Chapter 489 - 483_1
"Brother Erhu, it’s not that I want to say," Feng San Ye sighed in his speech, "my good friend is a martial artist, admired by his lord for his talent in martial arts, and became skilled in combat, more powerful than even I am. Later, he rose to be the leader of the Protectors, it seemed as though he had finally made it. Who could have foreseen that despite living well, such a catastrophe would occur? Originally, his master’s family was just a branch and not close with the main family in the Capital City; they never partook in the good but got implicated for no reason. All in all, a man’s fortune is truly unpredictable." Feng San Ye’s words were filled with lamentations.
After hearing this, Zhao Erhu felt some pity for Feng San Ye’s friend, but he wasn’t fooled by Feng San Ye, his mind was clear. "Given that, I think you, San Ye, are a man of loyalty and not beset by financial difficulties. Why don’t you redeem your friend yourself, instead of thinking of sending me? This doesn’t seem quite fair. Could there be another reason?"
"Brother Erhu is cautious indeed; no wonder your business is growing. Yes, there are indeed reasons that make me hesitant to intervene directly. For one, my friend offended Wei Laoye, that scheming merchant, back in his glorious days. Now that scheming merchant has ingratiated himself with the Magistrate. Seeing my friend in trouble, he’s seeking revenge. Another reason is the crime for which my friend’s master’s family was accused."
When Zhao Erhu heard something about Wei Laoye, he didn’t feel the slightest concern. By now, Wei Laoye posed no threat to him, and he guessed that Wei Laoye knew this too, hence he wouldn’t dare to target his family anymore. However, Feng San Ye’s mention of the other reason caused Zhao Erhu to furrow his brows.
"There’s no harm in speaking plainly, San Ye. What exactly is the crime that your friend’s master’s family committed to be so feared?"
"Alas! If it were any other crime, it wouldn’t matter as much. It’s just that the head of their main family was charged with rebellion. Had it not been for such an accusation, the household my friend worked for wouldn’t have been implicated despite the distance. Once involved in such a crime, most families don’t wish to be associated with it, even if it’s just purchasing a criminal slave. An unlucky association could result in being labeled as a conspirator of rebellion; an undeserved fate. Not to mention that the man is still in the Government Office of Xin’an City. The current Magistrate, Ceng Lu, has a reputation that we all know. With Wei Laoye involved as well, I truly am powerless."
Feng San Ye finished speaking with another heavy sigh. He wished to act righteously and rashly redeem his friend without considering the consequences, but the welfare of his whole Escort Agency and his family—his wife, children, parents—was at stake, and he couldn’t afford to take such a risk.
"If that’s the case, why even mention this matter to me, San Ye? If everyone wants to avoid it, why wouldn’t I fear getting involved? You can’t think I’m a fool, can you? After all, we’ve formed some connection on our journey back from the south, and it’s for this reason that I came to see you today. It seems you don’t really think that way. Such an approach really chills my heart!" Zhao Erhu said, his expression turning visibly sour, implying he might storm off at any moment.
Feng San Ye, seeing that Zhao Erhu seemed to have misunderstood, quickly began to explain, "Brother Erhu, please don’t get me wrong. I, Feng San, am not such a person. The reason I’m telling you, Brother Erhu, is because I feel that you have a powerful backing, perhaps fearless of these consequences. If it’s indeed so, taking on my friend could be beneficial for both you and him. Of course, if Brother Erhu still has reservations, then consider I have never mentioned anything. I never intended to harm you, Brother Erhu."