Chapter 4, Speaking Nonsense (Part 1)

Why not speak at this moment: "Lord Hong, what do you think..." Although he did not say anything specific, the significance of the pause at this critical moment was extraordinary, clearly compelling Hong Baiqi to express his stance

At this moment, a languid voice said: "Indeed, they cannot be allowed to leave!"

The greater the number of people, the greater the strength, and coupled with the psychology of the majority believing that laws do not punish the crowd, upon hearing Tang Tiehan say this, they immediately joined in the uproar.

Tang Tiecheng exclaimed angrily: "We all saw it, my sister is the witness!"

Hu Xiaotian pointed at Tang Tiecheng with his finger and said, "Oh... you truly are a treasonous rebel, actually wanting to overthrow the court?"

With an expression as calm as an ancient well, he turned back to Tang Wenzheng and said softly, "Brother Wenzheng, rest assured, I will definitely get to the bottom of today's matter. However, should we first disperse this group of people? In such a noisy and chaotic situation, there are bound to be those with ulterior motives who will mislead the public. Not only will this not resolve the issue, but it will also make things increasingly chaotic."

Tang Tiecheng said: "Isn't it just a broken thatched pavilion? Don't say I burned it; even if I dismantled this thatched pavilion, what difference would it make? At most, I would compensate you with a new thatched pavilion!"

At this moment, Jingzhaoyin Hong Baiqi hurriedly arrived with several subordinates, accompanied by Tang Family's third son, Tang Tiexin. Upon seeing the scene before him, Hong Baiqi inwardly lamented. Regardless of the conflicts between the Hu and Tang families, he was indifferent; however, today, upon hearing the news, Murong Feiyan took the lead and brought several constables to the Minister's residence, which inevitably implicated him in the matter. If it were not for Murong Feiyan's involvement, Hong Baiqi would have been reluctant to wade into this murky water. Let the two families stir up trouble as they please; once they are done, if they injure my men, I will promptly send for medical assistance, and if they kill them, I will help collect the bodies. As for who is right and who is wrong, we can discuss that later. Being an official in the capital is no easy task. Jingzhaoyin sounds imposing and is indeed a significant official, but looking around the capital, there are countless officials of higher rank, not to mention the royal relatives. Serving as an official in the capital requires careful consideration of various relationships; a slight misstep could offend unknown individuals. It is truly a struggle for survival in a narrow space, making every step difficult.

The people from the Xu family were all so frightened that their faces turned pale, my goodness, this person dares to say anything

Hu Buwei also frowned; in his view, his son was not particularly bright, and his mind was somewhat abnormal. It was essential to first send these people away in order to minimize the situation, as allowing it to escalate would undoubtedly be detrimental to the Hu family.

I doubt you would dare to overthrow the court, just look at your sneaky and cowardly appearance, you lack the courage for that

Who else is there

Hu Xiaotian chuckled and said, "What evidence do you have that I robbed her?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "You group of people smashed the door of my house, beat my family servant, insulted the reputation of the Hu family, slandered my name, and caused all these troubles. Now you actually want to leave without any consequences. Is there such a cheap way to get away in this world?"

Everyone heard it clearly, yet they still overthrew the court

Hu Xiaotian pointed at Tang Tiecheng with his finger and said, "You are truly rebellious, actually wanting to dismantle the court and establish a new court. This is disrespectful to the Great Kang, and you are clearly plotting a rebellion!" While others were talking about a grass pavilion, he insisted on referring to it as the court.

Over there, Tang Wenzheng was so frightened that he lost his wits. Although he knew that his son had been tricked by Hu Xiaotian, he could not casually speak against the court. If this matter were to reach the emperor's ears, not only would he lose his official position, but it was likely that the heads of everyone in the Tang family would roll. It is said that Hu Buwei's son is a deaf and foolish simpleton, but upon seeing him today, he realized that this young man is not only exceptionally intelligent but also insidiously cunning, reaching the utmost level of wickedness. The intelligence of his own son is simply worlds apart from him. Both are sons; just look at how the other is raised.

