Prefect Meng glared at the bewildered County Magistrate Song, wishing he could cut him down on the spot.
"What crime has this humble official committed?"
County Magistrate Song was drenched in cold sweat when an icy gust swept in as the door opened, sending a shiver down his spine.
"My lord! All the county office documents are here. Commander Xie has already led the prefectural troops to summon the other officials of Yuxi County."
As Lord Lu entered, he saw a man in a green official robe kneeling on the ground—undoubtedly the magistrate of Yuxi County.
"Song Lusheng, confess the truth at once!"
County Magistrate Song wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"My lord! This humble official knows nothing! Could there be some misunderstanding?"
"Fine! You won’t admit it until you see the coffin, is that it?! Think harder—the Yuxi mines!"
"The mines? Nothing’s wrong with the mines! A few runaway slaves escaped, but they were all recaptured!"
County Magistrate Song wore the expression of an innocent man wronged.
"You fool!! Those runaways have already filed an imperial complaint to the Inspectorate!! And you still haven’t realized?! You’re worse than a gatekeeper as a magistrate!!"
Prefect Meng nearly choked on his fury.
How had he never noticed before how utterly stupid the magistrate of Yuxi County was? Infuriating!
"An... imperial complaint?!"
County Magistrate Song collapsed to the floor. Had his secret dealings been exposed? The iron ore he skimmed from the mines for his twelfth concubine’s brother to open a smithy? Or sending his eighth concubine’s family to mine in the pits?
Prefect Meng took one look at him and knew he was guilty. He slammed the gavel on the table.
"Confess now!"
County Magistrate Song, never having faced such pressure, spilled everything without hesitation.
Lord Lu, recording the confession nearby, frowned repeatedly. When County Magistrate Song mentioned his twelfth concubine, Lord Lu couldn’t help but glance skeptically at the man’s lower half. The magistrate looked frail—how could he manage twelve concubines?
Tsk tsk, appearances truly were deceiving.
"Men, bring Concubine Hua and her brother to the county office immediately!"
Prefect Meng waved his hand and rubbed his throbbing temples. Accustomed to comfort, he hadn’t worked this hard in years.
"Open the door, let some air in."
Outside, dawn had broken, and the distant crow of a rooster echoed. The cold wind sharpened Prefect Meng’s mind further.
In the corridor, Steward Fu stood at a distance, holding a tray of tea, and bowed respectfully.
"My lord, please moisten your throat."
Prefect Meng studied the servant offering the hot tea—he looked familiar.
"Lord Meng, this old servant once followed the Marquis to escort provisions to Yingchuan. I had the honor of sharing a drink with you back then."
Uncle Fu hunched slightly, his voice trembling.
"Oh? The Marquis of Zhongliang’s household?"
Prefect Meng accepted the ginseng tea and paused.
"Indeed. I never imagined you’d remember. The Marquis entrusted me to care for his young master here in Yuxi County. Might I ask…?"
Prefect Meng took a sip of tea and glanced at County Magistrate Song, still kneeling on the floor.
"For the Marquis’s sake, I won’t harm County Magistrate Song before the Inspector arrives. But none of you may leave the county office. Await the emperor’s judgment."
Uncle Fu’s heart sank, nearly stumbling. What crime had his master committed to warrant the Inspector’s involvement?
"Perhaps the Marquis of Zhongliang has already received word."
Marquis of Zhongliang’s Residence.
A servant preparing for morning errands screamed upon opening the gate—Imperial Guards in gleaming armor stood outside.
In moments, the entire household, young and old, was rounded up.
"My lord, all thirty-two members of the Marquis of Zhongliang’s household are accounted for!"
A man in deerskin boots turned slowly, his hawk-like eyes sweeping the scene.
The Marquis of Zhongliang faced the stern man, the embroidered eagle on his black official robe seeming ready to strike.
This executioner—why was he here?
"General Commander Lin, what brings the Imperial Guards here at this hour? If there’s anything my household can assist with, we’ll spare no effort."
No wonder the Marquis was so polite. The Imperial Guards answered only to the emperor and the Inspectorate. Though their rank wasn’t high, no official dared disrespect them.
"The Marquis and the men of your household must come with me. The women will remain under house arrest. Resistance means death."
Some fainted in fear; others sobbed quietly.
A woman in dark green brocade hugged a girl of about ten, whispering comfort.
"Yueyue, don’t be afraid. Mother’s here."
The girl lowered her head, covering her face as if crying—though no one noticed her stillness.
Only the woman’s hand stiffened.
General Commander Lin raised his token, signaling his men to proceed.
"General Commander Lin, I’ve lived an upright life and will cooperate fully. But might you at least tell me why? I won’t flee—let me die knowing why."
General Commander Lin raised a hand to silence him.
"Marquis, you know our rules. I cannot say more."
"Search!"
Half an incense stick later, the Imperial Guards returned with a chest of letters, whispering to General Commander Lin.
He nodded.
Once the men were taken away, Lady Song pinched the girl beside her harshly.
"Where is the young lady?"
The girl flinched in pain but was pressed down before she could answer.
"Sh-she’s still at the estate… She said yesterday she hadn’t had enough fun..."
Lady Song pursed her lips, thoughts racing.
If the household was doomed, perhaps Yueyue could escape. But with guards outside, how could she send word?
And her grandson, taken away—would he survive prison? Tears welled in Lady Song’s eyes.
Yingchuan City, Lu Manor.
Lu Chao stretched, watching the eager Lu Yuanyi.
"Second Brother, the estate is far. Even if we leave at dawn, we won’t arrive this early!"
Lu Yuanyi couldn’t admit his excitement had woken him prematurely.
"Come on, if Mother catches us, it’s over!"
"Fine, fine. After breakfast, I’ll stay in her courtyard and keep her occupied. Happy?"
Lu Chao sighed as he got up.
Lady Lu was surprised when her three children arrived together for breakfast.
"Yuanzhao, why aren’t you at the county school today? Are you unwell?"
Her eldest son was diligent—unless ill, he rarely skipped studies.
"Mother, I’m fine! Teacher Yang took leave because his mother fell ill. I thought I’d study at home."
"Oh? Nanny Liu will give you the warehouse key later. Pick some good herbs for Teacher Yang—he’s always looked after you."
Lu Yuanzhao nodded.
"As you wish, Mother."
At the table, Lady Lu glanced at Nanny Liu, puzzled by the breakfast spread.
