Outside Runing Prefecture city, Lu Xian stood with Yan Lin by the roadside, gazing at the distant city walls, waiting for the scouts sent ahead to return with information.

Compared to his usual self, this boss who had clearly obtained his jinshi degree but ran off to do business seemed to have grown somewhat thinner. In those shrewd, calculating merchant’s eyes, there was now an additional strange desolation.

He looked like nothing was wrong, but in reality, it wasn’t so.

Yan Lin knew he had only recently recovered from You Fangying’s death and would need some time yet to fully recuperate. Not asking further, he only said: “The Heavenly Doctrine raised the banner of righteousness. Though their momentum in the south seems considerable, they likely cannot contend with us. We need only deal with them insincerely, pretending to join forces, and we can negotiate. Though it may take more effort, surely they wouldn’t dare refuse to release Ningning. Yet Mister Xie insists on placing himself in danger, going to such great lengths. I don’t understand.”

Lu Xian felt somewhat listless inside.

Others couldn’t see through Xie Ju’an because they didn’t understand him, but in his eyes, everything was crystal clear.

Originally, he didn’t want to explain.

However, the one asking was Yan Lin after all. He also wanted to emerge from the gloom of recent days, so he drew in a breath, exhaled, and answered: “To capture the bandits, first capture their king.”

Yan Lin looked at him.

Lu Xian then asked: “In today’s world, we have ourselves, the imperial court, and the Heavenly Doctrine—a tripartite balance of power. If you were in charge, how would you win?”

Yan Lin thought briefly and said: “Form alliances, unite the weak against the strong. First, we should attack the court, so we might as well cooperate with the Heavenly Doctrine. Even if it’s like plotting with a tiger, we first scheme for the capital, then compete for victory over what remains.”

Lu Xian laughed: “So you’re a normal person.”

Yan Lin suddenly frowned.

Lu Xian lowered his eyes and took a sip from his water flask filled with wine, then said: “Normal people would think to have two fight against one. But Prince, this elder brother of yours—is he normal?”

Yan Lin reflected, then slowly said: “He isn’t.”

Lu Xian sighed: “Indeed.”

He isn’t.

He is madness.

Deep within Xie Ju’an’s calm, rational scheming, there forever lay hidden a kind of near-extreme madness.

He thought what others dared not think, did what others dared not do.

If both the imperial court and the Heavenly Doctrine failed to see through what kind of person he truly was, were deceived by the superficial appearance of his former self, and harbored even the slightest fantasy that even if he had ambitions he wouldn’t collude with the other side—believing he was someone who could be won over to their own faction—then they would be gravely mistaken.

Unfortunately for them—

Neither the Heavenly Doctrine nor the imperial court had yet realized this, and Wan Xiuzi was merely a normal person.

They might still have doubts about Xie Wei, but Xie Wei would absolutely show them no mercy.

Whether the Heavenly Doctrine or the imperial court.

Both were forces he intended to eradicate. He had already endured for over twenty years. Once the opportunity arose, he would only use the fastest speed and most cruel methods to catch both sides in one net, to repay the blood debt of years past!

Hearing this, Yan Lin fell silent for a long while.

He asked no more questions.

So Lu Xian didn’t elaborate further: having endured over twenty years, what couldn’t be endured in this brief moment? Though placing himself in danger certainly involved pursuit of benefits, he believed that if the person held hostage by the Heavenly Doctrine weren’t Jiang Xuening, Xie Wei absolutely wouldn’t make the choice he had now.

A cavalry scout came galloping from ahead. The soldier on horseback dismounted in a flip, his expression excited, his speech rapid: “Report to the General, we’ve discovered that the Heavenly Doctrine bandit leaders entered the city half a shichen ago!”

Yan Lin and Lu Xian exchanged glances.

With a wave of the hand, the twenty thousand troops stationed outside the city rapidly assembled. Like a dark cloud in the darkness, they swiftly rolled toward Runing City!

