Martial Arts Across the Heavens: Becoming a Martial God Starting from the Big Boss in Tangshan

Upon seeing the other person, Ling Yunkai couldn't help but spit out a curse:

"Corrupt official! The fire burned all night without a trace, but they arrived just in time after the fire was extinguished..."

Everyone's faces darkened, and their gazes toward Admiral Fucha were filled with wariness and hostility.

Anyone could tell from their demeanor that they were definitely not there to put out a fire or uphold justice.

Huang Feihong knew, of course, that this guy was up to no good.

But what can they do when the other party is an official and they are ordinary citizens?

He could only take a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the surging anger and grief in his heart, take a few steps forward, and bow with clasped hands:

"Greetings, Admiral."

Admiral Fucha, mounted on his horse, looked down at Huang Feihong with a blank expression, and began by questioning him:

"Huang Feihong, what happened to this fire? It burned an entire street! Luckily, it was put out in time. If it had spread and affected the whole city, could you bear the responsibility?"

Huang Feihong's face turned pale, and he was about to explain.

Lin Shirong, who was standing nearby, could no longer hold back and shouted at Admiral Fucha:

"Someone deliberately set the fire! It was those scum from the Shahe Gang who did it! Instead of arresting the arsonists, why are you interrogating us?"

Admiral Fucha raised an eyebrow, gave Lin Shirong a cold glance, and sneered:

"Arson? How would I know? Wasn't it your own carelessness with fire, or that you were storing something illicit that caused this fire?"

"You say the Shahe Gang set the fire, where's the evidence?"

Huang Feihong quickly said:

"Your Excellency, it was indeed the work of the Shahe Gang."

"When the fire started, several rockets were fired into it, clearly indicating that someone deliberately set it on fire. I also personally saw Qiu Ba, the leader of the Shahe Gang, lurking nearby."

"Saw it with your own eyes?" Admiral Fucha's lips curled into a mocking smile.

"You, Wong Fei-hung, just make things up without any real knowledge, saying you saw it and then you actually did?"

"You think your own people's words can be used as evidence in court? Everyone knows you have a long-standing feud with the Shahe Gang. Are you trying to use this as an excuse to frame me?"

Wong Fei-hung was speechless at his words and hurriedly said:

"Sir! The facts are undeniable, and many neighbors have seen the Shahe Gang members..."

"Oh? Did the neighbors see it?" Admiral Fucha interrupted him leisurely, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding people.

"Alright then, have them step forward. Who saw it?"

"Bring the witnesses to speak, produce the evidence. Where are the rockets? Where are the fuel canisters? Where is the arson weapon?"

Po Chi Lam has been burned to the ground. Even if there were rocket debris or traces of kerosene, they were all destroyed in the fire.

Huang Feihong could only place his hopes on the neighbors, so he turned to the crowd, cupped his hands, and pleaded:

"Fellow villagers, a fire broke out last night. I'm sure someone witnessed the Shahe gang's thugs committing violence. I, Huang, implore anyone who witnessed this to come forward and speak the truth!"

His gaze swept over familiar and unfamiliar faces.

When those people met his gaze, some immediately lowered their heads, others looked away, and their steps involuntarily shrank back.

Their faces showed guilt, helplessness, and fear, yet not a single person stepped forward.

Huang Feihong was stunned, his heart sinking deeper and deeper.

Many of these people have benefited from Po Chi Lam, receiving his treatment or assistance.

He wasn't asking them to take risks, he was just asking them to tell him what they had seen with their own eyes. How come... not a single one of them stepped forward?

Upon seeing this, Admiral Fucha scoffed:

"Huang Feihong, it seems there's no one to testify for you? Without evidence, you're making false accusations and disturbing the peace. You should think carefully about this charge!"

Huang Feihong glanced at Admiral Fucha, then turned to look at the villagers.

My heart was filled with anger, disappointment, and resentment.

Lin Shirong was furious and pointed at the retreating neighbors, cursing them angrily:

"Do you have no conscience at all! How have you treated your master all this time? Now you don't even dare to tell the truth?!"

Those he pointed to all turned their heads away, either quickly leaving or hiding behind others, remaining silent.

Lin Shirong was so angry that he was trembling all over and almost rushed up to grab the person.

Chen Wen stepped forward and placed his hand on his shoulder.

"Shirong, don't do anything reckless."

