"I won’t hide it from you. According to my investigation, Lord Xing’s targeting of you is highly likely related to the previous contest among Jiangnan Dao’s exemplary students. Back then, Lord Qiu reported your deeds to the Jiangnan Dao Military Affairs Hall, but they were suppressed because the Huo Family from Raozhou Prefecture accused you at the Military Affairs Hall of being unfilial to your grandfather."
The content of the Huo Family’s accusation to the Military Affairs Hall was unknown to Qiu Rufeng at the ti, but when he was transferred to the Military Affairs Hall, he learned about the Huo Family’s accusations.
Su Lingchuan wrote to inform his own teacher about the recent events in Linhu Village, and the teacher specifically ntioned the Huo Family in the letter.
There must be involvent from the Huo Family in the accusation against Lin Ming.
Similarly, the teacher subtly indicated in the letter that this matter is likely related to the families behind the disciples presented by other prefectures to compete for exemplary students.
A certain family from Hongdu Prefecture!
But Su Lingchuan quickly understood that the teacher was referring to the Li Family.
The teacher subtly ntioned in the letter, without naming nas, partly because of the risk of leaks in correspondence and partly due to a lack of evidence, but mainly because the Li Family is quite formidable.
Though the Huo Family is one of the four major families in Raozhou Prefecture, it has been declining over the years and is not much of a concern.
But the Li Family is different. Li Yuan from this generation of the Li Family, just over forty, is already a Sixth-Grade Martial Artist. Without surprises, reaching the Fifth Grade is no problem, and he might even achieve the Fourth Grade.
Even Lin Ming’s teacher would not openly speak the Li Family’s na without solid evidence.
"I don’t seem to have offended the Huo Family."
Recalling carefully, Lin Chen realized he hadn’t even heard of the Raozhou Prefecture’s Huo Family, nor had he interacted with anyone with the surna Huo.
"The Huo Family was probably entrusted by soone to tarnish your reputation, making it difficult for you to compete for the exemplary student of Jiangnan Dao. But this is just my speculation, with no evidence. Do you understand what I an?"
Lin Chen nodded, "I understand. It’s just the Huo Family targeting ."
It was a well-established fact that the Huo Family targeted him, but whether other forces were behind the Huo Family lacked any evidence.
Lord Su was reminding him not to speak lightly without evidence.
Therefore, the family colluding with the Huo Family must have a prestigious status, so much so that even Lord Su was unwilling to tell him directly.
"My lord, ever since I embarked on the Martial Path, I’ve never targeted anyone. My only goal is to make continuous progress. As for competing for rankings, given my family’s condition, I wouldn’t have made it this far without the rewards from rankings."
Lin Chen spoke solemnly, making Su Lingchuan sigh internally. He understood Lin Chen’s aning.
"Lord Qiu asked to convey to you: as long as you conduct yourself righteously, there’s no need to fear. The sky over Jiangnan Dao cannot be covered by any single person."
The teacher had ntioned in the letter that there were two possible decisions Lin Chen might make upon knowing the truth, and he respected Lin Chen’s personal choice.
If Lin Chen chose to quit the exemplary student contest of Jiangnan Dao, then so be it.
Quitting doesn’t an cowardice, but rather a sensible decision after assessing the situation.
If he forfeits the Jiangnan Dao exemplary student, the Li Family would cease suppressing him. Based on Lin Chen’s martial talent, entering the Grade would be smooth sailing.
However, if Lin Chen still wanted to compete, then convey this ssage to him.
"Lin Chen, never hold back on the Martial Path. The Grand Ancestor Emperor’s strategy of national prosperity through Martial Path has made the Military Affairs Hall significantly independent. Potential is the best safeguard."
"I vow to practice diligently!"
Lin Chen didn’t make lofty claims; the words ’practice diligently’ said it all.
"Very well, tomorrow, you’ll follow that Lord Jiang back to the Special Training Ground."
Su Lingchuan was quite satisfied. ntioning Lord Jiang brought a smile to his face. Back when Lord Jiang ca to escort Lin Chen, he was utterly indifferent, but this ti when bringing Lin Chen back, he even took the initiative to visit the Martial Affairs Office, a stark contrast in attitude.
"It seems you’ve perford outstandingly at the Special Training Ground. Keep it up; there’s no need to worry too much about the county. I will look after your family."
Lin Chen bowed to Su Lingchuan, "Thank you, my lord, for your care."
"You should return to the county once more. You might have other matters to attend to. I won’t keep you here any longer."
...
...
After leaving the Martial Affairs Office, Lin Chen thought for a mont and then headed to the County Governnt Office. Unfortunately, Lord He had gone to Raozhou Prefecture, so he could only express his gratitude to Lord He’s aides.
After leaving the County Governnt Office, Lin Chen returned directly to Jingshui Martial Arts Hall and t Zeng Qingyao.
Zeng Qingyao was sharpening a blade in the courtyard.
"Have you seen Lord Su?"
"I have t Lord Su and also went to the County Governnt Office, but Lord He was not there."
"I know your ti is limited. There’s no need to visit each family individually that accompanied us to Linhu Village that day. Write a thank-you letter, and I’ll have Vice Hall Master Kong deliver it to you personally."
"Letting Hall Master Kong deliver the letter to ..."
Lin Chen glanced at Kong Yinglei and was about to refuse, but Kong Yinglei spoke up, "It’s no trouble; I’ll deliver the letter just fine. It’s inappropriate for anyone else, and I can offer a few explanations on your behalf."
"I appreciate your trouble, Hall Master Kong."
Lin Chen wasn’t overly modest; he indeed didn’t have the ti to visit each household to express his gratitude.
From Village Chief Zhao’s description, he knew that many families in Poyang County supported him. Although they ultimately did not deter Lord Xing, he had to acknowledge their kindness.
"Since you’ve already t Lord Su, I assu he has told you all you need to know. I won’t repeat much. Make sure to visit the Mountain Suppressing Martial Arts Hall; Hall Master Tai has spent considerable effort on your behalf."
Half a two-hour later, Lin Chen t Tai Rubai.
"Lin Chen, I won’t say much. I’ll just inform you of one thing: Lord Li arrived at the Jiangnan Dao Military Affairs Hall yesterday and, in front of the Hall Chief, slamd a cup, accusing Xing Huaifeng of colluding with foreign spies!"
"If not for foreign spies, who would try to destroy a Liang martial arts genius by such ans?"
"If not for foreign spies, why would a dignified Director of the Military Affairs Departnt obstinately oppose a county without good cause? Did Lin Chen dig up his Xing Family’s ancestral grave?"
"Though I am old, I am willing to personally dig up Xing Huaifeng’s family grave to see if Lin Chen really disturbed the bones inside."
Tai Rubai’s expression was quite a sight. These were the very words of Lord Li at the Military Affairs Hall, without leaving face for Xing Huaifeng.
Lin Chen was dumbfounded. Elder Lord Li’s words... Truly steadfast in old age!
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