Chapter 125: A Fine Play

Tuke Tuke Siluo was completely bewildered and hurriedly asked Jiang Jiang Mingyu, "What happened? What befell Mr. Zhu Ge Yu?" He had been training new recruits at the City Defense Camp all day yesterday and knew nothing of the situation Zhu Ge Yu had encountered.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu let out a heavy sigh, his brows knitted into the shape of the character "Chuan," and patiently detailed to Tuke Tuke Siluo what he had heard yesterday: it turned out that Huang Huang Chaoran had joined forces with the Zhu family to deliberately sabotage the Zhu Ge family's business, intending to cut off all their commercial lifelines.

Upon hearing this, Tuke Tuke Siluo clenched his fists tightly, his eyes widening with barely suppressable rage, and he spat hatefully, "That damn Huang Huang Chaoran has such a petty heart; we haven't even gone after him yet, and he actually has the audacity to come looking for trouble with us? Damn it, if we don't finish him off!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes were cold, his voice icy as he stated, "I have already decided to take that dog's life to vent the hatred in my heart. It was Huang Huang Chaoran who originally instructed others to ambush Liu Liu Yifei; I will settle that account with him sooner or later. This time, I will use the Zhu Ge family's affair to wipe him out completely."

As he spoke, his expression turned fierce, and he whipped the horsewhip in his hand sharply through the air, as if he could already see his enemy dead.

Tuke Tuke Siluo spoke with hatred, "My lord, let us immediately depart for the prefectural city. I will go all out to help you bring that damn Huang Huang Chaoran to justice!"

Thus, the two set off immediately for the prefectural city.

Che Ting, who had been roasted by fire a few days ago until he was on his last breaths, was still lying in the carriage, barely clinging to life.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu couldn't be bothered with Niu Niu Dali and directly ordered Tuke Tuke Siluo to drive the carriage at full speed.

After a day and night of bumping along, they finally arrived before the gates of the prefectural city at noon the following day.

With the New Year approaching, the prefectural city was already filled with joy, decorated everywhere with lanterns and colorful streamers.

Yet Jiang Jiang Mingyu's sole purpose for this journey was to seek revenge against Huang Huang Chaoran.

Inspector Wang Zhe, seeing the dying Che Ting and the testimony presented by Jiang Jiang Mingyu, flew into a rage instantly, his beard standing on end from anger: "How audacious! How dare Huang Huang Chaoran openly and intentionally swap out this office's condemned prisoner and attempt to deceive me? Does he think I am dead, that he can bully me so?"

"Men, immediately go to the Huang residence to arrest Huang Huang Chaoran! I shall surely execute this thief according to Zheng Fa to serve as a warning to others!" If such a scandal were to spread, his face as Inspector would be completely lost.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu stepped forward and said solemnly, "Inspector, allow me to handle this matter. I will enforce the law impartially and act with fairness, without the slightest negligence or carelessness." How could he easily let such a golden opportunity for revenge slip into another's hands?

Inspector Wang Zhe also understood that Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Huang Huang Chaoran shared a hatred too deep to coexist under the same sky, so he nodded satisfactorily: "Good, leave Huang Huang Chaoran to Jiang Da Ren to handle; I trouble you to be extremely cautious and ensure he is brought to justice."

The Inspector's shriveled chest heaved up and down with rapid breathing, and the short hair on his head bounced and stood up in his irritation, clearly showing that his fury was far from subsided.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu walked out of the Inspector's residence with a cold face, brows locked tight and cold light flashing in his eyes. He waved his large sleeve and ordered Tuke Tuke Siluo, "Go to the Huang residence to arrest someone!" His tone was icy, revealing barely suppressable rage.

Tuke Tuke Siluo asked in surprise, "What about Mr. Zhu Ge Yu's matter?" He worried that attending to one thing would cause them to neglect the other, leaving them no time to rescue Zhu Ge Yu.

Striding forward without looking back, Jiang Jiang Mingyu said, "Huang Huang Chaoran is the root of the evil; once he is captured, the Huang family will naturally back off, and the Zhu Ge family's crisis will be resolved." His voice was thick with killing intent.

The two quickly found the Huang residence, but upon knocking and asking, the Huang family servant said that Huang Huang Chaoran had already taken people to cause trouble for Zhu Ge Yu. Jiang Jiang Mingyu and Tuke Tuke Siluo felt a "thump" in their hearts and immediately turned around to run toward the Zhu Ge residence.

As he ran, Jiang Jiang Mingyu thought, the situation is urgent; that Huang Huang Chaoran is no good person, and who knows what he might have done to Zhu Ge Yu; saving the person is the priority.

In the spacious main hall of the Zhu Ge family, more than a dozen merchants dressed in luxurious official robes had gathered, all staring at an old man sitting in the seat of honor who appeared decadent and helpless.

