Afterward, he had worried that Xiao Yunjing would cause trouble for him. However, when they met, Xiao Yunjing seemed to have no recollection of the incident and never mentioned it. Instead of causing him trouble, Xiao Yunjing had sought him out and informed him of an opportunity—a chance for him to truly show what he was capable of. The County Town was too small and limiting for him. Xiao Yunjing told him to consider it, even directly revealing his true identity. He explained the tasks involved, the risks of following him, and, of course, the benefits. Xiao Yunjing laid out everything for Xu Yi to analyze. Facing such an open-hearted man, and considering the current state of Daqian, Xu Yi only asked Xiao Yunjing one question: if Xiao Yunjing could accomplish a certain task, Xu Yi would follow him.

Daqian’s imperial court had long been riddled with problems and beset by corruption. His older brother had been a promising candidate for the next Chief Libationer at the Imperial Academy. However, due to the turmoil, the Academy was no longer a haven for scholars; it had effectively become an alternate court for certain individuals. Unable to tolerate it any longer, his older brother spoke a few words of criticism, offended some powerful people, and was ultimately forced to leave. Afterward, they came here. Their father, worried about his eldest son, secured a position as a County Magistrate for him, and they relocated together.

Then Xiao Yunjing simply said, “I will protect my own people.”

Those words alone were enough for Xu Yi to resolutely follow Xiao Yunjing.

When those in power cannot protect their subjects, why should one remain loyal to them?

Xu Yi made his decision, agreeing without consulting anyone. Afterward, both his older brother and father supported him. They knew the Daqian Imperial Family’s reign would end sooner or later, and they would be pleased if Xiao Yunjing took over. After all, Xiao Yunjing was a prince himself, giving him a far more legitimate claim to the throne than Qingchen.

Xu Yi nodded to Xiao Yunjing. “Alright.”

Gu Chang’an had no idea what Xu Yi, Xiao Yunjing, and Fu Zonghe were discussing. He assumed it was official business—which it was, just not the kind he imagined. Gu Chang’an and the other elders only knew that Xiao Yunjing had become a high-ranking official, and they felt it was a great honor to simply be nearby as they discussed such matters. Because Gu Chang’an and the three other inquisitive elders were present, Xiao Yunjing spoke cryptically, ensuring only he, Xu Yi, and Fu Zonghe understood.

When it was time to eat, Xiao Yunjing stood up and announced, “Alright, dinner is served! Everyone, let’s eat. Oh, and Second Grandpa, you and the three clan elders please accompany Mr. Fu and Mr. Xu today.”

“Wonderful, wonderful! That would be a great honor for us old fellows,” Gu Chang’an replied, absolutely ecstatic.

Just as they were leaving the main hall, a servant hurried over to report, “Master, the Qinghe County Magistrate has arrived.”

Xiao Yunjing said, “He’s arrived just in time. Have him join the two officials.”

“Yes, Master,” the servant replied and immediately went to extend the invitation.

The current Qinghe County Magistrate was a member of the Secret Sect. Xiao Yunjing wouldn’t have minded whether he attended or not. Even if he came, he couldn’t afford to present any significant gifts; members of the Secret Sect were all notoriously poor. While Xiao Yunjing ensured their daily needs were met, he didn’t give them much actual money. This was because he had to save up to provide marriage funds for each member of the Secret Sect, so he couldn’t be overly generous with them regularly.

The newcomer was Yun No. 29. After offering his respects and presenting his gift, he joined Xiao Yunjing and the others at the main table, which was positioned at the entrance of the hall. Gu Qingli, Ms. Wu, and Ms. Qiao sat at another table just below theirs. Each of them held one of the three little ones.

At this moment, Xiao Yunjing stood on a slightly raised area and announced loudly, “Today is the Hundred Days Banquet for my three little ones! I welcome all our fellow villagers and thank you for coming. Please eat and drink to your heart’s content!”

He then beckoned to Gu Qingli. She, along with Ms. Wu and Ms. Qiao, immediately rose, each carrying a baby, and came up to the platform.