Lin Shirong froze, turned around and saw Chen Wen's calm eyes. His chest heaved violently a few times, but he finally suppressed his anger, shut his mouth, and took half a step back.

Wong Fei-hung also looked at Chen Wen, a glimmer of hope flashing in his eyes.

Although he knew that the current situation was almost unsolvable, he subconsciously felt that Chen Wen might have a way.

At this time.

Admiral Fucha's gaze also fell on Chen Wen, and he sneered:

"Oh, Manager Chen is here too. I heard your pharmaceutical factory is doing very well lately."

Chen Wen remained calm and stepped forward, bowing respectfully.

"Admiral-sama."

Admiral Fucha said with a smile:

"Manager Chen, may you prosper! What brings you here today? Is there something you wish to discuss with me?"

Chen Wen seemed not to hear the other party's sarcasm, and continued to speak:

"I wouldn't dare trouble you, sir. It's just that I recently came across some new tea, which has a unique flavor."

"Po Chi Lam has just suffered a misfortune and is unable to entertain guests. My 'Yi Wen Medical Clinic' across the street is still in relatively good condition, though the tables and chairs are simple. Please come in and have a taste; it is my small token of appreciation."

Yi Wen Medical Clinic is located directly opposite Po Chi Lam, and its storefront is small.

Apart from a few tables, chairs, and benches for seeing a doctor and getting medicine, the room was almost empty.

Even the Shahe Gang didn't deliberately set the fire.

Admiral Fucha glanced at the unassuming little storefront across the street, then at Chen Wen, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes, but his smile remained unchanged:

"Shopkeeper Chen, you're too kind. In that case, I'll have a taste of your new tea."

With that, he dismounted and, accompanied by several trusted yamen runners, headed towards Yiwen Medical Clinic.

Chen Wen gave Huang Feihong a wink, and the two of them followed.

The clinic was very simple.

Governor Fucha sat down in the only decent chair with an air of authority, followed by his yamen runners standing on either side.

He looked at Chen Wen with a half-smile:

"Manager Chen, please speak frankly. I am busy with official duties and cannot delay you."

Chen Wen began by saying:

"Your Excellency, regarding the fire at Po Chi Lam last night, I... may be able to provide some evidence."

"Oh?" Admiral Fucha raised an eyebrow.

Huang Feihong, who was standing nearby, was taken aback when he heard this.

Does Chen Wen have evidence?

Chen Wen calmly took out a string of smooth, lustrous pearls from his pocket and presented it with both hands:

"Please take a look, sir."

Huang Feihong was stunned.

A pearl necklace? What kind of evidence is that?

He stared at Chen Wen in astonishment, then at the string of fine pearls, puzzled.

But he could also tell that the string of pearls was quite valuable.

Brother Chen, are you... planning to offer a bribe?

A complex mix of emotions welled up in Huang Feihong's heart.

I felt both grateful to Chen Wen and frustrated and saddened by his behavior.

Admiral Fucha's gaze fell on the string of pearls, and he was indeed momentarily attracted by their quality.

But he didn't reach out to take it. Instead, he looked up, his smile gradually fading, replaced by a cold, insincere grin.

"The pearls are nice."

"However, Manager Chen, I've heard that you've made a fortune recently."

Chen Wen's expression shifted slightly, understanding the meaning behind the other person's words.

"Thanks to your great fortune, my small factory has indeed made a slight profit. I am planning to prepare the necessary gifts and visit your residence soon to express my gratitude for your past kindness."

"Thank you?"

Bang!

Fucha Admiral suddenly slammed his hand on the table beside him, his fake smile vanished completely, and his eyes stared straight at Chen Wen.

"Chen Wen! Are you still pretending to be confused with me?"

"Your matter is settled!!"

"The foreigners have already filed a complaint with the authorities! They're accusing you of stealing Western pharmaceutical formulas and illegally opening a factory for profit!!"

"I'm accusing you of being a runaway indentured servant from a foreign firm, stealing your master's property, hiding your identity, and deceiving the local community!"

"The foreigners have irrefutable evidence and have already notified the court through the consulate! They want to seal off your factory and hold you accountable for your crimes!"

"We must also force the imperial court to sign a new treaty to compensate for the losses!"

"Chen Wen, how dare you! At this point, you still think you can fool me with a string of beads?!"