All Heavens and Worlds Starting from the Night Watchman

Chapter 7: If Heaven Did Not Create Xu Xinnian, The Great Feng Would Be in Eternal Darkness!

Xu Pingzhi signed his name and stamped his thumbprint, yet he still found it difficult to believe. “Can we really leave now?” he asked cautiously.

He knew very well the gravity of their situation — they had already been sentenced. Yet, in a baffling turn of events, they were suddenly set free. It felt like a miraculous escape from the jaws of death.

Even Li Ru found it hard to comprehend. She glanced nervously at Xu Pingzhi. “Husband, do you think we’ve been deceived?”

Xu Pingzhi’s heart was pounding with unease. “This matter is indeed strange. We should leave this troublesome place as soon as possible.”

The family moved carefully, preparing to slip away quietly. Regardless of what happened, they were free to go.

Just as they were about to step out, a man’s voice rang out from behind them. “Wait!”

Startled, the entire family froze, dropping to their knees like frightened birds.

Xu Pingzhi stammered, “M-My lord, do you have further instructions?”

The man stepped forward and handed Xu Pingzhi his official robe.

“Lord Xu, here is your official robe. Please take it.”

Only then did Xu Pingzhi dare to raise his head. It was indeed his official robe! Not only was he cleared of all charges, but he had also been reinstated!

Overwhelmed, Xu Pingzhi rose slowly and looked at the man. “My lord, could you explain this to me?”

The tax silver case had been severe enough to warrant execution, yet here they were, safe and reinstated. It was unimaginable.

The man explained, “According to the laws of Great Feng, when a senior family member bears responsibility for a crime, the younger generation may atone for it by meritorious service.”

Hearing this, both Li Ru and Xu Pingzhi finally understood, and joy washed over their faces.

“Our Nian’er has achieved something great!”

“It was Nian’er!”

“Our good son!”

Their faces beamed with happiness. They believed it was Xu Xinnian, a student of Yunlu Academy, whose reputable teachers must have intervened to save them.

However, before their joy could fully blossom, a bystander interjected, “Actually, it was your nephew, Xu Qi’an, who just solved the tax silver case for the magistrate. He was only released moments ago.”

“He should be at the entrance now. Go and reunite with him!”

“What?”

“Elder Brother?”

“Xu Qi’an?”

The family of four stood frozen in disbelief. How could it have been Xu Qi’an who saved them? How could he possess such capability?

But if not Xu Qi’an, then who?

Outside the Jingzhao Prefecture office, Lin Qiye and Xu Qi’an were engaged in conversation when Xu Pingzhi’s voice rang out, full of vigour.

“Lingyan!”

Hearing his name, Xu Qi’an turned and saw a rugged, bearded man hurrying towards him.

Looking at his uncle, Xu Qi’an found it difficult to describe his feelings. His uncle was a perplexing figure — his conduct always left Xu Qi’an speechless.

“Lingyan, well done!”

Xu Pingzhi praised him heartily, giving his shoulder a pat so firm that Xu Qi’an winced.

“Ah, I forgot you’re now in the Refining Essence Realm. My apologies, I didn’t control my strength,” Xu Pingzhi chuckled.

“Second Uncle?”

Fragments of memories surfaced in Xu Qi’an’s mind — recollections of this uncle secretly hiding private savings and occasionally sharing bits of silver with him to buy snacks.

“Elder Brother!”

Li Ru, Xu Lingyue, and little Xu Lingyin had all emerged by then. The youngest, Xu Lingyin, ran to Xu Qi’an, grabbing his hand.

“Did you bring me sweets?”

Looking at the innocent child, Xu Qi’an felt a pang of guilt.

“Big Brother just got out. How would he have sweets for you?” Xu Lingyue interjected. Unlike the carefree Lingyin, Xu Lingyue was a composed and meticulous young lady — the eldest daughter of the Xu family.

“But I just like Big Brother!” Lingyin insisted.

Li Ru stepped forward reluctantly. Her expression revealed her hesitation, but she eventually said, “Lingyan, this time… thank you!”

Regardless of her personal opinions, Xu Qi’an had saved their family. Courtesy and gratitude were due.

Li Ru — Xu Pingzhi’s wife, a woman of refined charm yet sharp-tongued. Her straightforwardness often made her seem caustic.

With the memories of his ‘aunt’ surfacing, Xu Qi’an managed a stiff smile. “Aunt, you’ve endured much.”

“Oh, this is my good friend, Lin Qiye. Truthfully, we owe our safety to him as well.”

Hearing this, the Xu family turned to Lin Qiye, their curiosity piqued.

“Lin Qiye?”

“Xu Qi’an?”

“Both of you have ‘Qi’ in your names?”

“Don’t listen to Lingyan’s nonsense,” Lin Qiye laughed. “I was imprisoned myself. How could I have helped?”

“See? I told you. How could Xu Qi’an have such ability?” Li Ru muttered, convinced that Lin Qiye must have been the true saviour. She had never believed her nephew capable of such insight.

Sensing this, Lin Qiye remarked warmly, “Madam, do not underestimate him. As the saying goes, ‘A scholar, parted for three days, must be regarded with fresh eyes.’ Lingyan is not the same as before. This was indeed his accomplishment.”

Xu Pingzhi interjected, “No matter what, our family is safe. This ordeal has revealed true bonds.”

“I’ve decided — from now on, Lingyan will dine with us. What’s another pair of chopsticks?”

“Wife, what do you think?”

Li Ru, though reluctant, nodded softly.

“Thank you, Aunt!” Xu Qi’an smiled warmly, relieved to find peace in the family despite past grudges.

They all left the prefecture office together, their spirits light. Along the way, Xu Qi’an showed impressive skill in a street game, effortlessly winning prizes — a feat that left Li Ru quietly astonished.

Meanwhile, at the Xu residence, Xu Xinnian, holding a chicken, was preparing to hang himself. He believed that with his family condemned, he had no honour left to face the world.

“If Heaven did not create Xu Xinnian, the Great Feng would be in eternal darkness!”

As he uttered his final words, the family entered, shocked to see the scene. They rushed to save him, barely averting a tragedy.

Xu Xinnian, a scholar burdened by pride and principle, nearly ended his own life — an act of despair and rigid idealism.