Xia Jingshi’s gaze lingered on Feng Xiyang’s face, studying her as if carefully verifying her words. Under his scrutiny, Feng Xiyang was so nervous she could barely breathe, yet she continued to recount everything she had heard from the Holy Emperor. All the while, she watched his eyes intently, fearing to see any hint of mockery, disdain, or contempt. However, Xia Jingshi’s eyes showed only deep contemplation.
After listening, Xia Jingshi pondered for a moment, then nodded, “I will have this investigated as soon as possible. But until everything is clear, don’t speak of this to anyone else.”
Feng Xiyang nodded vigorously.
Four Jinxiu Imperial Guards were rudely awakened from their sleep, bound tightly, and dragged into Feng Suige’s tent, where they were kicked to the ground upon entry.
Feng Suige’s sharp gaze coldly locked onto the lead military officer. The officer, as if sensing something, didn’t frantically look around like the others but calmly returned Feng Suige’s gaze.
“My apologies for disturbing your sleep, gentlemen. It’s nothing major. I just happened to come across something and wanted to ask you about it,” Feng Suige said with a hint of a smile, tossing a thin paper scroll on the ground. “Who wants to look first?” The officer merely glanced down and shook his head, saying, “I don’t know what that is.”
“It’s a paper scroll, yet you say you don’t know what it is. Jinxiu’s soldiers are indeed extraordinary,” Feng Suige raised an eyebrow. “If you speak up quickly, this could be a pleasant affair for all. It’s still early; there’s time to go back for more sleep. But if you keep hiding things, don’t blame me for being harsh.”
“I want to see the Princess!” the officer shouted, sensing trouble. “Even if you’re the Regent Prince of Shusha, you can’t privately interrogate Jinxiu soldiers…”
“Why are you yelling in the middle of the night?” Feng Suige silenced him, then sneered, “Do you want to see her? I’m also curious about Jinxiu’s least-used interrogation methods. How about this: if any of you can withstand her three rounds of severe punishment, I’ll let you go. Hmm, we’re in the wilderness, so poisonous insects and rodents shouldn’t be hard to find…”
All four men paled. The officer’s jaw twitched as if chewing on the most venomous words to spit at Feng Suige. After a moment of tension, Feng Suige grew impatient. He drew his long sword and tossed it to a guard, instructing, “Go put it in the bonfire.” The guard complied, carefully carrying the sword away.
After leisurely finishing a cup of tea, Feng Suige stood up and stretched, then walked to the four men and spoke softly, almost whispering, “I understand you’re acting under orders. If you just tell me everything, I promise not to harm a hair on your heads.”
One man’s expression wavered, and he was about to speak when the officer shot him a fierce glare, silencing him. Feng Suige noticed this exchange and smiled slightly.
“Do you know of an old Shusha punishment called ‘qie gu zi’?” Feng Suige made eye contact with each of the four men in turn, continuing, “The sword in the bonfire is prepared for this purpose.” He picked up the empty scabbard, caressing its engraved patterns fondly. “This is my most treasured war sword, but today, to protect my beloved consort, I must reluctantly use it as an instrument of torture.”
At this point, Feng Suige’s expression turned serious. He barked, “Bring back the sword!” A guard rushed out and quickly returned with the sword, now glowing red-hot from the fire, its handle wrapped in thick cloth.
Feng Suige lazily ordered, “Strip the pants off the one who was making faces earlier and hold him up.”
The officer struggled briefly before being stripped and held in place, looking both embarrassed and terrified at Feng Suige. He shouted, “What are you doing? If you want to kill me, do it quickly! Don’t use such despicable methods to torture people…”
“This is a historically documented punishment, how is it despicable?” Feng Suige took the sword and slowly walked behind him. “Tell me, if I thrust this sword into you from behind, will you die from the heat first, or will you suffer for days before dying from blood loss?”
“You’re cruel… just kill me!” the officer cried out, struggling desperately. But even if he were highly skilled in martial arts, he was no match for six strong men holding him down. He was forced to kneel on the ground, face pressed to the floor, his rear exposed.
The sword inched closer until he could feel the scorching heat from its blade. Drenched in cold sweat, the officer finally broke under the fear, screaming, “I’ll talk! I’ll talk! Take the sword away!!!!”
“No, I’ll count to ten. If you don’t give me a satisfactory answer—” Feng Suige drawled, beginning to count with relish, “One.” “I don’t know anything!” the officer yelled. “His Majesty the Holy Emperor ordered us to go to Shusha and spread the news of the Prince of Nan and Military Advisor Xiao’s deaths in the markets. He didn’t say anything else!”
“…Five,” Feng Suige paused, then asked, “So are Xia Jingshi and Xiao Weiran injured?” “The Prince of Nan is unharmed. Military Advisor Xiao’s injuries are severe, but I heard his life isn’t in danger.”
After another desperate struggle, hearing Feng Suige count to nine, he screamed hoarsely, “I’ve told you everything I know! This is all I know…”
With a clang, the sword was sheathed. The guards loosened their grip and pulled him up. His face was flushed, veins bulging on his forehead, half his face covered in dirt, his eyes showing both terror and hatred.
Feng Suige shook his head, seeming somewhat disappointed at not being able to carry out the punishment. After the guards took the four men away, he sat back down, deep in thought.
“So it seems the Holy Emperor is indeed targeting His Highness,” Fu Yixiao said angrily, clenching her fist. “Slaughtering loyal ministers once the court is stable—how is he any different from the foolish rulers of the past?” “Either you continue, or I’ll go back to Lu City for reinforcements…” Ling Xueying said absent-mindedly, resting her chin on her hand.
Yixiao glared at her, “That could be seen as rebellion!” “I don’t care,” Xueying said stubbornly. “As long as we rescue him and flee far away, I don’t care if it’s rebellion or not!”
Feng Suige, who had been silent, suddenly clapped his hands and laughed. “Xueying is right.” Yixiao snapped, “You’re not helping think of a solution, just joining in the nonsense.” “Who says I’m talking nonsense?” Feng Suige raised an eyebrow. “What if we raise an army? If we lose, we’re rebels. But if we win, it’s called a new emperor ascending the throne. Given Xia Jingshi’s abilities, do you think he’d win or lose?”