"Second Imperial Grandson, Xie Zhiyi and Shen Qinghui have both been executed."
Upon hearing the report from the young soldier before him, Song Yanchao felt as though struck by lightning, his eyes filled with disbelief. "Shen Qinghui... Shen Qinghui is dead too?"
How could Song Yu possibly kill Shen Qinghui? That was a member of the Shen family!
"This humble general dares not speak a single false word. Young Master Shen personally arrived at Laijin Prefecture, and Shen Qinghui drowned himself in the river along with his wife and child," the soldier replied, his eyes laced with deep mockery. "As for Xie Zhiyi, he begged Prince Qin to grant him death by a thousand cuts. The rest of the Xie family were beheaded, and their corpses were burned on the banks of the Mi River."
Song Yanchao stood frozen.
It was as if he was realizing for the first time just how grave the situation in Laijin Prefecture had become.
Feeling his hands still bound by coarse ropes, a wave of overwhelming panic surged through him.
"His Highness Prince Qin and the Princess specifically sent this humble general to inform you, Second Imperial Grandson, so that you may relay this to His Majesty when you see him."
Hearing this, Song Yanchao’s right eyelid twitched violently.
He no longer wanted to return to the capital!
"I have urgent matters to discuss with Uncle and Ahuan. I command you to take me back to Laijin Prefecture immediately!"
His voice lacked conviction—he wanted one last chance to salvage the situation.
But the soldier’s expression remained unchanged. "You are already nearing the capital. His Highness and the Princess will also depart for the capital in a few days."
The unspoken refusal was clear.
"You dare defy my orders?" Song Yanchao snapped, his face flushing with humiliation.
"This humble general does not dare. Stationed in the northern frontier, I take orders only from His Majesty, Prince Qin, and General Gu."
"Why must you obey Prince Qin and not me?"
"Prince Qin holds the Great Qi Crown Prince’s decree."
A single sentence rendered Song Yanchao powerless in his fury.
……
Laijin Prefecture.
After dealing with the Xie family and Shen Qinghui’s household, the atmosphere in Laijin Prefecture visibly lightened. The people threw themselves wholeheartedly into rebuilding after the disaster.
Inside a chamber, Song Yu and Shen Qingping sat in silence, their expressions grave as they reviewed the documents in their hands. Liuxi stood guard outside, not daring to make a sound.
Then, spotting a familiar figure, Liuxi nearly wept with relief—
The savior had finally arrived!
"Princess, His Highness and Young Master Shen are inside."
Song Shihuan nodded with a smile and pushed the door open. "Father, Master, I’m back."
She was greeted by two warm, smiling faces—a sight that made Liuxi widen his eyes in disbelief.
This wasn’t right…
Just moments ago, these two had been anything but amiable!
"Ahuan, Song Yanchao will reach the capital the day after tomorrow," Song Yu said, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "What do you think about having officials from several prefectures jointly submit memorials denouncing him?"
Song Shihuan blinked. Had she and her father shared the same thought?
"I was just about to suggest the same thing."
"Let them impeach him!"
Song Yu couldn’t help but laugh. Beside him, Shen Qingping tapped the document in his hand. "This is the list of Laijin Prefecture’s officials. I’ve marked those who must also be held accountable. If we submit memorials, we can exclude these names."
Many names on the list had been circled. Song Yu then added, "I plan to leave these people for your grandfather to vent his anger on. Otherwise, he’ll take it out on the Qin Prince’s Mansion."
"Father and Master have arranged everything so thoroughly."
Song Shihuan almost felt there was nothing left for her to do.
Especially her father—after this flood, it was as though he had unlocked some hidden potential.
This feeling…
It was exhilarating.
That night, in a place unseen by Song Shihuan, Song Yu’s expression darkened as he issued orders. "Tell them to put in more effort this time. I’ll remember those who contribute."
Liuxi immediately lowered his head.
The prince’s words… were practically an open declaration of expanding his influence.
"Yes, this servant will see to it."
Behind him, Shen Qingping chuckled softly. "These men have long wished to pledge allegiance to you, Your Highness. It’s just that you were too aloof before, leaving them no opportunity."
"After all I’ve done for Laijin Prefecture, it’s only fair that it falls under my jurisdiction."
Song Yu smirked. Playing by the rules of morality and law to crush his enemies—this was a game he knew well.
……
Two days later, Song Yanchao was escorted back to the capital.
On the same day, a flood of memorials condemning him arrived.
"Your Majesty, officials from Laijin Prefecture and neighboring regions have submitted memorials… all impeaching the Second Imperial Grandson for negligence and dereliction of duty."
Inside the Purple Palace Hall, several high-ranking ministers knelt, sensing Emperor Yuanyou’s rising fury.
"Read them to me, one by one."
"The Second Imperial Grandson disregarded epidemic prevention measures, repeatedly shirking responsibility and endangering the people."
"The Second Imperial Grandson failed in his oversight, allowing the outbreak in Laijin Prefecture."
"The Second Imperial Grandson confused right and wrong, stubbornly pleading for Shen Qinghui’s life and losing the people’s trust."
……
With each accusation, Emperor Yuanyou’s anger grew until he let out a cold laugh. "Where is that fool now?"
"Your Majesty, Prince Qin had him bound and delivered to the capital. He awaits outside the hall."
"Bring him in."
Moments later, Song Yanchao knelt on the ground, weeping pitifully.
"Grandfather, this grandson… this grandson nearly never saw you again!" He desperately masked his panic. "In all of Laijin Prefecture, only the horses and I contracted the illness—but I didn’t spread it to anyone else!"
The ministers in the hall nearly scoffed at his excuses.
This Second Imperial Grandson was surely finished.
Emperor Yuanyou spoke slowly, his words freezing Song Yanchao in place. "Are you done?"
"Grandfather…"
"I warned you—if you caused trouble on this trip, I would not spare you. Do you remember?"
The emperor’s rage had reached its peak.
He had lamented the Shen family’s disgrace, only to find his own lineage had produced an even greater failure.
"While your uncle and Ahuan fought to save Laijin Prefecture, you disgraced the imperial family. If that head of yours is useless, I’ll have it removed."
Song Yanchao paled. "Grandfather, spare me!"
Suddenly, his breathing grew labored, his face turning purple as if strangled. He collapsed stiffly to the ground.
Mei Zhilin rushed in, examined his pulse, and said simply, "Likely a lingering effect of the illness."
Emperor Yuanyou’s gaze darkened as he looked at Song Yanchao.
"Strip him of the golden sash. He is demoted to a commoner."
With those words, Song Yanchao was cast out of the imperial family.
"Confine him to the Ping Prince’s Mansion. He is forbidden to leave without summons."
Without his royal status, he wasn’t even fit for house arrest in the imperial temple.
When Song Yanchao regained consciousness and heard the decree, he fainted once more.
"Take him away."
Emperor Yuanyou waved a dismissive hand—out of sight, out of mind.
