Chapter 109, Continuous Connection

“Silence!”

Zhao Bin was stunned. He had merely questioned Zhuang Jin once, yet Zhuang Jin immediately slapped a heavy label on him—outrageous, utterly outrageous!

Zhao Bin was petty and vindictive, known within the Enforcement Department for his posturing and less-than-stellar reputation, but to say he wielded absolute power or was a “tiger sitting on the land”...

That was slander!

Zhuang Jin was slandering him!

Zhao Bin could already foresee the trouble the nickname “Tiger Sitting on the Land” would bring him. His expression soured as if tasting something foul, his gaze at Zhuang Jin sharp enough to kill. “Zhuang Jin, how dare you!”

He didn’t even address him as Chief Zhuang anymore—just bluntly by name, revealing his fury.

“Dare? This is the Shen family! This is the Enforcement Department! What’s forbidden to say? Director Zhao, why are you so eager to silence me? Could it be because I hit the mark?”

Zhuang Jin glanced at Directors Ren Ze and You Donglai, probing their stance: “I was attacked as soon as I came in; who am I supposed to turn to for justice? They think I’m a spy—what’s wrong with that? None of the other colleagues raised a fuss, but Director Zhao turns and lashes out at me, the so-called ‘victim’...”

“Director Zhao is at fault,” Ren Ze nodded, blocking Zhao Bin’s murderous glare.

You Donglai also stepped in, trying to smooth things over for Miao Shao, whose face was darkening. “Miao Shao was impulsive after losing his younger brother... Director Zhao also misspoke...”

These two instinctively shielded Zhao Bin and Miao Shao, who knew each other well, and tried to pacify the volatile and unfamiliar Zhuang Jin, who resembled a snarling baboon—aggressive and ready to snap. They sided with Zhuang Jin; otherwise, they doubted he would dare to shout anything as incendiary as “The Enforcement Department is a nest of snakes and rats, in collusion” at this moment.

Zhuang Jin studied the two directors inwardly, judging: ‘At least these two haven’t been fully bought over by Zhao Bin.’

In truth, Zhao Bin had already spoken to them, saying: Zhuang Jin was recruited externally as a martial student, with different origins and loyalties... and requested they side with Miao Shao during the trial.

Ren Ze, straightforward and upright, refused.

You Donglai agreed. On one hand, Zhao Bin was a colleague and Zhuang Jin a stranger—clear distinctions of affinity. On the other, Zhuang Jin, an externally recruited martial student who had now broken through the Seventh Meridian, was seriously challenging the status of the elder generation, threatening to seize ‘high-end resources.’ This was a clash of old and new forces, naturally favoring the elders like Miao Shao.

However, You Donglai was a shrewd and worldly man. Though he had agreed, seeing Zhuang Jin’s fierce, baboon-like aggression, he decided to observe a little longer. Even if he still sided with Miao Shao, it would be subtle and invisible.

This was exactly the effect Zhuang Jin wanted.

In reality, if you don’t speak up, like a meek sheep, others will see you as a pushover, look down on you, and take advantage—your interests will be sacrificed first. But if you make a fuss, howl like a wolf, snap back fiercely like a baboon, always ready to retaliate and never relent, people will be wary of provoking you. Sharpened edges and a combative spirit inspire caution.

“All parties are present. Let’s proceed with the trial!” Ren Ze frowned slightly at Zhuang Jin and said.

Ren Ze was straightforward and rigid; though he rejected Zhao Bin’s plea, this didn’t mean he favored Zhuang Jin. Earlier, when Miao Shao acted, Zhuang Jin had shouted “Poison King’s Gang is full of spies,” escalating the matter and now slyly slandering Zhao Bin—he disliked troublemakers like him.

You Donglai smiled pleasantly, “Yes, Chief Luan has already brought the evidence and is waiting in the side hall.”

“Yes, we must examine everything thoroughly!” Zhao Bin suppressed his anger, forcing a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. He emphasized “thoroughly,” clearly intending to seek revenge during the trial.

“We must indeed examine thoroughly. No innocent person should be wronged, nor should any villain be let off,” a voice interrupted.

It was the Ninth Young Master, Shen Xuqing—the one Ni Ying had married.

His appearance was due to Chen Yun.

