Chapter 9: The So-Called Elimination of the Root and the Grass

Young Master Su, I have two matters to discuss. The first matter is regarding the steel knife on your carriage; I would like to purchase it from you. Here are thirty taels of silver, please accept it. The second matter is that you will certainly participate in the provincial examination next year. If the opportunity arises, I will visit you in Pingyang Prefecture.

Remember, it was indeed in the horse market that the three individuals posed a threat

Walking carelessly towards the small woods beside the official road, Su Tiancheng was already highly focused. In dealing with people, one must prioritize the petty over the noble; he had to make all necessary preparations to avoid any unforeseen circumstances

Ke Su Tiancheng will not reveal it

Seeing that Su Tiancheng did not speak immediately, Qu Qingze spoke again

In the middle of the official road, three men riding fine horses and wearing bamboo hats blocked the way

Su Tiancheng had always been sitting inside the carriage, having lowered the curtains

On horseback, Qu Qingze was somewhat surprised; he did not dismount but returned the gesture with a cupped fist salute

The coachman often went out, and he handled matters according to the old customs. After stopping the carriage, he hurriedly got down and slipped to the side.

It seemed to be a conditioned reflex. Su Tiancheng thought to himself that as a scholar, how could he resort to murder? Yet, he vaguely sensed a prediction and forcibly suppressed this thought.

Young Master Qu, you are putting me in a difficult position. I suggest that we both take action. I am but a scholar, responsible for one person, while you, Young Master Qu, should take on the responsibility for two.

Su Tiancheng shook his head, uncertain whether it was for the best, as the world of martial arts is fraught with danger

He - the picture - Su Tiancheng's heart began to contract, what does this mean? Is this Qu Qingze not in a hurry to leave Xiangling County and go home? Why is he still here waiting? Could it be that he is thinking of reclaiming that gold, or even doing something more excessive.

Su Tiancheng carefully observed the man riding in the center, suddenly smiled, clasped his fists, and began to speak

Su Ertong had not finished speaking when the carriage came to a stop. Su Tiancheng quickly emerged from the carriage, not forgetting to don his bamboo hat and cover his face with a veil. After all, he was carrying fifty taels of gold and over ten taels of silver, a sum that, in the eyes of ordinary people, constituted a considerable fortune.

The two smiled at each other.

Even if these individuals are bandits, they generally would not confront him

According to these three individuals, their crimes do not warrant the death penalty; they merely engaged in the strong-arm theft of fine horses at the horse market, which is likely comparable to the actions of those ruffians.

Young Master Qu, I trust you have been well

Young Master Qu is joking; I am merely a scholar who believes that all within the four seas are brothers, and I harbor no such suspicions.

During a one-day stay in Xiangling County, Su Tiancheng remained with the elderly man. The elder spoke little, and by noon, he seemed to be intoxicated. Su Tiancheng, along with Su Ertong, assisted the elder to the inn's room, respectfully attending to him until the elder awoke the following morning, at which point they took their leave from Xiangling County.

The five seized steel knives were not dealt with by Su Tiancheng. He already knew that he had just crossed over and was not very familiar with many matters. The previous Su Tiancheng was a bookworm with no social experience whatsoever. Going to the horse market to trade for Mongolian horses was a very risky move, and he could easily be targeted by others. Fortunately, he wore a bamboo hat that concealed his face, making it difficult for anyone to recognize him.

In less than half an hour, the urgent voice of Su Ertong was heard

Qu Qingze was momentarily taken aback

Qu Qingze's expression was somewhat strange, as if he felt astonished, thinking that he had never encountered a scholar like Su Tiancheng before

Su Tiancheng carefully observed Qu Qingze, remaining silent for the moment. Two days ago, he had already killed five soldiers. Was he to kill again today? However, Qu Qingze's intentions were already quite clear. If he were to disagree, what would the outcome be?

I too am thinking of returning home soon, but the old gentleman is in high spirits, so I must accompany him a bit longer. Did not Young Master Qu return home? Why are you still here delaying? Is there something urgent?

After taking about ten steps, Su Tiancheng suddenly saw three people firmly tied under a large tree. Their heads were wrapped in black cloth, and their bodies were still trembling.

Xiangling is the county closest to Pingyang Prefecture. Generally, if one departs at the hour of the rabbit, taking a horse-drawn carriage, one can arrive at Pingyang Prefecture by the hour of the rooster and a quarter.

