Chapter 1948: Repay Evil with Kindness

"Search!"

The soldiers burst into the academy; no one dared to stop them. Although Scholar Chen was absolutely furious, Yue Duanshu had both a warrant and official documents, so Chen did not dare to block the entrance in his capacity as a scholar. Otherwise, Yue Duanshu would have had a perfect reason to charge him with obstructing official duties. Yue Duanshu looked down on Scholar Chen, his eyes full of mockery, as if he were waiting for Chen to make a move.

Scholar Chen’s heart was consumed by rage, his lips trembled, and his eyes were bloodshot. He had prided himself on living in seclusion in Qipai Village for years, calmly accepting repeated failures in the examinations, and believed his cultivation of composure had reached its peak. Only when faced with this situation did he realize how far he still lagged behind his revered teacher.

Yue Duanshu was not the only official on this trip; several others stood behind him, including the Magistrate of Jin County. In the past, the Magistrate of Jin County had always treated Scholar Chen with great courtesy, even calling him brother during their drinking sessions. Today, however, he didn't even offer a greeting, his gaze shifting uneasily as he avoided eye contact with Scholar Chen. The Assistant Magistrate and others behind them were even more silent, paralyzed by fear, each staring blankly at the sky.

Aside from the inner hall where Scholar Chen’s family resided, the academy was primarily divided into two sections. The younger students studied in the front building. After completing their elementary studies, Yulang and his peers moved to the bamboo building on one side of the front building, where the view was better.

At this moment, both the front building and the bamboo building were completely surrounded by soldiers, and no one was allowed to enter or leave. All the students in the courtyard were herded together by the soldiers, just short of being physically searched. A team of soldiers rushed up to the bamboo building. The students upstairs frantically fled to the corners, all trembling with fear.

Bang!

The bamboo door was directly kicked open. The soldiers rushed in and immediately began searching without ceremony. "Bring out all the books! I want to see who this 'Chen' person passed *Jinjianzhai* to! Daring to secretly spread banned books of the current dynasty—they must be courting death!"

A middle-aged man resembling an official runner followed them in, stroking his beard and sneering sinisterly.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

Book boxes and book bags were opened one after another, spilling their contents onto the floor, while the books were carefully placed on a table, one by one. The middle-aged bailiff's gaze, sharp as a knife, swept across the students' faces. Meeting that look, the students immediately recoiled, trembling with fear.

"Hmph!" The middle-aged bailiff paced, pretending to examine the books on the table, but then headed directly for a particular bamboo desk. Seeing his actions, the girl who had hidden the book earlier could no longer suppress her panic and let out a scream.

"It's not me, I don't have *Jinjianzhai*! I haven't read it!"

"It's her! It's Xiao Wu! I saw it in her book box, I saw her reading *Jinjianzhai*!"

"It's her! Not me!"

The girl cowered in the corner, one hand pointing at Xiao Wu's bamboo desk, the other clutching her head tightly and shaking it wildly. Her hair disheveled, she looked like a madwoman, clearly terrified to the extreme. Spreading banned books was a serious crime in the State of Yan; in severe cases, one could be beheaded or even have their entire clan exterminated. She had only heard from a friend that a banned book could be obtained, and unable to resist her curiosity, she borrowed it for a look. She never expected it to attract officials from the prefectural yamen. The girl had no mind to consider what was strange about the situation; even if she implicated someone else, she would still not escape severe punishment.

The scream echoed outside, stunning Scholar Chen and the Jin County soldiers. Scholar Chen felt as though a basin of ice water had been poured over his head; his entire body instantly turned cold, and he couldn’t believe it. He subconsciously rushed towards the bamboo building.

Crack!

Yue Duanshu spurred his horse to block Scholar Chen's path, violently cracking his horsewhip as he sternly shouted, "Chen Zhenqing, what are you trying to do!"

"Are you trying to openly destroy evidence in front of me?" Yue Duanshu placed one hand on the saber at his waist, his eyes showing murderous intent. It was as if he would dare to draw his saber and kill if Scholar Chen took another step.

"You!" Scholar Chen's eyes widened in extreme anger. At this point, how could he not see that this was undoubtedly a conspiracy—one designed to ruin his reputation, destroy his career, and even leave him without a proper burial place!

Inside the bamboo building, the students all looked at the girl in shock.

"Oh? Is this it?" The middle-aged bailiff didn't care whose banned book it was; as long as it was found in Chen Zhenqing's academy and on his students, that was enough!

"It's her! It's definitely her!"

"She's a Taoist, and her master is a demonic Taoist from Qingyang Temple. They must be unhappy with the court's rule, collecting banned books to mislead the masses..."

"It must be! It must be!"

"It's them!"

The more the girl spoke, the smoother her words became, and she gradually grew more confident. This reason even convinced herself. This girl quickly grasped the situation and decisively framed her classmate, proving herself to be ruthless and decisive. The middle-aged bailiff gave a knowing smile, walked around the girl's desk, and reached for Xiao Wu's book box.

