chapter 95

Chapter 95: Infuriating Moments

By the time Shen He had settled this issue, Qi Yan Bing and his group were nearly done with their examinations, finally emerging from the test grounds.

The trio looked utterly drained, with pale complexions, appearing as if their vitality had been siphoned away.

Shen He was waiting for them at the main entrance. Seeing their appearance, he almost mistook them as being led to punishment rather than an examination.

There wasn't time for many words. He saw the three of them home. After they had freshened up, he'd discuss tomorrow how they had been set up.

On the way back, Shen He leaned against the car window and suddenly spoke, "Hold on, don't go this way. Let's take a detour through the street where they sell wonton noodle soup."

The guard directed the horse onto another street.

Shen He was curious about how that shop was doing now.

If they were wise, they'd close the shop. But if they were audacious, he wouldn't mind confronting them head-on.

From a distance, Shen He could hear the sound of children chanting rhymes on the main street.

Unfortunately, the shop hadn't closed. It seemed defiant, almost saying, "I’ll sell at a low price. What can you possibly do about it?"

Shen He leaned against the carriage window. As they neared the wonton stall, the guard prepared to dismount to make a purchase. But from behind the curtain came the muffled voice of the young master, "Never mind, I've lost my appetite!"

It sounded like he was upset.

The guard was puzzled and halted his attempt to alight from the carriage.

When Shen He got home, he was still brooding over the incident.

He leaned on the small couch for a while, then sat up abruptly, grabbing a new tiger toy that Lian Qiao had made for him, and vented his frustration by punching it.

Lian Qiao entered, holding a bowl of osmanthus wine, and seeing Shen He’s demeanor, inquired, "What's wrong with the young master? Who dared upset him? Was there a disagreement with Master Liu and the others?"

Shen He pushed away the tiger, taking the osmanthus wine offered by Lian Qiao. The sweet scent made him smile involuntarily. He chuckled, "It smells good! I just encountered some shameless folks. They did wrong and still act so self-righteously."

Lian Qiao pondered for a moment and consoled, "If the young master is unhappy, why not teach them a lesson? But please send the guards, not like last time at Linjiang Pavilion when you went yourself."

Shen He scooped up some rice balls with a spoon, laughing dryly, not daring to continue the conversation.

Sending the guards would reveal his involvement, wouldn’t it?

Even Shen He was a little unsure of his own feelings at this point.

Biting into the soft, osmanthus-flavored rice ball, he pondered, even if... even if now Qi Zhuoyun knew about his secret stash and substantial source of income, he shouldn't perceive him as a threat, nor would he deny Shen He any favor.

Yet, Shen He still didn't want Qi Zhuoyun to know.

In the past, he feared death. After all, so many intricate plots had taken place. In the original story, his being drawn and quartered was a major plot point. He wasn't sure if the story would pivot to realize this event in another way. Perhaps it wouldn’t be because of a rebellion, but due to a threat posed to the emperor, or for countless other reasons... After all, who isn't afraid of death?

He had a good life and especially didn't wish for death unless he was assured that after dying, he'd return to his original world to see his parents.

And now?

He still fears death, but the primary reason isn't necessarily the fear of the original plot unfolding.

Perhaps, Shen He reckoned, considering his efforts over the past decade or so, he had done quite well? In all likelihood, Qi Zhuoyun wouldn't view him as a threat, enough to wish him dead.

If they truly wanted him dead, Shen He would blame the influence of the original story. Irresistible, his struggles would be in vain; better to accept fate.

Shen He wasn’t sure about other influencing factors.

Perhaps his guilty conscience made him paranoid, making him anxious about every hidden secret and even more wary of exposure.

Maybe because he had donated silver during the previous snow disaster, he feared Qi Zhuoyun would trace it back and discover that he and Zheng Xueze were behind the donation.

In any case, keeping it from Qi Zhuoyun was the right choice!

Shen He tilted his head back, finishing the last sip from his bowl, put it down, and picked up the book he hadn't finished reading a few days ago, continuing where he left off.