This old man was Zhu Ge Yi, the current head of the Zhu Ge family; he slumped softly against the high-backed chair, devoid of strength like a ruptured ball, his face deathly gray, looking as if he were ready to bid farewell to the world at any moment, remaining completely silent amidst everyone's pointing and whispering.

Two people stood beside Zhu Ge Yi: one was Zhu Ge Yu, who had just returned from Shangmu, his expression as solemn as water; the other was Zhu Ge Gang, Zhu Ge Yi's eldest son, who was also wearing similar luxurious long robes.

At this moment, he wished he could swallow Zhu Ge Yu alive and tear him apart, the hatred shooting from his eyes seeming capable of burning Zhu Ge Yu to ashes.

Originally, after his father's death, the entire family fortune should have belonged to this eldest son, Zhu Ge Gang, but unexpectedly, Zhu Ge Yu had incurred the enmity of Huang Huang Chaoran, causing the commercial empire accumulated over several generations to teeter on the brink of collapse, to the point where even the survival of this huge family was in question.

Thinking of this, Zhu Ge Gang wished he could strangle this younger brother whom he regarded as useless.

At this moment, Huang Huang Chaoran was scrutinizing Zhu Ge Yi with a gloomy face, saying coldly, "I am giving you one last chance; immediately hand over the entire Zhu Ge family fortune, and perhaps if I am in a good mood, I might spare your dog of a life; otherwise, your only path is death!" His eyes were filled with thick killing intent, his voice icy as frost.

The other merchants present joined in the clamor, speaking one after another: "Hey, old thing, hurry up and hand over the family fortune; perhaps if Lord Huang calms his anger, he will let you off."

"You stubborn old fool, you deserve to have your family destroyed!"

Zhu Ge Yi's facial skin twitched violently several times, yet he could not utter a single word, only waiting in despair for this once-glorious family to be devoured completely.

"If you have anyone to blame, blame yourself for birthing such a useless son! Wasn't it good enough to be a Young Master? Why did you have to go and take that Jiang Jiang Mingyu as a master? You father and son are digging your own graves!"

Zhu Ge Yu gritted his teeth and said, "Who I take as a master has nothing to do with you? Stop pretending to be a big bad wolf; if you covet our family fortune, just say it directly; beating around the bush like this is simply ridiculous!"

He also understood that there was no turning back from today's situation.

Huang Huang Chaoran said disdainfully, "Enough nonsense; either hand over the entire family fortune, and depending on my mood, I might let you go, otherwise, the entire Zhu Ge family can accompany you to the grave!"

Zhu Ge Yi trembled uncontrollably, unable to say anything. At this point, Zhu Ge Gang interjected, "Lord Huang, please calm your anger; this is all caused by the waste in our family and has nothing to do with us, the Zhu Ge family..."

Huang Huang Chaoran sneered, "Is not Zhu Ge Yu also a member of your Zhu Ge family?"

Zhu Ge Gang immediately raised his fawning tone to the highest pitch and begged, "Lord Huang, to be honest, this Zhu Ge Yu has always been unfilial and disobedient, shaming our Zhu Ge family name for years on end. My father has long wanted to expel him from the family and never allow him to step foot in the Zhu Ge residence again. Since he has offended you, please just take him away and deal with him as you see fit; regardless of whether he lives or dies, we absolutely will not inquire. As long as you calm your anger and show mercy by sparing our Zhu Ge family, we will be eternally grateful."

Hearing this, Zhu Ge Yu's eyes widened instantly; he simply could not believe that his own biological brother, in order to preserve the family fortune, could betray his own brother to such an extent, discarding all human ethics and familial affection; indeed, the human heart is unfathomable!

He clearly knew that this dispute was entirely provoked by Huang Huang Chaoran first, and he was merely a scapegoat, yet Zhu Ge Gang, for the sake of profit, could actually say such things, truly having no bottom line.

Huang Huang Chaoran smiled ambiguously, a hint of a sinister grin revealing itself within the yellow tones of his face: "Since you have all said so, then let us proceed accordingly. Taking Zhu Ge Yu away will serve as a warning to Jiang Jiang Mingyu, letting him know that I, Huang Huang Chaoran, are not someone to be trifled with. As for your Zhu Ge family, you must also hand over the majority of your family fortune; this is self-inflicted, and you cannot blame others. Otherwise, I cannot guarantee Zhu Ge Yu's little life, and do not blame me for being ruthless and cruel when the time comes."

Zhu Ge Yi was already trembling uncontrollably, unable to speak a word, only watching helplessly as his family was torn apart. Meanwhile, Zhu Ge Gang was secretly delighted inwardly; as long as he could preserve the majority of the family fortune, it would not be a waste for this useless younger brother to die. Jiang Jiang Mingyu's side might face embarrassment temporarily, but once the storm passed after some days, he could develop greatly; would that not be wonderful?

