Chapter 39: Darling, What Do You Like

Chapter 39: Darling, What Do You Like

Just as Fang Rui leaped to scale the wall, he was yanked down by the scruff of his neck by Zhu Yan.

He landed with a solid thud on his backside.

"What are you—"

Fang Rui turned around in anger, meeting the Sixth Prince's piercing and frosty gaze, then remembering, "Alright, he's your young master, so it's right that you should be the one handling this."

Zhu Yan's sharp gaze shifted to Lan Tian.

Lan Tian quickly recounted the situation, "It seems the Huo family's business has been too successful, and someone played a dirty trick on them. Now they're being blocked by Wu Fu from the Ministry of Justice. Because Young Master was worried and went over to check, he's also been blocked inside."

Fang Rui looked at the Sixth Prince suspiciously, "Why do you two keep getting blocked at doors? Are you having some sort of feud with doors?"

Zhu Yan: ...

It was just a blockade, not a major issue. No longer worried, Fang Rui patted the dirt off his rear and stood up straight, having grown wiser, he suggested to the Sixth Prince, "Young Master must be upset today. Shouldn't you try to comfort him?"

Zhu Yan: "Huh?"

Fang Rui: "I heard Shi Muyun say that one must often comfort their partner, especially when they're upset. If you don't comfort them when they're upset, there won't be any chance later. In my family, my parents are the same. When my father returns from the border after a long absence, he definitely spends every day comforting my mother. The more unhappy she is, the more he comforts her, even if she scolds and drives him away. By comforting her, their relationship improves..."

Zhu Yan: "Comfort?"

Fang Rui: "Yes, comfort! Say some sweet words, hold hands affectionately, and give a gift. My father gave me many cricket jars, why don't you give it a try?"

Zhu Yan: "Will it work?"

Fang Rui punched his palm, "Of course! My mother's hairpins and rings aren't suitable, but Young Master is about my age, so he should like similar things. I'm always thrilled when I receive a cricket jar. I have an entire row of them in my bedroom now!"

Lan Tian: ...

Truly, one dares to say, and the other dares to believe.

"The Marquis' words are true; we should consider what Young Master likes."

What does Wen Ruan like...

Zhu Yan: "How would I know?"

...

At the entrance of the Huo family's shop, a crowd still gathered to watch the spectacle.

It's getting more exciting, friends! It's actually the censor Meng Weiyi!

Who doesn't know this old man, known for his integrity, daring to speak out against all injustices, even daring to criticize the emperor and confront princes. He's so bold that he even criticizes himself, attacking everyone around him without discrimination!

Today, Wu Fu's words struck a nerve, and Wu Fu, unaware of the taboo, continued speaking. There was no way he could let it slide!

"...Do you understand how difficult life is for women in this world! Women have no private property, cannot establish households, and from birth, they must rely on the men of the household. Growing up is hard, learning is hard. All resources in childhood must be given to brothers. When they marry, they face mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and sister relationships, along with the relationship with their husband. Each requires careful thought. Even if they have children, it remains difficult. If the children are filial, that's good, but they still worry about their daughter's marriage and their son's future. If the children are unfilial, besides these, they must find ways to help their children navigate life..."

"Men, who take advantage of every privilege, not only fail to understand but also restrict women from pursuing careers, imposing multiple rules upon them. In the end, when they themselves fail to bring honor to the family or achieve success, they blame women as the downfall of beauty, unvirtuous wives, and undisciplined daughters. How big is their face!"

"Even more so for common women, treated like trash, bought and sold. One moment they're happily picking wild vegetables, thinking of cooking a good meal for their parents, the next moment they're sold by their gambling fathers to pay off debts. When there isn't enough food at home, and there are two sons and two daughters, the sons are the roots of the family, how can they be touched? Of course, they sell the daughters... Who cares about the suffering of these girls?"

"...You say that rich people are different, that rich families' daughters aren't casually sold. But in every arranged marriage, do the elders consider the girl's well-being entirely, or is it for the sake of the family and the future of the male heirs? The neglect and manipulation in wealthy homes, which is worse? These girls never had choices and rarely received true love and acceptance. You say they live well? Just because they can wear gold and silver and have meals every day, does that mean they should be grateful for a good life?"

"Pah! The greatest poverty is the lack of care and recognition!"

"The sun and moon divide into yin and yang, heaven and earth into qian and kun. Men and women are originally one, sharing glory and disgrace, poverty and hardship together. By belittling women, how can you live better? When commoners treat their wives and daughters as mere servants, do they live more smoothly?"

