Chapter 2, Seeking Justice

Upon hearing this, the military officer responded with a sound and strode towards the governor's residence. The steward at the entrance, seeing that he was a person from the military, did not dare to cause any trouble and quickly sent someone to inform Wei Xian

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"Beru, this time it is not that your uncle is unwilling to support you, but rather that a life has been lost. Even if Old Man Cai were here, he would likely have nothing to say." Wei Xian stood up, excitedly addressing the young man.

"What are these people here for?" Wei Xian frowned and said. At this moment, Cai Yong was also in the city. Instead of underestimating Cai Yong, he invited all the prominent figures from the noble families in the city, which he found incomprehensible.

"Justice? You killed someone and still seek justice. Come here, bring that murderer to the court, I want to see for myself just how much power this Young Master Ye truly has." Wei Xian was troubled about how to handle this matter, but now that Ye Zhao had killed someone, there was no need to mediate; it would be dealt with according to the law. Even Cai Yong would not be able to find any fault with it.

Ye Zhao was originally a bookish person, stubborn and set in his ways. The family fortune accumulated over three generations was nearly squandered in just six months. Experiencing the harsh realities of life for the first time left him disheartened. More importantly, this situation was caused by the Wei family, and his teacher's connection to the Wei family led him to believe that this matter was related to Cai Yong. For a time, he felt as if the entire world had abandoned him. Not everyone can become the protagonist of an inspirational novel. Ye Zhao's response to his despair shocked even the current Ye Zhao; he chose to... more importantly, this situation was caused by the Wei family, and his teacher's connection to the Wei family led him to believe that this matter was related to Cai Yong. For a time, he felt as if the entire world had abandoned him. Not everyone can become the protagonist of an inspirational novel. Ye Zhao's response to his despair shocked even the current Ye Zhao; he chose to... starve himself to death...

For Ye Zhao, who grew up in a post-apocalyptic environment, he cannot comprehend the actions of his predecessor. Not to mention that this matter itself is not particularly significant, in a world where morality has collapsed, he has witnessed too many tragic events. The predecessor's disregard for his own life makes it difficult for the current Ye Zhao to feel any sense of identification. This is a person who has read too much and become foolish; even if one were to commit suicide, hanging or cutting one's throat would be straightforward and decisive. Yet, he chose such a painful method of death, truly... he deserves it! The predecessor's disregard for his own life makes it difficult for the current Ye Zhao to feel any sense of identification. This is a person who has read too much and become foolish; even if one were to commit suicide, hanging or cutting one's throat would be straightforward and decisive. Yet, he chose such a painful method of death, truly... he deserves it!

However, the most fatal blow was the demotion of his teacher Cai Yong, while he himself inexplicably faced oppression from the governor

Wei Xian's expression stiffened as he looked at the young man and asked, "Does my elder brother know about it as well?"

It is not that I am unwilling, but that Ye Zhao cannot withstand the blow. He has already been on a hunger strike for several days, and at this moment, I fear that..." Wei Xian felt a bitterness in his mouth. He had not anticipated so much; he originally thought it was just a matter of tidying up that bookworm, making him remember a bit, and not saying everything that came to mind. Who would have thought it would turn out like this

He always feels that something is not right, but he just cannot pinpoint what exactly is wrong

Regarding the official titles, he is not inferior to the governor. The reason he took action this time was due to being entangled in personal relationships; otherwise, he truly had no interest in participating in the sordid affairs among these noble families

The young man furrowed his brow and shook his head, sighing: "Nowadays, my Wei family is no longer as glorious as it once was. Although the Ye family is small, they have served the court in guarding the borders for three generations, making them a family of loyalty and righteousness. We must not go too far; if this matter reaches the court, my Wei family will inevitably gain a bad reputation. Most importantly, in a few years, my second brother will marry the daughter of the Cai family once she comes of age. To outsiders, my Wei family will already be in a kinship relationship with Old Man Cai. Yet now, members of my Wei family are persecuting Old Man Cai's favored disciple. How do you expect the world to view my Wei family? How do you expect Old Man Cai to view my Wei family?"