Upon hearing this, Zhu Ge Yi's eyes suddenly lit up; not even caring about the life or death of his own biological son, he hurriedly asked, "Really? As long as we hand over this useless son to you, you can preserve the foundation of our Zhu Ge family?"

Hearing these words, Zhu Ge Yu's heart instantly turned half cold. So in his father's heart, his own life was not even as important as the several hundred thousand taels of Bai Huahua silver in the house. He never expected that his life and death were so insignificant in his father's eyes.

Huang Huang Chaoran was very satisfied with Zhu Ge Yi's attitude, revealing a smile of appreciation, and affirmed, "Exactly; as long as you hand Zhu Ge Yu over to me for disposal, we will have no further grievances. I guarantee you, I will absolutely keep my word."

Zhu Ge Yi did not even glance at Zhu Ge Yu, saying directly, "Good, since that is the case, please take this unpromising rebellious son away. There is no place for him here anymore." His tone even faintly revealed a hint of relief, as if preserving the family fortune was worth sacrificing this son.

Hearing these words, Zhu Ge Yu nearly went mad, letting out a hysterical burst of laughter: "Haha, good, excellent! Since I am worthless in your eyes, then this is the last contribution I can make to the Zhu Ge family! From today onward, I have no relation whatsoever with you beasts!"

Zhu Ge Gang sneered, "What qualification do you have to sever ties with our Zhu Ge family? You bastard, your very existence is our shame!"

Zhu Ge Yi also hurriedly echoed, "That's right, please immediately take this unfilial son away; I am truly sick to death of him!"

Clearly, the father and son had already treated Zhu Ge Yu as a sacrificial flag to protect their family fortune, placing him in a deadly situation without hesitation. They wished for Zhu Ge Yu to die immediately so they could cut off this threat and gather all wealth and power into their own pockets.

Just as Huang Huang Chaoran was about to take Zhu Ge Yu away, a round of unreserved clapping suddenly came from outside the hall, followed by Jiang Jiang Mingyu's arrogant voice ringing out: "Truly a moving and heartfelt good play, fatherly kindness and filial piety, a rare sight. If I had not personally rushed here to witness it, it would truly be a great regret in life!"

Two unfamiliar young men swaggered in, and Zhu Ge Yi, who had been triumphant a moment ago, instantly changed color. Zhu Ge Yu, his face full of despair, asked, "Master, why have you come here?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu sauntered to the center of the main hall and mocked, "If I had not witnessed this rare and splendid scene with my own eyes, I fear I would regret it immensely. It turns out that in the eyes of your Zhu Ge family, in order to preserve a few rooms, you can even cast your own flesh and blood into a deadly situation; truly unprecedented!" Every word was thick with mockery.

Huang Huang Chaoran, who had just been arrogant and haughty, instantly changed color upon seeing Jiang Jiang Mingyu. He was extremely puzzled inwardly; how could Che Ting have failed his mission, yet Jiang Jiang Mingyu still arrived early? Could it be that he sensed Zhu Ge Yu was in trouble and rushed here to save him? The specific situation was difficult to ascertain at the moment, so he could only strive to pretend to be calm: "Jiang Jiang Mingyu, you have privately left your post and trespassed into the prefectural city; I shall go report you immediately, let's see what you have to say then!"

Unexpectedly, Jiang Jiang Mingyu did not take his threat seriously at all; he strode boldly up to Huang Huang Chaoran, and before the shocked gaze of the crowd, "Slap!" he delivered a solid slap right across Huang Huang Chaoran's face!

"You... you..." Huang Huang Chaoran covered his swollen half-face, too ashamed and angry to speak.

Just as Huang Huang Chaoran was about to report Jiang Jiang Mingyu, suddenly "Slap!" he was hit with another slap, leaving him completely stunned.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu sneered, "Can't figure out why I hit you? Because I am an official and you are a commoner; do you deserve to address me by my name directly? I have already shown mercy by giving only two slaps; if I sent you to see the Inspector, who knows if you wouldn't be flayed and have your tendons pulled!"

"A dead bird person who has been demoted, yet dares to look down on others from on high? Has your brain gone bad too? Do you need me to teach you how to behave when meeting an official?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu furrowed his brows and said, "Kneel down now!"

Huang Huang Chaoran ground his teeth tightly, and only after a long while did he lower his head and kneel, his face flushed.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu added, "Lost your voice? Quickly state your full name!"

Huang Huang Chaoran, his teeth itching with hatred, kowtowed and said, "A commoner pays respects to My Lord Jiang."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu, too lazy to pay him any mind, looked around and said, "You all kneel properly too!" Seeing the situation was dire, everyone immediately knelt.

Huang Huang Chaoran, forcing down his anger, said, "My Lord Jiang, the formalities are done. I shall go and report you!"

