Chapter 108: Qin Suwen Is Very Angry, and the Consequences Are Severe (First Update)
After settling the unfortunate young women, Fang Xu ordered his men to look after them with the utmost care. It was clear that the women were reluctant to see him leave, as he was the only person they felt they could trust. Watching them, Fang Xu could not help but sigh. After comforting them, he finally entrusted them to his subordinates, feeling at ease. He knew that had they not crossed paths with him today, the consequences would have been truly unthinkable. At this thought, Fang Xu involuntarily clenched his fists.
His loathing for these aristocratic scions was self-evident. Beside him, Qiu Chuji sat watching him with a look of concern. Following Old Wu’s earlier explanation and the revelation of the women’s backgrounds, Qiu Chuji felt a sense of embarrassment. She understood now that she had likely misjudged Fang Xu. Yet, what could she do? Even she did not know why she felt such irritation—a profound sense of restlessness. She had been so worried about his safety, only for him to return with several young women in tow. The mere thought was enough to incense her, though she could not explain why she harbored such feelings. She felt lost; this was the first time she had experienced such emotions, and she could not fathom their meaning.
Lost in thought, she observed the contours of Fang Xu’s face. She had never before seen a man whose features held both the weariness of age and the innocence of youth. "I know you are furious, but what can be done? As the saying goes, emperors may rule for a century, but the landed gentry hold power for a millennium. If even the Emperor cannot change these things, what can you possibly do?" Qiu Chuji tried to persuade him to let go of his burden, fearing he would make himself ill.
Fang Xu frowned at her words. "Emperors for a century, gentry for a millennium." Did he not understand the weight of that? But was there truly no way? He refused to believe it. He was a traveler from another world; surely, his presence here meant something. With this thought, the anger in his heart slowly subsided, replaced by a growing anticipation for what lay ahead. His journey south was fraught with danger, but it promised even greater intrigue.
Meanwhile, far away in the Imperial Palace of Xianyang, Qin Suwen sat in the study. Recent days had seen restless movements from the northern barbarian tribes; it was clear they had not abandoned their treacherous ambitions. These disturbances were tiresome, though Qin Suwen felt entirely at ease leaving the northern borders to General Meng Tian. However, as she gazed at the papers in her hand, her expression turned solemn, and a smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
The reports detailed Fang Xu’s recent actions. To her surprise, he had truly managed to stir up the south. She had granted him the title of Commandant of Justice—one of the Nine Ministers—largely as a form of protection. More importantly, it gave him the legitimate authority to manage the regional governors and those powerful landed families. After all, who would dare to openly defy her will? It was impossible. Even the Murong family would not dare cross her, especially with the Zhuge and Shangguan families standing behind her as a counterweight.
The title also gave Fang Xu the power of life and death. Since he had arrived in the south, his methods had been swift and decisive. Even Qin Suwen was shocked by his ruthlessness; she wondered if she had ever truly understood his nature. Of course, these actions had earned him many potential enemies, and had he not held that official status, she would have worried about him, even with Old Wu and the others by his side. She was well aware that Fang Xu had earned the moniker "Living Yama," a thought that only made her smile.
However, the report also detailed his relationship with Zhuge Jun and Shangguan Lian. She could understand why Zhuge Jun would choose to befriend Fang Xu, but she could not fathom Shangguan Lian’s involvement. As she read that the two had shared a carriage, her eyes narrowed. The report did not record what happened inside, but one detail was certain: when they stepped out, both appeared disheveled. More tellingly, Shangguan Lian’s cheeks were flushed, and a five-fingered print marked Fang Xu’s face. Their actions inside were left to the imagination.
If Fang Xu were to see this report, he would surely be speechless, likely wanting to drag the author out and punish them severely. It was a blatant fabrication! He had been "voluntarily coerced," after all. Yet, as Qin Suwen read, her smile deepened with a playful glint in her eyes. "I have truly underestimated my beloved consort," she murmured. The eunuchs and maids nearby dared not breathe, sensing her anger. They wondered if it was because of Fang Xu.
Back at the inn, having just seen Qiu Chuji off, Fang Xu felt a sudden chill run down his spine as he prepared to rest. It felt as if someone were watching him, making him shudder. He pulled the quilt tighter and drifted into sleep, needing to clear his head after such a long day. He did not know that Qin Suwen was "very satisfied" with his recent conduct and was already planning a "grand gift" to reward him upon his return. It was certainly not something pleasant; if Fang Xu knew what awaited him, he would surely have to pray for his own luck.