Chapter 30: Big Brother Easily Deals with the Clown!

Princess Consort Qin, Li Zhenyi, was the first to react. She quickly snatched the bundle from Liu Tang and slung it over her own shoulder.

“We wouldn’t dare. We are now prisoners; how could we possibly deserve such treatment from an official? Please refrain from addressing us as ‘Madam’ or ‘Young Master’—lest others find it laughable.”

Prince Qin had spent decades on the battlefield, and the Sheng family’s main household had witnessed countless schemes and conspiracies.

Naturally, they noticed that as soon as Liu Tang suggested they take a donkey cart, the surrounding people began eyeing them with hostility.

The head officer of the exile convoy, Leng Feihu, was known for having a sense of principle. While he accepted bribes from some exiles, he never allowed them to cross the line too much.

His deputy, Liu Tang, however, was an arrogant man who either beat or berated the prisoners at every turn—except when it came to the Sheng family’s main household, whom he treated with unusual courtesy.

It didn’t take a genius to figure out that people might suspect Liu Tang and the Sheng family had some unspeakable dealings, leading to resentment toward them.

Yet, instead of showing anger at Li Zhenyi’s rejection, Liu Tang merely chuckled and teased:

“Madam, what are you saying? Back in the day, Lord Sheng was an unstoppable force on the battlefield. His title as the God of War is known far and wide in Southern Qi.”

“I’m sure Lord Sheng had his reasons for falling into disgrace. As a loyal citizen of Southern Qi, it’s only right for me to assist the family of a former war hero. You need not feel burdened.”

As if afraid of being overheard, Liu Tang deliberately covered his mouth and lowered his voice—making it seem as though he and the Sheng family were plotting something big.

They say one shouldn’t strike a smiling face. With Liu Tang grinning and heaping praise on Sheng Jinghai, the Sheng family, despite being prisoners, found it difficult to outright refuse his so-called kindness.

At that moment, Sheng Yuhan, who had been silent, wheeled himself forward and politely bowed to Liu Tang.

“Officer, my family’s crimes were decreed by His Majesty himself. If we discuss it carelessly, we risk the crime of loose speech.”

The Sheng family knew full well that their father had never committed the crimes the Emperor accused him of.

But now that they were criminals, if they went around complaining about being wronged, they’d just be handing the imperial family another excuse to destroy them completely.

With a gentle smile, Sheng Yuhan bowed once more to Liu Tang.

His words were as light as a breeze, yet logically sound—leaving no room for argument.

“Your kindness is too great, Officer, but our Sheng family is unworthy and dare not accept your generosity.”

“According to Southern Qi law, if an exile unlawfully rides in a government transport vehicle, they shall be punished with thirty lashes. Any official who allows it will be guilty of negligence and receive forty lashes, along with a demotion.”

“As criminals, we can endure being flogged—but we dare not cause you trouble for our sake.”

Although Sheng Yuhan’s tone was humble, his every movement was graceful and effortless. Even dressed in tattered cotton clothes, he exuded the elegance of a scholar.

Standing next to him, Liu Tang—despite his official uniform—seemed cowardly and petty in comparison.

In fact, he didn’t look like an officer overseeing criminals but more like a servant trying to flatter a nobleman.

Liu Tang had never expected that the once lofty “Cold Jade Young Master” would even be familiar with minor legal details, such as whether exiles could ride donkey carts.

The exile convoy was ruled entirely by the officers. They could bend the rules as they pleased during the journey without facing any real consequences.

But now that Sheng Yuhan had plainly cited the law, Liu Tang found himself unable to argue further.

All he could do was give himself an out, snorting coldly as he warned the others:

“Hmph! In this exile convoy, no one dares to challenge my authority! I’ll do as I please, and I dare anyone to report it!”

Then, he turned back to Sheng Yuhan with a forced smile.

“I’ve long heard that Young Master Yuhan is unmatched in intellect. Meeting you today proves it true! You truly are… uh, what’s that saying? Hearing your words is better than reading… reading ten years’ worth of books! Haha!”

“Well! Since the Young Master insists on traveling with the other exiles, I won’t force the matter!”

Sheng Yuhan merely responded with a warm smile, cupping his hands in gratitude.

After all, the Sheng family was at a disadvantage. Even if they knew Liu Tang had ulterior motives, they had to maintain appearances.

Meanwhile, little Sheng Nanxi, nestled in her third brother’s arms, observed the conversation from afar. Her heart, however, grew cold.

Liu Tang had been turned down multiple times by the Sheng family, yet he was still able to maintain his composure and gracefully retreat without losing face.

Whether in terms of adaptability or cunning, he was far more formidable than Sheng Dehai.

And far more difficult to deal with…

Still, with the intelligence of her eldest and third brothers, Liu Tang—this minor character—wouldn’t be able to stir up any real trouble.

Sheng Nanxi yawned, covering her little mouth with a chubby hand, then nestled deeper into her third brother’s embrace to nap.

She was still a baby with weak abilities, needing sleep to regain her strength.

If a problem arose, her brothers would solve it.

If they couldn’t, then she’d step in.

And directly deal with the person causing the problem.

Not far away, after a round of polite, fake smiles, Liu Tang finally picked up his whip and ordered the exiles to resume their journey.

These criminals had once lived luxurious lives in the capital, but now they had marched over ten miles through the freezing winter. Exhausted and dizzy, their legs wobbled like noodles.

Now, just when they had barely sat down to rest, they were forced to continue walking.

Low grumbles of complaint filled the air.

Sheng Dehai, who had been beaten half to death, had been eavesdropping on the conversation between the Sheng family’s main household and Liu Tang.

Seeing Liu Tang passing by, he immediately mustered his strength, plastered a smile on his face, and called out:

“Officer Liu! Lord Liu! Have you forgotten? I am Sheng Jinghai’s own younger brother!”

“Didn’t you just say you respected Sheng Jinghai and wanted to help the Sheng family? Those ungrateful fools in the main household refused your kindness, but I’m willing!”

“My legs are injured, and I can’t walk properly. Please, Officer—ahhh! Officer, mercy!”

Before Sheng Dehai could finish, Liu Tang’s face darkened, and he lashed out with his whip—striking him hard!