Atop the high platform, Lu Tai’s face had become almost the color of pig liver with ugliness.

Jiang Xuening’s composure and breeding had practically made him look third-rate!

Moreover, there was that crowd of sect members below who loved watching commotion, knowing nothing yet still jeering down there!

Though Jiang Xuening possessed refined features and had even bowed to him in greeting, in Lu Tai’s eyes she became increasingly detestable—making him wish he could tear her apart right now!

No matter what, he refused to return the courtesy.

He simply stood there with a cold sneer on his face.

Below, another wave of jeering arose.

Xie Wei had originally thought Jiang Xuening would be afraid, would be at a loss. But when he saw her step up one by one, even gaining an advantage over Lu Tai in such a simple manner, he couldn’t help but smile.

The little girl had truly grown up after all.

She could stand on her own now.

If Jiang Xuening’s composure still contained several parts anger providing support, his calmness was true calmness. He likewise didn’t speak much, quickly also ascending the high platform to stand facing Lu Tai.

Talented scholar and beautiful lady, a perfect pair.

Under the firelight they were like flowers and moon complementing each other. If one ignored this tense situation, it was quite pleasing to the eye.

The clamorous voices below not only didn’t diminish but intensified.

Wan Xiuzi, seated above, watched with furrowed brows. He stood up and swept his gaze below.

The congregation below noticed and immediately dared not be so presumptuous.

The venue quickly quieted down.

Only then did Wan Xiuzi say: “Du Jun has always devoted himself wholeheartedly to our sect, serving faithfully for many years. How does Branch Leader Lu dare assert so definitively that he harmed Gentleman Gongyi and our sect brothers, and how is this connected to Miss Jiang?”

Lu Tai’s complexion finally improved somewhat. Knowing the Sect Leader stood on his side gave him more boldness. He cupped his hands and bowed, saying: “Since this subordinate dares to speak, naturally I don’t speak without evidence. The imperial court’s running dogs schemed endlessly, thinking their plan seamless. However, how can there be walls in this world that don’t let wind through? If you don’t want others to know, don’t do it yourself!”

Saying this, he looked toward Xie Wei.

Immediately after, he raised his arm, signaling his subordinates to bring people up, and declared loudly: “Lu here has two people. I must ask Gentleman Du Jun and your companion to identify them!”

This man’s words were truly foul, never forgetting to demean others at every moment.

Jiang Xuening felt anger rising in her heart.

However, finding herself under others’ power, she suppressed it without acting out. She only raised her head to look in the direction Lu Tai indicated, and suddenly her eyes widened. She could barely control herself from glancing at Xie Wei beside her!

Those bound and brought up were one woman and one man, one older and one younger, both covered in wounds.

Especially that woman—her hair disheveled, tears streaming down.

One could tell she had some years on her, about thirty-something, dressed as a married woman. Her features appeared honest and guileless, her hands and feet not delicate—clearly someone of poor birth accustomed to hard labor, a person of bitter fate.

What shocked Jiang Xuening most was the seemingly young boy who was pushed up next…

It was Xiao Bao.

The child who had once saved Jiang Xuening during the Battle of Tongzhou, who later appeared at Xie Wei’s side—clever and sensible, often helping run errands. However, she hadn’t seen him these past two years. He had already grown taller, grown up.

Only the wounds on his body were even more numerous than those on the woman.

His face was covered in grime.

When pushed onto the platform with bound hands, his face was ashen, even showing some shame. He glanced at her and Xie Wei only once, his eyes nearly welling up, not daring to look up again.

What didn’t Xie Wei understand upon seeing this?

Xiao Bao had originally been part of the sect. Only by chance had he caught Xie Wei’s eye and been kept for a few days, taught to read and write. The boy himself had争气ambition, practicing excellent martial arts. Because of his young age, others didn’t easily notice him, so he could handle many matters that Dao Qin Jian Shu couldn’t.

However, he hadn’t joined the Heavenly Doctrine of his own will.

