Chapter 1671: Chapter 863: True and False
Since it was Master Xia’s ship, both emotionally and logically, we should go and greet him, ask how he is, and report on the affairs of the Taoist Court.
Xia Canonical Official called out a few times, then someone on the ship deactivated the Formation and opened the deck, allowing everyone to board.
Once on the ship, Mo Hua looked around and felt indeed, this was worthy of being the Spirit Boat of Master Xia from the Xia family—majestic and luxurious, yet understated and reserved.
Before long, a man clad in a white Taoist Robe embroidered with gold and jade Patterns, accompanied by several cultivators of the Xia family, emerged.
This man was tall and erect, his gaze cold and stern, exuding a heavy air of authority, and his aura was vast like an abyss or a towering mountain.
"Feather Transformation..."
Mo Hua secretly felt a chill in his heart.
This man was the Inspector of the Xia family, leading this endeavor, giving orders from behind the scenes, and managing the situation.
Everyone stepped forward to pay their respects, Master Xia nodded slightly, then looked towards everyone with an indifferent expression.
Especially when he saw Gu Changhuai, his attitude appeared particularly cold.
He was still fairly amicable towards Xia Canonical Official, but unexpectedly nodded towards Xiao Tianquan.
As for Mo Hua, he only glanced at him lightly, not taking him seriously at all.
Mo Hua, however, was relieved, touched the Dragon Bone Sculpture he carried and thought to himself that this Master Xia too was ’blind with open eyes,’ unable to recognize good things.
Master Xia glanced at everyone again and indifferently said, "Regarding the Rouge Boat affair, thank you for your efforts. I happen to be returning to the mansion and can give you all a ride."
After saying this, Master Xia then spoke to Xia Canonical Official: "Ronger, come with me for a moment."
Xia Canonical Official cupped his hand in respect: "Yes, uncle."
Afterwards, Xia Canonical Official followed Master Xia and headed towards the cabin.
Mo Hua secretly asked Gu Changhuai, "Uncle Gu, is Xia Canonical Official’s name ’Ronger’?"
Gu Changhuai frowned and ignored Mo Hua.
It was Xiao Tianquan, on the other hand, who stared at the back of Xia Canonical Official thoughtfully, lost in a trance.
...
In the elegant cabin.
Master Xia was seated at the table drinking tea, while Xia Canonical Official stood respectfully across.
"Xiao Zhenhai is dead?"
"Yes."
"What about the body?"
"It’s already in a wretched state, with flesh blurred; it was collected by the Taoist Court and should be shipped back tomorrow..."
Master Xia replied with a mild "Hmm," then after some time added:
"Since he’s dead, all matters of the Xiao family should be attributed to Xiao Zhenhai. All responsibility should be borne by him alone."
Xia Canonical Official furrowed his brow, "Uncle..."
Master Xia gave him a glance.
Xia Canonical Official hesitated to speak.
Master Xia gently sipped his tea, "Speak if you have something to say."
Only then did Xia Canonical Official ask: "Are you planning to favor the Xiao Family?"
Master Xia nodded, not concealing it at all, "The Xiao family is quite perceptive, having operated in the Qian Learning State Boundary for many years, with decent influence, network, and foundations. Since they are willing to pledge allegiance to my Xia family, I can give them an opportunity."
"But to serve my Xia family, they must be clean, so the Rouge Boat affair can only be entirely blamed on the greedy and rebellious Xiao Zhenhai."
"But..." Xia Canonical Official hesitated.
Master Xia understood his intention and slowly said:
"Too clear of water has no fish, too much scrutiny finds no followers. A family so large, it’s impossible for everyone to be absolutely clean; the Xiao family is the same. Sometimes, one must be generous and tolerant."
Although saying that, Xia Canonical Official still frowned, "Does it have to be the Xiao family?"
Master Xia put down his teacup and asked indifferently, "What do you mean?"
Xia Canonical Official said: "Out of so many families within the Qian Learning State Boundary, must we choose the Xiao family?"
"Who do you want to choose?" Master Xia’s gaze was prudent.
"Perhaps..." Xia Canonical Official whispered, "The Gu family."
Master Xia firmly stated: "The Gu family is not suitable."
Xia Canonical Official’s face changed slightly: "Why?"
Master Xia silently stared at him.
Realizing his impropriety, Xia Canonical Official softly explained:
"Uncle... The Gu family is upright, acting righteously and properly. Generations of cultivators from the Gu family have served the Taoist Court for many years, always enforcing the law fairly. Rarely do matters of corruption arise. Though often stubborn, they are upright in character and capable, isn’t this..."
Master Xia shook his head, "Precisely because the Gu family is upright, they are not suitable."
Xia Canonical Official was stunned, somewhat puzzled.
Master Xia gazed at Xia Canonical Official and sighed lightly:
"The Gu family’s integrity means they cannot be utilized by my Xia family. They don’t engage in corruption or deceit, and act openly; I don’t hold any leverage over them, how can I trust them?"
"The Xiao family is different; their actions have often not been clean. If I wanted to investigate, I could find plenty of leverage over them, which makes it easier for my Xia family to control them."
"And with their weaknesses in my Xia family’s hands, naturally they can only serve us loyally."
Xia Canonical Official pressed his lips tightly and said nothing.
Master Xia pondered briefly and then asked: "What do you think of that noble son of the Xiao family?"
Xia Canonical Official replied: "Which noble son is uncle referring to?"
"Who else could it be?"
Xia Canonical Official lowered his head and indeed was reluctant to speak.
Master Xia gave him a faint glance, "I haven’t mentioned this matter to you, but given your careful nature, you must have guessed a bit by now."
Xia Canonical Official remained silent.
"You ought to think about your significant life events..."
After Master Xia spoke, he sighed, stood slowly, turned to the night’s scenery outside the window, and said solemnly:
"For the noble family’s sons and daughters, marriage alliances are inevitable."
"Though you are of Direct Lineage, your parents are ineffectual, hold no sway within the clan. Your marriage was never arranged by them early on. Now considering it is actually somewhat late."
"Within prestigious families, genuinely good alliances are usually identified and settled early."