[Wuxia] The Number One Ding Under Heaven (Complete) - 16

Chapter 115 Prosecutor Ren Youxian!

"Pang Si, do you have something to say?" Bao Zheng looked over.
Pang Yu covered his throat, desperately trying to make a sound, but couldn't utter a single word.
Zhao Yunbi stood up and said loudly, "My lord, Pang Si has no answer, which means he has admitted it. Thus, Marquis Anle is suspected of instigating his subordinates to assassinate Prince Anding, and his crime is compounded!"
"Lord Bao!" Prince Zhao Shouxun of Chu also stood up from his seat and said firmly, "The Li Family Village massacre is already irrefutable. In front of a million people in the capital, I urge Lord Bao to make a quick decision and give the people an explanation." It seems that he and Zhao Yunbi had planned this together, one pressing on the eunuch case and the other tracing the massacre, taking turns urging each other to avoid giving anyone grounds for criticism.
Well, if Zhao Shouxun kept urging the verdict on Zhao Shiqing's castration case, wouldn't that be clearly the father abusing his power and favoring his son? It's different if Zhao Yunbi is the one demanding it. Conversely, if Zhao Shouxun were to urge the case in Lijiazhuang, Zhao Yunbi wouldn't be accused of using the opportunity to stir up trouble and suppress the Crown Prince's faction.
Then, Zhao Yunbi's accomplices stirred things up in the crowd, and shouts of "Kill Pang Yu, appease public anger!" echoed throughout the area around Caishikou.
Pang Yu, his eyes red with anxiety, thrashed about, trying to shout, but all his strength was in vain. Zhao Yunbi had given him something that instantly silenced his speech.
Chuixue and Wanrendi, isolated by the Imperial Guards outside, were equally anxious, jumping up and down in desperation!
At this point, why hasn't the master spoken yet? Not revealing his identity now could cost him his head!
Pang Yu didn't want to lose his head; he had even prepared numerous contingency plans. But Zhao Yunbi's single pill had rendered him speechless.
What use were his thousand schemes and ten thousand plans if he couldn't speak?!
"Bang!" Bao Zheng slammed his gavel heavily, silencing the entire court. "
Pang Si, the evidence of the Li Family Village massacre is irrefutable. The mastermind points directly to Marquis Anle. What else do you have to say?" Pang Yu
couldn't utter a single word.
"Pang Si, I'll ask you one more time!" Bao Zheng shouted sternly. "The evidence of the Li Family Village massacre is irrefutable. The mastermind points directly to your master, Marquis Anle. What else do you have to say?"
Pang Yu's eyes were bloodshot. His face, flushed a deep purple with extreme anger, anxiety, and urgency, remained unchanged. Yet, among the dozens of eyes around him, not a single person noticed anything amiss. Instead, everyone thought he had become timid, afraid, terrified, and cowering in the face of overwhelming evidence. He was too frightened to speak!
"Thump!" Finally, he broke down, his head spinning. His legs gave way, and he collapsed to the ground.
A sly, triumphant smile flashed across Zhao Yunbi's face.
"Good. The accused offers no defense, then this court will begin the pronouncement..."
"Lord Bao, wait—"
The gavel, raised high, was about to fall; the death sentence was about to be uttered by Bao Zheng when suddenly, a beautiful, ethereal female voice rang out from afar. Sister? The Imperial Concubine has come to save me!?
In his despair, Pang Yu felt as if a dying man had suddenly sensed a ray of light. But then he felt that the voice was familiar, as if he had heard it somewhere before, and... he must have heard it many times.
"Crash!!!"
The sound originated from the first seat on the left. The Eighth Prince, who had always been calm and composed, unmoved even by a collapsing mountain, suddenly stood up. He stared incredulously in the direction from which the sound came!
"Master Nangong!"
"Master Nangong!!"
"Master Nangong!!!"
A tidal wave of shouts rose from afar, the crowd parted in a rush, and dozens of pairs of eyes on the stage turned to look, their breath catching in their throats!
The bright midday sun suddenly dimmed, and Nangong Qinyi arrived gracefully on a pure white horse, without a single stray hair. Her jade-like bones and ice-like skin, radiant as snow, were breathtakingly beautiful.
She had apparently rushed here, her breathing slightly rapid. Her hair was slightly disheveled, a few strands of black hair falling at her temples, a faint blush on her fair skin, and fine beads of sweat trickling down her cheeks, like spring water and peach blossoms on her face.
Everyone present was stunned by her unparalleled beauty, speechless, their chests tightening, their ears ringing, their minds filled with the thought: This...this is no ordinary woman, she's practically a celestial being from a painting! Transcendent and ethereal, pure and otherworldly. She should be accompanied by a white rabbit and a cassia branch.
"Qin Yi!" The Eighth Prince was utterly astonished. With his cunning and shrewdness, how could he not have doubted Pang Yu's words, questioning the true relationship between him and his daughter? Only so that his beloved daughter, separated for over a decade and filled with immense guilt, could recognize him as her father, the Eighth Prince preferred to believe it rather than dismiss it. Otherwise, no matter how eloquent or persuasive Pang Yu was, with his spies throughout the capital, what wouldn't he have uncovered?
But now, seeing his daughter rush to save her lover, what doubt remained?
Zhao Yunbi and Zhao Shouxun's faces were extremely grim, and Zhao Shiqing, carried in heavily injured, was utterly dumbfounded.
How could Nangong Qin Yi, high above the heavens, stand up for a mere servant
? Could it be… the rumors were true, that the two of them really… had an affair!
The Eighth Prince was filled with fervor. Since turning thirty and becoming the head of the imperial clan, the cutthroat political struggles of the court had worn down his sharp edges. For many years, he hadn't felt such exhilarating passion. This time, for his beloved daughter's lifelong happiness, and to make up for his past neglect of her, the fearless Prince of Guangling, who once dared to even desecrate the Zhao family's ancestral graves, had returned!
Without a word, he grabbed his golden whip, ready to rush out and save his son-in-law.
Anyone who dared to block his way would be killed; anyone who dared to stop Zhao the Eighth Prince would be whipped across the face.
Nangong Qinyi didn't even glance at her biological father. She spurred her horse to the high platform, dismounted, and quickly walked up the steps.
"Lord Bao, the truth of the Li Family Village case is not as it seems. Qin Yi has something to say." Despite her hurried pace, Nangong Qin Yi's steps were still graceful and ethereal. Up close, she was as beautiful as snow, and from afar, she seemed like a fairy. Her clear and melodious voice was like a warm and gentle breeze in March, gently caressing everyone's hearts.
More than half of the people in the audience were completely captivated. Bao Zheng, however, ignored her and said with his already dark face, "Did you come here to plead for your servant Pang Si?"
"No, Qin Yi is here..."
"Even if you were pleading, I have no say in it!" Although he had seen everything, the iron-faced Bao Zheng acted as if he hadn't seen anything. He slammed his gavel on the table and shouted,
"If the accused does not offer any defense, then I will begin to pronounce..." He paused slightly.
"Plaintiff, victim of the Li Family Village massacre: Ren Youxian!"

Chapter 116 The Truth Revealed

"Bring the plaintiff, victim of the Li Family Village massacre: Ren----You----Xian!"
This time, Bao Zheng's voice wasn't loud, but to Pang Yu and Zhao Yunbi, it was like a thunderbolt!
"What!? Ren Youxian!?" The two were almost simultaneously shocked. Pang Yu sat there dumbfounded, while Zhao Yunbi stood there dumbfounded, both staring in utter astonishment in the direction Bao Zheng was pointing.
At the end of the platform, two Kaifeng Prefecture constables, carrying broadswords and on high alert, escorted a scholar-looking young man from afar.
His face, his expression, his demeanor—it was none other than Ren Youxian, who had already been poisoned to death by Qianji
. No one knew what Zhao Yunbi's feelings were, but Pang Yu was certainly shocked.
Two days ago, Ren Youxian had clearly died right in front of him, how could this be…
"Resurrected?!"
Pang Yu was a modern man; he absolutely refused to believe in the possibility of someone returning to life after death.
The reason Ren Youxian was standing here was obvious:
he wasn't dead. He hadn't been poisoned by the poison machine the day before yesterday
. "How is that possible? The food was clearly poisoned..." Zhao Shiqing had been lying in a specially made sedan chair. In his words, "Even if I have to suffer a little, I want to see Pang die on the guillotine with my own eyes." He had endured the excruciating pain in his lower body and head, biting off three pieces of cork to prevent biting his tongue. He had finally endured until the sentencing was about to take place. Pang Yu was about to be beheaded. The great revenge for his castration was about to be fulfilled. Suddenly, a person who was already dead jumped out. All his plans fell apart. All his waiting was in vain. All the excruciating pain he had endured for so long had become his own personal torment... In his excitement, Zhao Shiqing couldn't control his mouth and shouted,
"This person!" Zhao Yunbi shouted, abruptly cutting him off.
"Isn't he already dead? Why has he come back to life? Lord Bao, don't you even keep your own word?!" Zhao Yunbi shouted angrily, his expression fierce and righteous, showing no sign of panic at the failed plot.
