Chapter 28: Where the Heart Finds Peace is Home

Chapter 28: Where the Heart Finds Peace is Home

"Rongyu, it's bad news. Elder Yin has passed away in the ancestral hall." Lu Yunshen burst through the door.

What met his eyes was Shang Rongyu holding Ran Qinggu in his arms as they sat on a recliner, with a box of aphrodisiacs in his hand.

Lu Yunshen, a regular at pleasure houses, had indulged in most of the items in that box.

But he never played with such things in proper settings.

Shang Rongyu was indeed Shang Rongyu.

Even when his home was being ransacked, he brought his wife along for some fun.

The Heir's Consort appeared to be a refined lady, but she was unexpectedly adventurous.

Indeed, the Heir's Consort loved her Heir's mischievous side.

Ran Qinggu seemed to read the depth of Lu Yunshen's gaze and awkwardly stood up, averting her eyes.

There was no way he could explain everything now.

Shang Rongyu tossed the object in his hand into the box. "Go take a look."

In the ancestral hall, Elder Yin sat in his wheelchair, his eyes wide open, gazing at the ancestors' tablets with regret and anger, as if repenting or sighing. A tear hung from his aged eye, threatening to fall but not quite.

His hands dangled by the sides of the wheelchair, the blood in the creases of his palms dried.

The black embroidered silk handkerchief lay on the ground, stained with blood, making it even darker. Beside it, large patches of blood spread out like withered red peonies in full bloom.

The coroner examined him and said, "Heir, he died of terminal illness, heart failure."

"I see."

Shang Rongyu stepped forward and reached out to close the old man's eyes.

As soon as he closed them, the eyes opened again, staring blankly at the ancestors' tablets.

He tried closing them once more.

The old man's eyes opened again.

Seeing that he couldn't close them, Shang Rongyu said, "Report to the Emperor. Bury him with the honors due to a three-dynasty Grand Secretary."

Guard A responded, "Yes."

Shang Rongyu walked out of the ancestral hall. The rain had stopped, and the sky was gradually brightening.

"Prepare the funeral, prepare the funeral. Those who are to ransack the house, do so."

The soldiers chorused, "Yes."

The entire Yin residence bustled with activity once again.

That evening, Ran Qinggu followed Shang Rongyu home in a carriage.

Passing through the bustling East Main Street, the street was crowded, with vendors' calls incessant.

Ran Qinggu lifted the curtain for a look. Lanterns and silk streamers hung all over the street. Each shop displayed the most beautiful lucky objects and auspicious lotus lanterns outside, symbolizing the Qixi Festival. Men and women were browsing the shelves...

Shang Rongyu smiled. "It's lively outside. The Qixi Festival is no different."

Ran Qinggu was puzzled. "Why isn't the market closed yet?"

Shouldn't the city gates be closed and the market shut down by the hour of Hai? Tonight, there was no sign of the market closing.

Shang Rongyu looked at him suspiciously.

Even more confused, Ran Qinggu asked, "What's wrong?"

Shang Rongyu laughed. "On the day of the Qixi Festival, young ladies usually have dinner with their elders at home, then follow their elders to pray under the moon for skillful hands. Only a few truly come out to watch fireworks or release river lanterns. If they do come out, they're led by their mothers or sisters-in-law, or perhaps accompanied by sisters within the family..."

He paused. "Constrained by propriety and family rules, no one really dares to play without restraint, nor dare they release river lanterns to express their yearning. Therefore, most unmarried men and women will go out on the day before the Qixi Festival, which is today, to worship Buddha and pray for marriage while celebrating the Qixi Festival and releasing river lanterns to express their yearning. Hence, tonight is livelier than the actual day of the Qixi Festival. The late Emperor was delighted to share joy with the people, so he ordered that there be no curfew tonight."

Only then did Ran Qinggu understand. "I see."

Shang Rongyu smiled. "Yuer, haven't you celebrated the Qixi Festival before? You didn't know this? What's the Qixi Festival like in North City?"

Ran Qinggu indeed hadn't celebrated it.

When he was very young, he didn't need to celebrate; he only watched his mother, his sister-in-law, and the many concubines and elder sisters in the mansion celebrate.

In North City, Bai Yu and Taozi were always playing around, almost as if every day was a holiday.

As for how the Qixi Festival was celebrated in North City, he never left the house, how would he know?

Seeing Shang Rongyu lost in thought, he suddenly remembered the ordinary, unknown cousin who had captured his Heir's Consort's heart—Ran Qinggu.

Young ladies pray under the moon for good fortune in marriage, but for the person before him,

she had already decided that her destiny was with her cousin.

That cousin, who shared no blood ties, grew up alongside her. In front of her, did she need to go out seeking it?

In previous Qixi Festivals, the Heir's Consort must have spent moonlit evenings with her cousin, holding hands.

Thinking about this, Shang Rongyu's expression darkened.

If it were according to his temper in the past, he would have long since pinned Bai Yu down, tormenting her until her eyes welled up with tears and she no longer thought of her cousin.

But now, he didn't want to do that.

If he did, Bai Yu would only miss her cousin more.

He lifted the carriage curtain and said, "The Heir's Consort hasn't experienced the Qixi Festival in the capital before, come down for a walk."

Ran Qinggu was startled and hurriedly replied, "Today is the day for paying respects to the Buddha, Mother instructed us to return early, we still have to go to the Drunken Wind Pavilion for vegetarian dinner tonight."

