Ruffian 016

Zuo Qianqiu watched Fang Zhiyi's convoy gradually depart under the escort of the border army, feeling a faint unease in his heart. Although he was now temporarily leading the Zhetian Guard and no longer needed to keep accounts, he still habitually fiddled with the miniature abacus in his hand.

Qijue sat in the public hall as a bitterly weeping young man was dragged away. Several martial artists standing to the side had dark expressions, clearly having just been severely scolded. However, facing this upright and unyielding swordsman, they could not find any words to refute him.

Wang Ergou was training the Zhetian Guard according to the methods taught by Fang Zhiyi. He had originally wanted to go to the capital together with Fang Zhiyi, but was left behind here instead. This made him somewhat depressed, as it had been a long time since he last bragged and chatted with Brother Fang.

Inside Yangcheng, the old deputy magistrate was reporting some of the city's affairs to the newly appointed magistrate. The new magistrate's face was full of drive and energy. For a moment, the old deputy seemed to see the face of the former Magistrate Fang. He wondered where Magistrate Fang was now; he heard he was very busy.

When Fang Zhiyi entered the perimeter of the capital, the atmosphere became somewhat subtle. Everyone was calculating how much benefit they could gain from this matter. The problem of the grassroots martial world had already been torn open, and Fang Zhiyi had completed the most difficult step, which was obtaining the rosters of these sects. As long as they could control these people, many things would become much easier to handle.

The most crucial point was that the current Fang Zhiyi was faintly beginning to break out of their sphere of control, and this was unacceptable.

Previously, although they thought he was quite good, it was because he had no background and no faction, yet had a clever mind. But now, it was impossible to let him grow too powerful. Why should a kid who started out as a street thug be allowed to do so?

The Emperor's desk was still piled with quite a few memorials. Completely contrary to the previous ones that complained of injustices on Fang Zhiyi's behalf, these memorials either impeached him for overstepping his bounds and breaking the rules, or accused him of acting too ostentatiously. Some even impeached him, claiming that he established the Zhetian Guard to control the martial world and threaten the imperial court for his own sake.

Informants constantly reported Fang Zhiyi's movements. Some people had already come to view the Four Seas Trading Company, the water transport, the black market, and the mines that Fang Zhiyi had established as their own property. Simply put, the sheep had been fattened and it was time for the slaughter.

Fang Zhiyi's convoy paused for a moment at the gates of the capital. He poked his head out to look at the gate; his last visit had been a very, very long time ago. The soldiers guarding the gate did not recognize him, but seeing the murderous border army troops at the front and rear of the carriage, they did not dare to rush him. It was exactly at this moment that a sudden change occurred. The border army troops originally responsible for escorting Fang Zhiyi suddenly launched an attack. The gate guards were instantly struck down, and the gate was seized by the border army. Then, shouts of killing rang out at the city gate. A sufficiently large flag bearing the character Huang was raised high. Guided by this flag, the main force charged toward the direction of the imperial palace. The remaining soldiers pulled Fang Zhiyi's carriage into the city gates and then shut them.

Warhorses trampled over the streets, causing many people to scramble for cover. Infantry followed closely behind, the blades in their hands gleaming with cold light.

Huang Chao carried a large broadsword and forced open the palace gates that had not yet fully closed. The soldiers behind him shouted in unison. With just a few charges, the gates of the imperial palace were completely smashed open. The hastily arriving imperial guards clashed with the border army under Huang Chao's command, and their formation was instantly broken.

For a long time, the imperial guards had mostly just gone through the motions of ceremonial duties. Unlike the men led by Huang Chao, who had genuinely fought and killed on the borders for years, their combat power and coordination far exceeded those of the imperial guards.

The Emperor was so terrified that he hid under his desk, listening to the chaos of war outside, completely unaware of what was happening.

On this day, the streets of the capital were incredibly quiet, but blood flowed like rivers in the mansions of the officials, and the imperial palace was occupied by the rebel army.

Fang Zhiyi, however, remained seated in his carriage, humming a little tune, smiling and telling the few Zhetian Guards accompanying him not to be too nervous.

It wasn't until a pale-faced eunuch hurried over and tremblingly said to Fang Zhiyi, Lord Fang, Huang, no, the Emperor asks you to enter the palace for a chat.

Fang Zhiyi was not the least bit surprised. Walking along, he could see soldiers charging into certain mansions, followed by screams and pleas for mercy from within. It seemed Huang Chao still had not forgotten his anger at being mocked by these people back then.

At this time, the Golden Throne Room was already filled with corpses. The blood had coagulated, giving the soles of one's feet a sticky, uncomfortable feeling when stepped upon. Those lined up on both sides had become soldiers. They watched Fang Zhiyi walk in, each of their faces bearing a trace of ruthlessness.

Huang Chao sat on the dragon throne. Watching Fang Zhiyi walk closer step by step, he suddenly burst into laughter. Hahahahaha, Brother Fang! It really had to be you! I was just betting with them whether you would be afraid! They said you were a mere scholar and would definitely be scared! Hahahaha! Bring it all here! Each of you owes me ten taels!

The soldiers muttered as they stepped forward and placed bloodstained silver on the dragon desk.

Huang Chao was clearly very happy. Waving the soldiers away, he narrowed his eyes and asked Fang Zhiyi, Fang Zhiyi, do you think I won or not?

He lifted a human head, which was precisely the head of the Emperor. I won, you were right! The people of the world judge heroes by success or failure. Sitting here today, I am the hero!!

Looking at his manic laughter, Fang Zhiyi still seemed very indifferent, though he frowned slightly; the smell of blood permeating the air was so heavy.

Just then, two soldiers shoved a young child into the grand hall. Huang Chao stopped laughing, his bloodshot eyes staring at the child. He is the last relative of this Emperor. As long as I kill them all, I will be the Emperor, right? Who else would oppose me?

He raised his sword and walked down the steps step by step, gradually approaching the child. The child was trembling with terror.

Incorrect. As he passed by Fang Zhiyi, Fang Zhiyi suddenly spoke up.

Huang Chao turned his head, a look of surprise in his eyes. What did you say?

Incorrect. Fang Zhiyi sighed. It was incorrect from the very beginning.

Huang Chao frowned, then his brow relaxed. Hmm, yes, I guessed you would say something like that. After all, your head is full of pedantic nonsense about benevolence and righteousness for the world. I suppose I have to kill you too. The blade in his hand pointed straight at Fang Zhiyi's face.

I didn't understand before, but now I do. After sitting in that chair, I understood. A person like you cannot be kept alive, absolutely cannot be kept alive.

Fang Zhiyi suddenly started to laugh. Um, have I ever told you?

Told you what.

I am also a martial arts master.

As he spoke, Fang Zhiyi's finger tapped on the flat of the blade, causing the sword to vibrate. His hand slid down the blade, and Huang Chao felt a sharp pain in the back of the hand holding the sword. He instantly let go, and the blade fell to the ground.

Huang Chao's eyes widened, and he instantly retreated two steps, but then he started laughing again. He tore open his robe, revealing the cold-gleaming iron armor inside. Hahahaha, so what? Remember this? The full armor you had them forge, specifically to deal with martial artists! Brother Fang, there comes a day when you are trapped by your own tricks!