Who knew Jiang Jiang Mingyu would directly kick him over onto the ground, shouting angrily, "Who told you to speak!"

Everyone immediately pressed their heads even lower, fearing they would anger My Lord Jiang and get a severe beating as well.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu, looking down from above, said, "Just now, did I say you could get up? Continue kneeling and wait for my judgment!"

Huang Huang Chaoran, kicked until his nose and face were swollen and bruised, could only continue kneeling, his heart already wishing to flay Jiang Jiang Mingyu a thousand times...

Zhu Ge Yu saw the bruises on the faces of the thugs on the ground and felt extremely pleased. Now look at you, you have your day too. You bullied others and even dared to hit my brother; it was truly self-inflicted.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu kicked Huang Huang Chaoran over onto the ground again, and the fire in his heart had not yet subsided.

As Huang Huang Chaoran got up, his mouth opened, and a front tooth fell out, his mouth full of blood, a gruesome sight. Jiang Jiang Mingyu would not be soft-handed; he said coldly, "Didn't you want to report me for abandoning my post? Go ahead. I have already met with the Inspector. If you report me, you will only be charged with falsely accusing a government official."

Huang Huang Chaoran was stunned. He thought he could catch Jiang Jiang Mingyu in a mistake, but who knew the other had prepared long ago; now he was thoroughly embarrassed.

But his mouth was stubborn and his heart strong; he still struggled to say, "I don't care if you met the Inspector or not. Taking bribes and harming the nation—I will report you to the Inspector."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu laughed heartily, "Fine, I was just about to take you to the Inspector's residence anyway; it's on the way."

Huang Huang Chaoran's face was full of suspicion, "What are you going to the Inspector's residence for?" "To close an old case," came the reply.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu answered with a smile.

Huang Huang Chaoran was even more confused, "What case do I have with the Inspector?"

"I checked your background and found your hands are not clean," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said with a mysterious smile.

Huang Huang Chaoran was dazed, "Where do I have a criminal record? I am full of righteousness!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu rolled his eyes at him, "You were once a Chief Clerk; how can your brain be so dull? Have you heard of the person Che Ting?"

Finally, Jiang Jiang Mingyu mentioned the crucial point. Huang Huang Chaoran's body shook violently; his mind fell into chaos, as if thrown from a high building, completely losing his direction.

Huang Huang Chaoran's head buzzed; he felt as if he had fallen into a deep abyss, bottomless.

His face instantly turned pale as paper, because he understood that the matter of Che Ting could no longer be hidden.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu dropped a heavy bomb, his voice cold and gloomy, "Che Ting said he knows you, Lord Huang."

Huang Huang Chaoran was as if struck by lightning; his eyes were vacant, and he shook his head helplessly, muttering to himself, "Impossible, impossible..."

The corners of Jiang Jiang Mingyu's mouth curled up slightly, carrying a hint of mockery, "Impossible? What a funny joke."

Speaking thus, he threw Che Ting's confession in front of Huang Huang Chaoran, like dropping a heavy bomb, detonating the stormy waves in Huang Huang Chaoran's heart.

Huang Huang Chaoran merely gazed silently at that confession; those words wove into a mist before his eyes. His fingers trembled slightly, as if he could no longer control his body. Facing this evidence, he could no longer deny it; Che Ting's existence and his relationship with him were as clear as an image in a mirror, undeniable.

"This..." Huang Huang Chaoran's voice was weak, as if struck in a vital point by all this, with no strength left to resist.

The corners of Jiang Jiang Mingyu's mouth curved into a sinister smile; he clearly saw Huang Huang Chaoran's heart crumbling. This taste, he feared, was nothing compared to the taste Huang Huang Chaoran had always wanted to report.

"How is it? Do you understand now?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu's tone was full of mockery, "Your justice and nobility, in front of Che Ting, do they not appear so pale and powerless?"

Huang Huang Chaoran's lips moved, but no sound came out. His heart was like a storm, rising and falling, surging endlessly. For years, he had thought he could escape the law, but now, everything was exposed; he could only face his sins silently.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes were deep as an abyss; he seemed able to see through Huang Huang Chaoran's inner struggle. The smile on his lips grew colder, "Now, do you understand why I want to take you to the Inspector's residence?"

Huang Huang Chaoran finally came to his senses; he slumped his head in despair, unable to resist or refute anymore. He knew that no matter what, he had fallen into the trap Jiang Jiang Mingyu had set.

"Let's go, Lord Huang." Jiang Jiang Mingyu's voice was like a guide from hell, coldly entering Huang Huang Chaoran's ears.

Huang Huang Chaoran followed behind Jiang Jiang Mingyu with unsteady steps; his mood was like dust drifting on a wasteland, unable to find a peaceful home. Fate's trickery had caused him to fall from a powerful Chief Clerk to the lonely man he is now.