Chapter 37: Wei Tu is Nothing More Than a Stablehand

Prefect He’s expression darkened momentarily, but then he suddenly smiled, saying, “Earlier, this official stated that this matter is voluntary. Since Martial Scholar Fu wishes to withdraw, I will honor my word.”

The Martial Scholars in the hall were stunned.

They hadn't expected Prefect He to be so reasonable. If they had known, they might have joined Wei Tu and the others in outright refusal.

Other than a few who were blinded by greed, most of the Martial Scholars present had only agreed to infiltrate the Martial Luck Pavilion due to fear of Prefect He’s authority. They worried that rejecting him would mean making an enemy of this high-ranking official.

However—

A single word interrupted their thoughts.

The room fell silent.

All eyes turned toward Prefect He.

At that moment, Prefect He picked up the teacup on the table and slowly stood up.

He wore the robes of a scholar, and compared to the Martial Scholars surrounding him, he looked weak—so fragile that a strong wind might blow him over.

Yet there wasn’t a trace of fear in his demeanor.

His sharp gaze swept across the room, scanning every Martial Scholar present. Anyone who met his eyes immediately felt a chill down their spine. They instinctively lowered their heads and bowed slightly, afraid to make direct eye contact.

This was official authority.

One word.

One movement.

And the atmosphere in the hall grew heavy with tension.

A suffocating silence filled the air, making even the sound of breathing feel loud.

Finally, Prefect He’s gaze moved past the rows of Martial Scholars, lingering on Fu Zhizhou before settling on Wei Tu, Wei Fei, and Kou Liang.

At that moment—

All the pressure in the room shifted onto them.

The other Martial Scholars, who had been holding their breath, exhaled in relief, grateful that they were no longer the ones under scrutiny.

“But… Fu Zhizhou is not the same as you three.”

“His uncle is a Captain in the Xiaoyi Prefecture Garrison—a seventh-rank military official.”

“Even if he forfeits this opportunity to rise through the ranks, his uncle will ensure that he has other chances in the future. But you three?”

Unexpectedly, Prefect He’s words were not harsh.

He spoke in a slow, patient tone, like a teacher gently advising wayward students.

He did not scold Wei Tu and the others. Instead, his words carried only persuasion and reasoning.

Yet—

To the Martial Scholars in the hall, his words sent a chill down their spines.

It confirmed their worst fears—rejecting this task meant inviting Prefect He’s displeasure and potential suppression.

His meaning was clear:

Fu Zhizhou could refuse.

Because he had a seventh-rank official for an uncle.

Even if he faced difficulties, at worst, he would endure a few years of hardship before climbing the ranks again.

But Wei Tu and the others?

Once they were blacklisted, they might never get a promotion and would be doomed to serve in the lowest ranks for life.

“This…”

Fu Zhizhou swallowed hard.

He wanted to speak out, to warn Wei Tu and the others not to fall for Prefect He’s manipulation.

But under the weight of Prefect He’s cold gaze, he had no choice but to swallow his words.

Besides—

Prefect He wasn’t lying.

The only reason Fu Zhizhou had dared to be the first to refuse was because of his uncle’s influence.

Having connections meant having the privilege to be ‘reckless.’

“These Martial Scholars are just that—mere Martial Scholars. A few words and they’re already wavering.”

Prefect He inwardly sneered as he observed the trio’s silence.

“I do not have the backing of the Fu family or a seventh-rank military officer like Fu Zhizhou does…”

“But I am a simple man, prone to mistakes… I fear I might ruin your grand plan, Prefect He. Please forgive me.”

A voice suddenly broke the silence.

The speaker was Kou Liang.

He stood beside Fu Zhizhou, his expression calm as he spoke.

The atmosphere in the hall plunged into silence once again.

No one dared to speak loudly.

Not even to breathe too heavily.

But before anyone could react—

Mere moments after Kou Liang’s words, Wei Tu, who stood beside him, also spoke up.

Compared to Kou Liang, Wei Tu’s words carried more courtesy.

