Family Cultivation: My entire family are Villains

"In my opinion, there's no need for an investigation. The martial artists in Xiaqiu County show no respect for our Hou Clan whatsoever. Ultimately, it's because the local officials have failed in their duties. A glimpse into the minor reflects the whole; if they're so lax in managing public sentiment, they're likely incompetent in other areas as well, hmph!"

Hou Wuqie thought Hou Wuji was still upset about the local martial artists disrespecting Elder Hou Yuxiao, and shook his head with a slight smile. But after carefully considering his words, his expression turned solemn.

"Brother, I'm not speaking lightly. From the moment we entered this city, I've been observing its people. Their speech, behavior, clothing, and appearance clearly retain many Miao customs. Their assimilation is not as thorough as in other parts of Nanping Prefecture. Uncle ordered the abolition of all traditional Miao habits last year throughout Nanping Prefecture. While other areas have done well, Xiaqiu lags far behind. The local officials are either grossly incompetent or... harboring ulterior motives!"

Hou Wuqie's eyes finally showed a hint of agreement, as he softly said, "I remember the City Lord of Xiaqiu County City is Shen Guzhen, originally from the Jinling Shen Family. After the Shen Clan Leader Shen Gu Yun joined our Hexi ranks, some of his clan members also got significant roles. This Shen Guzhen has decent talent. He's nearly a hundred years old now, with cultivation at the Great Grandmaster level of the Heavenly tier."

Hearing that Shen Guzhen was nearly a hundred and only at the Heavenly Grandmaster level, Hou Wuji showed a trace of disdain on his face, saying, "If we are to investigate Xiaqiu City, we should start with this Shen Guzhen. If he's merely incapable, we should quickly have Uncle replace him. If he's truly disloyal to us, Hexi, then..."

As he finished, he made a light hand gesture.

"Pay him a direct visit?" Hou Wuqie asked softly.

Hou Wuji shook his head, saying, "No need. Given the current scale of the Four Miao Alliance, it's likely they've been monitoring us since we appeared in the other county cities. Hence, only the Four Miao Alliance might know about our coming to Xiaqiu. If Shen Guzhen is in league with them, he'll surely try to have us leave. If not, visiting him makes no difference."

Hou Wuqie's eyes lit up. Hou Wuji might be onto something. Their visit to Nanping Prefecture was known by very few in Hexi, and only their grandfather, City Lord Yue Wenzhu of Nanping Prefecture City, knew in the entire prefecture. Those interested or motivated to track their movements were likely only the Four Miao Alliance.

"Your idea is to lie low and draw the snake out of its hole. Whether Shen Guzhen has ulterior motives depends on his actions. If we stay in Xiaqiu County for a few days, and he comes to us, it's a sign of a problem. If nothing happens, then all is well. Is that what you mean, Wuji?"

Hou Wuji nodded, agreeing with that analysis.

The two hitched on this plan, deciding to remain in Xiaqiu County. Naturally, they didn't stay at the Golden Wind and Drizzle Building but chose another location.

After all, the Golden Wind and Drizzle Building was a property of the Hou Family, managed by their brother Wan Xiaolou. Though the local manager might not recognize them, staying too long could risk exposing their identities and ruin all their efforts.

From the first to the seventh of September, the two stayed in an inconspicuous inn within the city for a full seven days without anyone contacting them. At one point, they almost concluded that Xiaqiu City truly had no ties with the Four Miao Alliance and planned to leave.

Until the night of September seventh.

A massive crowd surrounded the small inn, leaving no room to escape. City Lord Shen Guzhen of Xiaqiu County City led a group forward with a terrified look on his face, walking reverently toward Hou Wuji and Hou Wuqie.

"I did not realize the two young masters deigned to visit here. My failure to welcome you properly is a grave offense. I beg you to forgive me!"