Chen Yun had returned to the Shen family’s main residence, splitting from Zhuang Jin and Luan Zhenyun. First, she sought help from familiar inner court maids, but Zhuang Jin had already reached the Seventh Meridian—beyond their status—and they could offer no assistance in such a serious matter. After some thought, she turned to her cousin Ni Ying.

Chen Yun told Ni Ying about Zhuang Jin’s breakthrough to the Seventh Meridian and the recent Miao Lun incident. Ni Ying was shocked but, after some reflection, took Chen Yun to meet Shen Xuqing.

When Zhuang Jin broke through the Fifth Meridian, Ni Ying had raised a concubine because of it, feeling some guilt. No matter the complexity of her feelings—whether for Zhuang Jin or her cousin—she knew she could also bask in the reflected glory. She also knew her young master valued Zhuang Jin and intended to build a good relationship, so she dared not block or sever communication.

Hence, Shen Xuqing’s arrival now.

Only he came; Chen Yun and Ni Ying stayed in the inner court—partly because Miao Shao was there, and Chen Yun didn’t want to trouble Zhuang Jin in an extreme situation; partly because Ni Ying felt awkward and didn’t want to appear, and Chen Yun thought Zhuang Jin might not want to see Ni Ying either. Though worried about the situation, they didn’t want to distract Zhuang Jin.

“Chief Zhuang, your name has long been renowned. To tell the truth, we might even be related by marriage!” Shen Xuqing laughed heartily, expressing his support for Zhuang Jin.

“Thank you, Ninth Young Master!” Zhuang Jin, suddenly understanding the reason behind this unexpected aid, gratefully stepped forward in salute.

“Ha ha, no need for thanks...”

Young masters of great families received elite education from youth. Even if illegitimate or mediocre in martial aptitude, their manners were impeccable and refreshing.

The three directors of the Enforcement Department and Miao Shao, having been briefed, reacted differently upon seeing Shen Xuqing treat Zhuang Jin so warmly.

Ren Ze, upright and traditional, furrowed his brows briefly before relaxing. Just as he wouldn’t accept Zhao Bin’s plea, Shen Xuqing’s arrival wouldn’t change his commitment to fairness. ‘Zhuang Jin has connections? Though Ninth Young Master lacks martial talent, he is still a young master...’

You Donglai squinted, weighing the situation, deciding to ignore Zhao Bin’s interference and remain impartial.

As a director of the Enforcement Department, he needn’t fear a lazy “parasite young master,” but Shen Xuqing had access to the family head and beyond. If he favored Miao Shao and later was reported by Shen Xuqing, the consequences...

Zhuang Jin, an externally recruited martial student rising fast and challenging the elders’ status, naturally leaned toward the Shen family elders—but if forced to take risks or harm his own interests, forget it.

The most displeased were naturally Miao Shao and Zhao Bin.

Miao Shao needed no explanation—his younger brother was dead, and the grudge was irreconcilable. Zhao Bin, having sided with Miao Shao and torn apart ties with Zhuang Jin, was now trapped.

Miao Shao looked at Zhao Bin with a questioning gaze, silently doubting, “Can you handle this?” Zhao Bin had confidently assured him he’d made the necessary arrangements, but now...

Stimulated by that look, Zhao Bin, despite some apprehension about Shen Xuqing, disregarded it, noting the young master’s mediocre talent. He spoke: “Ninth Young Master, I hear your wedding is imminent. You must be quite busy these days?”

The implication was clear: This isn’t your place to meddle!

Shen Xuqing read the meaning instantly, his smile stiffening. He hadn’t expected such disrespect from Zhao Bin, a mere martial artist with middling talent.

He felt a sting but, as a notorious “parasite young master,” this wasn’t the first time. His expression flickered briefly before returning to a smile. “Busy, yes, but I still have some time.”

Since Shen Xuqing was here to support him, Zhuang Jin was about to speak when another voice cut in: “Ninth brother’s wedding is already arranged by our attendants. Why shouldn’t we have the right to observe the trial?”

It was Eighth Young Master Shen Xuchen, accompanied by his retainer Zou Qingfeng.

“Eighth Young Master?!”

Ren Ze, You Donglai, Zhao Bin, and Miao Shao all changed expressions and hurriedly greeted him.

