I Can Devour Spirits

Chapter 54: Chapter 54: Qin Shuban

It is precisely because Luan Jingfu and Xiao Zongting have always been at odds that Luan Jingfu wanted to magnify a minor incident, fabricating charges and almost pushing Duan Rong to death!

His attack on Duan Rong was a matter of displaying power with a hidden motive!

By getting rid of Duan Rong, he aimed to dampen the sharpness of Xiao Zongting, the Chief Tutor, while establishing his own authority within the Escort Agency, making those rebellious Escort Masters restrain themselves!

But Luan Jingfu did not expect that Duan Rong possessed such a high martial arts talent!

His plan completely fell through!

Meanwhile, Ruan Fengshan’s thoughts were already becoming apparent!

Such a promising talent, even if he did some out-of-line things, should be handled with tolerance and advice.

Given time, Duan Rong will definitely be a great asset to the Escort Agency!

However, for Luan Jingfu, this move has already become a major blunder. In less than five years, Duan Rong will surely rise. With this grudge, if that brat becomes a Leader, won’t he challenge me every day!

Just as Ruan Fengshan finished speaking, suddenly a handsome young servant of about seventeen or eighteen, wearing a cap, walked in slowly, stood inside the threshold, cupped his fist towards Ruan Fengshan in the hall, and said loudly, ”Master! Qin Shuban from the government office is here, waiting outside the hall!”

This young servant, impressive in appearance and mannered in conduct, was Ruan Fengshan’s personal servant, named Zhou An.

Whenever Ruan Fengshan had social engagements, it was almost always this person who was responsible for coming and going, responding and interacting.

Though he was of humble origin, within Yuan Shun Escort Agency, no one failed to show him respect.

”Qin Shuban?” Ruan Fengshan hesitated slightly. If Qin Shuban came by, it must be something from County Magistrate Shen Yanliu needing him.

This Shen Yanliu is an Outer Disciple of the Taiyi Sect, with cultivation at the True Qi Realm Second Level. Whether it’s authority or martial prowess, he is among the top figures in Xianggu County.

Moreover, in his years in Xianggu County, Shen Yanliu had subdued all major forces entrenched there.

Yet he did not violate the people and had also done quite a bit to protect and benefit the county. Thus, his reputation was stellar!

Among the several County Magistrates Ruan Fengshan had dealt with, regarding Shen Yanliu, he could be described as both respectful and fearful!

Ruan Fengshan’s hesitation was considering whether to let Qin Shuban wait in the Flower Hall; his matter here was mostly concluded, and he could soon see him, but he asked, ”Did Qin Shuban mention what it’s about?”

”He said he was looking for an Escort Master named Duan Rong!”

”Ah!”

Everyone in the hall was shocked, and Duan Rong was startled.

Ruan Fengshan’s gaze swept past Duan Rong’s body with a bit of somberness, saying, ”Invite Qin Shuban in!”

Since Qin Shuban was looking for Duan Rong, and since Duan Rong was in the hall, why go to the Flower Hall in the rear courtyard?

Moreover, everyone was puzzled—why did Qin Shuban from the county government personally come to the Escort Agency looking for an apprentice Escort Master?

Duan Rong was even more uneasy in his heart; he had a premonition of bad news!

What’s going on today? One thing after another!

Qin Shuban, in his early thirties, with a tall and slender build, wore a moon-white wide robe and a melon skin hat. Upon entering, he scanned the faces of those in the hall, cupped his fists towards Ruan Fengshan, saying, ”Shopkeeper Ruan, I’ve disturbed you!”

Ruan Fengshan remained seated, returned the gesture with cupped fists, and laughed, ”Not at all. Qin Shuban has come in person, it must be urgent! You should have been received in the Flower Hall. But since you’re looking for Duan Rong, and he’s here, I’ve directly let you in! If there’s any slight, please don’t take offense!”

”Please have a seat, Qin Shuban! Zhou An, serve some tea for Qin Shuban!”

Just as Ruan Fengshan finished speaking, Zhou An already came in with tea. Qin Shuban had just sat down, and the tea was already placed on the table beside him.

Qin Shuban sat to the right of Luan Jingfu. When he walked over, Luan Jingfu slightly got up to greet him, and Qin Shuban reciprocated the gesture with cupped fists. Then, both sat down almost simultaneously.

”This is top-grade Mingqian tea, Qin Shuban, have a taste...” Ruan Fengshan said with a courteous smile.

Qin Shuban lifted the teacup, took a sip, and put it down, saying, ”We frequently socialize, Shopkeeper Ruan, no need for formalities!”

Ruan Fengshan laughed heartily, then changed the topic, ”Qin Shuban, you came personally to find this kid Duan Rong! Did he do something reckless? If he did, just let me know, and I’ll tie him up and personally deliver him to the county office!”

