Chapter 151: Going one's own way (Please subscribe)

Poyang County City.

Xing Xing Huai Feng didn't intend to alarm the Poyang County magistrate and prepared to pass the city gate and head directly to Linhu Village.

However, just as the team passed the North Gate and was about to reach the South City Gate, the gate-guarding soldiers suddenly closed the gate.

"Stop!"

Xing Xing Huai Feng's eyes narrowed, and the aura of a ranked martial artist was released. The faces of the soldiers at the city gate instantly turned pale.

Lin Xiuyong's whole body was also trembling. A ranked powerhouse, and he clearly knew the identities of these adults in front of him. In the past, let alone blocking, being able to say a word to one of these adults would be enough for him to show off for a long time.

But thinking of Constable You's words and his friendship with Young Master Lin, Lin Xiuyong decided to gamble.

He himself was just like that in martial arts, but he could plan a future for his descendants!

The most important thing was that he felt Young Master Lin wouldn't be defeated so easily.

"My lords, I am a government office runner from the Poyang County Constable's Office, and I have discovered a criminal wanted by the government."

Lin Xiuyong bit the bullet and spoke. From the moment he ordered the city gate to be closed, there was no way back.

"Presumptuous! Do you know who is standing in front of you? The newly appointed Secretary of the Raozhou Prefecture Martial Administration Secretary, Secretary Xing!"

Su Lingchuan, who was originally standing at the back of the team, suddenly shouted loudly. The sound was so high that many people in the distance heard it clearly, and their eyes looked over curiously.

For the soldiers who dared to block him, Xing Xing Huai Feng was originally prepared to take action, but once Su Lingchuan said this, he couldn't take action.

As the dignified Martial Administration Secretary, taking action against a city-guarding soldier, and with many people watching, if the news spread, it would affect his official reputation.

Several soldiers behind Lin Xiuyong knelt down instantly. Lin Xiuyong didn't kneel. Daliang didn't have the custom of kneeling and bowing; seeing a superior, one only needed to bow and salute.

"Greetings, Secretary Xing."

Lin Xiuyong bowed and saluted, continuing: "This official closed the city gate because... because there is a person in your team who is a wanted criminal of our Poyang County government office..."

"Nonsense!"

Su Lingchuan shouted again: "Do you know what you are saying? We are all directors of the martial arts offices of various counties, and the leader is Secretary Xing. Could it be that Poyang County wants to issue a wanted notice for us? Where is He Ruyun!"

Lin Xiuyong's voice was just a normal tone, but after Su Lingchuan's repetition, the onlookers now knew what was going on.

"This small one doesn't dare, but this small one won't recognize the wrong person. This person is the wanted criminal of our Poyang County."

Seeing Lin Xiuyong pointing at Lin Ming, who was also riding a horse, the eyes of the onlookers fell on him. Xing Xing Huai Feng frowned, while Lin Ming's mouth opened slightly. When was he wanted by Poyang County?

"Nonsense! You are talking nonsense!"

Lin Ming was anxious and looked at Xing Xing Huai Feng: "Adult, don't listen to his nonsense. If I were wanted by Poyang County, why would there be no wanted notice?"

Outside the government office, there was a wall specifically for wanted notices, on which the identities and portraits of wanted criminals would be posted. If one could capture a wanted criminal, one could go to the government office to receive a reward. This was also a way for some martial artists to earn money.

Xing Xing Huai Feng was about to speak, but Su Lingchuan grabbed the lead again: "You say Lin Ming is a wanted criminal, but do you have evidence?"

"Returning to Official Su, yes!"

Lin Xiuyong spoke decisively and also accelerated his speed: "A few months ago, a young girl in Linhu Village was trafficked, and it was discovered that the trafficker was Lin Ming. It was only because the young girl was found that the government office didn't issue a wanted notice, but this matter has long been recorded in the case file of the government office. As long as the adult checks, you will know the truth."

The government office case file was a book specifically for recording cases by the constable's office. Every page had a time record, which needed to be stamped by the chief constable every day, and then presented to the county magistrate for reading every seven days, and stamped with the county magistrate's official seal.

If no case occurred on that day, an empty seal would be stamped. The purpose was to prevent government officials from favoritism and covering up, and to prevent adding cases to the case file after the incident, trying to remedy the situation.

After stamping the empty seal, there was no chance for subsequent additions. This was also a kind of supervision of government officials. To practice favoritism and cover up, one had to ensure that this matter would not be reported and exposed, otherwise it would still be discovered later.

When Lin Ming heard Lin Xiuyong mention the trafficking of the young girl, his heart skipped a beat, and his expression was a bit flustered.

