Chapter 75 That alluring appearance originally...

Suddenly, the image of her birthday flashed into my mind: in the dark corner of the woodshed, her red lips reached out to me.

Those red lips that you couldn't push away no matter what, are now kissing someone else's lips.

Would she also trap a man in a corner, tilt her head back, and kiss his lower lip with a shy yet passionate kiss?

Would she also slightly part her lips, letting that person trespass into her territory and take whatever she wanted from him?

Will we also engage in a passionate kiss, exchanging saliva and exploring each other's depths?

The image of her with tears welling in her eyes and her flushed cheeks kept playing in Wei Zhang's mind.

He could hear her intermittent soft moans and gasps.

That charming and alluring appearance was originally his!

Wei Zhang's hand suddenly clenched, and after a moment, blood seeped through his fingers.

Drops of blood fell onto the black jade fragments, splashing out blood flowers.

"Sir, you should go out and get your wound bandaged."

Qingyang couldn't bear to watch any longer.

When Qingyang was riding his horse along the mountain road, he noticed that Wei Zhang's reins were covered in blood.

He observed it closely and then noticed that there were dozens of small pieces of jade, each the size of a grain of sand, embedded in the old man's palm.

It's deeply embedded in the wound, and I'm afraid it can never be removed.

If you continue to injure yourself like this, damaging your muscles and bones, you might develop a tremor in your hands.

Qingyang tore off a piece of his robe and stepped forward to bandage Wei Zhang's wound.

Just as Fang was about to touch Wei Zhang's hand, Wei Zhang stood up with his hands behind his back.

Thick smoke, not yet completely burned, passed behind him, piling up layer upon layer, obscuring his expression and the light from the cave.

Everyone held their breath in anticipation.

After a long silence, he finally said, "Let's go."

His voice was calm and steady.

The moment he stepped out of the cave, the anger on his face vanished, and he returned to his usual aloof demeanor, except for a faint redness that had not yet completely faded from the corner of his fair eyes.

Qingyang quickly got up and followed Wei Zhang's steps, "Where does Your Highness intend to go? Are you going to continue tracking the eldest young master? Perhaps Your Highness should go back and rest, Your subordinate..."

"Go to the western border."

Wei Zhang uttered three words calmly, then stopped chasing westward and turned back to the capital.

Qingyang froze on the spot.

Is Master preparing to head to the Western Frontier immediately?

The emperor has just taken office as chief minister, and the situation in the court is not yet stable.

In addition, the Emperor and Shen Jinglan have been making many moves recently, which has made them increasingly distant from their master.

Previously, he had almost managed to outmaneuver his master into leading troops to conquer the west, and his master had previously gone to great lengths to maintain his position in the court.

This time, by volunteering to go to the western border, isn't this exactly what others want?

Not to mention the demons and monsters in the court, even the Emperor and Shen Jinglan would probably try to weaken the master's power while the master is away from the capital.

"Perhaps I should go to the western border, or we could ask Lord Lu or Lord Pei for help..."

Wei Zhang glanced at Qingyang briefly, but did not stop his steps back to the capital.

To be fair, even with Wei Xuan's horsemanship, he only had a 50% chance of catching them in the deep forest of the canyon.

Therefore, Wei Zhang no longer wanted to play this cat-and-mouse game.

We still need to take drastic measures and intercept them directly in the western border.

However, the western border was occupied by various forces, and it was a place that Wei Xuan was very familiar with.

To capture someone so deeply in his territory, it's not something that can be accomplished by just sending one person.

Wei Zhang would not allow them any further chance to escape through his fingers.

Moreover...

The image of a man and woman kissing unconsciously resurfaced in Wei Zhang's mind.

A hidden undercurrent was subtly surging within my chest.

He had to bring her back and hide her away in the fastest and most efficient way possible.

Wei Zhang narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze as deep as an abyss.

Seeing this, Qingyang knew that his master had to go personally this time, and he was very worried. "If things are not stable in the rear when you go to the western border, all sorts of troubles will arise..."

"Then let's nip the problem in the bud."

Wei Zhang pulled his cloak tighter.

The heavy, dark shadows, like dark clouds, stirred up a cold wind.

The branches beside me swayed slightly, startling a flock of crows and sparrows.