Shang Rongyu told Jia Chu, "Return to the mansion first and inform the Princess Consort that I'm accompanying the Heir's Consort for a stroll, we won't be going to the Drunken Wind Pavilion tonight, tomorrow morning, the Heir's Consort and I will pay our respects to her."

Jia Chu immediately acknowledged the order, "Yes."

Shang Rongyu turned around and extended his hand towards Ran Qinggu inside the carriage, "Come down for a walk."

Ran Qinggu thought for a moment and slowly reached out his hand.

Shang Rongyu directly grasped his hand, pulling him out, without even using the footrest, he carried him down from the carriage.

The streets were crowded with people, bustling with vendors displaying various items on their stalls, selling cosmetics, cheap jade jewelry, masks, sachets...

As they walked along, the most common items being sold were river lanterns and sky lanterns, each with different designs.

Soon, they arrived at the bridgehead of the Sishui River.

The Sishui River ran through the entire Da Su, cutting across the capital, stretching eastward continuously.

The bridgehead was packed with people, couples everywhere by the riverside releasing river and sky lanterns, the river surface dotted with candlelight, winding downstream... while the sky lanterns were exceptionally dazzling, overshadowing the stars, rising slowly and fading away, like stardust, yet fleeting!

Some had waited for the person they wanted to see, smiling brightly.

Some had yet to wait for the person they longed for, looking around expectantly.

Some had waited for someone who wasn't the one they truly awaited, feeling desolate!

Ran Qinggu stood at the bridgehead, observing the myriad faces.

The scenery before him was undoubtedly beautiful.

He couldn't remember how many years it had been since he last paid close attention to the people and scenery around him.

The last time he watched river lanterns and wandered through the bustling market was when he was eight years old, his brother took him out to secretly watch his fiancée, who was yet unmarried and waiting for her husband, release river lanterns at the bridgehead.

That day, he remembered very clearly.

That cheerful and radiant woman deliberately chose crowded places to release her river lantern, she wanted to test if her fiancé could spot her at first glance in the sea of people.

Now, Ran Qinggu was seventeen.

Nine whole years had passed.

Time really flew by too quickly.

The people who released river lanterns and those who searched for them were no longer there.

In his memory, those people and events gradually faded.

"Sir, buy a lantern for your lady," a short middle-aged man carrying sky lanterns and flower lanterns called out as he sold them on the street.

Those few people nearby, seeing the extravagant attire of these two, recognized them as wealthy household members, so they all gathered around.

"Sir, my sky lantern has words on it," an old woman holding a sky lantern shouted.

"Sir, I don't have any words here, you can inscribe words for your lady," another person yelled.

"Buy mine, mine is bigger than his."

"Sir, buy mine, mine is more fragrant than his."

"Bullshit, they're all made of the same bamboo and rice paper, how can yours be more fragrant?"

"Lady, buy my father's, these are all handmade by my mother, father hasn't sold a single one." A little girl timidly said, "Only after selling them all, we can go home to accompany mother."

The short middle-aged man patted the little girl's head and said hopefully, "Lady, take a look at this one, half of the words are already inscribed, if you want to inscribe words, you can continue, if not, the half-inscribed words aren't monotonous either, it looks good when sent up into the sky, truly considering the customer, only three coins each, Lady, take a look, just one glance."

Ran Qinggu picked up a lantern and looked at it: "But have you considered that if someone doesn't like inscribing words, you won't be able to sell this half-inscribed one, and if someone wants to inscribe words, they definitely wouldn't want someone else's words on it, you won't be able to sell this either."

The middle-aged man scratched his head, muttering, "Why can't I sell even one?"

He smiled awkwardly and handed over the brush and ink, "Lady, do you want to inscribe words? You're beautiful and kind-hearted, the words you write must be beautiful..."

Ran Qinggu took the brush and looked at the words on the lantern - Where does the drifting duckweed find its support? Sent from afar, this morning!

He frowned, "Do you know how to read?"

There was no way such words could be sold.

On such a joyous festival, it was filled with melancholy and parting sentiments.

The middle-aged man shook his head, "No, these were all inscribed by the scholar in our village."

Ran Qinggu: "Stop looking for scholars, perhaps without any words, it might sell faster."

He held the brush in front of the lantern, unsure of how to complete the second half of the sentence.

He had been wandering for so long that he had grown accustomed to it.

He had never pondered the question of "where to find support."

After much hesitation, the ink on the tip of the brush was about to dry.

Shang Rongyu held Ran Qinggu's hand and the brush.

Using Ran Qinggu's hand, he crossed out the phrase "yearning from afar," and wrote beside it, "where the heart finds peace is home."

—Where does the drifting duckweed find its anchor? Where the heart finds peace is home.

Ran Qinggu was puzzled and looked at Shang Rongyu.

The firelight illuminated Shang Rongyu's face, his features like a painting, handsome beyond compare, especially when he smiled, it was very charming.

He said, "I don't need you to yearn for me from afar; I only need you to consider me your home."

He would never allow his Heir Consort to yearn for her cousin from afar.

Since she had married him, her future support could only be him alone.

After writing, he smiled and handed the brush back to the short middle-aged man, saying, "I'll take all the lanterns; you help me take them to the river and release them all. My wife loves beautiful lanterns, the more released, the better they look."

A servant hurriedly took out a gold ingot from the money bag and gave it to the middle-aged man.

The middle-aged man was grateful and repeatedly thanked him, "Thank you, young master, thank you, lady. May the young master and lady have a long and happy marriage, may you soon have a noble child, and may your love be full of bliss."

