Chapter 117: Going Further Down the Road of Self‑Destruction

Sang Hongyang sized up Xu Wei, seeing his miserable appearance, he couldn't help but feel somewhat reluctant.

He sighed and said, "Xu Wei, I know you've been wronged. This matter is due to my lax discipline, which let my son commit a grave mistake. I came today hoping you'll consider my face and let this go, not pursue it further."

Upon hearing this, Xu Wei's heart surged with anger, and he loudly said, "Sang Da Ren, you speak so lightly! I was framed for no reason and suffered so much torment—can a single word 'let it go' settle it? I want the truth, to clear my name!"

Sang Hongyang quickly waved his hand and said, "Xu Wei, don't get agitated. I know you hold resentment, but you should know that if this matter blows up, it benefits neither of us. Think about it—you're currently in the Imperial Prison; how easy would it be to clear your name?"

Seeing Xu Wei fall into thought, he continued, "Even if you could truly prove your innocence, what then? Your reputation is already damaged, and your future days won't be easy."

Xu Wei fell silent, and Sang Hongyang's words left him feeling disheartened.

He knew Sang Hongyang was right; given his current situation, clearing his name was truly as difficult as climbing to heaven.

Moreover, even if he succeeded, he might still face retaliation from Sang Qian, and his life would never be peaceful.

At the same time, Sang Hongyang held high rank and great influence, enjoying the emperor's deep favor; today the Ministry of Works stands above the Six Ministries, making Sang Hongyang second only to the emperor.

Seeing Xu Wei somewhat wavering, Sang Hongyang continued, "I can guarantee this: if you agree not to pursue the matter further, once my son takes on the bidding project, he'll be just a name‑holder, while you'll still be the one actually in charge of construction. Moreover, I'll give you enough profit to keep you provided for the rest of your life. What do you think?"

Xu Wei's heart was deeply torn; on one hand he longed to clear his name and restore his reputation;

on the other hand he worried that continuing the pursuit would bring him even greater trouble.

At this point Sang Hongyang continued, "Besides, as far as I know, you still have an elderly, frail father who needs support; you shouldn't think only of yourself—you must also consider your old man."

After weighing it repeatedly, Xu Wei finally said helplessly, "Sang Da Ren, I can agree to your request, but you must guarantee that no one will cause me trouble again."

Seeing Xu Wei agree, Sang Hongyang breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Rest assured, I, Sang Hongyang, always keep my word. As long as you honor your promise, I will certainly keep you safe and sound."

Xu Wei nodded, his eyes revealing a hint of helplessness and despair.

He knew he had completely compromised this time, but to stay alive he had no other choice.

Upon hearing his father Sang Hongyang's response, Sang Qian's formerly smiling face instantly darkened, his features twisting together in dissatisfaction.

He violently flung his teacup to the ground, shards scattering everywhere, tea spilling across the floor.

"Father, this is far too womanly kindness!"

Sang Qian through gritted teeth lowly growled, "To so easily hand over such a huge chunk of profit to that Xu Wei, how much profit will we lose!"

He paced back and forth in the room, his steps hurried and heavy, each step seeming to want to break through the floor.

But then he recalled his father Sang Hongyang's warning, and knowing his father's temperament, even if he couldn't accept it, he could only swallow his anger.

At that moment, his three partners—broad‑faced Zhao Hu, pointy‑mouthed monkey‑cheeked Sun Er, and grim‑looking Qian San—pushed the door open and entered.

Zhao Hu burst in, saying bluntly, "Sang Gongzi, I heard Sang Da Ren directly arranged things for Xu Wei? This won't do—we poured so much thought into this project, yet the benefits are to be split half‑and‑half with that Xu Wei; what's the meaning of this?"

Sun Er also chimed in, "Yeah, Sang Gongzi, you initially patted your chest and promised us that after landing the project we'd all profit handsomely. Now, following your father's wishes, what we can get is pitifully little—you're going back on your word!"

Qian San said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes, "Sang Gongzi, if you just accept this, you'll have no authority before us brothers; how will the brothers follow you in big endeavors?"

As Sang Qian listened to their words, the anger that had just subsided flared up again.

If such embarrassment were to spread, how could he, the proud son of the Grand Han Minister of Works, face his brothers in the circle?

He too cares about face!

Sang Qian stopped pacing, glared at them fiercely, and hesitated, saying, "You think I want this? I also don't want to just let Xu Wei off easy—but my father..."

Zhao Hu cut him off: "Sang Gongzi, don't use your father as an excuse. If you really have the ability, just get rid of Xu Wei so we can proceed with the original plan; otherwise we won't be able to work with you."

Sun Er also added fuel: "Exactly, Sang Gongzi, you're usually decisive—why are you hesitating now? If you can't even handle this small matter, we'll look down on you."

Qian San then said: "Sang Gongzi, opportunity lost is opportunity lost forever. If you don't act now, once Xu Wei gains a foothold on the project, we'll have even less chance."

Sang Qian's face flushed red at their words, a flash of cruelty in his eyes. He gritted his teeth and said, "Alright, stop talking! I know what to do. I will certainly make Xu Wei suffer and not disappoint you."

Days passed, and the Southern Development Project finally broke ground.

The construction site bustled with a frenetic scene, workers busy shuttling about, building materials piled up like mountains.

Xu Wei also, in accordance with his earlier agreement with Sang Hongyang, devoted himself wholeheartedly to the construction project.

Sang Qian, accompanied by Zhao Hu, Sun Er, Qian San, and a contingent of guards, arrived at the construction site with an imposing presence.

He approached Xu Wei, wearing a smug smile, and shouted, "Xu Wei, you have gall! Dare to cut corners on my project—it's outright lawlessness! Seize him!"

Xu Wei looked bewildered; he never expected Sang Qian to suddenly pin such a baseless accusation on him. He hurriedly explained, "Sang Gongzi, you must be mistaken! I have always followed the design plans strictly, absolutely no cutting corners."

"A misunderstanding?"

Sang Qian snorted coldly, "The evidence is solid—you still want to quibble! Take him away!"

The guards, without a word, bound Xu Wei with ropes and shoved him outward.

Xu Wei struggled desperately, shouting his innocence: "Sang Gongzi, you can't frame me like this! I'm innocent!"

But Sang Qian paid no heed to his cries, merely waving his hand to signal the guards to take him away.

Zhao Hu sneered from the side, "Hmph, opposing our Sang Gongzi—this is your end!"

Sun Er also jeered, "Exactly, still wanting a share of this project without checking if you even have the ability!"

Qian San watched Xu Wei being led away with a satisfied expression.

Thus, Xu Wei was once again escorted into the government office.

In the court hall, Sang Qian bribed the officials to torture Xu Wei with severe interrogation, forcing him to confess to the charge of cutting corners.

Xu Wei would rather die than yield, firmly refusing to admit to deeds he never did.

But the officials ignored his pleas, and with lightning speed sentenced him to exile to the borderlands for the crime of cutting corners.