The sound of wind grew stronger, and rain was about to fall at any moment.

Seeing that several lords traveling together had actually been stopped by a mere commoner, Deputy Commissioner Zhang from the Military Commission said with displeasure: “The court has its own rules. When imperial envoys handle cases, since when do they need to explain to the likes of you?”

Saying this, he made a gesture toward the door.

A procession of soldiers filed in, lining up in the front hall of the inn. Deputy Commissioner Zhang made a “please” gesture to Zhai Di, having him leave the inn first.

Yao Youcai also made a “please” gesture to Assistant Director Lu, then turned and ordered: “Take all the criminal suspects away!”

The bailiffs didn’t know Shuxiang had injuries. They found rope to bind her, and in the pushing and shoving, Shuxiang stumbled in pain. Fortunately, Jiang Ci supported her from the side. But the next moment, Jiang Ci was also pulled away by a bailiff. He was small and the bailiff’s strength was great—losing his balance, he fell heavily to the ground.

Seeing this, Jiang Yue’er could no longer restrain herself. She threw herself down on her knees before Yao Youcai’s boots: “Lord Yao, I beg you, I beg you to spare my father, spare—”

“Audacious!” Before she could finish, Yao Youcai interrupted, “Interfering with official business. Someone, drag her aside for this official!”

“Yes!”

A bailiff responded and came forward, grasping Jiang Yue’er’s arm to pull her aside. Who knew Jiang Yue’er was completely determined, clinging tightly to Yao Youcai’s leg.

Yao Youcai stumbled from her grip and cursed loudly. The bailiff, having no choice, raised his water-and-fire staff to strike at Jiang Yue’er’s lower back.

Before the staff could fall, someone grabbed it.

Zhu Nanxian swiftly moved forward and snatched the water-and-fire staff.

He, Zhu Shisan, had always been forthright in his conduct—not wronging others, not owing anyone. How could he allow even children and women to be implicated?

“Are you truly rebelling?!” Yao Youcai shouted. “Someone, apprehend this person, and everyone in this inn—take them all!”

“Yes!”

Dozens upon hundreds of bailiffs responded in unison, immediately surging toward the inn’s main hall.

Zhu Nanxian wielded the water-and-fire staff, swinging it left and right to beat back the bailiffs rushing forward. Looking around, he saw Deputy Commissioner Zhang had already led more than ten soldiers to protect Zhai Di.

The inn descended into chaos.

Firelight and the cold gleam of weapons intertwined. Behind him came successive cries and shouts. In the confusion, bailiffs actually struck panicked and helpless commoners with their clubs.

If this wasn’t stopped, even Lin’er would be hard-pressed to escape this calamity.

Unable to bear it any longer, Zhu Nanxian swiftly moved to the inn’s entrance, closed both doors, and used the water-and-fire staff in his hand to wedge the latch slot. He shouted loudly: “Zhai Qiguang!” Reaching for his collar, he pulled off his cloak.

The black cloak fell to the ground, revealing a tall figure. His bearing was as lofty and expansive as moonlight on a lake, like dawn light among clouds. Even more stunning was that imposing face—between his brows, the imperial majesty of the Son of Heaven was revealed without concealment.

Zhai Di heard the voice and looked over. When he clearly saw Zhu Nanxian’s features, his entire person was as if struck by acupuncture. The next moment, his whole body shook violently. His knees went soft and he nearly knelt, but he forcibly restrained himself. Steadying himself, he shifted his gaze to the most chaotic part of the inn: “All of you, stop this instant!”

For a moment, everyone didn’t know what had happened. Only knowing that the dignified third-rank imperial envoy had given an order, they all ceased their actions.

“Your Majesty—”

Just then, Assistant Director Lu cried out and fell to his knees, bowing down toward Zhu Nanxian.

Zhu Nanxian laughed coldly in his heart. So the earlier scene was merely a prelude—the real trap had been waiting for him here.

The soldiers and townspeople of Cuiwei in the inn looked at each other, still thinking they had misheard.

What had Lord Lu just shouted?

…Your Majesty?

Zhai Di came to his senses and immediately rebuked: “Lu Dingze, what nonsense are you spouting?! Don’t you want your life?!”

Assistant Director Lu seemed not to hear. He looked at Zhu Nanxian, his shoulders trembling violently, as if extremely agitated. Tears slid from his eyes, and he called out softly again: “Your Majesty…” Then turning to look at Zhai Di and Deputy Commissioner Zhang, “Lord Zhai, Lord Zhang, can you two not recognize him? The person before us—isn’t this none other than the former Thirteenth Prince of the Eastern Palace, His Majesty of Jin’an, the Filially Luminous Emperor Renzong?”

