[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-nothing-is-taboo":3,"chapter-nothing-is-taboo-nothing-is-taboo-chapter-409":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Nothing Is Taboo",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2310794,4514,"Chapter 409: They Treated Me Like This (Combined Three Parts)","nothing-is-taboo-chapter-409",409,"\u003Cp>“Thump! Thump! Thump!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep in the night, the great drum before the Shiping County yamen was struck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the instant the County Magistrate and Wei Zhenbang were awakened, they leapt from their beds: “Something’s happened!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan also woke, threw on his clothes, and dashed out at full speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By regulation, anyone who struck the drum at the yamen’s gate to appeal injustice must first receive thirty beatings with the Weibang .\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there was no time for that now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man standing before the appeal drum was around forty, dressed as a servant, yet his garments were made of fine fabric.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was no ordinary household retainer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, his aura was formidable; the drumstick in his hand felt like a sword forged in a hundred battles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Jiu saw the yamen officials emerge and pointed with the drumstick: “The Shengpeng Inn is haunted by a malevolent spirit—act swiftly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a pause, Geng Jiu added: “The spirit is of the Sixth Stream. If the county lacks the power to deal with it, we can offer assistance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately after, Geng Jiu noticed another young man step out from within the yamen, clad in the robes of the Purification Office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Jiu frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So young—and already the Zhanglu?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Typically, the Zhanglu is of the Sixth Stream, sufficient to handle the spirit in the inn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this youth’s age made Geng Jiu uneasy: “Could he be inadequate?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan raised his eyes and used “Wang Ming”—Geng Jiu was a Fifth Stream spiritual cultivator!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a person dressed as a servant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan bowed politely and asked: “May I ask, which noble has come to Shiping County?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Jiu did not answer, but asked: “What is your surname, young sir?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan replied: “I am Xu Yuan, Zhanglu of the Quchui Office in Zhan City—not from a prominent family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Xu Yuan’s youth, Geng Jiu assumed he was a scion of a powerful clan, elevated to this post through family influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For such people, Geng Jiu would never look down or insult; instead, he sought to uncover their origins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What if they were connected through some distant relative of the family?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If there was a connection, Geng Jiu could reveal the young lady’s identity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having spent time with Fu Jingyu and Song Lu, Xu Yuan understood how powerful clans operated, so he bluntly denied being from a prominent family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Jiu’s demeanor grew distant; he did not answer Xu Yuan’s earlier question, but gestured: “Hurry, the spirit is spreading.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My elder brother guards the noble and cannot act lightly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan waved his hand, and the Purification Office personnel hurried after him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The County Magistrate gathered the three divisions of yamen runners and followed behind with Wei Zhenbang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Xu, as Zhanglu, was merely asked his identity once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We’re minor players—don’t force ourselves forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the location of the Shengpeng Inn, a massive “water droplet” had formed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spirit’s form resembled a water droplet resting on a lotus leaf—round, full—but magnified countless times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The droplet continued to swell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young lady had re-covered her face with her veil, guarded thirty zhang away by Geng Qi, Wei Shi, and Wei Ershiyi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ershiyi pleaded earnestly: “Miss, let’s move farther away…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young lady gazed at the water droplet and shook her head gently: “It’s only Sixth Stream. Seventh Uncle can handle it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Qi could only say: “Old servant will risk his life to ensure your safety.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was a Fifth Stream method cultivator, yet spoke of “risking his life”—hoping the young lady would pity his old age and leave the danger soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the young lady was immune to such tricks; she still stared wide-eyed, curious, at the spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This outing has opened my eyes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At home, I never imagined such a spirit could exist.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The water surged first, killing the waiter and shopkeeper, then rushed toward the western courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Geng Qi and the other three were all Fifth Stream!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They easily blocked the cold water, first escorting the young lady to safety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young lady, kind-hearted, ordered them to rescue the other guests in the inn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, though the cold water spirit had come with fierce momentum, it had killed only a few staff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Geng Qi and the others’ primary duty was protecting the young lady, so they had not fully unleashed their power to destroy the spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterward, the young lady sent Geng Jiu to the yamen to strike the drum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young lady watched the massive water droplet and blinked: “Seventh Uncle, is this the work of that ‘Ding Tou Jie’?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Qi slowly shook his head: “Doesn’t seem like it…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A clatter of footsteps came from the street—Xu Yuan and the others arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone unconsciously glanced at the young lady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan was inwardly astonished: Four Fifth Stream cultivators!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among all the nobles Xu Yuan had met, only the Crown Princess’s retinue surpassed this young lady’s entourage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Shi and Wei Ershiyi stepped forward silently, standing side by side to block the onlookers’ gazes, shielding the young lady behind them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Jiu pointed at the giant water droplet: “Master Xu, can you handle it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With officials present, the young lady’s safety was further secured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Xu Yuan agreed, and the young lady consented, he could assist in eliminating the spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan nodded: “No problem. Just guard the noble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Xu Yuan strode forward and plunged straight into the water droplet!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey!” Geng Jiu was stunned—you’re not a Wu Xiu! Why so reckless!