Chapter 16: Relentless Obstruction

Chapter 16: Relentless Obstruction

Fang Chen went to the Minister of Military Personnels manor?

Is he still harboring a grudge over that? But Ye Dongming cant be blamed for that. His subordinate was the one who messed things up and delivered Fang Chens military ration elsewhere

Is there any news from His Majesty? Why hasnt the Court of Great Brilliance apprehended Fang Chen yet?!

The upper echelons of Great Xias capital had dispatched their men to keep a close eye on Fang Chens movements, so that they could receive the latest updates.

The manor doors opened. Ye Dongming and his family quietly met eyes with Fang Chen.

Does War God Fang think that Xiao En is hiding inside the Minister of Military Personnels manor? The official from the Court of Great Brilliance widened his eyes in alarm.

The Minister of Military Personnel should have no reason to house the remnants of the Greenpine martial artists. He would be making an enemy out of Fang Chen if so, as the latter had already declared that he was going to purge the capital of them.

It has been a while, War God Fang. It has been hard to meet you ever since you stopped attending morning assembly, though well likely meet in the imperial court very soon. May I know the reason behind your abrupt visit today? Ye Dongming asked.

The Ye Clansmen assessed Fang Chen. To their relief, he had lost much of the imposing air he used to command back then. This told them that the man standing before them wasnt the same Fang Chen from five years ago. He wasnt all-powerful anymore, so there was nothing to fear.

I have given it a lot of thought over the last five years. I dont intend to bother with the imperial court anymore. Fang Chen shook his head. Im afraid you wont meet me in the imperial court, after all.

What?!

Not only were the Ye Clansmen stunned, but those from the Court of Great Brilliance were dumbstruck too. The spectating civilians, academics, and martial artists couldnt believe what they had just heard as well.

War God Fang isnt going to bother with the imperial court? Doesnt this mean that he doesnt intend to take charge of the military anymore?

Ye Qinghes breathing hastened. He intently stared at Fang Chen as if assessing how sincere the latter was.

War God Fang is humoring me. You have regained your martial cultivation. It shouldnt be long before His Majesty tasks you with the important responsibility of leading our soldiers against Greenpine Country, Ye Dongming said deeply.

Take it as if Im joking then, Minister Ye, Fang Chen casually replied with a smile.

Ye Dongmings eyebrows shot up. War God Fang, what brings you here today?

Im here to demand a man from your Ye Clan, Fang Chen replied.

War God Fang is not omniscient; he cant possibly know everything. Now that I think about it, I recall there being a grudge between War God Fang and the Minister of Military Personnel.

Could War God Fang be making use of this opportunity to settle old grudges?

Such murmurs could be heard from the surroundings.

Ye Dongmings face darkened. He looked into Fang Chens eyes and said, War God Fang, I concede that I have let you down regarding that matter, but I have reported it to His Majesty and received punishment for it. You shouldnt frame me and sully my reputation over that.

Minister Ye, would you allow me to search the premises of your manor? Fang Chen asked.

Fang Chen, youre getting overboard! This is the Minister of Military Personnels manor, not a place where you can come and go as you please. Do you honestly think that youre still the War God? Youre just a normal civilian now; you dont even have the right to enter the imperial court, Ye Qinghe roared.

However, to Ye Qinghes shock, his father gestured for him to keep quiet.

War God Fang, my manor isnt too big. Youre free to search the area as you like. However, I expect an explanation if you cant find any traces of Xiao En.

Ill be following them to the Court of Great Brilliance if I cant find Xiao En. What other explanation do you require? Fang Chen gestured to the official standing not too far away.

Ye Dongming nodded in realization. So they are here to apprehend Fang Chen. That took a load off his heart.

Very well. Go ahead, War God Fang.

Father?! Ye Qinghe panicked.

We havent done a thing, so what do we have to fear? Ye Dongming coldly harrumphed.

Ye Qinghe fell silent. He couldnt say anything more, or else he would be giving himself away.

Just as Fang Chen was about to enter, another group of people rushed over and stationed themselves in front of the manor. The leader got off his steed and placidly looked at Fang Chen.

Fang Chen, you cant enter the Minister of Military Personnels manor.

Your Highness?! Ye Dongming hurriedly bowed in astonishment.

The crowd was startled too. Who could have thought the crown prince would get involved too?