It was because his elder brother and sister-in-law at home had joined the Heavenly Doctrine that they brought him along.

Xie Wei had never met these siblings mentioned in hearsay. He only knew that whenever the boy obtained something good, he would always save it to take home, clearly regarding his family extremely highly.

He could perhaps endure torture himself, gritting his teeth without revealing a single word, but his brother and sister-in-law might not be able to.

Moreover, the Heavenly Doctrine had captured them all together?

If he were handling this matter, presumably it would be the same: knowing what this child valued, they would whip his sister-in-law before his eyes. Even people made of iron have hearts of flesh—how could he truly bear to watch relatives who treated him so well suffer?

Sure enough, Lu Tai immediately pointed at Xie Wei and Jiang Xuening, first asking Xiao Bao: “Boy, do you recognize these two people?”

Xiao Bao clenched his teeth tightly without speaking.

Lu Tai then kicked him, strode past him to that weeping woman, grabbed her grass-like hair in one hand, lifted her head up, and still pointing at Jiang Xuening and Xie Wei asked: “Do you recognize them?”

When her face was raised, her features became somewhat clearer.

Jiang Xuening finally remembered.

She had seen her—this woman was also someone she’d encountered during the Battle of Tongzhou. At that time, she and Zhang Zhe had been swept along by escaped prison bandits, resting with Heavenly Doctrine rebels in a broken temple. This woman, as one of the Heavenly Doctrine’s contacts, had brought them food and water, even smiling as she handed her a griddle cake.

The woman was of peasant origin, only following her husband into the sect. She merely helped prepare food, usually didn’t deal with sect affairs, and had no idea how such great calamity had descended upon her.

Her eyes were nearly cried red.

Following the direction of Lu Tai’s finger, seeing Xie Wei she naturally didn’t recognize him. However, upon seeing Jiang Xuening, her gaze paused, as if grasping a lifesaving straw, and she cried out: “I recognize her, I recognize her! I know this young lady!”

Jiang Xuening’s heart sank heavily.

Lu Tai immediately burst into laughter, somewhat ecstatic, and continued questioning: “When and where did you see her?”

The woman cried: “Two years, no, almost three years ago. During that Tongzhou incident when so many, many people died. Xiao Bao and I went to deliver freshly made griddle cakes to everyone. There were all men there, and this young lady was wearing men’s clothing, but I saw at a glance she was disguised. But thinking this wasn’t my business to ask about, I didn’t make a fuss. Later, later I heard that something happened in Tongzhou…”

Below the platform immediately erupted in uproar!

Lu Tai seized the momentum and sternly questioned Jiang Xuening: “You’ve already been identified—what do you have to say?!”

This situation was already unfavorable to them.

Yet Jiang Xuening’s gaze fell on Xiao Bao. After careful consideration, she remained calm and unhurried, countering: “Not to deceive Branch Leader Lu, I indeed saw her, but only in that broken temple, a single encounter, with no further contact whatsoever afterward. Can simply resting in the same temple prove that the Battle of Tongzhou was connected to me, connected to Gentleman Du Jun?”

“Fine, since you insist on stubborn resistance, today I’ll let you die understanding!” Lu Tai shoved the woman roughly to the ground, then walked back toward Xiao Bao, saying coldly: “It’s your turn. What you told me the other day, speak truthfully today!”

Xie Wei clasped his hands behind his back, standing quietly.

Xiao Bao raised his head to look at him, then slowly turned his head to look at Jiang Xuening. In his pair of dark eyes flashed several parts of suppressed blood-spirited defiance as he actually said: “I do things for the gentleman, so naturally I’ve seen him, and I’ve seen the young lady too. But the Battle of Tongzhou, even Gentleman Gongyi’s death, had absolutely nothing to do with them! I know nothing!”

“Nonsense!”

Lu Tai flew into a rage, almost immediately reaching out to grasp his throat, his face full of vicious malevolence, even somewhat ferocious.

