Chapter 101 Prince Rui Assists Governance

Chapter 101: Prince Rui Assists the Government

Through the swirling snow, against the backdrop of crimson palace walls, a man clad in black, draped in a heavy cloak, approached swiftly along the wide, long official road, followed by several hundred soldiers in a dense formation.

Before the palace gates, the young emperor’s small face was flushed from the cold, his round, bright eyes as clear and bright as gemstones.

A young man in deep purple official robes, draped in a silver-white cloak, stood quietly, his gaze fixed on the procession drawing near. In his pupils, it seemed only the figure at the forefront was reflected.

Qin Xiao rode to within a few dozen meters before dismounting and striding forward quickly.

Baili Hong immediately scampered toward him on short legs.

Perhaps because he no longer had to worry about others’ opinions, Qin Xiao, much like Chu Jiubian had done before, squatted down and opened his arms, allowing the child to burrow into his embrace.

Qin Xiao wrapped the child in his cloak and stood up.

Baili Hong clung tightly to his neck, tears springing to his eyes.

"Uncle," he pouted, sniffling.

Qin Xiao chuckled softly, gently patting his back. "Uncle is back," he said in a light, cheerful tone, wiping the boy’s tears. "Don’t cry, or your tears will freeze on your face."

Baili Hong buried his face in Qin Xiao’s shoulder, wiping his tears and snot.

Qin Xiao: "..."

But Baili Hong quickly broke into a smile, chanting "Uncle! Uncle!"

Qin Xiao supported the child with one arm and gently pinched his cheek with the other, while lifting his gaze to Chu Jiubian, who had remained motionless a few steps away.

The young man looked just as he had before Qin Xiao left, yet Qin Xiao felt he seemed even more handsome now.

Their eyes met. Though they were far apart and not a word was spoken, the moment was so intense it made those around them blush, unable to look directly at the pair.

Upon returning to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, no one discussed official matters. Instead, they shared a sumptuous but otherwise simple, peaceful lunch.

At that moment, the entire palace, even the entire imperial city, buzzed with excitement over the triumphant return of Prince Ning.

Everyone knew the war was over.

The land was at peace.

The world remained the world of Great Ning, the world of Baili Hong, and the common people were overjoyed.

After the meal, Qin Xiao went to see An Wuji and Qin Chuan.

The young general who had returned with Qin Xiao was unsure what to do with the captured Prince Dingbei and the Gu Master they had brought back.

A subtle shift crossed Chu Jiubian's eyes as he said, "Put them in the same prison as the other nobles."

The family heads and strategists of the three great clans, and several high-ranking court officials were all held in the prison within the palace—the same place where Chu Jiubian himself had been held for a day.

"Yes," the young general acknowledged the order and turned to leave.

Chu Jiubian called after him again, saying, "Remember to lock the two of them in the same cell."

The young officer smiled. "Aye-aye."

Chu Jiubian also gave a faint smile. After the officer had walked away, he turned and looked toward Yaotai Residence.

He didn't live there anymore, so during this period, Qin Chuan had been recovering at the palace and stayed in the side hall of Yaotai Residence—the only place besides the Hall of Mental Cultivation that had underfloor heating.

Qin Xiao was currently there talking with Qin Chuan.

Chu Jiubian stared in that direction for what felt like ages, then looked up, squinting at the hazy winter sunlight.

Snowflakes fluttered down, one landing at the corner of his eye and instantly melting from his body warmth, glistening like a tear.

He was deep in thought.

He didn't know how long he'd been standing there when suddenly his vision darkened, and his nearly numb ears and cheeks were enveloped by a pair of warm, large hands.

Chu Jiubian turned his attention to the person in front of him.

But having stared at the light for too long, his vision was dancing with dark spots, making it hard to see the person clearly.

Yet he could recognize the other’s presence.

"Qin Xiao," he said.

"Yeah?" Qin Xiao replied with a laugh. "What are you standing around like an idiot for? Waiting for me?"

Chu Jiubian smiled as well. The darkness in his vision gradually faded, and he saw the man’s handsome face more and more clearly.

