Chapter 51: The Last Straw That Broke the Camel's Back by Forcing a Woman into Prostitution

"Of course. I was in charge of selecting all of your clothes in your early years." However, after he got together with Jiang Wan, he stopped wearing the clothes she gave him.

Shen Minghuai paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "From now on, you'll be in charge of my clothes, okay?"

"What's with the checks?" Li Changling burst through the door. "How old are you? Do you need someone else to check you out? A man and a woman alone in a room, what kind of behavior is that?"

Throughout this journey, whenever she stood with Shen Minghuai, Li Changling, no matter where he was, would follow her like a stalker, his gaze never wavering. Wang Yan had assumed that he already knew of her choice.

"Senior brother, him and I—"

Li Changling interrupted her without any mercy, "We'll talk about this after this is over—something happened to the Xu family."

When the three arrived at Yilou, the night was as dark as ink, and the world was completely shrouded in darkness. Xu Yuhuan, who had just come from the government office, sat dejectedly in the side room. When Zhu Yao saw the three of them, he jumped up and stepped forward, tightly grasping Shen Minghuai's hand.

"Brother Ji Liang must have been framed! Do you have any way to save him?"

Shen Minghuai comforted Zhu Yao and told him to sit down, "Tell us the whole story."

Unable to bear the suffering of prostitution, Lady Le burned the pawn contracts and attempted suicide by hanging. The other women rescued her and, after much deliberation, decided to report her to the authorities. After Xu Yu finished speaking, Shen Minghuai took Wang Yan's hand, bringing her back to her senses.

Li Changling confirmed with Xu Yuhuan: "If that's the case, then the so-called contract is a forgery."

Now, Xu Yuhuan's eyes no longer held the admiration he had felt when he first met Li Changling. He said coldly, "Of course."

Shen Minghuai asked suspiciously, "Why were only three women reporting to the authorities?"

"What does Young Master Shen mean?" Xu Yu still held a lone sword, but now his whole body was exuding a murderous aura.

“If this is true—” Wang Yan was about to explain when he was angrily interrupted.

"My brother is definitely not that kind of person!"

Zhu Yao tried to calm Xu Yu down, saying, "I don't think Madam Wang meant that. Please let her finish."

Wang Yan continued, "Why don't the remaining women take this opportunity to personally send your brother to prison, or stand up and testify for him? They only want to protect themselves and don't care about the truth."

Shen Minghuai added, "They are not only afraid of one force; there must be another force secretly helping them behind those three witnesses."

Wang Yan nodded and said, "You only need to persuade enough women to clear Young Master Xu's name. They must have something to prove Young Master Xu's innocence."

These words surprised even Li Changling. The young woman who used to stay out of all trouble was nowhere to be found.

Shen Minghuai suggested they first find out who was behind it all before turning against their brother. Xu Yu calmed his anger and thought about it carefully. He had never paid attention to his brother's business dealings, so he didn't know who his brother had enemies or who he was at odds with. Zhu Yao, on the other hand, frowned in thought and suddenly brought up a name.

The next morning, a horse-drawn carriage stopped in a village on the western outskirts of the city.

Who is it?

When Lady Yun opened the door and saw the person who came in, she paused for a moment, but did not invite Wang Yan in.

The two sat down at a teahouse, and Wang Yan got straight to the point, stating the purpose of his visit.

"I have come here to ask you, madam, to clear the name of Young Master Xu."

Lady Yun had been scrutinizing her all the way. Dressed in Shu brocade and adorned with a gold hairpin and a jade hairpin inlaid with pearls, she was quite different from when they first met. Her tone suddenly became distant, "Now that Lady Wang has climbed up to Young Master Shen, why are you getting involved in this matter—do you perhaps know that this whole affair started because of you?"

Before coming here, she wasn't really sure, and her suspicions were confirmed. Wang Yan chuckled lightly, "It started because of me? It's just the last straw that broke the camel's back. I'm not here out of conscience. I just need this favor from the Xu family."

Only then did Lady Yun realize that the person in front of her was no ordinary tea-playing performer. "Who exactly are you, and why should I help you?"

