Chapter 47 Locked Up

Chapter 47: Imprisoned

A dim, damp, and cramped space, pitch-black, with cold moisture seeping from the walls and the air thick with the stench of decay and mildew.

During the day, the loud shouts of jailers and the agonized cries of prisoners alternated, while at night, an eerie silence was punctuated by faint, despairing moans and sobs.

The only oil lamp in the corridor flickered with the cold drafts seeping through unseen cracks, casting grotesque shadows across the cells on either side.

This was Jiang Wang's imagined version of a prison here.

He felt that even a healthy person, if thrown into such a prison without even undergoing interrogation or torture, would be left with only half a life after staying in such a place.

On the way to being escorted, he was utterly despondent, convinced he would never get out, and he had already prepared himself to live alongside rats and cockroaches.

He even understood those criminals in TV dramas who carried poison with them, ready to take it and spare themselves the suffering of interrogation if they couldn't bear it any longer.

It was a pity he didn't have any.

He had never imagined he would end up in such a situation before, so naturally, he hadn't prepared.

Suddenly, Jiang Wang felt guilty toward Changle for thinking this.

When he was being taken away earlier, he saw Changle trying to rush over but being firmly restrained by the guards.

Changle's small face was streaked with tears, his eyes red and swollen. Tears continued to stream down endlessly.

Jiang Wang held back his own tears, smiled, and shook his head at Changle.

Don't worry about me, protect yourself.

Now that he was to be locked up and isolated from the outside world, he naturally couldn't contact Changle anymore, and he had no idea how Changle was doing.

After this parting, they would probably never see each other again...

Lost in his own world of melancholy and sorrow, Jiang Wang completely failed to notice that the prison cart, which should have taken him to the high-security Celestial Prison for serious criminals, suddenly made a sharp turn and delivered him to the ordinary cells for petty thieves and minor offenders.

So, when he was finally locked inside, he found it was nothing like he had imagined.

Why did he feel the conditions in the prison... were actually not half bad, not as terrible as he had thought?

The cell was relatively spacious, and there was even a small window near the top part of the wall. The morning sunlight streamed in through this little window, and Jiang Wang could see dust particles dancing in the air.

In the right corner was a pile of dry straw, and against the left wall stood a bed.

The bed, which looked like it might collapse at any moment, was actually quite sturdy when sat upon, not making a single creak or groan. The bedding spread on it was brand new, smelling faintly of fresh laundry, without a hint of dampness.

Of course, there was nothing else besides these.

Sitting on the bed, Jiang Wang patted the soft quilt, looked around, and a question mark slowly formed in his mind.

Were prisoners treated this well?

Before he crossed over, he had just experienced a prison-themed hotel with a friend, and the hotel room was only slightly better than this, with just a couple more tables and chairs.

He stood up, paced around the cell a couple of times, and finally walked to the door, grabbing the bars and calling out.

"Hello? Is anyone there!"

Of course, there was no answer, only the echoing sound of his own voice.

Sigh.

Jiang Wang sighed again and lay back on the bed. He had originally wanted to catch up on some sleep, but as soon as he closed his eyes, he thought of a long-lost old friend.

"001, come out."

*

In the Hall of Diligent Governance, Xiao Yan was unusually early, having taken his seat on the dragon throne before the morning court session began.

His face was dark and grim, and he remained silent. The officials below naturally dared not speak either, the entire hall shrouded in a suffocating atmosphere of low pressure.

Although the various ministers were not speaking, it didn't mean they knew nothing.

Some well-informed ones had learned as early as last midnight that Jiang Wang had been arrested for witchcraft. Those with slower news had been informed by their colleagues on the way here this morning.

At this moment, without exception, they were all trying to gauge Xiao Yan's thoughts.

They were wondering how this pleasure-seeking emperor would treat his sole favorite "Favorite Minister."

The crime of witchcraft, regardless of the dynasty or era, was one punishable by extermination of the entire clan. According to the laws of the Great Jing Dynasty, it was undoubtedly a capital offense.

But Jiang Wang was no ordinary person; Jiang Wang was the Favorite Minister by Xiao Yan's side. Previously, Xiao Yan had doted on him in every possible way. This time, would Xiao Yan show him leniency?

