Chapter 421: Death by a Thousand Cuts
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Si Yuhcng immediately changed his tone, “Miss Lihua, are you planning to travel with us?”
Startled by Ge Lihua’s swift attack earlier, he couldn’t help but lower his stance, even showing a hint of trying to please her.
Ge Lihua scanned them both, “Where are you heading?”
Si Yuhcng was straightforward, “I’m going to the capital to find my grandfather.”
Ge Lihua thought of bringing this person to see Qingzhi, perhaps he was Si Yingzong’s nephew. She offered, “I’m also headed to the capital. Why don’t we travel together?”
Si Yuhcng quickly agreed, “As you wish.”
Ge Lihua became the leader of their small trio, leading them towards the capital.
At the Ministry of Revenue, the ministers worked overnight to tally the national treasury, finally completing it by dawn.
After the morning court session, the Minister of Revenue reported to the Emperor in the Imperial Study, “Your Majesty, the treasury has been counted.”
The Emperor, keenly interested in the outcome, asked, “And?”
The Minister reported, “Your Majesty, there arc thirteen million taels in total. Not less, but actually ten thousand taels more.”
“More by ten thousand taels?”
The emptied treasury had been replenished by the Minister of War, who even added an extra ten thousand taels…
The Emperor rubbed his temples. The Minister of War, a veteran of three dynasties, had restored the treasury. Capital punishment for his entire family could be waived, but selling official posts must not be tolerated. It sets a dangerous precedent and leads to the decay of the court.
“Decapitate only the Minister of War; exile the others.”
The Emperor made up his mind, waiting now for Tang Jinghong’s cleanup results. Once done, this case could be closed.
As for the eastern border… First, send someone to investigate, then root out “Yun” and have him executed by lingchi (death by a thousand cuts). The Emperor etched this in his mind.
At Prince Rui’s mansion.
The young prince cheerfully entered the dining hall, ordering, “Bring Qu Guard here.”
The maid bowed, “Yes, Your Highness.”
The prince, eyeing the lavish breakfast, thought, I’ll share every meal with Qu Guard.
Soon, the maid returned hurriedly, “Your Highness, Qu Guard is not here, and it seems he hasn’t returned all night.”
The prince’s face darkened, “Did something happen to Qu Guard?” He urged, “Send someone to find him immediately.”
“Yes, Your Highness.” The maid hurried off.
The prince’s concern for Qu Xinwei soon had the entire Prince Rui’s residence bustling in search.
Meanwhile, Chu Qingzhi and Bao Linjiang were leaving the residence of Minister Sikong, unaware that the young prince was turning the residence upside down looking for her.
Walking in the streets, Chu Qingzhi smelled the scent of breakfast, “Linjiang, hungry? Let’s eat.”
“Okay.” Bao Linjiang wished he could make breakfast for Chu Qingzhi himself. How could he refuse?
They settled by a window in Tainan Restaurant, a place serving delicious meals all day. Bao Linjiang preferred this restaurant.
The waiter approached enthusiastically, “What would you like, sirs?”
Chu Qingzhi let Bao Linjiang order.
He ordered generously, “Bring five types of your signature breakfast dishes, two of each.”
The waiter elongated his tone, “Alright, sir, please wait a moment.”
The five signature dishes included noodle tea, radish cake, sauce meat buns, char siu buns, and shrimp dumplings.
Bao Linjiang handed chopsticks to Chu Qingzhi, “Master, eat up, it’s delicious.”
Hungry, Chu Qingzhi began eating, “Indeed, it’s good.”
Bao Linjiang smiled broadly, “Eat as much as you like, I’ll order more if needed.”
Chu Qingzhi smiled. “Okay.”
Bao Linjiang asked with concern, “Master, what are you going to do after dinner?”
Chu Qingzhi thought to herself that she still had to return to Prince Rui’s mansion to clean up the mess. “I’m going to settle a small matter.”
Bao Linjiang said, “Master, since it’s a small matter, why don’t you come home with me to rest?”
Chu Qingzhi replied, “It’s small, but delaying it could cause problems. Linjiang, don’t worry about me. I’ll rest when tired.”
It was hard to say what would happen if the young prince looked for her and she was not around.
Bao Linjiang nodded obediently. “Then, Master, if there’s anything, get the eagle to send me a letter. I’ll be on call.”
Chu Qingzhi said, “Okay.”
Tang Jinghong had also been busy all night. He and his men were passing by the street when he happened to see Chu Qingzhi through the window. He instructed his subordinates to continue with their tasks and walked into the restaurant.
Chu Qingzhi looked over in surprise. “Jinghong, come and eat breakfast.”
Bao Linjiang quickly asked the waiter to bring more breakfast.
Tang Jinghong was tired and hungry now. He did not stand on ceremony. Perhaps because he was good-looking, he ate very quickly, but he still looked very pleasing to the eye.
Chu Qingzhi was almost done eating. She slowly ate and waited for Tang Jinghong. “Did it go smoothly?”
“I took them by surprise and it went very smoothly.” It was the first time he had captured someone so smoothly.
Chu Qingzhi said, “That’s good.”
Tang Jinghong asked with concern, “Qingzhi, what are you planning to do later?”
Chu Qingzhi said, “Make a trip to Prince Rui’s mansion.”
Bao Linjiang looked at Chu Qingzhi, wondering why his master wanted to go to Prince Rui’s mansion.
Tang Jinghong knew that Chu Qingzhi was pretending to be Qu Xinwei, so he didn’t ask further. “Be careful. If there’s anything, inform me at any time.”
Chu Qingzhi said, “Okay.”
At Prince Rui’s mansion.
The guard braced himself and came back to report, “Your Highness, we didn’t find Guard Qu.”
The young prince slammed the table and glared at the guard. He roared fiercely, “Could it be that he disappeared into thin air?”
The guard did not dare to speak and slowly lowered his head.
At this moment, the butler rushed over and said while panting, “Your Highness, Guard Qu is back.”
The young prince’s expression immediately lit up. “He’s back?” He immediately stood up and walked out.
The guard was speechless.
They were both guards. The difference in treatment was simply heartbreaking. Qu Xinwei already knew that the young prince had sent all his men to look for her. Fortunately, she rushed back in time.
“Guard Qu, you’re finally back.” The young prince’s expression was as if he had seen an old friend who had left without saying goodbye many years ago and had suddenly returned. He was half resentful and half happy.
Qu Xinwei bowed. “Greetings, Your Highness. Why arc you looking for me?” The young prince said willfully, “I wanted to ask you to join me for breakfast, but you were gone. I asked them to look for you, but they couldn’t find you.” Qu Xinwei pursed her lips and took the opportunity to say, “Your Highness, I plan to resign as a guard.”
The young prince was stunned and could not accept it. “Why? Why are you leaving? Is your salary too low? I’ll give you ten times the salary.. Can you not leave?”
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