Chapter 155

Xiao Qidi's pupils suddenly constricted, "Sir, the child is innocent, why are you doing this?"

Xiao Qidi's pupils suddenly constricted, "Sir, the child is innocent, why are you doing this?"

You said ferociously:

You said ferociously:

From now on, you must take over the work of the traffickers you killed and serve me; it's inevitable that you'll have to kill some who disobey or might leak secrets. If you can't even kill a child, how can I fully trust you? Since you already know my secret, either you completely give your lives to me and thereafter share wealth and honor, or you become corpses who can never speak again.

Translation: "From now on, you will replace the human traffickers you killed to serve me; it's inevitable that some who disobey or might leak secrets will have to be killed. If you can't even kill a child, how can I fully trust you? Since you already know my secret, either you completely entrust your lives to me and thereafter share wealth and honor, or you become a dead person who can never speak again." Need to keep meaning. Use "human traffickers". Ensure not to add.

I now give you two choices: either you kill her yourself, then after you've eaten and drunk your fill you can take away this little thing's corpse; or you both become corpses and never leave.

Translation: "I now give you two choices: either you kill her with your own hands, then after eating and drinking your fill you can carry away the corpse of this little thing; or the two of you become corpses and never leave again."

Right now, Xiao Qidi is separated from You by the hot spring pool, and You have attendants and maids protecting you; even if Xiao Qidi is highly skilled, he cannot overcome you in an instant.

Translation: "At this moment, Xiao Qidi is separated from You by a hot spring pool, and You have attendants and maidservants guarding him; even if Xiao Qidi's martial arts are high, it's difficult to seize him instantly."

As for Duan Wu, there's no need to mention—he's holding An An in his arms.

Translation: "As for Duan Wu, needless to say, he's holding An An in his arms."

Furthermore, they have no weapons or armor; even if they fought their way out of the manor, they could not withstand the outside encirclement, making a forced breakthrough nearly impossible.

Translation: "Moreover, the two have neither weapons nor armor; even if they fought their way out of the manor, they could not withstand the outside encirclement, making a forced breakthrough almost impossible."

"Sir... you..." Duan Wu struggled to keep his composure, forcing a smile, "You're not joking, are you?"

Translation: "Sir... you..." Duan Wu strained to keep composure, forcing a smile, "You're not joking, are you?"

You's eyes flashed with a ferocious light, "Do I look like I'm joking? I'll count to three; if this child is still breathing, I'll send the two of you straight to see King Yama!"

Translation: "You's eyes flashed with a ferocious light, 'Do I look like I'm joking to you? I'll count to three; if this child can still breathe, I'll send the two of you straight to see King Yama!'"

One!

Translation: "One!"

Two!

Translation: "Two!"

The death‑countdown began to sound.

Translation: "The death-summoning countdown sounded."

Duan Wu's back teeth were about to shatter from clenching, his eyes flashed with killing intent, and he resolved to go all‑out and fight to the death.

Translation: "Duan Wu's back molars were about to shatter from clenching, his eyes showed killing intent, and he made up his mind to go all out and fight desperately."

You! Xiao Qidi suddenly shouted, "Tell you the truth, General Duan is here on imperial orders to investigate the case!"

Translation: "You!" Xiao Qidi suddenly shouted, "Frankly speaking, General Duan is here on imperial orders to investigate the case!"

Upon hearing this, the battle‑ready Duan Wu froze for a moment.

Translation: "Upon hearing this, Duan Wu, who was preparing to fight to the death, froze."

You was also taken aback.

Translation: "You also stared in surprise."

Xiao Qidi immediately continued, "Su, I have been acting under the general's secret orders to come ahead and gather clues and evidence; now everything is solid, and if you don't rein yourself in from the brink, you'll only add to your guilt."

Translation: "Xiao Qidi immediately continued, 'I, Su, have received the general's secret order to come ahead and gather clues and evidence; now all evidence is solid, and if you do not rein in at the brink, you will only add to your guilt.'"

You's face darkened, "Are you trying to intimidate me? Do you think I'll believe you?"

Translation: "You's face darkened, 'You're trying to intimidate me? Do you think I'll believe that?'"

Xiao Qidi sneered, "Otherwise, do you really think someone who can hold Xituan Pass, repeatedly repel invading strong enemies, and was promoted at a young age to frontier general by the current emperor would come here just for profit and murder? Those earlier excuses were merely an act to gain your trust, so I could infiltrate the tiger's den and investigate to the end."