Everyone secretly observed Xiao Yan's expression, trying to predict his next move.

Yet, there was still only silence, as if the Emperor was struggling with a decision.

Could it be that the Emperor intended to severely charge but lightly punish someone who practiced witchcraft?

If this got out, not only would Xiao Yan lose face, but it would also tarnish the reputation accumulated by the Great Jing Dynasty's imperial family over previous generations!

At this moment, a Vice Minister from the Ministry of Revenue promptly stepped forward. Holding his court tablet high above his head, he loudly petitioned.

"Your subject, Hu Xing, earnestly implores Your Majesty to severely punish Jiang Wang!"

As soon as these words were spoken, all the ministers present couldn't help but gasp in shock.

He was openly challenging the Emperor's authority.

The ministers who reacted first shifted their gaze from Hu Xing to their colleagues beside them, as if confirming whether they had heard correctly.

While feeling admiration for Hu Xing's courage, they also broke into a cold sweat on his behalf.

They didn't know why this usually obscure Hu colleague dared to step forward so boldly this time, nor did they know whether he was about to face a smooth official career or the Emperor's wrath.

*

On the high platform, the broad beads of the imperial crown obscured Xiao Yan's expression, making it difficult for others to discern his mood.

Xiao Yan habitually glanced to his right at the coiled dragon pillar where Jiang Wang often stood.

During previous court sessions, Jiang Wang would stand there holding the daily record book, taking notes.

Sometimes, when he recorded something amusing, Jiang Wang would hide his face behind the book and chuckle secretly. Other times, when he recorded incidents of local bullies seizing commoners' daughters, his fists would clench as if ready to throw a punch.

Jiang Wang would sometimes, after standing for too long, secretly lean against the pillar to rest for a moment. At such times, he would use his round, deer-like eyes to sneak a glance, as if trying to determine whether Xiao Yan had noticed.

In truth, Xiao Yan noticed every single time, but he pretended not to see.

Then he would see Jiang Wang reveal a cunning, fox-like smile, appearing thoroughly pleased after his brief respite.

But now, this lively and delicate Jiang Wang was locked up in a prison cell.

Before court convened, he had just received a message from his informant: Jiang Wang, after shouting loudly in his cell to see if anyone was there but receiving no response, curled up on the bed as if asleep.

Xiao Yan’s heart felt as if it had been gripped by someone, aching with a sour pang.

He did not believe that Jiang Wang would secretly engage in something as sinister as witchcraft, yet a doll had indeed been found in his room.

These two contradictory perceptions tugged at Xiao Yan relentlessly.

Was Jiang Wang a beast in human guise, or had he been framed?

Xiao Yan certainly hoped it was the latter.

Suddenly, a firm and ringing voice interrupted his chaotic thoughts.

"Your servant Hu Xing implores Your Majesty to severely punish Jiang Wang!"

His eyebrows lifted slightly as he followed the sound downward.

It was a man of short stature and slightly plump build. If not for this "bold admonition," Xiao Yan would have almost forgotten his existence.

Hu Xing?

He had been in the position of a secretary in the Ministry of Revenue for over three years, with neither significant contributions nor major mistakes. He had never vowed unwavering loyalty, nor had he expressed a hint of dissatisfaction.

He was like a silent tree, unobtrusive and unnoticed.

So why, today, did he seize the spotlight before all the officials?

Could it truly be for the sake of the Great Jing Dynasty’s reputation?

But if that were really the goal, why hadn’t Hu Xing stepped forward to speak up before, when Xiao Yan himself had done many absurd things to maintain his playboy image?

Xiao Yan shifted his gaze to scrutinize him again and noticed that Hu Xing’s hand, holding the court tablet aloft, was trembling slightly.

Was it from excessive excitement, or did it signify fear?

Suddenly, a flash of insight struck Xiao Yan, as if he had grasped something he had overlooked earlier.

The Ministry of Revenue.

Hu Xing, like Ni Lishen and Zhang Songyun, belonged to the Ministry of Revenue.

It had already been discovered earlier that the Ministry of Revenue had colluded with Beixiang through border markets to exchange poison—it was the channel through which the mastermind behind the scenes collaborated with Beixiang.

