This memorable tranquil atmosphere ended with Physician Cheng’s loud shout—”The blood is still flowing…!”

The two guards had restrained his person but not his mouth. As an upright physician, he truly couldn’t just watch helplessly as the wounded person in front of him kept spurting blood while he stood there stupidly watching.

Shaoshang snapped back to her senses. Glancing sideways at the still-bleeding wound on Ling Buyi’s shoulder and back, she stepped forward displeased: “The broken arrow has already been pulled out—what are you still dawdling there for? Why aren’t you coming up to treat the wound?! A physician should have a parental heart—how can you not be anxious?”

At these words, Physician Cheng felt such grief and indignation he wanted to howl to the heavens! But before he could speak, the two guards beside him simultaneously moved aside to either side—now he couldn’t even speak.

That’s right—from the girl’s angle, she truly couldn’t see the physician’s left arm being held behind his back.

Liangqiu Fei wanted to laugh but was forcefully tugged by his elder brother beside him. The young man quickly put on a stern face.

Li Wulang couldn’t bear to watch anymore and turned his head to stare out the door. Elder Li smacked his lips a few times, discovering that several strands of his beloved beard had been pulled out just now, so he could only let go and sit down heavily on the folding stool.

Physician Cheng silently stepped forward to fulfill his duties. Seeing this, Shaoshang stepped back, wanting to return to the lower seat. Turning around, she only then noticed that the folding stool from her original position had somehow been brought up and placed to the right of Ling Buyi’s seat of honor, slightly lower.

That scar-faced guard smiled very amiably: “Young Lady, please sit first.”

Shaoshang was stunned for a moment, then sat down woodenly.

She recalled that at the Cheng household, whenever Mother Cheng wasn’t present and Old Master Cheng sat in the seat of honor in Jiuzhui Hall to receive guests, Madam Xiao’s seat would be placed in exactly such a position. So, was this meant as respect for the host? But this house belonged to Elder Li, though she had been the one to arrange it. Was it because the Cheng family’s status was above the Li family’s…

In a daze, she suddenly smelled a strong wine fragrance. Looking closely, she saw Physician Cheng repeatedly washing Ling Buyi’s wound with an entire jar of just-opened strong liquor.

Elder Li sniffed with his nose and smiled as he evaluated: “This is fine wine aged over ten years!”

Liangqiu Fei showed slight pride: “The elder has good judgment. This is vintage fine brew seized from Prince Chen’s palace storerooms—who knows how long it was hidden. His Majesty bestowed it at the beginning of the year. We had originally planned to drink it at the victory banquet.”

Shaoshang also took a breath, thinking privately that this wine was indeed strong but not harsh, mellow and fragrant. She very much wanted to say, “I can extract high-concentration alcohol for you—don’t waste such good wine. How about giving it to my Old Master Cheng instead?”

Of course she couldn’t say this. They had saved your life, and you haven’t even repaid the interest yet—and you still want to covet their wine?!

Ling Buyi turned his head slightly to glance at the girl, then looked at the silk handkerchief clutched in his hand—just now when pulling out the broken arrow, the girl had immediately handed back the handkerchief, then wound the neck cord back around her own hand. Though young, her nature was clear and forthright, without any clinging entanglements.

At this time, Physician Cheng began cutting away the necrotic flesh.

The scraping sound of cutting flesh, strips of small pieces of dark red swollen and rotted tissue being cut off and placed in a dish—Shaoshang’s scalp went numb. But that bare-shouldered man quietly placed both hands on his knees, his expression tranquil. Except for his pale complexion and slightly compressed lips, it was as if nothing was happening.

Looking from the side at the crimson lips on his snow-white skin, Shaoshang inexplicably thought: for this level of authority and power, he’s too young…

After cutting away the necrotic flesh, washing the wound, and applying medicine, Physician Cheng walked out with his medicine pouch without looking back. Even just observing his retreating figure, Li Wulang felt this physician had suffered great injury.

Ling Buyi was served by Liangqiu Fei who helped him put his garments back on piece by piece. After drinking half a bowl of wine, he finally recovered a breath. He raised his hand to summon people inside.