Birds flew in all directions, their chaotic and frightened cries heading towards the imperial city of Shengjing.

"Where is my Iron Egg? Where is my Iron Egg?"

The backyard of the Hall of Mental Cultivation with its golden bricks and green tiles.

The young emperor, Mu Qingyun, was dressed in a disheveled and loose dragon robe, searching the garden for the little sparrow she kept.

The maids and eunuchs followed the whole courtyard, some to the main house, some to remove the roof tiles.

The personal eunuch, Liu Gonggong, followed behind Mu Qingyun, wiping his sweat repeatedly. "Your Majesty, what kind of canaries and kingfishers don't we have in our palace? We even have a whole courtyard full of peacocks. Why do you insist on finding a little sparrow?"

"I...I want sparrows! I love sparrows!"

Those sparrows were the ones she and Shen Jinglan raised at the Summer Palace.

What's wrong with sparrows?

They are easy to raise; they can grow plump and strong just by eating a little rice.

Fly when you want to fly, shout when you want to shout.

Unlike canaries, which spend their days preening their feathers in their cages and putting on a pretentious act for others to see!

She didn't like that; she wanted the little sparrow!

Mu Qingyun grew increasingly anxious and ran outside, lifting the hem of her dress.

"Your Majesty, please don't run around chasing and teasing sparrows. Lord Wei will be displeased if he sees you doing so."

"Is he the emperor, or am I the emperor?"

Mu Qingyun blurted out in anger.

The maids and eunuchs around heard this and were so frightened that they fell silent and withdrew.

Liu Gonggong's face turned green with fright, and he quickly put his hand to his lips, making a shushing gesture.

However, Mu Qingyun had long since had enough.

In the past, she had to follow Wei Zhang's wishes in reviewing memorials, appointing ministers, and even in her daily routine and meals.

Now, he has diverted all the navy and army that are supposed to protect the country and safeguard the capital to find a traitor. Is there no law left?

What's the difference between this kind of misappropriation of public resources and those traitors and rebels?

"Why don't I abdicate and let him be the emperor!" Mu Qingyun flicked his sleeves and strode out.

Just as I reached the arched doorway, a glimpse of a dark-colored garment appeared before me.

Mu Qingyun paused.

A tall figure slowly emerged from behind the arched doorway.

What did His Majesty say?

"I said..." Mu Qingyun was halfway through her sentence when she noticed a small sparrow perched on Wei Zhang's slender, jade-like fingers.

The sparrow hopped so high and so joyfully in his tiger's mouth.

He fiddled with it with great interest.

Mu Qingyun's pupils shrank, "My...my Iron Egg."

She wanted to go forward and take the bird back, but she didn't dare.

A toe peeked out from under the dragon robe, and after some hesitation, mustered up the courage to walk up to Wei Zhang.

"Minister Wei, give Tie Dan back to me... back to me!" Mu Qingyun puffed out his chest.

Alan had told her not to be too afraid of Wei Zhang.

She is the ruler, he is the subject!

Mu Qingyun reached out her hand, trembling slightly, but her expression remained extremely forceful.

Wei Zhang twirled his index finger, held the sparrow in his palm, and handed it to Mu Qingyun.

Mu Qingyun was taken aback for a moment, not expecting Wei Zhang to be so agreeable today.

However, after searching for sparrows all day without sleep, she found them chirping and hopping about, and her joy overshadowed everything else.

Without realizing it, she revealed a charming smile and quickly reached out to cup it with both hands.

Suddenly, a few drops of warm blood dripped into his palm.

Mu Qingyun looked up abruptly.

Wei Zhang clenched his fist tighter and tighter. Tie Dan struggled and thrashed in his palm, and blood trickled out from between his fingers, dripping down his pale skin.

Her iron egg let out two sharp cries.

In Wei Zhang's hands, it turned into blood and flesh.

"What...what are you doing?"

"Your Majesty is indulging in frivolous pursuits and behaving like a foolish ruler. Tell me, what should your subject do?"

Wei Zhang handed the sparrow, which he had sculpted into mud, back to her.

Mu Qingyun dared not accept, her eyes widened as she stared intently at Tie Dan, but her feet instinctively took a step back.

Wei Zhang, on the other hand, strode forward with measured steps and an air of composure.

