Chapter 621 - 621 Qin Huai Doesn't Have a Backer
621 Qin Huai Doesn’t Have a Backer
The entrance of the restaurant was filled with bowed heads and respectful greetings as a man entered.
Dressed simply, his tall, slender form moved with unassuming grace. Though his demeanor was humble, the attention he received from all corners of the room indicated his prestige. His steady steps and full aura hinted at his visceral prefecture realm status.
Walking directly to Qin Huai, he spoke with courtesy, “I am Li Zexiang, the great transport envoy of East Qingzhou.”
Qin Huai’s brows furrowed in thought. Gou Jie quickly supplied the information, “Li Zexiang is from a branch of the Li family and was stationed at the border for years. He was brought back to Lingjiang three years ago because of his water control skills. With the favor of Li Zeshi from the fourth branch, he quickly rose to the position of great transport envoy of East Qingzhou. His skills progressed rapidly, especially after gaining access to the ‘recuperation of spiritual energy’.”
Li Zexiang’s smile widened, seemingly amused at their straightforwardness. He gestured to the seats, and Hu Hualiang made way for him.
“Given your audacity in coming straight to Lingjiang,” Li Zexiang commented, “I’d assume you have some powerful backer. But who could it be? The Twin Extreme Sect’s old master or someone from the second branch of the Li family?”
Qin Huai replied calmly, “There’s no one behind us.”
Li Zexiang, using his years of experience in reading people, believed Qin Huai wasn’t lying. Pondering their audacious nature, he wondered if they were just two young men with dreams of being heroes. He couldn’t recall encountering anyone with such a character, especially at their advanced level of cultivation, and certainly not from East Qingzhou.
Li Zexiang proposed, “If you tell me who supports you, I could reward you handsomely.” His smile grew more pronounced. “But if you don’t, I’ll make sure you find your resting place in the river.”
“I…” Gou Jie had just begun to speak when a cold female voice interrupted from the entrance.
“Then am I qualified enough?”
Li Zexiang’s face shifted rapidly from calm to a display of mixed emotions at the sound of the voice.
The atmosphere in the Seven Heroes Restaurant shifted dramatically as everyone, from the patrons inside to those on the street outside, knelt, showing utmost respect to the newcomer – the empress of East Qingzhou, Li Shaoxiang.
Accompanying the empress were key figures: the old sect master of the Twin Extreme Sect, and from the Li family’s second and fourth branches, Li Zewu, Li Zeshi, and Li Buhu.
Li Zexiang, regaining his composure, greeted her warmly, “Congratulations, my lady, on your successful exit from seclusion. It’s truly admirable that you’d come to the city right after to inspect and appreciate it.”
But Li Shaoxiang’s voice was icy as she questioned his presence, “What are you doing here, bringing so many with you?”
Defensively, Li Zexiang answered, “I’m here to arrest these culprits. They recently murdered the vice city lord of Guiyang City in broad daylight. Hearing they’re in Lingjiang, I had to act quickly to prevent any more chaos.”
Suddenly, as if on cue, dozens of Li Zexiang’s men surged forward to apprehend Qin Huai and Gou Jie. But just as they lunged, a swift force countered their move, and the men were down, leaving the restaurant awash in red. Mysterious figures in black swiftly took positions throughout the venue.
Staring in disbelief at Li Shaoxiang, Li Zexiang stammered, “My lady, what is the meaning of this?”
Li Zewu’s voice, icy and accusatory, broke the tense silence, “Li Zexiang, you’ve abused your position, causing havoc, selling people, and dealing weapons… How do you answer for these crimes?”
Li Zexiang’s panic grew, and he turned to Li Zeshi for support, but even the latter seemed taken aback by the day’s events.
“My lady, please don’t be misled by these rumors!” Li Zexiang pleaded with desperation evident in his voice. “I swear I’ve always acted with integrity. I urge you to investigate the truth! I’ve served loyally for years. Please don’t let false accusations taint my reputation.”
His emotional plea made some bystanders wonder if a grave misunderstanding was unfolding.
Li Shaoxiang slowly approached Qin Huai, saying, “If he’s guilty, then so am I.” She gracefully moved to Qin Huai’s side and gently wrapped her arm around his shoulder.
The crowd was too stunned to speak. Li Zexiang, along with everyone present, stared in disbelief. Even key figures like Li Zewu and Li Zeshi were taken aback. The onlookers were left with a burning question: Who was this man?
Li Zewu and a few others seemed to have connected the dots but chose to remain silent. Li Zeshi, who appeared to want to intervene, paused upon seeing the unfolding dynamics.
“Brother Zeshi, help me!” In his desperation, Li Zexiang crawled towards Li Zeshi. But in a turn of events, Li Zeshi knelt before Qin Huai, further deepening Li Zexiang’s horror.
The realization then dawned on Li Zexiang. Trembling, he uttered, “You’re… You’re the emperor of East Qingzhou!” He had longed to meet this legendary figure, but never imagined their encounter would be under such circumstances.
As the weight of the situation pressed on him, Li Zexiang stammered, “All the money I’ve collected is in the secret room of my home. I never spent it. I’m just afraid of poverty. I felt secure having that wealth.” Tears streamed down his face as he added, “Please, my lord, give me a chance.”
However, Qin Huai countered, “What about those you wronged? Did they get a chance?”
“Husband, how should we deal with these people?”
Qin Huai expressed his vision, “I dream of a land where everyone is content and safe, where no one fears harm or being sold. A warm hometown, a harmonious haven for all.”