"Qin Xiao," he said softly, as if afraid others might hear. "I kind of missed you."

Qin Xiao’s eyelashes trembled. His gentle gaze suddenly darkened, revealing an intense, heart-pounding intensity.

"Chu Jiubian," his voice was hoarse, his throat working. "Do you know what you’re saying?"

Chu Jiubian stared at him without blinking, then suddenly leaned in, tilted his head up, and brushed a kiss against Qin Xiao’s lips.

In public.

It was the third time he had taken the initiative to kiss Qin Xiao.

The next moment, his wrist was grabbed by the man, who strode purposefully toward the west courtyard.

Chu Jiubian followed him, his gaze lowered slightly.

He looked at the bulging veins on the back of the man’s hand, then suddenly pulled his hand back. But before Qin Xiao could react, he interlaced their fingers.

Qin Xiao glanced back at him.

Chu Jiubian noticed that Qin Xiao’s jaw was clenched so tight, and for some reason, he wanted to laugh.

So he did.

Qin Xiao quickened his pace, and Chu Jiubian had to take quick, small steps to match his pace.

They entered the west courtyard and, without stopping, headed straight for the bedroom.

A wave of heat washed over him, causing Chu Jiubian to shudder suddenly.

The door closed and locked behind him.

In the next moment, Qin Xiao let go of his hand and instead wrapped his arm around Chu Jiubian's waist. He held him tightly, almost as if trying to pull him into his own body.

A searing, rough kiss landed on his lips, making Chu Jiubian's breath hitch.

Chu Jiubian's arms naturally encircled the man's neck.

He tilted his head back, let his lips part, and licked at the man's lips with his tongue.

Thus, he got what he wanted and heard the man's even rougher, heavier panting.

It was no different from the sounds in his dreams at midnight.

The official robe slipped away, and soon the young man was left wearing only a thin undergarment, the belt tied loosely at his waist. Beneath that belt, there was a faint, thin red line.

Qin Xiao pressed him onto the bed, lowered his gaze, and undid the troublesome belt, only to find a red cord tied around the young man's waist.

Qin Xiao's breath hitched, and his arousal grew even more intense.

Chu Jiubian kept his eyes on him.

The man had taken off his cloak but was still wearing his soft armor—cold and hard, leaving red marks on Chu Jiubian's waist, abdomen, and chest.

Chu Jiubian lifted his foot and placed it gently against Qin Xiao's abdomen.

Meeting Qin Xiao's deep gaze, Chu Jiubian curved his lips into a smile and asked softly, "Do you like it?"

Qin Xiao chuckled.

"I like it."

"I love it to death."

This was a scene from the picture book beside his pillow—a red cord at the waist. He had fantasized countless times about how captivating Chu Jiubian would look like this.

Now he had truly seen it, and the young man had even put it on for him.

More beautiful than he had imagined.

More than he could handle.

Warm, soft ointment and rough yet slender fingers explored and worked their way into a place that had become exceptionally tight from long disuse.

And soon,

it was replaced by something more.

The soft armor was still on.

Chu Jiubian reached out, his trembling fingers trying to touch the fastenings, but he was repeatedly interrupted by the man's forceful thrusts.

Tonight, Chu Jiubian was different from his usual avoidance and restraint.

He even took the initiative and sat on top, making Qin Xiao's eyes darken with desire.

He was so obedient, doing whatever Qin Xiao asked, to the point where Qin Xiao felt almost ashamed to bully him further.

But seeing the young man's tear-filled eyes, any remaining reason fled, leaving only the most primal desire.

Chu Jiubian held him, burying his face in the man's neck, tears rolling down repeatedly. A trace of sorrow flickered in his eyes but was quickly replaced by other emotions.

After what felt like countless possessions, Chu Jiubian even felt his belly swell.

He finally realized that Qin Xiao had truly been holding back before, not seriously tormenting him.

Yet he didn't push the man away. Instead, he tempted him again and again, as if wishing Qin Xiao would just finish him off.

