After the two left the dungeon, Bai Yutang remembered the jade pendant with the small persimmon in his hand and wanted to go back to return it to her. Yan Liang thought that Xu Yiwei would probably talk to Shen Miao for half an hour, so he went along as well. On the way, they met Zhan Zhao and called out to him.

Zhan Zhao rushed back to Kaifeng Prefecture after hearing the news that Yan Chasan and others had returned to the capital. Upon meeting Bai Yutang, he asked him how his investigation in Sishui City had gone.

Bai Yutang told him about the trouble caused by the Prince of Xiangyang in Sishui City, as well as the information he had found about the Xu family.

After a moment's thought, Zhan Zhao lifted his foot and headed towards the dungeon.

Bai Yutang glanced at him, and Yan Liang grabbed him and said, "That person has something to say to Xu Yiwei. I suppose Xu Yiwei will be able to tell you everything once they have finished talking."

Zhan Zhao still felt uneasy, but Yan Liang said, "With the constables watching over things, nothing will happen. Don't worry, come with me to Master Bai's residence."

Bai Yutang said, "Don't forget that you borrowed the jade pendant from Xiao Shizi. If you're going to return it, you should do it yourself."

Zhan Zhao said helplessly, "That's only right. But please give me some time to change my clothes, Brother Bai and Brother Yan. It's a bit impolite to go to Brother Bai's residence in an official robe."

Bai Yutang leaned against a pillar and looked at him, raising an eyebrow: "I don't mind."

Although Master Bai didn't mind, Guard Zhan did, so the three of them waited until Zhan Zhao changed his clothes before heading to Bai Yutang's residence. It was very close to Kaifeng Prefecture, and they arrived in the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea.

On the way, Bai Yutang mentioned that his fourth brother, Jiang Ping, the "River Rat," had also come to Bianliang City and was now staying at his house. Yan Liang stroked his chin, thinking that to be able to play in the water so skillfully in this era without any aids was truly remarkable.

Upon meeting Jiang Ping, Yan Liang couldn't help but sigh that appearances can be deceiving—his sallow and emaciated appearance at first glance made one worry about his health.

Jiang Ping, the "River Rat," and others came to see the fortune teller they were very curious about. They were quite surprised when they met Yan Liang—Bai Yutang had not mentioned to him that Yan Liang was a cripple. However, he himself was often looked down upon because of his sickly appearance. After the surprise, he felt that it was no big deal. After talking with Yan Liang, he felt more and more compatible.

Jiang Ping laughed and said, "My fifth brother told me that you, Brother Yan, are a fortune teller with some skills."

Yan Liang glanced at Bai Yutang and said meaningfully, "I see—"

Bai Yutang: "..."

He turned his head to avoid their gazes and met Zhan Zhao's eyes, who was trying not to laugh.

Yan Liang was overjoyed. Bai Yutang's words had been so resolute, but after hearing Jiang Ping's words, he realized he had actually believed some of them.

"Thank you for your kindness, Brother Bai!"

Secret Technique: The Annoying Way to Draw Out the End of a Sentence

"Shut up."

Bai Yutang glared at him.

Yan Liang readily agreed and shut up.

Ever since Xiao Shizi learned that Bai Yutang had taken the jade pendant to Sishui City, she had been waiting for his return every day. Although she appeared calm when she saw Bai Yutang, a hint of anxiety was still visible in her eyes. She was still quite young, and in the eyes of the others, she was still a child. Alone, she guarded her mother's belongings, pondering her mother's past while harboring hatred, and struggled to survive.

Telling Xiaoshizi the truth directly would be too cruel, but concealing it under the guise of caring for her would be even more ironic.

People eventually have to grow up.

The best course of action is to be frank and open with the facts.

Xiao Shizi had mixed feelings. Even though she knew that there were still blood relatives of hers alive, she didn't know how to get along with them, not to mention that Xu Yiwei was now involved in the Xiangyang Prince's rebellion.

At this moment, Xu Yi and Shen Miao are talking face to face, separated by a distance.

Xu Yiwei had already revealed his identity to him.

The Prince of Xiangyang was the real culprit in the massacre of the Xu family, but if it weren't for Shen Miao and his apprentice, their family wouldn't have suffered such an undeserved disaster.

