Middle-Class Family

“Young Master Xu Jin, this way, please,” the guard said respectfully, leading Qin Gou to a fighting platform.

Since this was just the preliminary round, everything was kept simple. The platform was made of piled-up blue stones, and a man dressed in a silver helmet and military officer’s attire sat leisurely on a bench beside it, serving as the judge.

The guard casually informed the judge, “Young Master Xu Jin has arrived,” before leaving.

The judge looked at Qin Gou and nodded slightly, a knowing look in his eyes.

Qin Gou understood that Chief Eunuch Ji Wu’s so-called “arrangements” had already taken effect. He glanced at his opponent, a man wearing a straw hat and straw sandals, who looked like a down-and-out rogue cultivator. But Qin Gou recognized him as one of the male disciples who had traveled with him to the Mystic Maiden Palace and then followed Yi Chengying to the Tian Kun Dynasty.

It seemed this man had successfully infiltrated the martial arts marriage contest, only to run into Qin Gou right off the bat.

“Judge, can we begin?” the man in the straw hat asked politely.

The judge stood up, walked between Qin Gou and the man, and raised his right hand before bringing it down sharply. “I declare the match begins!”

The man’s hands transformed into furry, sharp wolf claws, lunging at Qin Gou.

However, a powerful spiritual force far above his level suddenly blocked him. The judge, clad in silver armor, held a formation flag and glared at the man. “How dare you! Who allowed you to wear a hat? Who permitted such improper attire in this solemn arena? I declare you disqualified for disrespecting the judge and your opponent. Leave immediately; your opponent wins by default!”

“What? What are you saying?” The man was stunned, unable to believe his ears. “Solemn arena? This is just a stone platform!”

“Hmph, just as I thought. A rogue cultivator with no manners! I won’t waste my breath on you. You’re disqualified. Leave now,” the judge said, crossing his arms with a disdainful smile.

The man gritted his teeth and removed his hat. “Fine, I’ll take off the hat. Is that better?”

“How dare you! Who allowed you to take off your hat? Such messy hair and improper attire! You’re disqualified for disrespecting the judge and your opponent. Leave immediately!” the judge declared righteously, pointing at the man.

Two guards flanked the man, grabbing his arms to drag him away.

“This is outrageous! You’re rigging the match! This is blatant favoritism! I’ll report this to the court. There’s corruption here!” the man shouted, his eyes darting between Qin Gou and the judge.

“Silence him! Such disrespectful behavior is intolerable,” the judge said, shaking his head in mock disappointment. He sighed deeply, as if he were a wronged sage, burdened by the ignorance of others.

Once the man was out of sight, the judge turned to Qin Gou with a rueful smile. “Young Master Xu Jin, I apologize for that display. Some rogue cultivators just don’t understand the importance of decorum. Imagine if someone like him won and had to face the Emperor and the Sword-Wielding Princess. He’d be a disgrace. He talks about corruption, but I was saving his life! In these enlightened times, how could there be corruption? Don’t you agree, Young Master Xu Jin?”

What a talent, Qin Gou thought, impressed. “You’re truly dedicated to your duty, sir. The Tian Kun Dynasty is fortunate to have such a wise and responsible official. It’s a blessing for the entire realm.”

The judge beamed, his eyes moist with emotion. “I don’t deserve such praise, but I strive to be useful to the world. As the saying goes, ‘Though my rank is low, I never forget my duty to the nation.’ That’s my guiding principle.”

“Well said! Your words are enlightening and inspiring. I have great faith in you. Keep up the good work!” Qin Gou applauded, thoroughly enjoying the judge’s passionate performance. “By the way, may I know your name, sir?”

“I’m not worthy of such attention. My name is Xu Zimu, a humble captain of the guard,” Xu Zimu replied with a hearty laugh. “Rest assured, Young Master Xu Jin, I’ll be judging your upcoming matches as well. I promise to be fair and impartial, ensuring no one tries to cheat.”

“Thank you, Captain Xu. But let me make one thing clear: I despise injustice and value fairness. Please don’t show me any favoritism just because we’re acquainted. It would be unfair to my opponents and an insult to my character,” Qin Gou said, his tone noble and upright.

“Of course!” Xu Zimu stood straight, his voice firm.

—

An incense stick’s time later.

Xu Zimu pointed at another contestant, his voice stern. “Who allowed you to have such long hair? It’s unkempt and disrespectful. You’re disqualified for disrespecting the judge and the contest. Young Master Xu Jin wins!”

“What?” The contestant’s eyes widened in shock. Pointing at Qin Gou, he shouted, “His hair is long too! Why am I the only one disqualified? This is corruption! It’s because of his high status and powerful family, isn’t it? I demand justice!”

Xu Zimu’s eyes filled with sorrow and pity. “Such baseless accusations. I won’t dignify them with a response.”

Qin Gou also looked deeply hurt, his eyes reflecting the pain of being misunderstood. “High status? What nonsense. I’m just the third son of the Marshal’s household. Like everyone else, I eat three meals a day and sleep in a six-foot bed. We’re just a middle-class family. No, that might be too much. Let’s say we’re a moderately well-off family.”