It wasn't until the early light of dawn on the second day that Chu Jiubian finally sank into a deep sleep.

Several times throughout, he couldn't tell if he had fallen asleep or passed out.

Only to be awakened again by intense movements.

He slept until evening.

Chu Jiubian drowsily opened his eyes, with no energy left.

As he moved, the man behind him stirred.

Chu Jiubian's expression changed as he realized Qin Xiao was inside him again at some point.

Perhaps out of consideration for his sleep, the man had been holding back earlier, but now that he was awake, Qin Xiao no longer held back.

Chu Jiubian's voice was hoarse as he managed broken words, "I'm thirsty."

Qin Xiao paused, kissed the back of his neck, and then got up.

Chu Jiubian heard a sound that made him flush.

The next moment, he was lifted and found himself seated on the dining table.

The room was warm, and the table was covered with a cloth, so it wasn't cold, just slightly hard.

Chu Jiubian looked at Qin Xiao in disbelief. Despite having stayed up all night, the man was still full of energy, his eyes bright and clear.

With every movement Qin Xiao made, Chu Jiubian let out a soft groan.

Qin Xiao poured him a cup of water, still warm.

"Drink slowly," he said, bringing the cup to Chu Jiubian's lips.

Chu Jiubian tilted his head back and drank, soothing his dry throat. A trickle of water escaped the corner of his mouth, dangling precariously at his Adam's apple.

Qin Xiao leaned in and kissed away the droplet.

Chu Jiubian swallowed.

It wasn't enough, so he drank two more cups.

Another night passed.

It wasn't until well past midnight, when Chu Jiubian could no longer endure it and couldn't even move a finger, that Qin Xiao carefully cleaned him.

He got into bed and pulled the young man into his arms.

Qin Xiao gently kissed Chu Jiubian’s forehead, softly patting his back as he tenderly coaxed, "Go to sleep now. That's a good boy."

Chu Jiubian buried his face in Qin Xiao’s chest, eyes closed, murmuring dazedly, "Don't come in again."

He heard the man’s muffled chuckle and a soft "Mhm."

Early morning, on the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month.

Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao finally stepped out of their room and attended the morning audience.

This period was supposed to be a scheduled break from court sessions, but since Qin Xiao had returned and hadn't yet met with everyone, today served as both an introduction and the official start of the Lunar New Year holiday.

Nearly half of the familiar faces in the court were absent, with many positions left vacant.

Lu Yao had prepared several candidate lists for official appointments, but the final decisions required review by Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao, followed by approval and sealing by Baili Hong.

During the morning audience, no major matters were discussed. Instead, the conversation revolved around Hexi County and surrounding cities where sweet potatoes had been planted—the people had enjoyed a prosperous New Year.

Southern textiles, no longer reserved exclusively for military use, had dropped in price, making them more affordable for the common people. Everyone was cheerful and delighted.

With the New Year approaching in a few days, the capital and local areas were adorned with lanterns and decorations; everywhere was filled with festive joy.

New year, new beginnings—Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao decided to postpone official appointments until after the New Year court sessions.

However, today, Baili Hong had one more announcement to make.

After everyone had finished speaking, Baili Hong said, "Official appointments will be discussed after the New Year. Today, I will issue an edict."

Chu Jiubian was taken aback and instinctively glanced at Qin Xiao.

What edict?

He truly had no idea about this.

Qin Xiao, however, showed no surprise and even smiled at Chu Jiubian.

Noticing his Imperial Tutor’s puzzled expression, Baili Hong felt a bit embarrassed.

He had intended to discuss this with his Imperial Tutor two days earlier, but his uncle said the Imperial Tutor was exhausted and needed rest, so he hadn't had the chance to inform him.

Still, he had consulted his uncle, who praised his idea and encouraged him to proceed.

He turned to Xiaoyuzi beside him, signaling him to read the edict.

As the New Year approached, Hong Fu was swamped with duties. In addition to managing the Directorate of Ceremonial, he was also overseeing all palace procurement and arrangements, leaving him no spare time. Thus, accompanying the emperor to court was temporarily entrusted to Xiaoyuzi.

