Chapter 128: Confiscation of the Family

Wang Zhe turned deathly pale with fright, his voice trembling as he asked, "Imperial Envoy, my lord, what do you mean by that? Could it be..."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu stared at Wang Zhe with a chilling gaze, his tone laced with threat: "Inspector, my meaning is clear. The Huang father and son openly committed crimes and even attempted to harm the Imperial Envoy. What a heinous crime! Their actions are no different from plotting against Your Majesty. If you seek to exonerate them, you are an accomplice!"

Terrified and trembling all over, Wang Zhe removed his official cap, knelt on the ground, and kowtowed to beg for forgiveness. At this moment, his inner emotions surged like a stormy sea: "Imperial Envoy, my failure to detect this crime is undeniable. But I beg Your Lordship to investigate clearly; the crimes committed by the Huang father and son are indeed too severe. If they are not punished severely, it will damage the dignity and justice of the court. Although I have the heart to exonerate them, if this triggers a greater storm, I cannot escape blame either. I beg Your Lordship to see clearly!"

As Wang Zhe spoke, his inner world was like an onion being peeled layer by layer, revealing his contradictions and struggles. He wanted to uphold the court's dignity yet feared drawing fire upon himself. Ultimately, under Jiang Jiang Mingyu's threat, he chose to comply.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu spoke in a deep voice: "Inspector, your words are too heavy. The court's laws are wise; this official only seeks to enforce justice impartially, with no room for compromise. This matter is of great importance; I beg the Inspector to handle it with caution, absolutely leaving no room for others to criticize!"

Wang Zhe responded respectfully: "I strictly follow the Imperial Envoy's teachings! No compromise; the Huang father and son will be severely punished to rectify the court's discipline!"

Deep in his heart, Wang Zhe could not help but sigh: "Lord Jiang, Lord Jiang, you truly know how to strike the mountain to shake the tiger, forcing me to submit in this manner. Very well, I will follow your lead, stir up a storm over the Huang father and son's mess, and let you see the methods of Wang Zhe."

"The evidence is conclusive, my lord. Please pronounce the sentence."

At Wang Zhe's single command, He Hua and Huang Huang Haotian were dragged into the great prison. Their fate was sealed from that moment, like puppets controlled by invisible strings, step by step walking toward the abyss of despair.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu chuckled, saying, "You say, when Huang Huang Chaoran learns that his entire family will follow him to the grave, what will his reaction be?"

He Hua, like rotten mud, heard this, then her eyes went black and she fainted dead away. As for Huang Huang Haotian, whose face had lost all human color, he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood before gradually falling still. Their lives were like dying candles in the wind, ready to extinguish at any moment.

Seeing the two dragged away, Jiang Jiang Mingyu reached down and picked up the five thousand taels of silver notes from the ground: "My lord, how was this play we acted out together? These are stolen goods; take them for confiscation."

Wang Zhe smiled brightly: "Yes, confiscate, confiscate! Lord Jiang's acting skills are indeed formidable; this official is deeply impressed, hehe."

It turned out that just now was a double-act performance by Wang Zhe and Jiang Jiang Mingyu alone, the purpose being to convict the Huang family without leaving any incriminating evidence. As for the specific whereabouts of the silver notes, only Wang Zhe himself likely knew.

Wang Zhe was in high spirits and could not help but laugh: "Huang Huang Chaoran is finished. The only one left for us to deal with is Tang Cheng'an."

"A single tree cannot support the sky; in my view, he cannot struggle for much longer." However, what Jiang Jiang Mingyu cared about at this moment was not this. "Inspector, do you want to make another fortune?"

He glanced around, confirmed no one was nearby, then lowered his voice to speak. Naturally, Wang Zhe was interested in such matters: "Lord Jiang, what do you mean by this?"

A smile curled at the corner of Jiang Jiang Mingyu's lips: "My lord, how could you forget? The Huang family's fortune is extremely vast."

His squinting eyes looked like those of a cat spotting salted fish.

Wang Zhe quickly shook his head: "The entire Huang family is to be executed by beheading; their assets must be confiscated according to the law."

"None of us can touch this silver. My lord, do not forget: while we watch Tang Cheng'an, he is also watching us at all times," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said in a low voice.

A hint of cunning flashed in Wang Zhe's eyes: "Speak, what good idea do you have?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu secretly rejoiced in his heart; it seemed this big business was not going to slip away: "My lord, you are overthinking; this official does not mean that."