"Who I am is not important—aren't you curious how I found my way here?"

Yun Niangzi, who had just taken a few steps, stopped in her tracks as Wang Yan finally uttered the name she didn't want to hear.

"Song Ranran, she's the one who told me."

As expected, Lady Yun turned around and met Wang Yan's clear, watery eyes, and felt a chill run down her spine.

Wang Yan watched her sit down opposite him. "She knows you have your own considerations and don't want to ask for help, but she can't just stand by and watch Young Master Xu be slandered like this, so she asked me to come."

Lady Yun clearly didn't fully believe her words. "If that's the case, then what are you doing here?"

"Didn't I just say that?" Wang Yan said, resting his chin on his hand, "It was naturally to help Lady Song."

Lady Yun said disdainfully, "You have a conscience now?"

Wang Yan shook his head, quite helplessly, "The people around me are very fond of helping others, so I have no choice but to play along."

Seeing her playful and carefree demeanor, Lady Yun wondered if she was just being foolish or arrogant, and kindly advised her, "Don't meddle in other people's business. The Wang family is not one that you or I can afford to offend. Although that man surnamed Shen is wealthy, he is just a commoner. The power behind the Wang family is not as simple as you think. Don't ruin your future for a man. If he changes his mind, it will be the woman who suffers."

Wang Yan glanced at the square table in the distance. "Human nature is fickle. I know you're not short of money, and you only have a mother to support. But what about your other sisters? Madam Chu has a lame father, an elderly grandmother, and a young sister. Young Master Xu is still in prison, and your monthly allowance will be nowhere to be found. How can you find such a decent job in such a short time?"

Yun Niangzi looked at the younger woman before her with a complicated expression. Just now, the sisters had indeed discussed this issue in her room. If Xu Jiliang was truly convicted, the sisters would surely be dismissed, and where would they find a stable and lucrative job?

Seeing that her tense nerves seemed to be loosening, Wang Yan continued to persuade her, "We have our own ways with the Wang family, and the Zhu family will not stand idly by either. See you at Yilou tomorrow at Hai Shi (9-11 PM)."

It was past dusk when they returned to the inn, and another half hour passed before they saw Li Changling and Ying Ming.

"Guess who Wang Yang just went to see?"

Wang Yan, perfectly in sync with the thought, pursed his lips and said, "The governor?"

"He is an official, but not a prefectural official; he is a maritime supervisor—"

"Supervisor of Maritime Ships"

Li Changling looked at Shen Minghuai in surprise, "How did you know?"

Shen Minghuai explained to them, "Wang Yang's main business is the trade of spices. Besides domestic trade, they also sell them to foreign countries through maritime trade. This is their main source of profit."

"Leaving aside spices for now, Wang Yang also presented the Superintendent of Maritime Affairs with a painting today. Can you guess what it is?"

Li Changling exclaimed mysteriously, "Jiang Zhen's 'One Hundred Monkeys'!"

Wang Yan couldn't help but wonder, how could this painting, which was supposedly unfinished, be in Wang Yang's hands?

"Yang Sitong".

Shen Minghuai suddenly rushed out with two guards, saying he was going to verify something.

Wang Yan suddenly remembered what Shen Minghuai had said to her when she barged into Yang Si's room before they parted ways in Huating, protecting her...

He then explained to Li Changling, "It's probably because Yang Sitong is selling fake paintings again."

"It even involves the Yang family?" Li Changling warned her, "You must not get too involved in this kind of thing. He's used to dealing with these things, but you have no experience at all."

Wang Yan tilted his head and smiled, "That was true at the beginning, but having come all the way from Yangzhou, it can't be said that we're completely without experience."

"You," Li Changling ruffled her hair haphazardly, "to be honest, are you continuing this investigation for the Heart Sutra, or for him?"

“At first, it was for you, my senior brother,” Wang Yan replied earnestly.

"And now?"

Wang Yan pondered for a while, “I can’t really explain it. I enjoy traveling with you all, hearing about or experiencing all sorts of interesting things. The Heart Sutra is certainly important, and one must also find tranquility, but if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have embarked on this path.”

