Chapter 33
A person's growth may begin suddenly, but it is not easy to maintain one's original aspirations.
Everyone has a sense of justice in their heart, and helping the weak may be a red instinct flowing in their blood, but in times of crisis, can they still maintain their passion?
"Hui was a man of many talents, but he was often empty-handed. He refused the imperial decree and instead engaged in commerce, and his predictions were often accurate."
Yan Heng seemed to understand the principles in the book. He pushed open the door that had been closed for a long time, greedily breathing in the air outside the window. When the glaring sunlight shone, he couldn't help but shield his eyes with his hand. Then he walked out of the study. The sunlight hung overhead and fell on his shoulders like a thin, warm veil.
Just as he was enjoying the warm sunlight, a dart flew past him and landed on the door.
Yan Heng was still in shock and was about to shout for help when he glanced at the dart and saw a piece of paper stuck to it.
Yan Heng forcefully pulled out the dart and carefully examined the words on it.
"Nine stars, store in danger"
Huh? How could this happen?
Yan Heng immediately ran to the princess's study.
"Sister, sister!"
The second princess opened the study door upon hearing Yan Heng's voice.
"What's wrong? What's the rush?"
Yan Heng was panting heavily.
"Let's go inside and have a cup of tea."
Yan Heng waved his hand anxiously.
"No, sister, lend me the token, I have an urgent matter."
Although the princess was puzzled, she still took out the token and gave it to Yan Heng. Upon receiving the token, Yan Heng immediately left the palace.
When Yan Heng arrived at Nine Stars, Su Wanxing and Nineteen had already been taken away.
Yan Heng anxiously asked the onlookers where they had been taken. The onlookers pointed in the direction, and Yan Heng immediately chased after them.
Yan Heng used all his strength to catch up with the arresting team. He silently followed behind and observed them, discovering that the team was not on the way to the yamen at all, but was secretly taking them to the residence of the Vice Minister of Rites.
Ministry of Rites? I seem to remember she had a daughter, what was her name again?
Yan Heng thought for a while before remembering that the girl's name was Zhiyao.
As if on cue, Han Zhiyao spotted a figure lurking suspiciously near her home, so she quietly approached from behind.
"What are you doing!"
Yan Heng was startled by the sound and suddenly turned around, only to be met with a merciless slap from Han Zhiyao.
Yan Heng was forced to retreat repeatedly, covering his face as he was hit.
Han Zhiyao laughed triumphantly, feeling smug that she had caught a thief. But upon closer inspection, she realized that the person was none other than Yan Heng, whom she had been longing for day and night. She froze on the spot, staring in disbelief at her right hand that had just made the move.
Yan Heng also noticed that the person seemed to be Han Zhiyao, and went forward to confirm.
"Have we met before in the palace?"
The boy's cheerful voice entered her mind, and she felt as if she had been struck by lightning.
Yan Heng looked at the silent girl and thought he had made a mistake.
"I'm sorry, I might have mistaken you for someone else, but I'm not a bad person."
Han Zhiyao immediately jumped in front of Yan Heng and gave a rambling explanation.
"No, no, you haven't mistaken me for someone else. I am Han Zhiyao. We've met before."
Yan Heng breathed a sigh of relief.
"That's good. I'm Yan Heng."
"I know!"
"Excuse me, I'm at your doorstep. It seems my friend has been arrested. Can you help me?"
Han Zhiyao would never refuse any of Yan Heng's requests, and immediately agreed.
"Okay, okay! I'll take you in."
With Han Zhiyao's help, Yan Heng easily entered the house.
"But I don't know where they were taken."
"It should be in my mother's study. I'll take you there now."
The two sneaked to a corner outside the study to eavesdrop.
Inside the room, Su Wanxing and Nineteen were blindfolded and knelt before Old Han.
"Sir, the person has been brought."
"Alright, let the painter identify the person."
Su Wanxing found the voice somewhat familiar.
When the painter was brought in, their blindfolds were removed, and Su Wanxing recognized him as Qiu Feng.
"Is it them?"
The painter examined Su Wanxing carefully and then pointed her out.
"Yes, it was her. She's the one who hired me to paint those pictures, and she gave me a lot of money."
Qiu Feng squatted down in front of Su Wanxing and unfolded the painting from the nineteenth year for comparison.
"What else do you have to say?"
Su Wanxing knew there was no way to change the situation, so she had no choice but to take all the blame upon herself.
Yes, I did it all.
Old Han finally laughed when he heard this.
"The owner of a nine-star restaurant is ignoring such a good business opportunity and instead spreading these filthy things in the city."
"So what?"
"Don't you know that doing this kind of thing will land you in jail?"
"Of course I know, but I haven't made any money."
