139: Grandmaster! Ye Liuyun was struck by lightning for showing off! (

Chapter 139: Great Grandmaster! Ye Liuyun's Arrogance Invites Disaster! (33)

As soon as Fan Xian arrived in Jiangnan, the Three Great Workshops caught fire. This was far too suspicious.

And the fact that Old Madam Ming, the true helmswoman of the Ming Family, committed suicide by hanging, made the matter even more bizarre.

Fan Xian had investigated the situation of the Three Great Workshops beforehand, even sending Deng Ziyue to personally infiltrate them as an undercover agent.

On one hand, he was to ascertain the current state of the Three Great Workshops, and on the other, of course, to find the crucial account books, solidifying the evidence of the Ming Family's smuggling with Eastern Yi.

Now that the Three Great Workshops were on fire, he didn't know how Deng Ziyue was doing.

“Master! Wake up!”

“Master!”

Fan Xian looked at Ming Qingda, who was lying on the ground, unsure if he was truly unconscious or faking it, and had no time to bother with him.

“Zong Zhui, let's go to the Three Great Workshops first to check the situation!”

Fan Xian wasn't here to take over the Imperial Treasury as in the show; he was here to investigate a case.

With such a major incident occurring on site, he had to lead his people there personally.

After Fan Xian left, Ming Qingda vaguely regained consciousness, then scrambled and crawled towards Old Madam Ming's room.

“Mother! Oh, Mother!”

“My dear Mother!”

“We've had decades of filial piety!”

“How could you bear to abandon your son!”

Outside Hangzhou City, Fan Xian galloped for over ten li, and five hundred Black Knights followed him.

This time, Fan Xian was well-prepared, bringing the Black Knights, Sixth Bureau Swordsmen, and Tiger Guards.

When they were still dozens of li from the Three Great Workshops, the firelight in the sky slowly extinguished.

Zong Zhui exclaimed in surprise, “Good news, Your Excellency! The fire at the Three Great Workshops is out!”

“If it only burned for this short while, the Three Great Workshops should be fine.”

Half an hour later, Fan Xian finally arrived at the Three Great Workshops.

The Three Great Workshops were built at the foot of a mountain, with various workshops densely arranged, stretching for nearly a li.

Now, one-third of the workshops were burned, while the rest were intact.

As Fan Xian breathed a sigh of relief, he noticed that the scene had already been secured by others.

A group of men in green, tight-fitting clothes stood guard every ten paces, completely surrounding the Three Great Workshops.

Two men at the main entrance stretched out their hands to block Fan Xian's path, “The Imperial Treasury is on fire, please do not approach!”

Zong Zhui looked from afar, “Your Excellency, they're quite formidable! All one hundred men are above Seventh Rank!”

Fan Xian gasped, “Elite Martial Artists, just like Father's Tiger Guards and Prince Yong's Shadow Guard!”

Then, he pulled out his Supervisory Council Ti Waist brand for the Martial Artist blocking the way.

“The Supervisory Council is handling a case. Which yamen are you from?”

The Martial Artist blocking the way glanced at the Ti Waist brand, but still seemed wary.

“The Supervisory Council? What are you doing in Hangzhou?”

“The Imperial Treasury is managed by Princess Yichen. The fire has been extinguished, and no one has reported a crime. Why are you here?”

So they were Princess Yichen's people. No wonder they spoke with such authority.

Upon hearing that they were Princess Yichen's people, Fan Xian couldn't force his way in.

If it were Ming Family members or local yamen officials, he would have directly forced his way in.

After all, Lin Wan'er was now the rightful owner of the Imperial Treasury. For Fan Xian to investigate the case, he would have to discuss it thoroughly with Lin Wan'er.

“The Ming Family is suspected of smuggling with Eastern Yi, which is a matter of great importance.”

“I am Fan Xian, Ti manage of the Supervisory Council! Please inform Princess Yichen!”

The man stated directly, “Princess Yichen will arrive shortly, please wait.”

