Chapter 95: This Is the First Time I’ve Heard Such a Shameless Request (Third Watch)

Despite Murong Fu and the others breaking into hearty laughter, Old Wu, standing beside Fang Xu, was sweating profusely. After all, in Old Wu’s eyes, Fang Xu was capable of anything. Yet, Old Wu also believed that Fang Xu must understand what he should or shouldn’t do at this moment. So why did Old Wu feel uneasy? Meanwhile, a faint smile crept onto Fang Xu’s lips.

“You’re killing me with laughter, Young Master! Do you really think that just because I’ve given you courage, you dare to make a move against me?!” Murong Fu wiped tears from his eyes, chuckling as he teasingly looked at Fang Xu.

“If you, Young Master Murong, don’t believe it, you can give it a try,” Fang Xu shrugged with a smile, his tone ambiguous—half-joking, yet somehow serious.

For some reason, Zhang He, standing next to Murong Fu, found himself unable to laugh. Why? Because when Fang Xu had slain Lord Zhao earlier, the expression on Fang Xu’s face was eerily similar to the one he wore now. But Zhang He thought Fang Xu wouldn’t have the nerve to attack Murong Fu. After all, while the provincial authorities might intimidate officials like them from the Qin Dynasty, they were almost powerless against descendants of local aristocratic families. Yet Zhang He couldn’t understand why his heart was pounding faster.

Not far away, inside a teahouse, a young man and woman watched the scene unfolding at the county government office with amusement.

“Lian Mei, do you think this guy dares to lay a hand on Murong Fu?” the young man delicately lifted a teacup, sipping lightly before smiling at the girl.

If not for his attire, one might not realize he was a man.

“Jun Ge, are you interested in this fellow?” Lian Mei covered her mouth with a smile, teasing back.

“I do find him interesting, but I’m not sure if he can provoke me enough to act,” Jun Ge replied with a smile, his gaze returning to the county office below.

Lian Mei looked at Jun Ge in disbelief; it was rare for anything to capture his interest. Intrigued, she continued watching.

Everyone awaited what would happen next. Such a spectacle had not been seen for decades. Several storytellers even took out pen and paper, licking their nibs and recording the earlier events. To them, this was destined to become the most popular tale—perhaps even a lucrative one. The drama was undeniably captivating.

“Fine! I’ll give you courage! Come on! If you dare, show me your move!” Murong Fu shouted defiantly. Beside him, Zhang He had quietly stepped back, sensing something was about to happen. To Zhang He, Fang Xu was a madman who had left a psychological scar.

Upon hearing Murong Fu’s challenge, Fang Xu’s reaction stunned everyone. Even Jun Ge and Lian Mei in the teahouse instinctively rose, disbelief shining in their eyes.

The moment Murong Fu’s words fell, Fang Xu swiftly drew the embroidered spring knife from Old Wu’s waist and, with sudden speed, lunged directly at Murong Fu.

Fang Xu knew he had only one chance. If he hesitated, not only might Murong Fu’s men block him, but he might fail entirely. So, he chose to strike before anyone could react. Everyone presumed he wouldn’t dare—exactly what Fang Xu wanted. His move was meant to surpass their expectations.

Murong Fu’s guards were all elite warriors, but even they couldn’t react in time. Or by the time they did, it was already too late.

Fang Xu’s knife pierced straight into Murong Fu’s shoulder blade. The sharp pain caused Murong Fu to howl in agony. He never expected Fang Xu to truly attack him. Was Fang Xu insane?

From a short distance away, Zhang He felt a strange sense of relief. Stepping back had been the right choice—otherwise, he might have been killed by Fang Xu himself.

“You... you madman!” Murong Fu glared at the blood seeping from his shoulder, staining his blue robe.

“Don’t move! Unless you want him dead!” Fang Xu ignored Murong Fu and spoke coldly to the guards nearby.

They had intended to strike Fang Xu, but his words made them realize their master’s life was now in Fang Xu’s hands.

“Seems your guards are eager for your death, aren’t they, Young Master Murong?” Fang Xu smiled faintly, tightening his grip on the knife.

“You dogs! Do you want me dead? Get lost!” Murong Fu roared at his guards, who reluctantly stepped back. Though scolded, none dared to speak.

They all understood that if Murong Fu died, their families would face utter ruin.

“Do you think you can escape?” Murong Fu growled through gritted teeth, staring at Fang Xu.

“Don’t you realize I have no intention of running? Why would I? This is exactly the task you need me to carry out, isn’t it?” Fang Xu’s lips curled into a slight smile.

Behind Fang Xu, Old Wu finally understood. No wonder Fang Xu had asked Murong Fu earlier—it was to find a legitimate reason. But Murong Fu’s retaliation was utterly unreasonable, without any grounds.

“That guy’s really impressive—so daring. I’m liking him more and more!” Jun Ge in the teahouse chuckled.

“Are you planning to save him? Aren’t you afraid of offending the Murong family?” Lian Mei blinked her big, watery eyes in curiosity.

“Others may fear the Murong family, but the Zhuge family certainly does not. Let’s go; it’s about time we made our move,” Jun Ge said as he and Lian Mei headed downstairs.