"He has long been coveting the prosperity of the Commandery, but has refrained from making a move due to military orders."
"If we call upon him due to the Beast Tide, it will be easy to invite him, but hard to send him away."
After listening to Xu De’s account, even Zhao Ya couldn’t help but be surprised.
Miao Shaocheng asked, "Fourth Brother, how do you know so much about this?"
Xu De gave a wry smile and said, "Besides the inn business, we have some other trades that require passage through Boling Valley, where Wei Hongbin is stationed, so the elders in our family often deal with him, naturally becoming familiar with his character."
Having said this, Xu De stood up and cupped his fists toward Zhao Ya.
"Thank you, Junior Brother, for providing such important information. I need to hurry back and report this to my family so that they can be prepared in advance."
"No need to be so formal, Senior Brother, go quickly!" Zhao Ya replied.
Xu De nodded and hurriedly left.
After he left, Shen Dao and Miao Shaocheng couldn’t sit still either, and each went to inform their family and friends.
Zhao Ya didn’t have as many connections as they did.
The only one he could call a friend, Nie Jingnian, had already been notified by letter.
But he didn’t remain idle; after pondering for a moment, he went to the back residence of the Martial Arts Hall to see his Senior Sister Meng Shiwen.
After Zhao Ya stood up for her last time, the relationship between Senior Sister and Junior Brother became much closer.
When she had nothing to do, Meng Shiwen often went to Zhao Ya’s home to chat with Zui’Er.
However, when Zhao Ya came to her this time and expressed his thoughts, Meng Shiwen was still surprised.
"You want me to take you to see Shang Luoluo?"
"Yes!" Zhao Ya nodded.
"You want to tell her about this matter, and then use her to influence the Commander Shang Jingchuan?" Meng Shiwen, being astute, immediately understood Zhao Ya’s intention.
"Yes, after all, this matter is too significant to handle alone. We must unite, and someone must take the lead. As the Commander, Shang Jingchuan is naturally the most appropriate choice."
"I remember you have a good relationship with Shang Jingchuan, and he admires you very much. Why don’t you go directly to him?"
Zhao Ya gave a wry smile, "It’s not that simple. After all, this is just a hypothesis of mine, and Shang Jingchuan won’t be easily convinced."
"Are you sure you can persuade Shang Luoluo?"
"Not certain, but I must try, and with your help, Senior Sister, the chances of success are much greater."
Zhao Ya was quite straightforward, almost stating outright that he wanted to use her relationship with Shang Luoluo.
Meng Shiwen could hear his meaning but was not offended, instead giving a slight smile.
"Alright, since that’s the case, I’ll accompany you on this trip."
Without further words, they arrived at Shang Mansion, where everyone recognized Meng Shiwen and knew of her good relationship with their young lady, so they let them in without announcing their presence.
After winding through corridors to the guest hall, refreshments were brought, and the two patiently waited.
It wasn’t long before they heard laughter from outside.
"A rare guest, truly a rare guest. I didn’t expect the famous Young Master Zhao to visit in person, it truly is an honor for me."
With these words, Shang Luoluo lifted the curtain and entered.
Today, she wore a light green dress, her features as beautiful as a painting, brightening the room upon entering.
Zhao Ya stood and cupped his fists, "Miss Shang!"
Shang Luoluo smiled, "It’s been a while since we met, Young Master Zhao has become even more distinguished."
"Miss Shang has become more beautiful as well!"
"Is that so? I’ve been diligently practicing Beauty Martial Arts lately, and I do feel a bit different!" Shang Luoluo said, delighted.
After some polite exchanges and seating themselves, Shang Luoluo asked, "Young Master Zhao, what brings you here today? If there’s anything I can help with, I won’t hesitate to assist."
Zhao Ya didn’t conceal anything and proceeded to explain the situation.
After listening, Shang Luoluo didn’t show any alarm but calmly lowered her head in thought.
Zhao Ya waited silently.
After about half a minute, Shang Luoluo looked up, "I understand what Young Master Zhao means. You want me to persuade my father to take this matter seriously, to best prepare under the guise of the government, is that right?"
"Exactly!"
