bullyxtreme Chapter 13 Jia Lian's Crime, Subsequent Cultivation Techniques
Chapter 13 Jia Lian's Crime, Subsequent Cultivation Techniques
"Lord Lu, there are two more things that I feel are necessary to discuss with you," Jia Huan said solemnly.
"Oh? Is there anything else? Please speak freely."
Jia Huan pondered for a moment, organized his thoughts, and slowly said:
"Regarding this case, during my investigation, I discovered that Jia Lian, the Second Master of Rongguo Mansion, and his wife Wang Xifeng, seem to have had some business dealings with the Blood Shadow Cult."
Upon hearing this, Lu Chengen frowned slightly, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes.
"Oh? Jia Lian and his wife? What connection do they have with the Blood Shadow Cult?"
"As far as I know, they have done several sizable business deals through a channel called 'Heshun Trading Company,' which has made a considerable profit. In fact, Heshun Trading Company is a property of the Blood Shadow Cult."
However, according to my investigation, Jia Lian and his wife seem unaware that the "He Shun Trading Company" is actually secretly controlled by the Blood Shadow Cult.
Jia Huan paused, observed Lu Chengen's expression, and continued his analysis:
"The two of them, especially Wang Xifeng, were usually shrewd and greedy, but more so for their own enrichment and to maintain the extravagant spending of the Jia family."
Their cooperation with "Heshun Trading Company" was probably just a case of the Blood Shadow Cult exploiting their greed.
They may not know the true owners behind the business, nor were they involved in any of the Blood Shadow Cult's conspiracies.
After hearing this, Lu Chengen tapped his fingers lightly on the table and fell into deep thought.
After a moment, he raised his head and slowly said:
"Hmm, your analysis makes some sense. Wang Xifeng... a woman confined to the inner quarters, even if she has some skills, is still ultimately a woman with limited vision."
If, as you say, she is completely unaware of the details of "He Shun Trading Company," then this matter will not involve her too much.
The imperial court wouldn't kill a woman just because she embezzled some money; after all, it wouldn't look good if word got out.
At this point, Lu Chengen changed the subject, his tone becoming serious.
"However, Jia Lian is different. As a direct descendant of the Rongguo Mansion, he also holds a sinecure in the court. Although it is a hereditary privilege, he is still an official appointed by the court."
He was involved with the cult industry, and even if he was truly unaware of it, he cannot escape the charge of negligence.
Moreover, as a man and the head of his family, his improper conduct and entanglements with underworld forces are a major taboo in officialdom.
Lu Chengen sighed, seemingly feeling sorry for Jia Lian's fate, but more so for the practical considerations of officialdom.
"Therefore, even if he knew nothing about this, he will probably still be punished this time. At best, he will be reprimanded and have his salary reduced; at worst..."
He paused, then uttered two words:
"Demoted!"
"Demotion?" A thought flashed through Jia Huan's mind.
"good."
Lu Chengen nodded.
"He will most likely be demoted from the capital and sent to some remote place to take up an insignificant, idle post."
This is both a punishment and a warning, and also an attempt to quell any potential public outcry.
After all, for a noble family like the Rongguo Mansion to have ties to a cult, someone had to take responsibility, and Jia Lian was undoubtedly the best candidate.
Jia Huan understood.
Being demoted and sent to a remote area, although a setback in one's career, is still much better than being imprisoned and punished, or even implicating the entire family.
For Jia Lian, this was perhaps the best of luck amidst misfortune.
"As for imprisonment..."
Lu Chengen waved his hand.
"Unless there is conclusive evidence that he participated in the Blood Shadow Cult's conspiracy or gained enough benefits to shake the foundation of the country, the imperial court will not easily use imprisonment against the sons of nobles."
After all, a single hair can have far-reaching consequences; the Rongguo Mansion's connections in the court are deeply entrenched, and no one wants to push things to the brink unless absolutely necessary.
Jia Huan bowed slightly.
"Your Excellency is wise; I understand."
He thought to himself that Lu Chengen's analysis was reasonable.
Jia Lian has really had a bad time, but fortunately his crime wasn't serious enough to land him in jail.
Wang Xifeng, with her status as a female relative and the favor of Grandmother Jia, would most likely be able to escape unscathed.
However, after this incident, Jia Lian's status in the family will likely plummet, and Wang Xifeng will probably become even more restrained in her sharpness.
"Alright, this is something you and I should keep to ourselves; there's no need to tell anyone else."
Lu Chengen waved his hand.
"What's the other thing you have to say? Tell me about it too."
"My lord, although I was lucky to win this battle against Xue Wuchang, I have realized my own shortcomings and need to continue to work hard in my cultivation."
Both the "Mysterious Armor Body Forging Technique" and the "Embroidered Spring Soul-Severing Blade" have no further methods and have now reached a bottleneck. Without the guidance of more profound methods, it is feared that they will find it difficult to make any further progress and will be unable to make greater contributions to the Embroidered Uniform Guard in the future.
Jia Huan paused, looking intently at Lu Chengen, and continued:
"This humble official dares to ask Your Excellency for the follow-up records of these two martial arts techniques. Also..."
He seemed a little embarrassed, but he still forced himself to continue.
"This humble official also wishes to systematically learn the unique skills of my Embroidered Uniform Guard. I have heard that the 'Golden Scale Prison Suppression Technique' possesses powerful internal energy and the might to suppress the sea of prisons."
The "Flying Fish Shadow Step" is a graceful movement, as swift as a flying fish leaping through water.
And the hidden weapon techniques of the "Soul-Chasing and Life-Stealing Lock" are even more unpredictable.
"This humble official is unworthy, yet willing to serve the Embroidered Uniform Guard with his life. I humbly request that Your Excellency grant me the opportunity to master these unique and standardized martial arts techniques!"
Upon hearing this, Lu Chengen's smile faltered slightly before returning to normal.
He looked Jia Huan up and down a few times, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.
"Good lad, you've got quite an appetite!"
Lu Chengen laughed heartily, showing no displeasure whatsoever, but rather appearing extremely pleased.
"However, I am very pleased that you have this ambition! This is the kind of drive that the men of my Embroidered Uniform Guard should have!"
He strode to the bookshelf beside him, skillfully pulled out several yellowed booklets, and then took out three more books from a hidden compartment, handing them all to Jia Huan.
"The complete techniques of the Xuanjia Body Forging Technique and the complete sword manual of the Xiuchun Soul-Severing Blade are both in these books."
Lu Chengen pointed to the thing in his hand.
"As for the Golden Scale Prison Suppression Technique, the Flying Fish Shadow Step, and the Soul-Chasing Life-Taking Lock, they are all recorded in these books."
Jia Huan accepted it with both hands, feeling its weight. What he received was not a cultivation manual, but a key to a higher realm!
He was overjoyed and quickly bowed to express his gratitude.
"Thank you for your kindness, sir! I will certainly live up to your expectations, diligently cultivate my skills, and strive to achieve new merits for the Embroidered Uniform Guard as soon as possible!"
"Haha, great!"
Lu Chengen patted him on the shoulder and said in a hearty manner.
"I have high hopes for you! These techniques are the foundation of my Embroidered Uniform Guard. Now that you have entered the field, you should cultivate them diligently."
Remember, techniques are static, but people are dynamic. Whether you achieve anything depends entirely on your own comprehension and effort!
"Your humble servant will heed your teachings, sir!"
Jia Huan carefully put away the martial arts manual, bowed to Lu Chengen again, and then turned and walked out of the Qilin Pavilion with satisfaction.