Chapter 111: Taking the Opportunity to Curry Favor

They needed to lay low for the time being.

After several of them fled from the cellar, the immediate priority was to find a place to stay.

“Shall we return to Beijun City now?”

“No, we’ll head straight to Luojing to attend the imperial examination,” Han Qing said slowly.

After days of travel, the examination was fast approaching. They hurriedly searched for shelter in Luojing and casually chose an inn to settle in.

Unexpectedly, the assassination orders from the martial world had not ceased. The black-clad pursuers seemed to have arrived upon hearing the news but were stopped decisively by local authorities.

Only after Zhu Xiaoye went out to gather information did he return, looking troubled, as if carrying a heavy burden.

What had really happened?

“You haven’t smiled once since arriving in Luojing these past three days. Could it be that those chasing you haven’t given up?”

He shook his head, unwilling to speak of it. The others did not press him.

However, Han Qing felt something was amiss—he sensed someone shadowing him.

One day, while heading to a bookstore to buy some books, he noticed several furtive figures behind him. He stopped just outside an alley and turned around.

Sure enough, two oddly dressed men stood there. Yet, they did not seem intent on harming him.

“Young Master Han, my lord requests your presence. I hope you won’t be unwise to refuse,” one said.

This was unmistakably a threat.

Han Qing did not refuse. Already recognized upon arrival in Luojing, it seemed someone had been watching him for days.

After a few steps, they arrived at the residence of Lord Lin, the magistrate of the capital prefecture—the same official who had earlier sought his youngest son.

Were they being cornered at every turn?

“Lord Lin, are you trying to take my life with this stunt?” Han Qing asked coldly, showing no mercy.

At this point, there was no use dwelling on old grievances.

“Young Master Han, you jest. Though I am angered, I merely punished those neglectful in their duties. As for you, with such keen insight, how could I not be grateful?” Lin replied, clearly discerning right from wrong.

“What is your purpose in summoning me here?” Han Qing asked, wary.

This invitation surely had ulterior motives.

“I heard you were ill-treated in Blue City and have no acquaintances here. If you hold me in regard, you may stay in my household,” Lin offered.

Han Qing was puzzled. What was this man’s true intention? Their previous interactions were limited; why extend such an opportunity now?

The only plausible explanation was that he wished Han Qing to act on his behalf.

“State your terms,” Han Qing asked bluntly.

Such a generous offer must come with strings attached. Nothing in this world was free, a truth he understood well.

“I understand you have some knowledge of court affairs. I hope you might advise me occasionally,” Lin said.

What?

Han Qing was stunned. Though he had some business acumen, he had never analyzed political matters.

What was Lin thinking? This felt suspicious.

“Are you sure I have ever analyzed court politics?” Han Qing asked.

“I have heard of your essays submitted for the provincial examination. Your insights and proposals seemed worthy of consideration,” Lin rambled on.

Only then did Han Qing realize the problem.

“If you mean that article, it was a casual discussion, hardly evidence of any real views on court affairs,” he refused outright.

This was not the time to get involved in such matters. He needed stability, unable to afford any trouble.

“No, no, you misunderstand. I only ask for occasional counsel,” Lin insisted.

What was going on? Why was this old man so eager for his advice?

“Lord Lin, you have dozens of retainers. I come from a remote place; I lack such capabilities,” Han Qing declined.

He persisted in refusing, but Lin would not accept it, ordering the two men to move into his household.

This signaled that Lin valued him greatly.

After Chen Tianwei moved in, she immediately approached Han Qing with a flattering smile.

“Why have you gotten close to Lord Lin? He ruined my promising future. I think what you did is unfair.”

She was clearly mocking him.

Han Qing shook his head, unafraid.

“You were afraid the matter would escalate and deliberately concealed the truth. That’s why Lord Lin punished you in anger. Now that we have shelter, you should be grateful to me,” he said.

Chen Tianwei’s face darkened instantly. She never expected someone so opposed to injustice to become so timid.

Without further words, she prepared to leave.

Zhu Xiaoye considered intervening but sensed great resentment between them and chose not to get involved.

In the end, Chen Tianwei returned to the inn, while Han Qing remained in Lord Lin’s residence.

Zhu Xiaoye, unwilling to be a mediator, moved elsewhere.

Upon hearing this, Lord Lin was visibly pleased. Now he need not worry about Han Qing’s companions.

“Young Master Han, you are right to do this. Those others would only hinder your future. Following us, your path will steadily rise,” Lin said proudly.

Unbeknownst to him, he might have already fallen into a trap.

Was the magistrate truly as impartial as he claimed?

“No need to say that. I merely seek a safe place to stay,” Han Qing sighed, feeling trapped by circumstance.

No one questioned him further.

After about a week at Lin’s residence, no urgent matters arose.

He read several books and found some leisure.

Yet such peaceful days were never so simple.