Chapter 156: A Storm is Brewing, Undercurrents Surging

Inside the County Government Office, Chief Clerk Shen Yunyi sat in his chair, his expression a mix of shock and uncertainty. Sitting across from him was a large, barrel-waisted fat man, pouring out his grievances to Shen Yunyi with a face full of sorrow.

“Big brother! Our uncle died early back then, and the clan worked so hard to raise you. You have to stand up for our family! That Thief Zheng… That Captain Zheng has turned against his own allies! He actually divided up our family’s land! Your Third Uncle tried to stop him and was beaten by that vicious Tongzhou Association. He hasn’t fully recovered even now!” The wealthy-looking fat man wore a miserable expression as he continued, “These past few days, being oppressed by Zheng San, I’ve even lost weight.”

Shen Yunyi looked at his cousin and his mouth twitched, not knowing what to say. He wondered if the man had truly lost weight. His cousin used to weigh over three hundred pounds, and now he was down to two hundred and eighty. He had indeed lost weight.

However, Zheng Jun’s actions had also left Shen Yunyi thoroughly infuriated and deeply displeased. Zheng Jun had actually investigated his family!

The Shen family was a prominent, wealthy household in Black Mountain County. Shen Yunyi’s parents had died when he was young, and it was only with the clan’s support that he could embark on the path of Martial Arts. After thirty-seven years of springs and autumns, he finally became a Qi Storage Martial Artist and was appointed Chief Clerk. The clan’s status rose with his success. Returning home in glory, he became a powerful local tyrant in his hometown, living a very comfortable and prosperous life.

But all of this came to a halt about half a month ago when Zheng Jun made his move. He didn’t care who you were or how prominent your family name was. If you didn’t cooperate with the Tongzhou Association’s land equalization policy, you would be arrested, and your entire family would be wiped out!

This was simply going too far. Initially, the Shen family thought Zheng Jun wouldn’t target them. After all, Shen Yunyi was the county’s Chief Clerk. But unexpectedly, the Tongzhou Association showed up at their door a few days ago and forcibly divided the Shen family’s land. This made Shen Yunyi exceptionally displeased and sparked his intense fury toward Zheng Jun.

He didn’t mind them dividing the lands of other gentry and landlords, but how could they do this to his family? Weren’t they on the same side? Otherwise, why would he constantly cooperate with their work in the County Government Office? Whether it was the needs of the Black Mountain Guard or the Tongzhou Association, he had always done his best to accommodate them without charging a single ounce of silver!

Shen Yunyi’s expression darkened. He looked at the wealthy-looking fat man across from him, his eyes cloudy and fierce. “Fifth Brother, you go back first. I’ll handle this.”

Since Zheng Jun didn’t give him face, then he shouldn’t blame him for what was to come. At this thought, a flash of cruelty crossed Shen Yunyi’s face. Zheng San’s methods were exceptional; Shen Yunyi knew he was no match for him in a direct confrontation. But since Zheng Jun refused to leave him a profitable way out, he couldn’t be blamed for reporting his shady dealings in Black Mountain County to the higher-ups! Killing the gentry and dividing their land—no matter how you looked at it, this wasn’t something Loyal Ministers and Brave Generals would do!

Of course, Shen Yunyi also knew that such a report would hardly affect Zheng San. What he truly wanted to do was collude with the Vast Sea Sect and ambush Zheng Jun together! As the Chief Clerk, Shen Yunyi naturally knew that an Outer Gang Elder from the Vast Sea Sect had come down the mountain to launch a sneak attack on Zheng Jun. Since that was the case, he wanted to coordinate with them. By leaking intelligence, he could help this Outer Gang Elder take action and slash Zheng Jun down!

At this thought, Shen Yunyi let out a long breath. He was a bit nervous, and the risk was massive, but he was still resolutely determined to go through with it. There was no other reason. It was simply because the bustling world was driven by profit, and the scheming courts were driven by fame! Zheng Jun was exceptionally talented, but Shen Yunyi couldn’t integrate into his circle of interests. Instead, his own interests were being destroyed.

Thinking of this, Shen Yunyi’s face revealed a murderous intent. His Martial Arts Cultivation wasn’t as powerful as Zheng Jun’s, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t win. Countless heroes and champions had died from schemes. Zheng Jun might be highly talented, but he was still just a seventeen-year-old youth!

Hearing Shen Yunyi’s words, the wealthy-looking fat man was overjoyed. He immediately stood up and thanked him.

Since he had nothing else to do, Shen Yunyi led his younger cousin out of the County Government Office. However, just as they stepped outside, they heard a cacophony of voices coming from the Three Squad guardhouse. Platters of meat and wine were constantly being brought in, and the atmosphere was lively. Every Black Official wore a smile, and even the Scribes from the Six Departments were beaming with joy. Shen Yunyi was left completely baffled.

He wondered what was going on. Today wasn’t a holiday, nor had any rewards been issued. Why were they acting like this?

Shen Yunyi was taken aback, but soon, he spotted Old Sun, the Fast Shift Squad Leader, walking by. Noticing Shen Yunyi standing there in a daze, Old Sun quickly realized what was happening. He eagerly stepped forward and greeted him with a beaming face. “Chief Clerk Shen! Great news, great news!”

“Third Master Zheng was attacked by Old Thief Yuan Yi in Shengdong Village, but he fought back and chopped off the old thief’s head! It’s worth celebrating!” Old Sun said. He then added, “Someone from the Tongzhou Association just came and treated all the Black Officials and Scribes in the County Government Office to meat and wine. They even gave everyone two maces of silver! We are all genuinely happy for Third Master Zheng from the bottom of our hearts!”

As he spoke, Old Sun looked as if he shared in the glory. With a proud expression on his face, he even laughed and showed off to Shen Yunyi. “Chief Clerk Shen, you probably don’t know this! When Third Master Zheng first started learning Martial Arts, I was the one who personally guided him through his initiation!

“When Third Master Zheng first began practicing the Cloak and Dagger Technique, his progress was incredibly fast! Back then, I knew he was destined for greatness. Who would have thought he’d possess such divine might today? He’s truly brought honor to us brothers in the Fast Shift!”

In reality, when Zheng Jun first started, he had been absolutely nothing.