Shang Rongyu held the lantern and pulled Ran Qinggu's hand, saying, "Come, let's release the Kongming lanterns."

Ran Qinggu was led by Shang Rongyu like a puppet on strings for a long time, through bustling streets and crowds, until the lantern was released into the sky, before he came to his senses.

==

The moon shone brightly against the stars, as a servant-like figure bowed into a side room.

In the side room, a young man in purple-blue robes had been waiting, the tea in front of him replaced pot after pot, the candle stand was filled with wax tears, and the candles burned down.

The servant-like figure entered the room, bowing low, "Third Prince."

Shang Yuzhou sipped his tea and asked, "What did Qinggu say?"

The servant-like figure replied, "Young Master Ran said that if His Majesty does not kill the Yin family father and son, we must take action ourselves. He also said that when the Yin family father and son arrive at the Ministry of Justice's prison, that will be the time to act."

Another person in green robes asked, "Why go to the trouble of taking them to the Ministry of Justice's prison? Wouldn't it be more convenient to act at the Board of Punishments? The Board of Punishments deals with severe punishments; death is as simple as plucking a leek, and there's Shang Rongyu standing in front... the court wouldn't even investigate, and even if they do, if it leads to Shang Rongyu, would His Majesty really fall out with King Cheng?"

Bang—

Shang Yuzhou slammed his teacup onto the table, splashing tea everywhere.

"What else did he say?"

The servant-like figure replied, "He also said that Yin Zhong's second son, Yin Ping, must be spared; he needs him."

The man in green robes was puzzled, "Third Prince, the Yin family has been a lapdog for the Second Prince these years, killing hundreds of loyal officials; we cannot leave any potential trouble behind."

Shang Yuzhou sneered coldly, "Chang Gong, you don't understand him; no one knows him better than I do. He never leaves himself an escape route."

Not leaving a way out for himself, nor for others.

Even, he lacked the basic emotions of a normal person, living like a walking corpse.

The man in green robes, Fang Changgong, sneered, "You say how great he is, but I think he's just a facade; why does he insist on killing them at the Ministry of Justice? It's unnecessary, overkill."

Seeing Shang Yuzhou's extremely ugly expression, he shut his mouth; after all, the Third Prince was his master.

These two, one dared to plot, and the other dared to let him plot.

One was a madman, the other a fool.

Shang Yuzhou crushed the white jade cup in his hand with a bang.

Why wait until the Ministry of Justice's prison to act? Wasn't it just to avoid implicating that devil?

A man who didn't even leave himself a way out, yet left a path for someone unrelated.

It was laughable.

He didn't know whether to laugh at Ran Qinggu finally having a bit of human emotion, thinking about others, or pity that a man who walked out of hell without attachments or sorrow finally had a tether.

==

Board of Punishments, severe punishment prison.

"Truly devoid of conscience." Lu Yunshen threw a stack of documents to the ground as soon as he entered the main gate of the Board of Punishments.

A servant quickly offered tea, which Lu Yunshen took and drank greedily.

Shang Rongyu walked down from his seat, looking at him in surprise. "What's wrong? Why so angry? Did one of the girls at the Drunken Red Chamber not serve you well? Your liver's on fire..."

Lu Yunshen said angrily, "Rongyu, those despicable things of Yin Zhong must not be handed over to the Ministry of Justice. Once given to the Ministry of Justice, it would be like releasing tigers back into the wild; these beasts..."

"Ah, don't insult beasts; beasts can still eat meat and drink milk." Yao Wang reprimanded.

Shang Rongyu frowned, "Have the girls who were trafficked not been found?"

Lu Yunshen hesitated, showing reluctance, "Ask Brother Rongque; I can't bring myself to say it."

Shang Rongque sat nearby, saying indifferently, "We first went to Ji Zhou to find the girls trafficked from the north. When we arrived, we discovered there were no such girls. Later, Ji Zhou experienced heavy rain, and the release pond outside the city was flooded, with dozens of dismembered bodies floating inside. Those bodies were unrecognizable, likely those of the girls, but without evidence, they could only be treated as unidentified corpses and placed in the mortuary."

Yao Wang said heavily, "It was the same in Ganzhou; none of the girls could be found. Later, I discovered..."

His face turned pale, "I found teeth in the soil of the newly built city moat foundation. This bastard, to cover up his crimes, actually dismembered the bodies... they were once living beings."

Yu Tiao handed Shang Rongyu the memorial regarding salt merchants and mines, "The clerks at the salt business have also disappeared, and even the commoners forcibly conscripted to mine illegally are either dead or insane..."

He paused and said, "I believe that when the governor died in the imperial court, Yin Zhong ordered his men to act. In a few days, if we cannot find evidence to make him confess, this case will be reassigned by His Majesty to the Ministry of Justice. The Minister of Justice has a close relationship with the Second Prince, which would be akin to releasing tigers back into the wild."

Shang Rongyu's face was ashen.

Behind these few words lay countless lives.

Ran Qinggu spoke softly, "Moreover..."

Shang Rongyu asked, "Moreover, what?"

Ran Qinggu harbored doubts, "A woman should not meddle in politics, so Yu'er dare not speak."

Lu Yunshen urged, "Your Highness the Heir, please speak. What time is it now?"

Yu Tiao agreed, "Yes, though Your Highness the Heir is a woman, your courage, talent, and insight far surpass those of ordinary men. Please, speak."

