Chapter 46 – Act Human, Your Highness

Chapter 46 - Act Human, Your Highness

Outside, fierce combat unfolded, swords flashing under the moonlight, the commotion so loud that Wen Ruan couldn't possibly have missed it.

Naturally, he was concerned about what was happening. The proximity of the conflict made it clear that it couldn't be Cang Ang; it had to be Zhu Yan's arrangement. Since His Highness had come here, regardless of his reasons, there must have been tasks to accomplish and preparations made. Wen Ruan's own thoughts were insignificant in comparison.

Yi Songxue was already safe, and with no new signals from Cang Ang, everything must be going smoothly. Outside the residence, Second Young Master He was doing his best. If Wen Ruan worried too much, it would be an insult to their abilities.

Overthinking was useless; better to focus on eating well.

He wasn't skilled in martial arts, and at this stage of the fight, he was effectively useless.

But if he couldn't fight, he could certainly complain!

With some food in his stomach, Wen Ruan slowed down his eating pace. He intentionally filled in gaps for Zhu Yan's information: "This garden of Lord Yang's is truly splendid. Every three steps, a new scene; every five steps, a painting. Under the night sky, its elegance isn't hidden but rather enhanced. I've never heard the refined scholars outside mention such intricacies before."

"The dishes are also exquisite. The color coordination, ingredient selection—it's not just about looking good or tasting delicious. They must also appear unassuming yet be truly precious and expensive. For all these years in Sizhou, I've never even seen anything like this."

"Even the fireworks lit outside earlier, the colorful porcelain decorations scattered throughout the hall, the jade and gemstones—I can barely take it all in with my eyes."

With such extravagance, who would dare say this official wasn't corrupt?

Wen Ruan wasn't sure if this was why Zhu Yan had suddenly arrived. He knew very little about his fiancé, but after their encounter on Feng Mountain, he had gained a different impression of Zhu Yan—one that didn't match the rumors. Zhu Yan had his own plans and goals.

"...It's a pity that in such a vast courtyard, there isn't a single study filled with the scent of ink and paper. It's truly regrettable."

Wen Ruan subtly reminded Zhu Yan not to forget the search for evidence.

Yet, Zhu Yan strangely recalled the years when Wen Ruan had been missing.

Born as the young master of the Duke's Mansion in the capital, destined to grow up in luxury and adoration, he had instead ended up in Sizhou, enduring hardships and never experiencing the taste of wealth and glory. Now, he was seeing the world in this dilapidated mansion—

"I haven't seen any of this either," said Zhu Yan.

Lord Yang fell to his knees. This was clearly a jab from Prince Jian. Even the Yellow Prince hadn't enjoyed such luxuries, but he had?

Indeed, the young master was dissatisfied with him and might slander him to the prince!

"I dare not, my lord," said Yang Su, choosing his words carefully. "Customs vary from place to place...Your Highness is accustomed to the capital's ways, naturally finding Jiang Nan unfamiliar. Gardens here are designed for elegance, and the decorations follow suit. Other residences are similar..."

Wen Ruan put down his chopsticks and pursed his lips.

Lan Tian moved faster, slapping Yang Su twice across the face. "How dare you speak out of turn before His Highness!"

It had been years since Yang Su had suffered such humiliation, but he dared not resist. Enduring the intense pain in his mouth, he didn't even dare to draw breath.

Zhu Yan placed a dish in front of Wen Ruan. "Continue, Ah Ruan."

He liked the young man's current demeanor—free to laugh or frown, his eyes curved in amusement when happy, full of his reflection, and his lips pressed together when displeased, his gaze fixed directly on him as if reporting a grievance.

Like a round-eyed, puffed-up kitten threatening its owner not to make a wrongful judgment, not to comfort him, and to show favoritism to those other bad cats outside!

There was no fear, no caution, no hesitation or messy deliberation. Their interactions were honest and straightforward, with the young man's courage bordering on audacity.

With this attitude from His Highness, Wen Ruan naturally took advantage of the situation. Wiping his mouth, he sat up straight. "There's also the Empress Sect here, which can cause great harm...Lord Yang has ties with this organization!"

His logic was clear, his speech slightly hurried, his small mouth chattering away as he relayed all the information he knew.

Speaking so quickly, one could see how thirsty he must have been. Zhu Yan personally poured a cup of tea and handed it to him to drink.

"Thank you, Your Highness." Because the cup was offered at such a height, Wen Ruan didn't hesitate. He drank the tea right from Zhu Yan's hand and continued speaking.

