Chapter 36 Shen Jichen vs Qu Lieshan vs Xue Yubai “They’re fighting!”

Chapter 36: Shen Jichen, Qu Lieshan, and Xue Yubai — A Clash of Wills!

Sun Qihong was already on edge from Shen Jichen’s unexpected visit earlier that day. Hearing that Marquis Shen wished to see him, his blood ran cold. He hastily summoned Wang Xiong to accompany him.

Wang Xiong was deeply reluctant but dared not outright refuse. "My Lord, I... I am but a minor official, my words carry little weight. I fear..."

"This mess is your doing! Do you think you can evade it? If not for your soft heart, allowing that Miss Yue inside, would Marquis Shen have caught her red-handed? And who sits in there? That is our superior from the Ministry of Justice! If he decides to punish us today, none of us will escape!" Sun Qihong fumed, exasperated.

Wang Xiong muttered inwardly, *You took your share of Miss Yue’s silver too!* But seeing Sun Qihong’s furious expression, he dared not speak further, steeling himself to follow.

Upon entering the hall, they saw Shen Jichen seated in the magistrate’s place of honor. His dark brocade robes flowed with an austere grace, and his presence was chilling. Even without lifting his gaze, he exuded a bone-piercing coldness that sent shivers down Sun Qihong and Wang Xiong’s spines and made their legs tremble. They dropped to their knees with a "thud" before Shen Jichen could speak, Sun Qihong taking the initiative to plead.

"Your Lordship, please forgive us. It was my negligence in supervision that allowed Wang Xiong to make such a grave mistake. I beg Your Lordship to quell your anger."

Wang Xiong, kneeling beside Sun Qihong, nearly leaped up in panic. Reacting swiftly, he kowtowed hard to the ground. "Your Lordship, please spare me! It was all my fault for being soft-hearted and allowing outsiders inside. But... but Miss Yue was so pitiful, begging desperately just to see—"

"Silence!" Wen Song roared, casting a wary glance toward Shen Jichen.

The hall fell into a deathly hush. After a long pause, Shen Jichen let out a cold chuckle. Sun Qihong and Wang Xiong trembled uncontrollably, bowing their heads even lower.

Shen Jichen asked slowly and deliberately, "Does she come often?" His voice was deep, cold, and utterly devoid of emotion. Wang Xiong swallowed hard and sneaked a glance toward Wen Song.

Wen Song quickly signaled to him with his eyes. Wang Xiong understood—he was to tell the whole truth, holding nothing back!

"Reporting to Your Lordship, since Qu Lieshan was imprisoned, she came every day at first, just to see him. I firmly refused her. Later, she somehow learned about the unwritten rules of the mine prison, fearing Qu Lieshan might perish there, so she began delivering three hundred taels of silver every ten days, just to ensure his safety."

Since its establishment, the mine prison had held only the most heinous death-row inmates, forced to quarry stones daily. Some were crushed or killed by falling rocks. Later, certain influential figures in the capital conceived the idea that instead of letting them die for nothing, they could select two prisoners each day to fight to the death, satisfying their bizarre preferences. This was an open secret in the capital.

Some nobles, seeking an outlet for their frustrations, would also visit, choosing a prisoner and placing heavy bets, just to watch these common criminals fight fiercely, finding immense thrill in it.

Shen Jichen was naturally aware of this. He neither interfered with the nobles’ activities nor participated himself.

Wang Xiong thought to himself that since this was a well-known secret, there was no harm in revealing it. He continued, "Qu Lieshan has always been diligent in quarrying, never slacking off. And Miss Yue’s deep affection for him moved me deeply, which is why I..."

At that moment, Shen Jichen finally lifted his eyes to look at him. Wang Xiong, who had just raised his head, met his icy gaze and immediately lowered his head again. He heard Shen Jichen’s voice, low and dripping with coldness.

"Deep affection."

Wang Xiong trembled like a leaf, unsure which words had angered the nobleman, and dared not even breathe loudly. From his lowered position, he saw Shen Jichen slowly rise to his feet, feeling as if a great weight were pressing down on him, suffocating his breath. He kowtowed to the ground once more.

"Very well, very well."