Two soldiers carried in a long silk and satin scroll, then slowly unrolled it before everyone’s eyes. It turned out to be an atlas marked with mountains, rivers, and villages. Shaoshang looked at it completely confused, but Elder Li knew this was a map of Yanzhou.

Ling Buyi’s expression was grave: “I’ve passed through Yanzhou several times, but I’ve never been to Dong Commandery. Currently there are several groups of remnant soldiers scattered about causing chaos in this area. These past days I’ve killed two batches, but there’s still one group I chased as far south as Xiao Manor in Qing County before losing them. I trouble the Elder to advise—now with the Feathered Forest and Tiger Guards blocking to the east, in which direction will they most likely flee?”

Elder Li’s heart jumped, and he blurted out: “Could it really be as Miss Cheng guessed—that something happened to His Majesty?”

Everyone’s gazes simultaneously turned toward the young lady seated to the right of the seat of honor. Shaoshang was extremely embarrassed, cursing inwardly that Old Man Li’s mouth was too quick!

Ling Buyi’s expression showed interest: “What did you guess?”

Shaoshang repeatedly waved her hands, nervously saying: “No, no, no… I was wildly guessing—it doesn’t count, doesn’t count!”

Quick-mouthed Old Man Li hurriedly helped her supplement: “Miss Cheng said that someone was plotting rebellion, first delaying the imperial procession’s journey, then suddenly striking, which is why no one to the west knew about it.”

Shaoshang gave several dry laughs.

Ling Buyi looked at her with a smile for a while before saying: “You guessed half right. Indeed someone harbored ill intentions, but His Majesty had early awareness. However, mindful of past affections, he hoped they would repent on their own. Who knew the traitor was so vicious—seeing the uprising wouldn’t succeed, he dispersed the bandit remnants and surrendered soldiers just recently gathered from Qingzhou, also spreading rumors that ‘the Emperor wants to exterminate everyone,’ then the chief culprit took advantage of the chaos to escape.”

Thinking of his village that had finally recuperated for several years about to suffer again, Elder Li couldn’t help lamenting loudly: “His Majesty is too benevolent! What past affections to consider—rebellious subjects and traitors should be dealt with immediately!”

Shaoshang thought of the unconscious Yun Shi and the casualties among the Cheng household members, and also said: “That’s right, that’s right.”

Ling Buyi found her chiming in agreement quite endearing and smiled: “A border official—move one hair and the whole body is affected. His Majesty had actually already controlled the overall situation, but didn’t anticipate they would be this vicious.”

Elder Li made a sound of surprise and slapped his thigh: “A border official?! Was it our Provincial Governor who caused the rebellion? Thanks to our Commandery Governor’s vigorous efforts to maintain order, that’s why disaster didn’t spread to the west!”

Ling Buyi’s lips twisted to one side: “No, it was your Commandery Governor who was bewitched by others and caused the rebellion. The Yanzhou Provincial Governor loyally protected the sovereign and vigorously suppressed the rebellion, which is why west of Qing County remained mostly unharmed. In a few days His Majesty will proclaim this to the world.”

This time without needing Elder Li’s quick mouth, Ling Buyi directly turned his head toward Shaoshang: “Did you also guess this?”

Shaoshang’s ears turned red with embarrassment. She could only continue with dry laughter: “This young lady is ignorant, ignorant… hehe…”

Noticing the girl was secretly glaring at him, Elder Li felt embarrassed. Stroking his beard, he walked to the front of that map to examine it, then casually asked: “I wonder from which place did those bandits escape?”

Ling Buyi said: “The incident originated in Hua County.”

Elder Li excitedly turned around and said loudly: “This time Miss Cheng really guessed correctly! Indeed the incident was in Hua County. Fortunately the Madam and Young Lady’s party didn’t go to Hua County—otherwise wouldn’t they have walked straight into the tiger’s mouth?! Miss Cheng is truly clever!” He was an honest person, thinking privately that the young girl had thin face—having lost face twice in succession just now, she should finally be able to recover once.