Yang Su stared in shock.

He finally understood—the two of them were involved!

Didn't Prince Jian have a fiancée back in the capital? Rumor had it she was from the Duke's Mansion. The Duke's Mansion! What kind of status did they hold? Could someone raised in such wealth and privilege be lacking in any way? And yet, on the verge of marriage, he was still fooling around outside! Didn't this young master Ah Ruan know? How shameless to seduce another woman's husband!

Although Yang Su had to admit that Wen Ruan had a certain charm, it was wrong! It shouldn't be allowed!

Moreover, the commotion outside was growing louder. His heart pounded with fear and anxiety, unable to contain himself any longer.

"Your Highness, please don't listen to the slander of this lowly servant! Some people approach Your Highness with ulterior motives, trying to sow discord for their own gain. I will not allow such defamation. I know nothing of this Empress Sect. Instead, the Canal Gang came to my residence today, appearing obedient but harboring sinister intentions. The disturbance outside must be their doing!"

This time, he didn't receive a slap. No one paid him any attention.

Zhu Yan pointed to Wen Ruan's face. "Here."

Wen Ruan was confused. "Huh?"

Zhu Yan: "You got something on your face."

Wen Ruan: ...

He quickly reached up to wipe it off.

After wiping, he felt that Zhu Yan's gaze was still peculiar. After a moment's hesitation, he asked, "Didn't get it off?"

Zhu Yan's eyes deepened. "A bit higher."

Wen Ruan wiped again, still failing to remove it.

Zhu Yan: "Too high. A bit lower."

Wen Ruan: ...

Looking around, he realized they were in a viewing pavilion without a mirror in the room. Resigned, he moved closer, sitting next to Zhu Yan and leaning forward slightly. "Could Your Highness help?"

"Mm." Zhu Yan reluctantly extended his hand.

His thumb gently brushed against the youth's cheek, warm and soft, the sensation akin to what he had imagined, yet not quite the same.

The youth obediently remained still, his breath lightly brushing against his knuckles, reminding him of a butterfly that yearns to rest on a cat's nose.

He only touched for a moment, not lingering long before withdrawing his hand. "There."

The warmth lingered on his fingertips, under the table, in a place unseen by others, he couldn't resist rubbing them together.

Earlier, he had thought that the youth's face was so well-behaved, so sweet, that touching it would surely bring great satisfaction. Indeed, it did as he had imagined, but now he found himself wanting more.

It should have lasted longer.

Lan Tian: ...

My lord, act like a human being!

The young master clearly didn't eat anything off his face, why are you acting like that?

Fortunately, he was quick-witted enough to secure a strategic position early on to avoid any unexpected incidents. Nanxing was a step too late, standing slightly to the side, unable to see the half of the young master's face that wasn't facing him, and thus saw no trace of anything...

Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to cover for his own master.

How shameful for a noble prince to do such things!

Clearly, the prince knew no shame, acting as he pleased without a care for his subordinates, using such shameless tactics repeatedly.

And then he even coaxed the young master, "Would Little Ruan like some wine?"

Lan Tian: ...

He felt that his prince was beyond saving.

Wen Ruan was surprised. "Your Highness... can drink wine?"

He was reminded of the incident at the Gathering Sun Tower, when Zhu Yan, reeking of alcohol, insisted on touching his collarbone.

Zhu Yan: "Why not?"

There were just some special circumstances where it wasn't allowed, but there was no need to explain.

Wen Ruan understood. It wasn't convenient to discuss here, and since it wouldn't hinder anything or delay matters, a little drink could be pleasant. "Then I shall take some?"

How could one have crabs without wine? He had been regretting its absence earlier!

Zhu Yan nodded. "Yes."

Given how refined Lord Yang Su's residence was, and how exquisite the banquet was set up, how could there be no good wine? Soon, a jug was placed on the table.

Wen Ruan was quite attentive, pouring wine for Zhu Yan before filling his own cup. "Then this first cup, I offer to Your Highness! Your journey has been arduous, and your efforts for the country and its people are commendable. On behalf of the victims of the Empress Dowager Sect, I thank Your Highness!"

He downed the cup in one go.

Zhu Yan lowered his gaze. "Thank you."

Today, it seemed that Wen Ruan wasn't the only one who wanted wine with his crabs; the prince also seemed eager to drink. Before long, he picked up his wine cup. "Little Ruan's great achievement deserves celebration."

