Chapter 113: Ensnared

In that cramped, dim study, Xu Wei had been fighting tirelessly for countless days and nights.

The desk was piled with messy papers and drawing tools; a lone lamp cast a weak glow, stretching his exhausted yet resolute silhouette across the mottled wall.

His eyes were bloodshot, his face gaunt, yet the pen in his hand never stopped.

For the architectural designs and plans of the Southern Development Movement, he had nearly exhausted all his energy and heart.

Every line, every annotation, poured forth his boundless hopes for the future and deep affection for this land.

Sometimes he frowned, mulling over every detail;

Sometimes his eyes lit up, as if he had found the best solution.

Moonlight streamed in through the window, then slipped away; sunrise rose and set, while he immersed himself in his design world, forgetting the passage of time.

Finally, on a dawn-breaking morning, Xu Wei finished the last stroke.

He let out a long sigh, a relieved smile appearing on his weary face. He carefully gathered the designs and plans, holding them close to his chest, as if they were his life's hope.

Xu Wei carried this work, condensed with countless efforts, rushing hastily to the Ministry of Works.

Along the way, his heart was both nervous and eager, his steps quick yet firm.

When he presented the designs and plans to the Ministry staff, his hands trembled slightly, his eyes revealing a hint of anxiety.

The staff took the designs and began to review them carefully.

As time passed, their faces gradually showed surprise and admiration.

One senior official lifted his head, eyes full of approval, saying: "Young man, your design is creative, the planning is very reasonable. If implemented according to this plan, the Southern Development will proceed smoothly. Tomorrow I will personally make this plan become the Minister."

Hearing this, Xu Wei's joy surged like a tide.

He was so excited his eyes reddened, repeatedly thanking the staff.

Meanwhile, the onlookers thought the staff were glancing around, slipping away quietly.

In the grand Sang mansion in Chang'an City, a faint scent of ink filled the study; Sang Hongyang, dressed in a plain robe, sat upright at the desk, fully focused on reviewing the bidding proposal submitted by his subordinates.

At that moment, the study door was pushed open with a creak; Sang Qian hurried in, his face full of excitement.

"Father, I heard there is a bidding for the overall project planning of this Southern Development; is that true?"

Sang Qian took two steps at a time to reach Sang Hongyang's side, his eyes shining, his tone unable to hide his eagerness.

In fact, he had already heard this news; he was merely probing his father's attitude. As the Minister of Works and deputy commander-in-chief of the Southern Development, his word carried great weight.

Sang Hongyang slowly set down the document, lifted his gaze to his son, eyes hinting at wariness and doubt: "I've heard a little about it. Why do you ask?"

Sang Qian leaned in close, almost touching his father, his hands unconsciously rubbing together, greed flashing in his eyes, he lowered his voice:

"Father, this is a huge opportunity! The architectural design portion of the Southern Development project promises profits beyond imagination."

"I've already teamed up with a few companions to bid; if we win this project, our family will not only gain riches overflowing, but also rise in status. In Chang'an City, who would dare not put our Sang family in their eyes?"

As he spoke, the corners of his mouth turned up, revealing an uncontrollable smile of pride.

Sang Hongyang's face instantly darkened; he sprang up with a sound, eyes blazing with anger and disappointment, staring straight at Sang Qian, saying:

"Qian, as a historian of the Great Han, you bear the heavy duty of recording history truthfully and preserving just historical facts for posterity. How can you devote your mind to such trivial matters and engage in this kind of commercial competition?"

"This Southern Development project concerns the nation's rise and fall, the people's welfare—it is a grand plan, not a tool for you to seek private gain."

Sang Qian trembled slightly under his father's aura; he quickly waved his hands, forcing an utterly innocent expression, his eyes flashing a hint of undetectable cunning:

"Father, you misunderstand me. I would never dare to do anything illegal. I and my companions participated in the bidding solely relying on our genuine talent and solid design skills. In this competition, we are absolutely fair and just, using no improper means. Please put your heart at ease and trust me this once."

Sang Hongyang's gaze was like a torch, fixed on Sang Qian's eyes, trying to see through his evasive eyes to his thoughts.

After a long while, he sighed helplessly, his expression full of disappointment, saying:

"Qian, you have been exceptionally intelligent since childhood; I placed great hopes in you. If you truly rely on your own abilities to bid, I will not stop you. But if I discover any violation, do not blame me for disregarding father‑son affection—I will surely punish you severely."

Sang Qian nodded repeatedly on the surface, but inside he secretly breathed a sigh of relief, quickly putting on a fawning smile: "Father, you can rest assured; I know what to do."

After leaving the Ministry of Works, his steps felt light as if he could fly; his only thought was to hurry home and celebrate this good news with his wife.

However, when Xu Wei pushed the door open and saw the empty room, his smile froze on his face.

He then remembered that he had already divorced his wife.

Once filled with laughter and chatter, the home now held only him and his elderly father.

"Father, I'm back."

Xu Wei suppressed his inner loss and greeted his father.

The old father came out from the inner room, looking at his son's weary yet excited expression, his eyes full of pity: "Child, how did it go?"

"Father, my plan was approved by the Ministry of Works!"

Xu Wei forced out a faint smile and told his father the good news.

The old father also smiled with relief: "Good, good! Child, you have finally succeeded."

Just as father and son were immersed in joy, a hurried footsteps sounded.

Several Feathered Forest Guards entered the courtyard; the leader, stern-faced, said: "Are you Xu Wei? Someone reported you for beating your wife Li Shi, committing domestic violence—come with us!"

Xu Wei widened his eyes, face full of disbelief: "How could this be? I have never struck my wife!"

The Feathered Forest Guards ignored his explanations, forcibly dragging him away.

Xu Wei struggled while shouting his innocence, but all he met were cold handcuffs and the indifferent gazes of those around him.