Chapter 64#

The imperial decree was temporarily held at the Gezhou Courier Station, while the Prince Xian’s personal attendant dispatched to Mianzhou had been intercepted as early as Jiangzhou.

Following the secret orders Shen Zhi had left along the way, all communications from the capital bound for Mianzhou—except the imperial decree itself—were to be intercepted, and any messengers were to be detained on the spot.

As dawn was about to break, the guards waiting mid-journey received the news. They immediately changed into the attire they had brought from the capital in their bundles, wheeled their horses around, and galloped at full speed toward Mianzhou.

After a night of nonstop travel, they finally caught sight of Mianzhou City’s outline just as the evening glow was fading the next day.

Inside the warm rear chamber of the Mianzhou Prefectural Office, the air was thick with steam.

Lou Changsui soaked in the steaming hot spring pool, relieving the exhaustion of the past few days.

Two maids knelt by the pool, their hands coated in glossy, fragrant balm, gently kneading and spreading it over his broad shoulders.

A strange, alluring fragrance permeated the bathwater. It was not pungent, yet it seeped thread by thread into the skin and flesh, lingering for a long time.

Lou Changsui was past forty, his hair already sparse. Now wet with pool water, it clung tightly to his scalp, making his round head look like a hairy winter melon.

He was short and stout, with a paunch that protruded as he soaked in the water, only his upper body visible, resembling a bloated fish that could neither be fully cooked nor softened, bobbing in a hot pot.

At this moment, his fish-like eyes were half-closed, his bulbous nose glistening with a sheen of oily red, his face the picture of blissful comfort.

“This godforsaken place, Mianzhou, is sweltering all year round—only recently has it cooled a bit. But this soak is nowhere near as comfortable as Bozhou.” He complained lazily even as he indulged.

On one side of the warm chamber, Wen Ze lounged in a loose Daoist robe, reclining on a soft couch. He held a tobacco pipe in one hand, his legs crossed high in the air.

A prostitute in a vibrant red dress, her skin as smooth as congealed fat, knelt beside him, massaging his shoulders and legs with gentle, coquettish movements.

“Bozhou may be fine, but it doesn’t have my unique ‘Bone-Penetrating Fragrance,’” Wen Ze said. His thin, frail chest rose and fell slightly as he blew out perfect smoke rings. As he spoke, he reached out and pinched the prostitute’s waist.

The woman’s cheeks flushed instantly, and she let out a tinkling, seductive giggle.

Lou Changsui laughed heartily at that. “True enough! Using this fragrance, I feel more radiant and robust by the day.”

He raised an arm, examining his skin coated in the balm—comparable to that of a strapping young man in his twenties.

The two spoke without any pretense of formality, clearly old acquaintances. Lou Changsui took a sip of the cold tea a maid handed him and asked casually, “After scouring Mianzhou these past days, we’ve found no trace of those people. How’s the Young Master recovering?”

Wen Ze tapped the ash from his pipe, a look of undisguised disgust flashing in his eyes. “What else? After gulping down several bowls of strong wine at noon, he’s sleeping like a carefree fool with a woman in his arms.”

Lou Changsui laughed again. “The Young Master has no grand ambitions. Naturally, the heavy burden of the Wen family falls on you, the eldest son. If not for that, you could never have developed such an exquisite Bone-Penetrating Fragrance.”

Wen Ze tossed his pipe aside carelessly and began groping freely inside the prostitute’s robes, saying nonchalantly, “But let me remind you, sir, those people are strange—don’t let your guard down. Even if it weren’t for my worthless brother, just for our own peace of mind, you should dig up every inch of ground to find them.”

“Prince Xian burns the bridge after crossing the river, and that Prefectural Treasury Intendant looks out only for himself. But I, Lou Changsui, am no sheep to be slaughtered.” Lou Changsui cupped a handful of hot water and splashed it over his increasingly round face. His eyelids flipped up, and a fierce light suddenly gleamed in his eyes. “Even if the Emperor sees everything in Mianzhou, he can’t do a thing to me. Because from start to finish, I’ve followed court regulations to the letter.”