Shen He had a restless evening.

During dinner, someone from the Duke’s mansion came, saying he had a visitor.

If someone came looking at the Duke's residence, it was likely Zhao Zhizhong.

Shen He immediately set down his utensils, wiped his mouth, and dashed outside.

As he ran, he shouted back, "I'm staying at the Duke's mansion tonight and won't be back!"

"Young Master! Slow down! The lantern!"

It was already dusk. The mansion was dim, and the path leading out had yet to be lit.

Guided by the silvery moonlight, Shen He sprinted to the entrance, untied the horse which hadn’t been returned to its stable, and skillfully mounted it, riding away.

The horse's hooves clattered crisply on the cobblestones, their sound fading into the distance.

The person chasing behind with the lantern couldn't even catch a glimpse of the young man's retreating figure.

Shen He initially assumed there was some issue at the pillar end.

Unexpectedly, within a single day, there were drastic changes.

When Shen He encountered Zhao Zhizhong, Zhao was pacing anxiously in circles. On seeing Shen He, his legs nearly gave out, almost falling to his knees in desperation.

With disheveled hair and a grimy face, he was sweating profusely despite the autumn chill. The droplets reflected the moonlight, shimmering on his forehead. His face was smeared with ash, and his whole demeanor was one of grave urgency.

Speaking in hushed tones, his son Zhao Yongsheng stood behind him. The tall, sturdy man looked lost, unsure whether to support his father or kneel beside him.

"Young Master—the people from the workshop—they suddenly came this morning wanting to leave, carrying silver, claiming it as a repayment of your kindness. Someone had given them a lot of money to work elsewhere and promised to settle their families. I tried persuading them to stay this morning, but by nightfall... the workshop caught fire!”

As he spoke, his body faltered, nearly collapsing to his knees.

Shen He dismounted quickly to support him, feeling a chill in his heart. His heartbeat raced, and he was consumed by sudden panic.

With a blank mind and ringing in his ears, he managed to ask, “Were... were there any injuries? Any deaths?”

Zhao Yongsheng hastily responded, “None! Rest assured! Everyone had left the workshop by the time the fire broke out. It was so sudden, but thankfully, no one was hurt. However, by the time we found out... most of it was already burnt. The finished products, components, even this month’s accounts that were yet to be reviewed... all gone.”

Only then did Shen He feel the tightness in his throat release, allowing him to breathe as the ringing faded.

“It's fine. Material losses are secondary. I'm relieved no one was hurt.”

Though visibly shaken, he appeared more composed than ever, "I'll take a look. Have the authorities arrived?"

Zhao Yongsheng replied, "Yes, many came. Our workshop is next to some abandoned houses. They caught fire as well, and the blaze grew so large that it alarmed the officials."

Shen He paused momentarily, gathering his thoughts. "Then I won’t go. You handle it for now. Once the fire is completely out, salvage anything that can be used. If not, we’ll get new ones. Find out who owns those burnt houses next to us. If we can locate them, I'll compensate them later."

Being supported by his son, Zhao Zhizhong, barely managing to stand upright, choked out, "Young Master, I failed in my responsibility..."

Shen He interrupted, "It's done. No need to mention it anymore."

Some workers at the workshop would work late into the night with their children, lighting lamps to make ends meet, especially if they hoped to educate someone from their family.

Fortunately, no one stayed that night. Otherwise, Shen He didn't know how he would've dealt with the aftermath.

The thought of nearly losing lives filled his anxious chest with a rising fury, which burned brighter with each passing moment.

Clenching his fists, he said to Zhao Yongsheng, "You return and handle the aftermath. Tomorrow, we'll discuss our next steps."

Having said that, Shen He turned, leading his horse towards the Duke’s mansion.

Shen Yan was in the military camp outside the capital.

However, the men he left behind for Shen He were still present.

Shen He asked one of them, "Can you find me a few tight-lipped men? The kind who can fight exceptionally well?"