Filially Luminous and Renzong were the posthumous title and temple name given to Zhu Nanxian after he “ascended to heaven.”

Deputy Commissioner Zhang’s face was ashen, his lips nearly bloodless. He was from the Left Military Commission and had seen His Majesty of Jin’an several times at the Regional Military Commission. The moment Zhu Nanxian removed his cloak, he had recognized him, but didn’t dare rashly acknowledge him.

Now it was already the Yongji reign. The Jin’an Emperor… hadn’t he long ago immolated himself in Minghua Palace more than three years ago?

Assistant Director Lu said through tears: “Your Majesty, so you… so you’re still alive…”

Zhai Di nearly ground his teeth to dust. This Lu Dingze, in front of so many people, had laid out Zhu Nanxian’s identity completely clearly—what exactly were his intentions?!

He finally realized tonight’s scene had been calculated by someone.

What arrest, what court criminals—it was all an act. The real purpose was actually to force Zhu Nanxian to reveal his identity to save people.

Unfortunately, the enemy was in the dark while they were in the light—simply impossible to guard against.

“Someone.” Zhai Di said coldly, “Assistant Director Lu is mentally confused and speaking nonsense. Gag his mouth.”

The bailiffs and soldiers looked at each other. Just as they were about to move, suddenly Zhu Nanxian raised his hand and said faintly: “Qiguang, forget it.”

These words were tantamount to acknowledging his identity.

But what did it matter whether he acknowledged it or not? One “Your Majesty,” one “Jin’an,” one “Renzong”—so many people had heard it clear as day. If he didn’t acknowledge it, could the matter be concealed? It would likely spread even more wildly.

The deed was done. Better to let it be and first protect those who needed protecting.

Zhai Di also completely understood.

He had truly been confused with shock and anger. Things having reached this point, what use was there in finding someone to gag Lu Dingze? It would be like trying to hide something by saying “there’s no silver buried here.”

He was silent for a long time, increasingly regretful in his heart.

When Su Jin fell into misfortune and Zhu Nanxian immolated himself in Minghua Palace, he had avoided the calamity by accompanying Shen Xi to Wuchang Prefecture. Returning to the capital the following year and learning that those who had been in their faction were dead or scattered, the guilt in his heart was no less than Shen Xi’s.

Today, seeing His Majesty of Jin’an again should have been cause for great joy. Who could have predicted that due to his momentary lack of vigilance, His Majesty’s identity would be exposed, once again falling into danger?

Thinking of this, Zhai Di was momentarily overwhelmed with shame and indignation. He quickly walked before Zhu Nanxian, lifted his robe hem, prostrated himself on his knees, and when he spoke, his voice choked: “This subject—deserves ten thousand deaths—”

Zhu Nanxian knew Zhai Di felt guilty, but how could he be blamed for today’s events?

Who could have predicted that Emperor Renzong, who had ascended to heaven more than three years ago, was still alive? Even Zhu Jin’an himself, in the moment when he knocked over the lamp oil that year, had never harbored the slightest hope of survival. Even to this day, he still didn’t know why Liu Yun had saved him then.

He looked at Zhai Di and said quietly: “It’s not your fault. Rise.”

Zhai Di hesitated for a moment. Knowing now wasn’t the time to plead guilty and there were many urgent matters to handle, he rose in response, then performed a deep bow to Zhu Nanxian. Turning, he ordered in a heavy voice: “Guard the inn’s doors well.”

The inn’s doors had already been closed by Zhu Nanxian. With sudden changes inside, things had quieted down. Though the soldiers outside were suspicious, they didn’t dare force their way in.

And those who remained inside the inn, seeing that even the third-rank imperial envoy from the capital had bowed to Zhu Nanxian, though shocked and uncertain, none failed to kneel.

Yao Youcai knelt behind Assistant Director Lu, his entire person trembling like chaff being sifted. He had long guessed this Guard Nan’s identity was suspicious, but never imagined it would be the former emperor. Now it seemed that even if Lord Shen Xi himself were here, he probably couldn’t save his own life.

Soon, the soldiers had the inn’s doors secured.

Assistant Director Lu’s eyes were still filled with tears. Zhai Di glanced at him and said to a bailiff: “Give this official your blade.”

Gripping the blade, he walked directly to Lu Dingze. Zhai Di’s gaze and voice both turned cold: “Assistant Director Lu, what exactly are your intentions?”

Only then did Lu Dingze feel a trace of fear, but having received orders from Shu Wenlan, he could only follow commands. So he answered: “This subordinate… doesn’t understand Lord Zhai’s meaning. His Majesty is still alive—we sovereign and subjects are reunited. Isn’t this a joyous occasion?”

