Deep inside the Ministry of Justice's prison, the atrocities that had lasted for a full two hours were finally coming to an end. The naked criminals were lying or sitting in all sorts of positions, their filthy faces painted with a vivid redness and satiation. Meanwhile, Shen Xiao and Shen Yang, who had been tortured for two hours, were discarded into a corner. Their bodies were twisted, still maintaining the posture of being violated, and their completely naked bodies were covered in filth, like broken dolls on their last breaths.
"Bring them out. Have a physician come over and look at them. They cannot die," The Duke of Duan's voice suddenly sounded. Shortly afterwards, the prison cell doors swung open. Several prison guards dragged Shen Xiao and Shen Yang out as though they were dragging dogs out. The two youths were breathing heavily and as their bodies were suddenly moved, blood pooled out from their orifices, leaving behind a trail of blood being them.
"Duke Duan, if a physician is called over, I'm afraid this matter won't be able to be kept hidden anymore." If this matter were to spread to Shen Ruiting's ears, what would the man do?
"This Lord is exactly afraid keeping this matter hidden," The Duke of Duan snorted derisively. Since he dared to do this, then he wouldn't be afraid of the emperor, his uncle knowing about this matter. Even if he would be punished for it, the Duke of Duan would accept it willingly without regrets. What he wanted was to exactly let Liu Shuhan and Liu Wenjin, the sibling pair know the severity of the consequences of offending him. They should have known the moment they made designs on his son that if their schemes were revealed, what sort of consequences they would be facing.
That very day, the news of Shen Xiao, the second son of the Marquis Dongling, and his nephew Shen Yang bribing the chief examiner and were arrested by the Ministry of Justice spread throughout the entire Imperial City. Shortly afterwards, news of their rape by several felons inside the Imperial City followed. In the short time of less than a day, there wasn't a single person in the Imperial City who didn't know of the two boys' demises. Even the emperor in the Imperial Palace derived news of their fate. When the Marquis of Donglin Manor knew of this matter, Liu Shuhan directly fainted where she stood. The old madame vomited out a pool of blood. Zhao Lan, the pair of couple, also couldn't take the news and fainted. The entire Marquis Donglin Manor descended into a state of chaos.
"Tch, tch... a dignified son of a marquis, gang-raped and used as a woman and by a group of felons, at that. It's no wonder for them to faint and vomit blood. Liangliang, I heard the old madame's condition isn't well. She still hasn't gained consciousness. The marquis was also called over to the Lotis Fragrance Hall. Say, do you think she'll pass away just like that?" Yaoguang sat in the main courtyard of their Zhonglin Courtyard and knawed on an apple as he inquired Shen Liang.
The moment he left the day before, he had returned to the Duke's Manor and relayed every single word to the Duke, without a hitch. The Duke only had him return to Zhonglin Courtyard and accompany Shen Liang. Who would've expected such a news to spread the very next day? The Duke must be infuriated? He had heard that the news were revealed by Physician Ren Hetang, the physician who was sent to treat Shen Xiao and Shen Yang in the prison cells and personally verified the credibility of the news.
"Please don't pray for her death. If she were to truly pass away, I'd have to commit to a year of filial piety for her. I suspect your duke would be truly impatient and infuriated then," Shen Liang swept an indifferent gaze over to him before continuing to toy with his little nephew in the crib Lei Zhen had specifically bought back for the child. *Filial piety after a family member's death is practiced by a certain time period of refraining from any joyous events. This means if the old madame passed away, Shen Liang wouldn't be able to marry Pei Yuanxian until a full year passed after the old madame's death unless their familial relationship is severed.*
A regular crib usually only had guardrails, but the crib Lei Zhen bought back was slightly different in this aspect. The miniature bed also had wheels beneath it that allowed one to easily wheel it wherever needed. The guardrails also had a crescent design to it and had a small shelf that allowed for the hanging of small toys. The hooks on the outside gave a pleasant soft jingling sound when the crib is rolled back and forth, adding to its appeal.
It was stated that the baby crib was also a design that had been passed down by Jiang Heng back then. Lei Zhen said that this kind of crib and design had been a normality amongst the Nether Guards even before he was born. Jiang Heng had once stated that from the world he was from, such a crib was a normality. In his world, there wasn't any monarchy or royalty. Everyone was equal and respected one another. With ample food and clothing, the citizens were all able to live relatively prosperous lives as long as they were willing to work for it. When Shen Liang heard Lei Zhen speak of Jiang Heng's words, he felt consumed by envy and admiration. If he was born in such a society, he wondered if even if he wasn't loved and adored by his family, would he still end up so miserable?
