Chapter Forty-Three: Liu Chengwan Takes Action

After leaving the Feng family, Master Zhang climbed into the carriage with a displeased expression, accompanied by Qiao Si, heading home.

“I didn’t expect the Prefect himself to get involved. What should we do now, Master?” Qiao Si asked, looking at Master Zhang.

Master Zhang glanced at Qiao Si and then asked, “Did you sense the presence of our clan inside just now?”

“No, I didn’t!”

“Nor did I!” replied Master Zhang. “I originally thought that the maid beside Feng Yuan belonged to our clan, but after observing closely, I found no trace of our clan’s aura. Feng Yuan himself also no longer carries it. It seems I was mistaken all along.”

“Yes, it appears Feng Yuan is truly fortunate; he hasn’t been troubled by evil spirits here,” Qiao Si nodded.

“Indeed, I thought someone from our clan was helping him, but now it’s clear there’s no one by his side. That’s for the best—it saves us from internal strife and fits perfectly with my intentions.” Master Zhang nodded, and a dark gleam appeared on his face.

“Master, what do you mean?”

“Kill him! Since the boy cannot be used by us, we certainly can’t let Liu Chengwan use him either,” Master Zhang said, fixing Qiao Si with a pointed stare.

“Kill him? If Liu Chengwan finds out it was us, won’t that cause a lot of trouble?” Qiao Si asked anxiously.

“Hmph! What trouble could there be? Feng Yuan himself said the manor has never been haunted by evil spirits—let’s let it happen once. If he dies, it will be blamed on evil spirits. Why should Liu Chengwan suspect us?” Master Zhang sneered coldly.

“That’s true. Very well, tonight I’ll take care of the boy,” Qiao Si nodded in agreement.

…

Once Master Zhang and his companion departed, Feng Yuan heaved a sigh of relief. He had just invoked Liu the Prefect’s name, which quickly sent Master Zhang and his men fleeing. Clearly, the Prefect’s authority weighed heavily on Master Zhang, so he needn’t worry about further entanglement for now.

Of course, that was only on the surface. Master Zhang had desperately wanted Feng Yuan to write his novel, employing both threats and inducements—obviously, it mattered greatly to him. Feng Yuan worried that Master Zhang might resort to underhanded means in secret.

After all, many people would rather destroy what they cannot have than let others possess it. Master Zhang was not a benevolent man; Feng Yuan suspected he might plot against him from the shadows. It seemed he would have to be vigilant in the days ahead.

And there was still the issue with Liu the Prefect—Feng Yuan pondered how best to deal with him, recalling the Prefect’s words from yesterday, uncertain what approach he might take.

“Master, Instructor He is here!” At this moment, Hu Xiao entered, addressing Feng Yuan.

---

“Why has Instructor He come so suddenly? Is he alone?” Feng Yuan asked.

“Yes, he’s alone.”

Feng Yuan nodded and rose, heading outside. Instructor He had come by himself early in the morning—what could be the reason? Today was a school day; shouldn’t he be teaching?

In the courtyard, Instructor He awaited at the gate. Feng Yuan hurried forward and bowed respectfully. “Student greets the teacher—please forgive me for not welcoming you sooner.”

Instructor He looked anxious. “Feng Yuan, no need for formalities. I’ve come to deliver important news and will leave once I’ve spoken.”

“What matter is so urgent, Teacher? Please speak,” Feng Yuan asked hurriedly.

“This morning, the Prefect summoned me. He said your novel has caused a negative influence at the academy, distracting students from their studies—they spend their days absorbed in coarse novels, neglecting the teachings of the sages, losing all decorum. If this continues, how can the nation raise pillars of strength or become powerful? The Prefect instructed me to inform you: from tomorrow, you are forbidden to publish novels—not just at the academy, but anywhere, in any form. Otherwise, you will be punished for treason—imprisoned, and executed after autumn trial!” Instructor He spoke in urgent tones.

Feng Yuan’s face changed dramatically. He had just wondered how the Prefect might deal with him, and here it was—swift and severe. Not only was he barred from publishing at the academy, but anywhere, in any form. This was clearly meant to cut off his livelihood entirely, and there was nothing he could do—the official always wins against the commoner.

“Feng Yuan, tell me honestly—when you spoke privately with the Prefect yesterday, did you offend him verbally? This measure is clearly directed at you,” Instructor He questioned.

“No, I didn’t,” Feng Yuan shook his head. Naturally, he wouldn’t reveal that the Prefect had asked him to write a novel.

“That’s odd,” Instructor He frowned, “Tell me in detail what you discussed with the Prefect yesterday—I’ll help you analyze it. You’re still young; what seems harmless to you may hold hidden dangers.”

Feng Yuan nodded, then rambled on with a slew of harmless nonsense, leaving Instructor He thoroughly confused, unable to make sense of his words.

“Sigh, this is troublesome. Without identifying the problem, there’s no way to resolve it. What should we do?” Instructor He sighed. Forbidding the novel would cut off their income—he earned several taels of silver daily, and it was growing. If the ban went through, the losses would be severe.

“Teacher, don’t worry. Go back and think of a solution; I’ll do the same. Things will eventually work out,” Feng Yuan reassured.

“Very well, that’s all we can do.” Instructor He nodded and departed.

---

Feng Yuan was not particularly concerned. If it was banned, so be it—he wasn’t short of money. Liu Chengwan’s move was ruthless, but it didn’t strike at Feng Yuan’s vital point.

“Master!” Hu Xiao came over.

“What is it?”

“Master, seeing your troubled mood, I fear you might fall ill. Why not return to the countryside for a few days to relax?” Hu Xiao suggested.

Feng Yuan laughed, “Excellent idea. We’ll leave tomorrow!”

“Very well, I’ll make preparations!” Hu Xiao replied cheerfully and departed.

Perfect—returning to the village for a while would allow him to avoid the harassment from Liu Chengwan and Master Zhang. As for the serialized novel, there was nothing to be done for now; he would simply stop and revisit the matter after some time. Today, he would write extra as a token of thanks to his readers.

…

Fengcheng Prefect’s Office, the rear courtyard.

This was where Liu Chengwan and his family resided. In the pavilion at the center of the courtyard, Liu Chengwan sat at his desk, reviewing documents. He disliked working inside the office, preferring the comfort and freedom of the pavilion.

An elderly man hurried over, saluted, and said, “Sir, Instructor He has returned. It appears your orders have been delivered.”

“Very well. You may go,” Liu Chengwan nodded, and the elder withdrew.

“A little lesson to begin with—cut off your source of income. I hope you take the hint. If not, I won’t be so gentle next time,” Liu Chengwan sneered, his face cold and sinister.