In the bamboo grove, Xiao Wu bowed her head. At some point, a yellowed book had appeared in her hand; it was precisely the banned book, *Jinjianzhai*.

"Senior Sister..." Yulang looked at Xiao Wu with heartache. There were not many girls studying in the academy to begin with. Although there was no strict segregation of genders in the State of Yan, men and women still tried to avoid suspicion to prevent gossip. The girl who framed Xiao Wu was named Meng Yusu, one of Xiao Wu's best friends. They had been classmates since they first entered elementary school. Being framed by a good friend, and so unhesitatingly at that, made Yulang feel deeply distressed for his senior sister just thinking about it.

"Hmph! Indeed, one can never truly know another's heart; such a viperous nature at such a young age! You don't need to care, just kill her with a sword. In the cultivation world, treacherous individuals are countless; you will encounter them often in the future!"

The young man named Shi showed disdain. He had seen far dirtier things and didn't take this trivial matter to heart at all. There was no need for Taoist Priest Qingfeng to intervene; Xiao Wu could crush all the mortals present with a single finger. This ridiculous frame-up couldn't harm a single hair on Xiao Wu.

Just as he was speaking, the young man named Shi noticed something unusual about Xiao Wu. She was sitting there, staring blankly at *Jinjianzhai* in her hand, without making any move. With a frown, the young man named Shi asked in surprise, "What's wrong? You can't bring yourself to do it?"

Yulang said with a somber expression, "Meng Yusu is Senior Sister's best friend."

The young man named Shi sneered, "Think about what would happen today if you weren't a cultivator but just an ordinary mortal. Hiding banned books is a capital crime everywhere! Not only would you not escape death, but your junior brother and your master would also be implicated and beheaded publicly! Whatever past sentiments you had should be put to an end; this is a mortal enmity!"

Yulang opened his mouth, not knowing what to say. Xiao Wu finally raised her head, her expression somewhat bewildered. She turned slightly to face the direction of Qingyang Temple.

At Qingyang Temple, coincidentally, there were no patients at this moment. Qin Sang walked out and stood on a rock beside Qingyang Temple, gazing at the bamboo grove down the mountain. Master and disciple gazed at each other across the bamboo grove. Xiao Wu still kept her eyes tightly closed, but her eyelids were trembling continuously. Her expression was full of helplessness; she wanted to ask her master for guidance on what she should do. But Qin Sang was a stern master; he quietly watched Xiao Wu, remaining silent and offering no guidance. Just then, footsteps were heard from outside the temple; more people seeking medical help were coming up the mountain. Qin Sang withdrew his gaze and stepped down from the rock. Xiao Wu kept watching until Qin Sang and the patient’s backs disappeared inside the temple gate.

"In the cultivation world, indecisiveness and soft-heartedness are major taboos! I truly don't know how the Taoist Priest taught you! It seems you've only learned tranquility, non-action, and good deeds from the Taoist Priest. The so-called sagely books you read are all castrated versions, full of empty talk about benevolence, morality, kindness, and forgiveness. The Taoist Priest probably hasn't taught you yet that in the cultivation world, one needs spirit and guts. Deliberately suppressing your true nature will not only hinder your thoughts but also invite bullying. Revenge for grievances, payback for enmity—that is an eternal heavenly principle! Didn't the ancient sages also say: 'To repay evil with good, what then will you repay good with!'"

Every word pierced into Xiao Wu's heart. Xiao Wu's eyelids trembled violently as scene after scene flashed in her mind. When she first entered the academy, Meng Yusu was the first to greet her and invite her to play games. They studied together, recited poetry together, and were admonished by their master together. When the river swelled, they played by the riverside together. As the New Year approached, Meng Yusu invited her to her home to taste delicacies and brought out various treasured items to share. Meng Yusu even taught her how to use rouge. Xiao Wu had an excellent memory and could clearly remember every scene. She had also been subtly changed by their influence.

Eventually, these scenes disappeared one after another, freezing at a single moment. Her master’s words echoed: "We don't kill people, we only save them!"

Whoosh!

Flames leaped from her palm, burning *Jinjianzhai* to ashes. Xiao Wu burned *Jinjianzhai*, then sat there, making no further moves, clearly having made her choice.

The young man named Shi closed his mouth; he had said enough. For some reason, he suddenly felt a bit disheartened. The young man named Shi stood up and dusted off his clothes. "Near the Taoist Priest, you receive the best protection; whatever you do, it won't be wrong. But you will understand sooner or later; I hope that day won't be too cruel." He tapped his foot and quietly slipped away. Standing on the hillside, he looked at the bamboo grove, then at Qingyang Temple, and finally gazed at the boundless blue sky. After a long time, he let out a silent sigh, took out a mask, put it on his face, and his figure dissolved into nothingness.

Inside the bamboo building.

"Nothing!" The middle-aged bailiff shook out the books from the box but did not find *Jinjianzhai*, glaring fiercely at Meng Yusu. Meng Yusu was stunned. She had clearly placed the book in the box herself; how could it simply vanish?