“You’re feeling relaxed now, sir, but do you recall who was running around like a headless chicken when the locust plague first struck?” Wen Ze snorted with a laugh.

“Well, I have that Liu Kangren to thank for that. He just had to charge headlong toward his own death, and in doing so, he carved a path for me to survive,” Lou Changsui boomed with laughter, thrashing his limbs and churning the pool water, splashing the two maids.

The maids were drenched, but they didn’t dare flinch. They continued respectfully mixing white, fragrant powder into the ointment, stirring it well before carefully applying it to Lou Changsui’s body.

“The Emperor’s vermillion approval should be arriving soon, right? Once Liu Kangren is dead, we can finally rest easy. My father can then attend the Mianzhou Incense Festival with a clear mind,” Wen Ze said, pulling the prostitute into his arms and absentmindedly kissing and sniffing at her young, warm body.

“By the way, Eldest Young Master.” Lou Changsui suddenly turned back, his face filled with curiosity. “Is Academy Head Wen truly the Young Master’s full-blooded elder brother?”

Wen Ze let out a cold sneer. “He’s nothing but the son of my second mother and a short-lived scholar. My father had the scholar killed, then took my second mother as his own by right. Later, she gave birth to Wen Xu.”

Lou Changsui recalled thoughtfully, “I worked with Academy Head Wen in Bozhou some years ago. He’s no ordinary man! A face like a flower, a body like snow, and a thunderous hand that could overturn heaven and earth. When he came to Mianzhou to borrow grain this time, I was genuinely a bit wary.”

“The grain shortage is already pinned on Liu Kangren—what are you afraid of? When the time comes, we’ll have the imperial decree in hand and Liu Kangren’s head on a platter. That’ll shut him up for good.” Wen Ze sneered. “Besides, you make him sound too miraculous. He’s just a fledgling who’s learned to endure and survive in obscurity.”

“Don’t dismiss it, Eldest Young Master.” Lou Changsui shook his head, his expression turning serious. “He made quite a stir in Bozhou, and in the capital, he’s risen step by step for four years straight, reaching the pinnacle of officialdom. Clearly, his mind runs deep.”

Wen Ze withdrew his hand from the prostitute, his earlier excitement already spent. He picked up his pipe again with satisfaction. “Isn’t it just because of that face of his?”

“That’s a shallow view, Eldest Young Master. Anyone who’s worked with him knows—that peerlessly beautiful face is the least remarkable thing about him.” Lou Changsui clicked his tongue.

Hearing this, Wen Ze twirled his pipe, his gaze tracing along the bowl. A sinister smile flickered across his lips. “If you knew what this pipe of mine has burned, you wouldn’t be singing his praises in front of me like this. Tch, lucky for him he’s a man, or else—”

His words cut off abruptly, leaving only the lingering threads of fragrance.

After a while, Lou Changsui stretched his creaking joints and slowly stood up. “Won’t the Eldest Young Master stay and relax a bit?”

Wen Ze tugged at his belt, hesitated for a moment, but still rose to his feet. “You rest, sir. There are still twelve days until the Mianzhou Incense Festival, and I have plenty to keep me busy. That pile of mud can’t be propped up, so I have to oversee everything myself.”

Just as Wen Ze stepped out of the warm chamber, a man rushed up to report: “My lord, there’s an official from the capital outside. He says he’s sent by His Highness Prince Xian, with urgent business to inform you!”

Wen Ze’s brows furrowed instantly, and he turned to look at Lou Changsui.

Lou Changsui had just thrown on his robe. At the news, his fish-like eyes narrowed, and he said in a low voice, “Bring him in immediately!”

Wen Ze stayed as well.

A moment later, a guard strode into the warm chamber.

His lips were thick and cracked, his face covered in a layer of yellow dust. Though he wore a formal cap, his hair was disheveled. The attire was unmistakably that of a guard from a high-ranking official’s residence in the capital, the uniform cut to emphasize a lean, powerful build.

The moment he entered, he said bluntly, “Lord Lou, disaster is upon us!”

