"Don't let me know again." The muscles on the boy's arms were clearly bulging with anger, but he spoke slowly, word by word, with a hoarse and dark voice, "You covet her."

"Otherwise, next time," he said, pushing the blade forward another two inches, "the knife won't drill so shallowly."

Although he did not die, blood gushed out from the wound on Wang Zhou's neck.

Rong Ting loosened his grip, his eyes drifting towards the firewood pile outside the window, "Don't think I don't know what you've been doing lately."

The reason he didn't sue the officials was that the people in the yamen were bribed by the queen and would not accept his complaint.

Letting him jump is just to confuse the Queen.

If Wang Zhou's words today had not angered him, he would have wanted to continue to hold back and watch Wang Zhou being so self-righteous as to perform some clumsy tricks in front of him that could be seen through at a glance.

Unfortunately, he was not in the mood to tease the mouse today.

Rong Ting leaned over, picked up the pestle and mortar on the ground, and sat back in the wheelchair. Although his legs were in severe pain from the force he had just exerted, his face looked normal and he sat very steadily.

He continued to pound his medicine while recalling the bruise on the back of Jiang Rao's neck that he saw yesterday.

The purple-blue, palm-sized dark spots reflected on her skin as delicate as fresh snow were too glaring.

He lowered his eyes and pounded the medicine seriously.

The murderous aura on his body disappeared, and the sunlight outside the window shone on his slender back. The years were peaceful, and he became that sickly and weak beauty again.

Wang Zhou covered the wound on his neck, leaned against the wall, stood with trembling legs, gasping for breath, but looked at Rong Ting as if he was a monster.

He is very strong and has always been the one bullying others since he was a child.

If the wound on his neck hadn't really hurt, he would have thought it was just a dream.

Wang Zhou was terrified when he thought that the disabled man in front of him was such a hidden and vicious character.

He staggered out of the house as if running for his life, looking at his hands covered in blood, his hands trembling, unable to stop.

The desire to kill Rong Ting became even stronger.

Otherwise, there will be endless troubles.

…

Rong Ting pounded the medicine.

He rolled up his sleeves, revealing scars of varying depths on his firm forearms. A thin layer of sweat gathered in the distinct muscle lines as he raised his hands.

He slowly put the powdered medicine into the oil paper medicine bag.

The corners of his lips were curled up in a sincere smile that he himself was not aware of.

But suddenly, Rong Ting's movements slowed down and paused, and the faint smile on his lips disappeared.

He held the medicine bag, looking down in silence.

Would she need these little things from him?

Now his leg injury has begun to improve, and the family is no longer short of rice, flour and firewood. Rice and flour are all available, and the heating stove no longer goes out. Everything, like a dream, is moving in a good direction.

All of this was brought by her.

Rong Ting felt at a loss as to what to do.

In fear.

He was afraid that he would gradually become trapped in an illusion that would eventually end. Obviously, he was the poor guy who was not cared for by anyone and was insulted and bullied, but he regarded the kindness that could be taken back by someone at any time as eternal warmth, and he clung to it and believed in it.

She was only being nice to him out of momentary guilt, and he couldn't allow himself to sink too deeply.

After a while, Rong Ting finally took action.

He steered the wheelchair into the hospital.

With a long arm he lifted the oil-paper bag high up and tipped it over.

The medicine powder fluttered out of the bag and poured out.

Soon, all of them dissipated.

Rong Ting didn't even look at it, went back to the house, and threw the empty paper bag into the fire.

The fire suddenly burned brighter, lengthening his shadow as it fell on the ground.

The lonely shadow was reflected on the gray ground, swaying slightly with the jumping of the firelight.

He wrapped himself back in that thick, hard shell, his thin figure immersed in darkness, filled with a gloomy atmosphere that kept strangers away.

He was like a lonely ghost, returning to an empty grave where only he would stay, isolating himself from the world, his eyes cold and icy.

…

The setting sun is like embers.

Jiang Ping followed Jiang Rao's instructions and ran around outside, inquiring about the various crimes Wang Zhou had committed, collecting evidence, and looking for witnesses. After a busy day, he returned to the Jiang Mansion and reported to Jiang Rao: "Miss, everything you ordered has been completed."

"Wait for two more days and see that the thief will definitely get his comeuppance. Don't worry, young lady."

Jiang Rao nodded to indicate that she understood, and Jiang Ping left.

Although everything had been arranged for Wang Zhou, Jiang Rao was still a little worried, fearing that something might go wrong, so she asked Ming Shao to give a message to the guards in the west of the city, asking them not to relax for a moment and to keep a close eye on Wang Zhou.

To avoid any further trouble.

She thought about the weak and lonely boy. He was similar to the person in her dream, but also different. His temperament was not as cruel as in her dream. It might also be because he was not as powerful as in her dream.

But he would bring her plum candy because she helped him get medicine.

If she helps him all the way, then when something happens to her family, can he... also help her?

…

That day, Wang Zhou woke up early.