"True. Isn't there any way to sever your familial relationship?" With Shen Liang's reminder, Yaoguang recalled this matter and formality as well. Regardless of how tense the grandmother-grandson pair's relationship was, in name, the old madame was still Shen Liang's grandmother. If she truly passed away, then according to the great Qin Empire's traditions, Shen Liang must practice a year of filial piety for the old madame's passing. Unless the emperor interfered with an Imperial decree and excused Shen Liang from this practice, then it would prove difficult for Shen Liang to forego such a practice.
"This matter is not as simple and easy as it seems. Don't put Liangliang in a difficult position and pray that the old madame doesn't truly pass away," Fu Ying couldn't help but laugh. The great Qin empire has always valued filial piety. If the old madame passed away, then the year of filial piety would be truly unavoidable.
"Hmph! She sure got off cheap," Yaoguang gave a cold snort when Lei Zhen suddenly flew in through the window.
He leaned over and whispered in Shen Liang's ears, "Master, the old Taoist priest Guichen is dead."
"What?" Shen Liang frowned imperceptibly.
When Fu Ying noticed, he subtly pulled the crib over to prevent little Shen you from disturbing their conversation.
Qi Yue and Qi Xuan, both of whom had heard his word, drew near.
Yaoguang subconsciously relayed his frustration and vented his anger, "How exactly does you men do things? How could they let him die? If I had known this would happen, I would've sent my people instead."
When he had returned to Zhonglin Courtyard the day before, he had chanced upon Lei Zhen sending people over to the Baiyun Temple. It stands to reason that no one should get to the old Taoist priest faster than Lei Zhen's people. How was it possible for them to fail?
"Someone arrived before we could to the Baiyun Temple. Our people chased after them and although we caught up, Guichen was already a cold corpse. Those who took him had a solid foundation and doesn't seem like the Death Guards most families could cultivate. We're already looking into who their masters could be. Master, this time, it was indeed our mistake. I apologize."
Lei Zhen didn't refute Yaoguang's words and only silently lowered his head. If he hadn't underestimated their opponents and personally led the team, perhaps it wouldn't have ended up like this.
"No. You cannot be faulted for this matter. It was I who underestimated certain people's communication speed and skills. Derive a way to make this known to Shen Ruiting and have him think about this for himself as to prevent him from thinking I was the one who killed Huichen in the future," Shen Liang shook his head with a cold expression.
Afterwards, he raised his head and stated to Yaoguang, "Relay the information to your master and have him send orders over to Wangyue City. Hui'an must be protected well. There's a good chance that they might make moves on him."
With Guichen's death, at most there was only no proof of anything. In the end, Shen Liang still can't be confirmed nor expunged of his cursed star constitution. However, with Hui'an's fame and current reputation, his words would carry a certain amount of weight.
"Alright," Lei Zhen and Yaoguang responded simultaneously as they each departed to carry out their respective orders.
In the following few days, the Marquis Donglin Manor was as rowdy as ever. The old madame vomiting blood and then passing out finally stirred Shen Ruiting. It was said that right after the old madame woke up, Shen Ruiting immediately departed for the Imperial Palace to plead the emperor for leniency. Unfortunately, the emperor not relent and refused to release Shen Xiao and Shen Yang. Liu Shuhan, the second and third family all cried with despair every day. There truly wasn't a moment of peace in the main couryard at all.
Shen Ruiting had no choice but to return to the Imperial Court again. No one knew what exchange he made with the emperor, but the emperor finally relented and allowed Shen Xiao and Shen Yang to return to the Marquis Donglin Manor to recuperate. However, it was also relayed that the two youths must be present for the sentencing and the punishments that are delivered will still be carried out.
Unfortunately, when they went to the Ministry of Punishment prison cells to pick up the two, they were met with the group of scholars Fu Yunxi rallied. Individually, the scholars couldn't provide much resistance, but together, they posed to be a daunting force. Not only did they crowded outside the prison cells and blocked the route but there were also many scholars who rallied outside the Imperial Palace. They braved the torrential rain and were adamant that those who cheated on the civil service exams must be punished. No one should be given leniency, especially certain descendants of high-ranking officials.
The lineup of several thousand scholars rallying caused quite a commotion and forced the emperor to put some thought and weight into them. The emperor was left with no choice but to pass the Imperial decree that Shen Xiao and Shen Yang were to remain in prison.
