Watching Han Mo’s indignant expression, Wang Daolu felt as if he had just swallowed a bowl of cow dung – it was utterly revolting.
In mere moments, the elaborate trap they had devised was so easily overturned by Han Mo. Even Pang Yue had to admit that this young man possessed a certain quick wit.
However, having learned from their previous encounter, he had come prepared this time.
“Alright, since there’s been a misunderstanding, I believe it’s best if everyone clarifies things!”
Clearing his throat, Pang Yue could only act as a peacemaker for now.
After all, Han Mo held all the advantages in this situation; they had no chance of winning.
Without the land deeds, Wang Daolu couldn’t explain himself even if he had a thousand mouths. The best solution was as he suggested now: to treat it entirely as a misunderstanding and smooth over the matter.
“Impossible! Was my beating for nothing?”
Wang Daolu was furious. If he admitted it was a misunderstanding, then he had truly taken the beating for nothing. He had been beaten to this state, not only losing face but likely his livelihood as well. How could he possibly agree to let it end like this?
“You!”
Pang Yue was speechless, even suspecting that the old man’s head had been addled by the blows. The initiative was no longer in his hands. According to the Great Song laws, false accusations were punishable by severe retribution! Given the crime of slandering Han Mo, the penalty could be beheading!
“Since the Immortal Master is so insistent, I believe we should clarify things thoroughly!”
Han Mo, on the other hand, was no longer angry. This old Daoist priest was nothing more than a walking, talking money god in his eyes. If he didn’t make the man empty his life savings, it would be a disservice to himself.
“I don’t think that’s necessary. Look at him now, perhaps it’s best to let it be…”
Despite Wang Daolu’s odiousness, he was after all backed by the Shenxiao Sect. Pang Yue did not want to escalate the situation beyond recovery unless absolutely necessary.
“No!”
“No!”
Both of them spoke in unison.
*Damn it all!*
Pang Yue couldn’t help but curse. This was truly a case of a grateful person turning against his benefactor! Han Mo’s refusal was understandable, but what was this dead Daoist’s intention?
“In that case, Lord Han, this official will not interfere. You two can settle this at the Judicial Commission.”
Pang Yue could bear it no longer. He had other objectives for his visit today and couldn’t afford to waste all his time on this matter.
“In that case, Your Excellency, I shall be presumptuous!”
Seeing that his objective was achieved, Han Mo grinned and waved his hand.
“What are you doing?”
Seeing Lü Ying and over a dozen men surrounding him, Wang Daolu’s body tensed, and he asked in fear.
“According to the Great Song statutes, false accusations are met with retribution. Since Your Excellency Pang no longer concerns himself with this matter, we must clarify it. Until this matter is investigated, you will have to stay in prison!”
After speaking, Han Mo waved his hand again. The constables immediately stepped forward without preamble, grabbed Wang Daolu by his clothes, and dragged him away. His disciples and followers behind him were stunned. Those with stronger resolve prepared to intervene, but before they could even raise their fists, Jiang Yan, dressed as a constable, knocked them all to the ground with a few swift blows from his staff.
“It’s you! It’s you!”
In his panic, Wang Daolu finally saw Jiang Yan’s face clearly. While he couldn’t describe Jiang Yan’s features precisely, this face was deeply etched into his memory. The moment he saw Jiang Yan, he recognized the man who had brought him such immense humiliation.
Observing his frenzied state, Pang Yue’s heart stirred. Could this be the assailant?
“Take him away!”
Judging by the expression on Pang Yue’s face, Han Mo knew the old man had taken the bait. His objective achieved, Han Mo let out a sinister chuckle and waved his hand again.
“Stop!”
If Wang Daolu’s beating could be confirmed, it would be enough to put Han Mo in a precarious position. The matter concerning Zhou Ding was fabricated from nothing; only Pang Yue himself truly understood its credibility. However, Wang Daolu’s situation, with his visible injuries, was clearly far more credible than Zhou Ding’s case. Pang Yue’s primary concern was to find evidence of Han Mo’s crimes; the specific nature of the transgression was less important.
“What? Your Excellency Pang, are you going to interfere again?”
Han Mo looked at Pang Yue meaningfully, speaking with a knowing tone.
“Daoist Master Wang is, after all, the Abbot of Shenxiao Wanshou Palace and an honored Daoist official enfeoffed by His Majesty. Look at his current state; there are clearly hidden circumstances…”
Regardless, this was a retraction of one’s word. Even with Pang Yue’s thick skin, his face felt a flush of heat at this moment.
“I will say it again, Your Excellency. As long as you have evidence in hand, Han Mo’s head is here. If you were to take it off right now, I would have no objections!”
Seeing Han Mo’s confident demeanor, Wang Daolu became even more agitated. He broke free from the constables like a crazed tiger and lunged at Jiang Yan. Jiang Yan knew nothing of politeness. Flipping his water-and-fire staff, he struck Wang Daolu down with a swift blow. Already injured, Wang Daolu took another hit to the back of his head. He felt a sudden wave of dizziness and was unable to speak for a long time.
“Stop him! Guards, arrest him!”
As soon as Pang Yue finished speaking, his guards surged forward, surrounding Jiang Yan.
“Your Excellency Pang, what are you doing?”
Han Mo’s smile gradually faded. Although Pang Yue outranked him by two levels, it did not mean he would allow Pang Yue to act so arrogantly.
“Lord Han, didn’t you just tell this official to find evidence? For a shameless scoundrel like this, if we arrest him and subject him to harsh interrogation, won’t we find the evidence?”
Pang Yue’s face was full of a sinister smile. As long as he could bring Han Mo down, he cared not whether forced confessions would cause criticism.
“Let’s see who dares!”