Shang Rongyu said, "Yu'er, feel free to speak."

Ran Qinggu continued, "Judging by the Emperor's intentions, he doesn't seem to plan on punishing General Yin Zhong. Sooner or later, the tiger will be released back into the mountains."

Shang Rongyu rubbed his temples.

He had anticipated this as well.

Emperor Xianyuan favored the Second Prince and bestowed upon him unparalleled honor.

This General Yin Zhong was both the Second Prince's father-in-law and right-hand man.

If the Emperor truly intended to punish him, he could have done so when the evidence was first presented. Instead, he hesitated to announce it to the world, only offering up a few collateral relatives and subordinates from the Yin family to appease public outrage.

Not to mention that much of the evidence had already been destroyed. Even if it hadn't been, would the King of Hell dare to take the life of this Grand General if the Emperor didn't want him dead?

The faces of those present, already grim with anger, turned even more ashen and desolate.

Shang Rongque tapped his hand against his armor, producing a scraping sound. The armor gleamed with a cold, sinister light.

Though he was the eldest son of King Cheng, unlike other scions of noble families, he grew up following King Cheng into battle, raised in military camps.

Despite this, he lacked any trace of banditry, retaining the elegance of a scholar and the graceful demeanor of an aristocratic gentleman.

After deep contemplation, he slapped the table and said, "Rongyu, Yin Zhong has committed countless atrocities, harming numerous young women and civilians. If we don't eliminate such a person, where is the justice under heaven?"

Ran Qinggu stood nearby, sipping tea indifferently.

The four sons of the Prince's Mansion were indeed each unique.

This eldest son was born to a concubine who was a singer. It was said that she passed away just days after giving birth to him.

Raised by a wet nurse, he later followed King Cheng in managing military affairs.

He was gentle and kind, handling matters fairly and efficiently. A man of both literary and martial prowess, he was among the finest of the noble family's sons, greatly favored by King Cheng.

The second son, born to Concubine Liu, was like his mother—a smiling tiger.

On the surface, he seemed amiable but preferred underhanded tactics. His abilities were no less than Shang Rongque's.

The third son, also born to Concubine Liu, was truly a wastrel, obsessed with beauty and lacking in learning, causing great distress to King Cheng and the concubine.

When it came to Shang Rongyu, he was genuinely a troublemaker.

Yet, he was the smartest and most adept at manipulating people's hearts. Even the rigid and pedantic King Cheng was at his mercy, often infuriated to the point of near-death but unable to scold or punish him. However, it must be said that King Cheng indeed favored his legitimate son the most.

Concubine Liu's family wielded significant power, and the second son had never committed any major mistakes, being a talented individual. Though Shang Rongque might not be as intelligent as Shang Rongyu, his abilities and virtues were widely praised...

Despite having two suitable candidates for succession, King Cheng, no matter how enraged by Shang Rongyu's outrageous behavior, never entertained the thought of replacing the Heir.

It was akin to the Emperor's stance.

The Crown Prince's talents and virtues fell far short of the Second Prince's, nor did he possess the same dashing good looks and charisma.

Yet, the Emperor firmly recognized the eldest legitimate son as the Crown Prince, regardless of his shortcomings or lack of virtue. Emperor Xianyuan never entertained the notion of deposing the Eastern Palace, even going so far as to pave the way for the Crown Prince's future.

Take the Yin family affair, for example. The Emperor favored the Second Prince, willing to sacrifice the state to protect Yin Zhong, yet he refused to depose the Crown Prince, who was inferior in every way to the Second Prince, and support this more capable son instead.

There were rumors that the imperial family was obsessed with legitimate sons.

It seemed the rumors held true.

At least for King Cheng and the Emperor, the legitimate son or eldest legitimate son was paramount.

Shang Rongyu supported his head with his left hand and tapped the table with his right, once... twice...

The sound echoed in everyone's hearts.

They were at a loss, yet they dreamed of bringing the brute to justice.

A long silence ensued.

Suddenly, Shang Rongyu rose, his posture straight as a pine tree, his gaze firm as stone.

"Eldest Brother, once inside the Ministry of Justice, it's my turf. Even the King of Hell would need to ask me before taking someone."

Shang Rongque frowned, "What do you intend to do? Whatever it is, don't drag the Prince's Mansion or Father into it."

He was different from Shang Rongyu.

Shang Rongyu was born unbound, while he was taught by King Cheng to be upright and benevolent, always prioritizing the greater good.

Moreover, as the eldest son of the Prince's Mansion, ten years older than Shang Rongyu, he had long outgrown his reckless youth. He couldn't stand idly by while his younger brother acted recklessly without admonishing him.

Shang Rongyu raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Bring Yin Zhong to the front hall. I will interrogate him personally."

Yao Wang hung his head in dejection. "We've already interrogated him for three or four days, but his mouth is tighter than a clam shell; it won't crack open."

Shang Rongyu stood up, his eyes filled with ruthless determination. "Then we'll smash it to pieces."

As he walked past Ran Qinggu, he instructed, "Older Brother, help me escort the Heir's Consort back. The scene of the interrogation is too bloody; I'm afraid it might scare her. Moreover, I'm sure I'll be very busy tonight and won't have time to accompany her back to the Prince's Manor."

Shang Rongque nodded. "Alright, but you mustn't act rashly and implicate the Prince's Manor."

Shang Rongyu replied, "I know, why are you more nagging than Father?"

