Chapter 146: My Brother Kun Is Being Targeted

Ye Qin’s worries were justified, and Ye Kun had also considered them—there was no choice but to wait and see.

“Brother Kun, are you confident?” Feng Dian whispered anxiously. What if they angered the county magistrate? That would truly be disastrous.

My Brother Kun always seems to stir up trouble wherever he goes...

“Has Brother Kun ever let you down?” Ye Kun patted Feng Dian’s shoulder with a smile.

Seeing Brother Kun’s confident expression, both Feng Dian and Yuan Zhen immediately felt a surge of confidence. That was just how infectious Brother Kun’s spirit was.

A guard soon hurried out, bowing respectfully. “Young master, please come in.”

Ye Kun returned the gesture, and the group prepared to enter the county government office.

However, the guard added, “Young master, you must enter alone. The others, please wait outside.”

Ye Kun nodded. “You all wait out here for a moment.”

“Be careful, husband.”

“Brother, stay safe.”

“Brother Kun, you’re our last hope in Taixi County. If not for you, we’d be the laughingstock of the whole county.”

Ye Kun smiled and followed the guard inside the county office.

From the outside, the county government looked ordinary, but inside it was a different story—clearly designed with care, exuding a unique solemnity. Numerous guards patrolled the area, creating an atmosphere thick with tension.

Following the corridor, Ye Kun passed through the main hall with the guard and arrived at a study room at the back.

“The county magistrate, sir, the guest has arrived,” the guard announced from outside the door.

“Come in,” came the reply.

The guard opened the door. Ye Kun nodded and stepped inside.

He had expected only the county magistrate to be present but was shocked to find Batai there, along with another person...

That man looked familiar. Ye Kun suddenly recalled: at a past civil and martial arts competition held at the private academy, Batai had brought him along.

Yes—it was Zhang Jin.

News had reached the capital, and the Sage was furious. The matter was handed over to the Tianluo Institute for handling.

The director, Cangming, immediately assigned the task to Zhang Jin, ordering him to pin the blame squarely on Ye Ming’s head—by any means necessary. This was what the Sage wished to see.

Upon receiving the order, Zhang Jin rushed over at full speed. This time, he was not only an investigator but also a temporary military commander, personally appointed by the Sage.

Even the county magistrate, Ji Wenshan, had to show him great respect.

As Ye Kun entered, all three men fixed their gazes on him, scrutinizing him.

Ji Wenshan sat behind a sandalwood desk, with Batai and Zhang Jin flanking him, seemingly in discussion.

Though Zhang Jin carried the imperial edict, Ji Wenshan was still the county magistrate.

“I’ve long heard of an outstanding youth in Taixi County named Ye Kun. Seeing you today, you truly live up to the reputation,” Ji Wenshan said with a smile as he stood and approached Ye Kun, patting him on the shoulder.

If Feng Dian and Yuan Zhen were here, their jaws would have dropped. Brother Kun’s renown had even reached the ears of the county magistrate—how impressive!

In truth, it was Batai who had spoken highly of Ye Kun to Ji Wenshan. In all his years as magistrate, Ye Kun was the most exceptional young man Batai had ever met.

Ye Kun was somewhat surprised that even the magistrate knew his name. Could the Sage know as well?

He was right—the Sage was intimately informed about the Ye family.

“The magistrate flatters me; I am but an ordinary young man,” Ye Kun said humbly.

“How could an ordinary young man conceive of founding an academy? Don’t be too modest,” Ji Wenshan replied amiably, showing no airs of authority but rather a friendly demeanor.

Anyone in the magistrate’s position would know a great deal—such as about Ye Kun’s father.

Ji Wenshan murmured, “Back in the day, Pei Qian was your age when he founded what is now the Anjing Academy. Ye Kun, don’t let me down.”

Ye Kun’s heart lifted. It seemed the magistrate was not concerned about the suspicions hanging over him.

“I will not disappoint you, magistrate,” Ye Kun said resolutely, full of confidence.

Zhang Jin interjected coldly, “Magistrate, the Ye family is under heavy suspicion. If a family member opens an academy, the rumors will not be favorable.”

Ye Kun’s expression tightened. This man was clearly targeting him, while the magistrate said nothing.

“Lord Zhang, suspicion is not guilt. If I dismiss Ye Kun’s ambitions today merely due to suspicion, what message does that send to the young people of the world? And what becomes of my name, Ji Wenshan?” the magistrate retorted firmly.

Listening to the magistrate’s words, Ye Kun admired his integrity—undaunted by authority.

Zhang Jin tapped his right-hand index finger lightly on the small table. “Magistrate, do not lose sight of the bigger picture.”

“Rest assured, Lord Zhang,” Ji Wenshan replied.

Zhang Jin sneered inwardly. If you think this will win the favor of Ye Ming, you are mistaken. Ye Ming shall never rise again. You have chosen the wrong side.

Who said the magistrate chose the wrong side? Among all present, he was the smartest.

At that moment, a guard outside reported, “Magistrate, the head of the Ye family, Ye Zhao, requests an audience.”

Ye Kun’s heart sank.

“I am currently discussing matters with the esteemed gentlemen here,” Ji Wenshan began, but before he could finish, Ye Zhao’s voice rang out from outside.

“Magistrate, is this young man also one of the gentlemen here?”

Ji Wenshan’s face darkened. Such lawlessness! They showed no respect for him at all!

“Ye family head, your actions are discourteous,” Ji Wenshan said displeased but refrained from reprimanding him. After all, Ye Zhao had connections in the capital.

Ye Zhao offered a slight bow. “Magistrate, my apologies.”

He was giving face primarily because he saw Zhang Jin and the jade badge at his waist—the mark of the Tianluo Institute.

“Ye family head, what brings you here unannounced?” Ji Wenshan asked calmly as he resumed his seat.

Ye Zhao had received intelligence that agents from the capital had arrived and were deliberating within the county office. He came to see who they were.

Unexpectedly, it was someone from the Tianluo Institute.

More surprisingly, Ye Kun was here—the damned bald-headed brat.

Recalling recent events, Ye Zhao wanted nothing more than to destroy the bald-headed youth before him. It was all because of him!

His legs still felt weak, and he sensed an unpleasant odor clinging to him.

“It is nothing major—just that I heard my nephew was expelled from Anjing Academy, so I came to check on him,” Ye Zhao said, having already heard his son’s report and praised him on the spot. Well done! Good job avenging your father!

Ye Kun remained silent, utterly shameless.

“Now that you have seen him, is there anything else?” Ji Wenshan asked.

“I just overheard that my nephew intends to open an academy. Magistrate, this is a serious matter! Ye Kun is still too young, and the academy head must meet certain standards.”

Long ago, the requirements had been strict, but over time they became mere formalities unless someone specifically interfered.

“You’re right, Ye brother. Magistrate must handle this impartially—lest anyone say the magistrate shows favoritism,” Zhang Jin chuckled lightly.