I Am Immortal in Great Yu

Chapter 40: Chapter 19: Beheading, Part 3

Unmoved by Auntie Cai Hua’s desperate expression, Fang Rui’s tone softened only slightly. ”How about this: if the constables from the Government Office come to ask questions, I’ll just tell the truth. I won’t add any embellishments. Whatever the Government Office decides, that’s what will happen...”

”After that, we’ll consider this matter closed. Our two families can go on as we always have, and I won’t deliberately hold a grudge...”

Despite his words, Fang Rui knew that because of his ”special attention,” Song Dashan would likely not be coming back.

”As for any compensation, let’s not speak of it again. My family didn’t suffer any real losses. Besides, times are hard for everyone...”

These were purely empty words. Even if Fang Rui had wanted compensation, the Song Family had nothing to give. Otherwise, why would Song Dashan have resorted to stealing grain?

In the distance, a few neighbors who didn’t dare to watch openly were still straining their ears to listen in. Hearing how Fang Rui handled the situation, they all praised him for being so magnanimous.

Of course, how much of that was genuine, how much was flattery, and how much was fear, only they themselves knew.

”Thank you! Thank you, Brother Rui!”

Auntie Cai Hua knew this was the best outcome she could have hoped for. Not daring to press the issue further, she led her two children away, her figure forlorn as she departed.

...

In the morning, a governmental officer came to the Fang Family residence. Fang Rui recognized him as one of the two officers from the previous night, a man named Jiang Ping’an.

”Brother Fang, the verdict is in. That Song Dashan is to be beheaded today at Noon...” Jiang Ping’an had come to deliver the ”good news.”

”Thanks, Brother Jiang. Stay for lunch. I’ll treat you to some drinks!”

Fang Rui was keen on building a connection with this man.

After all, he was a governmental officer, cloaked in official authority. He could be a great help for gathering information or resolving minor troubles.

This was an opportunity, a connection!

In the past?

It wasn’t that Fang Rui hadn’t wanted to cultivate relationships before, but his status as an Entry Grade Martial Artist hadn’t been revealed. Even if he had tried to befriend people like Jiang Ping’an, they would have looked down on him.

If he had forced the issue, it would have likely backfired, and he might have been targeted as an easy mark.

But now, with his identity as an Entry Grade Martial Artist exposed, their statuses were comparable. They could finally interact as equals.

Of course, this was just the foundation. If he wanted to deepen the relationship?

It would all come down to his own skill and methods.

”No, I can’t. Next time, next time! Brother Fang, you know how things are in the city lately. I’m completely swamped... I had to specifically make time just to come see you, brother...”

”Alright, then I won’t keep you, Brother Jiang. But I’ll be sure to remember this drink I owe you!”

Fang Rui made up his mind: even if Jiang Ping’an didn’t come to him, he would take the initiative to visit, bringing gifts a few times. After a few visits, wouldn’t they naturally become familiar?

Friendships are built slowly, over time.

’Dad also left some connections. Before, our statuses weren’t equal, so it wouldn’t have been proper to just show up unannounced. But now, I can finally start putting them to use!’ Fang Rui thought.

...

After leaving the house, Jiang Ping’an gathered the families of Willow Alley, announced the verdict for Song Dashan, and then departed, leaving a wave of shock in his wake.

”Song Dashan is actually going to be beheaded? That’s just...”

”I heard the jails are full because there are too many criminals in the city, and there’s not enough food for them... Plus, they’re trying to deter lawlessness, so that’s why the sentences are so harsh!”

”Maybe it also has to do with the Fang...”

”Shh, quiet! You can’t say things like that!”

...

As the neighbors gossiped, their awe and fear of the Fang Family grew, and so too did an imperceptible distance.

Fang Rui didn’t care.

In fact, this deterrent effect was exactly what he wanted. With Song Dashan made into an example, the Fang Family would surely be spared a great deal of unnecessary trouble in the future.

...