"Young Master, we have arrived at the Prefect's residence!" The two servants, who had previously been beaten to a pulp, bowed to Ye Zhao.

Is it that even my father's words are of no use? Even if my uncle considers that Ye Zhao to be insignificant, Mr. Bojie has high hopes for this disciple. When Mr. Bojie learned of this matter, he disregarded the imperial edict and personally came to our Wei family to demand an explanation. If we were to force Ye Zhao to death at this moment, with Mr. Bojie's fiery temperament, even if my father intervened, it is likely that he would not be able to quell Mr. Bojie's anger. The young man frowned and said, he did not care about Ye Zhao's fate, but he must consider Cai Yong's reputation. Although Cai Yong has only recently been pardoned from his exile, he is the imperial teacher, someone who can enter the palace to meet the emperor at any time, and he has former students and officials all over the country. The Wei family is no longer what it used to be, and if it can be avoided, the Wei family truly does not want to completely offend this person.

Unfortunately, after many years of battle, Ye's father was left with lingering ailments. Three years ago, he fell seriously ill and ultimately could not endure the torment of his illness, passing away. Ye's mother, too, fell ill due to her grief, and shortly after Ye's father's passing, she also departed.

"Why does Mr. Xie look so flustered?" the young man frowned and asked

"What is it, but feel free to speak." Wei Xian said with a frown

At the moment when the two were gazing at each other in silence, a guard from the governor's office hurried in. Upon seeing the young man, he couldn't help but pause slightly, hesitatingly glancing at Wei Xian.

However, now that I have replaced the other party, there are certain things that must be done, not just for the predecessor, but for myself as well. It is not in his character to be struck and not retaliate

Fang Yue, upon hearing this, twitched the corner of his mouth. After all, he was a dignified captain, a person of significant power in the prefecture. How could he now be addressed as if he were merely a servant of the Ye family? Glancing at Ye Zhao, Fang Yue ultimately refrained from losing his temper and turned to a military officer beside him, saying: "Go inform the prefect."

Under the close watch of a group of officials and soldiers, the young man felt little pressure. He lowered his head to gaze at his slender and delicate palms, slightly furrowing his brow. By now, he had accepted the reality of his time travel, but this body was just too weak.

This matter is suspicious; we should go and take a look first!" the young man said in a deep voice

The continuous blows have suddenly placed the heavy burden of the vast Ye family on Ye Zhao's shoulders, leaving Ye Zhao, who rarely concerns himself with family matters, almost breathless.

The young man nodded upon hearing this. If it were truly the case, it would indeed be a good thing for the Wei family, as it would at least prevent offending Cai Yong. However, he had a vague feeling that the matter might not be that simple. Nevertheless, since Wei Xian had already spoken, and this was an official matter, he felt it inappropriate to interfere. He then nodded and said, "May I ask if my nephew can observe?"

Looking at the young man walking calmly down the street amidst a crowd of officials and soldiers, Fang Yue knew that today's matter was unlikely to end well. He sighed inwardly; although he had secretly sent someone to inform the governor, the performance of this young master from the Ye family today was vastly different from what he had known in the past. Fang Yue had a vague feeling that the governor might not be able to gain any advantage today. He did not believe that the prominent families in the city could do much to the governor, after all, the Wei family was also a powerful clan, and their connections naturally outweighed those of the Ye family. However, Ye Zhao's teacher, even though he had been demoted to a commoner, still held considerable influence in the court and throughout the realm. If Ye Zhao could truly invite him, even the governor Wei Xian would find it difficult to suppress this matter today.

In this life, shall I be called Ye Zhao?

Upon hearing this, Wei Xian could not help but smile wryly and said, "I am afraid there are some..."

With a loud clap, Wei Xian's expression changed dramatically. He suddenly slammed the table, stood up from his seat, and shouted sternly: "What audacity! Is it true that Fang Yue has been locked up?"

Upon seeing the two individuals, the middle-aged scholar quickly bowed and said: "This old man, Xie Jia, pays his respects to the Lord and to Young Master Wei"

"Young Master Ye has not only arrived, but he has also invited many prominent families from the city here," Xie Jia said with a bitter smile after seeing Wei Xian nod in acknowledgment.