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fighting this spirit from outside is far easier than entering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Jiu hesitated—and missed the chance to save the young Zhanglu at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shook his head and returned to the young lady’s side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, his most important duty was protecting the young lady’s safety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Jiu muttered inwardly: Could this young Zhanglu have guessed the young lady’s identity and is trying to impress her?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, young men who seek to climb higher—such ambition isn’t wrong; who wouldn’t seize a chance to rise?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he chose the wrong target.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This cold water spirit is among the strongest of the Sixth Stream, nearly reaching Fifth Stream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even we brothers could destroy it with near certainty from outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But entering it? That would become far more dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan plunged in precisely because he had confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet once inside, he did not grow overconfident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One must always respect the strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His Pi Dan enveloped his entire body; the cold water surged wildly into him—but could not penetrate the Pi Dan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Pi Dan was already Fifth Stream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This spirit, after all, remained Sixth Stream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet a piercing, bone-deep chill, like the world’s cold stares, pierced through all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Xu Yuan shivered, feeling his blood flow slow slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What deep hatred must this spirit harbor to produce such a terrifying effect?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan moved swiftly through the inn, searching for clues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had already planned: if no evidence surfaced within half a stick of incense, he would withdraw immediately—and leave the Pi Long behind to continue searching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the spirit’s body, the Pi Long moved without hindrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Xu Yuan had circled only once when he found the spirit’s origin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the kitchen, in the courtyard, sat a clay jar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold water continued pouring endlessly from within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strangely, the jar itself was not the spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spirit was the endless flow of cold water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan circled once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The inn’s owner, cook, waiter, and four others had all been burst open by the cold water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their remains were frozen stiff and pale, preserved perfectly in the water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No further clues remained. Xu Yuan stood beside the jar, opened his mouth toward the sky, and spat out a torrent of abdominal fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside, the crowd saw a burst of blazing light erupt from the center of the giant water droplet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The water droplet shattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sixth Stream spirit was destroyed from within by the Fifth Stream abdominal fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its nature was also inherently opposed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What resistance could they possibly have?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The water scattered, but the flames refused to let the evil flee so easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flames likewise transformed into rivers of fire, chasing the streams of water and burning them all to nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Jiu stood beside the Young Lady, startled: “Five Streams...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just moments ago, his rushing in seemed “reckless”; now it appeared “skillful and bold.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No wonder he’s not from a prominent family, yet still rose to become Zhanglu so young.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This level of ability—perhaps it’s precisely because he has no background that he’s stuck as Zhanglu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Jiu understood the inner workings all too well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are countless so-called “geniuses” in the Northern and Southern Capitals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each province in Zhengzhou also has its own representative “heavenly prodigies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Xu my lord surpasses them all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But no one is praising Xu my lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which of those geniuses wasn’t hyped up?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he’s stationed far away in Jiaozhi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two brothers exchanged glances: “Remarkable,” then sighed together: “What a pity...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Young Lady’s eyes shimmered with curiosity toward Xu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is he under Old Man Ma’s command?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Shi flicked his fingers in calculation; within moments, the relationship between Xu Yuan and Ma Tianshou became clear: “Indeed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan had returned, carrying the clay jar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This jar is now the only lead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, after burning the cold-water evil, only a few glass beads remained—same origin as the previous giant python, blue brick, and Buddha skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan told the County Magistrate: “Announce peace. Declare the evil has been slain. Let the people sleep in peace. We’ll deal with everything tomorrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The County Magistrate bowed and loudly announced it to nearby residents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan ordered his Captain to wrap up, then joined the County Magistrate beside the Young Lady: “If Your Nobleness has no lodging, you may temporarily stay at the yamen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Young Lady nodded: “Good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After returning to the yamen, the County Magistrate cleared out a separate courtyard for the Noble One.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then dared not press further and immediately took his leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young lady found it increasingly intriguing and said: “Tomorrow, don’t chase the boil—stay in town and watch the spectacle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Shi and Wei Ershi silently groaned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Lady...” Two old maids who had raised her since childhood worried: “You’re not taken with that young Zhanglu, are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Young Lady burst into laughter: “Where did you get that idea?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two maids exhaled in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Young Lady said: “If I truly favored him, I’d be dooming him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As long as you understand your own heart, that’s enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The twenty-seventh day of the first month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today’s taboos: sweeping the house, building bridges, lighting fires, performing sacrifices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan’s face darkened after reading it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Alchemists had been half-disabled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In another courtyard, the Young Lady frowned slightly: “Troublesome. Xu Zhanglu is an Alchemist, yet today he cannot use his inner fire.