Ran Qinggu smiled. "No need. Older Brother is very busy with the military camp. I plan to visit the shops at the Prince's Manor today, which will take a lot of time. It's enough to have a servant escort me."

Shang Rongyu nodded. "Fine, then bring more guards."

Ran Qinggu agreed. "Mm-hmm."

In the main hall of the prison of the Ministry of Justice, the whip with barbs was stained with blood, the spots turning it a reddish-brown color. The torture devices placed around were horrifying to behold, their rusted surfaces indistinguishable from dried blood. A single glance could make an ordinary person tremble.

Shang Rongyu sat with his legs crossed, leaning comfortably on a spacious chair padded with velvet, eyeing the man before him with interest. "Yin Zhong, I actually admire you quite a bit. Everyone says that I, Shang Rongyu, am a demon king of the world, killing without blinking an eye, devouring people whole. Compared to you, I fall short. At least when I kill someone, I leave them intact. You, on the other hand, dismember them."

Yin Zhong's prisoner's clothes were already soaked in blood, and not a single part of his skin remained unscathed.

After days of continuous interrogation, he was utterly exhausted, his hair disheveled.

Despite his wretched appearance, the aura of sternness and killing intent emanating from him remained undiminished, as if he were a general who had just returned from days of fierce battle, rather than a prisoner in bloodstained robes.

He looked at Shang Rongyu coldly, as if watching a child playing house.

Indeed, in his eyes, Shang Rongyu was nothing more than a child playing games.

Don't think that a few lashes with a whip or some torture devices would make him yield.

When he was stepping over corpses on the battlefield, or manipulating the political winds in the imperial court, this brat was probably still crying for his mother and father.

If it weren't for the power of his father, if he hadn't been born into the right womb as the direct son of King Cheng, he would be nothing. He wasn't even worthy of carrying his shoes.

His usual indulgence in debauchery and cruelty was merely a way to intimidate and deceive the ignorant masses. Did he really think he was the King of Hell? If he ever stepped onto the battlefield, this brat would likely wet his pants in fear!

Shang Rongyu knew this was a tough nut to crack, one who wouldn't be swayed by threats or persuasion.

He didn't order anyone to use torture, instead raising his eyebrows slightly and tapping his fingers on the armrest of the chair.

Lu Yunshen placed a confession document in front of Yin Zhong. "Take a good look at your crimes. Do you deserve death?"

Yin Zhong sneered, his hoarse laughter tinged with a hint of pride. "What crimes have I committed? I only embezzled a few taels of silver, how did that become a capital offense? My family, the Yins, are all noble and loyal ministers. What's wrong with taking a little money? This empire has benefited from the efforts of my family, and the common people have received our favors."

His voice boomed as he questioned, "Is it wrong for me to take a little silver?"

Shang Rongyu looked at him coldly and mocked, "All loyal ministers? The last loyal minister of your family died in your ancestral hall, unable to close his eyes even in death. Even when he was laid to rest, he stared at the heavens. He should have been adored by all, yet he was hastily buried without a proper funeral. His coffin stood lonely in front of your family's ancestral hall, and even the candles and white banners for the funeral were gathered by a few former colleagues. How pitiful was that?"

Yin Zhong stumbled, his voice choking. "What did you say?"

Shang Rongyu's eyes were sharp as knives, each word cutting deep. "I said that your father, with descendants like you, died with his eyes wide open."

Yin Zhong's imposing demeanor vanished, replaced by anguish as he muttered, "Father, Papa!"

Shang Rongyu stepped down, took the paper, and began reading aloud. "Let me count your sins. One, embezzlement and bribery, forming factions and seeking private gain. Two, trafficking women, forcing them into prostitution, and after the incident, brutally murdering these women and destroying evidence. Three, forcibly conscripting civilians to mine jade caves, and afterward, to prevent the truth from coming out, driving those who worked in the mines mad or killing them. Four, smuggling salt, inflating prices, causing widespread suffering among the people. Five, embezzling disaster relief funds, leading to the displacement of Huainan's citizens and rebellion, resulting in countless deaths from starvation and the spread of disease in the South River region. Six, allowing clan members to forcibly take civilian women. Seven, poisoning the governor."

He slapped the document against Yin Zhong's chest. "Each of these crimes is punishable by the destruction of your entire family. And you still dare to say you don't deserve death?"

Yin Zhong looked at Shang Rongyu, taking a step closer, dragging his chains along the ground with a clanking sound.

Step by step, he approached Shang Rongyu, the distance between them shrinking. Yin Zhong, a seasoned military leader with exceptional martial skills, could easily harm Shang Rongyu at such close quarters.

Shang Rongyu didn't retreat a single step, meeting Yin Zhong's desperate and fierce gaze with a smile. "What do you intend to do? Add another crime, attempting to murder royal relatives?"

Yin Zhong looked at Shang Rongyu provocatively. "Boy, when I was shedding blood on the battlefield and stirring up the treacherous currents of the imperial court, your mother was still seeking medicine to give birth. Even your father had to give me face. Do you have the qualifications to interrogate me now?"

Shang Rongyu met his gaze, his own aura unyielding. "Whether I have the qualifications or not, I'm standing here, aren't I?"

Yin Zhong laughed. "Standing here means you can take my head as a trophy? Do you dare?"

He tore the list of charges to shreds. "Even if you can't find any evidence, what can you do to me? You're just a little brat...if you want my head, have your father come. Let's see if he dares!"