A few meters in front of the three bound individuals, there were unexpectedly two steel knives

Why would Qu Qingze know these three individuals? It is said that only the elder should be aware of them. Su Tiancheng increasingly felt that both the elder and the * map * book had extraordinary identities

The two horse riders moved aside, allowing the carriage to pass through

This statement is riddled with flaws. Qu Qingze purchased five Mongolian horses, and along with other traded horses, it is unclear how many attendants there were. These three individuals are driven by money rather than life, and they would not easily attack Qu Qingze.

Young Master Su, are these three individuals covered with cloth or have they removed the black fabric

Su Ertong insisted on sitting outside the carriage, leaning against the driver.

Young Master Su must be wondering why I have captured these three individuals

Young master, young master, there is someone ahead...

Young Master Su is quite cautious, are you worried that I might engage in some sordid activities

In the blink of an eye, Su Tiancheng made a decision

Su Tiancheng was momentarily taken aback. Qu Qingze was indeed a young man, but unlike ordinary young people, he bore a certain heroic demeanor. His features were sharp and well-defined; had it been a few hundred years later, such a visage would be considered the standard appearance of a soldier.

Young Master Su likely believes that these individuals do not deserve the death penalty. There is one matter I must inform Young Master Su: these three have conferred and intend to follow Young Master Su along the way. Should they find a suitable opportunity, they will take action, and I need not elaborate further. The three have stated themselves that they are not regulars at the horse market, nor are they locals; they arrived in Xiangling County earlier this year

Young Master Su, I have been waiting for quite some time, but I did not expect that Young Master Su would stay in the county for a day

Young Master Su truly knows how to converse with images and books. Well then, I shall not say much more about this matter. According to Young Master Su's opinion, how should these three individuals be dealt with

Well, Young Master Su is straightforward. Here we are, just the two of us. Shall I make the first move, or will Young Master Su take the initiative?

Then, Qu Qingze, who picked up the steel knife, spoke again

Su Tiancheng lifted the black cloth from a person's head, and coincidentally, this person was the very man who had threatened him at the horse market

Su Tiancheng slashed open the man's neck, watching the blood spurt out

Hehe, these three individuals actually dared to follow me. After a round of interrogation, I learned that they had set their sights on Young Master Su during the horse market. Therefore, I detained the three of them, waiting for Young Master Su.

At this moment, silence speaks louder than words

Qu Qingze finished speaking, turned over and dismounted, and handed the reins to the person riding beside him

The man's face was filled with terror and despair, but his mouth was stuffed with a cloth, rendering him unable to speak

So that is how it is. I believe that since they harbor such evil intentions, they are certainly deserving of punishment.

Su Tiancheng did not hesitate, taking a step forward towards Qu Qingze. He instinctively judged that Qu Qingze could not be there to rob him. Moreover, even if he were there to rob, it would be impossible for him to leave safely in such a situation

Alright, I have no objections. However, I believe that when it comes to doing things, it should be done cleanly and decisively. One must not eradicate the roots, as it ultimately harms oneself. These few individuals have no idea how many heinous acts they have committed in the past. Today, we are eliminating harm for the people, which is indeed a great deed

Hahaha ... ...

Seeing that Qu Qingze did this, he also took off his hat and veil

Of course, it is to lift the black cloth; I certainly do not wish to let them meet the King of Hell without understanding the situation.

So that's how it is. These three individuals are exceedingly bold. During the horse market, they were already contemplating a strong-arm robbery, and dealing with me was of no concern to them. I never expected them to dare disturb the ground in front of the Tai Sui. They truly must have the audacity of a bear and the courage of a leopard.

As they left the grove, the two once again donned their conical hats, concealing their faces

Young Master Qu has waited for a day; if I were to leave just like this, would it not be rather ungracious? Very well, Er Tong, you wait here. I have some matters to discuss with Young Master Qu and will return shortly

Brother, when you go to the Yama's Hall to be reincarnated, find a good family so that you can live a peaceful life in your next life

The words have already been spoken, and there is nothing worth hesitating over. Su Tiancheng quickly stepped forward and picked up the steel knife from the ground

Young Master Su, do you still remember these three individuals

Hehe, I am specifically here waiting for Young Master Su. If Young Master Su feels at ease, please follow me to the side to take a look. If not, I will not insist.

The coachman found it somewhat strange; this place is not far from the county town, and there are quite a number of people on the official road. Could it be that someone was robbed in broad daylight? The bandits that came to Pingyang Prefecture had been eradicated by the imperial army in the first half of the year. Who are these people? Could they be remnants of the bandits?

Qu Qingze laughed heartily at the sky, and after entering the small grove, decisively removed his conical hat