"Hahaha—" Emperor Cizu of Song laughed loudly from the side. "That's right. Ren Youxian is dead. But Lord Bao was prepared. He anticipated that some wicked and treacherous people would plot against him, so he made thorough preparations beforehand. It's true that Ren Youxian died after being poisoned, but when the food that Pang Dayou sent was routinely checked before entering the death row, the jailer secretly added powdered snow lotus from Tianshan Mountain to it. After the poison took effect, his heart was temporarily protected. When his body was carried out of the cell, Lord Bao summoned a divine physician who immediately treated him, pulling him back from the brink of death."
The entire audience gasped in surprise. The imperial relatives and officials of all ranks who were listening to the trial whispered among themselves, discussing the matter animatedly. Only Zhao Yunbi, Zhao Shiqing, and a few other princes who, upon hearing the word "qian" (牵), vaguely guessed that Ren Youxian hadn't been given the Heart-Eating Powder but rather the "Qianji" (
牵机) poison, gaped in astonishment. Their faces were filled with disbelief. The potency of "Qianji" was an open secret within the Song Dynasty royal family, especially among the older generation of princes and relatives. They couldn't believe that someone in the capital could revive the lifeless Ren Youxian simply by using Tian Shan snow lotus to strengthen his heart meridian. And just two days later, he was completely unharmed, walking onto the stage on his own without any assistance… That was the "Qianji" poison! It was neutralized so easily!?
Only the Eighth Prince smiled knowingly, sheathed his golden whip, and returned to his seat.
"Alright," he thought, "even 'this person' is willing to help; my son-in-law will definitely be fine."
Ren Youxian walked to the center of the courtroom and knelt down with a thud: "Lord Bao, your foresight is divine! You cleverly rescued this humble
subject, for which I am deeply grateful. Please accept my bow, Lord Bao!" He was about to kowtow when he finished speaking. "Wait!" Bao Zheng stopped him. "If you wish to kowtow, wait until this case is concluded, and justice will be served for your family!"
"Thank goodness, thank goodness, hahahaha!" A man clapped his hands and laughed loudly; it was Zhao Yunbi.
"The victim of the Li Family Village massacre is still alive. Lord Bao, you will surely handle the case with even greater ease. Hahahahaha---" Zhao Yunbi continued to laugh, laughing unrestrainedly.
He was convinced that even if Ren Youxian lived, it wouldn't significantly affect the outcome of the interrogation. Pang Dayou, who had already been given the Heart-Corroding Powder, was certain to die. No one could testify that he had ordered the poisoning, and simply because Pang Dayou was a servant of the Pang family, Pang Yu would not escape responsibility!
"Very well, since the Prince wishes for a swift conclusion, I will not keep you in suspense any longer." Bao Zheng's face was so dark that it was almost impossible to discern any change in expression, but the sharp glint in his eyes as he stared at Zhao Yunbi made this exceptionally shrewd and decisive leader of the Prince's faction feel a pang of guilt and fear.
"Bring in the prisoner!" Bao Zheng slammed his gavel and shouted again.
Prisoner?
Upon hearing this, everyone exchanged bewildered glances.
Today, the three judicial departments, along with the Kaifeng Prefecture, were conducting a joint trial. Weren't all the involved parties already present? Apart from the ailing Marquis of Anle, where was the prisoner?
The answer was soon revealed.
At Bao Zheng's command, fully armed Kaifeng Prefecture constables brought in another person in the blink of an eye.
The heavily injured Zhao Shiqing only glanced at him out of the corner of his eye and almost jumped off his sedan chair.
"Binghua, how... how... are you here!?"
The one brought in was none other than Zhao Binghua, the second steward of the Prince of Anding's mansion!
Zhao Binghua, head bowed, wailed, "Your Highness... I... I left the villa this morning and was..."
It was this bastard!
Pang Yu, with just a glance, somehow mustered the strength to leap to his feet.
He hadn't seen the man's face clearly, only that he was fat and tall...
those two points were enough, more than enough, because this was most likely the tall, fat man in fine clothes who had impersonated him to plunder and kill at Ren Youxian's house.
"It's him!!!" Pang Yu tried to shout, but before he could, Ren Youxian was already pointing at Zhao Binghua and yelling.
"Sir, it's him, it's this person! He killed my parents, stole my younger sister, and took my wife..." His eyes were red, and he charged forward, screaming. Two constables forcibly pulled him back, but he continued to struggle desperately. He screamed, wanting to tear Zhao Binghua to pieces, his voice hoarse, his eyes almost bleeding.
Now, even without Bao Zheng's explanation, most people could understand.
The so-called Li Family Village massacre had absolutely nothing to do with Marquis Anle. It was purely orchestrated by Zhao Shiqing's steward, Zhao Binghua. Whether it was at Zhao Shiqing's behest or he acted on his own to curry favor with his master, the matter escalated beyond control. Zhao Shiqing, having gone this far, decided to pin the blame on Marquis Anle!
Ren Youxian, still alive, shouted, "It was him!" The truth was revealed.
Marquis Anle was innocent; the Prince of Anding was the real mastermind .
Instantly, Zhao Shiqing turned deathly pale, collapsing onto his bed like a limp rag.
He was finished, utterly finished. The truth was out; the entire city knew he had been tricked, deceived, and manipulated. He was condemned by all, his anger boiling over… Everything that had happened to Marquis Anle was about to be repeated in his life. His life was ruined!
"Lord Bao is truly a divine being!" On the stage, Kong Daofu, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, Song Qi, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, and Zhang Fangping, the Censor-in-Chief, exclaimed in unison—well, even if Kong Daofu and Zhang Fangping were staunch confidants of Grand Tutor Pang, this "divine being" was genuine. After all, he had uncovered the real culprit and saved the young master! At least at this moment, Bao Zheng and the innocent young master were on the same page!
Grand Tutor Pang was right, there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests, and enemies are certainly not permanent either. The young master had always hated the Prince's faction, and Bao Zheng had done him a great favor. "
Divine being my foot! I thought of that too!"
Pang Yu wanted to curse, but his throat was too sore to speak, and he could only watch helplessly as the officials praised Bao Zheng to the skies.
"Lord Bao's judgment is legendary; we've heard of it for a long time, and seeing it with our own eyes today confirms it. Lord Bao, why don't you take this opportunity to discuss these two cases separately, analyze them for us, and answer our questions?" Lü Yijian's suggestion immediately won the approval of most of the people present.
Bao Zheng stroked his beard and smiled, his sharp eyes following the criminals: "From the day Ren Youxian stopped the sedan chair to plead his case, exposing the Li Family Village massacre, I've had a vague feeling—with Grand Tutor Pang… Hmph, this case is far from simple; the truth is definitely not as simple as we imagine."
Those present at the hearing were all high-ranking officials of the court, seasoned veterans of the political arena. Their minds were naturally far more sophisticated than the uneducated, boisterous crowd of onlookers. Hearing Bao Zheng's words, everyone thought: "Yes, if it really was the Marquis of Anle who committed the crime, Grand Tutor Pang, who was still in the capital at the time, wouldn't have had the leisure to remain alive and even come to the capital to stop the imperial carriage and plead for justice!
" Grand Tutor Pang's close associate, Kong Daofu, was momentarily embarrassed and coughed, "Hasn't Lord Bao considered that it might be a coincidence?"
"There are no coincidences in this world!" Bao Zheng snapped, his expression… Pang Yu looked at him more and more like someone (Di Renjie?). "The so-called coincidences are actually connected by some unspeakable reason! The culprit conspired to pin all the blame on the Marquis of Anle; it's a futile attempt to cover up the truth!!!"
"Lord Bao, you… how do you know… yes, yes… it's my son…" Zhao Shouxun, like his son, was almost paralyzed with fear. Frame the Marquis of Anle? Heh, even if Bao Zheng doesn't pass judgment here, knowing that the deceived common people are willing to let it go, how could the powerful Grand Tutor Pang let him off the hook?
Well, my son's life is over; living is worse than dying.
"Initially, this official didn't suspect the Prince of Anding, because he couldn't possibly have the power to incite the entire city's people to march, demonstrate, and besiege the Grand Tutor's mansion. However, in Ren Youxian's testimony accusing the Marquis of Anle, this official discovered several suspicious points—the victim said that the one who commanded the killing, looting, and plundering was a tall, fat man in fine clothes; there are far too many people with such features in the capital; the conversations repeatedly mentioned the Third Master and the Fourth Master, and they even said they had stolen his wife and sister to send as tribute—what a Third Master and the Fourth Master! As far as this official knows, it wasn't just the Marquis of Anle and his sworn brothers..." "Between Gao Yanei and Qian Shicai, their subordinates usually address each other in this way. Don't the subordinates of the Prince's faction, the Prince of Beihai, the Prince of Anding, the Prince of Kuaiji (Zhao Shikai), and the Prince of Jiangxia (Zhao Zonghui) also address their masters in this way when they need to conceal their identities?"

Bao Zheng's stern expression softened slightly, and he turned his gaze to Nangong Qinyi: "On the day you returned to the capital, you left the Prince of Beihai speechless with a single sentence through the carriage curtain. That was probably what you said. You rushed here now, perhaps fearing that I might have overlooked this crucial point."
