Chapter 122 – Not Giving In

Chapter 122 - Not Giving In

Cheng Yu had first abducted her in public and later taken her out of the capital. Regardless of the first or the second incident, he was her adversary. Even though she had drugged the tofu, her guilt was directed towards the innocent, not him.

Before him, she had no regrets.

His gaze was even more complicated. Perhaps he had once felt a fleeting attraction to this woman. That attraction wasn't pure, but it was the first time he had developed an affection for a lady.

Times had changed, and that attraction seemed to remain, now mixed with many other emotions. She didn't owe him anything; he was well aware, and he should even thank her for saving his life under Gongye Chu's sword.

So, why was he still unwilling to let go?

Desperate to please Gongye Chu, Chen Ling shrunk his shoulders and said, "Duke, although we haven't found the map yet, I'm sure... the Cheng family really has hidden a vast fortune. If Duke doubts me, just capture him and subject him to harsh interrogation. You'll definitely get the truth out of him."

What a two-faced traitor, Cheng Yu glared at him furiously.

He straightened his neck and spoke with righteous indignation, "Young Master Cheng, don't blame me for not considering our families' past relations. Your Cheng family harbors sinister intentions, which is utterly treasonous. Our Chen family has always despised associating with traitors and rebels. If not for wanting to cut off your family's remaining roots in one fell swoop, I wouldn't have any dealings with someone like you. Duke, our Chen family is loyal to you, please investigate clearly!"

Cheng Yu burst into laughter, his weakened body trembling from a violent coughing fit as if it couldn't withstand such emotional upheaval, "What a loyal declaration... It's merely a despicable man trying to turn black into white after failing to seize wealth. Do you really think someone like him would believe you?"

Gongye Chu's icy gaze swept past Chen Ling and landed on Cheng Yu. "Are you going to hand it over yourself, or do I need to take action?"

"I'll give it up, but only if there's something in exchange," Cheng Yu replied.

"What could you possibly offer me as leverage?" Gongye Chu sneered.

Feeling Cheng Yu's gaze shift towards her, Pei Yuanxi sensed that she had become the object of his attention. In an instant, she understood his intentions.

Suddenly, a frenzied cry echoed from outside, "Don't kill me, don't kill me... I didn't say anything, I promise I won't dare again... Please don't catch me..."

It was Chen Yaozhi's voice, filled with terror and shrillness.

The sarcasm on Cheng Yu's face deepened. This was the Chen family, a century-old reputable clan. They had bred a villainous heir and a foolish daughter. If the ancestors of the Chen family were to witness this, who knew if they would rise from their graves in outrage.

Liu Wei brought Chen Yaozhi in, accompanied by Chen Yingxue.

Chen Yingxue was dressed in simple attire, her clothes neat, and her hair perfectly coiffed without a single strand out of place. Her expression was calm and composed, showing no surprise upon seeing the room full of people. Instead, she behaved as if she was merely greeting guests at home.

In contrast, Chen Yaozhi appeared disheveled and terrified. Her hair was a mess, and her face was filled with fear. Upon catching sight of the menacing Gongye Chu, she trembled violently, collapsing to her knees. "Chief Commander, please spare my life... I really didn't say anything..."

"Without your revelation, why would Lord Gongyi suddenly appear at your residence?" Cheng Yu taunted.

Chen Ling shot a cold glare, once again wishing he could slap his own sister to death. A foolish troublemaker, she truly was the calamity that brought ruin to their family.

Chen Yaozhi abruptly pointed at Cheng Yu. "Duke, those words were all taught to me by him. I know nothing... He, with his wolfish intentions, threatened our Chen family into hiding him. We had no choice but to comply."

"Truly a pair, both blaming others with the same excuse," Cheng Yu mocked, sarcasm evident in his eyes. "This is the renowned Chen family, the descendants of scholars, and this is their esteemed son and daughter. How enlightening."

Chen Yingxue wore a look of remorse. "It's my fault as their aunt for not teaching them well. Our Chen family, out of a moment of compassion, took you in. It is our sin. I will personally apologize to Duke for this matter. There's no need, Young Master Cheng, to add salt to the wound."

Cheng Yu regarded her with a tinge of respect in his gaze. "I have no intention of targeting Lord Chen; it's just that they... Well, there's no point discussing this now. Both you and I are mere fish on someone else's chopping block, to be killed or flayed at Lord Gongye's whim."

He snapped open the folding fan in his hand, revealing the four characters "Prepare for Rain Before It Falls" clearly to all. "These are the words of wisdom passed down by my ancestors. Being prepared is the golden rule for every patriarch of the Cheng family. If you knew how much wealth our family possesses and that only I know the location of the treasure, you wouldn't have refused so swiftly."

A glint of greed flickered in Chen Ling's eyes, which quickly turned to regret when he realized his current predicament.