Shen Guzhen's actions were exaggerated. From afar, he knelt before the two, and the people with him did the same, all with expressions of terror. It was unclear whether they truly feared reprisal from Hou Wuji and Hou Wuqie or were feigning such fear.

From the moment the inn was surrounded, Hou Wuji and Hou Wuqie were aware. Seeing Shen Guzhen's actions now, their eyes exchanged a knowing look and they nodded slightly.

If he proactively sought them out, then Shen Guzhen was certainly suspicious!

"City Lord Shen, please rise. There is no need for formalities. Wuji and I were simply idling in Hexi and decided to visit Nanping Prefecture together. We happened to pass through Xiaqiu and planned to stay briefly before leaving. We did not wish to disturb you, knowing how busy you are."

Shen Guzhen remained full of panic, saying, "No matter how busy I am, I dare not neglect the two young masters. This inn is rather shabby. Wouldn't it be better to come with me to the City Lord's Mansion, where drinks await in your honor?"

"This…"

Hou Wuqie feigned a troubled expression and softly said, "To be honest, City Lord Shen, Wuji and I had planned to leave the city tonight, having informed our grandfather beforehand. Should we return late, we fear he would worry, and cannot stay longer."

Upon hearing this, a slight glint of joy flashed deeply in Shen Guzhen's pupils, though his face feigned regret. He continued to urge, "That is truly regrettable. However, a meal won't take long. Think of it as me defying City Lord Yue this once. Stay for the meal, and if he scolds you, you can place the blame on me. How about it?"

"This..."

The two exchanged glances, hesitated for a moment, then softly nodded.

Shen Guzhen was elated, quickly gathering his people to escort the two back to the City Lord's Mansion.

After all, Xiaqiu was a county city with millions of inhabitants, and the City Lord's Mansion was impressive. As current de facto princes of Hexi, Shen Guzhen's arrangements were lavish, inviting all the city's elite. Once they learned Hou Wuji and Hou Wuqie's identities, they eagerly toasted the two, vying for recognition.

Hou Wuji and Hou Wuqie maintained a sense of propriety. Though they were Hou Clan's second generation, they were inexperienced, so acted with caution. Considering their agenda in Xiaqiu, they dared not be careless. As the banquet concluded, neither remembered many names, having spent the evening observing Shen Guzhen.

After the banquet, they promptly left, declining Shen Guzhen's offer to send them to the Nanping Prefecture City. They rode northward to the Prefectural City.

Despite being declined, Shen Guzhen personally escorted them outside the city. Waiting at the northern official road exit, he watched them ride away. Even after everyone else left, Shen Guzhen remained standing there for over an hour.

Finally, a lithe figure in black appeared from the north, and Shen Guzhen's demeanor shifted with respect as he asked, "Greetings, Qingluan Special Envoy. I must ask, have the Hou Clan's young men departed?"

"Yes, they've left. They found nothing useful in the other three counties, and I thought they'd take serious action here, but they merely stayed a few days."

The Qingluan Special Envoy's voice was as clear as a lark, indicating youth. However, given Shen Guzhen, a Great Grandmaster, displayed such deference, this young woman was evidently no ordinary figure.

"The Hou Clan unifies four regions and half a state, commanding countless elite troops, with powerhouses aplenty under their wings. Currently, they are at the peak of their prowess, so it's understandable they'd dismiss our small Four Miao Alliance by sending only two Second Realm Grandmaster juniors."

Shen Guzhen's tone held self-mockery, and when mentioning the Hou Clan's zenith, a strong resentment.

"It's better they underestimate us. Otherwise, the Four Miao resurgence would be a distant hope. On the fifteenth of this month, the Saint Heir arrives. Ensure the surroundings are clear to display our Four Miao Alliance's strength. With his approval and Rakshasa Holy Sect's support, no matter how formidable the Hou Clan becomes, Nanjiang belongs to the Four Miao descendants, not Hexi, hmph!"

The mention of the "Saint Heir" excited Shen Guzhen.

"I will carry out your orders!"