Cen Yan finished speaking and left without any hesitation. Once a person leaves, no longer sharing the same roof, Zhuang Dongqing felt the air around him come alive again.

When Liu Fu came in, he saw Zhuang Dongqing patting his chest and taking deep breaths. “Young Master, are you okay?”

Today, Zhuang Dongqing had brought Liu Fu in, and after thinking it over, he realized some things couldn’t be hidden anymore, so he decided to spill everything to his little servant. Liu Fu was stunned, processing the information for most of the day, and only started to act normally by evening.

When he suddenly saw Cen Yan come looking for him, Liu Fu’s nerves were on edge. Zhuang Dongqing shook his head, “It’s fine. He just asked a few questions.”

Before Cen Yan arrived, Zhuang Dongqing had already been feeling sleepy. After being startled, he relaxed again, and the drowsiness hit him hard. His eyelids began to droop, “Hair, is it dry? I want to sleep…”

Liu Fu stepped forward to check and confirmed it was dry, then helped Zhuang Dongqing onto the bed. The Huanghuali wooden bed, a fine piece just moved from the storeroom today, was made of solid materials, heavy and sturdy, so no matter how Zhuang Dongqing moved, it wouldn’t shake. The bed curtains were made of thin silk, breathable yet able to shield his view. The mattress was thick and soft, filled with this year’s new cotton, and as soon as Zhuang Dongqing lay down, he felt as if he had sunk into a cloud.

The sheets were all made of satin, smooth and soft…

With his head resting on the pillow, Zhuang Dongqing comfortably closed his eyes. By the time Liu Fu tucked him in, even though he felt he should sort through the events of the day, his body had already succumbed to the comforts of wealth and luxury. His thoughts began to drift, and once Liu Fu pulled the bed curtains closed, Zhuang Dongqing’s breathing had already steadied.

He slept dreamlessly until dawn.

When Liu Fu called him in the morning, Zhuang Dongqing was still a bit dazed. It was nothing unusual; his pregnancy had made him a bit more drowsy lately, but since he was confined in the manor, he could always manage his time. He had no issues with food, and he had certainly gotten enough sleep.

But today was different; he had to accompany Cen Yan to the Dali Temple to handle the Zhuang family’s case.

Still groggy, Zhuang Dongqing stared blankly as Liu Fu urged him to stretch and open his mouth. Liu Fu didn’t dare to keep Cen Yan waiting, so he hurriedly got Zhuang Dongqing ready. By the time they met at the door, Zhuang Dongqing’s eyes were still glazed over.

Cen Yan glanced over, but Zhuang Dongqing didn’t react much, looking like he hadn’t fully woken up.

Once they got into the carriage, Zhuang Dongqing shared a seat with Cen Yan, and as the wheels rolled, Zhuang Dongqing’s head bobbed slightly.

Liu Fu didn’t dare to breathe too loudly, mustering the courage to ask Liu Qi for a soft pillow, which he tucked behind Zhuang Dongqing’s neck so he could lean against the carriage.

The pillow was placed just right, and before long, Cen Yan watched as Zhuang Dongqing closed his eyes in front of him, falling into a deep sleep.

Cen Yan: “…”

Liu Qi: “…”

Liu Fu, fearing Cen Yan’s reproach, quietly explained, “M-my young master has been a bit drowsy lately.”

Cen Yan looked at Liu Fu, who fell silent.

His gaze shifted back to Zhuang Dongqing’s face, where the young man had already turned to rest against the carriage wall, his brows relaxed. Now, no matter how Cen Yan scrutinized him, Zhuang Dongqing didn’t seem to mind.

After staring for a while, Liu Fu’s heart raced as he swung between the decision to wake Zhuang Dongqing or let him sleep. Just as he resolved to call out, he saw Cen Yan close his eyes and rest.

Liu Fu wasn’t sure if this counted as a form of “out of sight, out of mind.”

Fortunately, the journey was smooth, and they arrived at the Dali Temple.

“Young Master, wake up, we’re here.” Liu Fu shook Zhuang Dongqing awake.

As soon as Zhuang Dongqing opened his eyes, he saw Cen Yan pass by him, and his scalp tightened, fully waking up.

Oh, they had arrived.