Hearing this, Zong Zhui became angry, “So your Princess hasn't arrived yet, then why are you blocking the way!”

In fact, these one hundred people were all Net members who had been gradually transferred over the past year, all with martial arts talent.

Li Chang'an had assigned a small-scale Shadow Guard to Lin Wan'er, and the fire just now was extinguished by Net members.

In the afternoon, Ming Qingda had intended to put the poisoned corpses into the Three Great Workshops to burn them together, posing as the bodies of craftsmen.

With the Three Great Workshops and equipment burned, and craftsmen burned to death, no one would be able to find any evidence.

The real Three Great Workshops, however, would be secretly transferred away, becoming the private property of Li Yunrui and the Ming Family.

However, Teng Zijing rescued those people, leaving Ming Qingda without the corpses.

Although there were no corpses, the Three Great Workshops had to be burned. The shoddy equipment inside was originally intended to be destroyed by fire.

But what he didn't expect was that Lin Wan'er, with the help of the Net, had been infiltrating the Three Great Workshops for over a year.

Fan Xian only had Deng Ziyue as an inside man, while Lin Wan'er had at least thirty people embedded within the Ming Family.

Therefore, when Ming Qingda set the fire this time, Lin Wan'er had already received the news and extinguished the fire in time.

Lin Wan'er, who had been unable to enter the Three Great Workshops, also took advantage of this fire to completely take control of them.

According to Li Chang'an's arrangement, if the fire didn't start, it couldn't prove the Ming Family's malicious intent.

However, if it burned completely, the physical evidence would also be destroyed.

It was best to burn only one-third, which is why Fan Xian saw the situation he did.

The Net Martial Artist replied, “Yes, Princess Yichen hasn't arrived, but the Three Great Workshops belong to our Princess.”

“If you're investigating a case, you must get the owner's permission, right?”

Zong Zhui angrily said, “Our Your Excellency is an Imperial Envoy! Emperor Qing commanded our Your Excellency to investigate the case, and you still won't make way!”

The Martial Artist replied, “Don't try to scare me. Emperor Qing's decree is for you to investigate the case, not for you to enter the Three Great Workshops!”

Zong Zhui said to Fan Xian, “As expected of Princess Yichen's people, they're not easily intimidated. Your Excellency, should we force our way in?”

Fan Xian thought for a moment and said, “There's no need for a meaningless struggle. Princess Yichen hasn't entered the Three Great Workshops either.”

“It's likely that she just gained control of the Three Great Workshops by taking advantage of the fire rescue. The fire has been extinguished, so we have no reason to force our way in.”

Before long, Fan Xian did not wait for Lin Wan'er, but for Xue Qing, the Governor of Jiangnan Dao.

(The background of Xue Qing in the previous chapter was written incorrectly, now corrected.)

The seven Dao Governors of Qing Kingdom were the most powerful regional officials, with the Jiangnan Governor ranking first among them.

This Grand Secretary Xue also held the title of Grand Academician of the Hall of Grand Scholars, a true First Rank high official, and a genuinely important figure in Qing Kingdom.

Chen Pingping had also told Fan Xian that Emperor Qing trusted Xue Qing greatly, otherwise he wouldn't have entrusted the wealthiest Jiangnan Dao to him.

Xue Qing, dressed in armor, also brought troops, as a fire at the Imperial Treasury was no small matter.

“Greetings, Imperial Envoy!”

The two had already officially met, and Xue Qing merely cupped his hands to Fan Xian.

Hearing Xue Qing's troops arrive from afar, Fan Xian had already temporarily dismissed the Black Knights. Such a secretive army was not suitable to appear before a high-ranking local official.

Fan Xian also politely said, “Governor Xue, you're late. The fire is already out.”

Xue Qing sighed, “The Imperial Treasury is the financial pillar of our Great Qing. If it were truly burned down, this official would not know how to report to Your Majesty!”

Whether the Ming Family smuggled or was greedy, that was not Xue Qing's responsibility.

But if the Three Great Workshops in Jiangnan, near Hangzhou, were burned down, then Xue Qing's territorial responsibility would be undeniable.