"...Ruling a great country is like cooking a small fish. The difficulties of people and the hardships of the populace accumulate like water into rivers. Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. Countless lessons from fallen states and reforms from rising states all start from trivial matters. Others may not understand, but you, Wu Fu, who are you? You're the head official of the Ministry of Justice. If you don't understand the small aspects of people's lives, how can you present yourself before the throne, how can you relieve the emperor's burdens, how can you govern, and serve the myriad people!"

Meng Weiyi unleashed a torrent of words, starting from the hardships of weavers and expanding to the difficulties faced by women, then to the hardships of the common people, the difficulty of governing, and the difficulty of being an emperor. Today, Wu Fu's slip of the tongue wasn't merely a mistake in words and actions; it revealed a bias in his heart, a flawed mindset, unable to see the bigger picture and lacking self-reflection. What use is the court if it can't even address such issues?

The surrounding crowd fell silent.

From watching the spectacle, they began to ponder, finding Meng's words incredibly reasonable.

The hardships of women were evident to everyone, and Meng's words were actually understated. Many darker truths lurked in the shadows beneath the sunlight, unknown to outsiders.

As beneficiaries, men seldom reflect on this aspect. Being less exploitative towards women is already considered virtuous. For example, in the marriages of common women, as long as the man doesn't beat his wife, he's already considered a good man...

How tragic.

Meng Weiyi thoroughly criticized Wu Fu, concluding, "Nowadays, the disappearance of weavers is becoming commonplace. A group of profit-driven individuals is using this as a pretext to eliminate rivals. Not only did you, Lord Wu, fail to punish them, but you also bolstered their position, repeatedly claiming to care about the fate of the weavers, yet taking no action to truly search for these poor girls! Isn't this precisely your duty, Lord Wu!"

"Have you investigated whether they suffer due to the wealth opportunities brought by the new looms, or if someone is specifically targeting the unfortunate? As the looms in Jiang Nan have become widespread, none of the weavers resisted. Instead, they actively signed contracts to rent the new machines, creating more wealth. How did the situation evolve? Have you, Lord Wu, learned anything about this!"

Meng Weiyi could fearlessly criticize others not only because of his stubbornness but also because he was flexible and intelligent. He was well-informed, and many people trusted him, willing to share confidential information with him, knowing he wouldn't betray them. Thus, he had some knowledge about the loom incident, though it wasn't his primary responsibility, and his sensitivity in this area was lacking. Therefore, he was also unaware of the truth and couldn't solve the case of the missing weavers in the capital.

But he pointed out one crucial fact—

The weavers weren't losing their livelihoods; instead, they were earning more money!

Wu Fu glared, "There were reports, and there was evidence. Therefore, arrests should be made. I acted according to the precedents of the Ministry of Justice. What's wrong with that? Everyone wants to learn from Meng and make baseless accusations, believing they can resolve matters and govern the country? If the procedure is incorrect, the matter is incorrect. With so many events happening simultaneously every day, how can a chief official handle everything? Procedures and precedents help you prioritize urgency and importance, preventing you from acting like a headless fly. This is how the entire court operates. Dare Meng say it's wrong?"

Meng Weiyi sneered, "Despite your extensive reading and admiration for sages, your skill in being unreasonable is no different from the Pan family!"

Wu Fu: "Lord Meng, choose your words carefully! I'm a dignified court official, my loyalty to heaven and earth is evident. I will never act in treachery!"

Meng Weiyi: "Is that so? Then why did Lord Wu panic when I said I would criticize you? Oh, I understand. The Pan family has fallen, affecting its head. Seeing an empty position in the court, you've been actively maneuvering, aiming to advance further and take the spot?"

Wu Fu: "Your words are slanderous and baseless!"

Meng Weiyi rolled up his sleeves, ready to confront him, "I, Meng Weiyi, don't choose time or place to scold people, cursing both humans and dogs alike. But in my life, I've never lied or deceived anyone. You're the one full of lies. Dare you say you have nothing to do with the Pan family—"

"Two gentlemen, two gentlemen, Brother Meng—Brother Meng! No need to be so hot-headed."

A middle-aged man emerged from the crowd, tall, fair-skinned, with a round face and amiable dimples, exuding an air of inclusiveness typical of a man in his forties. This was Jing Ji, the Deputy Chancellor.

Jing Ji held back Meng Weiyi, who was about to act, smiling as he advised him, "Look at you. Clearly doing good deeds, speaking for the people, but before the matter is resolved, you're already red-faced and fierce, scaring the children nearby. Who would think that you're speaking on their behalf, standing up for them?"

