Chapter 22 (1/2)

A Lesson For The Young Nobleman

A ball of rage erupted from Xu Qian’s chest. As the horse reared up on its hind legs, he whipped out the string of copper coins and hurled it at the beast. The attack was quickly followed by lightning footsteps that broke the pavement.

72 copper coins were scattered in the air around the young nobleman dressed in an embroidered robe.

The nobleman made no move to dodge the attack. He still had that entertained look on his face.

One of his followers reacted instead. The man lunged for the young nobleman, and the two men fell onto the ground.

A portion of the copper coins shot out and sliced the horse. Fresh blood erupted from the wound, coating Xu Lingyin’s face red.

Ping!

Xu Qian slammed into the horse with his shoulder.

The muscular horse was knocked a few meters back. A red streak decorated the green flagstone street.

People hid away to watch the unfolding drama.

Xu Qian pulled Xu Lingyin into his embrace. He noted the fear on her face and consoled her, “Don’t be scared. I’m here.”

The little bean’s lips trembled. Then, as if the fog had lifted from her mind, Xu Lingyin sobbed.

The men abandoned Xu Lingyue and rushed over to the young nobleman.

Xu Qian took this moment to hand Xu Lingyin over to her sister. He muttered softly, “Get to the Changle County Courts. Sound the gong and tell them I sent you. Get Constable Wang to send someone to Zhu of the Armed Guards on Huangling Street. He’ll look for your father. Go!”

Xu Lingyue locked eyes with Xu Qian for a moment, then she carried her younger sister and ran.

“How dare you kill my horse?” The young nobleman in an embroidered robe waved his hand and his followers surrounded Xu Qian—an evil grin plastered on his face.

Xu Qian thought, ‘I want to kill you too.’

The white-hoofed, black-bodied stallion was a rare find. In the army, only a lieutenant general and above could ride on such a horse.

Xu Qian had some army knowledge thanks to his uncle and could identify the quality of the horse. In the modern era, the horse would be equivalent to a Lamborghini.

Those who drove Lamborghinis were the children of the upper echelon—sons of the high-ranking officials in this era. Wealth was not the ultimate symbol of power in the ancient period, status was.

As if the white-hoofed, black-bodied stallion was insufficient as a status symbol, the young nobleman wore an extravagant robe with azure and violet embroidery. At his waist was a dragon carved out of white jade and a heavy-looking pouch. From his wardrobe alone, one could tell he was a man with connections.

No doubt a son of a high-ranking official.

Xu Qian folded his hands in respect. “I’m Xu Qian, the son of Xu Pingzhi from the Armed Guards. The two girls are my sisters. We did not mean any offense.”

Then, he swallowed his pride and anger. “To save my sister, I killed your horse by mistake. I promise to compensate you.”

Xu Qian knew the reason behind the provocation. The young nobleman noticed Xu Lingyue’s unparalleled beauty and wanted to take advantage of an unchaperoned girl—maybe he even thought of kidnapping her.

After spending a month in the county courts, he had heard many stories about the young noblemen’s arrogant and barbaric behavior.

Kidnapping women was not below them, so was putting civilians’ lives on the line.

To placate the commoners, they would make threats and promises. The families who were unwilling to settle would be executed.

The plebeians were not worth dismissing a high-ranking official of the imperial courts. Hence, the children of said officials were given a free pass in society.

In the eyes of the courts, their actions were not regarded as a threat to peace.

One had to be of equal or higher standing to challenge an official’s son.

Xu Qian barely counted as the second generation of an official. Xu Pingzhi was a seventh-ranked, green-robed official.

The young nobleman had picked on the children of an official—the courts would have to take the case into consideration.

Connections in Jingzhao City ran deep.

The young nobleman was surprised. “Xu Pingzhi? The one who lost the tax silvers?”

“Yes!” Xu Qian breathed a sigh of relief.

After a moment’s thought, the young nobleman’s face darkened. He ordered his men. “Cripple him but let him live.”

‘Is this man crazy?’ Xu Qian nearly let out a string of profanities.

The men were all practicing martial artists—they each pulled out a dagger.

In Jingzhao City, a person could not carry a sword if he was not an official wearing the official uniform. The offender would receive 80 lashes and a fine of 100 silver taels if he did so.

A group of people brandishing swords would instantly be executed.

However, the law said nothing about daggers, and the group clearly knew about the loophole.