The young man in brocade glanced at the sign behind the counter and only then realized he had barged into an official office in the city. His brows knitted slightly as he clasped his hands toward Zhao Wuliang. "This man is a disgrace to my family. I'm here to clean house; it has nothing to do with anyone else. I've offended you, and I apologize. Please have this man escorted outside. I'll settle things with him beyond the city walls."
Zhao Wuliang said, "Zhao won't interfere in your affairs, but you'll have to pay for the damaged items!"
The young man in brocade tossed over two spirit stones and glared darkly at the hemp-robed old man. "Old Thief Yu, let's go!"
The hemp-robed old man stared at Zhao Wuliang. "May I ask on what grounds you want me to leave? Since this is an official office in Wudang City, what's wrong with my coming here to seek protection?"
Zhao Wuliang was at a loss. An official office had two functions: maintaining public order and collecting commercial taxes.
Maintaining public order included protecting merchants and travelers in the city.
Under the Northern Sacred Court's laws forbidding private fighting, public order in the major cities was excellent on the surface. Few people dared to attack anyone within city limits, and fewer still barged into an official office to seek protection.
Now that the hemp-robed old man had explained the situation, Zhao Wuliang couldn't help but be stunned.
"What is it? Could it be that you intend to disregard the laws of the Northern Sacred Court?"
The hemp-robed old man smiled faintly.
Zhao Wuliang pondered for a moment, then said to the young man in brocade, "Whatever your business is, settle it yourselves, but not here. If this man wants to stay here,