“The other day you clearly confessed everything. Now, before our Heavenly Doctrine brothers and even the Sect Leader, you dare to lie! Speak, speak quickly—otherwise I’ll immediately chop off your hands and feet and let you know what’s what!”

Xie Wei had been calm from start to finish. At this moment, he lifted an eyelid, as if Xiao Bao weren’t someone who worked for him, only reminding with detached indifference: “Branch Leader Lu, he’s not very old. Why must you make things difficult for him? I didn’t know our sect would also extract confessions through torture.”

The Heavenly Doctrine recruited people under the banner of “Great Unity,” always detesting those methods used in government offices and courts. When Lu Tai first brought these two out, some had already noticed the wounds on their bodies. Seeing Lu Tai treat Xiao Bao this way, they inevitably felt some discomfort.

After all, they weren’t those in high positions.

When Lu Tai followed Gongyi Cheng years ago, he was just a minor character. But over these years, his position had risen—he had people to order around, people to warm his bed, even an endless flow of gold and silver to spend. How could he still remember he too had joined the sect for a meal? Long ago, he’d forgotten where he’d thrown his original intentions.

Treating the Heavenly Platform like his private domain inevitably invited criticism.

Once Xie Wei spoke these words, whispers and exchanges arose below.

No matter how stupid Lu Tai was, he realized at this point that he’d gone too far.

His face alternated between red and white, unable to save face.

But what enraged him even more was that Xiao Bao had previously confessed, yet now standing on this high platform, disregarding his sister-in-law’s safety, flatly denied everything, instead putting him in an unfavorable position.

And Xie Wei’s statement just now had eliminated the possibility of using that woman to threaten him!

At least not now.

The scene momentarily reached an impasse.

Then Wan Xiuzi, seated above, coughed once, asking as if casually: “Isn’t Tongzhou quite close to the capital? This young lady was also in Tongzhou at that time?”

Lu Tai was instantly enlightened.

He suddenly realized that even if Xiao Bao wouldn’t speak, there were still avenues to pursue. For now, he simply released Xiao Bao, stood in the middle, pointed at Jiang Xuening and asked him: “Earlier you said you followed Du Jun, so naturally you know this woman. Then I ask you—what is this woman’s surname and given name, where does she live, what is her background, and what is her relationship to Du Jun?”

Upon hearing this question, Xiao Bao’s expression changed.

At the same time, Xie Wei’s face also darkened.

Though Jiang Xuening didn’t know why Lu Tai asked this question, just looking at Xiao Bao and Xie Wei’s expressions, she knew that her identity within the Heavenly Doctrine was probably troublesome—

How would a sect opposing the imperial court view a young lady from an official’s family?

Seeing Xiao Bao remain silent, Lu Tai sneered: “Speak! Don’t you recognize her?!”

Xiao Bao’s throat was dry as he opened his mouth: “The young lady’s surname is Jiang, she is, she is…”

But he couldn’t get the rest of the words out no matter what.

Lu Tai gave a cold snort, feeling he’d already grasped victory. He looked around at everyone and declared loudly: “If you won’t say it, I know it—I’ll say it for you! This woman is surnamed Jiang, named Jiang Xuening. She’s the daughter of the dog court’s Vice Minister of Revenue, Jiang Boyou! Her father holds high office in the court, a running dog of the emperor. Her elder sister married into a princely manor, a daughter-in-law of the imperial family. And she herself entered the palace, served as a princess’s study companion, and is also Du Jun’s student! Such a woman—our sect’s Gentleman Du Jun, supposedly equal in fame to Gentleman Gongyi, actually disregards propriety to cultivate with her, and even ventured alone into danger for her! Brothers, do you still remember our sect’s rules—”

She’s actually an official’s daughter!

One stone stirred up a thousand waves. Below the high platform, voices instantly erupted!

Many were shocked and angry.

“She’s actually imperial relatives and nobility?”

“Bah, no wonder her bearing—you could tell she wasn’t from an ordinary family!”