Those words sent Lou Changsui’s heart, which had been resting comfortably in his chest, leaping into his throat. All the ease he had felt evaporated in an instant.

“What’s the panic?” Lou Changsui asked, displeased.

But the guard didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he cast a contemptuous glance at Wen Ze beside him, frowning cautiously.

Wen Ze had never been looked at like that before. His face turned green, and his grip on the pipe tightened.

“We’re all on the same side—speak freely!” Lou Changsui urged coldly.

Only then did the guard give a light snort. Somewhat disdainfully, he shook the yellow dust off his clothes, clasped his hands behind his back, and assumed a condescending posture. “Minister Bu instructed me to inform you that His Majesty has long known about the changes in Mianzhou. First, he publicly ordered Governor-General Wen to borrow grain from Mianzhou; then, he secretly ordered him to detour to Liangzhou, take the grain to Xingjing for disaster relief, and incidentally investigate the underhanded dealings in Mianzhou. Now, the Fifth Prince and Academy Head Wen have already arrived in Xingjing and Jingzhou!”

Lou Changsui’s eyelids shot up, his nerves on edge.

The guard continued, “Your earlier memorial impeaching Liu Kangren left His Majesty in two minds. When Lord Duke of State Liu heard the news, he nearly killed himself with his pleas in the court, banging his head on the floor until blood flowed. His Majesty’s heart softened and ordered a captain of the Imperial Guard to carry an imperial decree to Mianzhou, personally escort Liu Kangren to the capital for His Majesty’s own interrogation.”

By this point, all color had drained from Lou Changsui’s lips. A fine sheen of cold sweat broke out on his forehead and trickled down his cheeks.

Seeing this, the guard slowed his tone. “The captain of the Imperial Guard should arrive any day now. His Highness Prince Xian doesn’t know what clever plan you may have, but out of goodwill, he sent me day and night to inform you in advance. I hope you’ll make preparations early, for the sake of your future and in gratitude for His Highness’s kindness.”

Seeing that Lou Changsui seemed lost in thought, slow to react, the guard added more bluntly, “His Highness Prince Xian wishes you safety and success. If you emerge from this unscathed, you would do well to remember this favor.”

A barely visible vein pulsed on Lou Changsui’s forehead. It was clear he was drawing on every ounce of composure he had, just to avoid throwing the man out immediately.

What was this?

When things looked bad for him, Prince Xian cut ties; when there was a chance of salvation, he sent a favor, and before the matter was even resolved, he was already demanding repayment.

The Prince Xian faction’s lack of grace was truly grotesque!

But this guard’s arrogant demeanor, like a watchdog at the prince’s heel, actually made Lou Changsui believe him about thirty or forty percent.

Usually, the Prince Xian faction treated them with this kind of contempt, even while finding them useful.

Though the man before him was just a lowly guard, with Prince Xian’s trust, he carried himself with more air than a fifth-rank court official!

Lou Changsui pondered for a moment, then suddenly forced a meaningful smile, sizing up the guard like a fishhook. “I have indeed been awaiting His Majesty’s vermillion approval for some time. But I’m curious—how is it that His Highness Prince Xian’s messenger travels faster than the Emperor’s imperial decree?”

The guard remained unflustered, a trace of mockery in his voice. “The Imperial Guard is escorting a prison cart from the Court of Judicial Review. Naturally, they’ll be slower. You don’t think, Lord Lou, that the son of the Duke of State Liu, the former Southern Border Grand General, would be hauled away in Mianzhou Prefecture’s ramshackle prisoner cart, do you?”

Lou Changsui’s face darkened considerably at this condescending taunt. His bulbous nose twitched as he suppressed his temper.

The guard went on, “And that’s not all. The Fifth Prince is far shrewder than you think. His Highness Prince Xian originally sent three teams to deliver messages to Mianzhou, but as soon as we announced our destination at the official courier station, we were detained. I was the only one quick-witted enough to escape. I’ve been traveling rough, eating and sleeping in the open, not daring to waste a single moment, just to get here in time to warn you.”