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Shi added: “His Five Streams inner fire is a weapon against all evils.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Young Lady had just finished washing and was eating breakfast when Geng Jiu entered: “Xu Yuan has left—he’s investigating last night’s mystery.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Young Lady quickly stuffed two small buns into her mouth, her cheeks puffing out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come on, let’s follow him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She swiftly donned her veil, so no one would see her looking like a squirrel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Shi and Wei Ershi watched her eager haste and couldn’t help but worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, Xu Yuan is under Ma Tianshou’s protection—he’s under control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the Young Lady marries and fulfills her noble duties, if she later clings to old feelings, no one will interfere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could dote on Xu Yuan daily, and her husband’s family wouldn’t utter a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All noble ladies in the Northern Capital do this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just noble ladies—every old aristocratic family of the Ming Dynasty does the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the Young Lady’s party arrived at Shengpeng Inn, the County Magistrate had already brought out all the neighbors with his three squads of yamen runners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan held the clay jar, asking the neighbors to identify it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He asked several people in succession—all shook their heads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The jar was too ordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, he asked a half-grown boy, who scratched his head: “Looks like it’s from the firewood shed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I saw it once when I helped carry firewood inside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy often helped with odd jobs at the inn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The inn never paid him—just gave him a bowl of thin porridge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan asked: “Do you know if anyone stayed in the firewood shed last night?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy nodded: “Yes. Someone about your age spent one cash to stay there last night.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan produced a ledger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the inn’s ledger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the fire that burned the evil last night, Xu Yuan secretly took the ledger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a vital clue—he wouldn’t overlook it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the ledger recorded no guest staying in the firewood shed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One cash...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course it wouldn’t be recorded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you remember what the man looked like?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy nodded: “I do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan called over Lang Xiao Ba: “Find a literate cultivator skilled in painting—draw the man’s likeness as accurately as possible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Young Lady watched with keen interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan thought a moment, then approached Geng Jiu: “Sir, if this case is solved, you all contributed. Would you be willing to accept credit for it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If not, I won’t mention you in the case report.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Geng Jiu could speak, the Young Lady’s eyes lit up: “We contributed? What did we do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan glanced at the neighbors and lowered his voice: “When the evil struck last night, it was you who made it hesitate. Otherwise, it would have swept through—none of these people would have survived.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We wouldn’t have found this jar’s clue today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The five had assumed this “credit” was Xu Yuan’s attempt to flatter them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after his explanation, the Young Lady felt a quiet pride: Indeed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I not only saved these people—I preserved the vital clue!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too bad, this credit can’t be claimed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Jiu shook his head: “No need to mention us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan nodded: “Understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he turned and walked away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half an hour later, the Cleansing Office’s literati finished the portrait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was passed among the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Search!” Xu Yuan ordered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But manpower was severely lacking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan couldn’t help thinking: If I had a company of River Troops, I could capture the man today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too bad—the Cleansing Office still lacks this capability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unexpectedly, Geng Jiu stepped forward: “We have methods to narrow the evil’s hiding place to a limited area.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan beamed: “Thank you, Sir—please act quickly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Jiu said: “Return to the yamen first. And tell them not to search house by house—don’t alert the target.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan rescinded his order and brought back all the neighbors questioned today—including the boy—to the yamen, keeping everything strictly confidential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Shi bowed before the “Map of the Land.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one was allowed to watch the process.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan and the others waited outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Jiu accompanied Xu Yuan and asked, “Do you think the young man created last night’s malevolent entity? But he may also be a victim—the first person it killed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan shook his head: “I inspected the inn last night. All the dead were inn staff—none of them was the young man.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But if he created last night’s malevolent entity, and it’s already a Sixth-Flow, he’s likely a Fifth-Flow. Today, your abdominal fire is suppressed—you may not be his match.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan thought for a moment, then recounted all the previous malevolent entities before saying, “As long as I find him, I’ll fight to the death.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He created one malevolent entity and caused countless civilian deaths. I won’t let him bring more harm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan hadn’t expected he’d come chasing after a dragon-affiliated giant python.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t found anything suitable as bait, and yet this case had grown so complex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Young Lady had quietly crept up behind them at some point, listening to Xu Yuan’s “story.