He didn't expect that the trafficking of Qianqian back then was actually recorded by the Poyang County government office.

Back then, after selling Qianqian to Zhou San and exchanging for some silver, he learned the next day that Zhou San had been killed, and he was a bit terrified. But for the next few days, he found that the government office didn't come to find him, and he secretly heard from his mother that the villagers didn't discuss this matter, which let his heart down.

He didn't need to think to know that it must have been Lin Chen who suppressed it. His cousin was very powerful in the martial arts hall and had won the first place in the three-month competition, so he naturally wanted a reputation, and the government office must have been greeted.

"You say Lin Ming once committed the crime of trafficking?" Su Lingchuan frowned and didn't look at Xing Xing Huai Feng, just said quietly: "How much credibility can the words of a criminal have?"

Behind him, the directors of various martial arts offices were also silent. They naturally understood the subtext of Su Lingchuan.

Lin Ming was a wanted criminal. Making a big fuss because of the report of a wanted criminal was afraid to be making a mountain out of a molehill.

No one spoke up to resolve the awkward situation for Xing Xing Huai Feng, even if Xing Xing Huai Feng was their superior.

The directors of the martial arts offices of various counties were also dissatisfied with Xing Xing Huai Feng. Today, a group of them came to Raozhou Prefecture to greet him, and he didn't even host a banquet to entertain them, but took them directly to Poyang County. He really didn't give them any face.

Xing Xing Huai Feng's old face was gloomy. He didn't know about this matter. He was very clear about who exerted the force behind the scenes for him to be able to take the position of Martial Administration Secretary of Raozhou Prefecture this time.

What was the purpose of Lin Lin Shixiong Li pushing him to the position of Martial Administration Secretary? No matter what, he had to find some problems with Lin Chen.

"This official doesn't care whether Lin Ming committed a crime in Poyang County. This matter is related to your county government office. This official is going to verify another matter this time. Open the city gate quickly!"

Xing Xing Huai Feng's eyes were sharp, falling on Lin Xiuyong. Lin Xiuyong only felt the pressure like a stormy sea attacking from all directions, making it difficult to breathe, falling into the pain of suffocation.

"This official didn't know that Secretary Xing came from afar and failed to go out of the city to greet you. I hope Secretary Xing will forgive me."

Just at this time, a voice came from the corner of the street not far away. He Ruyun brought several old men, as well as several constables and more than a dozen bailiffs from the county government office, and a large team of people came in a mighty way.

Such a big battle, the people on both sides of the street hurriedly gave way.

"This official, He Ruyun, magistrate of Poyang County, welcomes Secretary Xing and all the adults to our Poyang County with several village elders."

He Ruyun didn't come alone. Behind him were the old patriarchs of various families in Poyang County, who were also Ninth Rank or even Eighth Rank martial artists in the past.

He Ruyun was a bit surprised that these old patriarchs would appear.

Secretary Xing came with bad intentions. Logically speaking, these family old patriarchs, who were good at protecting themselves, would not easily express their stance before the situation was clear, but he didn't expect that when he gathered the government officials below, these people also appeared at the gate of the government office.

Gu family, Fei family, Fu family, Zhang family, Zhao family...

The old patriarchs of more than a dozen families, large and small, were all present. It could be said that these people already represented the will of most of Poyang County.

"Secretary Xing, the old man has no other meaning. My grandson admires Lin Chen very much. It is not easy for our Poyang County to produce a genius."

"That's right, my unruly dog son also admires Lin Chen very much. Since the county competition, he has been more diligent in practice than before."

He Ruyun listened to the words of these patriarchs and understood in his heart that these patriarchs came here, and they also got the news. As for passing the news, it should be Su Lingchuan's confidant.

These people were not for Su Shidi, nor for himself, but for Lin Chen.

A teenage martial arts student who had only opened acupoints could actually make so many families stand together to resist a Seventh Rank Martial Administration Secretary to a certain extent. If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would never have believed it in the past.

In Poyang County, Lin Chen was from Hehe Town, from Linhu Village, but if he walked out of Poyang County, in Raozhou Prefecture or even the Jiangnan Circuit, Lin Chen was a person from Poyang County.

This was the support from the village and clan, and the unity of the entire Poyang County to the outside world.

Even if that Secretary Xing was a high-ranking Martial Administration Secretary, he had to weigh this power of the village and clan.

In He Ruyun's view, now that he brought these patriarchs to appear, under the name of welcoming the other party, this Secretary Xing should step down and just let it go. Everyone going to the government office to drink and have fun was the best choice.

