Chapter 1 Because of the Gray-Clad Man's Actions

Because of the gray-clad man's actions.

The once lively hall was now deserted.

Even the teahouse owner, who had been behind the counter, had slipped away the moment the conflict erupted, disappearing without a trace.

The sudden emptiness allowed Jiang Chen to observe the gray-clad man's actions without any obstruction.

Seeing the slender hand holding silver taels extended towards the pipa girl, a strange expression flickered across his face.

Did this guy in gray have some sort of brain damage?

He had already killed people, yet he was still worried about paying back the money. Did he think these people could rise from the dead to collect debts?

However, the gray-clad man's skills were quite impressive. Even if he wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, he was worth recruiting.

With these thoughts flashing through his mind, Jiang Chen put on a gentle smile and reminded, "Ahem, this, uh, chivalrous one, now is not the time to worry about this lady!"

"Publicly committing murder is a capital offense. If those tea drinkers report this to the authorities, the soldiers of the Five Cities Patrol would be mobilized to arrest you."

"Take advantage of the time you have now and run! Otherwise, when the soldiers arrive, your chances will be slim!"

As he spoke, Jiang Chen wore a sincere expression, pretending to offer a well-intentioned suggestion:

"If you have no place to go, I happen to have a vacant residence. If you don't mind, I can offer you temporary lodging."

"As for this extorted lady… I can also help her clean up the mess. You don't have to worry."

The friendly smile and considerate words made it impossible to doubt Jiang Chen's sincerity.

At least, the gray-clad man didn't doubt it.

But Feng Jin, Xu Changqing, and other confidants who knew Jiang Chen's true nature felt their eyelids twitching wildly.

While inwardly complaining that His Majesty was up to no good again, they lowered their heads,

focusing their eyes and minds, pretending to be silent stones.

While everyone was silent, the gray-clad man, who had been facing away from them, turned around, removed his bamboo hat, and said:

"Thank you for your concern, Layman, but this humble Daoist has a way to deal with it and will not trouble you."

As she spoke, she smiled faintly, like a celestial maiden from the Jade Palace, untouched by the mortal world.

It was hard to imagine that

such a beautiful and refined woman

had, just moments ago, sliced through several burly men like cutting melons, beheading them right in the hall.

Afterwards, she stood amidst the corpses, casually chatting with a stranger.

But at this moment, Jiang Chen had no time to care about these details.

Looking at the face before him, both strange and familiar, he stood stunned, his meticulously planned recruitment scheme completely overturned.

This, wasn't this the Taiping Dao leader, Yang Muxi, whom he had been longing for?

Logically speaking, she should be in Yu Province right now, so why would she suddenly appear in the capital?!

Jiang Chen's strange silence made Yang Muxi frown.

This person's gaze was strange, could it be that I know him?

She thought for a moment, confirming that she had never met Jiang Chen before, and asked in confusion, "Layman, do you know me?"

Jiang Chen didn't want to reveal his identity for the time being, so he suppressed the surprise in his heart and replied with a hearty laugh:

"I was fortunate enough to see Leader Yang's portrait once, and I was immediately captivated. Leader Yang's beauty is unforgettable."

As he spoke, he paused for a moment, his eyes filled with admiration, "But seeing the real person today, I realized that the portrait didn't capture even one-tenth of Leader Yang's beauty! For a moment, I couldn't even recognize you."

Hearing this, Yang Muxi's eyebrows furrowed involuntarily.

She had always disliked those glib-tongued rogues, and she found it even more unbearable when people like the person in front of her commented on her appearance.

If it weren't for Jiang Chen's kind words just now, she would have already left in anger!

Suppressing the displeasure in her heart, Yang Muxi put her bamboo hat back on and said indifferently, "Layman, you exaggerate. This humble Daoist doesn't deserve such praise."

After speaking, she turned around and walked straight towards the pipa girl who was still in a daze in the corner.

This sudden coldness left Jiang Chen somewhat puzzled. He frowned and was about to speak when he suddenly heard rumbling footsteps outside the teahouse, along with the faint clatter of scales colliding.

This was the aura of elite soldiers.

After recognizing this, Jiang Chen's expression darkened while sitting in the teahouse.

Zhao Wu, of all people, was able to mobilize such an elite force, the power of this Official Zhang was likely far greater than he had anticipated!

Thinking of this, Jiang Chen's expression became serious.

But this scene, when seen by Yang Muxi, was mistaken for fear, and she thought to herself:

"These wealthy young masters are truly cowardly… Oh well, this trouble was caused by me after all, and it's up to me to protect him."

Although she somewhat despised Jiang Chen's weakness, Yang Muxi was not one to act solely based on her own likes and dislikes.

Even if she had no good feelings for Jiang Chen, she would still take responsibility and safely lead Jiang Chen away from here, preventing him from being harmed by those government dogs.

Sighing softly, Yang Muxi drew her longsword and stood in front of the teahouse's main entrance.

She said with a firm tone, "Layman, you don't need to worry, I will deal with these people!"

"If a fight really breaks out later, you can find a corner to hide in to avoid being accidentally injured."

Saying this, she emphasized her tone and said solemnly, "After I settle this matter, I will definitely escort you home safely!"

As the words fell, Jiang Chen, who was being protected by Yang Muxi, raised his eyebrows.

As the emperor, he was used to being the center of attention, being surrounded and protected, but the problem was that Yang Muxi didn't know his identity!

Looking at the figure blocking the entrance, Jiang Chen became even more interested in Yang Muxi.

Perhaps, he could use this Leader Yang to do something…

"The murderer is here!"

An angry shout interrupted Jiang Chen's thoughts.

Then, the hastily arriving soldiers poured in through the main entrance, surrounding the entire teahouse inside and out.

Jiang Chen looked at the soldiers holding standard-issue long sabers, his expression calm, without a trace of panic.

But Yang Muxi, guarding the entrance, had already taken action, leaping into the air and, in the blink of an eye, grabbing the leader of the team, a centurion named Zhao Yuan.

This person was a lackey of the Mei family, a former gangster who had gained Mei Kang's favor because he knew how to flatter him, and was placed in the city defense army as a leader.

He often helped Official Zhang bully the people, taking advantage of his power to seek personal gain for the Mei family.

Perhaps years of oppressing the people had fueled Zhao Yuan's arrogance.

After being grabbed by Yang Muxi, he didn't beg for mercy, but instead shouted with a disdainful expression, "Damn woman, quickly release me!"

"The imperial capital is very deep, it's not a place for a commoner like you to act wildly!"

Yang Muxi didn't care about the contempt in Zhao Yuan's words. She frowned and said, "Are the officials of the imperial capital all as arrogant as you?"

Zhao Yuan sneered upon hearing this, "Arrogant? Do you even count as people?"

"We 'shepherd' the people for the Son of Heaven. The word 'shepherd' is even used, don't you know what you are? A bunch of vagrant troublemakers who only know how to cause trouble!"

After speaking, he raised his head and glared at Yang Muxi, "Little girl, I advise you to release me quickly!"

"The backer behind me is not someone you can afford to offend, if…"