Ling Buyi suppressed a smile: “This also isn’t so. Because His Majesty had early preparations and was lodged in a manor east of Hua County, the disaster arose and was immediately extinguished. So if you had gone to Hua County yesterday, it should already have been calm and peaceful, safe and sound.”

Elder Li gave two awkward laughs and quickly lowered his head to look at the map. Liangqiu Fei and Li Wulang each turned away to laugh secretly. From that scar-faced guard down to all the guards in the room, including the two soldiers holding the atlas, were all silently suppressing laughter.

Shaoshang: Elder, I’m begging you, please stop talking!

Dong Commandery occupied quite a large area with flourishing population. Elder Li stood before the atlas for a long time, hesitant and unable to decide: “…Lord Ling, to be frank, this old man doesn’t dare say he knows this area like the palm of his hand, but I do know all the roads and rivers thoroughly. However, where this group of bandits might go, this old man truly finds it difficult…”

Before finishing his words, Shaoshang rose decisively, breaking the pot and smashing it as she said loudly: “Elder need not feel troubled. People have tracks, bandits have schemes! If that group of bandits is for plundering and killing, naturally they’ll go where there are many people. If it’s to disturb the situation and escape while His Majesty’s forces are suppressing bandits, then they must seek remote routes to flee, especially through mountain forest gaps not easily noticed!”

This time Elder Li didn’t dare praise casually and quickly looked to see Ling Buyi’s meaning. He saw him looking at the girl, smiling slightly, saying: “What you said is very correct.” The general famous throughout the capital for being austere and efficient appeared especially young and handsome when smiling.

Shaoshang finally raised her eyebrows triumphantly, biting a small corner of her mouth as she smiled lightly.

Ling Buyi’s eyes looked at the girl as he said: “If it were the chaotic times of early years, even if it meant leaving land fallow, every region would still organize a militia to protect the village. But these past years, the militia have all dispersed back home to open wasteland and farm. Suddenly encountering chaos is undoubtedly like releasing wolves into a flock of sheep. Therefore His Majesty ordered to put all other matters aside and first suppress the bandits. Elder, this group of bandits is one of the chief villains, preparing to flee south into Jingzhou and use that route to enter Shu.”

Elder Li stroked his beard and nodded repeatedly, turning to look at the map.

Li Wulang thought privately: Lord Ling, what you’re saying is very good, but when speaking, could you please face my father?

“So my lord has been busy these past days pursuing bandit rebels, which is why even treating wounds was delayed?” This time Shaoshang understood.

Ling Buyi smiled slightly: “Fierce tigers are easy to slaughter, but swarms of ants are hard to eliminate. Moreover, spring plowing is about to begin—if people miss the land’s timing by a moment, the land will miss the people for a year. The common people have finally been able to eat a peaceful meal—there must be no mistakes.”

Shaoshang suddenly felt the person before her image grow tall and lofty. This was probably what the loyal ministers and excellent generals described in ancient books were like. She returned a sweet smile: “I think what you said is also very correct.”

Ling Buyi smiled without speaking. He looked at the girl’s eyes—truly bright as stars, full of vitality.

Li Wulang silently looked at his father: Father, they seem to be flirting.

Elder Li: You continue keeping your mouth shut.

Finally the old man pointed at two places on the map: “If wanting to flee, they should take these two routes.”

Ling Buyi nodded in thanks and ordered soldiers to put away the atlas. Shaoshang quickly asked about her pig-head uncle’s safety. Ling Buyi said: “The Qing County Magistrate is loyal and brave—upon hearing the news he could rush to protect the sovereign. When I came out, Magistrate Gongsun was reporting inside His Majesty’s tent. If your uncle entered Qing County, the city walls there are tall and large—he should be fine.”

Shaoshang smiled on her face, but in her heart: MMP—stinking uncle, with such a poor brain, you deserve to only be a big pig trotter! When I complain to Aunt, if I don’t properly add oil and vinegar, this old lady’s surname isn’t Cheng!