The Governor of Jingzhao, Hong Baiqi, watched as more than one hundred rioters fled in an instant, without instructing his subordinates to intervene. His principle in handling this matter was to try to muddle through and minimize the situation, turning major issues into minor ones and minor issues into nothing.

They looked at each other in silence, with no one responding

Although Tang Tiecheng spoke such treasonous words about overthrowing the court, Hong Baiqi clearly saw that this foolish boy was merely led astray by Hu Xiaotian's provocation. Hong Baiqi's view on this was one of anger at his lack of ambition and pity for his misfortune. At such times, I pretend to be deaf and mute, as if I have heard nothing.

Hu Xiaotian spread his hands in a gesture of helplessness and said: "Everyone has heard it, he intends to betray the country and plot rebellion, you all can decide what to do!"

What Hu Buwei said is indeed a fact. Tang Wenzheng held his daughter tightly, his heart filled with rage, yet he dared not express it due to Hu Buwei's official position. While he hesitated and pondered, his two sons could no longer contain themselves. Tang Tiehan shouted, "What do you mean by finding out the truth? The matter is clear for all to see. That scoundrel abducted my sister, tarnishing her purity. This person is guilty of heinous crimes, and we will not rest until this villain is killed..." Before he could finish his words, Tang Wenzheng had already raised his hand and delivered a harsh slap to him, angrily rebuking, "You reckless fool, what right do you have to speak here?"

Although Tang Wenzheng was furious, he was not confused in his mind. Even if his side had the upper hand in reasoning, the fact remained that they had intruded into the Ministry of Personnel and engaged in a violent confrontation. It would be best to let these people disperse first

Tang Tiehan deserves to be beaten; in a moment of anger, he even insulted Hu Xiaotian by calling him a bastard. This is equivalent to directly calling Hu Buwei an old turtle. Furthermore, he accused Hu Xiaotian of tarnishing his sister's reputation, and so many people heard it clearly. Regardless of whether Hu Xiaotian actually compromised Tang Qingxuan's purity, how will others perceive this in the future? The Tang family is making such a big fuss, and it is a fact that Hu Xiaotian abducted Tang Qingxuan. What exactly happened during this time? So many people heard it clearly. Regardless of whether Hu Xiaotian actually compromised Tang Qingxuan's purity, how will others perceive this in the future? The Tang family is making such a big fuss, and it is a fact that Hu Xiaotian abducted Tang Qingxuan. What exactly happened during this time? It raises suspicion. Even if nothing happened, Tang Qingxuan's reputation will inevitably be affected.

Hong Baiqi approached and first greeted Hu Buwei and Tang Wenzheng. Hu Buwei said: "Lord Hong, you have arrived just in time; please handle this matter."

Tang Tiecheng was so enraged that his face turned red, and he shouted: "You dare to slander me; I said I would dismantle the grass pavilion, but I never said I would dismantle the court"

Tang Tiehan had just received a slap from his father and was covering his face, feeling aggrieved. Upon hearing that the Prefect of Jingzhao was arriving and immediately ordering them to leave, his pent-up anger was instantly ignited. He protested loudly, "On what grounds should we leave? If the Tang family does not receive justice today, we will absolutely not leave!"

Tang Tiecheng's eloquence is considered the best among the three brothers. He stepped forward and pointed at Hu Xiaotian, saying: "You speak without basis; it was clearly you who forcibly took my sister first, yet now you have the audacity to accuse me unjustly."

Tang Tiecheng was at a loss for words, letting out a strange cry, and drew the knife from his waist, ready to pounce on Hu Xiaotian: "You infuriate me, villain! Come and meet your end..." Just as the knife was drawn an inch, it was pressed back by Tang Tiehan, while behind him, Tang Tiexin rushed forward and firmly held him, loudly reminding, "Second brother, calm down!"