"Lord Bao's wisdom is truly admirable. It seems that even without this trip, everything was already under your control." Nangong Qinyi's beautiful eyes flickered, and she gracefully bowed, her posture elegant and refined, beyond description.
Even with Bao Zheng's extraordinary composure, he almost fainted from the sight. After regaining his composure, he said, "The aggrieved party also said that when they left, this group was extremely arrogant, claiming that no one could give him justice, not even if he went to the Kaifeng Prefecture or the Dali Temple. Indeed, Wu Gongzheng would not dare to interfere with the subordinates of the Prince of Anding, and the Dali Temple would not dare to intervene, given that the matter involves the entire Prince's faction. Therefore, based on the above three pieces of evidence, a deduction has formed in my mind..."
"You, you're talking nonsense!" Zhao Shiqing was furious, his hand trembling as he pointed to the high platform, struggling to get up.
"Hmph, still daring to argue in the face of irrefutable evidence! How laughable are you, a petty scoundrel! Even if you are a cunning and corrupt official, you cannot escape the eyes of this prefect!" Bao Zheng slammed his hand on the table and shouted, "I was certain that this matter was inextricably linked to you, Prince An'ding, and your faction. I deliberately made a big show of arresting Pang Si and imprisoning him, and then imprisoned Ren Youxian with him, all to lure you, the masterminds behind the scenes, into thinking that you could use this to solidify the charges against the Marquis of Anle and send someone to poison him. Sure enough, less than a day after Ren Youxian entered prison, Pang Dayou, a servant of the Grand Tutor's mansion who had been bribed, brought in food laced with deadly poison. So I played along and deliberately spread the news that Ren Youxian was dead... Now, some people still dare to speak so eloquently and confidently, demanding that I severely punish the Marquis of Anle. Little do they know that your conspiracy has already been exposed. It is truly laughable!"
"After careful consideration and secret investigation, this prefecture has already identified the perpetrator of the crime that day. Anticipating that the joint trial by the three judicial authorities today would lower your guard, we secretly dispatched officers to guard outside the Prince of Anding's villa. Sure enough, we captured Zhao Binghua, the mastermind behind the Li Family Village massacre, in one fell swoop! Prince of Anding, Zhao Shiqing, what do you have to say?!"
Zhao Yunbi remained motionless, frozen in place like a stone.
Zhao Shiqing's face was ashen.
Hearing Bao Zheng's perfectly accurate deduction, his last shred of hope shattered. Terrified, he screamed "Ah!" and collapsed onto his back, vomiting blood. He was...
dead!?

Chapter 117: On the Execution Platform, True Love

Dies in a Parting of Life and Death!?
That won't do. If he dies, that bastard Zhao Yunbi will pin all the blame on him and absolve himself of all responsibility!
Pang Yu was frantic. His eyes were bloodshot with worry. He jumped up and charged towards Zhao Shiqing. Thinking that Bao Zheng had finally done something good, exposing Zhao Yunbi's conspiracy, Pang Yu figured he could take advantage of the situation to fan the flames, stir things up, and make a move to wipe out the Prince's faction. If this guy died, what would be the point?
Pang Yu's hands were bound, so naturally he couldn't run fast.
Therefore, someone was faster than him:
Zhao Yunbi!
Zhao Yunbi rushed to the sedan chair and grabbed Zhao Shiqing's "corpse."
"Shiqing! Shiqing! What's wrong with you?!" He shook him desperately, shaking him so hard that if Zhao Shiqing had any breath left, he could shake him to death.
After shaking him a few times, Zhao Yunbi was suddenly sent flying.
No, he was kicked away.
In front of everyone, Pang Yu, who had arrived a step later, kicked him squarely in the crotch.
And it was a solid kick.
Zhao Yunbi flew out, staggering and disheveled.
Not to mention the high-ranking officials and princes in attendance, who were dumbfounded, even the Eighth Prince, who knew his future son-in-law was incredibly audacious, could hardly believe it. Nangong Qinyi appeared the calmest, but inwardly she was utterly shocked. Looking across the world, who could be more audacious and arrogant than this young man? Even if the Marquis of Anle were present, he wouldn't dare to act so ruthlessly in front of hundreds of thousands of eyes! This man's audacity, arrogance, recklessness, and disregard for others were beyond description. How many guts did he really have?
Nangong Qinyi covered her mouth, speechless with astonishment. The Eighth Prince, seeing this, assumed his daughter was anxious because her lover had once again caused such a disaster. He felt a sudden urge to grab his golden whip and attack.
Pang Yu kicked Zhao Yunbi aside. Looking closely, he saw Zhao Shiqing still breathing in the sedan chair. He wanted to interrogate him and force him to reveal that Zhao Yunbi was the mastermind. Two constables who had caught up with him had already pinned him down.
Zhao Yunbi stood up. He looked at him and just sneered. He neither spoke nor came over to kick him back.
Bao Zheng also stood up, but ignored this little interlude. His bright eyes swept coldly across the audience. He slowly said, "After analyzing and deducing several things together, I have concluded that the Li Family Village massacre, from the moment Ren Youxian stopped the sedan chair to plead for justice, was a meticulously planned and huge conspiracy from beginning to end. The one who was hiding behind the scenes and manipulating things, instructing and framing the Marquis of Anle, was not the Prince of Anding. The real mastermind was...
"Shiqing, how dare you!" Zhao Yunbi suddenly flew into a rage, abruptly interrupting Bao Zheng. He abandoned his usual calm and composure, pointing at Zhao Shiqing on the stretcher and cursing, "It's one thing to let your subordinates go out and cause trouble and commit such heinous crimes, but why did you keep it from your elder brother?" "Put the blame on Marquis Anle. One person does the deed, one person takes the blame. Since you dared to come out, what are you afraid to admit!"
Zhao Shiqing was shaken until he was dizzy. He finally regained his senses, only to hear Zhao Yunbi trying to shift all the blame onto him. He was immediately shocked and at a loss for words. He forced himself to sit up: "Brother, it wasn't me. Clearly, everything..." Suddenly, he felt waves of nausea. The scenery before his eyes seemed to float by, as if he were drunk.
"Clearly what? Clearly, it was you who concealed the evil deeds from me, and misled me into believing it was all Marquis Anle's doing. You almost caused a terrible disaster!" Zhao Yunbi stood at a distance, pointing his spear and cursing angrily.
Zhao Shiqing hurriedly tried to explain, but in his anxiety, his blood rushed to his head, and his brain seemed to explode.
He felt dizzy and disoriented, and collapsed back onto the soft couch with a thud. The fall made his mind even more confused. His bandaged wounds burst open, and blood instantly streamed down his face.
Zhao Yunbi, far from feeling pain, braced himself and sat up abruptly. He laughed loudly, "Yes, it was me who did it... hahaha... that little girl... his sister, right... hahaha. A virgin is different. So tight and tender down there... so incredibly comfortable... hahahaha..." He continued with a series of eerie laughs, his voice so shrill and unpleasant that it sent chills down
everyone's spines. Everyone exchanged bewildered glances.
What? In just this short time, the Prince of Anding... had gone mad?!
Zhao Shiqing shouted and screamed, then suddenly jumped off the couch. He frantically hugged Zhao Yunbi, "Big brother. The little beauty I gave you is pretty, isn't she... so tender and lovely... hahaha... when will I marry Lady Nangong... Big brother, come with me! Let's go, one in front and one behind..."
He was even fantasizing about Nangong Qinyi. He was definitely insane. Zhao Yunbi's face was icy. With a "humph," he kicked him away, sending him rolling on the ground.
"Shiqing—" Zhao Shouxun rushed over, hugging his son and weeping. "What's wrong with you? What's wrong? Daddy's here. Nobody can do anything to you. Don't scare Daddy. Don't scare Daddy!"
Pang Yu's eyes blazed with fury as he glared at Zhao Yunbi, wishing he could kick him a thousand more times.
Was there even a question? It was him. It was this guy who tampered with things when he first grabbed Zhao Shiqing and shook him. He drove Zhao Shiqing insane!!!
Don't think he didn't have the ability. One pill was enough to make Fourth Brother speechless. "What's so difficult about driving a critically injured prince insane?"
Bao Zheng's face was equally grim. With his years of experience solving cases, how could he not have guessed that Zhao Yunbi, in his desperate situation, would resort to his last resort—"silencing" Zhao Shiqing? He had already arranged for people to secretly keep watch, just waiting to catch him red-handed the moment he made a move. But before Zhao Yunbi could even be caught, Pang Yu kicked him away. What was the point of catching him then? The murder weapon (like a silver needle) was already hidden when he fell, and he could even have accused Pang Yu of it!
All his efforts were in vain!
Pang Yu thought the same thing.
If he hadn't taken the poison, he would have exposed Zhao Yunbi's plot in public. If he hadn't been tied up, he would have rushed over first. Would Zhao Yunbi have been able to bring himself to drive Zhao Shiqing insane?!
Bao Zheng glared at Pang Yu. "What the hell are you kicking?!"