"Think about it: although we cannot touch the Huang family's silver, we can extract their business routes from them."

"Once we have the Huang family's buyers and sellers firmly in our grasp, is there any reason we would not become wealthy?"

Such a massive business chain going to waste was truly a waste of resources; Jiang Jiang Mingyu thought to himself.

Wang Zhe's eyes lit up: "Good idea! Let us do exactly that!"

He slapped his thigh: "Once the entire Huang family is imprisoned, this official will send people to investigate the buyers' information, follow the vine to get the melon, and catch them all in one net."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded slightly: "This is excellent. In this way, not only can the Huang family's assets be confiscated, but your position in the prefectural city will also be secured."

Wang Zhe's face could not hide his greed: "Not only that; once we resolve Tang Cheng'an as well, then the entire prefectural city will be our domain."

The two exchanged a glance and could not help but burst into laughter simultaneously, their laughter filled with each other's schemes.

Zhu Ge Yu felt a wave of unease; looking at Jiang Jiang Mingyu, he asked worriedly, "Master, I just saw that old wretch Huang Huang Haotian go in. What is happening?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu did not hide or conceal anything, directly reporting the news of the Huang family's destruction.

Tu Tu Kesiluo clearly found it hard to believe: "Such a huge Huang family, just finished like this?"

It was not only him; even Zhu Ge Yu could not believe it. The Huang family, which had been threatening the Zhu Ge family just one shi earlier, had now completely vanished.

Zhu Ge Yu stood silently in place, the shock waves in his heart churning like a stormy sea. He struggled to suppress the shock in his heart, simply waiting quietly for Jiang Jiang Mingyu's explanation.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu chuckled lightly: "Finding trouble before this official? Could I possibly spare them lightly?"

"Did you see that woman who went in with Huang Huang Haotian? That is He He Dachuan's daughter, named He Hua," Jiang Jiang Mingyu said slowly.

"To sum it up in one sentence: not a single good thing in the Huang family or the He family. Executing the entire family is a death well deserved."

Tu Tu Kesiluo ground his teeth: "Exactly, they deserve it, they should die."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu looked silently at Zhu Ge Yu, a hint of complex emotion flashing in his eyes: "Huang Huang Chaoran is doomed; the Huang family is finished."

"The crisis facing the Zhu Ge family is completely over. Do you want to go back and notify them?"

Zhu Ge Yu gave a bitter smile: "Master, forget it."

"From the moment I walked out of the Zhu Ge family gate, Zhu Ge Yu is no longer a person of the Zhu Ge family."

"They will learn the news sooner or later. Why should I, an abandoned pawn expelled from the family gate, go and fawn over their cold backs?"

After hearing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu fell silent for a moment, then sighed softly: "Very well, the matter is in the past."

"There is still some time before the Huang family members are arrested. Come, this official will take you to drink."

Tu Tu Kesiluo asked curiously: "My lord, why are you so generous today?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled as he recalled: "Since Jiang Jiang Mingyu arrived in Shangmu, this is the first time I have spent so lavishly."

They mounted their horses; Tu Tu Kesiluo joked, "My lord, why are you so generous today?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled lightly: "The Huang family is finished; this official is very happy."

"Besides that, our Shangmu has gained Zhu Ge Yu as a strategist. Do you not think we should have a few cups?"

Tu Tu Kesiluo slapped his thigh: "We absolutely must drink; even to welcome Mr. Zhu Ge, we must finish three large bowls."

"Since the people of Other Xi Xia impoverished Shangmu, this subordinate has almost forgotten what the taste of wine is like."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu laughed loudly: "Very well, this official will let you drink your fill today."

"Zhu Ge Yu, you know the prefectural city well. Find a good restaurant; do not stand on ceremony with this official."

The two of them looked so spirited that Zhu Ge Yu, who had recently been immersed in low spirits, also felt a trace of warmth. He smiled and said, "Then thank you, Master."

Chunjing Restaurant was one of the top two large restaurants in the prefectural city. Carved rosewood furniture and an aura of overwhelming wealth greeted them. Red candles on the walls shone brilliantly, illuminating the entire restaurant. Jiang Jiang Mingyu, Tu Tu Kesiluo, and Zhu Ge Yu were now holding wine cups, drinking with gusto.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu was bold and heroic, holding a wine cup in his hand, his spirit soaring as he said, "Since ancient times, sages have all been lonely; only drinkers leave their names behind." His voice echoed through the bustling restaurant, drawing many glances.