Li Changling seemed somewhat regretful, "It's my fault for dragging you into this; you used to hate these things the most."

Wang Yan frowned and retorted, "You are my senior brother, so this matter is related to me. Don't worry, senior brother, I haven't changed. I still don't like these things, but I've learned to face them. I am, after all, a person from the capital."

"Never mind." Li Changling walked to the door, turned around and saw Wang Yanyi following behind. "I thought you were going to wait for that kid to come back."

"I did have that plan, but to avoid having to listen to my senior brother nag me so much, I'll give up on it." Wang Yan closed the door.

Yun Niangzi closed the door and turned around. Before her were familiar faces, except for a young swordsman dressed in red. Xu Yuhuan stood up first to invite her to sit down, and Song Ranran patted the back of her hand, indicating that she should relax.

"The lady who was bewitched by Lady Hua has become much more sober. As long as Lady Yun nods, this frame-up will not succeed."

Lady Yun glanced at Zhu Yao and snorted, "With the Zhu family involved, money becomes nothing more than an external thing."

Zhu Yao then unfolded a folding fan he had never seen before, saying, "Of course, of course."

Lady Yun still refused to budge, saying, "But money can't buy this. I've told you before that the power behind the Wang family is not as simple as you think."

Li Changling stepped forward to ease the tense atmosphere, saying, "I understand you don't want to fight a losing battle. It's just the Maritime Trade Office, right? Can it interfere with the government's judgment?"

"The Maritime Trade Office?" Lady Yun scoffed. "Are there any wealthy merchants here who have no connection with the Maritime Trade Office?"

Everyone turned to look at someone present. Zhu Yao looked left and right, then waved innocently.

Wang Yan frowned and asked, "Who is that?"

"You don't even know who's behind us? Aren't you just ruining our futures for nothing?"

"The government."

Yun Niangzi got up and walked to the door, where she bumped into Shen Minghuai, who was arriving late. After their eyes met for a moment, Shen Minghuai walked past her and sat down next to Wang Yan, where a cup of tea had already been prepared.

"The power behind Wang Yang is the government. If Lady Yun has nothing urgent, you may sit down and listen to our solution."

Lady Yun stood rooted to the spot, caught in a dilemma. Everyone was waiting for Shen Minghuai to finish his tea and reveal his solution.

This morning, a bearded man in plain clothes, introduced by a broker, arrived at the front hall of the Wang residence. The hall was filled with calligraphy and paintings, both relics from previous dynasties and works by contemporary masters, all displayed openly and without reservation. Half an hour later, Wang Yang, dressed in magnificent robes, slowly appeared.

"Where's the fan? Bring it out so I can see it."

Shen Minghuai respectfully replied, "Master Wang, the original is not with me—"

"Go away! I don't have time to mess around with you." Wang Yang turned and walked out.

Shen Minghuai hurriedly followed, "Sir, although I don't have it, I can. Just give me half an incense stick's time, and I will definitely let you see what you want to see."

Wang Yang only stopped when Shen Minghuai took out a small portrait.

"As an expert in this field, you must have recognized the fisherman in 'Fishing Alone in Snowy River' at first glance, right?"

Wang Yang finally took a good look at the person in front of him. "Have we met somewhere before?"

Shen Minghuai replied calmly, "I am a man, there's no need for such formalities, sir. If it weren't for this opportune moment, how could someone of my status possibly meet you under normal circumstances?"

Wang Yang glanced at him hesitantly again. A servant beside him hurriedly leaned in and whispered a few words. Shen Minghuai thus stayed at the Wang residence. Wang Yang instructed his attendant to lead him to a side hall to await his return, wanting to see the sincerity of Shen Minghuai's visit. In two hours, although he had only completed the wild goose in the painting "Sunset Glow and Lone Wild Geese Flying Together," it was enough to astound Wang Yang.

Even the most skilled painter wouldn't be able to tell the difference between the real and the fake!