"The world lies at my feet, and I, of all people, cannot find a single hidden treasure?" Gongye Chu's words exuded arrogance, thought Pei Yuanxi, rather inconveniently. If he couldn't find it, he could send his son, then his grandson, and so on, an unending lineage of successors. She couldn't help but laugh, oblivious to the tense atmosphere around her.

Her laughter drew everyone's attention to her.

Chen Yingxue remained calm, while Chen Ling and Chen Yaozhi wore expressions of horror. Chen Ling thought that Gongye Chu indeed favored this woman, even allowing her to accompany him in such a critical matter. Chen Yaozhi knew that her disgraceful appearance had been seen by the other party, which was more unbearable than death itself.

Cheng Yu's gaze grew increasingly complex, believing that Gongye Chu's domineering decisiveness had won her admiration. Men sought power and profit, but women were no different.

If he were still the heir of Duke Yan's residence...

A wave of anger soon surfaced in his heart. At such a crucial moment, he was actually contemplating how to please a woman. Frustration tinged his expression with hostility.

"Wouldn't it be more efficient for Lord Gongye to simply let me hand over what you seek? After all, it would save both time and effort searching for years."

Chen Ling drew a sharp breath. What exactly did Cheng Yu want from Gongye Chu? His life was out of the question. A retrial for the Cheng family, Gongye Chu would never consent to that based on his character. As for controlling the government, that was even more wishful thinking.

"Lord, why not let him state his terms? Perhaps it's something easily achievable..." He dared not look at Gongye Chu, turning to Cheng Yu instead. "Young Master Cheng, why hide your intentions? You have no leverage to negotiate with the Supreme Commander now. Be sensible and speak up, for the Supreme Commander has no time for your word games."

Cheng Yu sneered at him. "The ancestors of the Chen family should see your despicable face."

"What I look like is none of your concern. You should worry about whether you'll live to see the dawn," Chen Ling replied angrily. If it weren't for the treasure that had piqued his curiosity, even if he couldn't obtain it himself, he wouldn't have risked so much just to know its whereabouts.

"There's little good in living, nor much harm in dying..." Cheng Yu murmured. Sometimes, he truly wished he had died long ago. No need to survive alone, no burden of seeking vengeance.

Chen Ling simmered with frustration. He finally understood why the Chengs had failed – such indecisiveness was no match for Gongye Chu's resolute decisiveness.

"Is there someone I want, Lord Gongye, that you won't give?" Cheng Yu's gaze swept past everyone, settling on Pei Yuanxi.

Gongye Chu's murderous intent surged. "Courting death!"

"Lord, hold your temper!" Pei Yuanxi approached him, offering a faint smile. "Killing is such an effortless task; why the rush? Never let money come between you and your calmness – harmony brings prosperity. Please, calm down."

To everyone's astonishment, Gongye Chu really did not make another move.

His nature is known to all under the heavens.

A daring minister, defying the heavens and overstepping his bounds, a ruthless man who regards human life as mere straw. Those who oppose him perish, while those who submit thrive. How could he possibly heed the words of a woman?

"Great General Gongye, it seems you do take the counsel of a woman. Today, my eyes have been truly opened," Cheng Yu's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Considering the generations of wealth accumulated by the Cheng family, it would not be an exaggeration to say we are as affluent as a nation. For the sake of a woman, you are willing to forsake such an excellent opportunity. Don't you think that's regrettable?"

"Not at all," Gongye Chu replied coldly.

Chen Yingxue gazed at Pei Yuanxi with a contemplative expression.

Pei Yuanxi remarked, "Young Master Cheng, you're quite amusing. You're seeking a person, not an object or possession. Even if Lord Gongye is willing to give, has he asked whether that person is willing to be with you?"

"What if I insist?"

"Insisting... Well, it's not entirely impossible. But the one being forced might forever live in fear and obedience to your power, while others might take the chance to end your life. If you don't wish to spend each night with the constant threat of losing your head, it's best not to impose on others, lest you become a wandering spirit one day."

Cheng Yu started coughing. "What if I'm willing to die under the peony flowers?"

"There wouldn't be much of a difference; it'd make for excellent fertilizer," Pei Yuanxi replied with a wry smile.

"Fertilizer for flowers, huh? That's quite a choice." Cheng Yu's coughing intensified.

Chen Yaozhi was envious to the point of near-bloodshed. She couldn't understand what was so great about Pei Yuanxi. It wasn't enough that she had Gongye Chu's exclusive affection, but now there was also Cheng Yu, willing to surrender his inheritance.

Envy drove people mad, made them lose their minds, and made them forget fear.

"Pei Yuanxi, you harlot! How can you do this to the love the Grand Commander has for you? Sacrificing yourself for the Grand Commander's grand endeavor, how could you not be willing?"

Chen Ling panicked and rushed over to kick her. "You destructive femme fatale, how dare you be so fearless of retribution? Do you believe I won't kill you..."