Xiaoyuzi performed his role impressively, quite reminiscent of his master.

Hong Fu also involved Xiaoxiangzi in handling all palace affairs. After the New Year, palace matters would be entirely handed over to Xiaoxiangzi.

With two capable apprentices trained, Hong Fu could focus solely on his work at the Directorate of Ceremonial.

Currently, the court was short-handed everywhere. The Directorate of Ceremonial, along with the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue, was one of the few departments functioning smoothly—naturally, the capable ended up with more work.

Back to the matter at hand.

Xiaoyuzi retrieved the edict from his sleeve, cleared his throat softly, and proclaimed loudly, "By the decree of Heaven and the mandate of the Emperor—"

"Chu Jiubian, Grand Tutor of the First Rank, possesses great talent and vision, loyalty and diligence in stabilizing the nation, having repeatedly achieved extraordinary merits..."

"Now specially enfeoffed as First Rank Prince Regent, granted the title 'Rui,' with a fief of ten thousand households. Together with Prince Ning Qin Xiao, he shall assist in governing the great enterprise, creating a prosperous and peaceful era for Great Ning..."

This was the Jingrui era.

Baili Hong had personally chosen the character "Rui" with great care, reflecting his sincerity.

Qin Xiao’s "Prince Ning" referred to the Prince of Great Ning, while Chu Jiubian’s "Prince Rui" symbolized the Prince of the Jingrui era. Both were enfeoffed as Prince Regents with ten thousand households, a reward far exceeding that of ordinary princes.

Such an honor, under other emperors, might have been seen as a threat from two powerful figures.

But to Baili Hong, these two figures were his protectors and those who doted on him.

Chu Jiubian looked up, gazing in astonishment at the small figure seated on the dragon throne.

Baili Hong’s eyes shone brightly, meeting his gaze with deep reliance and joy, his lips curved into a faint, happy smile.

For a moment, Chu Jiubian felt as if he were gazing across time and space at another small child.

That child had also looked at him with such eyes and smiled at him.

Yet it was not quite the same.

Baili Hong’s essence was pure, sincere, filled with love and acceptance.

But that other child had been tragic, suffering...

"Thus decreed!" Xiaoyuzi read the final line, then hurried down with small steps, smiling as he presented the imperial decree to Chu Jiubian.

A faint smile touched Chu Jiubian’s lips.

He reached out to accept the imperial decree, bowing toward the throne as he said, "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for this great grace."

Baili Hong quickly replied, "Rise, my beloved subject."

The moment Chu Jiubian accepted the imperial decree, attendants brought out a chair from the rear hall, identical to Qin Xiao’s.

Qin Xiao stood and descended the steps, taking the heavy chair—which required four people to carry—from the palace attendants. He placed it on the platform at his level, on the opposite side of the steps.

Chu Jiubian looked up and saw two chairs, one on the left and one on the right, with the grand and exquisite dragon throne elevated between them.

He withdrew his gaze and looked at Qin Xiao.

The man’s expression was calm, but a faint smile lingered in his eyes.

Noticing Chu Jiubian’s gaze, Qin Xiao gave him a knowing look.

Chu Jiubian smiled silently, stepped forward, and ascended the steps one by one until he reached the chair.

He turned and sat down.

Below him, he saw the officials standing in orderly rows.

Qin Xiao also returned to his seat.

Someone started the chant, and then all officials knelt in unison, kowtowing to the three figures above and shouting, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Prince Regents!"

Historical records later noted—

"On the 28th of the twelfth lunar month in the second year of Jingrui, Prince Rui Chu Jiubian was enfeoffed as Prince Regent."

"Ushering in the prosperous era under the reign of Emperor Baili Hong, with Prince Rui and Prince Ning as co-rulers."

==

After the morning court session, in the rear hall of Fengtian Palace.

The child clung to Chu Jiubian's leg, speaking softly, "Teacher, Miao Miao didn't mean to hide it from you. It's just that you were resting a few days ago, so I didn't want to disturb you. Please don't be angry with Miao Miao, okay?"