"Today is a happy day. Come, let us have another cup." He slapped the wine table with one hand and raised his wine cup with the other, his face flushed with redness, obviously drinking with great pleasure.

Not only did he finish off Huang Huang Chaoran, but he also found the path to wealth; since crossing over, he had never been as happy as he was today. Before the three wine cups could even touch, someone behind them suddenly clapped and shouted, "Good poem, what a good poem!"

They turned to look and saw a half-drunk scholar stumble up to Jiang Jiang Mingyu: "Three gentlemen, greetings." The scholar's slightly tipsy appearance made one want to laugh.

"I am Tai Lin. I do not know who recited that poem just now; it was majestic and grand. Let us drink a large cup to it." As he spoke, he drained the cup in his hand to the dregs.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu remained low-key. He pointed at Zhu Ge Yu: "He recited it." Once again, he handed the opportunity to show off to Zhu Ge Yu, who was keen on such things.

Tai Lin looked closely at Zhu Ge Yu with drunken eyes and could not help but exclaim in delight: "Ah, is this not Mr. Zhu Ge, famous throughout the prefecture city?" His voice was filled with surprise.

Upon hearing the four words "Mr. Zhu Ge," everyone in the tavern who could read immediately erupted. "Look quickly, it really is Mr. Zhu Ge."

"Mr. Zhu Ge's literary fame is outstanding; he is indeed the number one talent of our prefecture city."

"Exactly. Mr. Zhu Ge, we are all your poetry fans. Please compose a poem on the spot so we may broaden our horizons." The crowd eagerly petitioned Zhu Ge Yu, and the atmosphere in the tavern reached a climax.

Zhu Ge Yu slowly finished the wine in his cup, pondered for a moment, and then slowly stood up. He bowed slightly to the crowd and said in a tone full of apology: "From today on, Zhu Ge Yu will no longer compose poems. I have spoiled everyone's fun; please forgive me."

His voice was somewhat hoarse, yet filled with sincerity. The crowd immediately began to murmur, obviously feeling surprised and disappointed by Zhu Ge Yu's decision.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu looked at Zhu Ge Yu, feeling a trace of doubt in his heart.

He remembered the Zhu Ge Yu who loved poetry and enjoyed showing off, but this man who now decided to give up poetry seemed like a completely different person.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled. Zhu Ge Yu was making a complete farewell to his past life. Perhaps the Zhu Ge Yu he saw now was the real one, and everything before was merely an illusion.

While the crowd was still discussing why Zhu Ge Yu had sealed his brush, a sudden cry came from the seat by the window.

The person shouting was none other than Tai Lin from just now. His eyes were wide open, and his face, still clouded with wine, was filled with confusion.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu instinctively turned his head and saw Yamen Runners on the street escorting dozens of people toward the Inspector's Residence. He gripped his wine cup tightly, his brows furrowed, and a trace of worry showed in his eyes.

"So many people, what is the situation?" Tai Lin shook himself to his feet, trying to see clearly what was happening.

"It seems these must be the Huang family members who have been arrested." Jiang Jiang Mingyu set down his wine cup, took a deep breath, and his expression became serious.

"These people are moving quite fast. The good show is about to begin; let us follow and take a look." Excitement flashed in Zhu Ge Yu's eyes, and he stood up eagerly.

By the time Jiang Jiang Mingyu and the other three descended the stairs, the Huang family's shouts had reached their ears. They saw a group of people protesting loudly, their faces filled with terror: "We are the Huang family! On what grounds are you arresting us?"

"Arresting good people in broad daylight with such abandon; is there no law?" someone asked angrily.

"Dare to touch us of the Huang family, and you will regret it! Let us go immediately, do you hear?" someone challenged, stepping forward and trying to break free from the Yamen Runners' restraints.

"..."

Unwilling to tolerate the man who spoke last, the Yamen Runner escorting them kicked him hard. The man cried out in pain and fell to the ground. The Yamen Runner cursed viciously: "Huang family, let me tell you, the Huang family is finished."

The Yamen Runner kicked him again fiercely, roaring: "You still dare to act tough with me? Damn it, I'll beat you to death!" The man curled up in pain on the ground. The other Huang family members looked deathly pale and fell silent.

"Don't you want to know why we are arresting you? I, the master, will tell you: we are arresting you to be beheaded." The Yamen Runner sneered, a trace of cruelty flashing in his eyes.

"The Inspector is merciful, allowing your whole family to hold hands and go to hell together. Are you satisfied now?" He sneered, his tone full of malice.