Shen Xuchen, only nineteen but already at the Seventh Meridian with outstanding talent, had far greater prospects than them all—potentially even the next family head. Such a figure demanded utmost respect.

This showed the difference in status between the two young masters. When Shen Xuqing came earlier, they hadn’t been so cautious or deferential... After all, strength rules this world!

“Eighth brother!” Shen Xuqing was somewhat surprised.

“Eighth Young Master!” Zhuang Jin saluted alongside the others, the only one unfazed.

“Ninth brother!”

Shen Xuchen nodded slightly to the four directors as a greeting but gave a proper nod to Shen Xuqing. Then he turned serious toward Zhuang Jin: “I heard from Retainer Zou that Chief Zhuang was recruited externally as a martial student and has now broken through the Seventh Meridian... I also heard about the case you’re involved in. Today, having some free time, I came to observe and meet someone like you.”

Beside him, Zou Qingfeng felt deeply moved and grateful, knowing his young master was giving him face.

“Thank you, Eighth Young Master!” Zhuang Jin replied earnestly, bowing again.

Ren Ze and the others felt the pressure upon hearing this.

‘The Eighth Young Master is quite different from the Ninth. If he interferes in this case...’

Ren Ze’s expression grew solemn, but his resolve firm: ‘Even if the Eighth Young Master... can’t change the outcome, I must still uphold integrity and say what needs to be said.’

‘Goodness, not just the Ninth but the Eighth Young Master as well!’

You Donglai glanced at Zhao Bin: ‘To guard against you, Zhuang Jin has gone all out, inviting two young masters. Two young masters against one—you can’t ask for better luck!’

At this moment, talk of Zhao Bin’s prior arrangements? Pah! Such things didn’t matter anymore.

He, You Donglai, walked upright and sat straight—above reproach, spotless. How could he possibly engage in corruption?

‘If corruption there is, it should be for Zhuang Jin!’

His thoughts spun rapidly, already considering whether to favor Zhuang Jin during the trial to curry favor with Shen Xuchen.

A seasoned operator like him had flexible moral boundaries, changing attitudes depending on the person and time.

Miao Shao and Zhao Bin felt a shadow cast over their hearts. Even if they were right, if the young masters insisted on siding with Zhuang Jin, they would lose.

The Enforcement Department’s verdict usually depended on two factors: the facts and who had the connections.

Of these, the latter was more important. With the right backing, someone else would argue your case and ensure the desired outcome. Yet such cases were rare because strong connections were few, and unchecked power posed huge risks. Usually, both factors balanced out.

“Thank you both young masters for coming to observe. Your kindness humbles me greatly,” Zhuang Jin said, looking to Ren Ze and You Donglai. “I ask both directors to adjudicate impartially, basing the verdict on facts and evidence. Whatever the outcome, restore my innocence and justice, so neither young master will face criticism because of me.”

At this moment, Zhuang Jin clearly held the advantage but spoke with such reasonableness—a stark contrast to his earlier baboon-like outburst. Ren Ze and You Donglai felt honored and instinctively thought: This man is quite agreeable!

Unbeknownst to them, Zhuang Jin’s initial behavior was a calculated bluff, uncertain if his backup would succeed, so he crafted a fierce image to warn them: If the verdict was unfair, he would escalate matters to force justice. Now, with the two young masters present, that risk was gone, so he gracefully stepped back to avoid seeming aggressive or biased under their influence.

This push and pull subtly swayed the two directors.

‘This is the right move!’

Shen Xuqing and Shen Xuchen glanced at Zhuang Jin, both admiring the cunning behind his advance and retreat. As observers, they understood the strategy clearly.

Shen Xuqing’s resolve to befriend him strengthened.

Shen Xuchen admired him silently: ‘That Miao Lun, who struck because of the beast treasure, was instantly killed by Zhuang Jin without hesitation... Upon arriving here, realizing Zhao Bin might be biased, he decisively abandoned the beast treasure without regret... Now with the two of us here, fairness is guaranteed. He keeps his wits and takes a step back—what a clever move!’

He looked at Zou Qingfeng: ‘I’ve found a talent here!’

“Bah, such hypocrisy!” Zhao Bin and Miao Shao cursed silently, their prejudice and opposing stances blinding them.

...