Chapter 132 Even more... than a simultaneous explosion of gunpowder...
The rocket pierced the afternoon air, heading straight for the black-clad leader who was being forced to kneel on the ground.
The leader showed no intention of dodging; instead, he slightly adjusted his kneeling posture, pointing the gunpowder tube strapped to his body directly at the direction from which the arrow was coming, a resolute madness flashing in his eyes.
Pei Zhiwei felt as if her heart was being gripped tightly by an invisible hand, and a feeling of suffocation instantly overwhelmed her.
Tears welled up uncontrollably and fell onto Xiao Yunzhan's arm that was holding her.
She was held tightly in his arms, without even a chance to struggle.
At this critical moment, a dark figure flashed by like a ghost, so fast that it left only a blur, and no one could even see the outline of the figure.
Immediately afterwards, a crisp "ding" sound reached my ears, but the expected explosion did not occur, nor did the burning pain come.
The rocket that was supposed to have hit the black-clad leader was now lying on the ground, its flames extinguished by someone's foot, emitting wisps of smoke.
The rocket's arrowhead was firmly gripped by an iron grappling hook, and the other end of the chain behind the hook was held in the hand of the one-eyed man who had been protecting him from behind.
The man still looked unremarkable, but his eyes shone brightly, and his face showed no extraneous expression.
Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the skin on his face appeared somewhat stiff, as it was covered by an exquisitely crafted human skin mask, with the edges seamlessly integrated with his neck.
He crouched down and casually touched the black-clad leader's body.
He pulled out a long string of tightly bound gunpowder tubes by force, and even the guards closest to him couldn't see how he pulled them out.
He weighed the gunpowder in his hand, then turned and threw it into the water cart that was already prepared at Wuhoupu. With a "splash," the gunpowder was instantly soaked in water, completely eliminating the possibility of detonation.
Several guards had already followed the direction from which the rocket had been fired and were now escorting out a masked man in black.
Xiao Yunzhan then slowly released his arms, his movements so gentle as if he were afraid of disturbing the person in his arms.
Pei Zhiwei suddenly raised her head, her eyes red-rimmed and her face streaked with tears. Her wet eyes stared at him intently, filled with anger, lingering fear, and inexplicable grievances.
Seeing her like this, Xiao Yunzhan's heart tightened, and his hands trembled slightly as he reached out to wipe away the tears on her face.
But as soon as his hand touched her cheek, Pei Zhiwei slapped it away hard, so hard that even Xiao Yunzhan was startled.
But she didn't say anything, she just stared at him, tears streaming down her face.
Just as Lu Yinzhou, disguised as a one-eyed man, was about to reprimand the young people for being too careless and letting their guard down too early, which almost led to a disaster.
But seeing Pei Zhiwei's expression, which resembled a volcano about to erupt, he swallowed back the words that were on the tip of his tongue.
He wisely shut his mouth, waved to the guards and attendants around him, signaling them to take all the men in black away for interrogation.
He quietly stepped aside, giving the young couple some space.
Just as this eerie silence was spreading, Xie Ji's roar suddenly rang out: "Cui Yanwu!"
He burst out of the Luanfeng Tower, his hair disheveled, his eyes bloodshot, and his face filled with undisguised rage.
He rushed to Cui Yanwu in one stride, raised his fist and aimed straight at the opponent's face, the punch was fierce and full of power.
Without even blinking, Cui Yanwu simply raised his hand and firmly enveloped Xie Ji's fist in his palm, the force rendering Xie Ji unable to move.
"With your skills, I don't know how your father taught you," he said sarcastically, as was his habit.
Fear mixed with anger made Xie Ji tremble all over, his teeth grinding together: "I'm not afraid of death, and I don't need you to save me! What right did you have to throw me out?"
Cui Yanwu glanced at Xiao Yunzhan not far away, then at Pei Zhiwei opposite him, whose eyes were blazing with anger and whose tears were streaming down her face, and shook his head helplessly.
He silently prayed for Xiao Yunzhan, for the most terrifying thing in the world was when Pei Zhiwei, a woman who was usually good-tempered, got angry.
When this kind of young woman really gets angry, she's far more terrifying than a bunch of bamboo tubes full of gunpowder exploding at the same time.
He ignored Xie Ji's shouting, grabbed his arm and walked out, wanting to get away from this troublesome place as soon as possible.
But just as the two reached the courtyard gate, they heard Xiao Yunzhan, with a deep breath, declare loudly, "Pei Zhiwei, I love you!"
The sound was like a thunderclap, echoing through the courtyard of Luanfeng Tower.
Cui Yanwu and Xie Ji abruptly stopped, stiffly turning their heads little by little, their faces filled with disbelief.