He woke up, touched the white medicine belt around his neck, and his eyes were filled with hatred.

Wang Zhou's fingers rubbed the rough cloth of the bandage. The presence of the bandage and the occasional pain in the wound reminded him all the time of Rong Ting's sudden violence and cruelty.

For the past three days, he has piled up firewood inside and outside the yard.

Everything is ready, except for the fire.

He was feeling very angry and thought to himself that to ensure everything would go well, he should buy enough drugs and make Rong Ting unconscious before setting the fire to avoid any mistakes.

The sky gradually brightened.

Wang Zhou arrived early and waited outside the Yecheng government warehouse.

He was waiting for his master to come and deliver this month's salary.

He arrived too early and the warehouse was not yet open.

Wang Zhou squatted on the street with nothing to do, thinking about what he would say to the person who came to deliver the money on behalf of the master.

The person who came to deliver the monthly salary on behalf of his master was the owner of the government warehouse, a local sixth-rank official in Yecheng, Qin Lian.

Although Wang Zhou had some connections and power in Yecheng, he was just a local tyrant who was not worthy of being in the spotlight. When he met someone like this who held a serious official position, he would be inferior to him.

Every time Qin Lian came to deliver the monthly allowance and asked him a few words about Rong Ting, Wang Zhou would get very annoyed, but since he was inferior to him, he could do nothing about it.

In the past, Wang Zhou would have lied to get away with it.

But today, he was wondering whether he should stop lying.

If it was said that Rong Ting's leg injury suddenly worsened, it would make it more believable that he failed to escape from the fire.

Wang Zhou was thinking about it when he saw Qin Lian appear at the other end of the road.

Qin Lian is the only person in Yecheng who knows Rong Ting's true identity.

Before Rong Ting arrived in Yecheng, he had received a letter from the Fourth Prince Rong Shen, telling him that the Ninth Prince would come to Yecheng to recuperate and asking him to pay monthly wages to the Ninth Prince.

Qin Lian was just a local official. He had never heard of any news about the Ninth Prince before. After some inquiries, he learned a little.

Hearing that the Ninth Prince was of a very humble origin and his mother died young, making him the least powerful son of Emperor Zhaowu, he no longer had any desire to curry favor with him.

But this is the child of the royal family after all, and every time when he had some money left over from the monthly allowance, he couldn't help but ask about Rong Ting's recent situation.

Wang Zhouyi saw Qin Lian's figure, and his eyes

The flattering and greedy smile could not be concealed at all, and he walked quickly to greet him, "Sir, you are here?"

He was very anxious, and without any more polite words, he went straight to the point, "I am here to collect the monthly salary for my son."

Qin Lian took out the key to the warehouse and opened the door. As usual, he asked slowly, "How is your young master doing recently?"

Wang Zhou narrowed his eyes, and according to what he was thinking, he hesitated for a moment before saying, "Young Master... maybe it's because of the cold weather recently, his leg injury not only didn't get better, but it hurts more than a few days ago."

Qin Lian paused as he opened the door. "Does it hurt a lot?"

"Yes." Wang Zhou remained calm. "I received my monthly salary today and will go get him some good medicine."

Qin Lian nodded slightly, turned around and continued to open the door.

When he couldn't see, Wang Zhou's eyes showed a sense of pride. He rubbed his fingers, waiting to get the sixteen taels of silver.

But I heard a sigh behind me

"Finally I have found the official."

The voice was charming and seductive, sounding like a woman from a romantic place.

When Wang Zhou saw the woman's face, his expression changed.

I wanted to bury my face in the dirt so that she wouldn't see who I was, and then I turned around and walked away.

But he was a step too late. The woman's fingers painted with bright purple cardamom grabbed his shoulders and forced his head to turn. She said fiercely, "Two months ago, you lost 20 taels of silver in gambling at my Changle Manor. You owe me 10 taels. We agreed to replace you on the third day of February, but you haven't been seen for a month. Wang Zhou, I agreed to let you have credit for a month because I saw that you were always free on the third day of every month. Where is the 10 taels of silver?"

Wang Zhou had never expected such an accident to happen today.

He owed money to Yun Qinniang's gambling house two months ago and had planned to change it last month.

But last month, his sixteen taels of silver were stolen!

Wang Zhou's face was anxious, "Qiniang, please listen to my explanation."

"No need to explain. Today is the third day again. Your Excellency must have money again. It's my turn."

Qin Lian's footsteps in front suddenly stopped.

Wang Zhou felt even colder now.

When Wang Zhou saw Yun Qiniang just now, he was just afraid that the creditor would come to his house, but now he realized that Yun Qiniang was blocking him here in the warehouse and in front of Qin Lian, probably not just to collect debts!

If Qin Lian knew that he had secretly accepted money from Rong Ting...his brother-in-law's official position was not as high as Qin Lian's, so he would definitely be thrown into jail.

During this year, he lost nearly two hundred taels. He was not clear about the laws of Dazhao, but he knew vaguely that if he went in, he might not be able to get out!