"Hehe... Fu Yunxi isn't someone who would be easy to get pass." For the following, consistent days, Shen Liang never showed his face in public even once. When he heard of this matter, he couldn't help but laugh.
Fu Ying also shook his head by his side and stated: "That child has always been a stubborn one. The civil service exams fraud case has ruined everything for him. Now that his grievances can finally be passed away, it would only be strange if he didn't do anything and remained quiet."
From the moment this began, Fu Ying had known this would come to be.
"However, there should be someone helping Fu Yunxi behind the scenes. Otherwise, how is it possible for him and the group to successfully block the marquis's carriage so successfully? How is it possible for him to gather so many scholars as well?" No matter how resounding Fu Yunxi's reputation and name came to be, there were some matters that were simply impossible to carry out. If Shen Liang wasn't mistaken, the person fanning the fires from behind must be the Duke of Duan.
"Sigh... I hope Yunxi won't allow himself to be involved in any political disputes," when he heard Shen Liang's words, Fu Ying let out a deep sigh. Naked concern and worry clouded his expression.
Shen Liang thought of something before stating, "Uncle Fu, if you're worried, perhaps you should pay a visit home?"
If he wasn't mistaken, Fu Yunxi should be doing this not only for himself, but also for him. Although the two of them didn't communicate much, but with Fu Yunxi's intelligence, it wouldn't be hard for the man to know how difficult his life in the Marquis Donglin Manor was.
"Huh?" It was evident that Fu Ying didn't expect Shen Liang to raise such a suggestion. He was momentarily stunned before he helplessly refused Shen Liang's advice, "Forget about it. You've sent people to protect him and I imagine nothing would happen. Currently, not only is the Shen Family keeping eyes on us, but the emperor is as well. If my identity was revealed, I'm afraid it would only incur more trouble for you. Besides, I still have to look after the little master."
Which dad didn't worry about their son? However, Fu Ying was also clear that now wasn't the time.
"It's alright. I'll have Lei Zhen send you along the way. He knows some medical skills and would be able to temporarily allow you to restore your former appearance. When you return, you'll come back with the appearance you have now. No problems should arise. It's been a month since you've last seen Fu Yunxi. Head back and take a look."
The Nether Guards excelled in medical skills. In addition, with Lei Zhen, they shouldn't have to worry about anyone finding out about anything.
"Well..." It was inevitable for Fu Ying to be tempted.
Lei Zhen materialized in the room conveniently as well: "Will do. I can take you out in the morning. We'll change your appearance outside the manor and you can return by yourself. Afterwards, we'll set up a meeting spot in the afternoon and I'll pick you up there. No one will discover anything."
"Very well. Then I'll have to trouble you, Lei Zhen," since the man has already stated so, then there truly shouldn't be any problems. Fu Ying smiled with gratitude and just as he was about to relay his gratefulness to Shen Liang, he discovered Shen Liang had already carried the child out to look at the falling rain. He was momentarily stunned and found himself in a dilemma on whether to laugh or cry. Liangliang has always been like this. He seemed to be aloof but to those he accepted into his heart, he treated them with sincerity and care. He never needed their thanks.
"Liangliang, let me carry him," no one knew when Qi Yue had came out. He reached over and before Shen Liang could even react, Qi Yue's outstretched hands were slapped away by Shen You in disdain. The child's two tiny hands then grasped around Shen Liang's neck tightly. as his big, round eyes looked at Qi Yue with vigilance.
It made Shen Liang both amused and angry. He couldn't help but lightly slap the child's buttocks: "You little ancestor. Uncle Qi Yue only wanted to hug and carry you. He's not a bad person. What are you being so cautious for?"
"Ah. Ah..." as though he understood Shen Liang's words, his arms relaxed their grip on Shen Liang. However, he still raised his tiny head and made sounds of protest. This little one, despite his tiny figure, he sure was filled with tricks.
"Heartless one. Did you forget who's the one who usually takes care of you? Besides Uncle, who else would you recognize," Qi Yue lightly pinched Shen You's tiny cheeks with both amusement and anger. Clearly they were the ones who cared for him the most, but Shen Liang was still the person Shen You liked the most.
"Ah. Ah..." the little one was also quite clever. When he heard Qi Yue's words, he actually stretched out his tiny arms, as though asking for a hug, instantly dissolving Qi Yue's anger into mere amusement. However...
"Ah. Ah..."
"Haha..." Before he stayed in Qi Yue's arms for even a full minute, Shen You immediately reached for Shen Liang again. Shen Liang couldn't help but cover his stomach as he burst into laughter. The little one sure has quite some capabilities.