Pei Zhiwei was also stunned. Her red eyes widened slightly as she stared blankly at Xiao Yunzhan, momentarily forgetting to react.
Cui Yanwu raised an eyebrow and glanced between the two men, but caught a fleeting glimpse of melancholy in Xie Ji's eyes, so quick it was almost an illusion.
Taking advantage of her moment of distraction, Xiao Yunzhan stepped forward and gently wiped away the remaining tears from her face.
“I originally intended to wait until this matter was all over, and then find a good time and a good place to tell you this in a serious manner.” His voice was gentle, with a hint of barely perceptible nervousness.
"I pride myself on having a plan that can be perfected, but just now, I was afraid."
I'm afraid that if something unexpected happens, I'll never have the chance to tell you how I feel.
He paused, looking intently at her, and said each word with utmost solemnity: "Pei Zhiwei, I love you, and I want to marry you."
I love watching your focused expression when you're inspecting a crime scene.
I admire your courage to say and do anything when you're trying to get information out of someone in order to solve a case.
I love the bright and cheerful look in your eyes after you found the murderer.
I love your adorable and endearing way of acting spoiled and coquettish with your parents.
I admire your insightful nature—you possess exceptional skills yet never act arbitrarily.
I love everything about you.
I, Xiao Yunzhan, sincerely wish to marry Lady Pei Zhiwei of the Pei family.
He leaned forward slightly, his tone tinged with a hint of probing and trepidation: "So, do you like me?"
Pei Zhiwei was completely stunned. Her tears had stopped at some point, and the anger on her face gradually faded, leaving only utter astonishment.
She forgot to cry, forgot the impulse she had just had to bite Xiao Yunzhan to death, and forgot that she should have blushed and felt her heart race when a man publicly professed his love for her.
At that moment, her mind went completely blank, as if it had been filled with paste, and she had no idea how to react.
Xiao Yunzhan was initially full of confidence, but as her silence lasted longer, his confidence gradually dissipated, and his heart sank.
He forced a smile, his lips trembling slightly, "It...it was my fault for scaring you...it's okay, you don't..."
"No!" Pei Zhiwei suddenly raised her hand, palm facing him, interrupting him.
"Wait a minute, you...you do it one thing at a time."
She wanted to question him about how he could have been so reckless in trying to sacrifice himself to protect her.
But the words stuck in my throat, and I just couldn't bring myself to ask them.
Her cheeks grew hotter and hotter, and all that remained in her mind were the words of love he had just spoken, echoing over and over again.
She frowned, tried several times, and the words circled in her mouth several times, but in the end she just stomped her foot angrily and said, "Don't think that just because you say that I won't be angry!"
You...you..."
Xiao Yunzhan was incredibly intelligent. Upon hearing her words, his eyes instantly brightened, his previously dejected expression vanished, and a joyful smile appeared on his face. He quickly asked, "Pei Zhiwei, do you love me?"
Would you marry me?
Pei Zhiwei suddenly recalled his earlier words, "I'm afraid that if something happens like what happened earlier, I won't have another chance," and her heart softened.
There will be plenty of time to teach him a lesson about his recklessness later.
Thinking of this, she slowly smiled, her eyes still bearing traces of tears, yet shining like stars: "Yes, I love you too."
Xiao Yunzhan felt as if the joy in his heart was like countless firecrackers exploding at once, instantly spreading to every part of his body.
He was about to step forward and embrace Pei Zhiwei to express his overwhelming joy when Cui Yanwu suddenly coughed a few times and then stood between the two of them, breaking the warm atmosphere.
"Well, the people of our Great Liang are open-minded, and it's not surprising that they confide in each other," Cui Yanwu said seriously.
"But the necessary procedures cannot be omitted."
He looked at Xiao Yunzhan and said, "You are a prince, so your marriage must be reported to the Emperor and you must also ask Zhiwei's parents for their consent."
He glanced back at Pei Zhiwei and saw that her exposed skin was red and purple, clearly showing that she was very embarrassed.
Xiao Yunzhan glared at him angrily, his face full of disdain for his inappropriate behavior.
Cui Yanwu pretended not to see and continued, "Judging from the amount of gunpowder they have today, they probably don't have much left."
The most urgent task now is to interrogate the men in black thoroughly before dealing with the follow-up matters concerning the canal transport and smuggling.
"Once the important business is finished, we can talk about your lifelong happiness, right?"
Pei Zhiwei was so ashamed that she wanted to crawl into a hole in the ground and bury herself in a deep mountain forest.
She lowered her head and said in a voice barely audible, "Uncle Cui is right."
"I can't help with the rest, so... I'll head back now."