For some reason, hearing Shen Jichen utter these two words made Wang Xiong and Sun Qihong’s hearts sink as if they had plunged into an ice pit.

＊＊

Though locked up and deprived of freedom, Qu Lieshan’s heart remained calm and content. He was willing to endure his confinement.

Early that morning, Wang Xiong arrived with two guards and opened his cell door. After a glance at him, Wang Xiong ordered his shackles removed. Qu Lieshan’s heart tightened, and he frowned. "Officer Wang, what’s this about?"

Wang Xiong looked at him with a grave expression. "Qu Lieshan, it’s a matter of fate and timing."

Qu Lieshan indignantly retorted, "Rong Rong just delivered silver yesterday."

Wang Xiong, being relatively fair, replied, "That silver will be returned in full." Then he shouted, "Take him out!"

Qu Lieshan wasn’t afraid of a life-or-death fight, but he was angry that Wang Xiong had undone Rong Rong’s efforts. He also feared getting injured, worrying that Rong Rong would be concerned the next time she saw him.

On the way to the mine training ground, Qu Lieshan grew suspicious and asked Wang Xiong, who was walking ahead, "Why was I chosen for this fight?"

Wang Xiong replied sternly, "Blame it on your bad luck. This time, your opponent isn’t another prisoner but a noble from the capital." He paused, turned to look at Qu Lieshan, noting his surprise, and warned, "You know the rules. In a fight to the death, one must die or be injured. But if the opponent is a noble, you can only lose."

Qu Lieshan understood perfectly. Here, they were mere playthings for the nobles, expendable at will. If a noble was displeased, they might even step into the arena themselves and beat a prisoner half to death to vent their anger. The thought made his heart sink. "Why was I chosen?"

Wang Xiong studied him for a moment. Truthfully, he didn’t understand either why the proud and noble first young master would involve himself personally. After all, the esteemed young masters of the capital, especially those from prestigious families, were known for their aloofness and never set foot in such places.

Qu Lieshan’s gaze darkened as he looked at Wang Xiong. "The noble chose randomly from the roster. This time, I can’t protect you. You’re on your own."

By then, they had reached the training ground. Several officials were already seated on the viewing platform. Although Qu Lieshan had never participated in such fights, he had heard from surviving prisoners that the platform was usually filled with excitement and frantic betting. But today, the atmosphere was unusually solemn.

It seemed the noble he was to fight was of extraordinary status.

No, it was less of a duel and more of a one-sided beating. But Qu Lieshan would not resign himself to death. He wanted to live; he could not die.

Wang Xiong saw the determination in his eyes and pressed his shoulder. "Don’t be foolish. If you fight back, you’ll only die more painfully." With that, he pushed Qu Lieshan forward.

Qu Lieshan slowly walked into the training ground. The vast arena made him appear even smaller and more insignificant.

Wang Xiong thought to himself that if Qu Lieshan lost, he might still have a slim chance of survival. But if he won... Could he even win? Could he defeat Shen Piaoyao, who at sixteen had beaten a Turkic warrior until he spat blood in the imperial court? Could he overcome Shen Piaoyao, who at eighteen single-handedly stormed a pirate stronghold, beheaded their leader, and turned the tide of battle?

As he pondered, a figure in black approached from the other end of the training ground, holding a sword. Dressed in dark, fitted martial attire, the figure was tall and imposing. A silver mask covered most of his face but could not conceal his fierce, murderous aura.

Qu Lieshan’s brow furrowed tightly. He gathered his energy, ready to strike. As the opponent drew nearer, he heard a cold, arrogant voice. "Choose a weapon that suits you."

Hearing this, Qu Lieshan turned to look at the weapon rack nearby, which held a variety of arms. He walked over and selected a cold, sharp blade.

The voice spoke again, dripping with disdain. "If you don’t want to die, fight with everything you have."

A surge of rage welled up in Qu Lieshan—anger toward the noble families, and especially toward Shen Jichen, whom he imagined this opponent to be. He thought of how Shen Jichen had arrogantly stolen his Rong Rong! Consumed by fury and jealousy, he forgot Wang Xiong’s warning entirely. Gripping his blade, he charged forward with killing intent.