Wen Ruan's eyes shone brightly as he immediately raised his cup to clink against the prince's. "Thank you, Your Highness!"

As they drank back and forth, a significant amount of wine was consumed.

This wine had a long-lasting effect, and while there was no immediate reaction, Wen Ruan drank happily, and... unknowingly allowed himself to be taken advantage of a little.

Lan Tian: ...

Though it might be impolite, his own master was truly...

A bit beastly!

Nanxing was fine; he knew his young master's character best. The young master hadn't truly resisted, and once he decided to do something, Nanxing wouldn't stop him. It was just that... Was the prince too easy to lure... Cough, he shouldn't say that. Since they would soon be married, a loving couple was naturally a good thing.

Wen Ruan was genuinely at ease, his emotions relaxed. He had done all he could, and the rest was out of his hands. Still, he continued to complain, about how many people the Empress Dowager Sect had harmed, more than he could recount.

Not until the noise outside subsided did Zhu Yan speak. "Regarding the Empress Dowager Sect, Little Ruan needn't worry. This Prince is already aware. Governor Yang Su's collusion with them is well-documented, and the evidence is clear. Justice will be served."

Yang Su: ...

He was somewhat dazed. So, Prince Jian had come for him as well? Would he have a favorable outcome then?

Wen Ruan: "But Abbess Feng hasn't been caught yet..."

The existence and expansion of the Empress Dowager Sect to this scale couldn't have happened overnight. He wondered if there were other bases elsewhere. Even if they dismantled this one, it might not immediately topple the entire sect. However, Abbess Feng must be captured. The investigation and punishment of this base must send a strong message, warning the sect to be cautious and curb their actions. If they could halt operations for a time, there would be fewer victims.

With the government continuing its efforts behind the scenes, they would eventually uncover the masterminds and dismantle the entire Empress Dowager Sect.

Zhu Yan: "What do you think I'm doing here?"

Wen Ruan paused, his gaze intense. "Abbess Feng... is actually here?!"

Why! He hadn't expected this at all!

Zhu Yan: "What do you think Abbess Feng wanted to do after escaping from the capital?"

"First, she wanted to save her life? She must have sensed danger, believing there was a significant risk, and left the capital. But leaving doesn't guarantee safety. Her movements would certainly be monitored, and she couldn't afford to be exposed..."

Wen Ruan quickly thought. "Hmm, she needs an achievement. As someone from the Empress Dowager Sect, her actions in the capital were undoubtedly for the sect's growth. Judging by her capabilities, she seems to hold a high rank within the sect. Fleeing the capital in such a disgraceful manner means she lost control over the capital's operations, and the authorities wouldn't overlook it. In the Empress Dowager Sect, she would be held accountable. Even if she successfully reached her superiors, she would face punishment. Therefore, it would be best for her to establish another achievement, so that her merits could offset her faults, ensuring she wouldn't suffer too much."

Zhu Yan hummed in acknowledgment. "Go on."

"She wants to achieve this 'merit' in Sizhou? That would inevitably involve dealing with Governor Yang Su. Their mutual interests would lead to many negotiations and exchanges. Governor Yang is a shrewd man; he wouldn't let such an opportunity pass without taking advantage of her weakened state. He would surely demand a hefty price. But she is currently in a precarious situation and can't afford to lose anything else, so she must ensure everything goes perfectly..."

Wen Ruan continued to ponder the scene: "The two might have negotiated and tugged, but Feng Guzi had already anticipated that she wouldn't gain any advantage. She would hand over her bargaining chips straightforwardly, but she truly didn't have many left on her person. She couldn't afford to lose any more... Thus, she wasn't actually willing to give them up, and she might come back for them."

It was like killing the donkey after grinding its last grain, or black eating black—once the deed was done, I'd overturn the table and deny everything. What could you do about it?

Thus, there was a high probability that she would be in this residence tonight!

Moreover, Yang Su might not have expected Feng Guzi to return, using her actions to fully embody the phrase 'fortune favors the bold.'

"What token did Feng Guzi give to Lord Yang?"

Yang Su: ...

He really didn't know! Could it be that Feng Guzi was indeed here?

Zhu Yan: "Search."

Lan Tian immediately restrained Yang Su and patted him down from head to toe.

Yang Su: ...

"There's a seal!" Lan Tian took it out and presented it to Zhu Yan.

Wen Ruan leaned closer and saw that the seal was exquisitely small, with a lotus flower engraving... There was no doubt about it; this must be something taught by the Empress!

