Chapter 354: Seeking Absolution

Chapter 354: Seeking Absolution

Zhang Yuchen couldn't believe what he was hearing: "Second Uncle, is there really no other way?"

Sacrifice me?

He was not yet forty, in the prime of his life—how could he be willing to face death?

"Do you think you have a choice?" Chief Minister Zhang looked at Zhang Yuchen, his eyes filled with disappointment. "Whether you are willing or not, you cannot escape death. The only difference is whether our Zhang family will be uprooted and completely eradicated. Yuchen, do you want to become the eternal disgrace of our Zhang family?"

Where was the bold and ruthless young Zhang Yuchen who, as a youth, stood before him and spoke of a plan to drive a wedge between the emperor and empress? It seemed that decisiveness was only for others, not for himself.

Sweat rolled down Zhang Yuchen's forehead as he nodded with difficulty: "I will follow your advice, Second Uncle."

Chief Minister Zhang's eyes showed relief as he began to explain the arrangements: "Tomorrow..."

It was already midnight when Zhang Yuchen left the Zhang residence. His steps were heavy, but as he neared his home, he suddenly quickened his pace.

Wang had been standing at the door. When she saw Zhang Yuchen, she rushed forward, tears welling up in her eyes, and called out, "Master, you've returned."

Zhang Yuchen didn't speak, but he took Wang's hand.

Her hand was icy, sending a chill through him.

The couple entered the house.

Zhang Yuchen didn't take the clothes Wang offered him. Instead, he went straight to the study, rummaging through it and throwing a pile of letters and papers into a basin to burn.

He stared blankly as the papers turned to ashes, then walked out and spoke his first words since returning to his worried wife: "Hui Niang, I must flee for safety."

"Master—" Wang had long guessed that disaster was imminent. Hearing this, the tears she had held back for so long finally fell.

Zhang Yuchen placed both hands on Wang's shoulders: "Second Uncle told me to resign myself to fate, but I cannot. If I flee, there might still be hope. If I don't, we will both be doomed."

Wang nodded through her tears: "I understand. Master, you must leave now."

Looking at his weeping wife, Zhang Yuchen felt a pang of sorrow: "Hui Niang, I can't bring you along. But if I leave, you might still have a chance to live. If I surrender, we will both surely die."

"What about our daughter, Wan'er?" Wang couldn't help but ask.

The couple had been married for many years and had a son and a daughter. Their eldest son had been sent back to their southern hometown seven or eight years ago. The official reason was to serve his grandparents, but in reality, it was a contingency plan Zhang Yuchen had arranged.

He was accustomed to ruthless methods to achieve his goals, but that didn't mean he wasn't afraid of the consequences if things went wrong.

Their youngest daughter, Zhang Wan, had always stayed by their side.

"Under Great Xia's laws, women are often shown mercy. If I can escape and reach the forces I've secretly built, I will surely bring you and our daughter out."

Wang wiped her eyes: "Master, you must leave now."

Once disguised, Zhang Yuchen took one last deep look at Wang and slipped out through the back door.

The dark clouds had cleared by now, and stars were scattered sparsely across the horizon.

Zhang Yuchen took a deep breath, the cold piercing to his bones.

At this hour, leaving the city was impossible. By tomorrow, when the news reached the emperor, the Jinlin Guard would be searching for him openly. Staying in the city would only postpone the inevitable.

The only chance was to wait for the city gates to open in the morning and use the time before the news spread to slip out of the city.

Having committed many misdeeds over the years, Zhang Yuchen was prepared. At that moment, he carried a set of travel documents and fake identities in his arms, which would help him establish himself after escaping the capital.

Zhang Yuchen made a beeline for the city gate.

Near the city gate, he had secretly purchased a residential house, where he stayed for half the night, waiting for the city gate to open at dawn so he could leave immediately.

As for Chief Minister Zhang's advice, Zhang Yuchen sneered.

If he could survive, why should he sacrifice himself for his clan? Those clan members weren't his immediate family. They enjoyed the benefits he brought in ordinary times, but when trouble came, they expected him to take the fall. Wasn't that taking all the good things for themselves?

With these thoughts, Zhang Yuchen quickened his pace.

"Where is Minister Zhang going?" A chilling voice suddenly cut through the air, startling Zhang Yuchen and making him stop abruptly.

Not far ahead, a figure clad in crimson stood tall, holding a lantern in his hand.

The lantern light illuminated his jade-like face.

He Qingxiao!

Zhang Yuchen's eyes narrowed, and he turned to run, only to find several Jinlin Guards in black uniforms staring at him expressionlessly.

Zhang Yuchen's resolve to flee evaporated instantly.

He had practiced martial arts for a few years in his youth, mainly for self-defense and fitness, but he was no match for military officials.

Resistance would only lead to his humiliation.

But the thought of falling into the Jinlin Guard's hands made his blood run cold. Zhang Yuchen's expression changed, and he drew a dagger concealed in his sleeve, aiming it at his heart.

A sudden pain in his wrist forced him to drop the dagger, which fell to the ground with a clear sound in the silent night.

He Qingxiao stepped closer, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Minister Zhang, there's no need to be in such a hurry. Take him away."

The stars were once again hidden behind drifting clouds, and dawn was still far off. Many households were already awake and bustling, as officials and nobles eligible for the morning court were preparing to leave.

Some were aware of the turmoil at the Zhang clan's residence the night before, while others were not. As they gathered outside the palace gate waiting for the morning court, they saw Chief Minister Zhang approaching, bearing a bundle of thorns on his back.

Those in the dark asked, puzzled: "Chief Minister Zhang, what is this—"

More people stood at a distance, not daring to approach.

Chief Minister Zhang's demeanor clearly signaled a grave event. Who would dare to interfere and risk entanglement in trouble?

The officials murmured among themselves in hushed groups when suddenly a commotion arose.

"It's Lady Xin!"

"Why is Lady Xin here?"

Hearing the noise, Chief Minister Zhang slowly turned his head to look.

A young girl in a green robe, her hair tied in a simple bun with a hairpin slanting through it, from which hung a gleaming pearl.

Though she wore an official robe in a male style, her makeup did not attempt to downplay her feminine features, as if it were perfectly natural and right for a woman to wear official attire.

Chief Minister Zhang felt as though the thorns on his back had turned into red-hot iron rods, searing his flesh and piercing his heart.

This girl was the architect of the Zhang family's ruin!

But at this moment, he not only couldn't show his hatred, but also had to suppress his emotions.

Chief Minister Zhang secretly took a deep breath and walked towards Xin You.

Under the watchful eyes of many, Chief Minister Zhang halted about three meters from Xin You.

The low murmurs had somehow disappeared, and the area outside the palace gate, where officials were waiting for the morning court, fell into a hushed silence. Everyone was curious about what Chief Minister Zhang would say to Lady Xin.

At his age, Chief Minister Zhang surely wouldn't publicly argue with a young girl, would he?

Many speculated wildly, secretly anticipating what might happen.

Lady Xin was also curious about Chief Minister Zhang's intentions.

She originally didn't have the qualification to participate in the regular court session, and had come today specifically to present her grievance. Seeing Chief Minister Zhang carrying a bundle of thorny branches, she couldn't help but admire his audacity.

He was ruthless to others and to himself, no wonder he had remained a constant presence in the court until now.

At that moment, Chief Minister Zhang paid no heed to the curious stares. After glancing at Lady Xin, he suddenly knelt down.

His sudden kneeling left all the officials in stunned silence.