Pang Yu glared back at Bao Zheng. "What the hell are you tying him up?!"
"Lord Bao!" Zhao Yunbi spoke up. The perilous situation had been safely passed. He felt a great sense of relief. "Shiqing's evil deeds have been exposed. He has gone mad due to excessive guilt and self-blame. The laws of our Great Song Dynasty clearly stipulate that the insane cannot be convicted and sentenced. At most, they can only be imprisoned and kept under guard..."
As he spoke, all the princes were filled with sorrow.
Even if Zhao Shiqing had made mistakes, he was still a member of the imperial family, a descendant of Emperor Taizong. To be driven mad in public like this, coupled with the tearful Prince of Chu... even Bao Zheng could say nothing at this moment. He could only watch helplessly as the Prince of Chu hugged his son tightly, weeping uncontrollably in the audience.
"Lord Bao, while Shiqing's framing of Marquis Anle is indeed wrong, the abduction of the woman was an act committed by his subordinates. Shiqing must have only learned of it afterward. Although he concealed it from me, leading me to mistakenly believe that Marquis Anle was responsible, I repeatedly petitioned on behalf of the people. Fortunately, no major mistake was made; it is truly a stroke of luck."
What a beast! Absolutely!
Pang Yu was speechless. Otherwise, he would have certainly cursed him.
What a Zhao Yunbi! Such a pretext! He completely absolved himself of any guilt from beginning to end, yet still managed to gain a reputation for advocating for the people! Shameless! Utterly shameless!!!
If it were merely shamelessness, that would be one thing.
Unfortunately, besides shamelessness, Zhao Yunbi possessed an even stronger primary attribute—
insidiousness and malice!!!
"Shiqing's instigation of Pang You to poison the victim wasn't out of malicious intent to kill him. Rather, he was castrated by the evil servant Pang Si of the Grand Tutor's mansion. Feeling resentful and enraged, he lost control and committed this act. He intended to poison the evil servant Pang Si, not the victim in this case, Ren Youxian! Consider this, Your Highnesses: if your sons, out of kindness, took in a poor, vulnerable girl as a maid, providing her with food and shelter, ensuring her comfort, who would have thought…" Zhao Yunbi pointed at Pang Yu, his tone indignant. "Who would have thought that this servant would break into the mansion and, without a word, brutally beat Shi Qing, even subjecting him to castration—I ask you, which prince's son, suffering such a calamity, could not harbor resentment and hatred, could not think of revenge! Shi Qing's current predicament is entirely due to this wicked servant, Pang Si. If this man is not killed, it will not appease public anger; if this man is not killed, it will not shake the court; if this man is not killed, it will not be an explanation to the civil and military officials, nor to the imperial relatives!!!"
"Yes. Kill Pang Si."
"Kill Pang Si!"
Seeing the tragic state of the Chu Prince's family, and further incited by Zhao Yunbi's seductive words, many of the princes present at the trial felt a sense of shared fate. Except for one cold-eyed, cunning uncle, the others echoed the sentiment, their shouts resounding throughout the execution ground.
Bao Zheng had never intended to let Pang Yu go, and now that he had ruined his plans, coupled with the princes' unanimous demand... "Why should I show any mercy!" Bao Zheng slammed the gavel down on the table. He roared, "Pang Si, the wicked servant of the Grand Tutor's mansion, trespassed into the Prince's residence, stabbed the Prince of Anding first, and after being imprisoned, instigated fights among prisoners, maiming and injuring dozens. He even attacked the prison guards in an attempt to escape. His numerous evil deeds are unforgivable. He shall be
executed immediately!"
Upon hearing Bao Zheng's words, the Eighth Prince was immediately excited.
"Good! Execution immediately! Truly good!
He saved his daughter's lover on the execution ground! Wouldn't she be moved to immediately acknowledge him as her father?!"
The shrewd Eighth Prince, however, was not in a hurry. He waited, preparing to raise his golden whip before the executioner could strike, shouting, "Who dares to touch my son-in-law!" "
He wasn't in a hurry. Poor Pang Yu, unable to speak, was directly pushed to the execution ground at Caishikou.
The case had been under trial since early morning, and quite some time had passed.
Noon arrived in the blink of an eye. The ruthless Bao Zheng glanced at the sundial, saw that the time was right, picked up a vermilion pen from the tin pen holder, hooked it on the execution plaque, and threw it down. "The time has come. Execute!" Bao Zheng's uniquely drawn-out trembling voice.
Poor Fourth Brother. He should have at least been sentenced to the dragon head guillotine, but because he couldn't speak, he could only be punished as a servant (on the other hand, being able to speak and castrate Zhao Shiqing wasn't a serious crime, who would dare to execute him). Instead, he was sentenced to the dog head guillotine.
Upon hearing the word "execute," the crowd stirred. This fearless servant, famous throughout the capital and brave enough to fight against evil forces, was a symbol of justice in the eyes of the common people!
How could justice fall?!
"Fourth Brother!" "
Pang Si—" A frenzy erupted from the crowd. Not only Chuixue and Wanrendi, but also Gao Yanei and Qian Shicai had arrived. Leading a large group of at least a hundred men, they desperately rushed in, trying to save him from the execution platform.
A hundred men was quite a lot, but unfortunately, the Imperial Guards numbered eight thousand,
so they only managed to advance two steps before being suppressed and unable to move an inch.
"Execute!" Bao Zheng shouted again, raising the guillotine high!
Uncle Ba finally moved, swinging his golden whip to stop them.
"Brother Pang—" Suddenly, a series of shrill cries rang out from the crowd.
Pang Yu shuddered. His eyes widened as he looked into the crowd. He saw Di Xiuxiang, dressed in white, being roughly blocked by the Imperial Guards. She struggled to squeeze in, her slender frame clearly frail, yet she refused to back down. Her thin hands desperately tried to push forward, but couldn't. Watching Pang Yu about to be executed, tears streamed down her face.
Pang Yu's lips trembled; he wanted to call out to her but no sound came out.
"The time has come. Execute her!" Bao Zheng urged from the platform.
The executioner tore off his clothes, baring his chest and abdomen, preparing to strike. But his movements were much slower than usual—
he was also an ordinary citizen. He admired Pang Yu and didn't want this young hero in the hearts of the people to die on the execution ground.
Upon hearing that she was to be executed immediately, Di Xiuxiang, in her anxiety, disregarded everything else. Risking her life, she forcefully broke through the Imperial Guards' obstruction and rushed to the execution platform. Kneeling and embracing Pang Yu, she wept uncontrollably.
"Brother Pang, you can't die! You can't die! If you die... Xiuxiang won't live alone either!"
Pang Yu wanted to tell her to leave, but his throat burned like fire, and he couldn't utter a single word.
Zhao Yunbi was both shocked and furious. He had painstakingly planned for so long, but not only had he failed to frame the Marquis of Anle and seize the opportunity to eliminate the Crown Prince's faction, he had also driven Zhao Shiqing mad in order to protect himself. Now, if even a lowly servant escaped death, what face
would he have left? He immediately pointed at the soldiers and said, "Execute them! Execute them all!" "Brother Pang, Xiuxiang will die with you!" Di Xiuxiang cried out in anguish, kneeling tightly around Pang Yu. She knew that if the guillotine fell, she and Pang Yu would die together. Her pale and haggard face, ravaged by illness, showed no fear.
How could Pang Yu bear to be a burden to her? He desperately wanted her to leave immediately. But the poison Zhao Yunbi had used was far too potent. After expending all his strength, he couldn't utter a single word.
"My lord! Lord Bao!" The executioner was momentarily stunned. Di Xiuxiang turned around while kneeling and shouted loudly towards the platform, "Brother Pang is innocent! Innocent! Please, Lord Bao, reopen the court for a retrial! Brother Pang is innocent!"
Pang Yu was moved to tears.
Zhao Yunbi sneered, "Innocent what? Wasn't Shiqing castrated by this dog slave? I witnessed the prison break myself. How could it be false! Where are the Kaifeng Prefecture officials? Pull this troublesome little girl away. If she dares to cause any more trouble, arrest her. Executioner, carry out the execution immediately. No delay!"
"Xiuxiang, go! Go! "
Finally, finally, under extreme anxiety, indignation, and deep concern, Pang Yu overcame the poison that had sealed his mouth and shouted hoarsely, "Xiuxiang, go back. Go back now. Don't watch me behead you. Chuixue, take good care of her for me." "If Xiuxiang isn't doing well, I'll come back to you even as a ghost—Xiuxiang. Brother Pang is sorry. Brother Pang promised to stay with you for life. But…"
"No, I don't want to. Xiuxiang doesn't want to be separated from you by death." Di Xiuxiang interrupted him, her eyes red and swollen from crying. Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed and threw herself into his arms. "Brother Pang. Xiuxiang will be with you for all eternity. Even if you die… even if you die… Xiuxiang won't live alone… even as a ghost, Xiuxiang will marry you."