Chen Yaozhi believed it, for her elder brother's gaze at her held no trace of sibling affection – it was more terrifying than looking at an enemy. This was her own flesh and blood; if she didn't fight for herself, could she rely on him?

Gongye Chu looked coldly at the crowd, not keen on expending energy on these people. If not for wanting to accumulate some virtue for his son, some of them wouldn't even have the chance to speak.

A chill radiated from him, instantly cooling the room.

"I suppose I've been too merciful," he said icily. "Any Tom, Dick, or Harry dares to negotiate with me, even barking ignorantly about life and death."

His words unleashed a wave of hostility.

Fear of death gripped Chen Yaozhi once again, and she wished she could bite off her tongue. Chen Ling's body also trembled, his face paling further.

"This is the Gongye Chu I know," Cheng Yu commented. "I was wondering why you would let Miss Chen go so easily; turns out it was a moment of compassion. Indeed, I did want to exchange what I had for someone's life, but not your lady, but rather, a servant of mine."

The atmosphere shifted again, a strange expression appearing on Chen Ling's face. "The person you're talking about… couldn't be Aunt He, could it?"

"Correct, it's her." Cheng Yu continued coughing. "She should no longer be in the Eastern Capital City. She's just a servant, following my orders blindly. If I've offended your lady, the fault lies solely with me. I'm willing to hand over what's in my possession, only asking that you spare her from pursuit and give her a chance to live."

The Cheng family's vast fortune exchanged for the life of a mere servant.

Chen Ling was utterly perplexed, realizing that his concubine was nowhere to be seen. "Y-You... Did you plan this from the start? Where's Ya'er? Did she run away with Aunt He?"

"Can't keep track of your own people and now you're asking me?" Cheng Yu didn't look at him but instead turned to Gongye Chu. "I wonder what Lord thinks of this?"

Given such conditions, there was no reason to refuse.

Not pursuing them and merely dispatching someone to tail them wouldn't violate the promise. If Aunt He truly behaved as an ordinary citizen from then on, her life would be safe. Otherwise, accidents were hard to predict.

"I seem to have no grounds to decline your sincere request," he said.

What a sincere plea, and what reason could there be to refuse such a request?

"Lord Gongye is a man of his word; I have every faith in him," Cheng Yu said, reopening the fan in his hand. "If my ancestors knew of such an ungrateful descendant as me, they would be deeply disappointed!"

Chen Ling seemed to recall something, his eyes widening with regret. No wonder he couldn't find Cheng Yu anywhere – it turned out he had been right under his nose all along.

"Could it be that the map is hidden within this fan?"

Cheng Yu nodded. "Young Master Chen, after all your searching, why didn't you approach Lord Gongye straightforwardly? Instead, you chose to mimic those dishonorable rats, sneaking around and rifling through others' belongings. Had you asked me honestly, I would have told you willingly. Alas, your actions are those of a petty thief, which truly saddens me. When I meet your ancestors, I will surely have much to discuss with them about bringing you under their guidance sooner rather than later."

Chen Ling's eyes bulged with fury. Despite his dire situation, Cheng Yu still found the audacity to mock him. "You... You traitor, I'll never forgive you!"

"I wouldn't worry about that if I were you. Do you truly believe that I, or Lord Gongye, are unaware of your deeds? Instead of slandering others, focus on how you can save your own life."

Chen Ling shrunk back, retreating to Chen Yingxue's side.

With compassion in her voice, Chen Yingxue whispered, "Don't be afraid, Brother Ling. Aunt will do everything in her power to protect you."

Among all the Chengs, it was she who commanded a modicum of respect from Cheng Yu. Her comforting words at this critical moment stirred memories of his parents.

His parents had spared no effort to send him out of the Eastern Capital City.

He gazed at the folding fan in his hand and sighed. "Well planned indeed, but even the most meticulous schemes can't withstand a storm. Oh well, perhaps this is fate."

He held the fan out with both hands. "My father concealed the map within the fan's surface. When fire touches the fan, the image will reveal itself."

Liu Ze stepped forward, ready to take the fan from Cheng Yu.

Suddenly, an arm-mounted dart flew towards Gongye Chu. Simultaneously, Cheng Yu tossed the fan into the brazier and leaped out the window. Soon, the sound of someone hitting the water could be heard from outside.

"Chase!"

A group of Liu Weis leaped through the windows in pursuit.

After Gongye Chu deflected the hidden arrow, he swooped in to seize the folding fan. By the time it was thrown, the fan was already open. Just as Cheng Yu had predicted, the blank side revealed an image when exposed to fire.

"It's a treasure map! There really is a treasure map!" Chen Ling exclaimed excitedly, eager to grab it for himself.

Suddenly, the fan spontaneously ignited without any flame, swiftly turning to ashes in an instant.