Wang Yan didn't press further, "How many do you need, Young Master, and when?"

Shen He pondered for a moment, "Probably three or four. Now, tonight."

Without further ado, Wang Yan nodded, "Wait here for a while, Young Master. I'll bring them within half an hour."

Shen He shook his head. His eyes, seemingly reflecting the coolness of moonlight, appeared ablaze with fierce determination, "Go to that abandoned mansion. I'll wait there."

Shen He moved faster than Wang Yan, swiftly mounting his horse and heading towards the mansion.

Never in his life had he been as furious as he was now—a rage that consumed him, which would neither fade on its own nor allow him to let go of the matter lightly.

Those audacious enough to set the fire would pay dearly.

Trying to poach his people?

He’d make them pay with everything they had!

Shen He didn’t even want to involve any of his associates like Liu Zheng, Zheng Xueze, or the rest at this moment.

He had to handle this himself!

Wasn't he infamously known in the capital as the young tyrant who flaunted his family's power?

Today, he'd fully embody that title, ensuring his adversaries would regret their actions.

If they wanted to play rough, who said he couldn't do the same?

Arriving at the mansion, he fetched the candlestick and tinder left behind by Zhao Zhizhong's team.

The two individuals tied to the pillar heard the noise and murmured muffled cries.

Shen He lit the candlestick, held it in hand, and approached the two.

The candlelight was close to Shen He, illuminating his face clearly. Each of his eyelashes stood out distinctly in the flickering flame.

The shadow of youth was gradually receding from him, morphing towards that of a young man.

The baby fat on his cheeks had significantly reduced, and though his eyes were wide and innocent, they held a chilling gaze when angry, no longer seeming like a harmless puppy without even a snarl.

The sudden appearance of a new face left both the man tied to the pillar and his contact stunned.

Especially the young man opposite, who, at first glance, seemed of notable standing.

Could this be a real powerhouse from above?

At first, the man tied to the pillar felt a rush of anxiety. But after scrutinizing Shen He, he reassured himself thinking, 'He doesn't seem that old. Who knows which young master he is? When our workshop was selling those unique items, this young master might have been a mere child.'

This thought brought some peace to his mind, feeling Shen He probably wasn’t the real decision-maker, and whoever was behind him might not consider this matter significant.

Perhaps they're here to release them?

Thinking this, he couldn't help but nudge the contact tied behind him with his elbow.

If this man is released and returns to his master, he mustn't forget to bring him along.

There’s probably no place for him back at the workshop.

After nudging him twice, the contact didn't make a sound.

The large shadows cast by the oil lamp on the wall shifted.

He heard the young master ask, "Judging by your look, do you recognize me?"

The contact nodded repeatedly.

The warmth in the pillar-tied man’s heart faded, replaced by rising panic.

Shen He pulled the gag from the contact's mouth, threw it on the ground, and said, “If you recognize me, you must know your master cannot afford to cross me. Of course, if you claim your master is the Emperor today, I'll consider myself unlucky and respectfully let you go.”

The contact's head shook vigorously, like a bobblehead, "No, no, no! How could my master be His Majesty? I am just a humble..."

Shen He's patience plummeted when he was angry, "Tell me, who is your master? I'll simply imprison you, and nothing more."

The contact, now in tears, pleaded for mercy. Shen He, with his hardened heart, could effortlessly utter menacing threats, "I've been more than generous. If you don't confess, not only you but your family will also..."

He wasn’t even sure if this man had a family, but threats had to be made in such a manner.

Fortunately, he wasn't pushed too far. The contact swallowed his pleas and said shakily, "It's... it's the second son of Lord Chen's family. Young Master Chen is my master."

For a moment, Shen He couldn't recall which "Second Young Master Chen" this might be. With a cold tone, he inquired further, "Which Second Young Master Chen?"

"It's Young Master Chen Yuejiang..."

Shen He mentally noted the name, staring intently at the man, "Tell me everything you know."

