Chapter 16

Duke Yu, Fang Weiyong, looked at Yang Hong, whose eyes were filled with anger, and said gently, “This matter was Luo Yu’s fault. He suddenly noticed that all the jailers were outside while Officer Yang was alone inside. Fearing that trouble might break out in the cell, he acted on impulse and bumped into you.”

Yang Hong retorted angrily, “When interrogating a serious offender, I naturally cannot have someone standing by. Duke, are you accusing me of dereliction of duty?”

The Duke quickly smiled and replied, “Certainly not, Officer Yang—don’t read too much into it.”

A mere official from the Ministry of Justice might not have drawn his attention, but Yang Hong’s wife’s family, the Liang family, is headed by the Director of the Secretariat. That old fellow in the Liang family is extremely protective and not someone to be trifled with—and given the vast authority of the Director of the Secretariat, who also acts unreasonably, he is not someone one wishes to provoke lightly.

“Officer Yang, please do not lose your temper. Today’s mistake is ours; I sincerely apologize to you.”

“Luo Yu, you were way too impulsive just now. If something needs to be discussed, why force your way in with your men? Shouldn’t you apologize to Officer Yang?”

Seeing that the cell was empty—and with Duke Yu having spoken—Luo Yu replied sternly, “What happened earlier was my fault. I beg Master Yang for your pardon.”

Yang Hong gave a cold snort.

Duke Yu then spoke, “Officer Yang, as you are aware, regarding the Xiao family matter, Luo Yu and I are rigorously interrogating the case by His Majesty’s command. Furthermore, there are certain issues concerning Linchuan that we need to address with one of the Xiao family offenders. I would appreciate it if you could assist with that.”

Yang Hong was reluctant. After all, that fellow was still hiding in the cell, and if she were discovered, the situation would be disastrous. However, he also understood he had no choice but to comply.

Though Duke Yu appeared gentle in demeanor, his methods were as forceful as thunder. If Yang Hong were to say “no” outright about something related to the Xiao family, there’s little doubt that before that fellow could even be exposed, the Duke would have already begun to harbor suspicions.

Yang Hong said, “I haven’t finished interrogating the case I’m handling. But since you intend to examine Master Xie, I’ll wait outside for a while; once you’re finished, I’ll come back to carry out my orders.”

Hearing this, the Duke didn’t think much—as long as Yang Hong didn’t delay his own tasks, it was fine.

With his heart pounding, Yang Hong withdrew and went straight outside the prison. Once everyone had left, Duke Yu ordered Luo Yu to disperse the men he had brought in and have them stand guard at the prison door, leaving only the Duke and Luo Yu inside.

Smiling, Duke Yu asked, “How is Master Xie resting?”

Xie Yunyan looked at him calmly and remarked, “Not bad—though this plank is a bit hard.”

“High beds and soft pillows are naturally available; it only depends on whether Master Xie wants them.”

Duke Yu smiled gently, “When I came by yesterday, Master Xie mentioned that you couldn’t recall those matters concerning the Xiao family and said you’d think it over before replying. I wonder, after a night of pondering, have you figured anything out?”

Xie Yunyan chuckled, “I did figure it out, but as for what you’re asking—I really don’t know.”

“I’m merely the posthumous son of the Xie family, fostered by the Xiao household. How would the general ever entrust any secrets to me? Besides, you also know that I have always been unlearned—a notorious wastrel in the capital.”

“How could I possibly know what happened after the general and his men set out on campaign? If you expect me to testify on their behalf, that would really put me in a difficult position.”

The Duke’s smile remained unchanged as he said, “Master Xie, why are you so obstinate?”

“Xiao Jin is dead, and the entire Xiao family—having colluded with the enemy—perished at Linchuan. Now, only a few of the female relatives remain. Master Xie, you’re still young—why risk your life covering up the Xiao family’s crimes?”