Now, it seemed that saying anything was useless...

Yang Su knelt on the ground, his face ashen.

Lan Tian demanded, "Where did this seal come from? What is it used for? What did Feng Guzi discuss with you? Are you still unwilling to confess!"

Yang Su was drenched in cold sweat. "A sum of money... an achievement in governance."

Sizhou was vast, and not all places were prosperous. The areas bordering other prefectures to the north and west were always less peaceful. Everyone yearned for the prosperity of Jiang Nan, so those who couldn't make ends meet always tended to migrate here. With an increase in refugees, if the Prefect didn't govern well, it would lead to public resentment, which could then turn into banditry... This would greatly affect the Prefect's performance.

Originally, the Empress' method of absorbing people was very low-key. After all, losing so many citizens in one place was hard to explain to the authorities. But this time, Feng Guzi told him that she could help resolve the issue of the refugees. If she took them all away or eliminated them, wouldn't there be no more refugees? Without refugees, where would the public resentment come from? Wouldn't the Prefect's performance improve?

What Feng Guzi wanted, however, was the protection of the Prefect as an umbrella, granting her various privileges of free passage. She had something to intercept and promised to take care of the aftermath without causing trouble for Yang Su. All he needed to do was turn a blind eye, and she would share the spoils with him afterward.

To gain Yang Su's trust, she even gave him her identity token—the seal.

This was something specially crafted for the leaders of the sect. As long as one held it, they could contact all the connections within the sect, allowing the other party to provide assistance.

As Wen Ruan listened to these words, he felt a chill run down his spine. "What is the thing that Feng Guzi wants to intercept...?"

He and Second Young Master He had been secretly investigating for days, gathering much information, but they hadn't found any news about Feng Guzi. Second Young Master He was involved in commerce, and this was Sizhou, considered their main base. How could there be something they couldn't uncover? Yet, there was nothing. No matter how he thought about it, it was strange. Now, he suddenly had a direction...

The He family conducted business fairly. They didn't meddle in things that weren't their concern and didn't ask too many questions. However, with so many businesses under the He family, they had already deeply penetrated various industries among the common folk. The only thing they truly didn't touch was...

Yang Su: "Salt. She wants to intercept official salt."

Indeed.

Wen Ruan's hands trembled. "She has such audacity!"

Daring enough to touch salt? Wasn't the Empress' reach too far?

"Master, don't be angry," Lan Tian noticed his master's lack of movement and quickly served him a cup of tea. "She won't succeed. His Highness is watching."

Only then did Zhu Yan nod. "She thought her plan was detailed and thorough, with all the necessary connections made. She had even arranged the fastest escape route. All she needed to do was get here, take the seal from Yang Su, and complete the final step—however, none of it was possible."

"I see that Your Highness has already made arrangements..."

Wen Ruan let out a sigh of relief and smiled. "I knew Your Highness was amazing!"

So there was also the matter of salt... It was indeed perilous.

Yang Su was drenched in sweat. Only now did he realize that there was no such thing as secrecy. Everything had already been known by Prince Jian... How did he manage to do this? He had only met Feng Guzi a couple of days ago. In such a short time, how could Prince Jian, coming from the capital, know so much and have the manpower to investigate and control?

At this moment, he was filled with awe for the man seated above.

And at this moment, he knew he couldn't escape. His fate was sealed.

"Since His Highness has already set up a net of heaven and earth, why bother with this charade?" Yang Su's eyes were filled with hatred. "Why not just inform me early on and arrest me cleanly instead of making me look like a clown?"

Wen Ruan burst out laughing. "You're really funny. We wanted to catch you, so we set up a trap. Why would we tell you and make you cautious, giving you a chance to resist?"

Yang Su: ...

"Haha... Hahahaha..." Yang Su suddenly started laughing, and it was quite terrifying.

Wen Ruan: ...

Had he gone mad from fear?

"Does His Highness think this is the end?" Red bloodshot veins appeared in Yang Su's eyes as he looked up at Zhu Yan. "Perhaps my actions weren't secretive enough, and I've ultimately been betrayed, but one must always leave a way out for oneself. I know this. Does His Highness want to guess what I gave this young master to drink in the parlor downstairs?"

Wen Ruan was taken aback.

He came here today with a purpose and wouldn't eat or drink anything casually. He had confirmed that the tea poured from the same pot was consumed by Yang Su himself without any issues before taking a couple of sips. Could it be that it was poisoned!