Translation: "Xiao Qidi sneered, 'Otherwise, do you think someone who can hold Xi Tun Guan against repeated strong enemies, and who was promoted by the current emperor to border general at a young age, would really come here for profit and murder? Those earlier excuses were merely an act to gain your trust, to infiltrate the tiger's den and investigate thoroughly.'"

You had in fact already suspected Duan Wu's sudden appearance, but still didn't believe these words, and gave a sneering smile, saying, "If he truly is on imperial orders to investigate the case, how could I not know about it?"

Translation: "You actually had already suspected Duan Wu's sudden appearance, but still didn't believe these words, and gave a sneering smile, saying, 'If he truly came on imperial orders to investigate the case, how would I not know?'"

Duan Wu raised his head and chest, "This is the command given to me by the imperial capital; what makes you think you know?"

Translation: "Duan Wu stood tall and chest out, 'This is the command given to me by the Capital Royal City; what makes you think you know?'"

"Heh," You said with a look of contempt, "Do you think the silver I give to certain court officials is given for nothing? If anyone in the court had sent you, I would find out immediately."

Translation: "Hah!" You said with a look of contempt, "Do you think the silver I give to certain court officials is given for nothing? If anyone in the court had sent you here, I would hear of it immediately."

"Fine, you really are capable, even having court officials in the capital covering for you," Duan Wu snapped, "Aren't you afraid the emperor will find out?"

Translation: "Fine, you really are capable, even having court officials from the Royal City backing you," Duan Wu snapped, "Aren't you afraid the emperor will find out?"

You threw his head back and laughed loudly, "Hahaha! I'll tell you the truth: even if you found the so‑called evidence, handed it to the person who sent you to investigate, and even placed it before the emperor, the emperor would still not believe it!"

Translation: "You threw back your head and laughed loudly, 'Hahaha! I'll tell you frankly, even if you found the so-called evidence and handed it to the person who sent you to investigate the case, and even if it were placed before the emperor, the emperor would still not believe it!'"

Duan Wu froze for a moment, quickly glanced at Xiao Qidi, and saw only that Xiao Qidi's face also flashed with surprise.

Translation: "Duan Wu froze, then quickly glanced at Xiao Qidi, seeing only a flash of surprise on Xiao Qidi's face."

"Why?" Duan Wu asked, "Where do you get such confidence?"

Translation: "Why?" Duan Wu asked, "Where does your such great confidence come from?"

You said proudly, "Because my relationship with the emperor is extraordinary; he often held banquets in the capital to entertain me, sharing drinks and conversation. Such friendship—let alone you, even the ministers who sent you could only look up to it. Moreover, I have powerful backing from above. Do you think the emperor will ultimately believe you or me?"

Translation: "You said proudly, 'Because my relationship with the emperor is extraordinary; the emperor often used to hold banquets in the Royal City to entertain me, sharing drinks and conversation. Such camaraderie—let alone you, even the officials who sent you here can only look up. Moreover, I have the backing of those above me. Do you think the emperor will ultimately believe you or me?'"

Duan Wu stared, mouth agape, "The emperor holds banquets and entertains you? And you have such an extraordinary relationship with him?"

Translation: "Duan Wu stared wide-eyed, 'The emperor holds banquets and entertains you? And you still have an extraordinary relationship with him?'"

Xiao Qidi frowned, utterly perplexed; no matter how he tried to recall, he couldn't remember ever having entertained this prefect.

Translation: "Xiao Qidi frowned, utterly puzzled; no matter how he tried to recall, he couldn't remember ever having entertained this prefect."

Let alone sharing drinks and conversation.

Translation: "Let alone sharing drinks and conversation."

He was quite certain that, having lived eighteen years, he had only first seen the prefect of Longyuan Prefecture after coming to Hewan County.

Translation: "He was quite certain that, having lived eighteen years, he had definitely never seen the Prefect of Longyuan Commandery before coming to He Wan County."

"General Duan," You said, leaning back slowly with a drink in hand, "Even if you truly are on imperial orders, I wouldn't take it seriously, but I do value talent, and the manpower you've cost me needs to be replaced by you. So I'll repeat: either you kill this little thing, pledge allegiance to me, and become my left and right arms, or I will kill you."