“Vice Minister of Revenue—the Ministry of Revenue that collects oppressive taxes and levies every year?”

“How could Gentleman Du Jun be with such a woman…”

“Between teacher and student, where is propriety!”

“Bah!”

…

If previously most had been watching a show, now when Jiang Xuening’s identity was made public, most people’s spectator mentality suddenly transformed. Everyone was of poor origins, having suffered under the weight of heavy taxes and the hardship of corvée labor, harboring deep resentment toward the court and imperial family—otherwise why would they be willing to sacrifice themselves for the Heavenly Doctrine?

Weren’t they seeking that one day of “Great Unity”?

Yet here stood this young lady from a privileged family on high, entangled with their sect’s famous Gentleman Du Jun—truly glaring to the eye, even giving people’s anger and resentment a clear target and outlet.

The sect had clear regulations: all who joined the sect must henceforth draw a clear line with the privileged class. Those with families must leave them, those with property must surrender it, and they were absolutely forbidden from involvement with such women!

Someone below first called out: “Punish according to sect rules!”

Immediately others followed, shouting loudly: “Punish according to sect rules!”

Soon the voices below merged together: “Three cuts and six holes—start with one cut!”

Jiang Xuening’s scalp tingled. She felt Lu Tai’s gaze upon her like being stared at by a venomous snake, a chill running up her spine.

The so-called “three cuts and six holes” was a jianghu custom.

One cut through a part of the body would leave two holes. Those wishing to leave a sect had to give themselves three cuts creating six holes to demonstrate their resolve.

And the Heavenly Doctrine’s rules…

“Our sect’s rules state that all sect members must not be entangled or involved with the privileged class. Gentleman Du Jun is among our sect members, an example to our sect brothers, yet knowingly violated this!” Lu Tai’s voice grew more severe with each sentence. “If you weren’t a sect member, naturally it would be fine. But since you are, and haven’t yet left the sect, yet you’re together with this woman. This can’t be lightly forgiven, can it?”

Xie Wei stared at him without speaking.

Below, people began shouting “three cuts and six holes” again.

Jiang Xuening’s face paled slightly, her mind racing, yet she could do absolutely nothing.

Wan Xiuzi observed coldly from above, gradually discerning some meaning.

He actually only wanted to use Lu Tai’s hand to restrain Xie Ju’an without getting himself involved, leaving himself some room to maneuver. After all, though Xie Wei was here, his cousin Yan Lin at the border still commanded a hundred thousand troops—not to be underestimated. If they could unite to attack the court, cooperating like he once had with Prince Pingnan, that would naturally be best. Even if Xie Wei had to be killed, he must consider the outside, couldn’t let the border and court unite.

However, he hadn’t expected Lu Tai to hate Xie Wei so deeply.

Gongyi Cheng hadn’t raised this dog in vain.

After considering for a moment, he actually smiled, putting on a benevolent expression, saying: “Du Jun has contributed immensely to our sect over these years. Moreover, this woman and he are merely cultivating together, not married. Setting aside civilian ethics for now, though this conflicts with sect rules, it’s not that serious. In this seat’s view, Du Jun was only temporarily confused, his mind bewildered.”

The entire venue fell silent.

Yet Wan Xiuzi glanced at Jiang Xuening, then fixed his gaze on Xie Wei, as if thinking entirely for his sake, saying: “Three cuts and six holes is too much for someone with merit. How about this—Du Jun, considering you’re a first-time offender of sect rules, and our sect isn’t unreasonable, I’ll give you an opportunity to turn back. As long as you sever ties with this woman, this matter will be treated as if it never happened, and your merits and faults will cancel out.”

The Sect Leader had spoken—who dared disagree?

No one expressed opposition.

However, Xie Wei knew that Wan Xiuzi absolutely wouldn’t let matters rest so simply: severing ties was easy, but proving it was the difficulty!