However, Zhu Yan remained calm, his sharp gaze fixed on Yang Su. "Then, does Lord Yang want to guess whether this prince switched your teapot?"

Yang Su: ...

He looked at Wen Ruan in horror. This young master was as pure and clean as when he first entered the garden, showing no signs of confusion. His spirit was still vibrant, except for a faint flush on his cheeks due to the wine he had just drunk. He appeared completely fine, showing no discomfort or distress.

He didn't look like someone who had been poisoned!

Prince Jian had even calculated this step?

He closed his eyes, resigned to his fate, gritting his teeth as he said, "You won't be able to catch Feng Guzi. She's very powerful—"

Just as he finished speaking, the door was knocked on. "Your Highness, we've caught her!"

Yang Su: ...

"Indeed, it pales in comparison to what Lord Yang has wrought, keeping this prince waiting for such an extended period." Zhu Yan's composed voice dripped with irony.

Yang Su had already closed his eyes, not wanting to face this scene.

Lan Tian had already gone to open the door, and a dancer was pushed in, kneeling on the ground.

Wen Ruan: "So she disguised herself as a dancer."

No wonder he couldn't recognize her.

He hadn't seen Feng Guzi before, only seeing a portrait from Second Master Huo, but when a woman's makeup is heavy, she can directly transform into another person. It would be a miracle if he could recognize her.

There was a banquet at the mansion today, and Yang Su liked grandeur, preparing music, songs, and dances. He had been forced to watch a dance earlier, where the dancing girls all had graceful figures, beautiful dance postures, and were roughly the same height. Feng Guzi could successfully blend in here, probably because she also had some skills.

Could it be that she was once a Holy Maiden of the sect? The kind used to soothe people's hearts, with just a title, secretly trained in different directions. Did Feng Guzi learn to dance?

Then her experiences...

Wen Ruan didn't dare to think about them in a positive light.

Feng Guzi looked very disheveled now, her hands tied behind her back with rope, her hair slightly messy, one hairpin fallen out, her makeup smudged, her breathing rapid, showing signs of exhaustion. But she didn't seem afraid, even smiling. "The newly appointed Prince Jian of the capital, the sixth prince who isn't favored... Do you think you've won now? No, I'll tell you, you're far from it!"

Wen Ruan picked up the small seal, shaking it. "It seems pretty close?"

Feng Guzi's eyes instantly turned fierce, wanting to lunge forward to retrieve her own item, but she was held down tightly, unable to move, only able to express her anger through her gaze—

"Aren't you feeling quite triumphant? Don't think that because he has an engagement with you, he truly likes you. It's all an act, performed for your benefit, and for everyone else's! Thirteen years ago, he dared to kill someone in front of the Emperor, and four years ago, he managed to escape under the siege of all the princes in the imperial palace. How could such a person lack power or ambition?"

Her heart full of venom seemed ready to shoot out from her eyes. "You've been deceived. You're just a tool he's using. Ha, all men in this world are the same!"

"It doesn't matter."

Wen Ruan looked at her, speaking slowly and calmly. "I'm also a man."

Feng Guzi: ...

Wen Ruan: "Since His Highness hasn't taken your life, you have a chance to live. If you make contributions, perhaps there will be consideration for a special pardon. Why don't you think about it and say something appropriate?"

Feng Guzi was silent for a moment.

"The world is a crucible, all suffering. Three thousand earthly desires, all for naught. Why be attached?"

She suddenly smiled faintly, biting down hard between her teeth, a line of blood seeping from the corner of her mouth.

"Not good, she's poisoned herself! Nanxing, quickly!"

Wen Ruan was anxious, everyone was anxious, but it was already too late. Feng Guzi's body began convulsing, her eyes losing focus. It was a very potent poison, one from which she couldn't be saved.

"Only... Only my Holy Mother... Lotus blooms..." Her hands trembled as she struggled to reach forward, as if to clasp them together, but ultimately slid down without touching each other. "Blessed... Blessed world..."

Wen Ruan was stunned. What kind of evil cult was this, with such force!

The person who escorted her in immediately knelt down to plead guilty. "This subordinate has already checked. There was no poison capsule between her teeth..."

"It's her blood." Zhu Yan's eyes were deep black. "Her blood is poisonous."

Some blood, nurtured by certain drugs, cannot be consumed. In critical moments, biting the tongue might not kill from pain or choking, but the poison would certainly finish the job.