"And it's better to speak calmly. If your words are reasonable and understood by all, wouldn't the effect be better? We're not in the imperial court; there's no need to immediately establish right or wrong."

Meng Weiyi frowned, as if realizing something.

Jing Ji then turned to Wu Fu, "As for you, why provoke him? Everyone knows Brother Meng has a quick temper in the imperial court. Instead of speaking to him properly and analyzing the situation seriously, you directly opposed him. How could he not scold you? Even if you win an argument on the street, does it really give you face? Where did this matter originate, how did it develop, how to resolve it, whether there's guilt or not, debating here won't help. It's better to submit a memorial. The Emperor will naturally decide. It's not like you're not allowed to defend yourself. Why are you in such a hurry? Arguing at someone's doorstep is so unsightly."

Wu Fu's eyelid twitched as he looked around, realizing everyone was just watching the spectacle, not caring whether he won or was innocent... His lips tightened into a straight line, and he fell silent.

Inside the door, Wen Ruan, who was secretly peeking, looked at Young Master Huo, "Who is that?"

Young Master Huo was even more surprised, "Wasn't he the one you invited to mediate? "

Wen Ruan: "...How could I invite someone I don't even know?"

"I can recognize him," Young Master Huo had collected information on the capital's officials before coming to the capital, recognizing portraits, "It seems to be Deputy Chancellor Jing Ji. He appears to hold a high position, but in reality, all power lies in the hands of the Chief Secretary, Yuan Weiang. He doesn't have much real power, having honed the skill of smoothing things over. Any scene in front of him can be calmed down, so the Emperor also values him..."

Wen Ruan understood, "Then why not open the door?"

Regardless of coincidence or intention, the mediator had arrived. Why not take advantage of the opportunity to get past this obstacle?

Seeing the chance, Young Master Huo pushed the door open and strode out.

Upon seeing him, Wu Fu immediately said, "Men, arrest him for me—"

"Wait, Lord Wu," Young Master Huo raised his hand, "Do you have a warrant for today's arrest?"

Wu Fu: "Of course."

Young Master Huo: "Evidence?"

Wu Fu: "There are statements from informants with fingerprints."

Young Master Huo: "Witnesses?"

"All dead," Wu Fu stared at him, "This official has nowhere to verify, so I can only detain you. I hope for your cooperation. If found innocent, you will be released."

Wen Ruan walked behind Young Master Huo, "I remember in the case of Minister Chan from the Ministry of Revenue, Lord Wu clearly judged in court but didn't immediately clear Minister Chan's name and release him on the spot. Instead, he was taken back to prison, saying that all due process must be completed before release. Why today, without any witnesses, which doesn't count as solid evidence, do you dare to arrest someone at their doorstep and say that if found innocent, they can be released—shouldn't you confirm guilt before making an arrest?"

Young Master Huo sneered, "Why has Lord Wu suddenly changed the rules? Is it because I'm an ordinary citizen, insignificant and voiceless, unable to speak up when bullied, or is it because this 'witness' is too influential, even someone like Lord Wu can't afford to offend them, so you can only arrest first and ask questions later?"

"Official procedures are followed, even if you—" Wu Fu narrowed his eyes, looking at Wen Ruan, "Even if you are the young master of the Duke Wen's Mansion, you have no place to comment."

Wen Ruan: "Why does Lord Wu say that? We mere commoners, how dare we comment on the rules of the Ministry of Justice? But I've heard that the first missing weaver girl in the capital has been gone for a year now. After her, other weavers disappeared one after another, especially recently, with over thirty missing in a year. The girls who disappeared were all from homes with poor atmospheres or lived alone in remote areas for some unspeakable reasons... Why wasn't action taken at the time, but only now, suddenly investigated?"

Wu Fu: "No one reported the disappearances to the authorities, so the officials wouldn't know. This time, it was a named informant—"

Wen Ruan: "After following procedure, this named informant died?"

"Presumptuous!" Wu Fu, who had faced opposition all day, was furious, "I am an official of the imperial court, how can you casually question and belittle me? Men—"

He was about to order the arrest of Wen Ruan.

Young Master Huo was confused by this scene, gently bumping Wen Ruan's shoulder, "He doesn't...still not know your identity?"

Ah Ruan was going to marry the Sixth Prince, becoming one of the future masters of the Sixth Prince's Mansion. The entire capital trembled at the mention of the Sixth Prince, no one dared to provoke him, and similarly, no one dared to touch the prince's bedmate.

