Qian out.

But Fang Qian's cultivation was at the late stage of the Six Harmonies Realm; Xiao Ming was only at the early stage—he was instead repelled by Fang Qian's aura.

Xiao Ming was slightly startled, then immediately displayed his rank as Ministry of Justice Senior Official, hoping to intimidate Fang Qian.

But Fang Qian also produced his official token, revealing himself as a covert inspector from the Ministry of Personnel.

Xiao Ming sneered: "I thought you were some high-ranking official—turns out you're nothing special."

Xiao Ming was used to arrogance and eager to show superiority before his goddess.

Fang Qian frowned: "You're a Senior Official of the Ministry of Justice—why aren't you investigating cases? What are you doing here?"

Xiao Ming sneered: "I'm carrying out imperial orders—what business is it of yours?"

They were from different departments, both imperial officials—neither could truly command the other.

Fang Qian replied coldly: "Fine. When I return, I'll report everything truthfully to the Minister."

Xiao Ming shot back: "Hmph, better make sure you have no criminal record yourself."

The two had now become enemies.

After leaving the Wei family estate, Fang Qian headed to his next destination: the Lin Chengjian Prefecture.

Lin Lin Yue'e was Shanghe City's Lin Chengjian, and his evaluation target.

When he saw Lin Lin Yue'e, Fang Qian was also surprised.

This woman was not only beautiful but also efficient, radiating the aura of a senior official—clearly seasoned in court politics.

What surprised him more was that she was nearly his own age.

It seemed the May Tian Ce Dynasty truly had no shortage of talent.

Of course, in his view, talent did not include Xiao Ming.

After returning, he would definitely investigate Xiao Ming.

Next came the standard inspection: reviewing documents, checking whether Lin Lin Yue'e handled affairs properly—Fang Qian excelled at this.

Moreover, Lin Lin Yue'e had no excessive formalities—no banquets, no gifts.

This earned high praise from Fang Qian.

In his view, capable officials didn't need such things.

Just then, Xiao Ming arrived again.

There was no help for it—Xiao Ming pursued not only Wei Wei Manying but also Lin Lin Yue'e.

Xiao Ming was a "master of time management," popping up at Wei Wei Manying's place, then immediately appearing at Lin Lin Yue'e's.

Xiao Ming entered and saw Fang Qian again—he turned to Lin Lin Yue'e and said: "Lin Chengjian Lin, this man clearly uses official business as an excuse to get close to you. He pretends to be upright, but his intentions are foul."

As soon as he spoke, he didn't care what others thought—but his master's lingering soul-mind thought: Aren't you the one who approached Lin Lin Yue'e exactly like this? How dare you accuse others?

Fang Qian sneered: "Senior Xiao, watch your words. Everything requires evidence. You've repeatedly interfered with my duties—what are you trying to accomplish?"

After speaking, Fang Qian ignored him and turned to Lin Lin Yue'e: "Lin Chengjian Lin, let's continue; there are still details in the previous documents to verify."

Seeing this, Xiao Ming grew even angrier—he stepped directly before Fang Qian and growled: "You'd better be doing real work—put away your scheming!"

Last time, his beloved had been taken—by the Emperor himself—and he had been powerless to resist.

But Fang Qian held no high rank—how could Xiao Ming tolerate this happening again?

Fang Qian looked up, coldly meeting his gaze: "Senior Xiao, if you persist in causing trouble, don't blame me for being uncivil."

Xiao Ming was unfazed by Fang Qian's aura—he boasted: "Uncivil? What can you possibly do to me?"

This was the arrogance of someone in a rapid promotion phase—here, no one except Fang Qian dared to defy him.

Fang Qian subtly activated his Meridian Art, his voice calm yet heavy with pressure: "I hope your mouth is as tough as your strength."

Xiao Ming, seeing this, also activated his Meridian Art—the surrounding spiritual energy began to churn violently.

Lin Lin Yue'e, seeing the two on the verge of conflict, stepped forward between them, halting the absurdity.

She didn't understand—did these two have a grudge? Why did they fly into such rage at every meeting?

Moreover, Lin Lin Yue'e didn't believe Fang Qian had any ulterior motives—it was just normal official business.

There was no help for it—only men understand men. Xiao Ming accused Fang Qian of pursuing Lin Lin Yue'e precisely because he himself did the same—he understood the advantages of official position all too well.

This was the Lin Chengjian Prefecture—they both owed Lin Lin Yue'e some respect.

Xiao Ming said nothing more; Fang Qian intended to complete his work.

Both were thinking: when they returned to the capital, they'd give this man a lesson.

Young, impulsive destiny-born cultivators rarely swallowed such insults.

At the Wei family estate in Shanghe City, after Fang Qian and Xiao Ming left, a mysterious woman appeared.

With her arrival, even the noble former dynasty princess had to bow her head.

(End of Chapter)