Though Ruan Fengshan’s words seemed stern, they already implied a willingness to shield Duan Rong.

How could an experienced Qin Shuban not pick up on this?

Qin Shuban smiled faintly, saying, ”Escort Master Duan Rong is talented in both literature and martial arts. His paintings on the streets are sought after by every family’s sons and daughters, becoming a trend! Today, the daughter of the County Magistrate also wanted to purchase a painting but ended up in a dispute, almost resulting in a life-threatening incident!”

When Duan Rong heard about the County Magistrate’s daughter, his mind buzzed instantly.

Isn’t that the County Magistrate’s daughter?

That fiery young lady is the County Magistrate’s daughter?

It’s over, it’s over!

Duan Rong wished he could chop off his left hand right there in the hall; never should one touch a tiger’s backside!

Luan Jingfu heard this and was secretly delighted, thinking he had lost the game, but unexpectedly, the situation had taken a surprising turn.

This affair unexpectedly involved the County Magistrate’s own daughter, Shen Mizi!

The play is growing more and more riveting!

Ruan Fengshan also wore a grim expression; Duan Rong was indeed a promising lad, and if it were an ordinary reckless act, he would still be willing to help smooth things over.

However, since it involved County Magistrate Shen Yanliu’s daughter, things were different.

Shen Yanliu had no sons, only this one daughter, whom he cherished like a jewel!

Could he really afford to provoke Shen Yanliu for Duan Rong?

”I will break this rascal’s legs right now! Tie him up and personally deliver him to the government office to apologize to the Magistrate and the young lady!”

Duan Rong trembled at the thought, cursing Ruan Fengshan’s cruelty. Wasn’t this adding insult to injury? Ruan Fengshan’s face changed faster than a page flipping in a book! There truly isn’t a decent person among capitalists!

As Ruan Fengshan spoke, his eyes remained angrily fixed on Duan Rong.

Qin Shuban now knew who Duan Rong was. When he arrived, he was still guessing between the two young men behind Xiao Zongting and Luan Jingfu, which one was Duan Rong?

Qin Shuban carefully examined Duan Rong and said, ”Please don’t misunderstand, Shopkeeper Ruan! The County Magistrate sent me to invite Escort Master Duan Rong.”

”Invite!?”

Qin Shuban smiled and said, ”The Magistrate invites Escort Master Duan to the county government office tomorrow for a banquet, to express gratitude for his righteous assistance!”

Suddenly, the hall fell silent, and everyone’s eyes were fixed on Duan Rong!

Duan Rong swallowed hard, the sound echoing loudly in his ears!

Seeing the shocked expressions, Qin Shuban explained, ”If it weren’t for Escort Master Duan’s intervention, Miss Shen, once in trouble on the street, the consequences could have been far-reaching.”

Duan Rong began to understand Qin Shuban’s implication.

Perhaps... they didn’t know what his left hand had done.

After all, matters like these are too embarrassing for a young lady to speak of!

But even if it’s unsaid, things have indeed happened, and the other party is the County Magistrate’s daughter!

What bad luck! Just when fortune is not favorable!

”Duan Rong, Qin Shuban is here to invite you for tomorrow’s banquet!” Ruan Fengshan reminded, seeing Duan Rong frozen in place.

”For such a trivial act, how dare I accept an invitation? Besides, a humble citizen like me is undeserving of such honor!” Duan Rong suddenly said.

Although the matter hasn’t been exposed, he knew well what had transpired. It would be best not to attend the banquet.

Qin Shuban was slightly surprised by this, and Ruan Fengshan’s face darkened too. ”Duan Rong, you cannot refuse an invitation from the County Magistrate out of disrespect.”

Ruan Fengshan turned to Qin Shuban and smiled, ”Qin Shuban, this child comes from a poor background, mingling in the streets, unfamiliar with etiquette. You can assure the County Magistrate that he will certainly attend tomorrow!”

”Alright, alright! I shall take my leave!” Qin Shuban gave Duan Rong a glance, then clasped his fists, stood up, and took his leave.

”Zhou An, take the lantern and escort Qin Shuban!” Ruan Fengshan immediately instructed Zhou An.

Watching Qin Shuban leave the hall, Ruan Fengshan snorted coldly and said to Duan Rong, ”Since the County Magistrate invites, how can I dare refuse? You have quite the nerve!”

Duan Rong wore a bitter face, not daring to utter a word.

”I will instruct Zhou An to prepare a gift, and you will take it tomorrow! Also, give my regards to the County Magistrate!”

With that, Ruan Fengshan got up and slipped behind the screen, leaving through the back door from the hall, heading to his concubine’s room in the inner courtyard.

Duan Rong watched Ruan Fengshan’s departing figure, feeling bitterness welling up in his heart!