Wen Ruan: ...

Although he didn't want to rely on someone else's power, this person's power was indeed in his hands, and coincidentally...

the person had arrived at this moment.

Zhu Yan suddenly rode his horse through the crowd, parting them like water, straight to the center of the circle, reining in his horse and stopping. He casually threw something into Wen Ruan's arms, "Hold this."

Wen Ruan subconsciously reached out to catch it, realizing it was...a small jar? A long, cylindrical shape, not large, delicately crafted from bamboo, carved with patterns, looking...unknown for what purpose.

Young Master Huo, who had played with cats and dogs as a child, doing many mischievous things, recognized it at once, "A cricket jar?"

Wen Ruan: ...

Although he didn't know why the Sixth Highness sent this, he would...put it away.

It was obvious he didn't like it very much.

Lan Tian couldn't bear to watch, so he spoke up, not feeling reassured at all.

Indeed, it wasn't working.

Zhu Yan decided that upon returning, he would bind Fang Rui and hang him upside down from a tree, then set up a Six-Phenomenon Killing Formation for him, to hone his determination to kill enemies.

"What's happening?" He dismounted, walking to the front side of Wen Ruan, blocking Wu Fu's view.

Wu Fu had no choice but to quickly recount the events, unable to see Wen Ruan, he directly mentioned the name of the young master of the Duke Wen's Mansion, "…This boy spoke disrespectfully, showing contempt for official authority. According to the law, he should be imprisoned and punished!"

"Pah—"

Meng Weiyi spat at him first, "Clearly, you don't understand the people's livelihood, don't understand governance. As an official of the imperial court, you don't understand the lives of the people. As the head of the Ministry of Justice, your thinking is rigid, arresting people arbitrarily, refusing to listen to anyone's advice, and still daring to blame those who speak out for being disrespectful!"

Wu Fu: "I have my documents and procedures, how is that wrong—"

"Ah, you two, you two, no need to argue again," Jing Ji came over with his round smile to mediate, hinting, "The Sixth Highness is still here."

"I didn't insult anyone; how could I be disrespectful and belittle official authority?" Wen Ruan sidestepped Zhu Yan, intent on continuing his argument with Wu Fu. This was slander! For an official to lie and spread rumors, twisting black into white, right into wrong, in front of so many people!

Zhu Yan reached out to hold him back, but failed as Wen Ruan moved too swiftly, forcing him to take a step forward and try again.

Wen Ruan frowned and turned around. "Hm?"

Zhu Yan gently touched the back of his neck. "Don't rush, I won't listen to them; I'll listen to you."

It was an ordinary statement, yet for some reason, Wen Ruan felt a warmth in his heart.

He seldom acted on impulse, and today's extent shouldn't have pushed him to his limit, yet he seemed somewhat impulsive. Was it because of the man standing beside him?

In the past, when he rarely acted impulsively, the things he did were usually difficult, requiring all his wit and persuasive skills, for others might not believe him. He needed to convince them, employing wisdom and strategy. Yet this man effortlessly stood by his side, easily uttering such words...

Extremely biased, with a focused gaze as if nothing else mattered, making one feel like they were the most important person in the world at that moment.

As if no matter how bizarre or irrational the words spoken, this man would believe them without question.

"There's not much to say..." Wen Ruan lowered his eyes, realizing that the Sixth Prince must have received news to arrive at this time, "You should already know everything."

Zhu Yan hummed in agreement: "So you think, how should we resolve this now?"

Wen Ruan had already thought it through: "The case must be thoroughly investigated. Without tracing the source, the disappearances of the girls will continue to occur. We need to address the root cause. Since there are established procedures within the government, they should be strictly followed. Just like how one cannot release an innocent person from prison without completing all the necessary procedures and evidence, one should not arrest people casually without sufficient evidence. If we start down this path, countless unwritten rules will emerge, leading to arrests being made first before looking for evidence and investigating cases. Where would the credibility of the government lie then?"

Investigating cases relies on real actions, not empty talk. Therefore, the efforts moving forward must bear fruit, and the current chaos must swiftly dissipate.

But how could it pass?

Zhu Yan: "It's simple, Ah Ruan, you just need to tell everyone that you belong to me."

Wen Ruan: ...

Is it going to be this straightforward and brutal?

"Useful?"

"Shall Ah Ruan give it a try?"

Wen Ruan closed his eyes, deciding that he might as well treat this as a game: "Minister Wu can make the arrest if you wish; in any case, I'm getting married to His Sixth Highness soon. It would be His Sixth Highness who loses face!"