He appeared calm and collected, but his oppressive aura pressed in relentlessly, forcing Mu Qingyun to stand before the stone table.

His weak legs tripped over the stone bench, and he fell to the ground.

The ill-fitting dragon robe hung loosely on his body, making him look like a snowman crushed under the weight.

"When did I ever act like a tyrant?"

Mu Qingyun didn't!

Although she was not particularly talented, she never neglected her studies or calligraphy practice while attending court and managing state affairs every day.

How could she be a tyrant?

She didn't; she shook her head repeatedly.

"Do I need to remind you?"

Wei Zhang's tall and slender figure loomed over the young emperor who was slumped on the ground.

"His Majesty cannot distinguish between loyalty and treachery, and intends to exile me to the western border; this is the first crime."

"Unjustifiably imprisoning and burning down prominent families, resulting in the destruction and death of the Zhou, Lu, and Xie clans, constitutes the second crime."

"As for this third crime."

Wei Zhang's eyes turned slightly cold. "Sending my wife to the western border for a marriage alliance disregards moral principles and violates the emperor's virtues. Does Your Majesty still consider yourself a wise ruler?"

"I...I..." Mu Qingyun stammered.

The person opposite her spoke of great benevolence and righteousness, but Mu Qingyun knew that Wei Zhang had come to settle old scores with her.

Everything he mentioned was done by Mu Qingyun and Shen Jinglan behind Wei Zhang's back.

Wei Zhang wasn't advocating for the people at all; he simply disliked being disobeyed.

Unable to argue with him, Mu Qingyun got up and ran outside.

Just as she reached the arched gate, two embroidered spring knives blocked her way.

The Imperial Guards, dressed in flying fish robes, stopped her in this courtyard.

Her pupils dilated, and she abruptly turned her head.

It turns out that Wei Zhang had people in the Embroidered Uniform Guard!

How could Wei Zhang really entrust such an important bodyguard to Shen Jinglan?

He loosened his grip, tossing the lump of flesh to the ground, and calmly wiped the blood from his hands.

As the sun set, he remained motionless, yet his shadow stretched out, looming over Mu Qingyun like a dark cloud.

Mu Qingyun felt a chill run down her spine. "What...what exactly do you want to do?"

Wei Zhang remained silent.

Only after that hand was wiped clean and flawless did he lift his eyes and say, "Your Majesty has been overwhelmed with worries and overworked lately, and should... rest well."

As soon as he finished speaking, Eunuch Liu walked towards Mu Qingyun carrying a bowl of brown soup.

The broth sloshed and rippled in the white porcelain bowl.

How could Mu Qingyun not know that the medicine was definitely not a good thing?

She wanted to run, her fearful eyes searching everywhere for Shen Jinglan's shadow.

Behind her, the hand of a member of the Imperial Guard gripped her neck.

She was like the sparrow she had raised, trapped in someone's palm, unable to chirp or break free.

The soil beneath their feet was kicked up and kicked up.

Her chin was pried open, and bitter soup was forcefully poured into her mouth.

The soup stung my throat the moment it entered my mouth.

Immediately afterwards, a sweet, fishy smell wafted out.

She vomited blood!

She was terrified of blood, and she made muffled noises in her throat but couldn't speak.

The large hand behind her loosened its grip, and she collapsed weakly to the ground.

It felt as if my internal organs were being torn apart; it hurt terribly, and my body was tightly curled up.

Blood silently gushed from his mouth, and his vision was too weak to lift.

As far as the eye could see, there was only a pile of feathers and blood mixed together at Wei Zhang's feet, and it was impossible to tell what the iron egg was.

Her vision gradually became cloudy, and she could hardly see anything anymore.

The pair of dark official boots slowly stepped over the sparrow and walked towards her, but did not linger with her and passed by her.

Immediately afterward, Eunuch Liu, speaking in a shrill voice, said from above: "His Majesty has contracted a wind-related illness. Consort Yue is to attend to him day and night. No one else should disturb him unless it is an important matter."

Consort Yue was a woman arranged by Wei Zhang to cover up the fact that the ministers had been strongly advising Mu Qingyun to fill the harem a few days ago.

Why did Wei Zhang throw people into the Hall of Mental Cultivation at this time?