He glanced around the warm chamber, found no empty chair, pursed his lips, and rubbed his fingers discreetly, his tone suggestive. “For me to let you prepare in time, the hardships of this journey can’t be summed up in a few words.”

Lou Changsui: “…”

By now, he was about fifty or sixty percent convinced.

Only someone from the capital who was familiar with the inner workings of the Three Judicial Bureaus would know the difference between a “prison cart” and a “criminal cart.”

The prison cart was specifically used for transporting high-ranking officials charged with serious crimes. It was fully enclosed, with only small ventilation holes, and had mechanisms to prevent the prisoner from committing suicide or self-harm.

The criminal cart, on the other hand, was merely a half-enclosed wooden cage, meant only to prevent escape and administer slight punishment.

As the son of the Duke of State Liu, his status was special, so naturally a prison cart would be used to ensure he reached the capital safely.

Lou Changsui had originally thought that with the charges he had submitted, the Emperor would fly into a rage and order Liu Kangren’s immediate execution. After all, the Duke of State Liu’s pleas could never outweigh the grievances of the people of Mianzhou.

But hearing what the guard said now, it seemed the capital had caught wind of something. The Emperor had, out of character, calmed down.

If Liu Kangren were allowed to see the Emperor, and with the Duke of State Liu’s military achievements as leverage, he would truly be doomed!

Helplessly, he shot a glance at Wen Ze, who understood. Suppressing his reluctance, Wen Ze pulled a heavy ingot of silver from his pocket and pressed it into the guard’s hand with forced composure. “You’ve worked hard, sir. Consider this a small token for some refreshment.”

The guard took the silver swiftly, weighed it, and stuffed it into his chest with satisfaction, though his face maintained a righteous expression. “It’s no trouble for me to work hard, but I must ask on behalf of His Highness Prince Xian: How do you plan to handle the aftermath?”

A few days earlier, there had been those claiming to be from the Liu family—swindlers, as it turned out. Wen Ze, still nursing a grudge, forced a smile and pressed further, “One more question, sir. Did you bring any token from His Highness Prince Xian or Minister Bu on this trip? Even a personal handwritten letter would do.”

The guard cast a disdainful look at him, as if to say, “You know the answer to that.” “Are you hoping His Highness leaves something behind for you to use as evidence against him later?”

Wen Ze was already displeased, but merchants couldn’t argue with officials. He kept his smiling mask in place. “Without any proof, sir, and never having met you before, it’s really hard for us to tell truth from falsehood. I hope you’ll understand.”

Lou Changsui nodded in agreement. “Yes, there has to be something to verify your identity. Last time Minister Bu sent someone, he even included a personal letter.”

The guard remained perfectly calm, putting on an air of indifference. “Originally, there was something I could have shown you, but when I was detained at the courier station, it was all confiscated.”

He paused, then continued, “You can send someone to the courier station to ask if they received the Fifth Prince’s order to intercept all messages from the capital headed for Mianzhou. Or you can ask merchants from Xingjing and Jingzhou if Governor-General Wen and the Fifth Prince have already begun disaster relief there.”

Having offered his suggestions, he smiled. “If you still don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do. I’ve risked my life to deliver this message. Whether you flourish or perish from now on is up to you.”

Lou Changsui and Wen Ze exchanged a glance. After a few seconds, they silently reached a consensus.

Lou Changsui turned to the guard, his face creased with a practiced cordiality. “It’s not that I don’t trust you, sir, but this matter is of utmost importance. I must consider it carefully. You must be weary from the journey. Why not stay in my residence for a few days? Let me offer you proper hospitality and express my gratitude to His Highness Prince Xian, Minister Bu, and you as well.”

So saying, he looked toward the door and said to the waiting steward, “Take this gentleman to rest. Prepare good wine and fine dishes, and assign two clever maids to attend to him. Don’t be remiss in your service!”

In truth, it was a measure of detention. The steward, being Lou Changsui’s trusted confidant, immediately understood and gestured for the guard to follow.

The guard, for his part, seemed at ease. He patted the silver in his pocket and swaggered off with the steward.