Translation: "General Duan," You said, sitting down leisurely while sipping wine, "Even if you truly came on imperial orders, I wouldn't take it seriously, but I am a person who values talent, and the manpower lost because of you needs to be replaced by you; so I still say the same thing: either you kill this little thing and pledge allegiance to me, becoming my left and right arms, or I will kill you."

"You dare kill a general bearing the empire's important mission—do you not even place the emperor in your eyes?" Xiao Qidi said gloomily.

Translation: "You dare kill a general bearing the emperor's important mission—do you not even put the emperor in your eyes?" Xiao Qidi said gloomily.

You immediately put on a stern face and rebuked sharply, "Don't speak nonsense! I am utterly loyal to the emperor; without him, how could I exist?!"

Translation: "You immediately put on a stern face and rebuked sharply, 'Don't spout nonsense! My loyalty to the emperor is unwavering; without the emperor, how could there be me?!'"

"Have you really seen the present emperor?" Xiao Qidi asked.

Translation: "Have you really seen the present emperor?" Xiao Qidi asked.

You put on a stern face and said, "Haven't I made myself clear enough just now?"

Translation: "You put on a stern face and said, 'Haven't I made myself clear enough just now?'"

Xiao Qidi's gaze carried pressure, "Then may I ask, You, when was the last time the emperor held a banquet and entertained you? If you can't say, I can only think you're bluffing."

Translation: "Xiao Qidi's gaze carried pressure, 'Then may I ask, You, when was the last time the emperor held a banquet to entertain you? If you can't say, I can only think you're bluffing.'"

"You still dare question me?" You flared with nameless anger, "Attendants! Bring forth the item the emperor bestowed upon me during the Double Ninth Festival!"

Translation: "You still dare question me?" You flared with nameless anger, "Attendants! Bring forth the item the emperor bestowed upon me during the Double Ninth Festival!"

Xiao Qidi grew even more puzzled, "Double Ninth Festival? Did I even give him a gift? What on earth is going on?"

Translation: "Xiao Qidi grew even more puzzled, 'Double Ninth Festival? Did I ever reward him with something? What on earth is going on?'"

Soon, a servant placed an exquisite bronze box on You's table.

Translation: "Soon, a servant placed an exquisite bronze box on You's table."

You solemnly opened the box and took out a carefully preserved golden silk cloth.

Translation: "You solemnly opened the box and took out a carefully preserved golden silk cloth."

"Do you know what this is?" he said, raising the silk cloth with a look of pride.

Translation: "Do you know what this is?" he said, lifting the silk cloth with an expression of pride.

Duan Wu stared intently, "Are there characters on it? What do they say?"

Translation: "Duan Wu stared intently, 'Are there characters on it? What does it say?'"

Xiao Qidi vaguely felt the silk cloth was familiar; indeed, it seemed like something from the palace.

Translation: "Xiao Qidi vaguely felt the silk cloth looked familiar; indeed, it seemed like something from the palace."

You said proudly, "This is from a certain year's Double Ninth Festival; the emperor wrote the twelve characters 'Abundant harvests, favorable winds and rains, peace and prosperity for the nation' on this silk cloth and presented it to me. Though the emperor is young, his calligraphy is already mature—vigorous, powerful, full of momentum, unique in style; even the most skilled calligrapher cannot imitate that domineering, forceful quality. For you to see it today is your good fortune."

Translation: "You said arrogantly, 'This is a golden silk cloth on which the emperor, in some year's Double Ninth Festival, wrote the twelve characters "Abundant harvests, favorable winds and rains, peace and prosperity," and presented it to me. Although the emperor is young, his calligraphy has reached perfection—vigorous and powerful, full of momentum, unique in style; even the most skilled calligrapher cannot imitate that overbearing, fierce quality. For you to see it today is your good fortune.'"

Although Xiao Qidi was far away, he also recognized that the handwriting was indeed his own.

Translation: "Although Xiao Qidi was far away, he also recognized that the handwriting on it was indeed his own."

Adding to that, the information the other party gave finally made him understand what was going on.

Translation: "Together with the information the other party gave, he finally understood what was going on."

A faint smile appeared in Xiao Qidi's eyes, "You, I also know a little calligraphy; why don't you see how my writing looks?"

Translation: "A faint smile appeared in Xiao Qidi's eyes, 'You, I also know a little calligraphy; why don't you see how my writing looks?'"

"I don't have time to look at your writing," You said, narrowing his eyes, "Aren't you just trying to buy time?"

Translation: "I don't have time to look at your writing," You said, narrowing your eyes, "Aren't you just trying to delay on purpose?"

