Chapter 263 - 105: Following the Heart

Chapter 263: Chapter 105: Following the Heart

Yaoguang Pavilion.

"Chief, this Yaoguang Pavilion is an asset registered directly under the Zheng Family’s name. Are we really going to seize it?" Niu Bajin asked nervously.

"Yeah, the situation in the city has been getting more and more intense. Our Divine Capture Bureau seizes the Zheng Family’s assets over minor infractions, and the Zheng... I mean, the Fierce Bandits attack our people in return!"

Xun Buhe looked worried. "I heard that Divine Constable Zhang, a Fourth Grade, was seriously injured. And Chu Jinzhang was a bit too aggressive against the Zheng Family, so he was ambushed by the Fierce Bandits and is now on the brink of death."

They were called Fierce Bandits, but anyone with eyes could see it was the Zheng Family retaliating against the Divine Capture Bureau.

"Heh heh!" Li Tieniu’s relationship with Fang Rui wasn’t as close as Niu Bajin’s or Xun Buhe’s, so he didn’t dare interject rashly, just scratching his head and offering an apologetic smile.

Hearing Xun Buhe mention Chu Jinzhang, Fang Rui sighed. "Seize it. The order came down. How can we refuse? Don’t worry, if anything happens, I’ll take responsibility."

"Besides, compared to the other Branch Offices, our Southeast Branch has a much lighter task."

"That’s true. Our Branch Office really does have a lighter workload, and we’re seizing fewer of the Zheng Family’s assets... Even if the Fierce Bandits were to attack, they probably wouldn’t target us first!" Xun Buhe nodded.

"This is all thanks to you, Chief! Your good relationship with Daoist Ge has earned you the favor of the Lord Director!" Niu Bajin never missed a chance to suck up.

"Isn’t it the truth?!" Li Tieniu chimed in.

The three Chief Constables all wore proud expressions, the anxiety in their hearts vanishing completely.

"Keep it down! Keep it down!" Fang Rui said, waving his hand dismissively.

Zhou Changfa valued him and gave him special treatment out of respect for Ge Changgeng. That was why the Southeast Branch had been assigned the lightest tasks.

In the past, if Zhou Changfa had acted with such unfairness, it would have certainly drawn criticism and had a negative impact.

But now that he was about to leave his post, why would he fear any negative impact? He was showing blatant favoritism, but still within the Rules, so what could anyone do about it?

「A short while later.」

The seizure of Yaoguang Pavilion was complete. As was customary, the Southeast Branch, which carried out the raid and confiscation of assets, was naturally entitled to a share.

"Alright, it’s just a little grease money. You’re all grinning from ear to ear. Can’t you learn from me and be a little more low-key?"

Fang Rui added with a chiding smile, "Also, same as always, now that the mission’s done, I’m giving you all two days off. Go home and get some good rest."

It couldn’t be helped. His Southeast Branch had such a light workload that they could pull off a job and then rest for two days. Others could only watch with envy.

"Thanks, Chief! Heh heh, the Zheng Family really is stinking rich. Today’s take is worth two or three months of our usual hauls. Of course, it’s all because you’re so generous, Chief. You always give us as big a share as you can!" Niu Bajin, ever the bootlicker, chimed in.

"Bajin, what’s a little grease money?"

Xun Buhe shook his head. "These two days off are the real prize! The other Branch Offices are so busy, they could never get leave approved. It’s only our branch, basking in the Chief’s glory, that gets benefits like this."

"After all, with the Fierce Bandits running rampant lately, it’s dangerous outside. Home is the only safe place!"

He was right. If people from the Divine Capture Bureau took leave to hide at home, the ’Fierce Bandits’ were highly unlikely to attack. The Zheng Family’s goal was to create panic and make the Bureau’s subordinates drag their feet.

Besides, if the ’Fierce Bandits’ broke into homes and harmed the families of Court officials, that would cross a line. Even the Prefectural Magistrate’s Office would have to step in.

"People from the other Branch Offices are all saying our Chief is the number one boss in the entire Divine Capture Bureau. Who knows how many people envy us! By the way, just like before, I’ll take a portion of this take and give it to my cousin’s family..."

Li Tieniu bowed his head with a subservient smile. He knew full well that he was benefiting from Li Dadan’s legacy, which was why he was especially attentive to Li Dadan’s wife and children.

"Alright, enough with the bootlicking. Now scram, all of you!"

Fang Rui waved his hand dismissively and strode away. He got into his carriage, ready to head home and rest for a day or two.

...

CREAAAK!

Fang Rui sat in the carriage, thinking to himself: ’These past two days, Ling’Er and Nannan haven’t gone to school. They’re hiding at the estate, which is heavily guarded. Besides, it’s unlikely the Zheng Family would be that depraved...’

’As for me, I haven’t been particularly aggressive in cracking down on the Zheng Family’s assets. They wouldn’t target me, would they?’

As he thought of this, his eyes suddenly darted around. ’Then again, maybe it would be better if they did target me! That way, the blood packs and other props I prepared could come in handy. I could fake an injury and get half a month off.’

"Hm?!"

Just then, Fang Rui’s eyes narrowed as he sensed a commotion outside. His expression instantly turned bizarre. ’No way. Speak of the devil, and he doth appear. Are they really here?’

With nimble movements, he quickly readied himself and popped a blood pack into his mouth.

Just three to five breaths later.

SWOOSH!

Amidst a flurry of screams from the street outside, a masked, black-clad figure shot forward, smashed through the carriage wall, and struck down at Fang Rui with his palm.

’Is that... Zheng Jingkai?! We have a history. No wonder he targeted me.’

As a Second Grade Martial Artist, his perception was exceptionally keen. Even though Zheng Jingkai was masked and had deliberately disguised himself, he couldn’t fool Fang Rui’s eyes.

He feigned weakness, allowing the palm to strike him. He spat out a great mouthful of warm blood, his expression terrified. "You’re... a F-Fifth Grade?!"

’Dammit!’

Zheng Jingkai, who had been sprayed in the face with blood, froze for a moment. He struck out with his palm once more, then pushed off his toes and quickly turned to flee.

’The bastard. That last palm strike hid a latent Dark Force. He wants me to die a "natural death" after being seriously injured!’

Fang Rui sighed inwardly. He instantly used his True Essence to dissolve Zheng Jingkai’s Dark Force, but on the surface, he spat out another large mouthful of fresh blood.

"My lord!" The fallen carriage driver, seeing Zheng Jingkai depart, let out a sorrowful cry. He scrambled over and began to shake Fang Rui.