As soon as the guard’s figure disappeared, the smile vanished from Lou Changsui’s face. His fish-like eyes narrowed as he said to Wen Ze, “Go quickly and ask the merchants coming from Xingjing and Jingzhou for the incense festival whether relief efforts have started there. I’ll immediately send someone to the courier stations on the capital road to verify whether this fellow is lying.”

“A wise plan, sir. That will confirm the truth,” Wen Ze said, twirling his pipe. Finding the plan sound, he wasted no time and disappeared in an instant.

The Wen family had deep roots in Mianzhou City, with far-reaching influence and a thorough knowledge of the movements and backgrounds of traveling merchants.

In just one day, Wen Ze returned to the courtyard with a grave expression and went straight to Lou Changsui. In a hoarse voice, he reported, “Relief is indeed underway in Xingjing and Jingzhou. Grain reserves are ample, and the disaster has been contained. Local grain merchants are sitting on their hoarded stock, crying foul. Worse still, that Fifth Prince is utterly ruthless. He had rice dyed black with squid ink and spread the word that eating it would leave you without descendants. It scared every official, high and low, into not daring to embezzle a single grain. But if you look closely, it’s clearly Liangzhou’s Champa rice!”

Lou Changsui’s face turned ashen. He was now seventy to eighty percent convinced of the guard’s story.

Two days later, the agents sent toward the capital returned, sweating profusely, and burst into the government office, panting as they reported, “My lord! I went as far as the Sui County Courier Station and bribed the postmaster heavily. He confirmed they had received the Fifth Prince’s secret order to intercept all messages from the capital bound for Mianzhou!”

“What…” Lou Changsui staggered back a couple of steps, his mind in turmoil. Now he was eighty to ninety percent convinced.

Two days after that, the last group of agents rushed into the city like beaten dogs. As soon as they entered the government office, they screamed at the top of their lungs, “My lord! I made it to the Gezhou Courier Station and caught a glimpse of the Imperial Guard captain resting there! I was afraid of missing the critical moment—I rode two horses to death getting back! That imperial decree will be here in no more than two days!”

These words shattered what remained of Lou Changsui’s composure.

All strength left his body in an instant. He collapsed to the ground with a thud, his mind already flashing with the cold gleam of the executioner’s blade swinging toward his neck!

It was over! Everything was over!

He scrambled to his feet, heedless of his disheveled state, and shouted frantically to the steward beside him, “Quickly! Fetch that official!”

The guard had just finished his dinner and was happily drinking a cup of wine. When the steward dragged him out in haste, he yelled in annoyance, “What’s the hurry? I haven’t finished my drink!”

“Oh, sir! It’s a matter of life and death! Please hurry!” the steward urged, sweating profusely as he coaxed and pulled.

When the guard stepped into the inner hall and saw Lou Changsui trembling, having just picked himself up off the floor, a playful smile curled at the corner of his mouth. “What’s this, Lord Lou? Has the sky fallen?”

Lou Changsui’s smile was more bitter than tears. He rushed forward and grabbed the guard’s sleeve. “I was blind and suspicious the other day, but now I see that everything you said is true. Mianzhou is on the brink of disaster! Please, for the sake of my past loyalty to His Highness Prince Xian, show me a way out! Has His Highness or Minister Bu left me any path to survival?”

Ha.

The guard let out a mocking laugh. “So you finally believe me, Lord Lou. But four days have passed—it’s much too late. Another step later, and even the gods couldn’t save you.”

Hearing the implication of a turning point, a glimmer of hope flashed in Lou Changsui’s eyes. “Please, explain, sir!”

“Minister Bu is far-sighted. He doesn’t know exactly how you plotted to trap Liu Kangren, but he was certain of one thing: if Liu Kangren dies, you live; if Liu Kangren lives, you die.” The guard paused, feigning concern that someone might be eavesdropping. He looked around warily, then leaned close to Lou Changsui’s ear and lowered his voice. “Lord Lou, His Highness Prince Xian is renowned for his virtue. He’s most afraid that, if you can’t withstand torture, you might say something to damage his reputation. That’s why Minister Bu specifically told me to inform you: Liu Kangren cannot be allowed to live.”

