Chapter 122

Chapter 122: You’ll Soon Be Free

“Shu Xian, go find Sheng Zhi Wan! Have her plead with the Empress Dowager immediately!”

Madam Cui clutched Qi Shu Xian as if grasping at her last hope. “Wasn’t Sheng Zhi Wan once the Empress Dowager’s favorite? If she pleads for mercy, surely the Empress Dowager won’t refuse!”

Qi Shu Xian avoided his mother’s desperate gaze, saying nothing.

“Why won’t you speak?” Madam Cui’s voice rose anxiously.

Qi Shu Xian sighed helplessly. “Mother, Sheng Zhi Wan won’t agree to it.”

Her behavior towards his older sister had made that clear long ago.

His sister had even come to apologize yet insisted on acting arrogantly, offending Sheng Zhi Wan.

Their strained relationship was likely worsened by his sister’s actions.

He had just returned Sheng Zhi Wan’s dowry. How could he now turn around and ask favors?

“What reason does she have to refuse? Yan’er is your blood sister! Sheng Zhi Wan is your wife; it’s just a few words from her—how dare she refuse?” Madam Cui gritted her teeth.

“Enough!” Duke Qi’s voice boomed sharply. “You think this is a small matter? One wrong move could bring down the entire Duke’s household!”

Madam Cui clung stubbornly. “Then what about Yan’er?”

Yan’er was her eldest daughter, born after months of loving care. She knew her daughter had grown willful and spoiled, but that didn’t change her motherly heart.

Seeing his wife’s pale face and thinning frame, Duke Qi softened his voice. “Calm yourself. Don’t panic yet.”

“This time, His Majesty has arrested many influential figures, including royal relatives and even the Grand Commandant. Others are just as anxious as we are.”

“When those influential families and the Grand Commandant’s disciples pressure His Majesty, he might not follow the old practice of implicating relatives. At worst, only those directly involved in smuggling salt will suffer.”

“When the dust settles, I’ll do whatever I can to bring Yan’er home safely.”

Yan’er was still his daughter, after all. He didn’t wish to see her die.

“Alright… alright.” Madam Cui finally calmed slightly.

A restless night passed.

At court the following morning, indeed, several elderly ministers petitioned Emperor Chong Sheng to deal leniently with the salt smuggling affair.

Yet Emperor Chong Sheng sat high on his Dragon Throne, his expression dark as thunder.

“Smuggling salt harms both nation and people. How can I show leniency? Those who sit in positions of trust but disregard national laws must face severe punishment. Without strict justice, how can we uphold our laws and reassure the people?”

Duke Qi and Qi Shu Xian both paled at these stern words.

“Your Majesty, please calm your anger!”

Fortunately, another minister stepped forward, bowing deeply. “Your Majesty, indeed, severe punishment is needed. Yet, perhaps those most guilty should face the harshest judgment, while those only lightly involved—or innocent altogether—should be treated with mercy.”

“This approach will demonstrate your firm authority while preserving the court’s stability.”

Duke Qi and Qi Shu Xian breathed easier. Surely, Qi Fei Yan would count among the innocent.

Emperor Chong Sheng furrowed his brow thoughtfully, finally responding, “You speak sensibly. Still, the investigation must be thorough. Those directly involved in the salt trade, regardless of rank or station, shall all be executed!”

“Your Majesty is wise!”

After the court adjourned, Duke Qi and Qi Shu Xian immediately sent word home to calm Madam Cui.

Qi Shu Xian considered carefully, then personally sought out Wei Du, commander of the Imperial Guard, hoping for permission to visit Qi Fei Yan.

Today, Commander Wei had many visitors.

With Commander Xie An and Right Commander Zhou Shou Gui assisting the Dali Temple’s investigation, Wei Du alone guarded the imprisoned nobles.

Hearing Qi Shu Xian personally asked to enter, Wei Du hesitated, respecting Qi Shu Xian’s strategies in the battle of Cangnan.

Moreover, Qi Shu Xian only wished to reassure his older sister. Surely a mere woman would soon be released.

Allowing a quick visit seemed harmless and would earn favor with a future powerful minister.

Wei Du agreed and personally escorted him inside.

Within the cell, Lian Wen Hui, sobering up, found himself bafflingly imprisoned. Only after his father kicked him repeatedly did the reality sink in.

“Salt smuggling? Father! That crime will cost me my head! Even with ten thousand lives, I’d never dare!”

“Nonsense! If it’s not you, who else? Do you suggest it was me?” Lian Shao Qing roared, raising his foot once again.

Terrified, Lian Wen Hui ducked behind his mother. “I’m innocent, Father! Ask His Majesty to investigate again; surely it’s a mistake. Our family would never do such a thing!”

“What’s all this noise?” Wei Du’s voice rang out sharply.

Spotting Qi Shu Xian behind Wei Du, Lian Shao Qing wept openly. “Nephew—!”

Qi Shu Xian ignored him, eyes fixed on Qi Fei Yan, pale and frail in her cell.

She was his sister, after all. He hated her greed towards Sheng Zhi Wan, but seeing her misery, worry surged nonetheless.

“Sister…”

“Shu… Shu Xian?” Qi Fei Yan’s bloodshot eyes widened. Clearly, she’d spent a sleepless night consumed by fear.

Recognizing her brother’s voice, she struggled to stand.

Madam Lian rushed forward, supporting her carefully. Qi Shu Xian was their family’s only hope now.

“Shu Xian, what did His Majesty decide? What punishment has he declared?”

Qi Fei Yan’s knuckles whitened as she clung desperately to the iron bars.

“Don’t worry, Sister. You’ll soon be free. His Majesty ordered execution only for those directly involved in salt trading. Others won’t be implicated.”

“Ex… execution?” Qi Fei Yan’s voice shook violently. Her grip trembled visibly.

“Yes.”

“Nephew, can you beg His Majesty for mercy? Even exile would be better than execution!” Madam Lian wailed, tears streaming uncontrollably.

No matter how useless Lian Wen Hui was, he was still her only son! If he were executed, what reason would she have to live?

Qi Shu Xian frowned, glancing briefly at Madam Lian without responding.

Just then, Qi Fei Yan collapsed, her legs buckling beneath her.

“Sister!”

“Yan’er! Yan’er, what’s wrong!” The cell descended into chaos. Qi Shu Xian strained to see clearly through the iron bars, unable to reach her.

Madam Lian’s eyes softened with emotion. “I didn’t realize Yan’er cared so deeply about Wen Hui. She must have fainted from distress hearing about his execution.”

She fell to her knees again, pleading desperately, “Nephew, please! For Yan’er’s sake, save Wen Hui!”

Qi Shu Xian hadn’t expected his sister to care so deeply for Lian Wen Hui. Yet His Majesty’s decree wasn’t something he could change.

He merely nodded vaguely, watched Qi Fei Yan a moment longer, then quietly withdrew.

Emperor Chong Sheng had issued strict orders; Dali Temple wasted no time.

No sooner had Qi Shu Xian stepped from the prison than he saw Commander Xie An marching purposefully into the prison with a troop of soldiers.

“Commander Xie!” Qi Shu Xian hurried to greet him. “Has the list of those directly involved in salt trading been finalized?”