Such a deeply moving scene left the onlookers deeply touched. Qian Shicai, with a stroke of genius, suddenly burst forth, leading the shout: "There's a miscarriage of justice! Retrial! Retrial!" More than a hundred of his men joined in, shouting: "There's a miscarriage of justice! Retrial! Retrial!" This roused the entire crowd into a clamor.
"Lord Bao, you are a just and upright official. You cannot let a wrongful conviction be proven."
"There must be a miscarriage of justice in this case. Lord Bao, please reconsider! " "
Innocent! Innocent!"
Seeing the surging crowd, Zhao Yunbi hurriedly shouted, "Execute! Execute them immediately! Execute them all!"
The executioner completely ignored him.
Zhao Yunbi shouted several times to no avail. He couldn't help but fly into a rage and rushed forward to do it himself. Zhao Shouxun stopped him, his aged eyes filled with anger, as if he wanted to tear him apart: "Yunbi, what do you mean? Why are you pushing all the blame onto Shiqing? And even driving him insane? Explain yourself clearly, or I will never forgive you!" "
Zhao Yunbi was in a hurry to execute Pang Yu. He had no time to worry about this. He tried to step aside, but Zhao Shouxun followed closely, refusing to let him pass. Finally, he grabbed Zhao Yunbi by the collar and started wrestling with him.
In broad daylight, with most of the royal family present and watching, Zhao Yunbi, despite his youth and strength, despite being annoyed by the entanglement, and despite his forceful shove that nearly knocked Zhao Shouxun away, was still his uncle by seniority. Dozens of eyes were watching. What could he do?
Push? He dared not. Twist? He dared not. Hit? He dared not. So
be it. Let them wrestle slowly.
The scene inside and outside the arena became a chaotic mess. The ministers, who were truly used to such storms, remained calm and composed." The mountain.
Lü Yijian, Yan Shu, Gao Xingzhou, and Gao Ruona. Some were slowly sipping their tea, others were looking up at their chairs, quietly resting with their eyes closed.
Anxious? What good would being anxious do?
Such a big case. So many people involved. The outcome was almost certainly predetermined. How to try and judge it, Bao Zheng must have already consulted with the Emperor. Otherwise, with the powerful Grand Tutor Pang on one side and the imperial family on the other, if the verdict didn't satisfy either side, how could they possibly handle the situation? A joint
trial by the three judicial departments? Just a formality. Arguing, shouting, yelling. What good would that do!
But there was still one person who could make a decisive decision.
Lü Yijian picked up his teacup, took a sip of the Lushan Yuwu tea, a tribute from the south, and savored it slowly. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at the Eight Sages.
The Eighth Prince remained unmoved, sitting as still as a mountain.
Lu Yijian was immediately puzzled. "Hey, this old fellow! Why did you bring that golden whip if you haven't said a word the whole time? Just to scare people? If you're going to bring it, just use it!"
Was the Eighth Prince unwilling to speak?
Was he unsure whether he should even open his mouth?
He was already prepared, his earth-shattering roar, "Who dares touch my son-in-law!" practically on the tip of his tongue. Suddenly, Di Xiuxiang appeared. In full view of everyone, she and Pang Si were embracing. A perfect couple in love! If he were to step forward and say that this was his son-in-law, wouldn't he be asking for trouble?
He turned his gaze to Nangong Qinyi, eager to know his precious daughter's attitude towards her lover secretly keeping a mistress. But... His daughter's expression was complex and unreadable. Her deep, ethereal eyes were misty, as if she were about to cry from being moved. Her little hands were clenched tightly, seemingly filled with anger. Yet, her face was also filled with anxiety and concern…
A woman's heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea. The shrewd and calculating Eighth Prince couldn't help but sigh.
He had been observing his beloved daughter's thoughts for a long time but still couldn't decide whether to save her or not. Of course, he had no idea.
Half an incense stick's time had passed. The scene was still chaotic. Those who were shouting were still shouting. Those who were crying out for justice were still crying out for justice. Nangong Qinyi's expression remained complex and unreadable. The Eighth Prince remained seated and unmoved!
Zhao Yunbi finally managed to persuade Zhao Shouxun to come and deal with the scene first. He shouted at the Kaifeng Prefecture constables next to the execution platform: "The laws of the Great Song Dynasty stipulate that anyone who obstructs an execution is equally guilty. Seize this woman for me!" "
These men were all trusted confidants of Bao Zheng for over ten or twenty years. If Old Bao didn't speak, who would dare to challenge him? Zhao Yunbi shouted for a long time, his voice hoarse, but not a single one would come forward.
He shouted anxiously, 'Lord Bao, is this how people in Kaifeng Prefecture handle cases? You've already ordered the execution! Why isn't anyone moving?!'
Bao Zheng waved his hand with a dark face. Only then did someone slowly walk over. They stopped a long way off and reluctantly called out, 'Hey, Miss Xiu over there, please don't obstruct our execution. Get out of the way quickly. Otherwise… uh… otherwise the consequences will be very serious. Really. I'm not lying to you.'"
Pang Yu panicked upon hearing this. He wanted to shout for Di Xiuxiang to leave quickly, but his voice was hoarse from shouting earlier, and he couldn't speak for a moment. In desperation, he kept bumping him with his shoulder, trying to convey his meaning through his eyes and gestures: "Go! Go! What's the use of dying with me? Xiuxiang! Don't be stubborn! Xiuxiang!!!"
Di Xiuxiang shook her head desperately, her small hands clinging tightly to him, refusing to let go. Zhao Yunbi couldn't persuade him no matter what. In a fit of anger, he simply picked up his sword and rushed to the guillotine. Without saying a word, he slashed at the back of Pang Yu's neck.
His movements were too fast. By the time the Eighth Prince tried to stop him, it was too late.
"Spare his life—" a loud shout came from afar.
Zhao Yunbi ignored it. He continued to slash.
"Imperial decree!"
Zhao Yunbi still ignored it. He continued to slash.
His sword strikes were fierce and fast. It was a clean cut. However, the blade was only an inch away from the back of Pang Yu's neck. Suddenly, a loud "clang" rang out, as if struck by something. Zhao Yunbi's hand trembled violently. Half of his body went numb and he couldn't move. His broadsword flew out of his hand uncontrollably, nearly cutting the man on horseback half to death.
"Eunuch Chen!" Bao Zheng and the Eighth Prince stood up simultaneously—it was none other
than Chen Lin, the Grand Eunuch and the Emperor's personal eunuch.
Although it was a very melodramatic story, it was indeed the case in reality.
Chen Lin didn't stand on ceremony. He directly took the imperial edict and went up to the high platform. He unfolded it and read it aloud.
"The imperial edict (there's no such thing as 'By the Mandate of Heaven' in the Great Song Dynasty. That's just something made up in plays)... Prince Zhao Shiqing of Anding forcibly abducted a woman and murdered civilians. His crimes are unforgivable. However, considering he is a member of the Zhao clan, I will show leniency. He is stripped of his title of Prince and reduced to a commoner. Pang Si, a servant of the Grand Tutor's household, is loyal to his master and righteous to the heavens. He stormed the Prince's mansion, rescued a weak woman, castrated a treacherous nobleman, and rid the people of a scourge, which is very gratifying. Although he attempted to escape from prison, violating the laws of our Great Song Dynasty, I consider his eagerness to protect his master and his commendable loyalty. To demonstrate his loyalty, I hereby grant him amnesty! Furthermore:" "
Pang Si is hereby granted the title of Sixth-Rank Heavenly-Ding, to be a model for servants of our Great Song Dynasty. So be it!!!"
p: Uh. The Li Family Village massacre and all the conspiracies and intrigues that followed have come to an end. The next chapter will be about Fourth Brother and Xiuxiang in the back garden... cough cough cough cough. I've written over 100,000 words for such a small case. It's truly a testament to my writing skills." My experience is lacking. I lost control of the plot towards the end. Sorry, sorry. Although the ending of the case seems a bit melodramatic—Fourth Brother only got off with the Emperor's pardon and didn't retaliate against Zhao Yunbi himself—think about it. Back in the Ming Dynasty, Yang Ling was almost beheaded because of the Imperial Tomb flooding case. He was only saved by Yan Song and Zhu Gang working together. I admit that the way I'm writing it now is borrowed from the style of Guan Guan. Using the scene on the execution platform, I let the relationship between Fourth Brother and Xiu Xiang intensify, and then I just ended it there. Right?! Also, is the Emperor's decree to pardon Fourth Brother melodramatic? Is it really melodramatic? Did you think it was the Consort who saved him? Wrong. Did you think it was Grand Tutor Pang? Wrong again. Did you think it was Bao Zheng who did it on purpose? Still wrong? Allow me to plant a small foreshadowing here. I will reveal it to everyone at the appropriate time. Just like Ren Youxian didn't die, I dare not say that 100% of people can guess it. However, most of you probably wouldn't believe it!

Chapter 118: The Back Garden, Taking in Xiuxiang, This is True Love!

"Hey! It wasn't my sister who begged the Emperor for my brother-in-law!?"
In the back hall of the Grand Tutor's mansion, Pang Yu, who had narrowly escaped death, almost jumped up.