Qin Xiao found it made his teeth ache.

Calling himself "Miao Miao" repeatedly—this little thing was getting better and better at being cute.

But when he looked up, he saw Chu Jiubian smiling with such tenderness.

Qin Xiao: "..."

Alright then, Lord Rui clearly ate this up.

There were only two non-imperial princes in the Da Ning Dynasty, so although he and Chu Jiubian were granted the title of prince, they were not addressed as "Your Highness" but rather as "Lord."

Chu Jiubian crouched down and patted the child's head, smiling as he said, "Teacher isn't angry. Teacher really likes the surprise Miao Miao prepared."

Baili Hong immediately beamed with joy, hugging his neck and nuzzling against him like a little kitten.

After soothing the child, the child left for the Hall of Mental Cultivation with Xiao Yuzi.

With the New Year just two days away, Baili Hong was on break and didn't have to review memorials, so his favorite activity lately was playing in the snow with Xiao Yuzi in the courtyard.

Yan Rui, the newly appointed director in the Ministry of Works—the young man who had previously passed the imperial examinations at the National Academy—had recently made many fun building blocks and molds for Baili Hong.

They were not only entertaining but also helped develop hands-on skills and intelligence.

So lately, Baili Hong had been using these wooden pieces to build snow houses and courtyards, and he even played "battle" games similar to sandbox war simulations with Xiao Yuzi and others, using wooden figurines to strategize and compete across snow-built cities.

Unknowingly, he had taught himself a great deal about military tactics and strategies.

Chu Jiubian had watched a few times and couldn't help but marvel at the child's mind—truly born to be an emperor.

"What are you thinking about?"

A warm breath brushed his ear as Chu Jiubian was embraced from behind.

He turned his head, and Qin Xiao's lips grazed his ear.

"I was thinking it's time we visit the prison," Chu Jiubian said.

They had been indulging in pleasure these past few days and hadn't gone to see the reactions of those imprisoned.

Of course, the others weren't particularly important; they could simply leave it to Gu Qingzhi to pass judgment later.

With the Ministry of Justice currently vacant, all such matters were handed over to the Chief Minister of the Dali Temple, Gu Qingzhi.

Only the Lu family, especially Lu Youwei, warranted Qin Xiao's personal attention.

While Emperor Yingzong was the mastermind behind the deaths of Qin Jingzhao and Wei Lingyun, the Lu family were the actual executioners. Previously, they had covered their tracks well.

Now that the Lu family's assets had been confiscated, Lu Youwei and the family head Lu Jinfeng were imprisoned, and the family's advisors and elders were locked up in the Dali Temple's prison.

Under these circumstances, Lu Youwei had no reason to keep hiding the truth—after all, death was inevitable.

Perhaps if he spoke, Qin Xiao might show mercy and release some members of his clan.

Qin Xiao understood what Chu Jiubian meant.

Although he had been indulgent these days, scarcely leaving bed with Chu Jiubian, during Chu Jiubian's deep sleeps, he couldn't help but think about these matters.

Perhaps it was because he had met Chu Jiubian and now had someone to share the burden with that he could no longer pretend to be invincible.

He admitted it.

He was somewhat afraid to face it.

His parents' deaths had broken his grandfather's health and driven his elder sister to despair.

How exactly they were murdered wasn't truly important anymore, but Qin Xiao still wanted a clear answer.

As Chu Jiubian slowly pulled his arm down, Qin Xiao straightened up.

Chu Jiubian turned to look at him, then lowered his gaze and took his hand, interlacing their fingers.

"Let's go," he said.

A shiver ran through Qin Xiao's heart, and he gripped Chu Jiubian's hand even tighter.

The two made their way to the prison.

After entering the courtyard gate, it was quiet and deserted.

Next door was where the Imperial Guards rested during their shifts, so there were few guards around the prison—only a few jailers on duty.

When they saw Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao approaching, one jailer immediately rushed out from the room and bowed.

Qin Xiao casually said, "Rise."