He didn’t know who this person was, but in his mind, he was fighting Shen Jichen. He wanted to beat him bloody, press him to the ground, and humiliate him thoroughly to vent his hatred!

The spectators on the platform were horrified. Sun Qihong cursed, "He’s asking for death! If he injures Marquis Shen, we’re all finished!"

Before his words faded, they saw Shen Jichen dodge swiftly and counterattack with lightning speed. The crowd gasped, stunned by the ferocity of the two men, each intent on killing the other.

Sun Qihong asked blankly, "They... don’t know each other, do they?"

A subordinate replied, "Of course not. How would someone as noble as Marquis Shen know such a lowly person?"

Another wondered, "Even if he offended Marquis Shen, why would Marquis Shen bother to deal with him personally?"

In the time it took to speak those words, Shen Jichen’s sword strikes became so fierce that Qu Lieshan could barely defend himself. Only then did Sun Qihong relax enough to comment, "I never expected Qu Lieshan to have such skill."

Wang Xiong also breathed a sigh of relief but cursed fearfully, "That madman!"

In moments, Qu Lieshan was forced into retreat. Shen Jichen leaped into the air and brought his sword down with immense force. Qu Lieshan raised his blade to block but was driven to his knees by the impact. Enraged and bloodthirsty, he wished he could slash this noble to pieces. Struggling to counterattack, he left an opening, and Shen Jichen seized the chance to knock his blade away.

Suddenly, Shen Jichen also discarded his sword and delivered a series of flying kicks, severely injuring Qu Lieshan and pinning him to the ground. But he did not stop there.

Everyone on the viewing platform stood up, watching as the fight shifted from evenly matched to a one-sided beating. Fear gripped them all.

Just as Qu Lieshan was spitting blood and nearing death, Shen Jichen finally ceased.

Breathing heavily, he stepped back a few paces. The crowd hurried over to attend to him. Sun Qihong, noticing the blood on Shen Jichen’s hands, quickly offered a handkerchief. No one paid any attention to Qu Lieshan, lying half-dead on the ground.

Shen Jichen wiped the blood from his hands coldly and said, "Find a physician to treat him. Don’t let him die."

Everyone was bewildered; moments ago, Marquis Shen had clearly intended to kill Qu Lieshan—why was he now saving him?

Sun Qihong naturally didn’t dare to ask. He could only bow and accept the order, respectfully seeing Shen Jichen off.

Wen Song approached at that moment, glanced at the unconscious Qu Lieshan, and said coldly, "Today’s events must not be spread." He added, "By the Marquis’s order, no one is permitted to visit this prisoner from now on." He gave Wang Xiong a meaningful look. "But you may continue collecting the ten days' worth of WorryFree Silver."

Wang Xiong was stunned for a moment but immediately lowered his head and accepted the order.

＊＊

Yue Rongrong had no idea what had happened in the mine prison. She was solely preoccupied with how to earn the next WorryFree Silver. Since Shen Jichen intended to drive her out of the capital, she couldn’t openly take on embroidery work from wealthy and noble families anymore.

She also didn’t know where Mr. Xue planned to hide her. Once there, she might not be able to go out for a long time, meaning she could only take on work to do at home... She caught the scent of steamed meat buns and decided to buy one first. Holding the warm, soft bun in her hands, she was about to take a bite when she noticed several elaborately dressed and alluring young women stepping out of the jewelry shop across the street. From their playful banter, she guessed they were courtesans from a pleasure house. Her thoughts raced, and suddenly Yue Rongrong’s eyes lit up.

Looking back at the bun in her hand, she felt it was the most delicious food in the world. She took a satisfied bite, then heard a voice behind her, tinged with laughter.

"I’ve never seen anyone derive such satisfaction from a bun."

Yue Rongrong turned and saw Xue Yubai watching her with an amused smile. She smiled back. "Mr. Xue, would you like one? My treat—I can afford a bun."

Xue Yubai didn’t refuse and nodded. "I'd be delighted."

He really knew how to talk; everything he said made Yue Rongrong feel at ease. She generously bought two buns.

Xue Yubai said, "Since Miss Rong Rong treated me to a bun, how about I treat Miss Rong Rong to tea?"

Yue Rongrong had a favor to ask of him, so she naturally agreed without hesitation.

