The rise and fall of the realm

"It's you again?"

Upon seeing the newcomer, the scholar frowned immediately after recognizing Fang Zelin.

How come I've run into this person again here?

"I was just passing through and wanted to rest in the village for a while. I don't think I'll be of any trouble."

Upon seeing the scholar from the previous night, Fang Zelin was not at all flustered. He cupped his hands in greeting and prepared to stride over.

Seeing Fang Zelin's appearance, the scholar frowned at Xiang Genfeng. "This village is abandoned. If you're not afraid, then feel free to go in."

"It's been abandoned?"

Fang Zelin was taken aback upon hearing this, and immediately stepped forward to take a look.

Fang Zelin immediately frowned slightly.

The village ahead was abandoned, overgrown with weeds, and some houses had collapsed, with many cobwebs inside.

The sun was about to set, and the last rays of sunlight falling on the village gave it a somewhat eerie feel.

"I remember there were still people living here a few years ago, how could it have been abandoned so quickly?"

Fang Zelin was somewhat taken aback by the situation before him.

The village looked like it hadn't been inhabited for over a decade.

"Several years ago, Yongzhou began recruiting soldiers on a large scale and secretly imposed countless taxes. The local people could not bear the burden, and it was only natural that they fled."

Upon Xiang Genfeng immediately said something.

This is Yongzhou territory, and he knows a bit about Yongzhou.

After a year of farming, they still don't have enough food to eat and are owed a lot of taxes.

How can ordinary people survive here?

Fang Zelin stood aside, looking at the place where there was no trace of human life, and the local earth god statue in front of him had lost its spirit. He couldn't help but sigh.

"The rise and fall of a nation brings suffering to its people; the fall and the prosperity of a nation bring suffering to its people."

Upon Xiang Genfeng was stunned for a moment, then solemnly bowed to Fang Zelin and said, "I never expected that you, brother, are also a person who cares about the people."

"It was just a casual remark, I don't deserve such praise."

Fang Zelin quickly waved his hand, saying he hadn't done much and didn't deserve such praise.

"The fact that you, brother, can say these words reveals your character. However, these words must not be spread. If the court hears them, you will surely be charged with criticizing the court."

Fang Zelin's words just now were quite clear.

It speaks of the rise and fall of a dynasty, in which it is always the common people who suffer.

If the court officials heard such words, they could convict someone at will.

At this point in time, even the scholars who had the power to criticize officials were powerless.

Countless scholars have been executed in the capital.

With the court in turmoil, the authorities employed numerous measures to stabilize the situation.

Meanwhile, the officials below seized the opportunity to cause trouble and seek personal gain.

As you go down the chain of command, chaos ensues.

Fang Zelin didn't take it to heart, but he knew that the others meant well.

"I will remember this."

"Brother, why don't we rest together for the night? That village is already dilapidated; it's chilling to look at. It's best not to go in."

This village is so dilapidated; it's definitely not a good place to rest.

I have a feeling that there are poisonous substances lurking inside.

Fang Zelin didn't particularly like this environment either, and nodded in agreement.

Once the campfire was lit, Xiang Genfeng called his sister down from the carriage.

"This is my sister."

Xiang Genfeng introduced his younger sister to Fang Zelin.

The woman still wore a veil, completely concealing her appearance.

Fang Zelin cupped his hands in greeting, "Greetings, Miss Xiang."

"Greetings, Young Master Fang."

Xiang Genfeng's younger sister has a very soft voice, with a gentle and sweet quality.

Every move she made had the air of a well-bred young lady.

"Brother, I wasn't referring to that person."

Xiang Mei was also somewhat puzzled at this moment, so she pulled her brother aside and asked him in a low voice.

Didn't we just talk about this person being a bit strange yesterday?

How come we've suddenly become so close today?

"While traveling today, I saw him walking under the sun, and he didn't seem to be a demon. His behavior and words just now suggested that he was indeed a scholar, which couldn't be faked."

"If such a person could become an official, he would surely bring benefits to the people of that region."

Xiang Genfeng explained in a low voice.

There was one more thing he didn't say.

That's because the carriage arrived here to rest, and the other party followed shortly afterward.

Judging from his appearance, he must have practiced martial arts.

Spending the night together would be somewhat safer.

Hearing this, Xiang Mei nodded.

She glanced at Fang Zelin with a hint of curiosity, then quickly looked away.

Brother Fang!

Xiang Genfeng gestured for his younger sister to sit down, then took some dry rations and handed them to Fang Zelin.

Fang Zelin thanked him and accepted it.

"Brother Fang, your courage in traveling alone is truly admirable. I wonder what brings you on your journey?"

Xiang Genfeng asked with some curiosity.

If you continue in this direction, the places that follow are not good places at all.

He took this route because of special circumstances.

"Oh, I made an appointment with a fellow Daoist two years ago, and now I'm going to keep it."

Fang Zelin responded with a simple and straightforward reply.

"Fellow Daoist? Brother Fang is a Daoist?"

Now it was Xiang Genfeng's turn to be confused.

If Fang Zelin claimed to have official titles and honors, he wouldn't be surprised.

But to say that Fang Zelin is a Daoist priest seems rather unlikely.

"He is merely a cultivator."

Fang Zelin gave an explanation.

Suddenly, his ears twitched slightly, and his eyes glanced discreetly at the haystack in the distance.

It looks like tonight won't be peaceful.

"A cultivator?"

Xiang Genfeng was a little confused. He wasn't very familiar with this kind of thing, so how could he know the answer?

After a slight hesitation, he asked, "Then Brother Fang, you must be careful. I've heard that there are many demons around lately that love to eat human Essence Blood and hearts."

"They especially love those with good looks. I've heard of many places where people can have their hearts ripped out and their blood sucked dry while the person is sleeping soundly at home."

"Furthermore, there are many shady shops along the way that engage in murder and robbery. Brother Fang, you should be careful."

After getting to know Xiang Genfeng Fang Zelin, Fang Zelin developed a good impression of him and couldn't help but offer him more words of advice.

Fang Zelin nodded absentmindedly, his mind completely absorbed by the creatures swimming around him.

I don't know what's around here, it keeps running around everywhere.

Trying to cover one's tracks?

"Brother, this person isn't listening to you at all."

The woman beside him couldn't sit still any longer. She nudged her brother and whispered something.

This person is incredibly rude. His own brother was showing such concern for him, yet the other person didn't listen to a single word he said.

They really treated my good intentions like dirt.

Hearing the voice, Fang Zelin snapped out of his reverie and smiled apologetically, "Sorry, I was thinking about something and got a little distracted."