Xu Yiwei had wandered for a long time after escaping from Sishui City. If he hadn't met Zhao Lu, who was out for a walk to clear his head, he probably would have died alone and miserable. The Prince of Xiangyang wanted to rebel, and the Prince of Xiangyang's heir wanted to become emperor. Although these were treasonous acts, they didn't matter to Xu Yiwei. As long as he could find the murderer and avenge his family, this had always been the pillar that supported Xu Yiwei.

Ironically, Xu Yiwei only learned two years ago that the Prince of Xiangyang was the Xu family's enemy. He was saved by the Prince of Xiangyang's heir, and Xu Yiwei swore to serve him with his life and give everything. After that, while serving the Prince of Xiangyang's heir, he also investigated the case from back then, until the Prince of Xiangyang was drinking with Zhao Lu. In his drunken state, he talked about chasing down those who had offended him back then, and how he had also sacrificed one of his men in order to obtain that secret manual.

His savior's father was his enemy.

Upon learning all this, Xu Yiwei began to hesitate, caught in the agonizing conflict. He wanted revenge, but he also wanted to repay a debt of gratitude. The best way to avenge himself against the Prince of Xiangyang was to expose his wolfish ambitions, but this also meant that the Prince of Xiangyang's heir would likely face certain death.

Looking at Shen Miao now, Xu Yiwei recalled the days they spent together. Xu Yiwei was already old enough to remember things when Shen Miao and his apprentice left, and he could still recognize him upon seeing his face.

Shen Miao never expected that Xu Yiwei was actually the young master Xu from back then. He hadn't spent much time with Xu Yiwei. Xu Yiwei was taciturn, and by the time Shen Miao infiltrated the Xiangyang Prince's camp, he had changed a lot, both in appearance and personality.

After Xu Yiwei called out her name, Shen Miao sat there blankly, listening to Xu Yiwei's words, speechless.

Xu Yiwei: "Why isn't Brother Shen saying anything? Could it be that he didn't expect me to still be alive?"

Shen Miao remained silent for a long time before finally saying, "I'm glad you're still alive."

Xu Yi choked up, his mind in turmoil. At this moment, he even hoped that Yan Liang could come and stir things up.

After hesitating for a while, Shen Miao told Xu Yiwei about his experiences all along. He had infiltrated the Prince of Xiangyang's ranks to avenge the Xu family, and he had also let Pang Yu go before. In addition, he also told Xu Yiwei about the information he had overheard in Sishui City.

He also recognized the jade pendant that Bai Yutang had used in Sishui City. Wei the coroner said that the body was not that of the Xu family girl, so Shen Miao held onto a glimmer of hope that the Xu family girl had escaped and was still alive.

Xu Yi looked up at him. He knew what Shen Miao meant, but Yan Liang had frankly told him that the one who possessed the tiger-striped jade pendant was a little girl. In addition, the Prince of Xiangyang had asked him if he had any sisters at home... He already had a guess in his mind.

His aunt has passed away.

Judge Bao and his ministers spent a whole afternoon discussing matters with the Emperor in the Imperial Study. According to the thirteen river pirates under the command of the Prince of Xiangyang, the Prince of Xiangyang and his heir, in order to seize the throne, not only harmed the people, but also secretly colluded with foreign countries and the Western Xia and Liao dynasties, establishing an alliance agreement, which contained evidence of the Prince of Xiangyang's rebellion.

The heir of the Prince of Xiangyang offered all sorts of excuses, expressing his dissatisfaction at being inexplicably besieged. He was determined not to admit it, since he only had a testimony without any concrete evidence.

To everyone's surprise, Grand Tutor Pang produced decisive evidence, leaving Zhao Lu speechless.

In order to win over the court officials, the Prince of Xiangyang made contact with many people who were called treacherous officials, and Grand Tutor Pang was a key target for his winover.

After all, his daughter was the Empress, and she wielded considerable power in the court. Who else would they try to win over if not him? The Prince of Xiangyang had a brilliant plan. To increase the chances of success, he said everything he could and made all the promises. Each letter bore the Prince of Xiangyang's signature and seal.

Grand Tutor Pang was indeed somewhat tempted at first, after all, what the Prince of Xiangyang said was very convincing.

But later, looking at his foolish son and thinking of the Empress's daughter in the palace, he gave up on the idea and simply put the letter away—just in case—after all, no one knew what would happen if the Prince of Xiangyang rebelled.