Xiao Qidi ignored him, swept aside the food and drink before him, casually picked up a bronze wine cup, used its base as a brush, and wrote vigorously on the wooden table, wood chips flying, completing several lines in one fluid motion.

Translation: "Xiao Qidi paid no heed, swept aside the food and drink before him, casually picked up a bronze wine cup, used its base as a brush, and wrote vigorously on the wooden tabletop, wood chips flying, several lines of characters flowing in one breath."

Sir, please take a look!

Translation: "Sir, please take a look!"

Xiao Qidi slapped the table with his palm.

Translation: "Xiao Qidi slapped the table with one palm."

Whoosh—the table flew over the hot spring between them.

Translation: "Whoosh— the table flew over the hot spring pool between the two."

Then with a clang, it landed before You, the tabletop standing upright, facing him.

Translation: "Then with a clang, it landed before You, the tabletop standing upright, facing him."

At first You disdained to glance at it, but the moment those characters met his eyes, he couldn't help but stare blankly.

Translation: "At first You disdained to glance at it, but the moment those characters met his eyes, he couldn't help but stare blankly."

"Abundant harvests, favorable winds and rains, peace and prosperity for the nation," Xiao Qidi said with a slight curl of his lips, "I wrote these twelve characters to make it easier for you to recognize."

Translation: "\"Abundant harvests, favorable winds and rains, peace and prosperity, \" Xiao Qidi said with a slight curl of his lips, \"To make it easier for you to recognize, I also wrote these twelve characters. \""

You's eyes twitched violently as he stared fixedly at each soaring, powerful character on the tabletop, that fierce momentum seeming to surge forth from the surface.

Translation: "You's eyes twitched violently, he stared fixedly at each character on the tabletop, their dragon‑soaring, phoenix‑dancing vigor bursting forth, that fierce momentum seeming to surge out from the table."

What's even more unbelievable is that these characters are identical to Xiao Qidi's handwriting on the silk cloth, and even more domineering and forceful.

Translation: "What made him even more incredulous was that these characters were exactly the same as Xiao Qidi's handwriting on the silk cloth, and even more overbearing and forceful."

"This... this... how... how is this happening?"

Translation: "This… this… how… how could this be…"

You's mind was somewhat blank, holding the silk and repeatedly comparing; the more they compared, the more their scalp tingled.

Xiao Qidi said softly, "You just claimed to have an extraordinary relationship with me, yet I had no idea. You also said I often held banquets to entertain you and even bestowed calligraphy upon you, so why have you still not recognized me to this day? Have I changed so much over these years?"

The servants present, upon hearing Xiao Qidi refer to himself as "I", all showed looks of shock.

You jerked his head up, pointing at Xiao Qidi, "You… you… impossible… this… how could your handwriting be the same as His Majesty's? Are… are you imitating it, aren't you?"

Xiao Qidi laughed, "You, haven't you said that even the most skilled calligrapher could not imitate my handwriting?"

"Your Majesty!" Duan Wu, seeing Xiao Qidi openly reveal his identity, no longer avoided the honorific, and loudly asked, "What on earth is this Dog Official doing trying to curry favor with you?"

Xiao Qidi spoke with a hint of amusement, saying calmly, "If it weren't for You reminding me and producing that silk cloth, I would have almost forgotten. That should have been the Double Ninth Festival of the year I ascended the throne; back then, the grain harvest in Daxuan was excellent, and Si Tu Wei was still the Prime Minister. He proposed setting up a Double Ninth sacrificial banquet in the palace, to worship Heaven and entertain the officials, and he also summoned local officials from all over to the Royal City."

"I have been wondering, when did I ever hold a banquet in the palace inviting a prefect? Now it seems it was that year's Double Ninth."

"At that banquet, the civil and military officials of the Royal City numbered in the hundreds, while local officials were too many to count; the scene was lively, I was delighted, and on a whim I took the napkin used to wipe my mouth during the meal, wrote those twelve characters on it, and had Si Tu Wei bestow it upon the local officials—only to end up in Your hands."

As Xiao Qidi went on, You's face grew uglier, his whole face covered in cold sweat.

The handwriting matched, and the circumstances back then were exactly as described.

Only now did You realize why, when he first saw the other party at the gate of the County Office hall, he had felt a sense of familiarity.

In his mind rose the scene from a few years ago when he attended a banquet in the palace of the Royal City.

