Song Yu sincerely thanked Zhou Kun before stepping out of the Grand Court.
"Young Master Guo, what did Lord Zhou say?"
Seeing the crowd's curiosity, Song Yu paused. "Lord Zhou said he would surely deliver justice for me."
"Fortunately, I've kept all the evidence from that time. I believe Lord Zhou will soon uncover the truth."
With every word Song Yu spoke, Chen Ye's expression darkened further.
Inside the Grand Court, Zhou Kun felt an overwhelming unease and soon hurried back to the Zhou Residence.
"Father, you called for me?" Zhou Mi noticed Zhou Kun's grim expression and softened his tone.
"Summon Madam Chen. I need to question her again."
A quarter of an hour later, Madam Chen arrived belatedly, only to be immediately scolded by Zhou Kun.
"My lord, this servant was preparing food for the eldest young master, which is why..."
Madam Chen tried to explain, but Zhou Kun cut her off. "I ask you again—were you involved in what happened to Guo Feng?"
"Think carefully before answering. Today, Guo Feng personally beat the drum of grievance. I’ve promised to investigate and deliver justice for him."
Madam Chen's face turned deathly pale.
Zhou Kun, enraged, slapped her across the face. "You fool! You’ve doomed the Zhou family!"
"My lord, the eldest young master—" Madam Chen collapsed to the floor, not daring to even cry.
"Father, what should we do now?" Zhou Mi grew frantic.
"We must beg Prince Qi for help. If that fails... we’ll find another way to cover this up." Zhou Kun seethed with anger. "Idiot! I’ve heard that Guo Feng recovered fully before the exams. All our efforts to catch magpies might have just paved his way to success!"
"Won’t Prince Qi despise us for this?"
Zhou Mi was utterly lost, oblivious to Madam Chen’s pleading gaze.
Zhou Kun sighed and stormed off.
......
"Lord Zhou, His Highness is unwell and cannot receive guests."
The steward of Prince Qi's Mansion stood firmly in Zhou Kun’s path, unmoved by his pleas.
The prince was in a foul mood—letting Zhou Kun in now would only worsen it.
Zhou Kun left dejected. Along the way, whispers of Guo Feng’s poisoning filled the streets, making him realize the gravity of the situation.
But worse was yet to come.
"Commander Shen, what brings you here?" Zhou Kun’s confidence withered under Shen Xiao’s cold gaze.
"I heard a man named Guo Feng brought his grievance to you?"
Zhou Kun’s heart sank. "Yes, I was just about to investigate."
"The Imperial Guards will assist in this investigation." Shen Xiao’s icy tone sent a shiver down Zhou Kun’s spine.
"His Majesty is furious. We must resolve this quickly, or neither of us will keep our heads."
Zhou Kun’s eyes widened. "But he’s just a scholar..."
Shen Xiao gave him a piercing look.
That was no ordinary scholar.
He was the future emperor of Da Qi.
Zhou Kun was now in dire straits—aligned with Chen Ye, yet reaping none of the benefits before disaster struck.
With Shen Xiao’s involvement, the Imperial Guards surrounded the Zhou Residence that very afternoon.
"Lord Zhou, who would’ve thought the trail would lead to you?"
Shen Xiao’s voice was calm, though the Imperial Guards hadn’t truly investigated—Shen Qingping had already laid out the entire affair in writing.
"Commander Shen, there must be some misunderstanding—"
"Take Madam Chen away."
Ignoring Zhou Kun’s protests, Shen Xiao had Madam Chen seized. The guards remained stationed around the Zhou Residence, and soon, Chen Ye’s home was also surrounded.
The capital erupted in uproar.
Scholars competing in the imperial exams had resorted to poisoning!
Theatrical troupes swiftly adapted the scandal into plays, drawing crowds wherever they performed.
"Madam Chen."
A chilling voice echoed. Madam Chen looked up to see an aloof, untouchable man approaching.
"Confess everything truthfully, and I’ll grant you a swift death."
"You’re... Third Master Shen?" Her teeth chattered—she’d heard of him from the eldest young master, a man not to be crossed.
"You’ve offended someone far above you. A quick death is mercy." Shen Qingping smirked. "As for the Chen family, and your cousin Chen Ye... none will escape."
Madam Chen trembled, barely able to speak. Who... who had she provoked?
As a jailer approached with a searing branding iron, she screamed:
"Stay back! I’ll talk, I’ll tell you everything!"
......
Meanwhile, at the Qin Prince's Mansion.
"Father, why have you suddenly decided to visit Lianhua Temple for prayers?"
"The exam results will soon be announced. It’s best to seek blessings for peace of mind." Song Yu patted Song Shihuan’s head. "Ah Huan, wait for me at home. Tell the maids what you’d like for dinner."
Song Shihuan nodded, though puzzled—why wouldn’t he take her along?
Once outside, Song Yu’s gentle demeanor faded.
"Liuxi, is Master Ci’an truly back at Lianhua Temple?"
"Your Highness, the master returned yesterday."
Song Yu nodded and boarded his carriage for Lianhua Temple.
After an hour and a half, he arrived.
Master Ci’an greeted him personally. "Prince Qin, your first visit to our humble temple is an honor. Forgive any lack in our hospitality."
"I’ve come seeking answers, Master."
Master Ci’an stroked his white beard. "Your Highness bears a noble aura, with the faint trace of a purple dragon behind you. You will surely lead Da Qi to prosperity."
"Master, tell me—can the dead return to life through fate’s design?"
Song Yu’s gaze was intense. This man was the most enlightened in all of Da Qi.
"Amitabha."
Master Ci’an showed no surprise. "The universe holds infinite wonders."
"Then... are recurring dreams glimpses of a past life?"
Instead of answering, the master calculated silently.
"Your Highness was fated to die young, without heirs. Yet now, your destiny has completely reversed."
"Will the one who changed my fate... suffer divine retribution?"
Song Yu’s heart skipped a beat. His salvation had come from Ah Huan.
If she were to suffer for it, he’d rather die young and heirless.
"Foolish child." Master Ci’an shook his head.
"She has endured enough suffering in the past."
The past...
Song Yu understood at last.