Chu Jiubian, however, took a closer look at the jailer.

The jailer shouldn't have looked up at his superiors, but he couldn't help himself. He sneakily glanced up and met Chu Jiubian's light-colored eyes.

For a moment, he was dazed, then quickly lowered his head.

Then he heard Chu Jiubian speak, his voice cool but his tone approachable.

"This prince remembers you," Chu Jiubian said. "Your name is Li Sheng, correct?"

Li Sheng looked up abruptly, excited. "You... you still remember me!"

Chu Jiubian looked at his young face and smiled. "Thank you for your care back when I was here."

"It was my honor," Li Sheng said, his face flushing red, just like when he first learned Chu Jiubian was like a celestial being.

Qin Xiao glanced at Chu Jiubian, then at the jailer, but remained silent.

"Lead the way. We wish to see Lu Youwei," Chu Jiubian said.

"Yes, this way, my lords." Li Sheng guided the two into the prison.

The room was heated by several stoves, making it much warmer than outside, but staying in such an environment for long would still feel cold.

Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao followed Li Sheng deeper inside, passing the first cell.

"Revisiting this place feels rather strange," Chu Jiubian remarked deliberately.

Qin Xiao thought back to when he first locked people up in this prison cell. At that time, he was constrained at every turn—the state coffers were empty, he had no allies in the court, and the palace was filled with spies.

Every day felt like walking on a knife's edge; one misstep and he would fall, full of holes, with nowhere to be buried.

It was at such a time that Chu Jiubian appeared in such a supernatural manner, quickly solving his pressing problems, and then step by step, helping him time and again—so much that he could never repay the debt in this lifetime, the next, or even countless lifetimes to come.

So, he could only devote lifetime after lifetime to repaying him.

Chu Jiubian didn’t know what he was thinking. Seeing him stand still, he took his hand and led him forward.

They passed by cell after cell.

They saw familiar faces they used to see almost every day before—Prince Dingbei Baili Yu, Prince Dongjiang Baili He, Minister of Revenue Su Sheng, Minister of Justice Qiu Heng, Minister of War Lu Youwei...

Vassal princes, first-rank ministers, second-rank vice ministers, and those family heads.

Though stripped of their former glory, they were still different from ordinary prisoners—backs straight, hair neatly in place.

The thin, rough hemp prison robes chafed their noble bodies, making them uncomfortable everywhere, yet they carried themselves as if still wearing their deep purple official garments.

As Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao approached, gazes turned toward them.

There was no resentment, no anger—only wistfulness and calm.

The rise and fall of power was merely a game of chess, with wins and losses.

Some rise, others fall.

But there will always be someone standing by the table, shaping events.

They could afford to lose.

Yet how much unwillingness lingered in their hearts, only they themselves knew.

Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao stopped before the cell where Lu Youwei was held, peering through the gaps in the wooden wall to meet the gaze of the seated figure inside.

The once-powerful Minister of War was now nothing more than a prisoner, beneath even ordinary citizens.

“What the two of you wish to ask, I cannot say,” Lu Youwei spoke calmly, his voice hoarse.

He looked at Qin Xiao and said, “It was simply that the Qin family’s achievements overshadowed the ruler, arousing the late emperor’s fear. You stood in too many people’s way—my Lu family was just one among them. Even if we hadn’t acted, others would have.”

“A man’s words are kind as death approaches,” Lu Youwei seemed to sigh. “My silence is for your own good. Do not investigate further.”

With that, he closed his eyes and showed no intention of speaking again.

Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao looked at him but asked nothing more.

Lu Youwei would not speak.

As for the other members of the Lu family, perhaps only the strategist Lu Tong knew something, but Gu Qingzhi had already interrogated him several times, and Qin Xiao’s men had questioned him as well, to no avail.

The other party said that only Lu Youwei knew the identity of the person hidden in the shadows who betrayed the Qin family.

Then, from deeper within the prison, a frivolous laugh suddenly rang out.

“Lord Chu.”

“No, now I should address you as Lord Divine.”

