Zhang San, please behave yourself!
Chapter 321 - 307: Wen Ruchu Was Not Killed by Me, Stop Spreading Rumours! This is Slander!

Chapter 321: Chapter 307: Wen Ruchu Was Not Killed by Me, Stop Spreading Rumours! This is Slander!

"The reason the Pei Family could establish itself within the Capital is because the Head of the Pei Family is the former Minister of War, Pei Renwu."

"Originally, Pei Renwu was a fierce general in the army. After being injured, he returned to the court to serve as the Minister of War. Later, when his injuries healed, he insisted on returning to the army, and Kaihuang couldn’t dissuade him, so he let him go to the Sword South Path."

"But after all, as a general commanding troops in the field, it wouldn’t be appropriate to take his whole family with him, so before leaving, he arranged for his eldest son to stay in the Ministry of War."

"That’s why Pei Shouqi, though he hasn’t been in the Ministry of Punishment for long, has great connections in the Ministry of War, thanks to his father’s influence."

"Let’s put it this way, one-third of the Ministry of War is controlled by the Pei Family."

Zhang San didn’t expect the Pei Family to be so impressive.

Legalism also just has four clans guarding the Ministry of Punishment, and now here Pei Family controls one-third of the Ministry of War.

Even if one were to consider all Six Departments as equals, the Pei Family would definitely not be inferior to any of the four Legalist families.

Plus, the Ministry of Punishment is only responsible for legal cases, while the Ministry of War is in charge of military affairs—a department much more powerful than the Ministry of Punishment.

No wonder he left his eldest son in the Capital, otherwise, Kaihuang wouldn’t feel at ease!

"What about this Yu Clan he’s marrying into, what do you know?"

Shen Zhongdian whispered, "I know about this, the marriage was personally arranged by Pei Renwu himself. Since the Pei Family would easily arouse Kaihuang’s suspicions no matter who they allied with through marriage, they chose a minor official outside the Capital. The Yu Family has no power or influence; it’s said that they were chosen because the Yu Clan is known for being gentle and virtuous."

Zhang San nodded silently, thinking: Pei Renwu is indeed clever, fearing Kaihuang’s suspicion, he purposefully chose a minor family.

Could it be that the murderer is targeting the Pei Family?

After all, the Imperial Guards have possible connections to the army, and the Yu Family is related to the Pei Family by marriage.

"Is there any way to get in touch with the Pei Family? I have a feeling that this Floating Corpse Case might be related to them."

Hearing Zhang San’s words, Shen Bao smiled and said, "I know! In a couple of days, it will be Pei Shouqi’s birthday celebration, and surely many will attend. We can take you with us. It’s your first time in the Capital, making friends is natural. Being the son of the Magistrate of Metropolitan prefecture, it is normal for me to make friends with the eldest son of the Pei Family. Shang Bufa goes without saying. Shen Zhongdian is low-profile, so following us will do."

Shen Zhongdian reminded, "If you want to investigate the Yu Clan, it’s best to bring a female family member with you, it will be more convenient."

Hearing everyone’s suggestions, Zhang San immediately expressed his gratitude with a bow.

At that moment, Shen Zhongdian made a gesture for silence, then whispered in a very low voice, "Zhang San, there’s one more thing you need to be extra careful about."

"What is it?"

Zhang San knew that Shen Zhongdian’s nature was to be cautious; the fact that he lowered his voice amidst a friendly conversation meant that what he was about to say was no small matter.

"Zheng Poyue is coming back."

"And who is Zheng Poyue?"

"The top figure of the younger generation in the Zheng Family, and also one of the Four Young Masters of the Capital."

"Previously, he was always on the northern front lines; he only recently returned. Upon his return, he will surely first report to the Ministry of War. And since you killed someone from the Zheng Family, I’m afraid this Zheng Poyue will not let you off easily."

Zhang San curiously asked, "I’ve heard of the title Four Young Masters of the Capital, who are they, and are they powerful?"

Shang Bufa somewhat sheepishly bowed his head.

Shen Bao, however, perked up.

"I’m familiar with them. The Four Young Masters of the Capital can actually be said to be the most incredible young individuals from the major clans of the Capital. Of course, they might not necessarily be the strongest, but they are definitely recognized as the most formidable by everyone; otherwise, they wouldn’t be the four."

"These four individuals are Wen Ruchu of the Wen Family, Zheng Poyue of the Zheng Family, Shang Bufa of the Merchant Clan, and Li Sandao of the Li Family."

"Among these four, Wen Ruchu has the highest cultivation talent, Zheng Poyue the strongest combat capability, Shang Bufa the most scholarly achievements, and Li Sandao has been skilled in military strategy from a young age. Each has their merits, but all of them have limitless futures."

Zhang San glanced at Shang Bufa and curiously asked, "I know about Wen Ruchu, and with what you’ve said, this Zheng Poyue doesn’t sound like an easy opponent either. But the name Li Sandao, it seems somewhat out of place among these four individuals, doesn’t it?"

Shen Bao laughed, "He is the fourth son of the Li Family, his given name is Li Yuanhua. His grandfather, Li Tianhu, is Kaihuang’s brother-in-law, both married sisters from the Dugu Family. So accounting for this, Li Yuanhua is Kaihuang’s grandson!"

"Later on, Li Yuanhua’s father encountered an assassination attempt on the way to the Capital, and to this day, no one knows who was behind the attack. They only know they were saved by a high-level warrior whose name contained the character ’San’ and who used a very strange sword."

"To express his gratitude and hoping to emulate his rescuer one day, Li Yuanhua changed his name to Li Sandao. So, although he is called Sandao, he is actually the fourth in line."

Zhang San finally understood and couldn’t help but nod with a smile.

"Speaking of which, Li Sandao is known to value loyalty and brotherhood."

Shang Bufa interjected, "Li Sandao has left the Capital now, and a few years ago Zheng Poyue also left the Capital to temper himself in the north. I, of course, am of Legalist descent, so I stayed in the Ministry of Punishment and never left. And Wen Ruchu, who went to Chuan-Yu Road to join the Town Martial Office, ended up dead at your hands. Sigh—"

Zhang San frowned upon hearing this.

He slammed his wine cup onto the table and said angrily, "What’s this supposed to mean? Wen Ruchu died at the hands of the Ghost King, we merely discovered his body when passing by! Shang Bufa, you need to be responsible with your words!"

Shang Bufa grimaced, "Although I witnessed it at the time, this is how everyone in the Capital is now talking."

"Others may gossip, but you shouldn’t be reckless with your words! Wen Ruchu wasn’t killed by me! I’m warning you, Shang Bufa, don’t spread rumors!"

As he spoke, Zhang San looked at Shen Bao and Shen Zhongdian with eyes full of grievance.

"He’s slandering me, he’s slandering me!"

After taking a sip of wine, Shang Bufa thought, was I just kidding? Is it worth such a fuss?

Then, Shang Bufa heard Zhang San continue, "You must treat us to this meal to make up for my injured soul."

The moment Shen Bao heard this, he was delighted and quickly picked up the two bags of gold from the table.

"Thanks a lot, Shang Bufa."

At that moment, Shang Bufa suddenly felt that his joke wasn’t the least bit funny.

In fact, it even caused some discomfort in his heart.