He cupped his hands toward Prefect He and said, “This humble one comes from a lowly background. Before participating in the Martial Examination, I was nothing more than a stablehand, looked down upon by others. Even if I were to remain a low-ranking military official for life… it would still be better than my previous existence.”

Though they had only known each other for less than half a day, Wei Tu had no illusions about forming deep brotherly ties with Fu Zhizhou and Kou Liang.

But he was certain—

He had to avoid this impending disaster at all costs.

Even if it meant being suppressed by Prefect He.

Could it possibly be worse than the day he had been sold into servitude?

Soon after—

Hearing Wei Tu’s words, Wei Fei clenched his teeth and spoke as well, though he said only a simple sentence.

“I feel the same.”

It was just a few words.

But the message was clear.

Whether one spoke at length or briefly, it was the stance that mattered.

Hearing the words of the three, Prefect He no longer needed further confirmation.

He had fully grasped their intent.

Without pressing the matter, he simply etched their names into his memory.

Then, his gaze shifted to the remaining Martial Scholars in the hall.

“You are hesitant… because you fear secrecy may not be maintained?”

“You were invited here by this official because you all come from clean backgrounds, with bright futures ahead. I do not believe anyone among you would easily divulge what has been discussed here.”

“As for the maids and servants in this hall, they are all my trusted aides. They will not speak carelessly.”

With those words—

Many Martial Scholars who had previously wavered in following Wei Tu’s example found their resolve shaken.

They hesitated, their steps faltering.

Prefect He’s reasoning held weight.

These Martial Scholars were no ordinary men. Why would they recklessly betray such a sensitive matter?

And the servants present—being Prefect He’s personal retainers—were more reliable than any of them.

Wei Tu and the others had no way of knowing what thoughts stirred in the hearts of these other Martial Scholars.

Exchanging glances, the four of them cupped their hands, politely took their leave from Prefect He, and strode out of the hall.

Under the watchful eyes of the remaining Martial Scholars—

The four of them walked side by side out of the guest hall, leaving behind the magistrate’s office of Qingfeng Prefecture.

—

Outside the magistrate’s office.

“That was close…”

“I almost got swayed by Prefect He’s words. I nearly lost my nerve.”

Kou Liang patted his chest, exhaling deeply as he laughed.

“Brother Kou, thank you,” Fu Zhizhou said sincerely, patting Kou Liang’s shoulder, his expression filled with gratitude.

Had Kou Liang hesitated for even a moment earlier—

Had he failed to speak up in time—

Fu Zhizhou would have found himself in a most precarious situation.

“And Brother Wei, Brother Wei Fei—”

“This debt of gratitude… I won’t put into words, but I won’t forget it.”

Fu Zhizhou turned to look at Wei Tu and Wei Fei.

He let out a hearty laugh and gripped their hands firmly in his own.

He and Kou Liang shared ties of hometown kinship.

But with Wei Tu and Wei Fei, their connection was that of mere acquaintances.

Yet they had chosen to stand with him against Prefect He.

Though part of it was undoubtedly self-interest, there was still genuine camaraderie in their actions.

“Back in the magistrate’s office, we already agreed—once we walked out of there, we’d become sworn brothers.”

“From now on, if any of us finds himself in trouble, we’ll help each other out.”

“Prefect He might try to suppress us for a while. But once this ‘overlord’ moves on, I’ll make sure to pull you all up with me.”

Fu Zhizhou thumped his chest, speaking with conviction.

“Let’s head to Xuanhe Tower for drinks.”

“By dawn, the Dao Examination rankings will be posted. Let’s see if Prefect He has any tricks left up his sleeve.”

Kou Liang chuckled as he suggested.

Through this shared ordeal, the four of them had forged a bond stronger than familiarity alone could bring.

“The Dao Examination is a major talent selection event for the Southern Mountain Dao. What can a mere Prefect do? The Martial Examination isn’t like the Literary Examination—the difference between skill levels is clear as day.”

Fu Zhizhou laughed dismissively at the idea that Prefect He could interfere.