Unexpectedly, Shang Luoluo shook her head and sighed, "I’m sorry, I can’t help with that."
Zhao Ya and Meng Shiwen were both taken aback.
Neither of them expected Shang Luoluo to refuse.
Meng Shiwen couldn’t help but say, "Luoluo...."
"Shiwen, there’s no need to speak further. I know what you want to say, but I have reasons for my refusal."
Shang Luoluo looked at Zhao Ya, "Young Master Zhao, your ability to perceive and prepare from small indications is truly admirable, but do you think the government is unaware of the Beast Tide outside the city?"
Zhao Ya paused, "You mean...?"
"Indeed, the government knows that the Beast Tide is gradually escalating."
Zhao Ya paused, seemingly realizing something.
"Then why doesn’t the government intervene?" Meng Shiwen asked.
Before Shang Luoluo could answer, Zhao Ya suddenly sighed, "Because that’s exactly what they want."
Shang Luoluo quietly praised him, an intelligent young man, and nodded, "Exactly, that’s the case."
"To the government, no matter how strong the Beast Tide becomes, it’s just a minor nuisance, and if a few martial artists die because of it, even...."
Shang Luoluo looked at Zhao Ya and Meng Shiwen and said,
"If even the Martial Arts Halls in the city are overturned because of it, it would be better for the government."
Hearing these shocking words, Meng Shiwen turned pale and murmured,
"But... why!"
"Because martial chivalry violates the law, martial artists are inherently uncontrolled, the stronger they are, the more so." Zhao Ya sighed again.
Shang Luoluo’s eyes lit up, "Martial chivalry violates the law, well said by Young Master Zhao. Yes, to the government, they naturally don’t want too many martial artists like Young Master Zhao or your esteemed master under their rule, as they pose the greatest threat."
In fact, the decline of the Great Yan today is directly related to the flourishing Martial Dao.
In the face of powerful martial artists, the government’s role is diminishing.
The Commandery is somewhat better off, but in places like Wuxiang City where Zhao Ya previously resided, the government has become a mere backdrop.
Even in Commanderies where the government is stronger, it’s gradually becoming more of a mascot than a leader.
At most, they issue a few bounty tasks, but they’re ineffective in other areas.
When faced with problems, people don’t think of reporting to the government first but rather seek out martial experts they know to solve them.
This phenomenon is naturally intolerable for someone like Shang Jingchuan, who comes from a traditional civil servant background.
That’s why they’ve remained silent on this matter.
Now that things have reached this point, there’s nothing more to be said.
Zhao Ya stood up and cupped his fists, "Thank you, Miss Shang, for being candid."
Zhao Ya was sincerely grateful.
Because Shang Luoluo didn’t have to say all this, she could have easily pretended to agree and then found reasons to stall later.
But she chose to be completely honest.
One must understand, the other party is her father, after all.
Shang Luoluo waved her hand, "Young Master Zhao, there’s no need for this. In reality, you should be thanked. Your efforts for the city’s well-being and your chivalrous heart are truly admirable."
Zhao Ya gave a wry smile.
He wasn’t as noble as Shang Luoluo imagined.
He just didn’t want to be uprooted again after having just settled down.
Especially since everyone at Dingtai Martial Arts Hall is harmonious, his master cares for him, and his senior brothers are considerate.
He didn’t want anything bad to happen to those around him.
These thoughts were naturally left unspoken by Zhao Ya.
He calmly looked at Shang Luoluo.
"Miss Shang, I have a few final things to tell you."
"Please, speak, Young Master Zhao."
"First, the strength of this Beast Tide might exceed everyone’s expectations. The government’s attempt to use this to eliminate martial artists’ influence is like playing with fire."
"I’m not exaggerating, just stating facts. I can perhaps guess what your father is thinking; he probably wants to call upon the Boling Valley garrison at a critical moment."
"But, as the saying goes, it’s easy to invite the gods, but hard to send them away. Once the garrison enters the city, who knows what might happen? So, I hope Miss Shang can still try to persuade your father."
Shang Luoluo listened with a solemn expression.
"Alright, I will do my best!"
"Farewell!"