Xue Yubai gestured politely. "After you, Miss Rong Rong."

Yue Rongrong assumed they would just go to a simple teahouse, but when the carriage stopped at the entrance of Qingyang Tower, she was stunned. Seeing Xue Yubai about to get out, she urgently grabbed his arm. "Let’s go somewhere else. This place is too expensive."

Xue Yubai glanced down at her fair fingers gripping his arm, his heart softening. "It’s fine. Consider it my thanks for painting that Longevity Painting. My grandmother adored it."

This was direct validation of Yue Rongrong’s work. Her eyes instantly brightened. "Really?" She released his arm.

Xue Yubai looked at his now-empty arm, feeling a sudden emptiness in his heart. He lifted his gaze and smiled. "Of course."

The manager of Qingyang Tower, hearing of Xue Yubai’s arrival, hurried over to greet him. Upon entering and seeing the exceptionally beautiful young lady seated with him, he caught on immediately. After paying his respects, he discreetly withdrew.

Yue Rongrong was accustomed to such pomp from her time around Shen Jichen and couldn’t help but sigh to herself, lowering her eyes.

Noticing this, Xue Yubai turned to her. "If you don’t like this, next time we visit, I won’t let them bother us."

Next time? Yue Rongrong was momentarily taken aback but soon smiled. "It’s fine. The manager is just showing you respect."

Her smile was gentle yet distant, making Xue Yubai feel a twinge of disappointment. It was as if she was telling him none of this concerned her. Shaking off his gloom, he served her a pastry.

"Brother Yu Bai?" a surprised voice came from the doorway. "Are you alone today..." Young Master Luo’s words cut off abruptly as he noticed Yue Rongrong. A flicker of panic crossed his eyes, and he quickly bowed. "Miss Yue is here too."

Yue Rongrong smiled awkwardly.

Xue Yubai looked curiously from Young Master Luo to Yue Rongrong. He noted the deference in Young Master Luo’s demeanor—directed at Yue Rongrong. His face betraying nothing, he stood. "Zhongping, you’re here too. Would you care to join us?"

Young Master Luo hastily waved his hands. "No, no, I was just passing by and saw you and... Miss Yue. I won’t disturb you. I’ll take my leave." Before leaving, he made sure to bow to Yue Rongrong once more.

As he walked away, Young Master Luo couldn’t make sense of it. Wasn’t Yue Rongrong Shen Jichen’s beloved? How was she now sitting with Xue Yubai? Though puzzled, he reached one conclusion: this woman was truly remarkable!

Xue Yubai grew suspicious and looked down at Yue Rongrong, who was quietly nibbling on her pastry. Her silence only deepened his curiosity.

"Do you know Zhongping?" Xue Yubai asked casually. Though the Luo family couldn’t compare to the major clans, they were still a noble house of three generations in the capital. Why would he show such respect to Yue Rongrong?

Yue Rongrong looked up and forced a smile. "We have some history." Her expression made it clear she didn’t wish to elaborate.

Xue Yubai didn’t press further. He chuckled softly, a hint of regret in his voice. "It seems today’s meal won’t be very peaceful. Shall we head out early?"

Yue Rongrong gave a graceful smile. "Sure."

Just then, Shen Jichen and his group entered Qingyang Tower. The manager was thrilled and hurried forward, bowing deeply. "Marquis Shen, are you here to meet Mr. Xue?"

He Minxuan exclaimed in surprise, "Oh? Is Yu Bai here too?" He then turned to Shen Jichen, Han Zixian, and Zheng Xuchao with mock offense. "Yu Bai didn’t even invite us!"

Shen Jichen seemed indifferent.

The manager suddenly understood. "No wonder Mr. Xue brought a young lady with him today."

He Minxuan’s eyes lit up. "He brought a lady?!"

The manager smiled obsequiously. "Indeed, and a very beautiful one at that. They’re dining in the private room on the east side of the second floor."

"Quick, quick, let’s go catch him!" He Minxuan eagerly headed for the second floor. "Yu Bai has been hiding this lady too well, too cautious and deliberate. If we don’t catch him today, who knows when we’ll get to see her."

Han Zixian teased, "Why are you so excited about someone else’s lady? One might think he stole your sweetheart and is meeting her behind your back."