"Yes, Li'er... no, the Imperial Concubine went to beg the Emperor, but she didn't dare to reveal that you were Pang Si,
fearing that the Emperor would be even more furious if he knew that the dignified Imperial Uncle had caused such a big fuss over a woodcutter girl, and then..." Second Aunt's eyes were red, indicating that she had just been crying, and she was wiping away tears with a handkerchief as she spoke.
"And then the Emperor refused to fall out with the imperial family for a mere servant, so he didn't agree?" Pang Yu pressed.
"Don't call him brother-in-law, call him the Emperor." Third Sister hurriedly pulled at his clothes, then hugged him tightly, her trembling hands caressing his cheeks, large tears falling, her face a mixture of sorrow and joy: "Yu'er, it's good you're alright, it's good you're alright, your mother was so worried about you."
Second Sister also cried, her recently dried cheeks instantly soaked with tears again.
Pang Yu felt a warmth in his heart. Although neither of these two were his biological mothers, their care and love for him were no less than that of his mother in his original world.
The warmth of love—motherly love.
Pang Yu nestled in Third Sister's arms, his eyes gradually welling up with tears.
"Mother, did Brother-in-law the Emperor finally agree?" Pang Yu's voice was very hoarse, with a raspy quality.
Zhao Yunbi used some kind of poison, rendering him speechless for a full hour. But after an hour, he recovered on his own. How strange. How very strange indeed. It's a pity he shouted too urgently when calling for Di Xiuxiang to leave. His throat must have been somewhat damaged. It'll probably take two doses of traditional Chinese medicine to clear the heat and cool him down before he gets better.
But Fourth Brother got his revenge. That kick was incredibly hard. Zhao Yunbi will be in pain for at least three days and four nights. Otherwise, why would he keep ordering people to chop him down? Why wouldn't he go himself? It hurts! It hurts so much! He can't even get to the guillotine! Finally, when he had no other choice, he swung the knife himself. Then, a stone was thrown from somewhere, knocking the knife away. He fell to the ground, screaming like a pig being slaughtered.
"No. Your brother-in-law... ptooey, ptooey! It's the Emperor. The Emperor absolutely refused. He even blamed your sister for bothering him over a mere servant. Sigh. Who told you to cause such a huge mess this time? You've offended the entire imperial clan. In the past, when the Imperial Concubine pleaded for mercy, the Emperor never refused." "
Yu'er, your second mother knew the Imperial Concubine's plea was unsuccessful. She was so anxious that she cried at home, even saying she would go to the execution ground to kneel and beg Judge Bao for mercy. Third mother finally managed to persuade her to stop. Your sister burned incense and prayed in the Buddhist hall in the backyard for two days and two nights without closing her eyes. Fortunately, the Emperor is wise and finally issued an edict to pardon your crime."
"No. It wasn't fortunate. It was Mother's piety that moved the gods!" Immersed in maternal love, Pang Yu's words were still incredibly sweet. He made his two mothers extremely happy. Overjoyed, they hugged him and cried together.
As they walked out of the flower hall, Pang Yu felt a warm glow in his heart.
Fortunately, he was born into this world and still had a mother who cared for and loved him, allowing him to feel a touch of warmth amidst the scheming and backstabbing.
After this warmth came confusion.
He walked along, deeply puzzled.
If his sister hadn't managed to persuade his brother-in-law, the Emperor, then why had he received an imperial decree not only pardoning him but also bestowing upon him some kind of…
Heavenly Servant?
Heavenly Servant, the Son of Heaven's servant—it sounded impressive at first, but upon closer inspection, if you considered the palace as a grand mansion, then the servants working there were essentially eunuchs!
A sixth-rank Heavenly Servant, a sixth-rank Grand Eunuch—that was still a high-ranking position in the palace!
Pang Yu felt humiliated, utterly humiliated!
Even if his righteous deeds had reached the palace and moved his brother-in-law, the Emperor, to issue a pardon, this title of Heavenly Servant… wasn't that a curse, a curse that his fourth brother would become a eunuch?!
"Brother Pang—" Just as Pang Yu was feeling indignant, a joyful call rang out from ahead.
Di Xiuxiang stood prettily under a tree not far away, still as frail and delicate as ever. She looked utterly pitiful. Her large, bright eyes were red and swollen from crying, yet her gentle gaze remained fixed on him with deep affection.
"Xiuxiang!" Pang Yu called her name as he ran over. Reaching the tree, he grabbed her small hand, his voice filled with remorse. "It's all my fault, I'm so sorry. I've made you suffer these past few days!"
Di Xiuxiang felt the warmth emanating from Pang Yu's hand, as if it were penetrating her heart. Her face flushed crimson, her heart pounding wildly. She lowered her head, avoiding his intense gaze, and murmured, "Brother Pang, I... I'm so glad you're alright. Xiuxiang was so worried... I'm so glad you're alright..."
The two stood very close, and the faint fragrance emanating from her wafted into Pang Yu's nose, gradually making him restless, yearning to embrace her and kiss her passionately.
Di Xiuxiang, so close to him, smelled his intense masculine scent, and a strange feeling welled up within her. Waves of heat washed over her, and her slender legs involuntarily pressed together, her body gently swaying.
Pang Yu felt her slight struggle, but instead of letting go, he tightened his grip, gently squeezing her palm twice, and smiled tenderly at her: "I've wronged you these past few days. I'll definitely make it up to you properly in the future."
Di Xiuxiang's heart pounded like a deer's, and she softly hummed in agreement, her cheeks flushing red, her head drooping even lower.
“Come on, tell me how you want Brother Pang to make it up to you, and Brother Pang will definitely do it.”
Di Xiuxiang lowered her head and bit her lip, but upon hearing his words, she raised her head again, a glimmer of expectation flashing in her eyes: “Xiuxiang doesn’t want anything… she doesn’t want anything at all, she just wants Brother Pang to be… forever… forever…”
“Forever what?” Pang Yu leaned down, deliberately getting closer to ask her.
Di Xiuxiang’s face was as red as a pomegranate, her voice as soft as a mosquito’s buzz: “Xiuxiang only wants… only wants… only wants Brother Pang to be safe forever… forever happy… that’s enough, nothing else… Xiuxiang doesn’t want anything else…”
Pang Yu’s eyes welled up with tears, an infinite warmth filling his heart. Looking at Xiuxiang’s haggard face, with the tear stains still wet and her dazed, happy smile, a thousand kinds of pity and ten thousand kinds of love burst forth at once.
He raised his hand and gently stroked Di Xiuxiang’s face, his love as deep as the sea as he said to her: “Xiuxiang, my darling, my good darling, Brother Pang will never betray you in this life!”
Di Xiuxiang’s delicate body trembled, and tears could no longer be held back. They burst forth in her eyes with emotion.
"Brother Pang, I..." Before she could even utter a word of gratitude, her slender body was suddenly pulled into Pang Yu's embrace, and her cherry-like lips were instantly warmed by his burning hot kiss!
Good heavens!!!
Chuixue was walking in from outside, having something to report to her master, when she was suddenly struck by this scene and froze in shock—in this era of strict etiquette, a man and woman holding hands was already shocking enough. Her master, once hailed as the most dissolute young master in the capital, would never openly engage in such provocative behavior with a girl in public, let alone something like this…
oh my god, her master is truly her master! What kind of kiss is this?!
First, a light, pecking touch, teasing the other's thin lips with his teeth, then slowly and gently drawing out her delicate tongue, rhythmically circling the tip of his tongue. The circular, licking kisses…
Fubuki's eyes nearly popped out of his head. He remembered his master mentioning more than once during casual conversations that kissing had a certain refinement. Kissing was the same; it was the best way for lovers to convey their unspoken feelings without undressing. It was a physical language expressed verbally but imbued with a powerful message of "love." A long, gentle, deep, and passionate kiss could give one a profound and romantic feeling, an essential skill for conquering the world of romance and winning over countless women. Fubuki's
eyes welled with tears, utterly moved by his great master's noble spirit.
His master was demonstrating, teaching him personally, how to be a master of seduction! Understanding this, Fubuki's admiration for Pang Yu grew even stronger, silently proclaiming in his heart: "Master is great! Master is glorious! Master is steadfast! Master, you are the best role model for all men!!!"
Di Xiuxiang melted into Pang Yu's embrace.
Holding and kissing her was the Pang Brother she had longed for day and night. Just smelling his masculine scent made her lose all strength, her body going limp in his arms, being caressed and kissed by him. Feeling his burning love, Di Xiuxiang forgot where she was, forgot her identity, forgot her girlish shyness, forgot everything, only remembering that this was the passionate embrace she had dreamed of, and she didn't want to leave!
Pang Yu kissed her passionately, sucking on her tongue, caressing her pearly teeth, stimulating her palate. Tasting the pure, innocent sweetness in her mouth, an
unprecedented warmth and emotion instantly filled Di Xiuxiang's heart. She sobbed, holding Pang Brother tightly, tears of happiness falling onto their cheeks.
Pang Yu held her tightly, their kiss lasting forever.
What fairy sister, what Nangong Qinyi, what Zou Xiyun, what Hua Xiangrong, what Princess Ding Yuehua—none of them can compare to my precious Xiuxiang! She is my one true love!