……

Wang Yan arrived swiftly, in less than half an hour.

Before Shen He could extract all the information, Wang Yan was already there with his men.

Wang Yan gazed at the two bound men in the room and whispered, "Young master, should these two be dealt with?"

The already terrified pillar-tied man panicked even more upon hearing this, twisting his body and producing muffled cries, unable to speak due to the gag.

Shen He shook his head, "Keep them detained. Later, we'll hand them over to the authorities."

Now!

He's going to settle some scores!

The capital was particularly bustling that night.

Shen He spent the night away from home.

Qi Zhuoyun looked around the empty room, somewhat dazed.

A guard whispered, "The young master left abruptly, without having time to send word to the palace."

He did send word, but compared to the prince's speed, he was a step behind.

When the messenger reached the East Palace, the Crown Prince had just left.

Qi Zhuoyun pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache for the first time.

He pressed his temples, murmuring softly as if both questioning and pondering, "Why has Hehe been frequenting the Duke's mansion lately? It's as if he knows I yearn for him at night and might come to see him, so he deliberately evades me."

Such thoughts were maddening.

Silence enveloped the surroundings. Even Zhong Hong, who had served the Crown Prince for years, dared not speak.

Who could guess what answer the Crown Prince wished to hear?

*

"Little He, wait a moment. What did you just say?" After a night's rest, Qi Yanbing and two others were summoned by Shen He.

Shen He bit down angrily on a rib, exclaiming, "I said, our workshop was burned down! It's the doing of someone named Chen Yuejiang! He not only stole from us, selling our self-timing bells cheaply to undermine us but also set fire after his men were caught. Last night, I led a team to wreck his shop and gave everyone there a beating!"

"Chen Yuejiang?" Hearing this name, all three furrowed their brows.

Liu Zheng found himself unfamiliar with the name, "When did the Chen family in the capital have such a person?"

Zheng Xue also shook his head, "I don't know."

While nibbling on a rib, Qi Yanbing said, "I know him! You might not recognize him, but you might know his elder brother, Chen Yuesi."

Shen He looked up, still puzzled. Who was this person? Why hadn't he heard of him?

Unfazed by his ignorance, Shen He got straight to the point, "Is he formidable? Can we afford to offend him?"

Qi Yanbing laughed, "Offend away! Little brother Hehe, in this capital, you can upset anyone, just not the Emperor's uncle."

Liu Zheng explained, "It's normal for Little He not to know. The Chen family isn't among the capital's prominent clans. Chen Yuesi, Chen Yuejiang's elder brother, was promoted to a capital official a year ago. Their father is the Prefect of Tongnan. Chen Yuesi is exceptionally talented, surpassing even his predecessors. At just thirty, he's already the head of the Office of the Imperial Stables."

An official from outside the capital?

Shen He instinctively inquired, "Whose side is he on? Is he with the Crown Prince?"

Qi Yanbing immediately shook his head, "No, quite the opposite. He's aligned with the second imperial uncle."

Shen He: "?" Great.

Old grudges combined with new ones, it's time to settle scores with the enemy.

Shen He began to suspect, could it be that Qi Leyong, realizing the shop belonged to him, deliberately instructed Chen Yuejiang to target him methodically?

Before Shen He could stew in his anger, there was a significant commotion coming from the street below.

"Isn't that the shopkeeper from Tang Xinfang? Why is he being arrested by the guards?"

"Shh! Didn't you hear about a shop on East Street getting vandalized this morning? Word is they held a grudge and retaliated at night."

Shen He: "?"

Why does this sound familiar?

Shen He stood up, looking down from the window, only to see a crowd moving below.

From the few individuals forcefully held in the center by the officers, he recognized a few familiar figures.

Are they, perhaps, his people?

Wait a minute, let me get this straight.

So, he, the victim, didn’t report the incident, but the arsonists confidently reported it first?

Anger welled up in Shen He's chest, swelling and then, with a 'bang', exploding!