Zheng Xuchao joined in, "Exactly! You’re acting like you’re going to catch them in the act—"

He Minxuan shot them a glare, and they burst into laughter. Despite the jokes, Han Zixian and Zheng Xuchao followed closely behind He Minxuan. Only Shen Jichen lingered behind, his smile faint and disinterested.

Xue Yubai walked beside Yue Rongrong as they left the private room. Suddenly, a waiter carrying a tray rushed past unexpectedly. Xue Yubai swiftly threw an arm protectively around Yue Rongrong and looked down at her. "Are you alright?"

Yue Rongrong was taken aback for a second but shook her head. Their posture was rather close, and she was about to step away when a playful voice sounded behind them.

"Brother Yu Bai, what are you doing in such a public place?"

Xue Yubai turned in surprise. As Yue Rongrong’s face came into view, his heart gave a violent lurch.

He Minxuan’s broad smile froze instantly. Even Han Zixian and Zheng Xuchao went dead quiet abruptly. The bustling corridor seemed to go dead quiet around them.

The atmosphere shifted palpably. Xue Yubai frowned slightly.

"You..." He Minxuan looked at Yue Rongrong, hesitating as if he’d realized something, then suddenly turned away.

Shen Jichen approached slowly, his handsome face dark with stormy anger. Xue Yubai’s hand still rested on Yue Rongrong’s arm. Shen Jichen’s cold gaze swept over them, turning icy.

Yue Rongrong’s heart hammered nervously. She hurriedly pulled back. Xue Yubai watched her retreat, noting how her face gradually paled. He stepped in front of her and looked up at Shen Jichen and the others.

His tone was even. "You’re here too."

Shen Jichen lifted his gaze to meet Xue Yubai’s gaze. Neither looked away.

Understanding the scene, even the usually composed Han Zixian and Zheng Xuchao flinched with alarm. He Minxuan exclaimed in shock, "Yu Bai, don’t tell me the lady you mentioned is her!"

Though He Minxuan asked the question, Xue Yubai kept his eyes on Shen Jichen and said firmly, "Yes."

Shen Jichen’s eyes narrowed sharply, his expression darkening instantly.

He Minxuan exclaimed, "Yu Bai! Have you lost your mind!"

Han Zixian held him back: "Calm down."

Xue Yubai frowned and said, "It seems you know Rong Rong. If she has offended any of you before, please, for my sake, do not hold it against her."

"Rong Rong?" Shen Jichen's low and ominous voice carried a hint of sarcasm as he slowly spoke. A scornful smile played on his lips as he glanced at Yue Rongrong. The smile faded, replaced by icy darkness in his eyes. His suppressed voice came out word by word: "Yue Rongrong, you're quite the schemer."

Xue Yubai instantly grew annoyed: "Piao Yao!"

Han Zixian hurriedly said, "Let's discuss this in the side room."

As he spoke, he pushed Shen Jichen toward the room, but Shen Jichen's gaze never left Yue Rongrong's face.

Yue Rongrong kept her head down and remained still. Xue Yubai guessed that perhaps the person Rong Rong had offended was Piao Yao. If so, he might as well take this opportunity to plead for her. He lowered his head and whispered gently, "Let's go in."

Yue Rongrong still did not move, only her face grew paler. His heart aching for her, Xue Yubai gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze, reassuring her: "Don't be afraid, I'm here."

This scene fell directly into Shen Jichen's eyes; his face darkened and frosted over.

The door to the private room was tightly shut. He Minxuan stood inside, both shocked and angry. Their allegiances were split.

Shen Jichen sat in the seat of honor in the room. Han Zixian and Zheng Xuchao also sat on Shen Jichen's side. He Minxuan stood near the front, close to Shen Jichen's seat. Xue Yubai, however, stood opposite Shen Jichen, with Yue Rongrong even further behind him, only half of her body visible, her head still lowered.

Given the situation, Xue Yubai naturally saw that they were all on Shen Jichen's side. It bothered him somewhat, but for Yue Rongrong's sake, he maintained a gentle tone: "Piao Yao, Rong Rong is just a weak woman. There's no need for you to make it impossible for her to stay in the capital."