Shang Rongyu sneered. "You want to buy time, waiting for the Second Prince to save you. Unfortunately, you're in my Ministry of Justice, not the Ministry of Justice. Here, even the gods are powerless. I, Shang Rongyu, have the final say."

Yin Zhong retorted, "Even if I enter the eighteenth level of hell today, I'll still walk out alive."

The shrill voice of an eunuch echoed from outside. "Imperial decree!"

Shang Rongyu glanced at Yin Zhong, who smirked, as if saying, "Little brat, receive the decree!"

Shang Rongyu lifted the corner of his robe and knelt. "Your humble servant Shang Rongyu receives the decree."

The eunuch read aloud, "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Elder Yin has passed away, and the Emperor's heart is deeply saddened. Da Su is a country founded on filial piety. Therefore, Yin Zhong is released from prison to prepare the funeral rites for his father, Elder Yin. The case concerning disaster relief has reached its conclusion, and thus, the Ministry of Justice is ordered to transfer this case to the Ministry of Justice. The officials of the Ministry of Justice have performed their duties commendably, and the Emperor bestows ten sets of antiques and treasures, two hundred bolts of silk, and a thousand pieces of jewelry and utensils. So decreed."

Although the officials received rewards, their faces were ashen, as if they had lost a beloved parent. They exchanged glances, none willing to accept the decree.

Transferring the case to the Ministry of Justice was one thing.

But now, they were directly using Elder Yin's death as an excuse to release General Yin Zhong.

Releasing him to handle the funeral arrangements might lead to finding excuses for him to observe a three-year mourning period. After this turbulent period passed, this pillar state general would surely return with a vengeance.

Did he have a father? But didn't the girls and civilians who died unjustly also have fathers? Didn't the innocent victims who perished in Huainan due to famine and plague also have fathers?

Filled with righteous indignation, they hesitated to acknowledge the decree and express gratitude. However, unexpectedly, Shang Rongyu, his face ashen, took the imperial decree.

Yin Zhong sneered, looking at Shang Rongyu provocatively. "Little brat, how about that?"

Shang Rongyu sneered, "Not at all."

The eunuch smiled awkwardly, "Your Highness, the Emperor has already issued an edict. Let's remove the shackles first and allow Yin Zhong to return home to handle Elder Yin's funeral arrangements. It's not right for Elder Yin's coffin to remain in the ancestral hall."

Shang Rongyu scoffed, "No rush, I still have something to take care of."

The eunuch was puzzled, "What is it?"

Shang Rongyu drew the sharp blade from a guard's belt, "I usually cherish beauty and pity the weak. Thinking about those dead women, I can't even eat."

He spun around swiftly like a gust of wind and plunged the blade into Yin Zhong's heart, imitating Yin Zhong's earlier contemptuous tone, "Yin Zhong, how does that feel?"

Yin Zhong looked at Shang Rongyu in disbelief, his hand clutching the blade in his chest. The thick blood oozed out between his fingers, no matter how hard he tried to stop it. He trembled with pain, his lips quivering, "You... you... dare to?"

His face contorted in agony, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief.

Someone actually dared to defy the imperial decree.

This young whelp truly had the audacity.

Shang Rongyu pulled out the blade, splattering himself with blood, but he paid it no heed.

He raised the blade again and stabbed once more, "I, Shang Rongyu, defy conventions and rebel against norms. What's there to fear about killing someone? I've buried thirty thousand surrendered soldiers alive before, what more could I do to an old man like you? I've said it before, you entered my Ministry of Justice, not the Ministry of Justice, nor the Imperial Palace. Here, you must follow my rules. Those who commit evil shall receive evil in return, it's only natural."

Yin Zhong stared with open eyes, filled with sorrow and despair, "You... you..."

He fell to the ground with bulging eyes, full of hatred, unable to utter the words he wanted to say. His body convulsed as the blood stained the ground beneath him red.

Lu Yunshen hurriedly pulled Shang Rongyu away, anxious and worried, "Rongyu, this is defying the imperial decree. What should we do?"

The eunuch was frightened, his face turning pale, "This is terrible."

Shang Rongyu stared coldly at the eunuch, throwing the imperial edict at him, "Come earlier next time. The criminal has already confessed and been punished, yet your imperial edict arrives now."

Eunuch: "..."

Go to hell, coming earlier.

Go to hell, confessing and being punished.

Shang Rongyu wiped the blood off his face and said coldly, "Yin Zhong confessed to his crimes without any denial. During the interrogation, he snatched the guard's sword and committed suicide. Unfortunately, Shang Rongyu and the others were too late to prevent it."

He raised his eyebrows at the eunuch, "Eunuch, your imperial edict arrived too late."

The eunuch saw Shang Rongyu covered in blood, his words like a guillotine hanging over his head.

The others exchanged glances, initially bewildered, then relieved.

In recent days, investigating Yin Zhong and the Yin clan's various misdeeds had left them repeatedly slamming their fists on the table, their hands swollen from the effort.

Knowing that this great evildoer would not escape retribution, these young officials' worldviews had been reshaped.

Now it seemed that Shang Rongyu was truly a talent.

Regardless of whether you confessed or not, I will make you confess.

Though the method was somewhat unsavory, the means were indeed ruthless.

To deal with evildoers, one must use methods even more wicked than theirs.

Everyone agreed, "Yes, this minister will write a memorial to inform His Majesty."

Lu Yunshen looked at the corpse on the ground and said, "Let's get Yin Zhong to sign the confession first."