At this moment, Pang Yu's heart was filled only with this pitiful yet strong and brave girl.
For him, she could bravely storm the execution ground alone, risking her life to plead for Pang Ge's innocence.
For him, she could face death without fear, even as a ghost, she would be with Pang Ge.
For him, she could selflessly give everything, sacrifice everything!
And what about him?
Pang Yu gazed at the sky with his tear-stained eyes, silently swearing to the heavens:
----Pang Yu will never betray Xiuxiang in this life!
The kiss landed, and Di Xiuxiang, panting softly, nestled in his arms, her eyelashes trembling slightly, her pretty face flushed like cherry blossoms.
Pang Yu lowered his head, gazing at her tenderly, and said firmly in a voice he had never used before, with a tenderness he spoke firmly: "Xiuxiang, believe me, I will make you the second happiest person in the world." "
Big Brother..." Di Xiuxiang was moved, but also a little disappointed.
Why not the first?
"Because of you, I am the happiest person in the world!" Pang Yu seemed to see through her little scheme, his hand tightening around her slender waist, his gentle words whispering in her ear.
Di Xiuxiang felt both shy and sweet, letting out a soft moan and lowering her head, her heart pounding. How could Brother Pang say such things? It was so embarrassing, but she also felt a sweet warmth in her heart.
"Xiuxiang, do you know? Brother Pang, even in death row, thinks of you every day. From morning till night, even in his sleep, he thinks of you, wanting to hold you tightly, to hold you forever, never letting go. He wants you to feel his heart pounding with love for him, to hold you close for eternity, until death do us part, to let you feel his rapid breathing because of love for you."
Chuixue, hiding behind the door, listened to these endlessly cheesy words, goosebumps rising on her skin. "The Marquis is truly something else," she thought, "he really knows how to charm women. I admire him!
If living is the greatest mission God has given me, then having you is the greatest blessing Buddha has bestowed upon me! Xiuxiang, do you know how much Brother Pang misses you, how much he loves you, how much he cherishes you? Brother Pang is willing to wait a thousand years for your smile, as warm as the spring sun!"
Di Xiuxiang's face flushed red, her heart pounding even harder. Remembering the feeling of Brother Pang's kiss just now, her whole body suddenly felt weak and powerless. She couldn't even lift her head, her face burning hot.
"Brother Pang, then...then..." Di Xiuxiang mustered her courage to ask, her voice still small, "You and Master Nangong, why...why did she...come to save you..."
"Xiuxiang, don't you understand?" Pang Yu sealed her lips with his finger, "There are as many stars in the sky as there are girls in the world...but...there is only one moon in the sky. There is only one you in the world! No matter how dazzling the stars are, they can't compare to the eternal light in my heart."
Di Xiuxiang had been a little jealous, but after he said that, all that remained in her heart was happiness.
Her tears hadn't dried completely, and there were still teardrops clinging to her eyelashes. Her small mouth opened and closed, her red lips revealing a pallor that Pang Yu couldn't hide. Pang Yu felt an overwhelming pang of heartache seeing her like that.
"Xiuxiang, are you feeling better? Have you been coughing again? Are you feeling unwell again?"
"Yes. No. Big brother, Xiuxiang is alright. Really, Xiuxiang just... just thinking..." Di Xiuxiang couldn't continue, tears falling again.
"Don't cry, silly girl, what's wrong, what's wrong?" Pang Yu was extremely anxious.
Di Xiuxiang's tears flowed continuously, she cried like a pear blossom in the rain, pitiful and vulnerable.
It turned out that she had stayed in the Grand Tutor's mansion for six whole days, without any news of Di Qing. If Pang Yu hadn't said before he was arrested, "Qing'er is alright, he was rescued by a kind person," Di Xiuxiang probably would have cried until she had no tears left. Now that her brother Pang was back safely, half of her anxiety was relieved. After her heart was filled with happiness and warmth, and she truly felt the taste of love, she couldn't help but think of her brother again, and tears streamed down her face.
Pang Yu held her tightly, comforting her with sweet words for a long time, even swearing oaths that he would find Di Qing within three days. Only then did the lovely girl in his arms stop crying.
"Brother Pang, then...then...Xiuxiang will go back first..." She was shy after all. In broad daylight, she had been hugging and embracing her brother in the courtyard, and...just thinking about the passionate kiss from earlier made Di Xiuxiang blush with embarrassment. She dared not linger any longer for fear of being seen, and covered her burning face as she turned and ran away.
Just before leaving, she suddenly stopped, turned back and gave Pang Yu a smile, a smile full of joy and satisfaction.
Pang Yu was filled with emotion, an infinite warmth echoing in his chest.
This is love!
Di Xiuxiang went far away.
Pang Yu turned his head, glancing at the other gate out of the corner of his eye.
"Get out!"
No response.
"If you don't want to collect your salary this month, then keep hiding."
"Heh...hehehe..." With a lewd laugh, Chuixue scratched his head and walked out in a sleazy manner.
"Fourth Brother, you're brilliant! You're truly brilliant! This time, I've really seen something amazing..." Chuixue was halfway through his flattery when he noticed Pang Yu smiling at him—yes, he wasn't mistaken, Fourth Brother was smiling, the kind of smile that hides a knife. Chuixue swallowed back all the flattering words he had prepared, and a chill ran down his spine. Pang Yu was in a good mood today and didn't bother to kick him. He glanced at him and said, "Have you told the accountant that Da You's pension must be paid on time, without any deductions or delays?"
"Yes, yes, double the amount, paid immediately. Then help Da You's parents buy a piece of land outside the city to settle his family. Yan'er will also get a share. Fourth Brother. I'm not flattering you, but you are truly kind, righteous, and compassionate. If Da You knew this in the afterlife, he would definitely be grateful to you." "
But..."
"Hmm?"
Chui Xue's voice was a little low: "But aren't Da You's family still in Beihai County... in the hands of that bastard Zhao Yunbi? They don't even know if they're alive..."
"Zhao Yunbi is a smart man. He escaped the Kaifeng Prefecture's investigation this time by chance, so he certainly won't cause any more trouble or make things difficult for Da You's family. Otherwise, Bao Zheng would be looking for an excuse to arrest him. Unless Zhao Yunbi is brain-dead, he wouldn't be stupid enough to walk into the line of fire." Pang Yu sneered, his eyes flashing with cold light.
This time, he truly witnessed Bao Zheng's prowess. Without Zhan Zhao, Gongsun, Zhang Long, Zhao Hu, Wang Chao, and Ma Han, Bao Zheng, the lone commander, had been in office as prefect for less than six days. Yet, he solved a case that had taken him nearly half a month to uncover any clues. It was practically Di Renjie reincarnated—a miracle!
Ugh, pshaw! It seems he can't use too ruthless tactics when fighting Zhao Yunbi in the future. He might not even have dealt with that prince's faction before Bao Zheng and his constables come knocking again—well, to be more specific, he needs to be careful with murder, arson, and gang fights… In short, he has to be careful with everything. He should still do what he needs to do: frame others, sow discord, stab them in the back, and use underhanded tricks. Just be careful.
"Oh, right, right." Chuixue tugged at his sleeve, her face full of mischief.
"Fourth Brother, you've survived this ordeal and come out of prison, so... hey, how about calling up Master Gao and Master Qian to go out and have some fun? You always say that half the meaning of life is spent in brothels, and chatting with girls about life is the most carefree and enjoyable indulgence in the world... hehe. I'll get some too... ouch!"
Before he could finish, Pang Yu flicked his forehead. His affectionate Fourth Brother, for the sake of Xiuxiang who loved him deeply, decided never to go to brothels or flirt with the girls there again.
--- Of course, before finding Di Qing.
"Not going to brothels... Fourth Brother, you won't miss the Flower Queen Contest, will you?"
Flower Queen Contest?
Pang Yu touched his nose, remembering that he vaguely... seemed... had heard of such a thing before. Ah no, there really was such a thing. Xi Yun just said "I want to participate in the Flower Queen Contest." So much fear that Qian Laosi, whose mind was only occasionally sharp, dared not act recklessly in Qixiufang anymore… He'd been so focused on the case lately that he'd completely forgotten about it.
“The news’s out. The courtesan competition in seven days, at the same old place, Jinming Pond, Fenglin Pavilion.” Chuixue jumped and skipped, scratching his head, his only thought being—he wanted to go. “My lord, my lord, please take me! Let me see what you've got! My lord, please, please…”
“Seven days later? Wasn’t the courtesan competition on the sixth day of the fourth month? That’s been so long.”
“My lord forgot? Lady Nangong wasn’t in the capital then, so the competition was postponed.”
“Postponed just for her?”
“Of course! What kind of courtesan competition is it without Lady Nangong? Heh… heh heh heh…” Chuixue, resting his pockmarked face on his hand, squinted his eyes, indulging in a blissful fantasy. He certainly didn’t dare covet the famous courtesans participating; his only thought was to seduce a young maidservant from one of the courtesans’ side.
