Chapter 33: Picking a Quarrel

Qi-Lu region, Jinan Prefecture, Tai'an Department.

After a long journey, Li Miao and Mei Qinghe finally arrived at the department city next to the Taishan Sect.

The two did not seek out an inn to rest, but instead went straight to the Tai'an Department Magistrate's Yamen.

Mei Qinghe waited at the entrance holding the horses. Li Miao dismounted, patted the dust off his clothes, straightened his collar, and handed the reins to Mei Qinghe.

He then strode with a steady, measured gait toward the Yamen entrance.

"Come here," he said, raising his hand to beckon a Yamen runner.

The profession of a Yamen runner is one that relies on keen observation to survive.

When encountering someone they cannot afford to offend, they must lower their posture and be obsequious. When encountering someone they can easily manipulate, they must be ruthless and strike hard to squeeze out every bit of profit.

Especially in the Great Ming, they had to be careful of Jianghu figures who looked poor and shabby on the surface. If one accidentally offended someone lawless, that person might kill you with a single blade strike, shout "ridding the people of a scourge" as they left, and you would have nowhere to seek justice.

Therefore, in the Great Ming, the Jianghu and the imperial court actually limit each other. On one hand, the court restricts Jianghu figures from acting too recklessly; on the other hand, the existence of Jianghu figures makes local officials slightly more restrained, trying their best not to do things that would provoke a hero to "rid the people of a scourge."

Returning to the present, the Yamen runner saw Li Miao's composed demeanor and naturally did not act like someone blind to the situation.

He cautiously stepped forward and bowed to Li Miao: "This... my lord?"

Li Miao did not beat around the bush: "Take this waist token to your Police Inspector and tell him to come out and see me."

Having said that, he handed the waist token of an Embroidered Uniform Guard Battalion Commander to the runner.

The runner was illiterate, but one look at the shape and style of the token told him this was not someone to be trifled with. He nodded and turned to run quickly into the Yamen.

Before long, a middle-aged man walked out quickly and bowed to Li Miao: "Battalion Commander."

"You know why I've come here, right?"

"The family has already sent word. This is the item the family has sent for you."

The middle-aged man handed Li Miao a heavy package.

He was precisely a secret agent planted by the Embroidered Uniform Guard in Tai'an Department. He had long known Li Miao's intent and had prepared all the necessary items.

Li Miao took the package, nodded, turned around, called for Mei Qinghe, and left.

He did not go to see the Tai'an Department Magistrate.

This brings us to the relationship between Jianghu sects and local officials.

Wu Gong is, in essence, a form of violence.

And Jianghu sects are organizations that control this violence.

Large sects like the Taishan Sect, with deep roots, have cultivated the local area longer than the regimes have lasted, and the power they wield is greater than that of the local government.

Therefore, it is only logical that the Tai'an Department Magistrate would be in collusion with the Taishan Sect.

It can be said that when Zhu Zai made the decision to "exterminate the Five Mountains Sword Sects," this Tai'an Department Magistrate was already a target to be swept away as well.

Li Miao had no interest in trading barbs with a dead man. Since the subsequent matters would not require local soldiers, he couldn't be bothered to pay a visit.

As for the reaction the Magistrate might have later, he had already accounted for it.

Returning to the present, Li Miao and Mei Qinghe arrived at an inn and checked in.

By noon, Mei Qinghe knocked on Li Miao's door: "Senior, shall we have a meal?"

The door swung open, and Li Miao stepped out.

This startled Mei Qinghe so much that she took two steps back, stammering: "Se... Senior..."

Li Miao had changed his attire. He was now in a profound black martial outfit, with a copper sunflower belt and soap-patterned boots. A Embroidered Spring Blade hung at his waist, one hand resting on the hilt, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard waist token hung prominently at his side.

His back was straight, and he looked heroic. His sword-like eyebrows slanted toward his temples, and not a single strand of his dark hair was out of place.

What a heroic figure!

Mei Qinghe had been traveling with Li Miao for over a month and had only ever seen his lazy, casual attire and attitude. He would sit rather than stand, lean rather than lie down; his shoulders were slumped, his back was relaxed, and he would draw out the end of his sentences when he spoke.

She had never seen Li Miao with this demeanor!

Li Miao's natural features were excellent, but his previous demeanor made him look like a street loafer. Although Mei Qinghe knew Li Miao's Wu Gong was shockingly formidable and did not look down on him, he hadn't been particularly pleasing to the eye.

Now, caught off guard by this sight, Mei Qinghe couldn't help but blush.

Li Miao glanced at Mei Qinghe and smiled: "Do you know how to bully people?"

"Ah?"

"Bullying people, being arrogant and despotic, eating without paying—you know how, right?"

"I... I don't..."

"Learn then. Today I'll set an example for you; starting tomorrow, you'll do it."

Li Miao said this and strode onto the street. Mei Qinghe hesitated for a moment before following closely behind.

Li Miao's demeanor was clearly very eye-catching. Pedestrians on the road turned to look, but few were literate enough to recognize the characters on the waist token, only sighing inwardly: "What a fine man!"

Only a few Jianghu figures carrying blades and swords changed their expressions upon seeing Li Miao's waist token, as if encountering a venomous snake or scorpion, and hurriedly dodged away.

Li Miao walked straight to a civilian house, looked it up and down, nodded, stepped forward, and kicked the main gate.

Boom!

The door panel swung open with a crash, slamming against the wall.

"Who is it!?"

A dozen people carrying swords immediately ran out from inside, shouting at Li Miao.

This place was the Taishan Sect's "office" in the department city, and those who ran out were the Taishan Sect disciples stationed here.

Li Miao did not answer and strode inside.

The Taishan Sect disciples were unsure of the situation, surrounding Li Miao and keeping their eyes fixed on his vital points.

Finally, someone saw Li Miao's waist token, turned pale, and walked quickly toward the backyard, presumably to invite the person in charge to come out.

Mei Qinghe stood at the entrance, not knowing what to do. She was being coerced by Li Miao, and seeing his attitude now, it was clear he did not intend to keep a low profile.

She was not without background; she had participated in the Five Mountains Alliance meetings in previous years, and there were people in the Taishan Sect who recognized her.

After hesitating for a while, she sighed, gripped her sword hilt, walked to Li Miao's side, and stood still, her eyes cold as she looked at the Taishan Sect disciples.

She had already made her choice.

Li Miao said leisurely, as if to himself: "Do you not understand the way of hospitality? Bring some seasonal fruits, snacks, and tea first!"

A middle-aged man walked out from the backyard with a vigorous, tiger-like stride. His Wu Gong foundation was clearly not bad; he must be the one in charge.

He was indeed the manager of the Taishan Sect, named Fei Junxuan, a second-rate expert.

He walked to the table and first bowed to Li Miao: "My lord."

He turned his head and ordered: "Did you not hear the lord speak? Bring tea!"

Having said that, he prepared to sit opposite Li Miao.

Li Miao glanced at him and struck his chest with a palm from a distance.

Boom!

The middle-aged man stumbled back several steps, fell to the ground, looked up, and said in shock and anger: "You!?"

"You, a commoner, are fit to sit at the same table as me?"

Li Miao said indifferently.

"Bring some cold dishes first, and serve a dozen hot dishes."

"I am hungry."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 34 =====