Shang Rongyu, his face covered in blood, looked at the eunuch.

The eunuch trembled in fear, "This old slave arrived late with the imperial decree. I'll return to the palace to report to His Majesty immediately."

Being alone here to deliver the imperial decree, surrounded by people from the Ministry of Justice and some officials from the Ministry of Justice who were on Shang Rongyu's side, he wouldn't be able to explain himself even if he had ten mouths.

Moreover, Shang Rongyu wasn't afraid of even the Emperor. If he didn't know better, he might end up like Yin Zhong, cooling down before leaving the Ministry of Justice. Now, within the Ministry of Justice, Shang Rongyu had plenty of ways to kill him. Having served by the Emperor's side for so many years in the palace, he was certainly not someone who couldn't read the situation.

Arriving late with the imperial decree would result in a few strokes of the cane at most. But if he offended Shang Rongyu, he might lose his life here.

Shang Rongyu took out a green jade bead from his pocket and stuffed it into the eunuch's hand, "Then I'll trouble Eunuch."

This green jade bead was a rare treasure. The eunuch didn't dare to accept it and declined, "Your Highness is too kind."

Shang Rongyu pushed the green jade bead back, "Eunuch, there's no need for such formality. It's not easy for you to come here. Why don't you go to the front hall for a cup of tea?"

The eunuch didn't dare to accept it, but he also couldn't refuse, so he accepted it, fawning and bowing, "No, this slave still needs to return to the palace to report."

Shang Rongyu: "Jia Chu, escort Eunuch out."

Jia Chu: "Yes."

==

"Selling candied haws..." A vendor called out, carrying his skewers of candied haws.

Seeing Ran Qinggu emerge from the shop, the man hurriedly approached her, "Madam, buy a skewer of candied haws."

Ran Qinggu smiled, "How much?"

Vendor: "One coin per skewer."

Ran Qinggu took out some silver pieces from her bosom, "Give me several skewers."

The vendor quickly smiled, "Sure thing."

As he received the silver pieces, seeing that no one was around, he said, "Yin Zhong died in the Ministry of Justice. Yin Ping escaped while being escorted to the Ministry of Justice. The Heir of King Cheng has sent men to pursue him, but our people dare not intervene. Should we help the Heir of King Cheng capture Yin Ping?"

Ran Qinggu understood.

When he left the Ministry of Justice, he could see that Shang Rongyu had developed a murderous intent towards Yin Zhong, who was guilty of heinous crimes.

If Shang Rongyu wanted someone dead, even Emperor Xianyuan couldn't protect them.

As for Yin Ping...

He took the sugar-coated haws and said, "Help Yin Ping escape from the Heir's pursuers. This person, I need."

The porter whispered, "Yes."

Deep into the night, in the outskirts' forest, shadows danced to the accompaniment of insects and birds singing.

A man, clad in coarse hemp clothing and covered in wounds, stumbled through the woods. His breathing uneven, he would run a few steps before looking back, relieved when no one pursued him, then continue his unsteady flight...

Occasionally, deep within the forest, the haunting calls of owls echoed, long and eerie, weaving through the trees as if heralding death.

The wind rustled through the forest, startling something unseen, causing a series of startled birds to cry out in the hollow valley.

Yin Ping, who bullied men and dominated women on a daily basis, with countless lives on his hands, was now trembling at the sight of this eerie scene. After running a few steps, he fell to the ground with a thud, tasting the decayed leaves and mud.

When he raised his head again, he saw a pair of feet.

Terrified, he scrambled backward, then looked again, seeing a beautiful woman dressed in a robe with dark patterns embroidered around the neckline.

In this remote wilderness, where did this woman come from?

Immediately frightened, he stumbled back in retreat but was stopped by a blade blocking his path.

The man holding the knife had eyes filled with coldness, staring at him with a gaze sharper than the blade itself.

Yin Ping retreated in fear, turning to look at the woman in panic.

Seeing her shadow under the tree, he sighed in relief. "Honored one, please spare me. I have no money on me. If you need money, once I find a place to settle down, I'll give you whatever amount you want. Please, let me go."

"I don't need money," Ran Qinggu said calmly.

Yin Ping asked in panic, "Then what do you want? Whatever you say, I can make it happen, just please let me go."

Ran Qinggu smiled faintly. "Do you remember six years ago, when you killed the Qing family in Beipogang?"

Yin Ping was startled. "You... You're from the Qing family?"

Weren't all the Qing family members dead?

He and his father had personally carried out the massacre.

Several thousand people, not a single survivor.

Ran Qinggu was unperturbed. "Do you remember what you did to humiliate Marquis Dingbei's eldest son, Qing Lang?"

Yin Ping felt a chill run down his spine.

That day, his father had been ordered to accompany the Second Prince to slaughter the Qing family in Beipogang.

He had gone along too.

He wanted to see how pitiful the Marquis Dingbei's eldest son, who had been hailed as a prodigy since childhood and bestowed by the Holy Emperor with the title "Langhua as the Moon," had become.

The eldest son of Marquis Dingbei, Qing Lang, was an outstanding role model among their generation of aristocratic sons, unmatched by anyone. He was graceful and refined like jade, excelling in both civil governance and military prowess.

Back then, Shang Rongyu was still just a child.

At that time, the dream lover of every young lady in the entire capital and Da Su was this eldest son of Marquis Dingbei.

From the moment he started school, he had been classmates with this "Langhua as the Moon" Marquis Dingbei's eldest son, always living in his shadow.