Pang Yu did indeed need a lackey to accompany him—he needed a subordinate to serve him at all times. Anyway, Chuixue was quite familiar with the various situations in the capital, so there was no harm in taking him along. "Alright, since you've sincerely begged, your master is so wise and open-minded, I'll mercifully grant your request..." "
Fourth Brother, Fourth Brother!" Before he could finish speaking, Wanrendi, with his fat body bouncing and eyes shining, came running over, waving as he ran, his eagerness revealing boundless excitement.
"Hey, you fatso, don't try to take it from me! There's only one spot, I've already said it!" Chuixue was anxious and pounced to fight, but he was as thin as a bamboo pole, no match for the fat and strong Wanrendi. The other man didn't do much; he blocked with his body, thrust his hips forward, and Chuixue flew away like a sandbag.
"Fourth Brother, Fourth Brother!" Chuixue rushed to Pang Yu's side, even more excited than before, his fat face jiggling and glistening with excitement.
"You fatso, you shameless bastard, I'll fight you to the death!" Chui Xue scrambled to her feet, ignoring the dust covering her, grabbed a flowerpot, and smashed it against the back of Wan Rendi's head.
"Outside...outside a girl, so beautiful, so beautiful, like a fairy from heaven, said she has something to discuss with you, wants to...wants to take you to her house—" It turned out she wasn't after the spot, and Chui Xue hurriedly stopped, but she rushed too fast and couldn't stop, only managing to change direction before tumbling face-first into the mud.
Nobody paid him any attention.
"A girl? What girl?"
"She said her surname is Hua, from Pianxian Pavilion." Wan Rendi's eyes continued to light up, drool soaking his collar.
"Hua Xiangrong!?" Pang Yu was stunned, thinking, what fairy? She's clearly a bewitching enchantress!
"Uh, yes, that's the name, she...she said..."
"No! Tell her I'm not seeing her." Pang Yu was determined. Finding Xiao Diqing was the most important thing right now. For the sake of the lovely, pitiful Xiu Xiang, he couldn't care less about the flower demon.
"But she said you absolutely have to see her!"
"Why?"
"Because yesterday a girl in white brought a little boy to Pianxian Pavilion."

Chapter 119 The Demoness, Bewitching and Deadly

Seventy Yards, another seventy yards.
Pang Yu rushed out of the Grand Tutor's mansion at seventy yards per minute.
Outside the gate, one or two luxuriously decorated carriages were already waiting. Judging from their decorations, they must be from some brothel.
The Song Dynasty was known for its strict and unparalleled etiquette. Although all high-ranking officials and scholars were essentially the same once inside a brothel—wolves in sheep's clothing—they would act with impunity once inside with a girl, they would all become paragons of propriety and morality in public. If they learned that a top courtesan from a brothel had driven to someone's door, they would unanimously launch a barrage of insults, cursing the person's ancestors for eighteen generations until they could crawl out of their graves.
However, there was one exception: Marquis Anle.
At the height of his power, this number one playboy and dissolute young master of the capital had eighteen carriages lined up at the gate of his mansion, each carrying a girl from one of the capital's major brothels.
So, not only the guards at the gate, but even passersby were used to it.
Pang Yu rushed to the carriage, said nothing, and jumped inside as if it were his own.
This time, she didn't stumble into those two soft, alluring mounds. Hua Xiangrong, dressed in a shimmering red gown, was leaning against the innermost part of the carriage, using a small vermilion brush dipped in fragrant balsam juice to outline her jade-like nails. ===
Seeing Pang Yu enter, Hua Xiangrong wasn't surprised at all, giving him a charming smile and a pair of captivating eyes.
"You've arrived! I've been waiting for you for a long time."
"Looking for me? Why didn't you come into the manor?" Pang Yu was very casual, pulling up a soft cushion to sit down in the carriage, legs crossed, his tone as casual as if he were talking to his old flame.
"Oh, I still have some pride, don't I? The Flower Queen Competition is in seven days, and instead of practicing my music at the Pianxian Pavilion, I've come to find a lowly servant like you... Hehehehe. This isn't how you treat someone like a servant. If word gets out, I'll be laughed to death." Hua Xiangrong covered her mouth and giggled, her bosom rippling as her dress rippled. Her large, almond-shaped eyes darted around, her expression a half-smile. "But it's true, even Nangong Qinyi has been seduced by you. I'm just a nobody; Lord Tian Ding wouldn't even give me a second thought."
Pang Yu ignored her teasing. He asked directly, "Where is Qing'er?"
"What Qing'er?"
"The little boy the girl in white brought."
"Oh, you mean him? That chubby-faced boy who's always calling me 'sister, sister'?"
"Yes, where is he? Tell me! Tell me!! Tell me!!!" Pang Yu stood up anxiously, waving his arms and legs, almost lunging at her.
"Him...hehehe, who is he to you? Why are you so anxious, like...like your pants are on fire, hehehehe----" Hua Xiangrong laughed so hard she couldn't straighten up. Her delicate neck, encircled by a ring of gold, bounced uncontrollably, unexpectedly highlighting her fair skin. The blue jade pendant hanging at the front bounced a few times on her plump breasts, causing them to tremble. The weight of the jade pendant pressed down on her full cleavage, making it sink slightly as if resting on half-melted snowflakes and butter, its outer edge gently held by her soft breasts, no longer swaying.
"He's my brother-in-law," Pang Yu said, his heart racing slightly, his face serious.
"Brother-in-law? I've never heard of Nangong Qinyi having a younger brother. ***u.cm**" Hua Xiangrong giggled. She rested her chin on her hand, her eyes crinkling as she glanced at him, her expression indescribably alluring and seductive: "Oh, I know, his sister is that little girl who stormed the execution ground, right? Hehehe, what a charming servant! He's already got Nangong Qinyi, yet he's still not satisfied, he still has to go out and seduce others...hehehe, men! They're such insatiable animals, hehehehe----" Every expression she made was incredibly amusing; she was truly a natural beauty. This year's Flower Queen Contest looked like it was going to be quite a spectacle.
"Can't you just shut up?"
"What, are you angry?"
"Yes, Fourth Brother is very angry, and the consequences will be severe!" Pang Yu suddenly pushed forward, grabbing her delicate, snow-white wrist, and said sharply, "Speak! Where is Qing'er!"
She looked at Fourth Brother's ferocious face. Hua Xiangrong, far from being nervous or afraid, instead blossomed into a radiant, spring-flower-like smile: "Beg me. Beg me and I'll tell you." Her watery eyes shimmered, her cheeks a delicate, rosy pink, enhanced by the sunlight streaming through the slanted car window.
Pang Yu's heart skipped a beat, and he swallowed hard, grabbing her and threatening, "Will you tell me or not? If you don't, I'll take action." His lustful eyes swept over her body.
Hua Xiangrong feigned surprise, quickly shrinking back like a startled rabbit, her slender arms struggling against her chest, her full breasts straining to create a cleavage that threatened to burst through her clothes, making Pang Yu's heart itch unbearably. She trembled slightly, her long, shapely legs pressed tightly together, revealing her underwear, her large, watery eyes filled with fear and anxiety, giving her a pitiful, fragile appearance.
Damn vixen! The fire in Fourth Brother's heart flared up instantly. This irresistibly alluring vixen wasn't afraid at all; she was clearly inciting a man's violent tendencies, wanting him to ravage and torture her!
Fourth Brother wasn't going to be polite. He swept his large hand around the vixen's slender waist, her skin smooth and delicate to the touch, like newly made silk. Hua Xiangrong
let out a soft moan, her hands coiling around his neck like snakes, her luscious red lips close to his ear, her breath sweet and fragrant: "My dear..."
As a cultured, refined, and ethical servant, how could Fourth Brother be tempted by her! He lowered his head to her cherry-red cheek, but didn't kiss her.
"Don't mess with me, Fourth Brother will kill you if he gets angry." As he said the word "kill," Pang Yu tightened his grip, teasingly licking her delicate earlobe.
Hua Xiangrong felt a rush of heat to her ears, a tingling sensation throughout her body, and her strength seemed to vanish. She laughed and playfully scolded, "You bad man, all talk and no action! You only know how to bully people." Two rosy clouds rose on her fair face, her charming almond-shaped eyes seemed to overflow with tears, and her flushed cheeks resembled a delicate peach blossom glistening with dew.
Pang Yu, itching with desire, was about to show her what true courage was when he suddenly felt the carriage move.
To be precise, it was moving, leaving the gates of the Grand Tutor's mansion and speeding along the street.
"Hey, hey, hey, where are we going? Where are we going?"
"Of course, we're going to the Pianxian Pavilion to see your brother-in-law. I didn't tell you earlier, I was just teasing you, hehehehe----" Hua Xiangrong laughed so hard she bent over, her face flushed, like a trembling pear blossom. Her slender waist and ample breasts bounced back and forth. Pang Yu glanced at her a few times, a surge of heat rising in his abdomen. He swallowed hard, his lips parched, and his crotch hardened, pressing tightly against the flower demon's lower abdomen.
The flower demon, a bewitching beauty and the top courtesan of the Pianxian Pavilion, knew exactly what that hot thing was. Her face burned like fire, and a hint of...
sinister light flashed in her alluring eyes!

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