The voice was very distinctive; everyone recognized it as Xiao Yao, head of the Xiao family.

“I’m about to die. Would you be willing to come see me one more time, to reminisce?”

Chu Jiubian looked toward the source of the voice.

Since the cells were arranged in rows, he couldn’t see Xiao Yao from this angle.

Qin Xiao glanced coldly in that direction, then said to Chu Jiubian, “If we can’t get anything out of him, let’s just go back.”

They could always continue investigating.

Chu Jiubian nodded, but Xiao Yao spoke again, raising his voice: “I know who killed Qin Jingzhao and his wife!”

Qin Xiao’s expression darkened instantly.

A shadow flickered in Chu Jiubian’s eyes.

Using such a reason was truly...

“I really do know,” Xiao Yao continued. “Before the Grand Empress Dowager left the capital, she gave me a list—the undercover agents my Xiao family planted throughout Great Ning. Only she knew about them.”

“Among those people, there is one who is very close to the Qin family!”

“As long as you come and talk to me yourself, I will tell you that person’s identity,” Xiao Yao said with a laugh. “But only if you come alone.”

Qin Xiao let out a light scoff and strode over.

He insisted on going—what could they do?

Hearing the footsteps, a gleam flashed in Xiao Yao’s eyes, but when he saw it was Qin Xiao, he frowned.

Qin Xiao ordered Li Sheng to open the cell door.

Xiao Yao’s face paled slightly, and he instinctively stepped back. “What are you doing?”

The cell door opened, and Qin Xiao stepped inside.

The next moment, the sound of fists striking flesh echoed, along with Xiao Yao’s suppressed grunts of pain.

Chu Jiubian: “......”

Qin Xiao had probably wanted to beat Xiao Yao like this for a long time.

After a while, he walked over.

Qin Xiao emerged from the cell, not a hair out of place.

Chu Jiubian glanced into the cell and saw Xiao Yao’s frail body curled up, hands covering his head and abdomen, still trembling.

“You go out first. I’ll hear what he has to say,” Chu Jiubian said to Qin Xiao.

If the other party really knew something, it would save them from investigating further.

Moreover, from Lu Youwei’s earlier words, it was clear that person was closely related to the Qin family. Perhaps learning their identity would affect Qin Xiao now.

So Chu Jiubian questioning him alone was best.

If Qin Xiao didn't need to know, then he would keep this secret for a lifetime.

Qin Xiao knew what he was thinking and, after a moment of silence, said, "I'll wait right outside."

"Wait outside the courtyard," Chu Jiubian said.

Qin Xiao thought he was afraid of being overheard and smiled to himself. "Alright."

He strode outside.

Chu Jiubian turned to watch his retreating figure, his gaze deep and his eyes slightly stinging.

His main purpose in coming to the prison today was to first send Qin Xiao away.

To send him far away.

In the cell near the front, Baili Yu sat with his eyes closed by the wall, while the elderly Gu Master huddled in the corner, trying to make himself as small as possible. Yet his clouded eyes couldn't help but glance repeatedly at the young vassal prince.

Even in adversity, the other still carried an extraordinary aura, still held himself high.

And still, the Gu Master was infatuated with him.

Baili Yu heard Qin Xiao stride out of the prison and heard the young jailer ask Chu Jiubian if he should open the cell door.

He opened his eyes and looked at the Gu Master in the corner.

A smile curled at the corner of Baili Yu's lips as he beckoned to the other, as if summoning a pet.

The Gu Master was startled, then his eyes seemed to light up. He immediately stood up, stumbled to Baili Yu's side, and knelt before him, looking up.

Baili Yu leaned in slowly, reaching out to stroke the other's withered, wrinkled face. His touch was gentle, his smile tender, like during their past intimacy.

The Gu Master's breathing grew heavier.

Baili Yu smiled softly and said, "Didn't you say you were willing to die for me?"

"Your subordinate... your subordinate is willing!"

Baili Yu's smile deepened. His actions were gentle, but his words were cruel.

"Then make your death worthwhile."