Wu Fu was taken aback.

"Scram!" With a wave of Zhu Yan's hand, two bodyguards who clearly weren't to be trifled with approached. Each took one of his arms and forcibly escorted him away.

Without the main man around, what was there left to argue about? What spectacle was there to see?

Wen Ruan: ...

Are you messing with me... In reality, you've had it in for Wu Fu for a long time, haven't you?

Wen Ruan hadn't thought of solving problems this way; it indeed felt... somewhat refreshing.

Young Master Huo was perceptive, bowing to Zhu Yan and stealing a glance at Wen Ruan, giving him a sly eyebrow raise that only they understood, then solemnly said, "Since this matter involves the weaver girl, my family has no choice but to take responsibility. I'll help investigate immediately."

Fang Rui also gave his good brother an encouraging look from the sidelines. This time he wasn't late and saw everything. Seeing his good brother still a bit shy, with red ears, there was nothing to be embarrassed about. Why wouldn't you use your man? Use him to the fullest, make the most of what you have!

Meng Weiyi had a headstrong temper. The argument just now was exhilarating, and now his emotions were perfectly stable. He didn't have any grudges with anyone, coming over to respectfully bow to the Sixth Prince and bid farewell before walking away leisurely.

Jing Ji also bowed to take his leave, though his eyes subtly swept past Wen Ruan, glancing at him inadvertently.

To actually tame His Highness... Could it be that he hadn't misjudged? Slim in stature, still a youth before the age of adulthood, his attire was casual and not opulent; his shoes, in particular, were speckled with mud—a kind of mud not found just anywhere within the city walls. This was field mud. This young master, it seemed, was one of simplicity and honesty, already betrothed to a prince, yet willing to work the land.

The onlooking townsfolk immediately dispersed, none daring to utter a peep.

On the way back, Wen Ruan came to an understanding: "His Highness likes others to fear you... because fear is a form of power, isn't it?"

The power of restraint.

Zhu Yan: "Do you like it?"

Wen Ruan shook his head. "I still don't like it that much."

Zhu Yan: ...

So, what do you like then?

The walk back was very quiet; the Sixth Highness didn't speak, and neither did Wen Ruan. The two of them simply walked together in companionship, without any communication...

The Sixth Highness still didn't know what his young master liked. He decided to express himself in his own way.

The next day, Wen Ruan went to the manor and didn't return to the Marquis' residence. When he woke up on the third day and opened his door, he received a great surprise—a gift from his fiancé.

A dead man.

Zhu Yan had killed Pan Peng, leaving the body at his doorstep.

Wen Ruan: ...

Everyone was stunned.

Fang Rui couldn't hold it in any longer and went to confront the Sixth Prince: "What's wrong with you? My good friend hasn't even married into your family yet, and you're already bullying and threatening him?"

Zhu Yan was unperturbed, convinced that his gift was perfect and fitting: "All the grievances Ah Ruan suffered last time were due to Pan Peng. Pan Peng escaped from prison these past few days, lurking around to ambush Ah Ruan for revenge. Ah Ruan has narrowly escaped twice already. Ah Ruan is clear about right and wrong, hates evil, and must want him dead."

Fang Rui swallowed hard: "So you killed him and left him at Ah Ruan's doorstep?"

Zhu Yan looked as if it was the most natural thing in the world: "If I didn't leave him at his doorstep, how could he be reassured without seeing it with his own eyes?"

Fang Rui was almost convinced but shook his head: "No, this isn't right. We should pay attention to his preferences and habits, take care of his food, clothing, and daily needs—"

"Isn't that the servants' job?" Zhu Yan said calmly, "If they can't even do this well, and it causes inconvenience to him, then the servants should be punished."

Lan Tian, standing nearby: ...

Fang Rui looked over with sympathy, "It's not like..."

Zhu Yan: "If Ruan wants to do something, I clear the way for him, ensuring his endeavors go smoothly, that is what he truly desires."

Fang Rui: "But what if Ruan doesn't know about Pan Peng's ill intentions? What if he doesn't understand Your Highness's efforts?"

"Why must he know?" Zhu Yan remained composed, "Isn't that my responsibility?"

Fang Rui: ...

"That being said, Your Highness should still make him aware that you value him, that you have feelings for him, so he may reciprocate in kind..."

"Do I, someone of such excellence, need to resort to such means?"

Zhu Yan gave an unimpressed glance at the less-than-stellar Fang Rui, full of confidence: "In this world, there is no one more suitable for Ruan than me. Ruan will undoubtedly fall for me."