Fan Xian asked with a smile, “Governor Xue, Ming Qingda is arrogant, and you've seen the scars from his abuse of Xia Qifei. Why has there been no progress on that case?”

In the past few days, Xue Qing had already received Emperor Qing's decree to fully assist Fan Xian in the Ming Family's affairs.

“Your Excellency Fan, don't rush. The case has already progressed. The will in Xia Qifei's hand is genuine, and a verdict can be pronounced tomorrow morning.”

Fan Xian understood implicitly; this matter must have been approved by the old man in the capital.

As the two were talking, Fan Xian suddenly felt a powerful True Qi aura approaching.

He saw figures flying above the trees in the distance, illuminated by the moonlight.

As they flew closer, he saw two women in tight-fitting clothes swiftly approaching, stepping on treetops.

Behind them, four men carried a sedan chair!

Zong Zhui exclaimed in shock, “Your Excellency, Ninth Rank Middle Level! The two women are Ninth Rank Middle Level! And those carrying the sedan chair are also at Eighth Rank Peak.”

Xiren and Qingwen's cultivation was public, but the other four remained low-key, otherwise, six Ninth Rank masters around Lin Wan'er would be too terrifying.

Jiangnan Dao Governor Xue Qing was well-traveled and knowledgeable, but he had never seen such a display!

He had met Lin Wan'er once or twice, and naturally, he had seen her two beautiful maidservants.

But he had no idea that these two women were actually Ninth Rank masters!

In a flash, the Six Sword Slaves arrived before Fan Xian with lightning speed.

The sedan chair gently landed on the ground, and Lin Wan'er, dressed in black, gracefully stepped out.

Although Lin Wan'er's title was Princess, she was Emperor Qing's adopted daughter, so Xue Qing did not dare to be negligent.

“Greetings, Princess Yichen!”

Fan Xian was an Imperial Envoy, but his official rank was only Fourth Rank, and his imperial mission did not extend to Lin Wan'er.

“Your subordinate Fan Xian, greets Princess Yichen!”

Lin Wan'er generously said, “Both Your Excellencies may dispense with the formalities. Since you are here, please accompany this Princess inside to take a look.”

Lin Wan'er had an imperial royal villa, a proper imperial palace bestowed by the emperor, and was also the emperor's adopted daughter, so referring to herself as 'this Princess' was reasonable and appropriate.

Xue Qing said with difficulty, “Your Highness, the Imperial Treasury is a vital strategic location. It seems inappropriate for this official to enter.”

Princess Yichen’s voice was stern, carrying a hint of royal authority, “Governor Xue, I am currently in charge of the Imperial Treasury, and I have the final say.”

“You are a close minister to His Majesty. If even Governor Xue cannot be trusted, then there are few loyal subjects left in this Qing Kingdom.”

After she finished speaking, she led the Six Sword Slaves and entered the Three Great Workshops’ gate without further ado.

Xue Qing found it difficult to say anything more; after all, his status was clear, and there was no harm in him entering to take a look.

Princess Yichen inviting Xue Qing to look together was actually to have an additional witness.

After all, she and Fan Xian were in competition, and Princess Yichen’s interim management period was almost over. Who would take over next was still uncertain.

The three quickly inspected most of the equipment, and even Xue Qing, a high-ranking local official, couldn’t help but slam the table in anger.

“What is the Ming Family trying to do?!”

“All these workshop equipment are mere facades; they cannot operate at all!”

“This is the lifeblood of our Qing Kingdom! The Ming Family deserves to have their entire clan executed!”

Princess Yichen kicked apart a glass molding machine, her anger appearing even greater than Xue Qing’s.

“Governor Xue, Lord Fan, you’ve all seen it. The real Three Great Workshops must have been moved by the Ming Family!”

“If tonight’s fire had burned down the Three Great Workshops, the Ming Family would have been able to pull off their deception!”

“No wonder I wanted to enter the Three Great Workshops for inspection, and the Ming Family repeatedly obstructed me. It turns out there was a huge secret hidden within!”