After sleeping the whole way, he stood up feeling weak and wobbly. The Wang family’s carriage was high, and Cen Yan and Liu Qi were already standing below. Zhuang Dongqing, anxious not to keep them waiting, hurriedly stepped down, only to realize it was higher than he had imagined. He miscalculated and lost his balance, reaching out in the air but grabbing nothing, his heart sinking.

Oh no, oh no, oh no.

He tightly shut his eyes, praying not to twist his ankle or land face-first.

“Zhuang Gongzi!”

Liu Qi exclaimed halfway through, and Zhuang Dongqing was caught.

It was Cen Yan’s hand.

With a point of support, Zhuang Dongqing clung tightly to Cen Yan’s arm, his whole body tense. Cen Yan had intended to just give him a little help, but seeing Zhuang Dongqing not standing back up on his own and still leaning down, he simply wrapped his arm around Zhuang Dongqing’s waist and brought him down completely.

“Young Master, are you okay?!”

“Why aren’t you watching where you’re going?!”

Liu Fu, witnessing this scene, was also startled.

“I-I’m fine.”

Zhuang Dongqing’s gaze was blank, even though he was already on the ground, he still clung tightly to Cen Yan, his fingers turning white from the pressure.

Cen Yan frowned, “You won’t call for help if something happens?”

If it weren’t for him and Liu Qi standing right by the carriage, Zhuang Dongqing’s mute expression could have led him to fall and roll around a couple of times without the coachman even noticing.

“Call for whom?” Zhuang Dongqing was still a bit dazed.

Cen Yan remained silent, looking at him with a blank expression.

His light brown eyes radiated a coldness.

“…”

Zhuang Dongqing shrank his neck and obediently said, “Oh, I’ll be more careful next time.”

“…Are you steady now?”

Zhuang Dongqing nodded.

Cen Yan: “Can I let go now?”

His hand was still gripping Cen Yan’s clothing, and he seemed to be leaning against him.

Feeling the warmth radiating from Cen Yan’s body, Zhuang Dongqing’s toes dug into the ground, and as he released his grip, he quickly stepped back several paces, stammering, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to.”

Cen Yan brushed off the wrinkled part of his clothing, remaining calm, “When will the bruising in your head dissipate?”

“The doctor said, three to five years?”

Cen Yan exhaled lightly, “I doubt it.”

“?”

Cen Yan turned to Liu Qi and said, “Next time we go out, remember to arrange for someone to accompany him.”

Liu Qi nodded in agreement.

Cen Yan led the way into the Dali Temple.

By the time Liu Fu caught up, Zhuang Dongqing’s eyes were still glued to Cen Yan’s back. Was he hinting at something? It had to be!

What a formidable figure, yet he was still being so cryptic!

• The examination of the imperial examination fraud case was under the jurisdiction of the three departments, but everyone was detained in the Ministry of Justice.

Zhuang Dongqing went in to give a statement, going through the process, and Cen Yan first brought up Zhuang Daren.

It wasn’t difficult; he claimed ignorance, saying he had met Zhuang Xingchang privately, advised him, and warned him. During the re-examination, he became extremely cooperative, with fewer evasive answers, but his statements remained consistent.

As expected.

Interrogating Zhuang Yue was a bit more troublesome, so Cen Yan had Liu Qi take Zhuang Dongqing to his office to wait.

When Liu Qi returned, Master Zhao had prepared the needles, and Zhuang Yue had already been left in the interrogation room for a while.

Cen Yan led the way in, and when the door creaked open, they could see Zhuang Yue shivering from the gap.

Sitting across from Zhuang Yue, Liu Qi placed the case files in front of Cen Yan.

Cen Yan didn’t speak, leisurely flipping through the documents, while Zhuang Yue’s heart raced, trying hard to stay calm.

“I already interrogated Zhuang Daren earlier.”

“Your second brother has also given a statement.”

The interrogation room was dim, with small, low windows allowing only a sliver of daylight to filter in, illuminating the dark red, stained instruments behind Cen Yan.

Cen Yan: “Do you have anything to say regarding your collusion with the examiners, using coded language on the papers, and the examination fraud?”

After asking, Zhuang Yue immediately cried out in protest, claiming he knew nothing.

