Although Qiu Renjie was merely a scholar, Li Yueyang knew in his heart that if it weren't for his disability preventing him from participating in the imperial examinations, a talent like him would have long since made a name for himself in the imperial court.
"My lord, please don't be anxious. Didn't you just say you needed to relieve yourself? How about this, I'll find someone to bring them a cup of tea, and while they're at it, they can inquire about what happened between this Mr. Han and Pu Jinshan..."
After careful consideration, even Qiu Renjie was momentarily undecided.
After all, up to this point, they only knew the consequences and not the cause.
Moreover, at this moment, the Pu family was one faction, and Han Mo and Wang Bing had clearly formed an alliance.
Caught between these two forces, the weaker Li Yueyang could only choose to deal with the issue objectively, not personally.
"Sir, what time is it? Where do we have so much time to inquire about this..."
Li Yueyang was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan. Hearing Qiu Renjie's suggestion, he immediately expressed his displeasure.
"My lord, this matter cannot be rushed. To avoid offending either side in this situation, your only choice now is to treat the matter objectively, not personally. Only then can you survive between the two factions! You must remember, you have no stance in this matter; everything is being done under duress!"
Seeing his exasperated state, Qiu Renjie could only offer a wry smile and quickly explain.
On one side was the Xuanfu Envoy Office of the six southeastern routes, and on the other was the local power broker.
If these two sides clashed, neither would be something a mere prefect like him could resist.
Without knowing the cause and effect of the situation, if he rashly joined one side, he would likely face ruthless suppression from the other.
After all, Han Mo was backed by the Xuanfu Envoy Office of the six southeastern routes. If the Pu family wanted to make an example and save face, targeting him, the rootless prefect, would be the easiest way.
"This is truly a case of 'trouble coming to the door while sitting at home'?"
Hearing his analysis, Li Yueyang slumped into a nearby chair.
"Who could say otherwise?"
Qiu Renjie was also in a state of dejection.
"Then I'll have to trouble you, sir!"
After letting out a long sigh, Li Yueyang said helplessly.
"My lord, rest assured, I will go prepare now!"
Bowing again, Qiu Renjie turned and walked out.
——————————————————————————————————————
"What did you say? Da Lang was arrested by the prefecture yamen?"
By the time the Pu family received the news, it had already spread like wildfire throughout the city. Pu Kaishan, who had just returned from Quanzhou, was stunned when he heard the news.
"Not only was he arrested by the prefecture yamen, but it seems Da Lang's arm was broken! Those people also said they would shackle him and parade him through the streets for three days!"
"What did you say? Paraded through the streets? Where is Li Yueyang? Is he dead?"
Pu Kaishan's face instantly clouded over.
Although he was merely a collateral descendant, he was also Pu Jinshan's most trusted subordinate. With Pu Jinshan absent, he naturally became the person in charge in Mingzhou!
The money they sent to Li Yueyang every year was no small sum.
"He's hiding and refusing to see anyone. The prefecture yamen is currently surrounded by imperial soldiers!"
"How can there be soldiers? What is the Qian family trying to do?"
"Scoundrel! Prepare the horses!"
If Pu Jinshan were actually paraded through the streets, the Pu family's reputation would be utterly ruined. He couldn't bear to just watch from home.
"It wasn't the Qian family who made the move. I heard that Da Lang offended an official from the Xuanfu Envoy Office, and that's why he was sent to the prefecture yamen!"
Seeing Pu Kaishan preparing to go to the Qian family, the servant quickly said.
"Xuanfu Envoy Office?"
This time, Pu Kaishan was also in a dilemma.
With wars raging everywhere, the real power in the six southeastern routes was held by the Xuanfu Envoy Office.
At this time, to put it bluntly, Zhao Zhen, the Xuanfu Envoy of the six southeastern routes, was the true emperor of the entire southeast.
Even with an imperial decree, he could directly dismiss it with a statement like "A general outside the capital is not bound by the emperor's orders."
To confront the Xuanfu Envoy Office at this time would be no laughing matter!
"Damn it, where are Da Lang's escorts? Why did Da Lang get into trouble with people from the Xuanfu Envoy Office!"
At this moment, Pu Kaishan wished he could tear apart all the people around him.
This was simply digging a grave for the Pu family!
"None of those people have returned. I specifically sent someone to inquire at the prefecture yamen, and they said no one was seen there..."
"Bastard!"
In his rage, Pu Kaishan overturned the table in front of him, his entire demeanor like that of an enraged lion.
"Prepare my horses!"
"Yes, sir!"
Leaving his home, Pu Kaishan wasted not a moment, spurring his horse directly towards the prefecture yamen.
Although this matter was extremely troublesome, he could not possibly stand by and watch Pu Jinshan suffer such humiliation.
However, not long after he left home, he saw that the street ahead was completely blocked by a crowd.
When he pushed his way through the throng, his heart sank.
The person shackled and bound, his robes in disarray, was none other than Pu Jinshan!
"Da Lang!"
Seeing his miserable state, Pu Kaishan immediately wanted to rush forward.
"Halt! If you dare to take another step closer, you will be considered an accomplice!"
But what greeted him was a gleaming steel blade.
Looking at the soldiers who were all glaring menacingly, Pu Kaishan's face immediately contorted in despair.
As feared, if it had been yamen runners, there might still have been room for negotiation. Now that it was soldiers from the Xuanfu Envoy Office, the matter was truly ruined.
The Pu family's reputation had been completely tossed into the trash by Pu Jinshan. At this moment, he had no room for maneuver.
The Pu family's grand vessel was now forced to confront the officials of the Xuanfu Envoy Office head-on.
Only after the onlookers dispersed did Pu Kaishan take a deep breath, change direction, and head towards the Qian family.
————————————————————————————
"Third brother, Pu Kaishan from the Pu family has arrived. Look..."
As Qian Lang was tidying up the contents of his conversation with Han Mo in his study, the old steward outside reported again.
"Return his family members to him, and tell him this matter has nothing to do with our Qian family! However, the account between the Pu family and the Qian family is not settled!"
Without even looking up, Qian Lang uttered these words, his face betraying no emotion.