"Hmph!" The middle-aged bailiff tore open Meng Yusu's book bag, but *Jinjianzhai* wasn't there either. His expression changed drastically, and an ominous premonition seized him as he hastily searched everywhere.

"Nothing!"

"Not here either!"

"How is this possible!"

The middle-aged bailiff almost turned the bamboo building upside down, becoming increasingly flustered, with sweat beading on his forehead. Footsteps were heard from downstairs. A group of officials escorted Scholar Chen upstairs to see for themselves. Yue Duanshu wore a triumphant smile on his face, but when he saw the scene inside the bamboo building, his smile abruptly froze. A moment later, Yue Duanshu's furious roar echoed through the bamboo building.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Yue Duanshu angrily led the soldiers downstairs, immediately intending to rush into the inner courtyard. This time, Scholar Chen did not back down. He picked up a long spear, held it horizontally in front of him, and let out a furious roar: "Whoever dares to take another step, I, Chen, will fight to the death with you!"

The Magistrate of Jin County stroked his beard, his eyes flickering, and gave a light cough. "Ahem! Lord Tongzhi clearly stated in the document that only the academy should be searched. If Lord Yue were to disturb Scholar Chen’s family, it seems improper. I hope you will reconsider!" The magistrate stepped forward and advised in a low voice, "Lord Yue, do not forget that Scholar Chen studied under Lord Sun. Lord Sun was once the Deputy Grand Secretary of the current court. Although he has been demoted to Qifu for many years, it is said he has always remained in the Emperor's favor. What if..."

"Impudent! A county official as insignificant as a sesame seed dares to criticize the imperial court! How many heads do you have?!" Yue Duanshu was like a gambler who had lost everything, and what was more infuriating was that he didn’t even know where he had gone wrong. His eyes red, he vented his full rage on the magistrate.

Among the soldiers, there were two types of armor: those with superior armor were Yue Duanshu’s men, while the rest were Jin County soldiers. If not for being stalled by the Magistrate of Jin County and having all his men closely watched, he would have had a hundred ways to confirm Chen Zhenqing's guilt. Unexpectedly, the Magistrate of Jin County did not back down at all. With a sweep of his sleeve, he ordered his soldiers to protect the inner courtyard. Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Yue Duanshu finally regained a trace of rationality, staring intently at the Magistrate of Jin County and Scholar Chen.

"Good! Very good!"

"That demonic Taoist on the mountain is secretly hiding banned books and spreading deceptive talk to mislead the public! Guards!"

"No! Taoist Priest Qingfeng is a true enlightened immortal who dispenses medicine to save countless lives! Magistrate..." Scholar Chen exclaimed, greatly alarmed, and sought help from the magistrate. The Magistrate of Jin County pretended not to hear. He knew that Yue Duanshu was acting out of anger and naturally wouldn't further offend him for a Taoist he had never met.

A group of bailiffs fiercely charged towards the Taoist temple, quickly arriving at its gate. Those inside the temple sensed something was amiss. The people seeking medicine were trembling with fear. Qin Sang seemed oblivious, his expression normal as he took the patient’s pulse.

Yue Duanshu was about to give an order when he suddenly heard hoofbeats like thunder galloping up the mountain, accompanied by loud shouts. "Lord Yue! Lord Yue! The Prefectural Governor has an order!"

Everyone looked back and saw a rider galloping towards them, waving a letter in his hand. The rider’s horsemanship was excellent; he traversed the rugged mountain path as if on flat ground. In a flash, he reached the front, dismounted, handed the document to Yue Duanshu, and then his gaze scanned the crowd.

"This must be Master Chen! Your humble general, Qi Yueling, greets Master Chen!" The man actually stepped forward and saluted Scholar Chen.

"I am not worthy! General Qi, you must not!" Scholar Chen quickly stepped aside to avoid the salutation, then saw Qi Yueling lean closer and whisper, "You are worthy! You are worthy! Sir, you may not know, but the Deputy Grand Secretary has been reinstated..."

Although the voice was low, it was loud enough for everyone to hear. Yue Duanshu had just torn open the document, and his hands began to tremble as his face turned ashen. The Magistrate of Jin County was overjoyed, wanting to burst into laughter. This time, he had gambled correctly!

Looking at the somewhat dazed Scholar Chen, Qi Yueling felt satisfied. He glanced at his beloved horse, thinking it was not in vain that he cared more for this horse than for his own wife—it had proven reliable at a crucial moment! This journey truly felt divinely aided; a three-day journey was completed in just one day.

What he didn't know was that at the foot of the mountain, the City God and other deities all breathed a long sigh of relief, wiping away non-existent sweat from their foreheads. Knowing these people were coming for Scholar Chen, they immediately realized something was wrong and urgently reported it to the Prefectural City God. Fortunately, the human prefectural yamen issued a document to set things right; otherwise, the deities of Jin County would have chosen to lose some of their cultivation to intervene and clear away trouble for Taoist Priest Qingfeng. To ensure the document arrived in time, this person's journey could be described as smooth sailing. The River God steered the boat, and the Mountain God led the horse; there was truly divine assistance. In the end, nothing important was delayed.