Never did he expect that there would be a time when he would fall from grace.

That day, in Beipogang, watching Qing Lang, who was fearless in the face of life and death, he remained like the moon in the sky, unreachable.

Yet, he was clearly covered in wounds, his limbs broken, unable to rise from the mud pit...

He didn't see the fallen man he had imagined, and he was extremely unwilling.

So, in front of Qing Lang, he raped the women and children of the Qing family, even raping Qing Lang's wife, who was three months pregnant.

Finally, he saw Qing Lang's star-like eyes filled with resentment, lying in the mud pit, roaring at him in despair and anger, consumed by hopelessness...

He begged Yin Ping to give the Qing family a quick end.

Yin Ping didn't. Not only did he not, but he also made the soldiers participating in the massacre join in.

To humiliate Qing Yi and Qing Lang, he forced them to watch as they raped and then killed the Qing family's women and children, watching as those women, unable to bear the humiliation, committed suicide by biting their tongues before the butcher's knife fell.

Ran Qinggu looked down at her hands, her expression flat. "Do you remember?"

Yin Ping was horrified. He asked in a trembling voice, "Who are you exactly?"

They had killed every member of the Qing family; there was no way anyone could have survived.

But if no one had survived, how could the person in front of him know so clearly?

Ran Qinggu looked at him calmly. "Who I am is not important. What matters is, do you remember what Qing Lang's wife said before she bit her tongue and committed suicide after being brutally treated by you?"

Yin Ping recalled.

That day, Qing Lang's wife was already three months pregnant. Under him, she cried and asked, "If you're going to kill, why not give us a quick death? Treating women like this, aren't you afraid of retribution?"

Ran Qinggu strolled leisurely, the silk shawl trailing on the ground, rustling the withered leaves with a soft, subtle sound.

His voice carried not a hint of warmth: "And that was your response at the time, you first laughed out loud, saying, 'If there is retribution, let me be thrown into the oil pot.' Do you still remember?"

Yin Ping felt utterly drained, his heart pounding rapidly: "Who are you? Who on earth are you?"

Why is it word-for-word?

Aren’t all of your family members dead?

Ran Qinggu took two steps back, advancing into the depths of the darkness. He reached a spot within the dense, dark forest where he halted. With a reach and a tug, a piece of black cloth tied to a tree fell to the ground.

Yin Ping then realized that it was not the deep part of the forest over there, nor was it a silent, pitch-black night, but rather a vast expanse covered by a massive black cloth.

Behind the black cloth lies a pot with a blazing fire, within which the oil is seething and boiling vigorously...

A solitary leaf falls, drifting into the pot, where it crackles and pops instantly. The leaf is quickly charred to black, then the black disintegrates, melting into the oil, and all is lost in the vastness...

Yin Ping was terrified, his voice trembling: "No... no..."

Ran Qinggu gazed at him indifferently, "So, it is said that this world has a sense of retribution."

The tall and robust man approached, grasping Yin Ping's hands which were already bound by the prepared ropes. With a tug, Yin Ping was instantly hoisted towards the center directly above the cauldron of boiling oil.

Yin Ping, terrified, cried out in plea for mercy: "Please spare me, don't... You've killed me..."

Ignoring the interruption, Ran Qinggu turned to the tall man and asked, "Do you know how to handle the aftermath?"

The man nodded, "Young master, rest assured, I understand."

Ran Qinggu took step by step towards the depths of the forest.

A faint, melodious voice of a bright woman seemed to echo in one's ear.

"Oh dear, our young master is growing more handsome by the day, he must be captivating the hearts of many a maiden in their dreams. He's even outshining your elder brother, it's quite extraordinary, quite extraordinary..."

"Oh dear, our young master is so gentle; when it comes to finding a wife in the future, one must not seek a formidable one, or else, he might end up being bullied."

"Your sister-in-law has brought a light bow from her natal home for you, which is perfect for learning to ride and shoot."

"Oh dear, we're going to have a little nephew now. Our little master is going to be out of favor. What are we going to do about this? Hahaha..."

The woman's smile is radiant, embodying the epitome of optimism and joy.

The sound gradually receded, vanishing into the whispers of the wind through the jungle.

Author's Note: This is a compilation of four updates, the next chapter will be a double update, six updates are presented today, I am very grateful for everyone's love and support, sending you all a big kiss.

If there is a lottery, I will randomly select a few adorable readers from these two chapters. Love you all, muah muah muah! Thank you to the little angels who cast the "Overlord Tickets" or watered the "Nutrient Solution" for me during the period from August 10, 2020, at 00:40:56 to August 11, 2020, at 23:06:15.

Thank you to the little angels who launched the rocket: Pup and Crane, 1 each.

Thanks to the little angel who threw the grenade: 1 is trapped;

Thanks to the little angels who cast mines: White Cat Meow Meow Meow, General Night Bow, A Curtain of Wind and Moon 1;

Thanks to the little angels who irrigated the nutrient solution: Photosensitive Little Dot 69 bottles; 38511238 33 bottles; Tangbao 20 bottles; Xiao Zhan's Nut Cutie, Four for One Dollar 12 bottles; Nana Nana Nana, singer_sugar 10 bottles; Astonfa 5 bottles; Yuyu 3 bottles; Jujuya, Ayu, 24776072 2 bottles; Jiufang Chenyue, Cockroach, Xia Mi, Wangyou 1 bottle;

I am deeply grateful for the support everyone has shown me, and I will continue to work hard!