Hu Xiaotian pointed at the grass pavilion that was still emitting flames and said, "Did you set that grass pavilion on fire?"

Tang Tiecheng was so enraged that his whole body trembled, and he shouted: "What I said was to overthrow the thatched pavilion..."

At this moment, someone shouted: "Go to the government office to argue the case!" "Right! Take him to see the official!" "The son of the Minister is quite impressive!"

Hu Xiaotian looked around at the group of people behind the Tang brothers and asked, "Who else was involved in burning the grass pavilion just now?"

Tang Tiecheng looked at the grass pavilion; he was indeed a man of great stature, unafraid to admit his actions. With a fierce glare, he declared, "What of it? I set it on fire!"

With a sudden commotion, over one hundred people dispersed in an instant. Burning the grass pavilion might only lead to imprisonment, but setting fire to the court could result in execution. Just now, Hu Xiaotian had forced Tang Tiecheng into a daze in front of everyone, even uttering words about overthrowing the court. If this crime were to be pinned on him, it would mean the extermination of his entire clan, and there wouldn't be enough heads to chop off. No one is foolish; no one wants to be implicated in a rebellion. If not now, when else would they leave? If this crime were to be pinned on him, it would mean the extermination of his entire clan, and there wouldn't be enough heads to chop off. No one is foolish; no one wants to be implicated in a rebellion. If not now, when else would they leave?

Tang Tiecheng could not withstand his provocation and roared, "So what? I fear nothing; what can overthrowing the court do..." At this point, he realized that he had fallen into the other person's trap and was instantly left dumbfounded.

Hu Buwei had not spoken much, but in fact, he had been contemplating how to reverse the situation and the matter concerning the books. The facts were laid out before him; he needed to figure out how to turn the tide and resolve this trouble. Hu Xiaotian's earlier remarks not only frightened away more than one hundred of the Tang family's helpers but also left Hu Buwei, his father, in a state of indescribable shock.

What punishment do you deserve

Hu Xiaotian stood there with a smile, appearing as if nothing was amiss, as if the entire situation had nothing to do with him in the slightest

Tang Wenzheng truly finds himself at a loss with this son, secretly cursing this rascal for being so oblivious to the times

Hong Baiqi secretly groaned, thinking to himself how your family's matters had been pushed onto me, isn't this making things difficult for me? Hong Baiqi coughed lightly and said, "Gentlemen, I believe it would be best to have the bystanders step back before we continue." The bystanders naturally referred to the helpers brought by the Tang brothers.

Everyone turned their gaze towards the sound, only to see Hu Xiaotian walking over from that direction. This fellow had somehow managed to put on a blue long robe, but he was not wearing any pants underneath, exposing two bare, smooth calves, which made him appear even more out of place than before

Hu Buwei looked at his son in astonishment, as if he were meeting him for the first time, his heart filled with a mix of shock and delight. Is this really my son? Confusing black and white, speaking recklessly, turning defeat into victory, transforming danger into safety; clearly in a completely passive situation, yet with just a few words, he completely changed it. Grass Pavilion! The court! Marvelous! To the utmost degree, I have served under two emperors of the Great Kang dynasty, held office for decades, and schemed against countless people, yet I have never come up with such a brilliant idea. This son must be my own flesh and blood; so cunning, so wicked, capable of devising such insidious tactics. Who else but me, Hu Buwei, could have given birth to such an exceptional character? Hahaha, delightful! To the utmost degree, I have served under two emperors of the Great Kang dynasty, held office for decades, and schemed against countless people, yet I have never come up with such a brilliant idea. This son must be my own flesh and blood; so cunning, so wicked, capable of devising such insidious tactics. Who else but me, Hu Buwei, could have given birth to such an exceptional character? Hahaha, delightful! Delightful! Heaven has eyes, heaven has eyes; my Hu family has descendants, my Hu family has descendants!