Zhai Di looked at him coldly, unwilling to waste more words. Both hands gripping the blade handle, he slowly raised it, gathering all his strength, and struck down.

Blood sprayed and splattered. For a moment, it blurred Zhai Qiguang’s eyes.

He remembered that year he achieved first place in the provincial examination at only seventeen—he should have had an unlimited future. Who knew his gambling-addicted elder brother would embezzle the money for their father’s treatment, causing the old father’s death? Unable to contain his anger, he accidentally killed his brother, then changed his name to Zhai Di and retook the provincial examination. But he didn’t dare take the imperial examination, fearing being too prominent would invite suspicion, so he could only enter the Imperial Censorate as a patrol censor.

His bright future destroyed in one morning—how could he not harbor resentment?

He thought he would languish his whole life, never expecting Lord Su would find him.

She said: “You’re very good. I’ve noted you.”

She said: “This official values your tenacity, thoroughness, and ability to perceive the subtle. This official asks you, from now on, are you willing to follow this official?”

She also said: “Now various factions in court stand opposed. The future cannot possibly be smooth sailing. If iron chains block the river and brocade sails crash through waves, you and I may fall beneath the torrent. But in the future, if I, Su Jin, have a cup of sustenance, I will never short you a spoonful. If I, Su Jin, have an inch of foothold, I will never deny you your share.”

Su Jin knew of his past and was still willing to value him highly. For Zhai Di, this was not merely recognition and opportunity—it granted hope to him who was deeply mired in chaos.

Unable to repay this, he could only hold fast to “loyalty,” which remains true to this day.

Assistant Director Lu’s head rolled to the ground. Zhai Di, covered in blood, looked like a demon from Asura.

He was very calm. His voice wasn’t loud, but it fell precisely into every person’s ears in the inn: “Remember this well. Tonight at Yunlai Inn, you heard nothing, you saw nothing. If this official learns that any of you dare speak a word of tonight’s events to others, Lu Dingze’s fate will be your fate. This official dares to kill a sixth-rank assistant director from the Ministry of Finance—I don’t mind adding a few more lives to my hands.”

Zhai Di knew that killing to warn others was merely the worst strategy. Too many people had seen Zhu Nanxian tonight—this matter would be impossible to conceal sooner or later. But even if he could use Lu Dingze’s head to buy Zhu Nanxian some time, make the rumors spread more slowly, allow the Jin’an Emperor to escape Shu in time and survive safely, he didn’t care about wagering his own career and life on it.

Outside, rain had already begun to fall. After Zhai Di beheaded Lu Dingze, gripping the blade, he planned to kill Yao Youcai as well. Unexpectedly, Zhu Nanxian blocked him from the side, saying: “Keep this person for now. He’s connected to the garrison field case and says his superior is Qingyue. Take him back for thorough interrogation before deciding his punishment.”

Hearing Shen Xi’s name, Zhai Di was momentarily surprised. He immediately sheathed the blade and responded: “Yes.”

He also ordered the bailiffs to release Shuxiang and the other two. Just as he was about to ask Zhu Nanxian about his future plans, he suddenly heard someone outside the inn knock on the door saying: “Lord Zhai, Censor Yu from Shu has sent an urgent dispatch by messenger, asking Lord Zhai to read it immediately no matter what.”

Zhai Di was puzzled. Censor Yu was his trusted confidant—they had met just today. He didn’t recall any matter being this urgent.

When the soldiers delivered the urgent dispatch to his hands and he opened it to look, his expression suddenly changed dramatically.

The wind and rain in Shu weren’t heavy, but leaving Jinzhou and going further out, the rain grew increasingly urgent.

Reaching the border between Sichuan-Shu and Huguang, among the steep mountains and towering ridges, the wind and rain had reached the momentum of rushing thunder, the roaring sound unceasing to the ear.

With such rain, ordinary households would have long closed their doors and stayed inside. However, on the mountain road entering Shu, there was a carriage rushing rapidly forward.

The person sitting in the carriage seemed to have ten thousand urgent matters. Braving the rain, he lifted the carriage curtain and asked: “Are we almost there?”

The mountain shadows and night rain obscured his picturesque features. Only a teardrop mole at the corner of his eye shone darkly.

The driver said: “Lord Shen, what matter is so urgent that you must rush to enter Sichuan-Shu in these couple of days? Grain Rain Festival is approaching—the rain is heavy.”

Shen Xi looked toward the vast mountain rain and replied: “A matter of saving a life.”