The young man glanced at Wei Xian and shook his head, saying: "I do not wish to concern myself with right or wrong; however, my father has sent my nephew here for this matter, hoping that my uncle can preserve some incense for the Ye family."

Wei Xian gritted his teeth and said: "Although I have made mistakes, that brat from the Wei family does not know how to be tactful. Since I took office, he has publicly criticized my governance several times, which is truly detestable!"

The owner of this body is named Ye Zhao, courtesy name Xiuming. He can be considered a descendant of a military family, as his ancestors served as guards for the frontier for three generations, earning considerable recognition and favor from the court. Ye Zhao's father held the position of General of the Guards against the Xiongnu, making him a significant official who was highly valued and trusted by the court. Over three generations, the Ye family gradually transitioned from a humble background to that of a prominent clan, gaining considerable prestige in the He'nan region.

"Yes," the guard nodded and said, "The young master of the Ye family is currently outside the residence seeking an audience with the captain, Fang Yue."

Currently, the governor of Hanoi, Wei Xian, is a collateral branch of the Wei family. To trace back, Cai Yong's daughter, Cai Yan, was promised to the second son of the Wei family since childhood, which originally established a close relationship. However, for reasons unknown, after the death of his father, Wei Xian has been subtly and overtly targeting me. With my father's passing, our family has dwindled in numbers, and there is no one left in the court, our influence has long diminished. Previously, it was still a matter of covert suppression, but now it can almost be said to be overt oppression.

"Studying abroad is for broadening one's horizons. If I come to my uncle's place, I fear that there are things I wish to see that I might not be able to. " The young man looked at Wei Xian and implied, "For instance, regarding the Ye family matter, shouldn't my uncle explain it to me?"

"How is it that you, Bo Ru, have the interest to come here today? Considering that you have traveled the world in recent years, it is surprising that you have not visited here, given how close He'nan and He'dong are to each other," Wei Xian said with a smile to a young man sitting below.

That feeling of helplessness and frailty was only experienced before the apocalypse, when he was still a small writer. However, that memory has long since become blurred amidst countless battles, and now, feeling it again makes him quite uncomfortable

"How is it that Ye Zhao has woken up?" Wei Xian asked in confusion. According to the information he had received, Ye Zhao had been unconscious from hunger for two days and was on the verge of death. At this moment, he could not understand why Ye Zhao would appear here.

Upon hearing this, the young man could not help but furrow his brows, but then relaxed. If Ye Zhao were truly so wretched as to seek his own demise, it would indeed simplify matters. At that time, they could compensate with some wealth and have Wei Xian come forward to apologize. Cai Yong would not hold the Wei family accountable for a dead person, after all, the two families were not only related by marriage, but also, given that Cai Yong was able to be quickly exonerated this time, the Wei family had contributed significantly.

"That is not the case; however, the young master of the Ye family has requested that the esteemed one adjudicate on his behalf," the guard said in a low voice, not daring to raise his head.

Hmm. Wei Xian nodded, and the three of them quickly walked towards the government office.

Of course. Wei Xian nodded, stood up, and was about to walk outside when he saw a scholar hurrying towards him

Unfortunately, Ye Zhao was unwilling to practice martial arts since childhood. In desperation, his father spent a considerable amount of effort and connections to have him become a disciple of the contemporary great scholar Cai Yong. Ye Zhao himself preferred to pursue academic studies, which earned him Cai Yong's favor. Cai Yong recommended him for the position of filial and incorrupt official, and once he reached adulthood, he could even assist him in directly obtaining a position of real power in a prefecture.

"Awake, I heard that he killed Hu Laosan..." The guard cautiously glanced at Wei Xian. Previously, Fang Yue had already sent someone to report, but Wei Xian wanted to meet the young master who had come, so they were all kept outside.

Scenes of memories continuously emerged in his mind as he organized them

"Officer Fang, please trouble yourself to invite the Prefect to come out and uphold justice for my Ye family!" Ye Zhao retracted his thoughts and looked at the rather imposing residence before him, calmly stating that since he had come, he would not allow himself to live as frivolously as his predecessor.