Lou Changsui heard every word clearly. His heart hardened, and a thought crossed his mind. “…Make him commit suicide out of guilt!”

The guard raised an eyebrow and smiled. “I didn’t say that.”

“Fine! It’s him or me! I’ll send someone to the prison right now to finish the job!” Lou Changsui stomped his foot and turned to leave.

But the guard frowned and sneered, “Are you bewitched, Lord Lou? The imperial decree is coming any moment. If the man suddenly dies in jail, how will you explain it? Do you think the Emperor, the Duke of State Liu, and all the grand secretaries are fools?”

Lou Changsui was already at his wit’s end, struggling to survive. Hearing this, he grew even more impatient. “Then what am I supposed to do? Just wait to die?”

“Liu Kangren must die,” the guard said slowly, “but not in prison. You need to stage a play for all the world to see.”

Lou Changsui drew in a sharp breath, utterly baffled. “I’d be glad to hear it!”

“Minister Bu says Liu Kangren’s death must have nothing to do with you. Not only that, but you should ideally earn merit from it.”

Lou Changsui was completely lost. “That’s nothing short of a fantasy! If he dies by my hand, how can I possibly claim merit?”

The guard’s eyes gradually turned sinister. “Why not bribe some of the minor banner soldiers who once served under Liu Kangren? Set up a scene where he attempts to escape from prison?”

He reached out and patted Lou Changsui’s bulky frame, speaking earnestly. “Just trick Liu Kangren into believing the Emperor has already sentenced him to immediate execution. He’ll be furious and desperate to escape! You and those banner soldiers can plan a route, lure him toward the city gates, and have heavy guards waiting there to intercept the fugitive… In the ensuing chaos, if some officer accidentally kills Liu Kangren, that’s only natural. Then you’ll be the hero who captured the escapee, and the minor crime of lax supervision can be swept under the rug. Liu Kangren will have brought about his own downfall!”

This plan was like a bucket of cold water on a hot day—it brought Lou Changsui sudden clarity. His eyes lit up, and he slapped his thigh repeatedly in praise. “Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Minister Bu truly sees ahead and is full of wisdom! And you, sir, are truly extraordinary!”

The guard waved his hand. “Time is short. You must arrange this quickly. Once the Imperial Guard arrives, it will be too late!”

Lou Changsui didn’t need any more urging. He was already champing at the bit. Holding his paunch, he rushed out, nearly losing one of his official boots in the process.

“Summon all the constables! Every last one!”

Standing behind him, watching his frantic retreat, the guard smiled a knowing smile.

With disaster imminent, Lou Changsui moved with surprising efficiency. He knew this affair concerned life and death. Fearing that a mere bribe wouldn’t secure loyalty, he made a ruthless decision. He sent men to seize the families of the seven banner soldiers, forcing them all into the courtyard. With steel blades pressed against their necks, he spoke from the steps in a voice dripping with menace.

“I won’t make things difficult for you,” Lou Changsui said coldly. “Follow my plan tonight, and your families will be safe, with generous rewards on top. But if anyone dares to turn against me or leak a single word, I’ll have my men slaughter your parents, wives, and children—not one will be spared!”

The seven banner soldiers were held at one side. Seeing their loved ones’ lives hanging by a thread, they were consumed with grief and rage, wishing they could tear Lou Changsui apart a thousand times over.

But for the sake of their families’ safety, no matter how great their resentment, they had no choice but to grit their teeth and nod, setting the trap for Liu Kangren.

Afraid the Imperial Guard might enter the city at any moment, Lou Changsui dared not waste a second. He decided on the spot: the prison break would happen tonight.

The guard volunteered, “Rest assured, Lord Lou. Tonight, I’ll pose as someone sent by the Duke of State Liu to lend assistance. I’ll go with the banner soldiers to keep an eye on them and make sure no one chickens out and ruins everything.”

By now, Lou Changsui’s mind was in chaos. He had no time to think things through carefully. He bowed repeatedly to the guard, thanking him profusely. “Truly, the officials of Prince Xian’s estate are thorough in everything!”

