"Third Master, should we do something about this?" Nian'an asked cautiously, afraid of touching Shen Qingping's fragile emotions.
Yet Shen Qingping suddenly curled his lips into a smirk. "No need."
A low chuckle followed, leaving Nian'an's expression numb. Had the Third Master gone from grief to joy... because he was too heartbroken?
But then Shen Qingping lay back, resting his hands behind his head. "Tomorrow morning, go handle something for me."
With such a reputation, wouldn’t it be a waste not to make use of it?
The next day, after Zhao Yao’s family was routinely strung up and whipped, they hung their heads in lifeless despair.
Nian'an slowly walked up to them, sighing in mock pity. "Of all people to offend, you had to provoke Young Master Shen."
"Young Master Shen is someone even the capital fears to cross. Even..."
Hearing this, passersby couldn’t help but slow their steps, ears perking up.
"Even the Emperor holds Young Master Shen in high regard. Do you know how the Shen Family, a century-old aristocratic clan, fell? Or how the seemingly meek Xiao Family was wiped out? All of it was Young Master Shen’s doing!"
The records speak for themselves!
Nian'an straightened his back proudly. "And you dared to provoke such a man? Tsk, death would be a mercy for you..."
Thud—
All three of them fainted on the spot.
Nian'an nudged them with his foot, then left with a scoff, muttering under his breath the whole way:
"Such cowards, fainting just from hearing my master’s reputation."
Instantly, Shen Qingping’s terrifying image in Qingshui County reached its peak.
Of course, Nian'an was also added to the list of people not to be approached.
......
Inside the house.
"Third Master, your servant has sacrificed far too much this time."
Nian'an looked aggrieved, convinced his master had deliberately dragged him into this mess.
Otherwise, why not just send a random guard to handle it?
"Nian'an, today I’ll teach you a lesson," Shen Qingping said, swirling the wine in his cup. The fruit wine’s vibrant hue contrasted sharply against his pale fingers.
"W-what lesson?"
"A man who isn’t ruthless won’t hold his ground."
For the first time, Nian'an felt like a fool, completely lost.
Shen Qingping downed the wine in one gulp. "Come here, let me explain..."
The more he spoke, the brighter Nian'an’s eyes grew.
The next day, a notice was posted at the county office. The moment the guards left, a crowd surged forward to read it.
"Young Master Shen is reopening all unresolved cases from the past ten years in Qingshui County—and accepting new reports from the people!"
"The notice says those who surrender within five days will be dealt with according to the law. What about those who don’t?" someone asked.
The person beside them smacked their head. "Are you stupid? Those who don’t surrender will face Young Master Shen’s personal judgment."
Personal judgment!
The crowd scattered, spreading the news like wildfire across Qingshui County.
Meanwhile, the second-rank official at the center of the storm was leisurely enjoying his prized disciple’s music.
"Your playing has improved, Princess."
"I dare not neglect your teachings, so I practice often." As the song ended, Song Shihuan’s fingers were slightly reddened.
"Master, you’re still as reckless with your reputation as you were in the capital."
There was faint disapproval in Song Shihuan’s eyes. "I’ll have Baoxia announce that punishing Zhao Yao’s family was my idea."
"Princess, I like this reputation."
A sharp edge lingered in Shen Qingping’s gaze. "A reputation like this makes things easier. Care to guess how many will surrender voluntarily?"
Shen Qingping stayed in the courtyard with Song Shihuan for another half hour before leaving.
As he walked away, Song Shihuan stared at his retreating figure.
"Baoxia, after five days, tell the people that punishing Zhao Yao was my decision."
Baoxia nodded immediately. "Rest assured, Princess. I’ll handle it."
"Master punishes evil and upholds justice—his reputation must remain untarnished." Song Shihuan’s expression was solemn. "In five days, invite a theater troupe. I’ll personally clear his name!"
How dare anyone speak ill of her master?
"Princess, Young Master Shen is one of the rarest good men in this world. The people will realize it in time."
Baoxia spoke softly, her face full of agreement.
......
Elsewhere, Zheng Fang had left the Zheng Family and used his savings to buy a quiet house away from the streets, perfect for studying in peace.
Knock, knock, knock—
The sound made Zheng Fang frown. Opening the door, he saw one of Zheng's Father’s concubines. His face darkened. "You’re not welcome here."
"Eldest Young Master, your father still cares for you. If you just apologize, he’ll surely take you back." The concubine pleaded earnestly. She had worked hard to persuade Zheng's Father—if Zheng Fang admitted fault, the matter would be dropped.
"Who said I want to go back?"
Zheng Fang scoffed. "Let me repeat: from today onward, my surname ‘Zheng’ has nothing to do with his."
"But—" The concubine wasn’t ready to let go of such a promising figure.
"I’m a scholar. If you keep harassing me, I’ll report you to the authorities."
The door slammed shut, leaving the concubine humiliated as she slunk away.
Behind an old tree nearby, Shen Qingping nodded in approval. "This man has half my skill."
Only the ruthless succeed.
"Third Master, you came all this way. Won’t you go in?"
"Why bother? I just wanted to see if my future ally is a pushover." Shen Qingping waved a hand. "If he were..."
"I’d crush him right now."
His words were icy. He wouldn’t let anyone embarrass the Qin Prince’s Mansion.
Inside the courtyard, Zheng Fang suddenly felt a chill down his spine.
He couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching him.
......
Shen Qingping had expected many to surrender voluntarily—but not this many.
With Zhao Zhi detained awaiting trial, the county magistrate’s duties fell to the deputy.
On the second day of the five-day grace period, the deputy rushed over in a panic.
"May I see Young Master Shen?" The deputy was drenched in sweat.
He was desperate. The clerks had traded batons for brushes—there were too many confessions to record. Far too many...
"My master said he’ll see you in five days."
The deputy nearly fainted.
Five days...
Heaven help him.
