Chapter 1354: Threatening
In this world, there were certain things that you could do but not speak of, much less publicize. Otherwise, the consequences were unimaginable.
Take this matter for example. It was one thing if it was carried out in secrecy, but if it was known to all under the heavens, then not even Fang Zhiyong, Grand Mentor of an empire, could handle the sea of criticisms that would be hurled in his direction.
Fang Xiaoman, Gu Suitang, Lin Yuhuai and Chu Nianjiu were members of the Pacification Bureau and imperial officials of Chu. But now, someone had taken their families hostage for personal reasons. This was a taboo to the general public and the imperial court.
First, Fang Zhiyong kidnapped another person’s family for the sake of personal revenge. These people had no direct relations to the person he was taking revenge against either. Every wrong has its perpetrator, and every debt has its creditor. Forget a scholar who studied the wisdom of the sages, even jianghu ruffians would find this method of revenge despicable.
Therefore, if his actions were brought to light, then he would be criticized by thousands and scorned by tens of thousands. Not only would his fame as a respected sage and the Grand Mentor of Chu be ruined in the blink of an eye, his stink would be remembered for ages to come.
Second, Fang Zhiyong was a Grand Mentor, and his friends were imperial officials. By putting them in danger and kidnapping their families, he was breaking both the law and the unspoken rules of the imperial court. Any official would loathe what he did as no one hoped that their families would be harmed for no reason.
Fang Zhiyong would surely be targeted and rebuked by his fellow officials if they knew about this. His political enemies would not allow this opportunity to slip through their grasp as well. One misstep, and Fang Zhiyong might lose more than just his reputation. His life might be on the line as well.
Thirdly, Fang Xiaoman, Gu Suitang and more were Pacification Bureau members. They risked their lives to do battle with Strangers and protect the people everyday. However, not only did the empire fail to provide the protection their family deserved, they were kidnapped by the Grand Mentor himself. This would undoubtedly anger the Pacification Bureau, who was famous for their protectiveness.
In conclusion, this action was both insane and suicidal. Only a madman would do such a thing.
Was Fang Zhiyong insane?
Obviously not. A madman could not become a Grand Mentor.