Xie Yunyan shrugged and replied, “Well, what can I do? It’s just that I’m a reckless wastrel, oblivious to things.”

“If I had known from the start that one day I would fall into your hands and that you were so intent on obtaining incriminating evidence from the general’s mansion—to accuse the general and clear his name falsely—I would have prepared plenty more forged evidence early on to ensure your satisfaction.”

Duke Yu’s expression darkened slightly.

Luo Yu spoke coldly, “Duke, I think this kid is simply one who refuses a cordial invitation only to end up facing punishment—why bother engaging with him any further?”

“He isn’t as tough as nails, is he? Let me lay into him twice—no matter how hard his bones are, I can make them break!”

Duke Yu frowned slightly and said, “Don’t always resort to violence.”

He turned to Xie Yunyan and asked, “Master Xie, are you really refusing to talk?”

Xie Yunyan smiled, flashing a set of white teeth. “I honestly don’t know what it is the Duke wants. Why don’t you tell me what you want to know? It might give me a chance to try answering.”

The Duke’s eyes grew a bit colder as he replied, “I had no intention of hurting anyone, but Master Xie leaves me no choice.”

“Luo Yu, treat Master Xie properly.”

Meanwhile, Su Jinyuan lay curled up beneath the plank, completely huddled in a ball. She held her breath as she peered through the gaps in the scattered weeds, watching those black boots draw ever nearer until they stood at the very edge of the plank, so close that she almost couldn’t breathe.

At that moment, Luo Yu grabbed the iron chain and gave it a forceful tug, yanking Xie Yunyan down from above. Staggering and still unsteady, Xie Yunyan was viciously kicked on his knees and arms, and with a resounding thud, he fell to the ground. As his head struck the floor, his eyes met Su Jinyuan’s.

Covering her mouth tightly, Su Jinyuan watched with bloodshot eyes as, outside, Luo Yu trampled Xie Yunyan. When the long sword with its scabbard dropped onto him, his once fastened garment collar fluttered open to reveal his body, now marred by gruesome, bloody wounds from the torture.

“Speak! Where exactly is the secret letter—that evidence of the Xiao family’s treason—hidden?!” someone shouted.

“The Xiao family never conspired with the enemy…”

With a THUD!!

Luo Yu then landed a brutal blow to his jaw, leaving his mouth filled with blood.

When the man was thrown to the ground, the attacker pressed his foot against the wounds on his body.

“Nothing?”

“If there’s nothing, how did the Nanyue army cross the border into Linchuan? How did the Linchuan rebels manage to open the gates of Linzhou City?”

“General Xiao Jin’s deputy has already confessed that he secretly colluded with the enemy, which led to Linchuan’s defeat. Captured rebels also testified that they had exchanged letters with the Xiao family. If you obediently hand over Xiao Jin’s treasonous documents…”

“His Majesty might spare your life. Otherwise, you’ll join the Xiao family in the afterlife!”

Xie Yunyan’s eyes were bloodshot from pain, and his throat was wheezing as he gasped for air. “One person’s word is no proof. If the Xiao family had truly colluded with the enemy, the Jin Dynasty would’ve fallen long ago…”

Before he could finish speaking, Luo Yu struck his knee with the sword’s scabbard, producing a sharp cracking sound from his bones.

Sweat poured from Xie Yunyan’s forehead as he writhed in pain, while Su Jinyuan trembled beneath the plank bed, biting her lip tightly.

Luo Yu then stomped on Xie Yunyan’s broken leg bone, grinding it forcefully. “Master Xie Liu is famous for his toughness, but I wonder if you’ll still be so defiant after I cripple your arms and legs.”

“Once, Master Xie Liu was so carefree and flamboyant. Now, aren’t you lying at my feet like a dead dog?”

Despite his labored breathing and sweat-drenched agony, Xie Yunyan retorted with unwavering defiance, “That’s still better than the heroic sight of Deputy Commander Luo begging for mercy back then…”