Chapter 95: A Drop of Blood Falls on Su Jinshi’s Phone Screen

After hearing this, everyone fell silent.

Forcing a general who had greatly served the country to deliberately expose his own flaws in order to protect his family’s lives – the current emperor was truly… detestable yet unstoppable.

Why did it have to come to this?

Everyone thought back to the Shen family.

Involuntarily, not a single official in the court dared to speak further, all tightening their expressions.

The common people didn’t know the underlying reasons, only the outcome. They felt that Wei Zhaoxian must have been framed by treacherous individuals.

Whether intentionally orchestrated by Emperor Jiacheng or not, immediately after Wei Zhaoxian received the order to be dismissed from his military post, another decree was swiftly issued.

Shen Shilang was appointed as a fourth-rank Loyal and Brave General, in charge of the Northwestern Army, but would temporarily remain in the capital, with the Second Prince taking command of the Northwestern Army instead.

Moreover, Shen Shilang was also promoted to be the Crown Prince’s tutor, but only to teach the Fifth Prince.

This decree from Emperor Jiacheng left all the officials in a state of bewilderment. Could a sane person have come up with something like this? What madness was this!

A top scholar and civil official was made a general, yet he remained in the capital while the Second Prince took command. He was appointed as the Crown Prince’s tutor but had no relation to the Crown Prince, only teaching the Fifth Prince. This could only be the idea of a madman who thought he was being clever when he was utterly foolish.

The court officials were rendered speechless. It was simply beyond comprehension.

However, Emperor Jiacheng’s decree also revealed an important piece of information. Wei Zhaoxian’s dismissal had seen significant involvement from Shen Shilang. Furthermore, the previous conflict between Shen Shilang and the Wei family had also circulated back to court. With Shen Shilang immediately presenting a petition to Emperor Jiacheng upon his return, it was only natural for everyone to infer that Shen Shilang had played a major role in Wei Zhaoxian’s downfall.

“What a treacherous minister!” someone shouted angrily.

“I never expected someone who looks so refined and handsome could be such a sinister character.”

“To think he would betray loyal officials and generals for his own future.”

“He owes his current status to Wei Zhaoxian, who took him into his household and allowed him to study alongside the Wei children,” another voice complained. “Wei Zhaoxian did him a great favor! Without Wei Zhaoxian, Shen Shilang wouldn’t be where he is today! Yet he turns his back and steps on Wei Zhaoxian to further his own ambitions!”

“This kind of despicable person should never be associated with!”

Shen Shilang was orphaned at a young age and lived in the Wei household, relying on Wei Zhaoxian’s support to continue his education, eventually becoming a top scholar – a fact well-known throughout the streets. When the top three scholars paraded through town, Shen Shilang’s appearance had drawn particular attention, with many families in the capital inquiring about him. The news of Shen Shilang’s role in Wei Zhaoxian’s downfall spread quickly throughout the streets after the decree was issued.

Shen Shilang planned to go to the market to buy some vegetables. Although the evening produce was not very fresh and the best items had already been picked over, they were cheap. Having just settled in the capital and with a previous low salary, Shen Shilang still needed to be frugal.

Who would have expected that as soon as he opened the door, a fast-moving red liquid splashed onto him before he could react, carrying a foul odor of blood.

Shen Shilang hurriedly stepped back, but still couldn’t avoid it. Bright red chicken blood covered him.

“Shameless, ungrateful wretch!” an older man’s voice rang out.

Shen Shilang closed his eyes, and as he wiped the blood from his eyelids and surroundings, he opened them to see an elderly man with graying hair desperately fleeing. But his slow steps allowed Shen Shilang to easily catch up in just a few strides. Shen Shilang remained expressionless and made no effort to pursue further.

Soon, neighbors from the alley gathered around Shen Shilang’s door – men and women of all ages. In the past, they had greeted him warmly, and he had even tutored some of their children. But now they held pots, baskets, and dustpans filled with rubble, rotten vegetable leaves, and moldy, cut-up pieces of spoiled fruits and vegetables.

“You framed a loyal official!” someone shouted, throwing the rotten produce at Shen Shilang. Others hurled stones, threatening to beat him every time they saw him. “Ungrateful wolf! We don’t want your kind in Qing’an Alley!” someone else yelled, splashing a foul-smelling dark liquid on him.

Shen Shilang had no choice but to close the door, though the sounds of objects being thrown at it continued.

“Shen Shilang, let me get you some hot water so you can wash off,” Su Jinshi said hurriedly. “We don’t even know what’s in what they threw at you.”

The common folk wouldn’t waste expensive items; everything they used was from household discards. But the bacteria level was high.

Among those filthy things, the chicken blood was probably the cleanest.

Though the common people have historically been easily stirred up, Shen Shilang would never retaliate against them.

“Okay,” Shen Shilang replied calmly.

At this moment, he didn’t care about avoiding suspicion or hiding from Su Jinshi. And Su Jinshi couldn’t afford to think about taking advantage of him either.

She quickly bought water and soap from the store.

While the store didn’t have hot water, it was nearly July and the capital was already extremely hot, so Shen Shilang typically bathed in cold water for relief.

Shen Shilang’s wounds had healed to scabs, some of which were falling off to reveal new, pink flesh underneath. Even so, Su Jinshi meticulously checked him to ensure there were no infections. If something went wrong, the system would immediately alert her.

After thoroughly cleaning himself with soap, Shen Shilang felt somewhat better. During this wash, he didn’t bother avoiding Su Jinshi anymore.

Previously, Shen Shilang had been very cautious around her, so Su Jinshi had only caught glimpses of his abs. But now, she saw Shen Shilang’s true physique and even thought that if she were to meet him in person, he might easily charm her. Moreover, Shen Shilang was… quite good-looking.

Su Jinshi felt her mouth go dry, and before she realized it, a rush of warmth surged through her nose.

…