There were no Seventh Rank martial artists in Poyang County now, but it didn't mean there were none in the past. Once the power of the entire Poyang County's powerful families erupted, even the secretary had to weigh whether he could bear it.

"The masters of the eight major martial arts halls in Poyang County come to welcome Secretary Xing and all the adults."

And just after He Ruyun arrived, the eight major martial arts hall masters also appeared on the street.

Looking at Zeng Qingyao and the other eight, Su Lingchuan raised his mouth slightly. The arrival of Zeng Qingyao and the others was naturally notified by his confidant, and these family patriarchs were notified by these eight hall masters.

Eight major martial arts halls, most of the families in Poyang County, including the county government office...

The three forces of Poyang County stood together at this moment, which could be said to represent the will of the entire Poyang County. This Secretary Xing should stop now.

Now the martial arts halls and the county government office, including the patriarchs of various families in Poyang County, came to greet him. The steps were prepared for him, and Lin Ming was a wanted criminal, so his words were unbelievable. The matter ended here.

Xing Xing Huai Feng's old face was gloomy, and there was no joy on his face.

He didn't expect that just targeting a teenage martial arts student would cause silent resistance from the entire Poyang County.

If he had known about this situation earlier, he would never have come to Poyang County in person today, but the arrow had already been fired, and he had already raised the butcher knife. If this knife couldn't fall on Lin Chen today, there would be no chance in the future.

"This official is here on official business today. No need to be so grand. Everyone disperse."

Once Xing Xing Huai Feng said this, many people at the scene had a look of shock in their eyes. This Secretary Xing was really going to go his own way to the end.

"Open the city gate and head to Linhu Village. If there is any obstruction, kill them for the crime of disobedience!"

Xing Xing Huai Feng's Seventh Rank martial artist momentum was fully released. Several constables looked at He Ruyun. He Ruyun shook his head imperceptibly. This was a Seventh Rank martial artist, and he was a superior. After saying this, there was no excuse to block him.

Poyang County could complain to Raozhou Prefecture or even the Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo afterwards, but blocking him now, he would really take action.

The city gate opened, and Xing Xing Huai Feng glared at Lin Ming: "Lead the way in front. If there is no result today, you don't have to return to the city."

Lin Ming's body trembled: "The small one guarantees that what I said is true. When we arrive at the Lin family and see my grandfather, the adult will know that what the small one said is true."

Xing Xing Huai Feng took the lead and walked away. Zhang Wangshan and the others naturally followed. Su Lingchuan gritted his teeth. Xing Xing Huai Feng was clearly planning not to sit as the Martial Administration Secretary for long, even if he had to splash dirty water on Lin Chen.

It seemed that the Huo family had promised this Xing Xing Huai Feng a huge benefit in private.

"Adult, what should we do?"

You Siqi looked at the departing Martial Administration Secretary and the directors of the martial arts office and asked in a low voice.

"Follow. This is Poyang County, and it is under this official's jurisdiction."

He Ruyun's face was also incomparably gloomy. Several patriarchs also looked at each other and followed behind.

"Xiao Xiao Shimei Zeng, you keep an eye on this side, I will go to Quzhou Prefecture myself!"

Tai Rubai's face was extremely cold. This Secretary Xing's attitude clearly wanted to target Lin Chen. The strongest connection of the Zhenyue Qingfeng Qingfeng Wuguan at present was Official Li of Quzhou Prefecture.

"Lin Lin Shixiong Tai, going to Quzhou now, I fear there is not enough time."

Going from Poyang County to Quzhou, even without stopping for a moment

"The post station has carrier pigeons; it will only take a few hours. Why not write this matter in a letter and inform Lord Li?"

"Right, I had forgotten about the carrier pigeons. I will go to the post station now."

Tai Rupai left in a hurry, and Ceng Qingyao glanced at the other hall masters: "Many thanks to all you senior brothers for coming to support us just now. If you have matters to attend to, please feel free to return."

"Xiao Xiao Shimei Ceng, Lin Chen is a disciple of your Jingshui Martial Hall, but he is also a disciple of my Kuangfeng Martial Hall." Zhao Qifeng of the Kuangfeng Martial Hall spoke up, clearly not intending to leave.

The Director of the Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo is the direct superior of the martial halls; if a martial hall offends the Director of the Poyang Poyang Wuzhengsuo, its days will certainly not be easy.

Ceng Qingyao's words were also out of consideration for the other martial halls.