Yue Rongrong looked up at Xue Yubai in astonishment—he had guessed it, he had actually guessed!

Xue Yubai also glanced at her, offering a comforting smile.

He Minxuan was so angry he turned away. What is this nonsense!

This glaring scene fell into Shen Jichen's eyes. He let out a cold laugh, devoid of any warmth, his voice extremely cold: "It seems she complained to you?" Then his gaze slowly shifted, landing on Yue Rongrong's face, his eyes growing darker. "Yue Rongrong, you are quite capable. Yu Bai has only been back in the capital for a few days, and you've already found such a powerful backer." His jaw tightened, and he spoke with calm, cold sarcasm; it set his teeth on edge.

Xue Yubai noticed Yue Rongrong's shoulders trembling and quickly pulled her behind him. He said solemnly, "No matter how Rong Rong has offended you, Piao Yao, please, for my sake, let her go."

As if hearing a ridiculous joke, Shen Jichen lowered his eyes and laughed. After a moment, he looked up at Xue Yubai, his gaze calm yet sharp: "What if I say no?"

Xue Yubai frowned deeply, facing him directly: "Piao Yao, you know my nature."

He Minxuan's face changed dramatically: "Yu Bai! Don't you be fooled about the situation! Do you know that Yue Rongrong is—"

"Fine." Shen Jichen coldly cut off He Minxuan's words. He stood up, his cold, severe presence instantly overpowering everyone. His voice, devoid of warmth, slowly said, "I'll give her a chance. There is a Chishuang flower halfway up Luoxia Mountain outside the city. If she can pick that Chishuang flower before sunset today, I will let her stay safely in the capital. Otherwise..."

Xue Yubai cut in hastily: "I'll go for her!"

But Yue Rongrong stepped forward, stubbornly looking at Shen Jichen: "If I pick that flower, will you spare me?"

Shen Jichen looked at the sudden hope ignited in her eyes and abruptly clenched his hand, trying to suppress the agitation that threatened to pierce his chest. He forced himself to remain unmoved, yet the moment she stepped forward, his heart uncontrollably stirred. The hand hidden in his sleeve loosened slightly but was almost stiff. Seeing her determined expression, and thinking that all of this was for Qu Lieshan, a sharp pain flashed through his heart. After a moment, he heard his own low, hoarse, icy voice: "Yes."

But then he heard Xue Yubai's anxious voice: "You can't go. Luoxia Mountain is treacherous..."

"Exactly because it's treacherous, I can't let you take such a risk for me," Yue Rongrong said seriously.

As the two went back and forth, Xue Yubai instinctively grasped her arm.

"Enough!" Shen Jichen could no longer restrain himself and roared in fury. The room fell silent.

Xue Yubai looked at him. Shen Jichen walked over steadily, his voice extremely heavy: "Don't waste any more time here." He glanced at Yue Rongrong, brushed past Xue Yubai, bumping into his shoulder and causing Xue Yubai to stagger and release Yue Rongrong's arm.

Only after Shen Jichen left did Yue Rongrong close her eyes, feeling as if her whole body was about to fall apart, her limbs trembling.

He Minxuan said furiously: "That flower grows halfway up Luoxia Mountain. Are you really going to take such a huge risk for her?!"

Time was tight. Xue Yubai said solemnly: "Say no more. Rong Rong, let's go." He took Yue Rongrong's hand and turned to leave.

Leaving behind the stunned Han, He, and Zheng.

He Minxuan shouted: "Madness! Everyone's gone mad!"

Zheng Xuchao said with a grave expression: "What does Piao Yao actually want to do?"

Han Zixian said solemnly: "I don't know what Piao Yao wants, nor do I know how they ended up in such a state again. But I know that today, if Yue Rongrong had shown even a little weakness, Piao Yao would have crumbled like a defeated army."

He Minxuan scoffed: "It's just that Yue Rongrong is so stubborn!"

Han Zixian decided: "Say no more. Let's also go to Luoxia Mountain. Can we really stand by and watch Yu Bai risk everything for Yue Rongrong without doing anything?"

He Minxuan suddenly realized: "Right, right, let's go too." Then he thought of something else. "Will Piao Yao go?"

"We can't worry about that now."