Mu Qingyun should not spend day and night with a woman she doesn't know well!

She vaguely realized that she was under house arrest, and with her last bit of strength, she grabbed Wei Zhang's clothes.

His lips, still bleeding profusely, moved slightly, and he blurted out, "Lord Shen will not let you go!"

Having gone through all this, Mu Qingyun had learned to be wary of others and swallowed her words.

However, Wei Zhang glanced at her briefly and knew that she was still not content and wanted to complain to Shen Jinglan.

"If Your Majesty is truly free, then I have found some amusement for you."

As soon as he finished speaking, the Imperial Guards carried a thick stack of books and placed it in front of Mu Qingyun.

Mu Qingyun used to be illiterate, but after coming to the palace, Wei Zhang gave her books like the Four Books and Five Classics and "Zhenguan Zhengyao" to study.

Now, what lies before her is no longer the art of imperial rule, but the records of the imperial prison and the files of the Ministry of Justice...

The pages of the book were turned by the wind, and each page was inscribed with the name "Shen Jinglan".

It contained a list of evidence and charges of murder, arson, and selling official positions.

How could Alan do such a thing?

Mu Qingyun's pupils dilated suddenly, and her grip on Wei Zhang's clothes tightened. "You...you want to frame him! Why are you framing him? You'll die a horrible death!"

A hint of disdain flashed in Wei Zhang's eyes. He kicked the utterly foolish thing away and walked away.

Qingyang followed closely behind, glanced back at Mu Qingyun who was still lying on the bed muttering to herself, and sighed softly.

The master sought out and supported these two people because he valued Mu Qingyun's naivety and Shen Jinglan's courage.

Over the years, Shen Jinglan has done many illegal things in order to protect Mu Qingyun's throne and life.

These are all irrefutable facts, and his master has kept them all in mind.

It was fine if these two had been well-behaved in the past, but now that they've truly developed ambitions to become successful, Wei Zhang certainly wouldn't let them continue their antics.

"Let Yingqi watch over her, keep her alive as long as she's alive. It's not time for her to die yet." Wei Zhang raised his hand.

Qingyang bowed and replied, "Yes!", though he was also taken aback.

Clearly, the master has reached his current position and no longer needs those two not-so-bright stepping stones.

My lord is probably planning to promote someone more to his favor.

Who could it be?

Qingyang dared not speculate, wiped away his cold sweat, and followed Wei Zhang's steps. "But since you gave His Majesty that medicine that damaged his constitution today, will Shen Jinglan have any objections? Will he take advantage of your absence from the capital and act recklessly?"

"Mu Qingyun will shut up."

Wei Zhang was not worried about this.

Although Mu Qingyun is not very smart, she is devoted to Shen Jinglan.

Knowing full well that he had taken a slow-acting poison and that his days were numbered, how could he dare to tell Shen Jinglan and provoke her into confronting Wei Zhang?

Don't forget, Shen Jinglan's crimes are too numerous to count, even if he really had the ability to perish together with Wei Zhang.

The one who was shattered to pieces was still Shen Jinglan.

How could Mu Qingyun bear to part with it?

On the contrary, now that she is nearing the end of her life, the two star-crossed lovers don't even have enough time to pour out their hearts to each other, so they have no time to create any further complications.

Wei Zhang pulled his cloak tighter, his eyes like a desolate desert, filled with a chilling aura.

Master and servant walked out of the Hall of Mental Cultivation one after the other, and arrived at the Danchi (red steps) of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where another lively scene unfolded.

The senior officials of the Six Ministries and Three Departments stood in twos and threes on the steps, discussing things in hushed tones.

News of Wei Zhang's plan to personally go to the western border has already spread.

Originally, the ministers were struggling with the question of who should go to hand over the city to the Western Qi.

After all, with the loss of Xiao Cheng, a major general of Western Qi, everyone fears that Western Qi's return of the city is a pretense, and their real intention is to use this opportunity to launch an attack.

We must send a highly capable and shrewd envoy.

Now that Wei Zhang is willing to go in person, everything will be easily resolved.

When some busybodies saw Wei Zhang arrive with an air of importance, they quickly bowed and fawned over him, saying, "My lord, you have gone to great lengths to travel to the western border to seek happiness for the people. This is truly a blessing for the common folk!"