"Xiao Xiao Shimei Ceng, in the County Battle, Lin Chen preserved the face of our Poyang County martial halls. Each of our families owes Lin Chen a favor. Even the Fei and Gu families are willing to stand up; if we were to leave now, wouldn't we become ungrateful villains?"

"That's right. Our eight martial halls advance and retreat together. Even if this Director wants to make things difficult for us, he will have to weigh the consequences."

Hearing the words of the hall masters, Ceng Qingyao cupped her hands: "I thank all you senior brothers on Lin Chen's behalf."

……

……

Linhu Village.

Zhao Canghu stood watch at the village entrance with the villagers of Linhu Village.

"Listen well, when you see Lin Ming later, beat him to death for me. If you are unfortunately crippled, the village will pay to support you and your whole family. If you lose your life, your spirit tablet will be hung in the place of honor in the ancestral hall. As long as our village still exists, your whole family will never go hungry."

"Old Village Chief, don't you worry. We understand. This traitor Lin Ming actually wants to frame Lin Chen. During this time, because of Lin Chen, I've been able to hold my head high when visiting my wife's family. With Lin Chen here, our whole village benefits. Today, even if I have to throw my life away, I won't let Lin Ming enter the village."

"If we die, it's just a cheap life. Village Chief, don't put my spirit tablet in the place of honor. If my late father saw his son's tablet placed before his, he'd be so angry he'd jump out of his coffin. Just leave me a spot in the ancestral hall."

In the Linhu Village ancestral hall, not every villager who passes away can have their spirit tablet placed inside; each generation of each family can only place one tablet, otherwise, the ancestral hall would have run out of space long ago.

Having a spirit tablet placed in the ancestral hall is, for many villagers, the greatest pursuit of their lives.

"Village Chief, Lin Chaoyang is coming."

Hearing the shout behind him, Zhao Canghu turned his head, only to see Lin's eldest daughter-in-law supporting Lin Chaoyang as they walked toward them, and following behind her were several strong-bodied men.

Martial artists?

Zhao Canghu never expected that there would be other martial artists in Linhu Village.

"Village Chief, these people hurt our villagers."

A villager came stumbling over, one of his eyes red and swollen.

"Village Chief, these are relatives from my mother's side. I heard Ming'er was coming back to see his grandfather, so I prepared to bring my father-in-law out to see him. Who would have thought that people from our village would guard our door and not let us out? My relatives couldn't stand it, so they started pushing."

Lin's eldest daughter-in-law spoke with a smile, but her eyes were filled with triumph.

She had already seen her Ming'er the day before yesterday. Ming'er said that as long as she could persuade his grandfather to say with his own mouth that Lin Chen was unfilial, someone would give their family ten thousand taels of silver.

Ten thousand taels of silver!

This was so much money that Lin's eldest daughter-in-law couldn't even imagine how to spend it.

As for Lin Chen's life or death, what did that have to do with her? Lin Chen had been in the limelight lately, but it was the second son and the villagers of Linhu Village who benefited. She, as the eldest daughter-in-law, hadn't gained any benefits at all.

At worst, she would just leave Linhu Village when the time came. With so much money, she could go to Poyang County City, no... she would just go straight to Raozhou Prefecture to settle down.

As for those few people behind her, they were also brought by Ming'er, just to prevent that old thing Zhao Canghu from hiding her father-in-law.

"You poisonous woman!"

Zhao Canghu was trembling with rage. It was one thing for Lin Ming to betray the Lin family and Linhu Village, but he never expected that Lin's eldest daughter-in-law would have such a vicious heart. No wonder she could give birth to such a vicious child as Lin Ming.

"They're here!"

At this moment, the few martial artists standing behind Lin Chaoyang whispered.

At the village entrance, a massive procession appeared. Lin Ming was in the lead. Seeing his grandfather and his mother standing at the village entrance, the worry in his eyes vanished.

His mother had come to the village entrance with his grandfather to welcome him; it seemed they had followed his script and already persuaded his grandfather.

It made sense, after all, his grandfather cherished him, his eldest grandson. No matter how far Lin Chen went in the Martial Way, he would never acknowledge him as his grandfather. In the end, he would have to rely on him, his eldest grandson, for his old age and funeral.

"Village Chief, it's not good to always disturb the village with my Lin family's private affairs. Let us solve this matter ourselves."

Lin Chaoyang was withered and listless, but the moment he saw Lin Ming appear, it was as if he had a sudden burst of vitality, and his cloudy eyes became bright.

Zhao Canghu was startled, as if he had thought of something. He wanted to speak but stopped, but seeing the look in Lin Chaoyang's eyes, he finally retreated silently.

(End of Chapter)