Chapter 113: This Is That Gentleman’s Business!

Li Yuanjing never expected Zhang Zhiji to grant him such extensive authority—entrusting him even with the command of the troops. Yet this was exactly what Li Yuanjing had hoped for. No matter the level of conflict, let them fight among themselves all they wanted, but the common people must not be harmed.

Now that Li Yuanjing possessed this power, he was determined to handle matters properly.

Soon, Zhang Wuwei summoned eighteen personal guards from the Yiding Cavalry. Though not all were towering figures, each was robust and sturdy, resembling small iron hammers, their legs bowed from years spent riding horses. They were clearly elite warriors.

Li Yuanjing’s mouth watered at the sight. If he had such formidable men under his command, why must he now constantly tread carefully, as if walking on thin ice?

Before long, fifty guards were assembled, and Zhuzi, Xiangzi, and others hurried over. With a grand gesture from Li Yuanjing, the group surged out of the county office like a pack of wolves and tigers. For the first time, Li Yuanjing felt a success more glorious and satisfying than any in later eras.

After all, behind him were fierce beasts—living weapons of legend.

Yet, once outside the county office, Li Yuanjing’s brow furrowed deeply, leaving him momentarily speechless.

Before him, countless soldiers, clerks, and laborers were desperately piling earth walls around the county office, while in the direction of the inn—where the fire burned fiercest—only a few pitiful civilians were trying to extinguish the flames on their own.

It seemed the leaders were being prioritized.

However, the county office itself was uniquely situated in the town, with streets at least forty or fifty meters wide all around—even the back alleys. With the strong wind, how could the fire have spread here so quickly?

Li Yuanjing immediately shouted, “Stop piling earth here! Hurry to the inn and put out the fire!”

“Uh… but—” a captain under Zhang Zhiji’s Beijing garrison froze. Though unfamiliar with Li Yuanjing, he recognized the formidable Yiding Cavalry by his side. In the capital’s officialdom, such discernment was essential.

He respectfully clasped his hands. “Sir, this is an order from Commander Zhang Yuzhu and Lord Zhao Bingchun…”

Li Yuanjing’s face turned ashen. “I now act under the young lord’s command. I am in full charge here! You will go immediately to fight the fire!”

The captain was speechless, about to protest.

With a sharp motion, a Yiding Cavalry lieutenant bearing a slash scar on his cheek drew his razor-sharp sword and snapped, “Didn’t you hear Mr. Li? Hurry and put out the fire!”

“Yes, sir!” The captain quickly rallied his men toward the inn.

Watching this, Li Yuanjing sighed softly. Having such fierce guardians felt truly reassuring.

***

Soon, Li Yuanjing had troops and civilians fighting the fire from all sides. As reinforcements joined, the once-uncontrollable blaze began to weaken. Thanks to the firebreaks previously established, the flames had little room to spread further. Li Yuanjing could now act decisively—and he gladly took the credit.

After overseeing the containment from all directions, he returned to the county office to catch his breath. At that moment, Zhao Bingchun hurried over, casting him a meaningful glance.

“You, Yuanjing, why did you send those people to fight the fire? What of the county office’s safety? The young lord is still inside! Can you bear that responsibility?”

His words caused the sweaty soldiers and laborers nearby to pause, glancing toward them.

By now, Li Yuanjing had built a reputation as selfless and righteous, and the people held some goodwill toward him. He realized Zhao Bingchun wished to speak privately, but for now, the scene demanded a show.

He responded firmly, “Lord Zhao, I am here under the young lord’s orders to fight the fire! If you have doubts, take them directly to the young lord!”

Zhao Bingchun staggered, furious. “Wait, I’m going to see the young lord now!”

He rushed toward the county office.

Li Yuanjing narrowed his eyes and shouted to the crowd, “Ignore everything else—just put out the fire! This is the young lord’s command. He would never wrong anyone!”

“Wow.”
“The young lord is wise, truly wise.”
“The young lord is a living saint…”

The crowd surged with renewed vigor.

Li Yuanjing then took advantage of his patrol to slip away with the Yiding Cavalry and Zhuzi, Kuizi, and others to a quieter street.

“Where is Li Yuanjing? I have business with him!” Soon, Zhao Bingchun stormed after them.

His men tried to force their way past the fierce Yiding Cavalry guards, who swiftly drew their swords, ready to fight at the slightest provocation.

Li Yuanjing waved them off. “Lord Zhao, I am busy now. We will deal with everything after the fire is out.”

Zhao Bingchun cursed, “Ingrate! Without me, you wouldn’t be here today!” Then he turned to the Yiding Cavalry. “You ragged soldiers, clear the way! I have urgent business with Li Yuanjing! If this delays me, will you bear the consequences?”

The Yiding Cavalry, not ordinary soldiers, were unfazed by Zhao’s threats and stood their ground.

Furious, Zhao stamped his foot, cursing loudly.

Beside Li Yuanjing, the Yiding Cavalry lieutenant leaned in quietly, “Sir, Lord Zhao must have something serious to discuss. If you delay because of this, it could be a costly mistake…”

His words were sincere. He clearly admired Li Yuanjing’s earlier actions.

What he did not know was that Li Yuanjing had been waiting for precisely that.

Frowning thoughtfully, Li Yuanjing said, “You’re right, brother. Please let him through.”

“Understood,” the lieutenant said, relieved, and gestured for Zhao Bingchun to come forward.

Zhao arrived, seething with anger, spitting insults in Li Yuanjing’s face.

Li Yuanjing coldly warned, “Lord Zhao, if you continue this way, I will have you removed!”

Zhao fumed, stomping his feet. The Yiding lieutenant again approached Li Yuanjing quietly.

“Sir, though no one is around here, it would be better not to be seen like this. Perhaps you should find a private place to calm Lord Zhao…”

Li Yuanjing feigned gratitude. “Thank you for the advice.”

He then leaned close to Zhao Bingchun, whispering angrily.

Zhao did not relent, continuing his low curses. Yet, despite their heated words, they both moved into a nearby alley.

Around them, the Yiding Cavalry quickly stood guard.

Soon the alley echoed with their quarrel, Zhao accusing Li Yuanjing of ingratitude. The guards pretended not to hear.

But inside the alley, the two men were not truly arguing; they exchanged glances with subtle understanding.

After a moment, seeing the situation was ripe, Zhao whispered, “Yuanjing, this matter is not my concern, but that gentleman’s. Are you willing to open this door?”

He handed Li Yuanjing a small package. Li took it, weighing it, feeling the contents.

It was filled with silver notes—likely no less than ten thousand taels.

What was Zhao Bingchun, or rather Murong Mubai, truly planning?