However, his confidants had already been bribed by the Prince of Xiangyang.

Grand Tutor Pang indirectly caused trouble for his foolish son.

The purpose of bringing them out now is to distance oneself from the Prince of Xiangyang. Although the people in the Imperial Study have a rather ambivalent attitude towards Grand Tutor Pang producing those letters, the most pressing matter is the Prince of Xiangyang's alleged rebellion. The evidence is conclusive, and no matter how the Prince of Xiangyang tries to deny it, he will be powerless to do so.

The emperor decided to appoint Judge Bao to handle the case, and Judge Bao explained his thoughts to the emperor. The Chenzhou case remained unsolved, and Pang Yu was still in the Kaifeng prefectural government office, so Judge Bao decided to start with the Chenzhou case. After all, it was the Chenzhou case that had led to a series of events.

The emperor nodded in agreement. After the ministers left the imperial study, Grand Tutor Pang spoke with Judge Bao for a while, repeatedly urging him to quickly resolve the case and clear his son's name. Satisfied, Pang left when Judge Bao promised a trial the following day.

Upon returning to Kaifeng Prefecture, Judge Bao was furious after learning about the Xu family incident in Sishui City. He also hoped that Xu Yiwei and Shen Miao could appear in court as witnesses.

Pang Yu is innocent, and both Xu Yiwei and Shen Miao know the truth. Shen Miao is willing to appear as a witness because he couldn't ask for it; but Xu Yiwei hesitates.

"The heir of the Prince of Xiangyang has been kind to me."

Facing Yan Liang, who had been called in as his confidant, Xu Yiwei spoke frankly.

Yan Liang had just finished eating a chicken leg, and the aroma of meat lingered on him. Hearing this, he raised an eyebrow and asked, "So you dare not appear in court to testify, simply because that would confirm the Crown Prince's guilt?"

Xu Yiwei's eyes showed a hint of struggle. He rubbed his thumb against the dog-patterned jade pendant in his hand and nodded almost imperceptibly.

“You’re really stupid,” Yan Liang said. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re here or not. The charges against the Crown Prince and his father for plotting rebellion have already been established. If you testify in court, the charges might be lighter.”

"The Prince of Xiangyang is your savior, but his father is your enemy." Yan Liang tilted his head and looked at him. "You should know that the Prince of Xiangyang is cruel and ruthless. Even if it weren't for revenge, wouldn't you want to expose him for the sake of the common people?"

Xu Yiwei smirked and said, "What do I care about the common people and the masses?"

"If the people of the world are none of your concern, then why is the heir of the Prince of Xiangyang of your concern?"

Xu Yi opened his mouth, thinking, "What do you know?" It was Zhao Lu who ensured he had enough to eat and warm clothes after becoming a homeless person; he had sworn an oath before learning the truth.

“I am not you, I don’t understand.” Yan Liang seemed to know what he was thinking and said, “But you can’t die.”

Xu Yi looked up at him, his struggle and hesitation clearly visible.

“You haven’t met Little Persimmon yet,” Yan Liang said to him. “She already knows about you. Don’t you want to meet her?”

Of course I want to see him.

Those were his only remaining blood relatives.

Xu Yi stroked the dog-patterned jade pendant in his hand, lost in thought, before finally saying, "You're so annoying."

Author's Note: Let's go through the timeline.

[Seventeen years ago]:

Miss Xu (Little Persimmon's mother) is 14 years old.

Shen Miao 15 years old

Xu Yi is 6 years old

The Crown Prince of Xiangyang is 11 years old

【Thirteen years ago】:

Miss Xu (Little Persimmon's mother) is 18 years old.

Shen Miao, 19 years old

Xu Yi is 10 years old

Zhao Lu, the heir apparent of the Prince of Xiangyang, is 15 years old.

Little Persimmon was born twelve years ago.

(The second year after Miss Xu and the fisherman got married)

【Now】:

Miss Xu has passed away.

Shen Miao, 32 years old

Xu Yi is 23 years old

Zhao Lu is 28 years old.

>>

I'm getting confused myself... I'd better not calculate my age anymore, lol. Knowing the approximate age is enough.

Xu Yiwei is another person who has many thoughts and is somewhat contradictory.