Protect Our Patriarch

The reaction of this wandering cultivator was truly unexpected, and Wang Shoujie's face immediately darkened: "It seems that what you did in Yingxiu is no small matter."

"Sir, it's all my fault, I was too greedy," the wandering cultivator cried, tears streaming down his face. "We were a group of traveling merchants who happened to pass by Yingxiu. We saw a rich merchant's family holding a wedding ceremony. We originally planned to leave after having a cup of wine, but we discovered that the dowry was extremely rich, with over a hundred gold pieces and two valuable hundred-year-old ginseng roots. We were tempted and snuck into the rich merchant's house to steal at night..."

As the wandering cultivator finished his confession, Wang Shoujie's face grew darker. This group of wandering cultivators was too daring, stealing and even killing to silence witnesses.

Fortunately, the wandering cultivators had internal conflicts due to their greed, and this one was the last to survive. However, he was unlucky and was caught by Wang Shoujie while treating his wounds in a deserted forest.

"Sir, as long as you spare my life," the wandering cultivator begged, "I'm willing to reveal the location of the stolen goods, and everything will be yours."

This wandering cultivator seemed to understand the ways of the Martial Clan. If Wang Shoujie made a promise in front of his family members, he would definitely keep it.

Otherwise, as the head of the family, if Wang Shoujie broke his promise, what would his family members think? Would they still be able to trust him?

Wang Zhong and the other family members also looked at Wang Shoujie, their eyes filled with hope. The stolen goods were valuable, and if they could get their hands on it, it would help alleviate the Wang Clan's financial difficulties.

Wang Shoujie thought for a moment before mounting his horse: "Take him away and hand him over to the Lu Clan of Yingxiu for handling."

"Yes, sir," Wang Zhong replied, and faithfully carried out the order, gagging the wandering cultivator and throwing him onto the horse.

"Let's go!"

The coachman, Wang Lao, cracked his whip, and the two horses pulling the carriage slowly moved forward on the bumpy and muddy road.

After a short while, Wang Zhong caught up to Wang Shoujie and asked in a low voice: "Sir, are we really going to give up on the stolen goods? If you're afraid of getting your hands dirty, let me handle it. Just give me some time, and I'll make sure he reveals the location of the stolen goods."

"Our time is too valuable to waste on playing hide-and-seek with a wandering cultivator," Wang Shoujie said calmly. "Moreover, Wang Zhong, as a member of the Martial Clan, we need to think about the long-term consequences. There's no wall that can't be breached, and if we offend the Lu Clan, our losses will be tenfold, a hundredfold Most importantly, if we compromise our integrity and keep the stolen goods, how can we face our ancestors who founded our clan?"

This was a matter of family faith, and for most families, their greatest faith was in their ancestors who founded the clan.

Wang Zhong's body trembled with shame: "I understand, sir. I was blinded by personal gain."

"Human nature is greedy, but it's crucial to control our desires," Wang Shoujie said calmly. "Just like those wandering cultivators, they couldn't control their desires and ended up betraying each other. Without self-control, they might have escaped this time, but can they escape the next time, the third time?"

"Sir, if those wandering cultivators manage to escape once, won't they just stop committing crimes from now on?" Wang Yong asked, riding his horse closer.

"Maybe some will, but it's definitely a minority," Wang Shoujie smiled. "Think about it, if they couldn't resist the first temptation, how can they resist the second, third temptation? That kind of greed will eventually destroy them. I'm not saying I don't want the stolen goods, it's just that I'm afraid I won't be able to control my own desires and lead our clan to ruin."

The family members all fell into deep thought, looking at Wang Shoujie with admiration in their eyes.

Wang Zhong sighed: "Sir, I have a feeling that our Ping'an Wang Clan will definitely rise to prominence under your leadership."

"Heh heh, your flattery may be crude, but it's music to my ears."

"Sir, I'm not flattering you, I truly believe so."

"Yes, yes, we all think so," the other family members chimed in.

At the same time, Wang Luojing, who had woken up and witnessed everything in the carriage, had a determined look in her eyes. Being with Fourth Brother made her feel safe and secure.

Not for any other reason, but just for Fourth Brother, 'Luo Jing, you must work hard and share the burden on his shoulders.'

...

In less than half an hour.

Wang Shoujie and his entourage emerged from the forest and walked onto the wide, spacious avenue.

The first thing that caught their attention was the vast and boundless Yingxiu Lake, with the towering Longji Mountain reflected in the water, dyeing the lake water a deep green. The lake breeze carried the scent of water vapor, bringing a refreshing coolness in the early summer season.