As soon as the three walked out of the Three Great Workshops’ gate, Ming Qingda arrived with the Ming Family members.

“Your Highness Princess! Lord Xue, Lord Fan!”

“For so many years, I have only been a Puppet, and all matters, big and small, have been handled by my mother!”

“The Three Great Workshops are the same; I haven’t been able to enter the Three Great Workshops for many years!”

“Tonight, my mother inexplicably hanged herself. I was in a state of panic, which is why I arrived late.”

“Heaven has pity on us. Fortunately, the Three Great Workshops were not burned down; otherwise, my Ming Family would have been sinners for all eternity!”

Fan Xian was about to lose his temper, but Princess Yichen spoke first, “Zhen Gang, Duan Shui, apprehend Ming Qingda!”

“Tonight, we must find out where they moved the Three Great Workshops!”

Ming Qingda asked in horror, “Your Highness Princess, what transfer? Why are you arresting this commoner? What exactly is going on?”

Fan Xian didn’t contend with Princess Yichen for Ming Qingda, because he knew that Ming Qingda would never reveal the location.

Because Ming Qingda intended to push the blame for the fire at the Three Great Workshops onto the Old Madam Ming. Regardless of whether the fire completely burned down the Three Great Workshops or not, he would insist that he was unaware of the matter.

Ming Qingda was also ruthless. To secure a chance at survival, he directly sent his own mother to her death.

However, the filial piety between mother and son was always fake, and Ming Qingda’s suppressed anger had accumulated for many years. Old Madam Ming was strangled by his own hands.

Late at night.

Fan Xian met Deng Ziyue at his residence.

Deng Ziyue had successfully infiltrated the Three Great Workshops and had already pinpointed the location of the real Three Great Workshops.

He had escaped late at night to report the news to Fan Xian.

“My Lord, the location of the new Three Great Workshops is at a small Stockades at the southern foot of Mist Mountain, outside Hangzhou city.”

“The equipment, artisans, and inventory are all hidden inside!”

“The accountant you specifically asked me to keep an eye on, he has some martial skill and suddenly escaped tonight.”

“His cultivation is higher than mine, so I couldn’t follow too closely, but I know he also entered the city.”

“If he’s trying to escape, he should be waiting for the pier to open at dawn.”

Fan Xian tapped the table and said, “He must have heard some rumors. The Ming Family’s accountant must not escape!”

“Old Deng, leave a portrait of the accountant, then return to Mist Mountain overnight. Do not reveal your tracks.”

An hour later, at the new Three Great Workshops’ Stockades at the foot of Mist Mountain.

Xia Qifei was drinking with Teng Zijing. In fact, Teng Zijing had notified Xia Qifei as soon as he left the Ming Family. After the two met, they had just secretly taken over the new Three Great Workshops.

The artisans in the Stockades were still sleeping, completely unaware.

Xia Qifei’s Jiangnan Water Fortress had a total of 50,000 people. This time, he brought 5,000 skilled fighters, so taking this place was no challenge at all.

“Commander Jing, I’ve already sent people to watch the artisan who secretly snuck back in. Why didn’t we just apprehend him directly?”

Teng Zijing replied, “We don’t know whose person he is. He might be Princess Yichen’s person, in which case he would be one of our own.”

“Your Highness instructed that finding the accountant is important; others don’t need to be watched too closely.”

By the time the two occupied the new Three Great Workshops, the Ming Family’s accountant had already secretly escaped.

Xia Qifei said, “I just made detailed inquiries. That person went into the city before we arrived.”

“I’ve already sent his likeness to the Net brothers in the city. We can start searching after dawn.”

Just then, the candlelight in the room suddenly flickered, and two women appeared in the room.

Teng Zijing immediately stood up and cupped his hands, “Greetings, Princess Consort, greetings, Lord Jing Ni!”

Jing Ni swiftly commanded, “Teng Zijing, order your men to open Workshop C, wake all the ironworking artisans, and keep it quiet.”