So, could this anomalous secretary of the Ministry of Revenue below the dais also be carrying some other unutterable "mission"?

"Oh? To my knowledge, Jiang Wang had very little contact with you. Why do you say this, Secretary?"

"Your servant does not consider personal connections and has no dealings with Lord Jiang. Your servant is only concerned for Your Majesty’s imperial health! Your Majesty, as the Son of Heaven, your health is not just your own affair—it concerns the common people and the realm!"

Hu Xing spoke at length, his arm still trembling slightly, yet his emotions remained fervent.

"Your servant believes that Your Majesty’s recent assassination attempt coincides precisely with Lord Jiang’s witchcraft! The nail in the doll’s chest precisely proves this point! This nail and Your Majesty’s wound are in the very same spot!"

For a moment, the court erupted into a commotion. The ministers all wore expressions of sudden realization, discussing the connection and possibility of this matter with their colleagues beside them.

Oh? Interesting.

Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes, his upper body leaning forward unconsciously, seemingly eager to know more.

Yet inwardly, he let out a cold sneer. If that assassination attempt hadn’t been staged by himself, he might have truly believed Hu Xing’s explanation.

Hu Xing clearly noticed Xiao Yan’s movement and continued speaking.

"Your servant also dares to advise that although Lord Jiang is Your Majesty’s Favorite Minister, Your Majesty should set aside personal feelings and judge impartially to uphold justice!"

Hah.

Xiao Yan laughed—a cold laugh.

First, he concocted a tale, and now this statement was putting a label on him and Jiang Wang.

Their relationship was extraordinary. A light sentence would show bias, while a heavy sentence would demonstrate his fairness.

As the emperor, others naturally dared not do anything to him.

But for Jiang Wang, he was merely a lowly Court Diarist. Every word was pushing him toward a dead end.

Before this morning court session began, Xiao Yan’s mood had been conflicted.

He was unwilling to believe that Jiang Wang would resort to such evil arts, and in that moment of hesitation, he also understood that even if Jiang Wang had truly used witchcraft, even if the law clearly stipulated the punishment, he still could not harden his heart to punish him.

Not only could he not be harsh, but he had even softened.

He knew Jiang Wang loved cleanliness and feared pain, unable to endure the filth and stench of the imperial prison. He had secretly dispatched Fang Fengshi to intercept the prison cart and move Jiang Wang to a relatively clean cell, merely increasing the guards for stricter supervision.

And by now, he was almost certain that Jiang Wang had been framed.

This realization dispelled all the conflict and anxiety in Xiao Yan’s heart. Now, he only wanted Jiang Wang to be released safe and sound.

Yet he knew that those unseen eyes were still fixed on Jiang Wang. At this moment, the prison might actually be the safest place.

Everyone saw that the previously silent emperor, upon hearing Hu Xing’s words, suddenly slammed the table and stood up. The loud slapping sound instantly echoed to every corner of the hall, as if he were furious at Jiang Wang’s betrayal.

However, as Xiao Yan stood up, his body swayed twice before he went rigid and toppled over.

Fang Fengshi, who had just settled Jiang Wang, darted out from the side and agilely caught him.

Just as he anxiously checked Xiao Yan’s condition, he seemed to see the latter wink at him.

Fang Fengshi relaxed inwardly as if receiving a signal, then showed a resigned expression.

But this expression lasted only a moment. Before the crowd could gather around, he expertly changed his expression.

Wearing a look of urgency, he shouted loudly, "His Majesty has fainted from rage! Call the imperial physician immediately!"

In that instant, he understood Xiao Yan’s intention. Hu Xing was forcing Xiao Yan to make a decision.

If Xiao Yan spared Jiang Wang, it would further confirm the charge that Xiao Yan was a Foolish Emperor. If Xiao Yan killed Jiang Wang, it would play right into the hands of the mastermind behind the scenes.

But now, by pretending to faint, Xiao Yan was unable to make a decision, which was in fact the most suitable solution at this moment.

Author's Note:

Jiang Wang and the system are whispering and plotting something.

Jiang Wang: , %~ points @#!×...

001: –&= / but #&>? okay ↘*% (compromise.jpg)