On the lake's surface, a large fish would occasionally jump out, creating a big splash. In the dense reeds, various waterfowl swam about.

Without a doubt, Yingxiu Lake was not only breathtakingly beautiful but also rich in natural resources. Compared to the An River's surging currents, Yingxiu Lake was more elegant and refined.

At this moment, a cavalry team appeared in the distance, galloping towards them. They stopped in front of Wang Shoujie and his entourage.

"Ah!"

The leader was a man in his thirties, dressed in a strong and sturdy outfit, with a powerful bow on his back and a precious sword at his waist. He exuded an extraordinary aura. When he saw Wang Shoujie, he was taken aback for a moment before bursting into a hearty laugh: "Nephew, it's been just a few days since we last met, and you've become even more heroic. It seems that becoming the clan leader has changed your demeanor."

"Uncle, why bother coming to receive me personally?" Wang Shoujie hurriedly saluted.

This man was Lu Zheng Jie, the younger brother of Wang Shoujie's mother, Lu Mengxue, and a pillar of the Lu Clan's younger generation in Yingxiu. He had already reached the 8th level of the Qi Refining Realm at a young age, making him a promising figure who might break through to the Spirit Realm.

He had recently attended Wang Dingyue's funeral in Ping'an Town and had parted ways with Wang Shoujie not long ago.

"It's not just to receive you," Lu Zheng Jie's smile froze, "Recently, a group of bandits disguised as merchants killed a wealthy family of seven. We've been tracking them down and found that they escaped towards Shanyang. I'm currently busy investigating this case. You've come to Yingxiu, and I've already heard about it from our family's report. You can go see your uncle yourself; I don't have time to accompany you back."

"What a coincidence," Wang Shoujie laughed, "I just came from Shanyang, and on the way, I happened to catch a criminal. After initial questioning, it seems they're from the same gang you're talking about."

"What?" Lu Zheng Jie was slightly surprised.

Wang Shoujie then handed the criminal over to Lu Zheng Jie and recounted the events: "I'll leave the criminal to you, but they've already hidden the loot. I shouldn't interfere, so you can handle the interrogation yourself."

"This makes things easier," Lu Zheng Jie exclaimed, "Lu Yi, take care of the rest. Try to recover the stolen goods and give the surviving family members an explanation." Lu Zheng Jie's orders were filled with excitement and anxiety.

As a Martial Clan, they had various privileges in the local area, but they also bore the responsibility of protecting the common people under their jurisdiction.

"Yes, Second Master," a man with a somewhat sinister and ruthless smile stepped forward, "This thief has a lot of guts, daring to commit a crime on our Lu Clan's turf. If they fall into my hands, I'll make sure they can't escape alive."

Such harsh words made Wang Shoujie take a closer look at him.

"Lu Yi is quite skilled in interrogation," Lu Zheng Jie smiled, "You can send someone with some talent to learn from him."

Wang Shoujie didn't respond to this.

If it were purely about interrogation, Wang Shoujie's "knowledge" in this area was quite rich, with a wide range of miscellaneous knowledge accumulated from modern detective dramas and spy thrillers, which were quite scientific in their methods.

He didn't dwell on this matter further, as the task of capturing the escaped criminals had already been completed. Lu Zheng Jie personally led Wang Shoujie back to the Lu Clan's main residence in Yingxiu.

Compared to the Shanyang Gongsun Clan's main residence, which was built on a mountain slope, giving it a solid and unshakeable appearance, the Lu Clan's main residence was situated on a peninsula in Yingxiu Lake, surrounded by water on three sides, making it a strategic location.

In terms of blood relations, Wang Shoujie's connection to the Lu Clan was deep, and he naturally received a high-level welcome here.

Before they even entered the door, a girl in red clothes rushed out and threw herself into Wang Shoujie's arms: "Cousin, I've missed you so much."

Lu Xiao Xiao!

The current clan leader, Lu Zhengxiong's, most beloved daughter.

But before Wang Shoujie could speak, Wang Luojing, who was hiding behind him, suddenly grabbed his hand: "Fourth Brother, I'm not feeling well."

Not feeling well?

Wang Shoujie was taken aback, quickly holding her small hand and asking with concern: "Luo Jing, where do you not feel well? Did you get uncomfortable while sleeping in the carriage?"

But before he could finish speaking, he noticed that the two girls' eyes had met, their hostility towards each other barely concealed, sparks flying between them.

[Heartfelt thankyou for the support! SlaySaga]