Chapter 118: The Bloodthirsty Marquis

Chapter 118: The Bloodthirsty Marquis

"Liang Ce, someone just delivered a message that there's unrest caused by wandering refugees in the East Street. We'll have to detour," Liang Ce said. "If we go back via the South Street, it will take an extra half-hour."

Unable to dispel his pent-up anger, Ye Jiangbai replied, "We'll take the East Street."

"Huh? But the refugees on the East Street..."

"Are the officials and enforcers all dead?" Ye Jiangbai asked coldly. "What's the point of purchasing weapons with large sums of money every year if they're just for show?"

"..."

Every time they left the Ye residence, their master would be filled with a strong desire to kill. Liang Ce knew very well that if he didn't allow him to vent, it would suffocate him.

Coincidentally, Ye Jiangbai's only means of venting was through killing.

Half an hour later, the East Street was sealed off by the enforcers, forbidding anyone from approaching within a distance of ten paces. Ye Jiangbai strode in alone, wielding his sword and beheading a refugee who was smashing a shop.

With a "pfft", blood spattered three feet, and the head tumbled down, rolling a good six feet away.

In groups of three or five, the terrified refugees reacted with anger, rushing forward to confront Ye Jiangbai. Undaunted, Ye Jiangbai laughed and swung his blade. At first, the street echoed with curses and smashing sounds, but eventually, it was filled only with screams of fear.

When blood splattered onto his face, Ye Jiangbai finally felt a sense of satisfaction. Looking down at the quivering people beneath his feet, he whispered, "Do any of you have mothers?"

None of them dared to respond, their faces twisted in panic. Many knelt on the ground, begging for mercy, hoping to save their lives. Even if they were committing evil deeds, they didn't deserve to die!

However, as Ye Jiangbai walked from one end of the street to the other, killing with increasing delight, Qin Dacheng rushed out to stop him, fearing he would even kill ordinary citizens.

"Are you insane?" Qin Dacheng restrained him, staring into his bloodshot eyes and yelling, "Human life is sacred, not something you can take at will!"

Only then did Ye Jiangbai gradually calm down. He looked at his blood-stained hands in silence.

"You've always had a violent streak in you," Qin Dacheng said urgently. "I told you before that you should be a scholar, not a warrior. Why are you still killing people in broad daylight?"

"In the capital, under the emperor's rule, if they dare to plunder and loot, chaos will only escalate if not stopped," Ye Jiangbai replied, pressing his lips together. "If I take a hundred lives to ensure ten thousand citizens can live in peace, what is the fault in that?"

"Bloody nonsense!" Qin Dacheng erupted in anger. "I shouldn't have taken you as my disciple!"

"Master," Ye Jiangbai lifted his gaze and asked softly, "Even you don't want me?"

Qin Dacheng was taken aback.

After knowing each other for so many years, he had rarely seen Ye Jiangbai like this. Standing with his sleeves folded, Ye Jiangbai maintained his usual demeanor, but his eyes were filled with vulnerability, as if he could break at any touch.

His heart softened, and Qin Dacheng took him to a nearby inn. He fetched warm water for Ye Jiangbai to wash his face and hands, then asked, "Did someone from the Ye family upset you again?"

Qin Dacheng was somewhat aware of the Ye family's situation. Back then, Ye's grandfather was still just the young master of the family. He had a beloved woman, but their relationship was forcibly severed by others. Afterward, Ye Jiangbai's mother was forcefully married to him by the family to ensure an heir. They drugged them on their wedding night, leading to Ye Jiangbai's conception. Only after his mother became pregnant with Ye Jiangbai was the young master allowed to leave.

To be honest, as another man, Qin Dacheng could understand the elder Ye. No one would like a son born under such circumstances, especially when he had deep feelings for his true love and had never truly let her go. It was only unfortunate for Ye Jiangbai, that clever and likable child who had never been treated as a son by his father.

After his mother passed away, Ye Jiangbai moved out of the Ye family's ancestral home, fueled by hatred. He studied and trained in martial arts, entering the world of politics. No one knew what he intended to do, perhaps one day seek revenge against the Ye family? But they were all his kin; how could he settle such a grudge?

Qin Dacheng sighed. As he lifted his head, he heard Ye Jiangbai respond, "No."

"Hmm?"

"They didn't upset me," Ye Jiangbai said softly. "Aside from cooperation, I have nothing else to say to them. How could they provoke me?"

Qin Dacheng frowned, wanting to pat his back but hesitated due to their differing statuses. In the end, he let his hand fall.

This child was shrouded in an icy chill, but there was no one who could save him. Only he could save himself.

However... looking at the bloodstains in the water basin, Qin Dacheng was deeply worried. He felt that Ye Jiangbai's murderous intent was too heavy. If one day it went unchecked, he might take lives without mercy, slaughtering all in his path.

Nonetheless, the ruthless massacre that occurred within the capital was soon hailed as a heroic feat to intimidate the refugees scattered across the land.

Standing in the court, Chang Nian listened as Minister Yao spoke with evident pleasure, "Before the new year, refugees were wreaking havoc everywhere, and the court had no effective solution. With the recent cold snap, their numbers have only increased. We were in the midst of discussing ways to address this dilemma when Duke Guo swiftly took action, punishing one to warn the rest, instilling fear into the refugees and restoring order. In the past three days, cases related to refugees have decreased by half."

The emperor, coughing, said, "Duke Guo has rendered a great service. He deserves commendation."

Minister Yao smiled as he returned to his place, glancing at Minister of Justice Li Shiqing beside him.

Li Shiqing stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, there is a petition signed by ten thousand people that has been submitted to the Ministry of Justice today. It concerns a matter of great significance, so I dare not make a decision without your permission."

The term "petition signed by ten thousand people" was never mentioned in court, and Li Shiqing's statement caused an uproar among the officials. The emperor frowned slightly, hesitating for a long while before asking, "What is it about?"

"There is an imperial prince who has forcibly taken someone else's wife, resulting in the wrongful deaths of over a hundred members of wealthy merchant Liu Lingyun's family in prison. This has incited public outrage. When the authorities sent troops to suppress the situation, they injured innocent civilians, further inflaming the people's resentment. Left with no choice, we have come to report this to Your Majesty, seeking your judgment."

As the whispers in the court grew louder, the emperor's expression darkened.

Prince Li Shiqing spoke tactfully, not directly naming anyone, but in the palace, there was currently only one prince - the crown prince. There had been previous reports of the crown prince's misdeeds, but he had dismissed them as trivial. He never imagined that the situation would escalate so abruptly.

But regardless of how big the scandal had become, his most beloved child now was the crown prince. How could he possibly punish the prince for the sake of commoners?

"Let us discuss this matter further after the court session."

"Your Majesty..."

"If there are no other matters, we shall adjourn." The emperor rose, swaying slightly before being barely caught by the grand eunuch. He left the throne hall rather clumsily.

Feng Tingyun sighed, "Our emperor truly guards the crown prince with all his might."

"But it's futile," Ye Jiangbai turned to leave, "As long as the Eastern Palace is punished, the crown prince will not appreciate His Majesty's mercy."

As he spoke, he inadvertently lifted his gaze and met Chang Nian's stare.

A tightness formed in Ye Jiangbai's chest, and he pursed his lips, looking at her expressionlessly.

Feng Tingyun paused, following his gaze and smiling, "Your Highness."

Chang Nian nodded at him and then turned to Ye Jiangbai, asking, "What does the Duke intend to do?"