Having been locked up for so many days, and with the matter involving the crown prince, the three departments were actually waiting to see the emperor’s stance. Zhuang Yue, who also had royal blood, had not been subjected to torture.

After listening to a couple of sentences, Cen Yan realized that Zhuang Yue had already prepared his defense in prison, completely denying any involvement in the fraud, claiming it was all a coincidence and that he was wronged.

Thus, there was nothing more to say.

Cen Yan waved his hand.

Someone stepped forward to gag Zhuang Yue, and Cen Yan stood with his hands behind his back, looking out the window for a while. The silver needles fell one by one, and in less than half a stick of incense, accompanied by uncontrollable pain and muffled groans, half of the needles were administered, and Zhuang Yue’s cold sweat soaked his back.

After tearing away the gag, Zhuang Yue still insisted he was wronged, but after another half set of needles, he could barely speak, and he began to curse Cen Yan for being unable to distinguish between good and evil, harming loyal subjects, and eliminating rivals.

Liu Qi was alarmed.

Cen Yan finally turned away from the window, slowly walking up to Zhuang Yue, their eyes meeting. Zhuang Yue was scared, but having already cursed, he raised his voice defiantly.

The guards attempted to step forward to gag Zhuang Yue again, but Cen Yan raised his hand to stop them.

Silently watching Zhuang Yue, his gaze made Zhuang Yue uneasy. Suddenly, Cen Yan curled his lips into a slight smile, his expression extremely cold. Zhuang Yue’s heart skipped a beat, and Cen Yan signaled Master Zhao to continue administering the needles.

It was almost as if every curse was met with a needle; Master Zhao was in front, administering the needles, while Cen Yan followed behind, gently pushing the needles in a bit further, causing the pain to multiply. Zhuang Yue screamed in agony, cursing even louder. After five or six rounds, he was in so much pain he was crying out for his parents, unable to utter another word.

Cen Yan: “Continue.”

After half a set, Zhuang Yue fainted.

Cold water splashed on him to wake him up, and they continued with the needles. He hadn’t even endured ten needles before Zhuang Yue was wailing for mercy.

Cen Yan’s expression remained unchanged: “Continue.”

After a few more needles, Zhuang Yue could no longer bear it, shouting that he would confess.

Master Zhao looked at Cen Yan while holding the needle, and Cen Yan remained silent. Master Zhao understood and continued.

This time, amidst Zhuang Yue’s cries, he nearly confessed to everything, and only then did Cen Yan call for a stop.

Liu Qi immediately stepped forward to inquire, taking notes. Whatever he asked, Zhuang Yue answered honestly, leaving no information unshared.

Once the guards took the exhausted Zhuang Yue away, only Liu Qi and Cen Yan remained in the room. Liu Qi said, “Zhuang Daren has no issues; it’s clear someone is trying to frame him, but Zhuang Da Shao…”

The emperor was aiming to deal with the crown prince this time, and if… then anyone involved from the royal family would not receive leniency.

Zhuang Yue was also Zhuang Xingchang’s son; they would rise and fall together, and if this dragged on, it would be troublesome.

Cen Yan, however, laughed, “Why are you worried about the Zhuang family’s matters?”

Liu Qi was taken aback.

“Master, do you mean…”

“Yes, they came to speak so nicely, but let’s see how they act; what kind of style is this?”

Thus, with two documents laid out in front of Zhuang Dongqing, Cen Yan smiled and said, “Your elder brother cursed me for being unable to distinguish between good and evil, harming loyal subjects, and eliminating rivals.”

Zhuang Dongqing’s heart raced at the thought, and Cen Yan slowly said, “Is this how your family views me?”

Under the gaze of those light-colored eyes, Zhuang Dongqing was momentarily speechless, then shook his head vigorously.

“I’m not very familiar with my elder brother.”

He struggled to articulate, but it sounded like a weak excuse.

Cen Yan didn’t mind, “It’s fine; I’m the type to settle scores on the spot.”

“The needles Master Zhao administered, while they won’t leave lasting damage, the experience is something one would remember for a lifetime, and that’s not an exaggeration.”

Zhuang Dongqing: “…”

Zhuang Dongqing: “Well, um, I’ll thank His Highness on behalf of my brother for being so lenient?”

Cen Yan truly laughed this time.

“I can tell, you really aren’t familiar.”