Before anyone could react, she lightly touched the ground with her toes and flew away like a swallow, leaving only a hurried silhouette behind.
Xiao Yunzhan looked in the direction she fled, his eyes full of gentle smiles, and even his gaze toward Cui Yanwu softened considerably.
"Lord Cui is right, business is of utmost importance."
******
In the following days, the entire capital was bustling with activity.
Pei Lin and Xiao Yunzhan were extremely busy, working non-stop day and night.
Wang Jingya's painstakingly collected evidence of corruption in the canal transport system over more than 20 years, half a bribery ledger provided by the owner of Yangdu Liuji Pharmacy, and Ding Jin's detailed confession.
In addition, the clues that the secret guards had been investigating since Pei Lin and Xiao Yunzhan went to Jiangnan were piled up so high that they could bury the two of them several times over.
Seeing that the situation was hopeless and could no longer be concealed, the Wang family of Hedong had no choice but to cut their losses and handed over several core members, including the current patriarch and former Minister of Justice Wang Yongnian.
After this battle, the Wang family's power in the court was greatly reduced. Although they did not completely decline, thanks to the deep foundation of the Wang family of Hedong, it would be impossible for them to regain their former glory in less than ten or twenty years.
However, the Zhang family and other prominent families in Jiangnan did not have the same deep-rooted foundation as the Wang family of Hedong.
After their crimes of colluding with foreign powers to smuggle goods for profit and harm the people were fully exposed, the prefectures and counties of Jiangnan were thrown into chaos.
People flocked to file complaints, crowding government offices at all levels.
The Third Princess, who had successfully gathered evidence in Jiangnan and then retired, had just divorced her husband who had colluded with the Zhang family that morning. In the afternoon, she joined forces with the local government to set up a special venue to receive the people's complaints alone.
To make matters worse for these aristocratic families, many members of the clans, seeing the situation was turning against them, either accusing their clansmen of crimes or providing evidence in an attempt to distance themselves from the situation and avoid being implicated.
A constant stream of evidence and lawsuits were sent to the capital, keeping the Dali Temple extremely busy. Pei Lin simply ate and slept at the Dali Temple, not even having time to go home.
Inside the Pei residence, only Yan Jinghong and Pei Zhiwei remained, staring at each other in bewilderment at the sudden imperial decree of marriage bestowed upon them a few days prior.
On the night the incident at Luanfeng Tower ended, a palace eunuch came to deliver an imperial edict, but it was not read aloud in public.
He left only one sentence, saying that Prince Rui had already requested an imperial decree from His Majesty, but if Pei Lin, Yan Jinghong, or Pei Zhiwei had any objections, the imperial decree could be discussed further.
Yan Jinghong and Pei Zhiwei were both stunned. They had never heard of an imperial edict that could be bargained over.
Only Pei Lin looked solemn when he received the imperial edict, his expression revealing neither joy nor anger.
Later, he was so busy that he didn't have a chance to inquire about the details of the matter.
Finally, after more than half a month, the Emperor saw that the canal transport case, the smuggling case, and the gunpowder crisis had been basically resolved, so he granted Pei Lin and Xiao Yunzhan a day off to rest and recuperate.
Early in the morning, Xiao Yunzhan appeared at the gate of the Pei residence dressed in a bright royal blue brocade robe, with a jade belt around his waist and a jade crown on his head. He had obviously dressed up deliberately and was in high spirits.
Upon seeing that it was Prince Rui, the steward dared not delay and quickly led him into the mansion.
Xiao Yunzhan followed the butler into the main hall, looking slightly awkward, and took a seat at the lower end of the chair.
Pei Lin, dressed in casual clothes, sat in the main seat, slowly sipping his tea with a calm expression, and did not take the initiative to ask why he had come.
Seeing that Pei Lin did not ask, Xiao Yunzhan took a deep breath, stood up and bowed deeply to Pei Lin, saying respectfully, "Lord Pei, I am in love with Zhiwei and sincerely wish to marry her."
I've come specifically to seek your and your wife's consent.
Pei Lin slowly put down his teacup, looked up at him, and said slowly, "Prince Rui, although I am not talented, my official rank is only fourth grade."
But my daughter Zhiwei cannot tolerate anyone belittling her.
Forgive my bluntness, but the Prince's actions at the Luanfeng Tower that day were far too reckless.
"Lord Pei has misunderstood!" Xiao Yunzhan quickly interjected to explain.
"I and Pei Zhiwei have long been engaged."
At that time, it was because the Qin Chaochao case had just ended, and it was necessary to save face for Lord Qin Liang and Lady Qin.
Secondly, the matter was complicated and had not yet been made public.
