Chapter 823: Chapter 346: Fan Jun (Part 2)
Fan Jun watched as Yueyao entered the restaurant. In reality, Fan Jun wasn’t as indebted to the Lian family as Yueyao had thought.
The Old Grand Master Lian foresaw the nature of his son’s disposition long ago, knowing that after his passing, the Lian family would not be able to maintain its former glory. Thus, he made preparations beforehand and selected a group of potential individuals to secretly nurture, hoping that when his grandson entered officialdom in the future, they would provide assistance in the political arena. Among this group, indeed many thrived, with one even achieving the position of Governor-General of the Two Provinces. Although Fan Jun’s rank within this group wasn’t high, his position was quite special, and he remembered kindness most among them. Back then, Lian Dongbo, through covert assistance, managed to rise quickly. This is why Fan Jun was the first on the list, because he remembered the kindness most deeply.
After Lian Dongbo’s death, the Lian family severed contact with Fan Jun. Initially, Fan Jun assumed it was due to Lian Dongbo’s untimely death, leaving matters unresolved. Though the Lian family did not seek him, he too secretly aided them several times. His position was sensitive, making connections with officials impossible, so he thought, as long as he could assist them while in service, it was sufficient. Yet, just when he believed the Lian family wouldn’t contact him again, Lian Yueyao reached out. Despite the seal on the letter and the handwriting similar to Lian Dongbo’s, Fan Jun suspected deceit nearly impossible, but he was still cautious, requesting to meet Yueyao in a few days as insurance. In truth, he intended to investigate Yueyao thoroughly during these days to understand why she had the list long ago yet only contacted him now.
Fan Jun was initially surprised when he discovered Yueyao was identified as Hermit in the Wild. He knew Yueyao was Mr. Yu Shan’s disciple but didn’t expect her to reach such heights at such a young age. However, when he found out Yueyao had been abducted, his expression darkened. Then, he understood why Yueyao approached him; she likely wanted to find out who abducted her.
Yueyao hurriedly bowed: "Lord Fan... "
Fan Jun scrutinized Yueyao, her appearance was outstanding, but the most remarkable was her aura, surpassing even the palace concubines in its ethereal quality. Fan Jun spoke in a deep voice: "Show me your seal."
Only then did Yueyao realize she had relaxed too soon. Although Xiang Wei had been somewhat exaggerated, the person before her was definitely not a benevolent old gentleman; those eyes were like bottomless ancient wells, capable of engulfing anyone with just a glance. Fortunately, Yueyao’s temperament was stable, she quickly regained composure and was not intimidated by Fan Jun’s presence. Yueyao took out the seal from her sleeve and handed it to Fan Jun with both hands.
Fan Jun was surprised Yueyao wasn’t afraid of him; her temperament was indeed rare. Fan Jun received the seal, observed it briefly, then put it in his palm, nodded and returned it to Yueyao: "You may call me Uncle Fan."
Following his lead, Yueyao responded smoothly: "Uncle Fan."
A hint of a smile appeared on Fan Jun’s face: "You sought me out, possibly to find out who abducted you?" The General Secretary Department hasn’t yet traced who abducted Yueyao; after a month, all traces were cleaned. It requires time for investigation.
Yueyao was startled, but recalling Xiang Wei’s words, she quickly composed herself: "Uncle Fan, I know who orchestrated it behind the scenes."
Fan Jun was somewhat surprised, yet the surprise quickly faded: "You do? Who has such audacity?" The person who abducted Yueyao must have been drawn to her beauty. However, someone with such daring isn’t ordinary.
Yueyao’s complexion lost color slightly: "Yes, I know, it was Zhou Shu from Haikou."
Fan Jun regarded Yueyao, noting her resolute expression. Considering Zhou Shu as merely a merchant, yet extraordinarily bold, if she said he did it, it’s credible: "Have you seen him?"
Yueyao nodded: "I accidentally ran into him when visiting the Zhou family. Later, I saw him again while I was offering incense."
Fan Jun understood, the first encounter was accidental, the second intentional: "What do you intend to do?" She must have a plan, having sought him out.
Yueyao directly shared her thoughts: "Zhou Shu, if not brought down, unsettles me, so I wish you’d gather evidence of his crimes." There was no need to express the desire to bring Zhou Shu down explicitly, Fan Jun surely understood.
Fan Jun immediately agreed, contemplating the multifaceted relationships involved, which Yueyao couldn’t possibly comprehend. After a moment he stated: "I can collect evidence of Zhou Shu’s criminal activities, but toppling him quickly isn’t feasible."
Yueyao responded without hesitation: "I understand, a meal is eaten bite by bite, a road walked step by step." Zhou Shu’s current stability relies on his immense wealth and powerful backing. However, once evidence of his crimes is in hand and exposed by the Imperial Censor, neither the Zhou family nor the Prince can openly protect a criminal. Plus, with profits from Haikou trade being substantial, numerous people would jump at such an opportunity, ensuring Zhou Shu won’t escape.
Yueyao snapped back from her contemplation, seeing Fan Jun watching her, a wild thought crept up that Fan Jun could decipher her thoughts.
After agreeing to Yueyao’s request, Fan Jun left the Fairy Home Restaurant. This visit was as much to confirm Yueyao’s identity as it was to personally meet her. The outcome left Fan Jun deeply moved, feeling regret for Chancellor Lian; since the latter’s passing, each Lian generation seems inferior. Although Lian Tingli and Lian Tingyi both passed the palace graduate exams, and Lian Tingyi even ranked third place in the imperial examination, Fan Jun holds little hope for Lian Tingyi. Given his father’s shortsightedness, Tingyi’s career prospects appear bleak. The only hope for Lian family’s prestige lies with a daughter, destined to belong to someone else.