Back then he had only caught a distant glimpse of the fourteen-year-old boy emperor seated on the throne; although his appearance was not very clear, that indescribable impression was etched into his memory.

Now looking at the eighteen-year-old youth before him, the image overlapped with that memory.

"Oh, after all this, it turns out You was just bragging!" Duan Wu laughed loudly, "Your hide is truly thick—boasting to His Majesty's face; I'd rather strip your hide and replace the cowhide on the drum at the County Gate, which would surely withstand hundreds or even thousands of hammer blows without breaking."

"Longyuan Governor!" Xiao Qidi barked, "Why aren't you kneeling to confess your guilt!"

"Your… Your Majesty..." You's eyes showed fear, his legs trembling as he fell to his knees with a thud, "I… I am blind and foolish, actually failing to recognize you, Your Majesty, spare my life!"

The servants present, seeing him kneel, hurriedly followed suit, a large group prostrating on the ground, not daring to breathe.

Seeing this, Duan Wu let out a relieved sigh; fortunately, even before this he had already gathered ample evidence against the Longyuan Governor, and His Majesty himself had witnessed it. Even if this Dog Official relied on bribery to curry favor with ministers in the court, he could not escape the death penalty, and those ministers who took bribes would also be dealt with by His Majesty together.

"Not recognizing me is hardly a crime," Xiao Qidi said, murderous intent flickering between his brows, "As a prefect, you have brought harm to the region—your guilt is beyond description."

"I know my fault, I know my fault!" You kept kowtowing.

Xiao Qidi did not want to waste time here with him; he needed to hurry and take him back to the County Office for strict interrogation, to clarify all charges, and eradicate everyone involved.

"Bring over General Duan's and my clothes," Xiao Qidi ordered, "and also fetch a rope."

You was very cooperative, hurriedly urging the servants, "Quick, quick!"

Soon, the clothes, equipment, and rope were brought over.

Xiao Qidi bound You's hands behind his back, then changed back into his original clothes.

Duan Wu walked over to Xiao Qidi holding An An, and said softly, "Your Majesty, I entrust the child to you; I will take charge of escorting that Dog Official."

Xiao Qidi pondered briefly, then shook his head, "The Governor of Daxuan Commandery is always a rare talent, both literary and martial; his martial prowess is probably not inferior to yours, so it would be safer for me to escort him. Remember, before we leave this place, we must not let our guard down."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"An An," Xiao Qidi said with a gentle smile, patting the little girl's head, "You will be able to leave this place shortly and see your mother."

An An's eyes rimmed red, she obediently nodded.

Afterwards, Xiao Qidi held a knife to You's neck, ordered two servants to lead the way, and walked out of the residence with Duan Wu, one in front and one behind.

It was yet another winding, twisting path.

Xiao Qidi remained vigilant the whole time, making sure they followed the route he had come by.

The You whom Xiao Qidi personally escorted kept his head drooping, silent and subdued, appearing to have resigned himself.

Having already gone back more than halfway, Duan Wu gradually felt his vision blur and his body grow weak and feeble.

"Your Majesty..." Duan Wu shook his head hard, "I… I feel… a bit unwell."

Xiao Qidi looked back and saw him swaying like someone dead-drunk, barely able to stand.

"What's wrong with you?" Xiao Qidi hurriedly turned to support him, one arm catching An An.

Duan Wu gasped weakly, "I… I don't know what's happening; could it be… I drank too much?"

Xiao Qidi faintly felt himself growing dizzy, a strong unease rising in his heart; he hurried back to You's side, gripping the Dog Official's neck and demanding in a cold voice, "Did you do something?"

You looked terrified, "Your Majesty, I would never dare to tamper; General Duan is probably unaccustomed to this environment, which is why he feels unwell."

"Really?" Xiao Qidi stared into his eyes, his five fingers tightening instantly, "I don't mind executing you right now."

You's face turned purple from holding his breath, yet he refused to admit it.

Xiao Qidi continued to apply force, lifting You entirely off the ground.

At that moment, Xiao Qidi's dizziness became even more pronounced; his strength drained away like a flood, and even circulating his Internal Strength was useless, so he could only release You.

You's feet touched the ground, and he immediately stepped back several steps, his earlier fearful expression replaced by a sinister chuckle: "The drug's effect only just kicked in on General Duan and Your Majesty; I must admit, you two are remarkably strong and healthy—hahaha…"

"You…" Duan Wu exclaimed in shock, "You poisoned us? When?"