Xiao Yunjing continued, “My three little ones will now pay their respects to all the elders present.”

Holding the babies, Gu Qingli and the other two women curtsied deeply to the villagers, Fu Zonghe, and the other distinguished guests, signifying the babies’ formal greeting.

After the formalities, the three women carried the children back down.

Then, with a grand wave of his hand, Xiao Yunjing declared, “Let the feast begin!”

His commanding air was like that of a general on the battlefield ordering an attack, and the people below immediately started eating. The food today was abundant and varied: large bowls of meat, generous platters of vegetables, and huge basins of fish. Many of the dishes were ones the villagers had never seen before, let alone tasted. Instantly, the air filled with the sounds of enthusiastic eating, interspersed with frequent exclamations of, “Delicious! So delicious!”

Hidden in the shadows, Yun No. 20 and his men couldn’t help but gulp as the tantalizing aroma of the food wafted their way. Still, they dared not relax their guard for even a moment. Twelve pairs of eyes remained fixated on everyone at the dining tables. Their Master had instructed them to pay special attention to certain individuals.

Suddenly, Yun No. 18 saw Gu Qingyan glance furtively left and right before casually reaching his left hand towards his right sleeve.

This man is indeed up to no good, Yun No. 18 thought. With a flick of his wrist, a small pebble appeared between his fingers.

SWOOSH…

The pebble struck Gu Qingyan’s right hand with unerring accuracy.

OUCH!

Gu Qingyan cried out in pain. His right hand trembled, and a small packet dropped from his sleeve. His cry startled everyone eating, and all eyes immediately turned towards him.

“What’s this?” a villager sitting near him asked, picking up the packet from the ground.

“N-nothing! It’s nothing important! Quick, give it to me!” Gu Qingyan stammered, finally reacting and snatching the packet back.

The instant he grabbed it, Wuqing was upon him. She seized the packet and, hauling Gu Qingyan up, swiftly marched him towards Xiao Yunjing. Upon arrival, she handed the packet to Wuyou and then threw Gu Qingyan down in front of Xiao Yunjing.

“You… you people…” Gu Qingyan began.

Wuqing shot him a fierce glare. This lowlife! The Master said this man was untrustworthy, and indeed he is!

Intimidated by Wuqing’s glare, Gu Qingyan didn’t dare utter another sound. I’m really in for it today, he thought, his heart sinking. He looked up and saw everyone at Xiao Yunjing’s table staring at him. An involuntary shiver ran down his spine.

The villagers at the other tables also stopped eating to watch, some whispering amongst themselves. Only Ms. Peng was visibly and extremely nervous.

Ms. Jiang, sitting beside her, silently cursed Gu Qingyan and his wife. What a pair of idiots! Causing trouble on an occasion like this! They’re really asking for it, aren’t they?

Originally, her own husband, Gu Qingming, had also planned to stir up some trouble today. However, she had given him a stern scolding, and he had reluctantly agreed to just come and eat quietly. Honestly, their old Gu family had no business showing their faces here, Ms. Jiang thought. But it had been ages since they’d had any meat, and especially with her being pregnant, they’d swallowed their pride and come anyway.

Ms. Jiang glanced at Gu Qingming at the next table. He lowered his head, thinking, Good thing I listened to my wife. People always said I married a tigress, but sometimes, for a dimwit like me, having a fierce wife to keep me in check is actually a good thing. See? Second Brother went and got himself caught. With so many important people here today, he’s definitely going to face severe consequences.

First Brother Gu and Ms. Yun, not understanding what was happening, left their seats and rushed towards Gu Qingyan, intending to help him up.

“Stay back!” Wuqing roared at them.

The pair froze. Just as Ms. Yun opened her mouth to curse, Wuqing made a subtle motion towards her. Instantly, Ms. Yun found herself unable to move or speak. She could only glare daggers at Wuqing, who completely ignored her.

Meanwhile, Wuyou examined the packet of powder. She then placed it before Xiao Yunjing and reported, “Young Master, it’s a laxative.”