Wang Yang held the bamboo paper and laughed heartily for a long time, then praised, "You are far better than them! Tomorrow! Tomorrow you will come here to copy 'Sunset Glow and Lone Wild Geese Flying Together.' I will prepare the best paper and ink for you, and after you finish painting—"

Shen Minghuai looked at the "five" he held up and stated a number without room for further discussion: "Eighty strings of cash."

Wang Yang gritted his teeth and agreed. Only then did Shen Minghuai leave the Wang residence and visit various painting shops. When he came to his senses, the world had changed.

Li Changling asked, "You mean you want the Criminal Investigation Department to take over this case?"

"Exactly. Although there is no direct evidence of collusion between Wang Yang and the government at present, judging from the number of people who reported to the authorities and the results of the initial investigation, it is undoubtedly more prudent to transfer this case to the Criminal Division."

Lady Yun was displeased. "Are you telling us to report this to the authorities too?"

Shen Minghuai reminded Zhu Yao and Xu Yuhuan, "As long as the case of Young Master Xu is linked to the case of Wang Yang."

Xu Yuhuan indeed had some concerns, "How do you know the Ministry of Justice doesn't have Wang Yang's people?"

“Yang, the Prefect of Yangzhou, once served here. I have sent him a letter by carrier pigeon, asking for his assistance—this Prefect is my father’s student.”

It turned out that Shen Minghuai had already made preparations. Zhu Yao couldn't help but praise, "As expected of someone from that city, doesn't he have quite the demeanor of a gentleman?"

Song Ranran replied quietly, "Master, none of us have seen the husband either."

The demeanor of a gentleman… Wang Yan seemed to see him again at the peony banquet, before he had been swept away by the turmoil of officialdom, yet he handled everything with ease.

“A few days ago we happened to run into Wang Yang presenting the ‘Hundred Monkeys’ painting to the Superintendent of Maritime Transport. Perhaps we can use this as a starting point—but the ‘Hundred Monkeys’ painting was never completed and is just a legend. If that painting is the real thing…”

Zhu Yao was so surprised that he closed his fan. "The 'Hundred Monkeys' painting?!"

Shen Minghuai's gaze hardened. "Whether it's true or false, if the people believe it's fake, then it's fake."

Ying Ming's voice rang out from outside the door, "Young Master, the person has been brought."

When Lady Le opened the door and saw the people present, she exchanged a quick glance with Lady Yun before hurriedly closing the door again. Song Ranran, addressing her as "Sister Le," led the person back. Ying Ming whispered a few words to Shen Minghuai before leaving again.

Le Niangzi pointed at Xu Yuhuan's hand, then moved it to Shen Minghuai, "...It's you?!"

Shen Minghuai invited her to sit down, saying, "Who it is doesn't matter; what matters is that the protection is genuine."

"Who needs your protection!"

Looking at Hua Niangzi and Song Ranran sitting next to Zhu Yao, Le Niangzi clenched her sleeves and said indignantly, "Xu Jiliang is already locked up in jail, what do I have to be afraid of!"

The scene froze instantly. Xu Yuhuan's face darkened, and his fingers clenched tightly. "Say it again."

"What! The dignified second young master of the Xu family, would he dare to lay a hand on a weak woman like me in broad daylight!"

Zhu Yao and Song Ranran stood up to try to reconcile them, when Shen Minghuai suddenly said, "Min Awu is not in prison."

Wang Yan smiled and said, "Sister Le, we can help you send him away. As long as you help us get the deed in his hands, he will never show up in Mingzhou again."

“What Min A-wu… I don’t know him.”

As Lady Le turned to leave, Lady Yun finally spoke.

“Ah Le, you can hide for a while, but you can’t hide forever. How can Min A Wu let you go if he doesn’t get the money? Do you really want to live in fear for the rest of your life? Wang Yang won’t help you.”

Lady Le turned around in a panic, pointing at Song Ranran and shouting, "What right do you have to lecture me?! You are the most beautiful among the sisters, aloof and distinguished, from impeccable families. How could you possibly understand how difficult our situation is? An alcoholic and abusive husband, a gambling-addicted brother, and a seriously ill mother..."