You can look at the date on this imperial decree of marriage.
I was indeed reckless and thoughtless that day.
But if an engaged couple, having survived such a close call, whispers sweet nothings to each other, it's unlikely that others will gossip too much.
Pei Lin was stunned. On that day, the subordinates of the Dali Temple were urging him to open the imperial edict, and the eunuch had not opened it. He only knew that it was an edict to grant a marriage.
I was busy for more than half a month afterward and didn't really have time to look at the contents of the imperial edict carefully.
He knew that Xiao Yunzhan would not lie to him about this, and his dissatisfaction eased slightly.
“This will not be the first time,” Pei Lin said in a deep voice, then changed the subject, “but Zhiwei has been with me since childhood, and is only interested in criminal matters, and is used to being unconventional.”
I also don't want her to marry into the royal family and be bound by those complicated rules, living a life of conformity as a princess and losing her true self.
Xiao Yunzhan looked directly into Pei Lin's eyes, his expression extremely solemn: "Lord Pei, rest assured, the one I have always loved is Pei Zhiwei."
She is the Pei family lady who loves to investigate cases, has her own opinions, and is lively and energetic, not a Princess Consort of Rui who needs to follow the rules.
After she marries into the Prince's Mansion, she can investigate cases whenever she wants and go out whenever she wants. Pei Zhiwei's rules are the rules of my Prince Rui's Mansion.
I will protect her and let her always do what she wants to do.
Upon hearing this, Pei Lin finally smiled. He sighed, with a mix of helplessness and pride: "I regret raising such a good daughter; there are always other brats eyeing her."
"What nonsense are you talking about?" Yan Jinghong walked out from the back room with a smile and playfully patted Pei Lin.
Pei Lin snorted in dissatisfaction: "Am I wrong? Our daughter is the best."
Xiao Yunzhan understood the implied meaning in the zither and was overjoyed. He quickly said, "Since you two gentlemen have agreed, I will have His Majesty issue an edict ordering the Ministry of Rites to immediately prepare for the wedding."
Pei Lin ignored his anxious appearance and took a sip of tea.
Yan Jinghong chuckled and patted Pei Lin again, then called out to the back hall, "Should we petition His Majesty to order the Ministry of Rites to prepare for the wedding immediately?"
Pei Zhiwei blushed as she walked out from the back room. She glanced quickly at Xiao Yunzhan and said in a voice barely above a whisper, "It's all up to Father and Mother to decide."
Upon hearing this, Pei Lin immediately perked up and teased her on purpose: "Alright, you're still young, no rush. Let's wait another three to five years until you're more mature."
Pei Zhiwei suddenly raised her head.
Xiao Yunzhan stepped forward and said urgently, "No, Lord Pei! I'm not young anymore, I can't wait any longer!"
"Isn't Your Highness still under twenty-one years old? How can you be considered old?" Pei Lin said irritably.
Xiao Yunzhan explained with a wry smile: "Look at the princes in the court, which one is my age and still doesn't have a princess?"
My fifth nephew's child can already ride a horse.
Besides, when you were my age, Lord Pei, you already had a son named Zhiwei.
Just as Pei Lin was about to retort, the butler hurriedly led Cui Yanwu and Xie Ji in.
The two looked grave, their brows furrowed with anxiety.
"Brother Cui, has something happened?" Pei Lin asked hurriedly.
Cui Yanwu cut to the chase, looking at Pei Zhiwei: "Your Highness, Brother Pei, there's something I need to ask your Zhiwei for help with."
Everyone was taken aback. Pei Zhiwei quickly said, "Uncle Cui, you're being too polite. Please tell me, what exactly happened?"
“My cousin’s daughter passed away last night.” Cui Yanwu’s voice was somewhat muffled.
Xie Ji quickly interrupted, "The authorities say it was a suicide by hanging, but my aunt insists that her daughter could never have committed suicide..."
Well, to put it simply, it's exactly the same as the Qin Dynasty's case.
Therefore, we would like to ask Zhiwei to come and examine the scene to see if there are any overlooked clues.
"Let's go!" Upon hearing this, Pei Zhiwei's previous shyness vanished instantly, replaced by a sharp glint in her eyes.
"Xie Ji, tell me the specifics of the situation. Was there anything unusual at the scene?"
Seeing this, everyone else followed suit and walked outside.
Xie Ji quickly followed, saying as they walked, "The situation is almost exactly the same as the Qin Chaochao case back then!"
On the footstool she used to hang herself, there was only half of her own footprint; otherwise, there were no other traces.
and……"
As the horses galloped, dust billowed, and the sun gradually rose higher, its rays spilling onto the streets of the capital, dispelling the gloom.
(End of article)
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