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She suddenly spoke: “Uncle Jiu, you and Uncle Qi help him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This…” Geng Jiu hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Young Lady smiled: “With two aunts here, my safety isn’t an issue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Young Lady lowered her head, eyes brightening: Oh, there’s another adorable big white goose here—I never noticed it before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She crouched down and gently stroked Da Fu’s long neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was wonderfully smooth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Da Fu was stunned—it had been quietly trailing behind Fan Zhe all along, unnoticed by everyone—yet suddenly it was grabbed and petted several times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Jiu’s expression changed; he stared warily at Da Fu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Young Lady had silently crept up to listen to the story—Geng Jiu had naturally sensed her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what about this goose?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When did it get behind us?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t notice a thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan quickly explained: “It’s mine. It just likes to follow me around.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Jiu gave Xu Yuan a long, thoughtful look, about to say something, when the courtyard gate opened and Wei Shi stepped out: “It’s on Miaoxi Street!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miaoxi Street was a street west of Yunmiao Temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some of Shiping County’s casual laborers gathered here every day waiting for work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Employers would also come here to hire them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shundong squatted on the stone curb beside the street, like all the other casual laborers, tilting his head and stretching his neck, gazing hopefully down the long street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If an employer arrived to hire, you had to leap up instantly and rush to his side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, the opportunity would be snatched by someone else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shundong didn’t consider himself evil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with great power, he still wanted to earn his pay through honest labor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last night, the Shengpeng Inn’s cash box held at least twenty taels of silver—Shundong didn’t take it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t mean to kill them—I merely did to them what they had done to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like that wealthy man in Honglin Village—he made me pound rice for three days, then tricked me to the edge of Xiao He River, intending to let that toad eat me and avoid paying me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like the village head of Xinyi Fang —I worked hard all day making brick Pi , picked up a few broken bricks to repair my crumbling house, and he accused me of stealing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He forcibly took back my entire day’s wages and slapped me across the face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I returned home, my house collapsed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like those big monks at Yunmiao Temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though I was destitute, I had always been sincere toward the Buddha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every time I entered the temple to burn incense, I always dropped a single copper coin into the merit box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Buddha never protected me—my mother, younger brother, and little sister all died. He only protected the wealthy who donated large sums of incense money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What’s different about them?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We’re all just skeletons wrapped in skin—we’re all the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shundong had no money. If he couldn’t find work today, he’d have to beg.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He desperately hoped an kind-hearted employer would appear on the street to help him get through the day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a young man walked onto Miaoxi Street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The casual laborers showed no reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was too young to be an employer hiring workers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man walked straight in. Shundong, at his wit’s end, mustered a sliver of hope and stood to meet him: “Need workers?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan studied him for a moment, then nodded: “What can you do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shundong immediately perked up: “I can do anything—pound rice, thresh grain, build houses, drive carts—I’m hardworking and eat little…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other casual laborers surged forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master, choose me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Choose me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Choose me…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan waved his hand and pointed at Shundong: “I only need one person—him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others sullenly dispersed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shundong beamed: “Thank you, Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan turned: “Follow me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shundong immediately followed, his steps unsteady from hunger—he hadn’t eaten breakfast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, the “Master” ahead walked slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as they walked, Shundong looked up and realized he was standing at the county magistrate’s gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan didn’t turn back, walking straight inside: “Come.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shundong clenched his teeth and followed inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan entered the main hall first and released the Tiger Head Guillotine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Young Lady insisted on sneaking a peek from the back hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Qi and the others pleaded with her, but couldn’t stop her—they could only stay close, surrounding her on all four sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan sat atop the Tiger Head Guillotine. Shundong stood at the entrance of the main hall, hesitating, afraid to enter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan gestured to him: “I can remove that thing on your forehead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shundong trembled all over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan continued: “It’s no good thing. I originally planned to take you outside the city and execute you in an open place.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after seeing you, I changed my mind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, choose for yourself what to do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shundong’s feet shifted several times, yet never moved forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither in nor out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you remove it… can I live?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes,” Xu Yuan replied honestly, “but you’ve committed capital crimes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shundong’s face darkened: “Then what difference does it make whether I remove it or not?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan said: “Your actions were influenced by that thing on your forehead. The difference I offer is this: before your trial, I’ll let you be yourself again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shundong stared at Xu Yuan for a long while, then finally lifted his foot—just as he was about to step over the high threshold of the magistrate’s hall, the skin on his forehead split open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A third eye—a glass bead—appeared!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shundong pulled his foot back. Xu Yuan sighed, and his sword pellet flew out, hovering before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3597,"2026-06-20T12:07:25.031Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","437231f16bc3fc800cd9ab84389ffcc02b60a73e169ebb0dbe9dc0cf77816b58","nothing-is-taboo-chapter-410","nothing-is-taboo-chapter-408",413,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fnothing-is-taboo-cover.jpg"]