"To be honest, the people of the western border are extremely grateful to you for reclaiming the city without losing a single soldier, and they are eagerly awaiting your return."

...

All the officials clasped their hands in greeting.

Although their words were flattering, they were not entirely untrue.

Previously, Wei Zhang had relieved his concubine to quell the war, and later he had also dealt with the death of Xiao Cheng within his territory with minimal effort, and even reclaimed the city, thus freeing the western border from conflict.

The people of the western border were naturally grateful to Wei Zhang.

With the support of the people, Wei Zhang's journey to the western border to arrest people should be much smoother.

Qingyang thought to himself.

Wei Zhang's face remained largely unmoved as he returned the greetings with clasped hands, saying, "For the country and the people, hardship is nothing."

His voice was gentle, but his sharp eyes were scanning the ministers who had gathered around him.

Wei Zhang's men were placed in all the important positions in the Six Ministries and Three Departments. Wei Zhang left briefly for half a month and was fine.

However, there are always some small pebbles that try to create some waves in his blind spots.

Wei Zhang narrowed his eyes slightly, his calm gaze locking onto Pei Xiuyuan on the periphery of the crowd.

Pei Xiuyuan also saw him through the crowd at the same time, and his pupils contracted slightly.

Wei Zhang had clearly realized that he was hiding something from him.

For example, the falcon that flew to Xiqi.

For example, Wei Xuan, who went into seclusion and refused to see anyone.

If Pei Xiuyuan hadn't concealed this crucial information, how could Wei Xuan have successfully reached the capital and taken Xue Lanyi away?

Wei Zhang's eyes darkened slightly as he walked straight toward him through the noisy crowd.

Pei Xiuyuan paused for two breaths, then stepped forward and bowed respectfully, saying, "Lord Wei, may you have a safe journey."

"Lord Pei, please take care of yourself as well." Wei Zhang returned the greeting, his tone ordinary and without any apparent emotion.

When Pei Xiuyuan raised his head, Wei Zhang said, "Lord Pei has made great contributions to the flood control efforts, which has earned His Majesty's high praise. His Majesty intends to promote you to Governor-General of Yunnan to pacify the distant frontier. His Majesty understands that you have just become a father and has specially granted you permission to bring your wife and children with you. Congratulations, Lord Pei."

Pei Xiuyuan's smile froze slightly, and his expression stiffened.

Wei Zhang said nothing more, nodded and left.

As they brushed past each other, the elaborate python robe brushed against Pei Xiuyuan's rather thin red robe.

Pei Xiuyuan staggered half a step, and his colleagues and friends rushed forward to support him. "This is clearly a demotion in name only, an exile to the frontier, and you're being sent with your wife and children. Doesn't that mean you'll never be able to return?"

Pei Xiuyuan stood there stunned, raising his hand to signal for silence.

For him, being demoted or exiled to the frontier was not a big deal.

Unfortunately, Wei Zhang appointed him as the governor of Yunnan.

The governor's mansion was where his childhood sweetheart, Zheng Zhilan, had lived since she was a child, but Wei Zhang wanted him to bring his current wife and children to live in the old house.

Truly, killing someone is like destroying their spirit.

Pei Xiuyuan gazed at Wei Zhang's cold, hard back from afar, clutching the Bodhi seed in his hand tightly. After a long while, he finally uttered, "Let's go."

In any case, his wish should have been fulfilled.

So be it.

Pei Xiuyuan shook his head, his stiff expression suddenly turning into a relieved smile.

This nonsensical laugh was seen by Qingyang, who turned around, and he frowned in bewilderment. "Didn't Master say that Marquis Pei was one of our people? Why is he so confused as to help the eldest young master conceal his whereabouts?"

Given the current momentum of the Duke's Mansion, Pei Xiuyuan's underhanded actions right under Wei Zhang's nose could harm the entire Pei clan.

Wei Zhang shook his head dismissively, "He's not being unreasonable, nor is he trying to help the boss; it's because of his childhood sweetheart who died young."

That is, Zheng Zhilan.

Originally, Zheng Zhilan was also from a prominent family, and she and Pei Xiuyuan were childhood sweethearts and a perfect match.

