Zhu Yan watched Princess Runing’s retreating figure, recalling the rumors of the princess’s love for her consort before the Jinxiu Fang incident. The princess’s laughter was now buried in the Furong Garden, accompanying her consort in death.
Hopefully, it wasn’t as she feared.
After the princess left, Qi Yeyun quickly pulled Zhu Yan aside to share his recent discoveries.
“Master, I’ve noticed something strange about Madam Tang recently. She seems like someone dead for a long time. The aura of death around her is frightening, which is why I’ve been interacting with her frequently, trying to discern something. Do you think it’s because I discovered something that Madam Tang, in her anger and embarrassment, turned me into a puppet for her use?”
Qi Yeyun’s analysis wasn’t without merit, and Zhu Yan had already suspected as much.
A person dead for a long time… Zhu Yan quickly associated this with the deathly aura she had first noticed on Madam Tang, and how those corpses also exhibited signs of having been dead for a long time.
She had a theory: Could Madam Tang be the mastermind behind everything, including Princess Yong’an and Chen Huoe within her scope of planning, or perhaps her pawns?
And those who had appeared – Ji Fangming, Madam Chen, the eyewitness Liu Daming – could they all be impostors, like Chen Huoe, or accomplices?
As these thoughts raced through her mind, Zhu Yan felt as if everything suddenly fell into place. She eagerly shared these discoveries with Shen Du.
However, Shen Du disagreed, shaking his head.
With a grave expression, Shen Du said, “Ji Fangming remembers details of his interactions with Kong Xianrong, and quite clearly at that. If he were truly a puppet, this would be impossible. Moreover, Madam Chen doesn’t have the aura of someone long dead. Therefore, your theory doesn’t hold up.”
Hearing Shen Du’s analysis, Zhu Yan realized she had been too hasty. Her earlier thoughts had overlooked Madam Chen, which was indeed her mistake.
But what other possibilities were there? Zhu Yan couldn’t think of any, no matter how hard she tried.
As the two were lost in gloomy thoughts, Jinglin suddenly came to report, “Grand Gelang, Madam Tang has appeared, and she…”
Halfway through his sentence, he suddenly noticed Zhu Yan’s presence and quickly shut his mouth. This reaction was not lost on Zhu Yan.
“Appeared? Where is she?” Before Shen Du could ask, Zhu Yan hurriedly stood up and questioned Jinglin.
“At… at the intersection of Zhuque Street.”
As soon as Jinglin finished speaking, Zhu Yan rushed off, while Shen Du remained behind.
Having served him for many years, Shen Du understood Jinglin’s every move.
“Apart from Madam Tang, is there anything else amiss?”
Hearing the question, Jinglin quickly cupped his hands in salute, “Madam Tang has captured the Third Miss of the Zhu family and Han Shiyuan, threatening to burn them alive.”
Shen Du frowned. He had suspected this matter wouldn’t be so simple. Capturing Han Shiyuan seemed intentional.
If that was the case, he would go along with it.
“Immediately notify Lord Zhang Baohuan. Report the situation truthfully. He surely won’t stand idly by.”
“Yes, sir,” Jinglin responded, then turned and left.
Shen Du also rose and walked towards the door, though his eyes held a hint of laziness as if he didn’t intend to intervene personally.
By the time everyone arrived at the scene, Madam Tang had already set up a pyre. Zhu Caiwei and Han Shiyuan were suspended in the air, and Madam Tang unhesitatingly lit the fire, watching the two on the pyre with an eerie expression.
To everyone’s surprise, Princess Yong’an had also arrived with her people.
She had brought many, dispersing the crowd of onlookers. Each of her men was armed, glaring menacingly at Madam Tang.
“Release them. Considering our past acquaintance, I’ll leave your corpse intact.”
Madam Tang scoffed at Princess Yong’an’s words, eyeing her with an icy gaze. “Heh… I’m already dead. What difference does it make whether my corpse is intact or not? Do you think I can still feel anything?”
“Don’t be rash. Release them first, we can discuss everything,” Zhu Yan called out urgently from the side, concerned for the people burning on the pyre, one of whom was her third sister.
The flames had already spread significantly, and the two on the pyre appeared to be in extreme pain. Far from showing any sign of relenting, Madam Tang coldly watched it all unfold.
Soon after, Zhang Baohuan hurriedly arrived with his men. “Audacious Tang Ceren, you dare to escape prison and harm civilians! Your crimes are compounded. Cease this at once!”
“Dead either way, what does it matter if my crimes are compounded? Two more lives to accompany me in death, at least the journey to the underworld won’t be so lonely.”
Madam Tang shouted arrogantly, “None of you are decent people. Now you see me killing and putting on the facade of savior. Isn’t it sickening? Do you dare show your true faces? What right do you have to persuade me to stop?”
“I know you have many grievances, but you can’t escape the crime of murder. Don’t add more innocent lives to this,” Zhu Yan pleaded, her mouth dry. She hated that she couldn’t use martial arts, forced to watch helplessly as her sister and brother-in-law were once again in peril.
“Innocent lives? Who’s innocent?” Madam Tang roared madly. “I’m the most innocent! Who spared me?”
She, innocent?
Zhu Yan lost the will to persuade further. She looked around anxiously. Why hadn’t Shen Du come? Was he going to stand by and watch at this critical moment?
A nimble figure flew overhead, followed by several others wearing python robes embroidered with gold thread. Unafraid of the scorching fire, they headed straight for Zhu Caiwei and Han Shiyuan.
Zhu Yan focused her gaze. It was Shen Du.
Princess Yong’an’s lips curled into a smile. “Truly unrepentant even in the face of death. Saving people is urgent, no need to waste more words. Fire the arrows!”
At her command, the guards behind Princess Yong’an immediately released a cold arrow, striking Madam Tang squarely in the heart.
One arrow, one life!
Zhu Yan was completely stunned. Even Shen Du hadn’t expected Princess Yong’an to make such a decision. He quickly returned, landing in front of Zhu Yan with a frown, his face dark.
People immediately rushed to rescue Zhu Caiwei and Han Shiyuan.
Zhu Caiwei hurriedly thanked Princess Yong’an, while Han Shiyuan made no expression, only holding Zhu Caiwei’s hand.
Seeing the two exchange affectionate glances, Princess Yong’an’s face suddenly darkened. She addressed Han Shiyuan, “I’ve saved your life more than once. Do you disregard these life-saving favors?”
Hearing Princess Yong’an’s words, Han Shiyuan’s expression immediately turned ugly. Zhu Caiwei, not understanding the implication, quickly bowed to Princess Yong’an, “Thank you again, Your Highness, for saving our lives. We will never forget this debt. If there’s anything we can do for Your Highness in the future, we’ll spare no effort.”
“Hmph…” Princess Yong’an snorted coldly. “The wise adapt to circumstances. You’re quite eloquent. No need to wait for the future, I have a task that requires your help right now.”
Zhu Caiwei nodded quickly, “Please speak, Your Highness.”