"You shrew, how dare you disturb the magistrate in the middle of the night for a mere three hundred taels! Beat her! And throw her and the others into jail!"

"I will present these three hundred taels to you, sir!"

...

Three days later, in the Golden Palace.

The announcement of the results was like a thunderclap.

"First place in the top division, Zheng Yu!"

The newly appointed top scholar, dressed in a red robe and adorned with a golden flower in his hair, rode a horse through the streets in great splendor.

However, there was no joy on Zheng Yu's face; his deep eyes were filled with an unyielding icy coldness.

Instead of returning to his residence to express his gratitude, he rode directly to the Jingzhao Prefecture government office.

Prefect Qin Wuyu was leisurely sipping tea when he heard that the newly appointed top scholar had arrived. He assumed the scholar was there to pay his respects and went out to greet him with a beaming smile.

"It is an honor to have such a distinguished scholar as your esteemed presence..."

Before he could finish speaking, an imperial edict bearing the imperial seal was thrown at his face.

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The case of Sun San in the West Market is rife with doubts and there is a possibility of injustice. Therefore, the newly appointed top scholar, Zheng Yu, is hereby appointed as Imperial Envoy to re-examine this case. The Capital Prefecture is to fully cooperate and ensure no mistakes are made. This is the imperial decree!"

Qin Wuyu collapsed to the ground on the spot.

Zheng Yu didn't even glance at him, and walked straight into the depths of the prison.

The heavy iron door slowly opened in front of him.

In the dark, damp cell filled with the smells of mold and blood, He Yi leaned weakly against the corner of the wall.

When that familiar figure, bathed in light, appeared before her, she thought she was hallucinating.

He wore a dazzling red robe, the color of which was more radiant than all the darkness in the prison combined.

"elder brother……"

He Yi stood up tremblingly, tears welling up in her eyes.

Zheng Yu strode forward, took off his scholar's robe, wrapped it tightly around her, and embraced her.

That embrace, warm and steadfast, dispelled all the cold and fear.

"I'm late."

His voice was hoarse, filled with endless heartache and self-blame.

He Yi shook her head vigorously in his arms, her tears soaking his clothes.

"It's not too late, you've come, so it's not too late."

Zheng Yu gently stroked her long hair, lowered his head, and kissed away the tear stains on her cheek.

"Heyi, this case is closed."

"From this day forward, no one in the world will dare to harm you in the slightest."

"Because I am your protector."

He Yi raised her teary eyes and looked at him.

At this moment, all the grievances transformed into endless peace and sweetness.

She nestled against Zheng Yu, feeling the strong heartbeat of his chest.

So warm.

She was content.

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