When they reached marriageable age, just before they were about to get married, the former Crown Prince's faction suddenly began to promote a system of demoting titles.

The Zheng family's title was stripped, and Zheng's father died of anger that very night, causing the family to plummet overnight.

The difference in their social standing was thus revealed, and Zheng Zhilan, who was once a legitimate wife, became a concubine.

She was later humiliated and tortured to death by Pei Xiuyuan's current wife.

A perfect couple, now separated by life and death.

Pei Xiuyuan was naturally ruthless towards the new political party represented by Wei Xuan and Xue Lanyi.

Therefore, he was willing to cooperate with Wei Zhang, act as Wei Zhang's spy, and help Wei Zhang eliminate the former crown prince's faction.

As for why he concealed Wei Xuan's whereabouts, it was simply to exacerbate the conflict between Wei Zhang and Wei Xuan.

Once Wei Xuan enters the capital and takes away Wei Zhang's men, the two brothers will inevitably break off their relationship completely.

In this way, Pei Xiuyuan could use Wei Zhang to avenge Zheng Zhilan.

"What a clever trick to use someone else to do the dirty work."

Wei Zhang would certainly not let Wei Xuan, who had taken the man, get away with it.

But similarly, he doesn't like being manipulated.

Pei Xiuyuan disregarded his own life and fortune for the sake of his old friend.

Let him face his old friend's former residence every day, his heart breaking.

Would it be very painful to share a bed with a new person in the room of an old friend, raise children together?

A playful smile appeared on Wei Zhang's lips as he strolled towards the Xuanwu Gate.

He didn't realize that his methods of dealing with two people today were quite different from usual.

Qingyang, however, noticed it.

In the past, when masters punished others, they would either ruin their families or destroy their reputations.

Today, whether it's Mu Qingyun or Pei Xiuyuan, it's all about the slaughter of love.

Is it because the master also knows that the blade of love is sharper and more heart-wrenching than others?

Qingyang stood there, lost in thought.

Seeing his master lift his robe and get into the carriage, he followed suit.

The carriage was always filled with the burning of pine incense, with wisps of smoke rising from it.

Wei Zhang sat in the center of the carriage, looking up to rest, as the magnificent palace gradually receded into the distance.

After this morning's sweeping actions, those who rebel and those with ulterior motives should be put to rest.

With the root of the problem removed, the next step is to head to the western border.

Qingyang squatted in front of the low table, adding incense as he asked Wei Zhang, "How many soldiers does Your Excellency plan to take to the Western Border? Or will you be transferring troops from the Northern Camp?"

"No need," Wei Zhang said calmly. "Just pass on the news of His Majesty's serious illness."

Qingyang choked.

In such a vast western region, without a single soldier, isn't finding someone like searching for a needle in a haystack?

Moreover, the eldest son is no ordinary person; he is as adept as a fish swimming in the deep sea in the vast western lands.

What's the point of letting just one message out?

Qingyang, still worried, asked again, "When does Master plan to set off?"

"tonight."

Two more decisive words.

Qingyang paused in his incense-making.

With numerous official duties to attend to, the fact that the master stayed in the capital for another half day was clearly to handle his work, leaving himself no time to rest.

To be more precise, the concubine was away from the mansion for three days. The master was handling both official and household affairs, barely sleeping or resting, and then he was rushing westward without stopping. How could he possibly keep going?

Qingyang opened his mouth, looking quite worried.

Through the bluish-gray smoke, one could see a man sitting upright, pressing his brow in the thick fog.

The carriage jolted along, and the light filtering through the gaps in the curtains flickered, illuminating the bruises under Wei Zhang's eyes.

The master has lost a lot of weight in the past three days. He is still strong in front of others, but his fatigue is more and more obvious when he is alone.

Qingyang's words of advice stuck in his throat. Clearly, if the master didn't find his concubine soon, this knot in his heart would never be untied in this lifetime. It was more important to find her as soon as possible.

"I will return to the manor immediately and have someone pack my luggage in preparation for departure."

As he spoke, he ordered the carriage to take a shortcut back to the mansion.

"Qingyang".

Wei Zhang lowered his hand, and his eyes regained their usual coldness.

After a moment's thought, he tapped the low table lightly with his fingertips. "Let's go to Suzaku Street first."