And so a crude but vicious scheme took shape.

No one knew that this very plan had already reached Wen Zhuo’s ears the moment it was conceived.

At that time, Wen Zhuo was sitting in the courtyard, a small pebble pinched between his fingers, staring thoughtfully at a crisscross pattern drawn on the ground.

When he heard the news, his enchanting eyes curved into a smile. He raised his hand and tossed the stone into a corner, breaking the pattern Shen Zhi had used to beat him a few days earlier.

“I understand. Are all our people ready?”

The guard, who had been so greedy and arrogant in the government office just moments ago, now stood before Wen Zhuo with the utmost respect, bowing deeply. “Reporting to the Academy Head, everything is arranged as you instructed!”

He paused, then couldn’t help adding earnestly, “Your cleverness is unmatched, Academy Head. I followed your exact words, and Lou Changsui’s reactions matched your deductions perfectly.”

The guard was from the Marquis of Yongning’s estate, long serving in the military, a man who only respected those with raw strength and superb martial skill.

But after this ordeal, he was utterly awed by Wen Zhuo’s seemingly frail and gentle demeanor. The look in his eyes when he regarded Wen Zhuo was even more admiring than the one he had for the Fifth Prince.

“He once served under me. I know him well.” Wen Zhuo gathered his sleeves and rose, leaving the pebbles behind on the ground. After days of reflection, he was confident he would no longer lose to Shen Zhi and suffer those ridiculous punishments.

“Tonight, we burn our boats. I want you to give it everything. You must bring Liu Kangren safely before me, and not a single one of you must fail!” Wen Zhuo turned his face, his expression growing stern.

“Understood!”

Wen Zhuo thought for a moment. To ensure nothing went wrong, he turned to Jiang Mannyu. “You go with them as well.”

When brute strength prevails over ten skills, Jiang Mannyu’s natural superhuman strength made her a match for even the most formidable opponents. With her there, even fighting their way into the government office would be like taking candy from a baby.

“Yes, sir!” Jiang Mannyu’s spirits lifted, and she quickly began to limber up.

But just as she was about to turn around, something occurred to her. “Sir, should I grab some medicine to cool your internal heat while I’m out?”

Wen Zhuo was puzzled. “Why?”

Jiang Mannyu pointed at Wen Zhuo’s lips and said honestly, “You’ve seemed really hot-tempered these past few days. Your lips are red and swollen—you must not be used to the climate here. Don’t suddenly fall ill again.”

Wen Zhuo: “…”

Shen Zhi, who had been listening from the side, could no longer hold back. He quickly lowered his head, burying his face in his sleeve, but his shoulders shook uncontrollably.

Alternating between embarrassment and anger, Wen Zhuo’s ears instantly turned red. He “swooped” his lips back into his mouth, puffing his cheeks into a round shape, and shot Shen Zhi a reproachful glare.

Liu Qiyi came over carrying a basin of water. Seeing this, she said with a meaningful look, “Don’t make wild guesses. The Academy Head is from Mianzhou originally—there’s no way he’s not used to the climate. Besides, I’ve been watching those lips carefully for days. They’re not red at all. In fact, they’re al, most, as, pale, as, pa, per.”

“Oh.” Jiang Mannyu scratched the back of her head and left, her mind a blank.

But they really did look a bit red and swollen!

When only Wen Zhuo, Shen Zhi, and Liu Qiyi were left in the courtyard, Shen Zhi raised his head, barely suppressing the laughter in his eyes. He walked over with concern and whispered teasingly, “Teacher, are you not used to the climate? Let me see how swollen it is.”

Knowing full well he was being mocked, Wen Zhuo pushed him away without a word and turned to walk inside.

Seeing that his teacher was on the verge of being genuinely annoyed, Shen Zhi hurried after him. He leaned close to Wen Zhuo’s ear and said, so softly that only the two of them could hear, “I was wrong last night, and I was wrong just now. I shouldn’t have stood by and mocked you. Teacher, with your magnanimity, please forgive your student.”