Before Xia Qifei could speak, Jing Ni and the other two had already vanished instantly.

“Ninth Rank Upper Level! Even stronger!”

“Your Highness Prince Yong, you truly hide your strength well!”

The next morning.

Hangzhou City West Pier.

The Net’s people had already located the accountant’s whereabouts, which was at the Yan Guilai Inn in the west of the city.

However, the Supervisory Council’s branch in Hangzhou was also very powerful and had similarly pinpointed this location.

Fan Xian and Li Chang’an arrived at the inn entrance almost simultaneously.

“Uncle Prince Yong, what a coincidence.”

In the original work, Fan Xian called the First Prince ‘Big Brother,’ so Li Chang’an was not surprised to hear Fan Xian call him that now.

Fan Xian, the higher his official rank, the more he mastered social graces, and the more shameless he became.

“Nephew Xian, why are you everywhere?”

Fan Xian shook his head, somewhat speechless, “I should be saying that, shouldn’t I? It seems Uncle Prince Yong is the one who’s ubiquitous.”

“You investigated the Cui Family’s smuggling, and I was ordered to investigate the Ming Family’s smuggling. You wouldn’t not know about that, would you?”

Li Chang’an stated directly, “Coincidentally, I also received an imperial decree, and I am investigating the Ming Family’s rebel case.”

Fan Xian sneered, “Don’t tell me you’re also here to catch the accountant.”

Li Chang’an smiled indifferently, “Otherwise?”

Fan Xian brought with him experts from the Sixth Bureau Swordsmen, as well as many people from the Supervisory Council’s Hangzhou branch.

Li Chang’an’s Shadow Guard were all at the Mist Mountain Stockades. The people here now were all from the Hangzhou Net.

Li Chang’an knew Fan Xian would come, but he wasn’t waiting for Fan Xian, but for someone else.

The Ming Family’s accountant was of great importance, and Li Yunrui would never let him fall into the hands of the Supervisory Council or Li Chang’an.

As the two groups faced off, a commotion suddenly broke out on the pier a hundred zhang away from the inn.

“That boat is so fast!”

“Only one person is rowing, yet it’s faster than a dozen people rowing!”

“Yes, it’s like lightning!”

Li Chang’an’s hearing was better; he had already heard the song from the person rowing the boat.

“Waves bloom for a moment, but are older than ancient stone.”

“There is no difference, flowing clouds are the same.”

A Great Grandmaster had arrived, Ye Liuyun had come!

At this moment, Fan Xian’s expression also suddenly changed; he had heard it too!

The onlookers at the pier exclaimed again.

“It’s flying!”

“The boat is flying!”

“Has an Immortal descended to the mortal world?!”

Ye Liuyun, in a green robe, drifted like an Immortal from beyond the world.

He stepped on a small boat, but the flying boat soared into the air, flying high!

Fan Xian’s eyes widened, watching the boat flying through the air in disbelief.

“Great… Great… Great Grandmaster!”

No sooner had he spoken than he heard Ye Liuyun’s distant, ethereal words, like Immortal music.

“Two young friends, do not quarrel. Let me take that person away.”

As he spoke, he waved his right hand, and the longsword at his waist automatically flew into his hand.

Then, Ye Liuyun gently swung his right hand, and in an instant, True Qi surged, its sharpness overwhelming!

The ground between Li Chang’an and Fan Xian suddenly cracked with fissures!

The six-story inn, from the entrance to the roof, split open with a neat and uniform crack!

The room where the Ming Family’s accountant was staying was also easily split in two.

Wherever the Sword Qi passed, tables, chairs, and food were all cut in half, but all living people remained unharmed!

The might of a Great Grandmaster, a single sword cleaving a building!

Just then, a deafening muffled thunder suddenly erupted in the air!

“Bang!”

Immediately after, the small boat Ye Liuyun was standing on in the air was instantly shattered!

Fan Xian felt as if he had been struck by five bolts of lightning, standing frozen in place!

This was his barrett!