The crisp tapping sound echoed in the cramped space, vibrating incessantly.

The carriage immediately turned around and headed towards the dark alley of Zhuque Street.

Before even reaching the depths of the alley, a strong, cheap scent of rouge wafted over on the wind.

Along the roadside, groups of two or three men dressed in brightly colored clothes walked by hand in hand, their clothes loose, their chests and bellies exposed, and their skin slender and fair.

As Wei Zhang stepped out of the carriage, he attracted many effeminate and seductive glances.

But soon, these people were so frightened by his gloomy aura that they turned and fled.

Wei Zhang went straight to the deepest part of the dark alley.

Just then, two bearded men with bulging beards walked out from inside, their faces flushed, seemingly still wanting more.

As they passed each other, Wei Zhang glanced at him with great interest.

Qingyang looked embarrassed. "Master, you should leave. This place is filthy and unbearable to look at."

"Wei Zhang, you bastard who deserves to die a horrible death!"

"You beast who deserves to be raped in Avici Hell!"

...

In the dead end, Xiao Cheng, leaning against the corner of the wall, had already spotted Wei Zhang and was roaring angrily through gritted teeth.

By the time he was exiled, his tongue had been cut off, his Achilles tendons severed, and his blood-stained hair hung in front of his eyes.

No one would have thought that such a large, easily abused man could be the Flying Tiger General who once struck fear into the hearts of many.

Of course, Qingyang did not expect that after only two days of sending him to the dark alley, the once powerful prince, who was second only to the emperor, would have countless knife scars, teeth marks, and even burn marks from high incense.

He was only wearing a dirty pair of pants, with blood seeping from the crotch area and a faint stench.

The dark alley truly lived up to its name, surrounded by hungry wolves.

Qingyang frowned as he looked at it, and suddenly thought of the female corpse in the stagnant pool, which seemed to be in a similarly wretched state.

It has now been determined that the female corpse was Xiao Cheng's concubine, who was tortured to death by Xiao Cheng.

Xiao Cheng's current miserable state is indeed a result of cause and effect.

Qingyang sighed.

Wei Zhang showed no emotion whatsoever, his steps were upright and refined, and he walked toward Xiao Cheng.

Xiao Cheng couldn't stand his pretentious manner.

Which scion of a prominent family or a high-ranking official would resort to such ruthless and insidious methods?

His eyes were bloodshot, and his clenched teeth bled. "Wei Zhang! You're nothing but a demon! You betrayed your friends for personal gain, you have no respect for the court! You've committed murder, arson, and all sorts of evil deeds!"

"What I am today is what you will be tomorrow!"

"The cycle of karma is inescapable! In the future, you will surely be separated from your wife and friends, your father and son will turn against each other, and you will have nowhere to rest in peace after death!"

Xiao Cheng, who was missing half a tongue, had unclear pronunciation.

The sound of the wind echoed through the deep alley.

It's very noisy.

Wei Zhang frowned slightly and walked over to him.

The tall figure collapsed, like dark clouds gradually enveloping it.

Xiao Cheng sensed Wei Zhang's presence and became even more enraged.

However, he was unable to move, and all his anger transformed into frantic and incompetent curses.

"Not only you, but that slut Li Zhaoyang will also die a horrible death!"

"Li Zhaoyang is a despicable woman, she's long been used and exploited by me and Wei Xuan..."

Swish—

A sharp sword aura pierced straight into his heart and lungs.

The pain only began when blood started flowing out quickly. Xiao Cheng glanced at his chest, then at Wei Zhang, and opened his mouth slightly.

The sword was suddenly pulled out of his chest, and blood splattered everywhere.

Xiao Cheng didn't have a chance to say those harsh words again; he stiffened and collapsed to the ground.

The whole process was so cold, hard, and fast that nothing around it could react in time.

Even Qingyang was stunned.

The sounds of singing and dancing still linger on both sides of the alley, with male performers singing their tunes in a soft, guttural voice.

Only the sword in Wei Zhang's hand dripped blood, and the blood pooled on the ground, meandering along the cracks in the gray-blue floor tiles.

Like crimson, venomous centipedes, they emerged from the cracks in the bricks, rapidly spreading out westward.