Wang Zhou was stunned as if struck by lightning, trembling, and made eyes at Yun Qinnan, trying to stop her from continuing.

But Yun Qiniang sneered, "Sir, why don't you change the money? It's the third day of the new year, and your young master's monthly allowance has all gone into your pocket, right?"

If Wang Zhou had just hoped that Qin Lian would not be able to hear the hidden meaning in Yun Qinnan's words, now even the last fig leaf has been torn off.

It was over, and he collapsed to the ground.

…

Wang Zhou wanted to escape, but was caught up by the officers and soldiers around Qin Lian, pinned to the ground and arrested.

Qin Lian knew Rong Ting's true identity and secretly accepted the prince's monthly allowance. This was a serious matter, and the people around were watching, so he didn't want to ruin his reputation of being impartial and selfless. He ordered people to write letters and send them to Emperor Zhaowu and the Ministry of Justice respectively. At the same time, he escorted Wang Zhou back to the capital and personally delivered sixteen taels of silver to Rong Ting.

Qin Lian met Rong Ting for the first time.

I originally thought that Rong Ting's appearance was just so-so, just as humble as his background, but I didn't expect that this fourteen-year-old boy had such a good demeanor that he couldn't even suppress in a wheelchair.

His deep eyes hid his emotions very well. Even when he heard that the man who had bullied him all day had met his due end, his eyes were cold and calm, without any of the rashness of a young man who would show his emotions on his face.

It's even more pitiful to see his two legs...

After listening to what Qin Lian said, Rong Ting asked calmly, "Master Qin, do you know why Yun Qiniang went to Wang Zhou to ask for the debt in person?"

Qin Lian was stunned. "I think it's just a coincidence."

Rong Ting curled his lips and smiled faintly.

If Yun Qinnan wanted to collect the debt, why would she appear just before Wang Zhou was about to get the money?

It’s obvious that the debt should be collected after Wang Zhou gets the money.

Even if she was just trying to collect debts, when Wang Zhou was caught, she didn't get anxious or angry, nor did she go to Qin Lian to ask for justice. Instead, she left quietly.

This is totally not something a penny-pinching casino owner would do.

Qin Lian sighed, "That evil slave took so much money, why didn't His Highness the Ninth Prince find me earlier?"

Rong Ting lowered his eyelids, his long and thick eyelashes completely concealing the undercurrents in his eyes.

He had waited outside his house when he first arrived in Yecheng, but did he ever open the door for him then?

He laughed sarcastically, but was puzzled in his heart. Who was the person who prompted Yun Qinnan to put pressure on Qin Lian in front of the people today?

After seeing the guests off, he maneuvered his wheelchair out the door.

…

Inside the restaurant.

Jiang Rao pressed Jiang Ping to

As agreed with Yun Qiniang, he gave her a complete set of headwear.

Yun Qinnan happily touched the exquisite jewelry in her arms and couldn't help but look at Jiang Rao a few more times.

Jiang Rao learned that Qin Lian was going to escort Wang Zhou back to Beijing. She was afraid that Wang Zhou would escape on the way, so she was looking for someone to make sure he would be sent to Jinling and strictly interrogated.

She knew at first glance that the girl in front of her came from a wealthy family. When this expensive set of headwear was given to her, she didn't even blink, and didn't show any reluctance at all.

She is so charming that women can't help but take a few more glances at her. She really has an enviable life.

She was a little curious, "Why did Miss Jiang insist on punishing that evil scoundrel Wang Zhou?"

Logically speaking, a girl from such a wealthy family would have no contact with Wang Zhou. Even if he met her, Wang Zhou would never dare to offend her.

Jiang Rao was looking down from the window, leaning against the window railing and saying, "Who bullied one of my friends?"

She didn't specify who it was, so Yun Qinnan didn't ask any further questions. However, she probably guessed who it was and smiled meaningfully.

She said, "Wang Zhou was also greedy. He actually swallowed up nearly two hundred taels of silver from his master. With so much money, I'm afraid he will be locked up for life. He will have a hard time in prison. What's more, I think he has been escorted to Nanjing, and he will inevitably be severely punished."

Yun Qiniang suddenly asked curiously, "Is that young master the child of some important person? Why was Wang Zhouhuan escorted to Jinling for interrogation?"

Jiang Rao thought about it for a moment and shook her head.

Even if the boy's family background is strong, what's the use? If he hadn't fallen to this point, he would not even be as good as the children of ordinary families. Wang Zhou is indeed vicious, but he is the servant chosen for him by his mistress. The truly vicious one is his mistress.

The two chatted for a while and then walked out of the restaurant together.

It was cold outside, and Jiang Rao pulled her cloak closer. She heard Yun Qiniang beside her say, "Qiniang, let me ask you one more question. Is your friend the young man you like?"

She smiled and pointed to the opposite side, signaling Jiang Rao to look, "Is that him?"

Across the street, Jiang Rao raised her eyes and was startled to meet Rong Ting's gaze.