Magistrate Zhu had no intention of intervening. It was not wise to offend the old master for a young girl passing through Liuxian County. No one knew how powerful the old master truly was, and besides, things had been peaceful for years.
Magistrate Wei had anticipated this outcome, yet a strange chill ran down his spine.
Standing under the corridor, looking at the dazzling sunlight, Magistrate Wei recalled a famous line he had recited during his early studies: "To establish the heart for heaven and earth, to establish life for the people, to continue the lost teachings for the past sages, and to bring peace to all generations."
Yet, after years of ups and downs in officialdom, reaching the age of forty, Magistrate Wei realized he was but a drop in the ocean, serving as a minor official in the county yamen, his sole purpose being the monthly salary he brought home. To champion the cause of the people had long become an empty phrase.
Stepping out from the room, Magistrate Cheng, now in a cheerful mood, strode over. Seeing the dazed Magistrate Wei, he couldn't help but laugh, "Magistrate Wei, are you worried about the safety of that young girl, Zhan Feiyu? If so, you could send someone to deliver a message. Whether it can save her or not, at least it would alert Zhan Feiyu."
Magistrate Cheng spoke with feigned sincerity, but his gaze towards Magistrate Wei was filled with undisguised mockery and disdain. He thought scholars were all falsely upright. Did he dare to send a warning?
Having worked together for many years, Magistrate Wei was no longer the passionate, fiery scholar he once was. Facing Magistrate Cheng's blatant mockery, Magistrate Wei calmly replied, "He who does much injustice will surely destroy himself. Wait and see."
After a moment of silence, laughter erupted. Magistrate Cheng clicked his tongue twice and shook his head, "Then I shall wait and see what retribution befalls me."
Magistrate Wei had long anticipated this outcome, yet a strange chill ran down his spine.
Standing under the corridor, looking at the dazzling sunlight, Magistrate Wei recalled a famous line he had recited during his early studies: "To establish the heart for heaven and earth, to establish life for the people, to continue the lost teachings for the past sages, and to bring peace to all generations."
Yet, after years of ups and downs in officialdom, reaching the age of forty, Magistrate Wei realized he was but a drop in the ocean, serving as a minor official in the county yamen, his sole purpose being the monthly salary he brought home. To champion the cause of the people had long become an empty phrase.
Stepping out from the room, Magistrate Cheng, now in a cheerful mood, strode over. Seeing the dazed Magistrate Wei, he couldn't help but laugh, "Magistrate Wei, are you worried about the safety of that young girl, Zhan Feiyu? If so, you could send someone to deliver a message. Whether it can save her or not, at least it would alert Zhan Feiyu." Magistrate Zhu had no intention of intervening. It was not wise to offend the old master for a young girl passing through Liuxian County. No one knew how powerful the old master truly was, and besides, things had been peaceful for years.
Magistrate Wei had long anticipated this outcome, yet a strange chill ran down his spine.
Standing under the corridor, looking at the dazzling sunlight, Magistrate Wei recalled a famous line he had recited during his early studies: "To establish the heart for heaven and earth, to establish life for the people, to continue the lost teachings for the past sages, and to bring peace to all generations."
Yet, after years of ups and downs in officialdom, reaching the age of forty, Magistrate Wei realized he was but a drop in the ocean, serving as a minor official in the county yamen, his sole purpose being the monthly salary he brought home. To champion the cause of the people had long become an empty phrase.
Stepping out from the room, Magistrate Cheng, now in a cheerful mood, strode over. Seeing the dazed Magistrate Wei, he couldn't help but laugh, "Magistrate Wei, are you worried about the safety of that young girl, Zhan Feiyu? If so, you could send someone to deliver a message. Whether it can save her or not, at least it would alert Zhan Feiyu."
Magistrate Cheng spoke with feigned sincerity, but his gaze towards Magistrate Wei was filled with undisguised mockery and disdain. He thought scholars were all falsely upright. Did he dare to send a warning?
Having worked together for many years, Magistrate Wei was no longer the passionate, fiery scholar he once was. Facing Magistrate Cheng's blatant mockery, Magistrate Wei calmly replied, "He who does much injustice will surely destroy himself. Wait and see."
Magistrate Cheng spoke with feigned sincerity, but his gaze towards Magistrate Wei was filled with undisguised mockery and disdain. He thought scholars were all falsely upright. Did he dare to send a warning?
Having worked together for many years, Magistrate Wei was no longer the passionate, fiery scholar he once was. Facing Magistrate Cheng's blatant mockery, Magistrate Wei calmly replied, "He who does much injustice will surely destroy himself. Wait and see."
Magistrate Cheng spoke with feigned sincerity, but his gaze towards Magistrate Wei was filled with undisguised mockery and disdain. He thought scholars were all falsely upright. Did he dare to send a warning?
Having worked together for many years, Magistrate Wei was no longer the passionate, fiery scholar he once was. Facing Magistrate Cheng's blatant mockery, Magistrate Wei calmly replied, "He who does much injustice will surely destroy himself. Wait and see."