Sure enough, immediately after, Wan Xiuzi raised his hand, signaling the acolyte beside him. He actually drew the blade from his waist and threw it on the ground below, then pointing at the blade said to Xie Wei: “Three cuts and six holes isn’t necessary, but being too perfunctory—people might not be convinced. One cut is still required. Leg wounds are hard to heal, body wounds can be fatal, so just pierce through one of her hands. If you’re unwilling, this blade will have to fall on your own body!”

At this point, his words revealed several parts menace.

Wan Xiuzi certainly intended to create difficulties for Xie Wei, but with Jiang Xuening as a card in his hand, he wanted to probe further—how much was this card worth, how important was it?

After all, riding alone to Luoyang to rescue someone for love was, to him, always somewhat incredible. Moreover, jumping into his complete trap like this seemed absurdly simple, making one inevitably suspect conspiracy and trickery behind it.

What if his relationship with that girl was feigned?

Or perhaps this entire journey was to relax his vigilance, make him feel he controlled everything, so he could smoothly step into a trap Xie Wei had designed? When he thought he could threaten Xie Wei with that girl, perhaps Xie Wei would push the girl out to block the blade, catching him completely off guard!

This time, he wanted to take the opportunity to see clearly: in this situation, would Xie Wei choose to give Jiang Xuening one cut, or give himself one?

Hearing these words, Jiang Xuening instinctively looked toward Xie Wei.

That blade lay at Xie Wei’s feet.

He also looked toward her.

In this instant, an ominous premonition arose in her heart. Jiang Xuening stepped forward, rushing toward him, urgently shouting: “Don’t!”

However, the acolyte beside her almost immediately restrained her.

No matter how hard she struggled, she couldn’t escape control.

Countless pairs of eyes watched.

Xie Wei bent down and picked up the short blade from the ground. The blade’s surface was bright as snow, easily reflecting his pair of calm, profound eyes. The blazing firelight burned at the blade’s tip, revealing a particular murderous aura.

His hands were a musician’s hands—fingers slender, knuckles like jade, as if carefully carved and polished by heaven, or like bamboo standing firm when cool mountain breezes blew through, carrying several parts gentle scholarly air.

What Jiang Xuening recalled was the very beginning.

When she first saw him, he had a sickly pale face, white robes holding a qin. With a casual stroke of the strings, he made people feel as if they saw towering mountains, heard flowing streams. Even trapped in dire circumstances, unable to walk himself, he still insisted on bringing that qin along. To this day she couldn’t forget the look in his eyes when she angrily smashed that qin…

She couldn’t repay it.

She couldn’t repay this debt!

Fear rose up, seizing her entire being. Jiang Xuening tried to stop him, almost with a sobbing tone pleading: “Don’t, Xie Ju’an, don’t! I can’t repay…”

Her tears were already falling.

Xie Wei looked at her. On his slightly pale face appeared a strange smile.

He gripped that blade tightly.

Yet only said to her lightly, as if discussing clouds and wind: “If you can’t repay it, then from now on, let me owe you instead. Is that acceptable?”

Jiang Xuening couldn’t describe that instant’s feeling—as if pain pierced through her very core, or as if something dragged her into a fall from which there would be no escape—

Lu Tai was already impatiently urging, pointing at the execution platform commonly used for public punishments: “The Sect Leader rarely shows such grace. Have you decided who to choose? I’ll count to three—”

Xie Wei lowered his eyes, only saying: “No need to count. I’ve chosen.”

Those around hadn’t even reacted yet.

He had already gripped the blade in his right hand and calmly placed his left hand on the execution platform covered in indentations. The blade’s tip pressed against the back of his hand, piercing through skin—blood beads immediately welled up. He paused for a moment, as if to completely cast something aside, then tightly pressed his lips together, closed his eyes, secretly gritted his teeth and applied force, pressing the blade downward!

Vaguely, it seemed there was a “tssss” sound echoing in people’s minds.

But in reality, there was no sound.

This blade edge wedged in sharply, deeply penetrating through his entire palm!