Speaking thus, ignoring the crowd's deathly pale faces, he whistled directly and threw the Huang family members one by one into the Inspector's Residence prison. In the gloomy, dark cell, the crisp sound of whips immediately rang out, along with the shouts and curses of the jailers.

Outside the prison gate, Jiang Jiang Mingyu could not help but chuckle: "The good show has begun. Let us go in and take a look."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu stepped into the dark prison, and a familiar scent hit his face.

He hardly needed to say a word to gain the jailer's permission to enter. At that moment, a noble-looking man bound to a pillar was receiving the "treatment" of the whip; his robe suddenly bore one bloody mark after another.

The bearded jailer, his face full of rage, interrogated him: "You dog thing, still not confessing the truth? Hand over the list of your accomplices, and I, the master, can let you die a quicker death!" He pointed to the various torture instruments neatly arranged nearby and threatened, furrowing his brows. However, the man remained silent, his expression resolute, obviously knowing nothing.

Observing this scene, Jiang Jiang Mingyu thought to himself: It seems the Huang family hid these secrets extremely deeply; even their own son knows nothing. He immediately stepped forward, determined to exchange for Huang Huang Chaoran. Huang Huang Chaoran, the young master of the Huang family with a missing tooth, was Huang Huang Haotian's only son. Jiang Jiang Mingyu decided to settle old scores with him. For Liu Liu Yifei, who had almost been abducted, today's Huang Huang Chaoran must pay the price.

Following Jiang Jiang Mingyu's words, Huang Huang Chaoran was bound to the most conspicuous pillar. Jiang Jiang Mingyu held the whip and showed a cold smile to Huang Huang Chaoran: "Lord Huang, our fate is deep; we meet again so soon!" Waving the whip in his hand, he threatened viciously: "Tell me what I want to know, and I will let you wait for death quietly. How about that?"

Huang Huang Chaoran opened his toothless mouth and declared resolutely: "Jiang Jiang Mingyu, do whatever you want! Even if I, Huang Huang Chaoran, die, I will never let you have the Huang family's business."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu took a deep breath and looked at him coldly: "Kind words cannot persuade the ghost destined to die. Since that is the case, let us begin!" The moment the words fell, he swung the whip and struck Huang Huang Chaoran heavily: "You dog thief, see if I don't beat you to death!"

He listed Huang Huang Chaoran's crimes, including attempting to poison him, kidnapping Liu Liu Yifei, seeking revenge for Liu Liu Yifei and He He Dachuan and his father, coveting their family property, and having the Inspector deal with him. He shouted loudly: "Your wife wanted the Inspector to deal with me, didn't she? Come on, do it!"

"Do you have the brains to plot against me? Are you even worthy?"

With every curse, a terrifying bloody mark appeared on Huang Huang Chaoran's body.

And Huang Huang Chaoran, who had just been stubborn, let out a scream like a slaughtered pig.

As the bloody marks on his body increased, Huang Huang Chaoran's screams grew weaker, and he looked as if he might draw his last breath at any moment.

Huang Huang Chaoran's mouth finally could not stay harder than Jiang Jiang Mingyu's whip: "Stop... stop beating me."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu wiped the sweat from his forehead and flicked the whip in his hand: "What, Lord Huang, have you come to your senses?" In his clear eyes, there was a look of vengeance and mockery.

Huang Huang Chaoran was already on his last breath, yet he still gritted his teeth and said: "Jiang Jiang Mingyu, I am not done with you..."

"Crack!" With a whip strike, Jiang Jiang Mingyu knocked out Huang Huang Chaoran's last good tooth, leaving it covered in blood.

Huang Huang Chaoran screamed in pain but shook his head repeatedly, refusing to give in.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu grew impatient, sneered, and struck down with another whip.

"Snap!" With a crisp sound, Huang Huang Chaoran's right arm broke directly; the sharp bone pierced through the flesh, and blood gushed out continuously.

Huang Huang Chaoran finally collapsed, wailing: "I'll speak! I'll tell everything!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled satisfactorily: "That's right. Old Huang, you are still too young to oppose me."

Huang Huang Chaoran gritted his teeth but was already completely powerless to resist.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu calmly put away the whip, shook his sleeves, and said slowly: "Someone, bandage Lord Huang and stop the bleeding. Make him hand over the goods; do not let him die just yet." Turning to look at the bloodied Huang Huang Chaoran on the ground, Jiang Jiang Mingyu sneered once and strode out.