At the same time, Chu Jiubian stood outside Xiao Yao's cell.

"Speak," he said.

Xiao Yao steadied himself, afraid that Chu Jiubian would grow impatient and leave. He struggled to sit up.

He wanted to move closer to the door, to be nearer to the deity.

But he had no strength.

He could only sit weakly where he was, his face pale as he gazed at the deity separated from him by the door.

Chu Jiubian's expression remained impassive.

After a long moment, all the words Xiao Yao wanted to say stuck in his throat.

There was no use saying anything.

So he simply smiled, self-mockingly.

Then he said, "Forget it. It doesn't matter if I tell you."

Chu Jiubian heard the name.

A name that was unexpected, yet made sense.

He said nothing, turned, and walked out of the prison.

As he passed the cell where Prince Dingbei was held, he glanced inside and met Baili Yu's flirtatious gaze.

Chu Jiubian continued walking without stopping.

Behind him, the jailer Li Sheng followed a few steps behind.

At the prison entrance, Chu Jiubian smiled at Li Sheng and said, "Go back now."

Li Sheng, blushing, nodded happily and turned to leave.

When he returned home today, he would definitely tell his family that the deity remembered him, that Lord Chu remembered him!

He soon reached the door of Prince Dingbei's cell.

The Gu Master knelt in the corner, facing the wall.

Hearing Baili Yu's soft laugh, he closed his eyes.

The next moment, he suddenly spat out a mouthful of black blood.

Li Sheng, the figure at the cell door, paused, then turned and rushed quickly toward the exit.

Chu Jiubian stepped out of the prison and saw the tall figure standing at the courtyard gate.

Qin Xiao stood with his back to the gate, turning around at the sound of movement.

But Chu Jiubian avoided his gaze, turned, and took out a kitchen knife he had bought earlier from his personal space.

A figure rushed out from the prison door.

It was a young man, dressed in a jailer's uniform—kind-hearted, simple, and easily blushing.

He was one of Chu Jiubian's earliest followers.

Chu Jiubian stared deeply at his face, at his eyes, which had inexplicably turned blood-red.

Was it coincidence, a twist of fate, or perhaps what people called destiny?

Chu Jiubian raised the knife.

The young jailer charging toward him seemed to distort, and Chu Jiubian felt as if he had returned to that evening, in that small, cramped room.

The smell of alcohol, blood, and sourness.

He saw a woman raising a kitchen knife high and slashing it down fiercely at the man on the bed.

But the man woke up, dodging in panic as the woman's knife struck his collarbone.

The man pushed the woman away, snatched the knife from her hand, and slashed back at her.

Once. Again.

Blood splattered across Chu Jiubian’s face. He saw the woman’s wide-open eyes, saw the man fall to the ground, the kitchen knife falling to the ground.

The man staggered to his feet and stumbled away.

Chu Jiubian stared at the blood-soaked knife, reached out, and gripped it tightly with both hands.

He stood up and advanced on the man.

Getting closer, until he finally raised the knife and hacked it down on the man.

Once, twice.

After that, the man kicked him away, and the knife slid under the bed.

The man picked up a stool, grabbed everything within reach, and brought them down hard.

Chu Jiubian seemed to hear the woman’s urgent words: “Protect your head! Stay alive!”

He curled up, shielding his head with his arms.

Sometime later,

the man, exhausted, finally stopped.

Chu Jiubian got up and saw the man lying on the ground, no longer breathing.

The young jailer rushed up to him. Chu Jiubian’s vision cleared.

He brought the knife down once more.

Chu Jiubian heard footsteps suddenly halt behind him. His hands were trembling.

Qin Xiao stood a few steps away, watching the young man’s back as he slowly turned around.

The young man was covered in blood, his face pale. There was no emotion in his eyes—just emptiness.

Chu Jiubian laughed.

He said, “Qin Xiao, do you know who I struck with a knife for the first time?”

“My biological father.”

Flurries of snow obscured his view. Chu Jiubian could barely make out Qin Xiao’s face. He continued, “Knowing what I am… do