"Even without making a profit, they should still be sentenced to two years."
Su Wanxing stared at Old Han with disdain.
"I know, if I had known it would be like this, I would have just slept with a man. It would only have added another year to my sentence anyway. Drawing these things doesn't give me any pleasure."
"you!"
Old Han never expected this person to say such a thing.
"Tell me, what is your real purpose? Since you spent so much money painting these, why are you spreading them all over the city?"
"I generate electricity out of love, providing benefits for my family free of charge."
"What utter nonsense!"
"This isn't a government office. I want to know what authority you have to bring us here?"
"How dare you!"
Autumn Wind's sword was pressed against Su Wanxing's neck.
"Stop! If you have a problem, come at me! She was coerced by me!"
Do you think you'll get away with this just because you said that?
Autumn Wind
Autumn wind reluctantly sheathed its sword.
"I am Han Zhiwan, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites. I was specifically investigating who was disrupting the discipline of my Phoenix City, and I never expected it to be the two of you. If you do not confess the truth, you will be subjected to severe torture."
"Using torture without authorization is illegal!"
"Hmph, that depends on who it is."
Su Wanxing was lifted up, and Qiu Feng brought a sandalwood cane. The first blow landed on her skirt. Even through the fabric, Su Wanxing trembled in pain, and tears instantly filled her eyes. After only three blows, the skin under her skirt swelled up. Su Wanxing bit her lower lip tightly to keep from crying out, but her knuckles clenched until they turned white.
Nineteen, standing beside him, was trampled to the ground by the autumn wind, crying out repeatedly.
"Don't hit her, it was all my fault, hit me instead."
Yan Heng couldn't stand it any longer and rushed in despite the guards' attempts to stop him.
"With Prince Yan Heng here, let's see who dares to act recklessly."
Han Zhiwan never expected that Yan Heng would appear here, and immediately knelt down.
"Your humble servant greets Your Highness the Phoenix."
All the guards around her knelt down, and Su Wanxing was suddenly thrown to the ground. Yan Heng immediately helped her up.
Although Su Wanxing knew he was of noble status, she was still somewhat shocked to hear him say it himself.
"This humble subject pays homage to the Princess."
Su Wanxing was about to kneel down, but Yan Heng stopped her.
You don't need to.
"I wonder why the Princess has come to my residence?"
Yan Heng coughed twice and naturally began to lie.
"I came here today to see Miss Zhiyao, but I was surprised to see two commoners being brought into your residence. I had no idea that your residence even had a courtroom."
Han Zhiwan was intimidated by this imposing aura.
"Your Highness, please forgive me. I was confused for a moment."
Those who resort to vigilante justice shall be punished with eighty strokes of the cane.
"Your Highness, I did not abuse my power without cause. Both of these people are guilty."
Yan Heng overheard everything outside and needed to come up with a good way to get them out of there.
"Even if someone is guilty, it's not up to you, a mere Vice Minister of Rites, to judge them."
Han Zhiwan dismissed everyone and spoke to Yan Heng alone.
"It was my fault. I am willing to accept punishment after I send them to prison."
"you!"
Zhiyao noticed Yan Heng's predicament and immediately knelt down to plead for them.
"Mother, Zhiyao doesn't want you to be punished. You're so old, you absolutely can't be tortured!"
"Zhiyao, stop talking!"
Yan Heng calmed down for a moment and then said.
"Mr. Han, I know you're one of Sister Yuan's people, but are you absolutely certain that Sister Yuan will succeed? Sister Lu loves me the most; think carefully about what will happen if you offend me today."
These words somewhat swayed Han Zhiwan.
"The outcome is still undecided, and neither side is someone a mere Vice Minister of Rites like yourself can afford to offend."
"Your humble servant..."
"Many people saw me visit your residence today. Do you think Sister Yuan would still dare to give you an important position if she knew about this?"
"Oh? What should we do then?"
"I don't want that painter to ever appear in Phoenix City again."
"Yes, Princess Huang."
After Zhiyao untied Shijiu's ropes, Shijiu immediately picked up Su Wanxing and left.
"Mr. Han, I hope you can carefully consider who you really want to work for."
After saying this, Yan Heng thanked Zhi Yao and left.
After seeing Yan Heng off, Han Laogong stood up.
"Zhiyao, did you let Huangzi in?"
"I……"
"You've really caused your mother a lot of trouble for no reason!"
"Mother, I'm sorry, but... but I think Brother Heng is right. Why do you insist on standing by the eldest princess's side?"
Han Zhiwan pondered Yan Heng's words carefully. Could it be that the Empress's intention to support the eldest princess all these years was a scheme? The Empress's heart is unfathomable!
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