Chapter 85: Chapter 84: The Overbearing Jiang Bin
Translator: 549690339
Seeing these individuals rush towards him like fish desperate for blood, Lin Qingyi refused to endure it any longer.
“Impossible. This is a suspect apprehended by the Brocade Guards. There is no way I could hand them over to you, don’t even consider it,” he flatly denied as he waved his wide-sleeved robe.
No faction was innocent when it came to the assassins from the Dark Court.
This was a suspect that the Brocade Guards had painstakingly captured, even owing a great favor to Pei Xuanjing in the process. There was no way Lin Qingyi would let him go lightly.
He must consider that this was related to the assassination attempt on Pei Xuanjing, a case drawing intense attention from both the emperor and the imperial court, and it held the potential for immense merit. He couldn’t possibly hand it over.
Lin Qingyi was hoping to seize this opportunity to remove the ‘Vice’ designation from his title and subsequently promote himself by exchanging resources.
Upon hearing Lin Qingyi’s unhesitating refusal, the atmosphere quicldy chilled.
“It seems like the Brocade Guards are becoming increasingly overbearing,” a voice brimming with sarcasm rang out.
The speaker was another eunuch beside Zha Xiaobo, who was attired almost identically.
His name was Lian Feiwen, a chief figure of the Dong Factory and well -trusted by supervisor Zhang Yong of the Dong Factory. He held the third-grade master status.
Unlike the awkward position of the Xi Factory, the Dong Factory did not yield to the Brocade Guards at all.
Although the Brocade Guards claimed to lead the Two Factories, the Dong Factory didn’t agree.
The Supervisor of the Dong Factory was also eunuch in charge of the Office of Imperial Sacrifices, ranking first in that office. He had immense authority almost rivaling the commander of the Brocade guards.
Therefore, when Lian Feiwen spoke first, he did so with a tone of sarcasm, without any regard for Lin Qingyi’s opinions.
Upon hearing the statement, the complexions of the Brocade Guards noticeably changed. The irascible White Tiger even stepped forward, exploding with a formidable aura.
However, Lian Feiwen paid no heed to White Tiger’s threat, focusing on his status as a third-grade master.
And he too was one!
Lian Feiwen’s True Qi circulated and his Blood Qi surged, matching the aura emanating from White Tiger.
It was then that a loud and deep voice echoed from the distance.
“No matter how domineering the Brocade Guards become, what difference does it make?”
Everyone turned towards the sound, only to see Jiang Bin, a commanding officer of the Brocade Guards in the Flying Fish Uniform and the Embroidered Spring Knife. The statement was evidently his.
“Greetings, Mr. Jiang,” all the Brocade Guards bowed in respect.
The three factions present unconsciously made way for Mr. Jiang, opening up a path.
In perfect concord, both Lian Feiwen and White Tiger restrained their auras.
Lian Feiwen, Fu Changge, and Zha Xiaobo simultaneously gave a fist and palm salute, “Greetings, Mr. Jiang.”
Considering Jiang Bin’s status and his close relationship with the emperor, even someone as arrogant as Lian Feiwen wouldn’t dare act insolently in front of him. Afterall, Jiang Bin was at the same level as the Supervisor of the Dong Factory.
Jiang Bin nodded in acknowledgement. As he walked past Lian Feiwen, he glanced at him nonchalantly before moving on as if he hadn’t even noticed him.
While some third-grade masters might expect respect from Jiang Bin, Jiang Bin merely viewed the lot from the Two Factories with disdain, regardless of their martial arts rank.
Jiang Bin approached Lin Qingyi and the others. He gave a nod towards Lin Qingyi and Qinglong, “You have all worked diligently.”
“Thank you for your concern, sir. We are simply fulfilling our duties,” Lin Qingyi and the others respectfully replied.
At this time, Mr. Pei also gave a modest bow, “Mr. Jiang.”
A warm smile floated onto Jiang Bin’s face, “Brother Pei, you’ve been invaluable. I heard that your assistance in this matter prevented me from losing face.”
Pei Xuanjing waved his hand and smiled, “Mr. Jiang, you are too kind. Not only am I directly involved in this matter, I also have deep ties with Brother Lin. Therefore, it was only natural not to stand idly by.”
Pei Xuanjing didn’t seize this opportunity to give a profound bow and even managed to boost Lin Qingyi’s esteem subtly.
Lin Qingyi regarded Pei Xuanjing with a grateful glance, inwardly praising his good fortune in choosing the right person to support. He pronounced Mr. Pei a man of admirable loyalty.
Many present cast admiring glances towards Lin Qingyi. After all, being able to establish a friendly relationship with a second-class martial artist, especially one as young as Mr. Pei, promoted implications of mutual prosperity.
Indeed, Jiang Bin would not ignore Mr. Pei’s expressed sentiment. He made some vague promises immediately. Looking at Lin Qingyi and his cadre, he said, “You have all done well, and I certainly will not overlook your contributions.”
Next, he turned to Pei Xuanjing, “Of course, we Brocade Guards will make it up to our friends who have helped. This time you have lent a helping hand, and the Brocade Guards will be sure to reward you generously.”
The intention of his rhetoric was transparent, yet none of the attendees, from the East and West
Factories to Fu Changge of the Six Gates, turned up their noses. It was all seen as a matter of course.
After all, First-class martial artists were typically considered the cornerstone used to suppress factions. Second-class martial artists were already deemed powerful beings. All parties would be hopeful if able to liaise with or befriend a Second-class martial artist.
Even if it wasn’t for the inappropriate circumstance, Fu Changge or the people from the Two Factories would all extend an olive branch to Pei Xuanjing, in order to curry favor. Even if they couldn’t win him over to their respective camps, they would at least show goodwill and keep it civil. Pei Xuanjing gave a respectful bow of thanks, “Mr. Jiang, you’re too kind.”
Jiang Bin nodded, opting not to persist on the matter.
He turned to the gathering from the three factions, “Consider the matter resolved for today. The suspect will be taken to the Prison of the Imperial Decree of the Brocade Guards. Should there be any objections, you can have your Supervisors or Head Capturers ask for the suspect.”
Such domineering, arrogant words were amazingly met with no resistance whatsoever and the three factions obediently backed down.
This was an explicit display of overwhelming supremacy, and to the extreme.
However, the members of the Brocade Guards considered it a matter of course, without any surprise.
Jiang Bin behaved as if he had done nothing worthy of mention, experiencing no surprises whatsoever.
Pei Xuanjing looked a bit stunned at first, but quickly regained his composure. He remembered Gu Ji’s warning when he found out about his interaction with Jiang Bin:
Jiang Bin might act modestly and seem friendly, seemingly trying to win you over constantly. But you must always be vigilant. Don’t let his facade fool you.
He is the confidant of the emperor, a savage hound raised by him. Even if he appears friendly and modest for a while, he is ultimately that savage hound whose loyalty lies only with the emperor. In dealing with others, as long as the emperor wishes, he will bite without hesitation.
At this moment, Pei Xuanjing agreed somewhat with Gu Ji’s words and started understanding a bit more about Jiang Bin’S true character..