Fearing being killed for his overwhelming merits, the empress decided to marry him.

Fang Lin sighed and said with great emotion, "Old Wu, we made a vow together when we were young, that if one day..."

"Since we've gained power, we must do something for the common people. Do you remember this history?"

Wu Jie drank a cup of wine: "Of course I remember. Back then, the Great Chu was beset by internal and external troubles, teetering on the brink of collapse. Years of war caused untold suffering to the people in every region."

From that moment on, I vowed that if I ever became a local official, I would ensure that my jurisdiction would never again be ravaged by war.

Fang Lin: "Since that's the case, Lao Wu, you are now the General Commander of Shu Commandery, with 100,000 troops under your command, a position that is beyond the reach of ordinary people."

It's time to do something for the people afterward, to fulfill the vow I made in my youth.

Wu Jie raised an eyebrow: "Brother Fang, what do you mean by that? Am I not doing things for the people right now?"

"Please forgive my bluntness, Lao Wu, although you hold a high position, in the eyes of the common people, you are still seen as a lackey of the imperial court. You are not truly working for the benefit of the people."

Wu Jie's face darkened: "I don't understand what you're saying. I'm in charge of local military affairs and I'm responsible for maintaining peace in this region. How is that not doing things for the benefit of the people?"

As for what outsiders think of me, Wu Jie, why should I care? I have always acted with a clear distinction between public and private matters. If Brother Fang thinks this doesn't count as doing things for the people...

Then there's nothing more to say between us.

After saying that, he took out a five-tael silver note from his pocket and slapped it on the table: "This meal is on me, Wu. I am busy with military affairs, so I will take my leave now."

"Old Wu!"

Fang Lin hurriedly called out to Wu Jie, pulling him back with a forced smile.

"After all these years, you still have the same bad temper. That's not what I meant. Do you think I don't trust your character, Lao Wu? Come, come, sit down."

He insisted on pulling Wu Jie back to the table, and then personally poured a cup of sake for both of them.

"Consider this drink as an apology to you, Lao Wu, for what I said earlier. If I said anything that caused you any misunderstanding, please don't take it to heart."

After saying that, Fang Lin drank the wine in one gulp right in front of Wu Jie.

But Wu Jie didn't move, sitting quietly in his seat watching Fang Lin.

After he pointed his empty glass at himself, indicating that not a drop was left, he finally spoke and asked, "Brother Fang, we've known each other since we were kids..."

Knowing you as I do, you're not the kind of person who speaks in a sarcastic or cryptic way. So, what brings you here today? Please be frank.

Upon hearing this, Fang Lin sat back down and said, "Alright, to be honest, after I left home years ago, I wandered around for a long time. In the end, by chance, I was taken in by the Shushan Sword Sect. Now, I am an outer disciple of the Shushan Sword Sect."

As he spoke, he raised his palm in the air, causing the wine glass on the table to slowly move forward half a step.

This is the foundation for cultivation at the Qi Refining Realm.

"Shushan Sword Sect, oh dear, congratulations! Shushan Sword Sect is the number one reclusive sect in the world!"

I've heard that those who cultivate deeply are all of an otherworldly air, possessing the ability to shatter the void and ascend to immortality. Brother Fang, you are truly blessed to have joined this sect.

I admire you, I admire you.

Wu Jie's eyes lit up, and he immediately bowed to Fang Lin.

Fang Lin smiled and waved his hand: "I'm just a mere outer disciple, not even a fraction as good as you, Old Wu, so please don't belittle me."

Despite this, there was a subtle arrogance in his tone.

Wu Jie did not expose him, but waited for Fang Lin to reveal his true purpose in seeking him out.

Sure enough, after another round of pointless small talk, Fang Lin tentatively asked, "Old Wu, what do you think of the current Empress?"

Wu Jie replied frankly, "His Majesty is wise and decisive, and is both authoritative and benevolent. He is truly the rightful ruler of the land."

Fang Lin shook his head: "Old Wu, as an official of the imperial court, it is naturally understandable for you to speak up for the Empress, but the title of 'ruler' has nothing to do with the current Empress."

On the contrary, since the Empress ascended the throne, the common people have suffered immensely, and the country is in grave danger. If the chaos is not rectified, the Great Chu dynasty will surely be doomed.

Upon hearing this, Wu Jie abruptly stood up: "Brother Fang, be careful with your words."

I don't know where you heard these rumors, or if you have some misunderstanding about His Majesty.

I will pretend I never heard a word you said today!

Fang Lin stood up and said, "Old Wu, everything I said is true. Go outside and take a look. It's not far, just along those railway lines. See what kind of people are living there!"

Wu Jie: "Repairing the railway is a beneficial undertaking for the country and its people. With smooth roads, the people of Shu will no longer need to cross mountains and valleys to travel to other states."

Outsiders will be able to enter our Shu Commandery without hindrance. No matter how you look at it, this is a move that benefits the country and its people. How can it be said to harm the people?

Fang Lin: "Old Wu, you're supposed to be an official of the imperial court, don't you know that words and reality are two different things?"

I don't know whether the completion of the railway will bring wealth and prosperity to Shu County as claimed.

All I know is how miserable and innocent those people were when the railway was being repaired.

"Can you really bear to watch them be exploited and oppressed by the imperial court like this?"

Wu Jie's eyes darkened: "Even if it's as you say, what can I do?"

Fang Lin replied, "Old Wu, you now have elite and fierce soldiers under your command. If you are willing, the entire Shu County will surely rise up in response."

"You mean you want me to start a rebellion?"

Wu Jie stared wide-eyed, his face filled with disbelief.

Fang Lin said, "No, this is not a rebellion, but a fight for the sake of all living beings."

Wu Jie: "Is this your idea, or someone else's?"

Fang Lin replied, "To be honest, this is my master's intention. He is at the Bayu Railway Station. I can take you, Lao Wu, to see him."

Wu Jie fell silent and did not answer immediately.

Fang Lin stepped forward and patted Wu Jie on the shoulder, earnestly saying, "Old Wu, I truly want to do something for the people. The Empress's tyranny has long lost the hearts of the people, and all those with aspirations regard her as a heretic tyrant."

We originally intended to storm the palace, kill the Empress, restore a wise ruler, and save the people. However, the Empress's power is too great, and the various sects of the martial arts world, under the suppression of the Empress and Shen Lang, are no longer able to match the strength of the imperial court.

"Only you, now the Commander-in-Chief of Shu Commandery with an army of 100,000, are the key to turning the tide and protecting the nation."

"This……"

Wu Jie seemed to be persuaded, and a hint of hesitation appeared on his face.

Upon seeing this, Fang Lin immediately drew his longsword.

Wu Jie raised an eyebrow, but before he could react, Fang Lin handed him the sword.

"If Lao Wu thinks I am a traitor and a defector, then just cut off my head and take credit for it. I will die without regrets if I die at the hands of my brothers."

Wu Jie sighed, pressed his sword down, and said, "This matter is of great importance, and I need to consider it carefully."

Fang Lin: "Old Wu, don't overthink it. Just come with me to see Master, and you'll understand."

"As long as you are willing to raise an army to help, I believe the outcome will surely be successful!"

Wu Jie sighed, "Alright then, Brother Fang, please take me to see your master."

Fang Lin was overjoyed upon hearing this: "Alright, Old Wu, come with me. I believe you will make a decision after you see my master. I guarantee you won't regret it!"

As he spoke, he pulled Wu Jie along as they walked out of the private room at the restaurant.