Chapter 302

Zhao Mingqiao resembled a warrior about to charge into battle, fearless and righteous.

Sun Daoning deeply admired the man inside, for he, obsessed with power, had long lost such fervor.

Why do scholars forge the order of this world? Why are scholars respected by the people? Precisely because there exist men like Zhao Mingqiao—fiery, generation after generation, pressing forward, never yielding, never ceasing.

The deposing of the Crown Prince has indeed shattered the very foundation of the world's order, plunging everything into chaos. If even such a legitimate and blameless Crown Prince can be deposed, what is impossible? What is worth holding onto? Are the teachings from books, the beliefs instilled since childhood, still worth clinging to?

Doubt took root in men's hearts; doubt bred change; change brought chaos; after chaos, things might improve—or they might grow far worse.

In any case, scholars would never accept a second order.

Zhao Mingqiao's hatred, Sun Daoning understood completely. He even understood why the man wanted to kill Lu Mingchuan.

But young man, you are still too young. The consequences of this matter go far beyond the death of one or two people. It involves far too many; how can you act merely on impulse?

"Zhao Mingqiao, as an official, you must know how to weigh advantages and disadvantages, to act from the perspective of the greater good."

"What greater good? The Crown Prince has already been deposed, and you're still talking about the greater good. It's precisely because you always hesitate and second-guess yourselves that the Crown Prince was deposed. If you keep weighing things like this, I dare say, Prince Zhong will be killed by you. You're a bunch of useless allies!"

"How dare you speak so boldly!"

"Have I said anything wrong? Hesitation invites disaster. With such overwhelming advantage, you still lost—on what grounds do you dare instruct me? Your experience only qualifies you to eat and wait for death."

"Zhao Mingqiao, are you plotting rebellion?"

"If I had troops, I would have rebelled long before the Divine Artifact Camp entered the capital. The Crown Prince would never have been deposed. It would be that old bastard who was deposed."

"Shut your mouth!" Sun Daoning was terrified. Zhao Mingqiao had no fear of death—he truly dared say such things. His face turned ashen; he hurried to the window and peered out—luckily, no one was there.

Unbeknownst to them, every word of their conversation had reached Chen Guanlou's ears.

Chen Guanlou reflected: Did he truly understand Zhao Mingqiao? Today, he met a new Zhao Mingqiao—"angry youth" or "ranting fool" were inadequate descriptions. Zhao Mingqiao was a warrior, a fighter who waged war for faith and ideal.

In truth, Zhao Mingqiao had never changed—it was men's hearts and the world that had changed. The world had forced Zhao Mingqiao to become a furious man, one who believed only in killing, killing, killing.

"Zhao Mingqiao, if you want to die, I won't stop you—but can you at least avoid dragging innocent people down with you? I nearly died because of you."

Sun Daoning's heart ached! What kind of man was this? They'd come for an interrogation, and he'd caused nothing but trouble. Fortunately, today was only a preliminary hearing, not a formal court session. If Zhao Mingqiao had spoken so recklessly in open court, he would have killed him on the spot.

"Why should Your Excellency fear? If your heart holds no dread, even execution of nine clans means nothing."

"Go ahead and seek execution of nine clans if you wish—I won't stop you. But don't drag others into it. I don't care what you plan to do—today, I'll pretend I never came. Your words? I'll treat them as nonsense."

Zhao Mingqiao glared, eyes blazing, "Will you, Sir Sun, insist on protecting Lu Mingchuan?"

"I'm not protecting Mr. Lu—I'm protecting countless innocent people. You're clever enough to understand: Lu Mingchuan isn't just one man. If he falls, countless others will be dragged down—including your senior and junior brothers. How cruel, how heartless you are! Don't think of yourself—can't you think of the innocent?" Sun Daoning pleaded earnestly, as if trying to crush and pour the truth directly into Zhao Mingqiao's mind.

Zhao Mingqiao sneered, "When will officials ever stop protecting each other? Fine, fine—do as you please. But I have one request—please grant it, Sir Sun."

"Speak."

"I want to be released. I want my official post restored. I beg Your Excellency to grant me this."

Sun Daoning's lips twitched. He suddenly realized this young man seemed both cunning and loyal. Had he transcended?

Yu Zhaoan jokingly called it "enlightenment in the Heavenly Prison"—could the Heavenly Prison truly have such power? One after another, those who entered emerged transformed—fierce, ruthless, unscrupulous. Why had he never noticed before?

He rubbed his temples and said, "Fine. I'll do my best to fight for you. Your offense isn't serious—you'll be released easily. Whether you regain your post? That depends on your luck."

"My luck should be decent enough," Zhao Mingqiao smiled.

Sun Daoning waved his hand, repeating his warning: "Watch your mouth. Don't speak nonsense."

"I'll keep my mouth shut."

The conversation ended. Zhao Mingqiao was returned to his cell.

Chen Guanlou arrived at the jailer's office. "Sir, any orders?"

Sun Daoning snapped back to attention. "Oh, Xiao Chen. Watch Zhao Mingqiao closely. No accidents allowed. If he says anything important, record it."

"Understood. I'll pay special attention to Zhao Mingqiao. Any other orders, Sir?"

Sun Daoning waved him off. He was exhausted—Zhao Mingqiao's words had thrown his composure into chaos. "Until the new jailer arrives, you must guard the Heavenly Prison. If anything happens, send word to the Ministry of Justice."

"Sir, how much longer until the new jailer takes office? We jailers have waited too long—please show some understanding."

"Don't worry—he'll arrive soon. I'm busy. I'm leaving."

"I'll see you off, Sir."

Chen Guanlou escorted him all the way to the gate, watched Sun Daoning's carriage depart, then returned to the A-cell block.

He stood before Zhao Mingqiao's cell, studying him curiously—eyes filled with inquiry, doubt, fascination, and a strange, indescribable excitement.

He was, in truth, a man who thrived on chaos, who loved spectacle and wished for more people like Zhao Mingqiao to rise up and overthrow the old emperor. Whoever took the throne was fine—just not the old one. That old bastard had dared to stage a coup and depose the Crown Prince—an act unprecedented in history, never to be repeated.

"Why are you staring at me? Speak if you have something to say!" Zhao Mingqiao still carried the fierce aura from his clash with Sun Daoning—his tone was blunt, uncivil.

"Did you eat something strange?" Chen Guanlou asked casually.

Zhao Mingqiao raised an eyebrow. "What did Sun Daoning tell you?" He never considered the possibility that Chen Guanlou had overheard.

Sun Daoning was a martial cultivator. Chen Guanlou was an ordinary man—if he'd eavesdropped, Sun Daoning would have known. It was natural he didn't think of it.

Chen Guanlou shook his head slightly. "He told me to watch you closely, and not let you speak recklessly."

Zhao Mingqiao snorted. "Tell him I act with restraint. I won't do anything foolish."

Foolish? Not likely.