At this time, that older guard from earlier came in. The arrow that had originally pierced through his left arm had been pulled out and was wrapped in bandages. He stepped forward cupping his hands: “Young Master, there are forty-two captured bandits in total. Screening is complete—every one of them has blood on their hands.”

Ling Buyi frowned slightly: “How did we capture so many?” The implication was: why weren’t they all killed?

Both the Li father and son’s hearts jumped. Shaoshang was also surprised and couldn’t help looking at Ling Buyi.

In just moments, the young and handsome youth seemed to have changed his demeanor. Just now he had been gentle and courteous, benevolent and righteous, but speaking of bandits, his understated words revealed overwhelming bloodiness—he didn’t regard those people as ‘human’ at all.

She thought: this person is a good person, just with a heavy killing nature.

That older guard also seemed accustomed to this and smiled: “These useless cowards had plenty of courage when plundering women and children—when they saw they couldn’t win, they surrendered quickly!” Speaking thus, he brought in the lead bandits, all five-flowers-bound.

Five people were brought in total, their heads and bodies covered in sweat stains and blood filth. There seemed to be excrement fallen on their clothing and pants. Upon entering, foul odors spread everywhere. Shaoshang wrinkled her nose in disgust.

As soon as these five bandit chiefs entered, they cried to heaven and shouted to earth. Ling Buyi was also very patient, slowly waiting for them to finish crying and pleading before saying: “So, you were all forced into helplessness, compelled to become bandits?”

A bandit chief with large blue-black spots on his face wailed and cried: “…This humble one was originally a squad leader under His Majesty’s command, properly serving, but who knew the superior would rebel—this humble one muddle-headedly followed along…”

The bandit chief beside him missing one ear quickly picked up: “General, please see clearly—we were all following orders! Even when we became bandits, it was the deputy general who gave the orders. We also want to properly be people, marry and have children…”

Then, you said one thing and I said another, speaking while crying, crying until saliva dripped out. The other three whose eloquence wasn’t as good could only chime in “exactly exactly” and “that’s right that’s right.”

“You came around the southeast of Qing County through Cong Township?” Ling Buyi asked.

Those five didn’t understand and could only nod.

“You also said you were all under Zhang Sui’s command?” Ling Buyi asked.

Those five desperately affirmed it. That big blue-black spot also said: “If General Zhang hadn’t died early, we wouldn’t be like headless flies committing great crimes!”

Ling Buyi nodded: “Speaking of which, when I was young, Zhang Sui even taught me to use the blade.” He seemed to recall something and sighed: “This is how unpredictable worldly affairs are. Though Zhang Sui came from bandit origins, ever since being captured by Fan Changsheng, he dutifully and law-abidingly served as a deputy general. After years of separation, I didn’t expect that now heaven and earth would be turned upside down. When Fan Chang listened to provocative words and wanted to commit rebellion, the first to sternly object was Zhang Sui. As a result, Fan Chang brutally killed him on the spot, severing his four limbs, cutting off his head…”

Hope and joy floated up in those five people’s eyes. They begged for mercy even louder, also mentioning how General Zhang was benevolent in commanding his subordinates and so on.

Who knew Ling Buyi didn’t even move a fingertip, saying lightly: “Drag them out and kill them all together with the rest.” He also pointed at that big blue-black spot and the one-eared one: “These two, bury alive.”

The Li father and son exclaimed “Ah,” originally thinking Ling Buyi was going to spare them, but who knew the change would be so abrupt.

Shaoshang was also startled, thinking: this person is a good person, just somewhat moody and unpredictable.

The guards were about to drag these five people out when they heard that big blue-black spot still hoarsely howling. Ling Buyi raised his hand to have the guards pause slightly and smiled: “You rabble were already scattered a few days ago but used this same speech to deceive the soldiers at Cong Township garrison, right? Then you took advantage of night to slaughter everyone at the courier station clean, regardless of old, weak, women or children, stole weapons and armor, then came out again to plunder.”

Speaking to this point, he turned cold: “Kill them all, leave not one.”

Those five were greatly shocked, not expecting this young general to have investigated everything clearly. That big blue-black spot still refused to accept his fate and continued crying loudly: “…They were going to hand us over—would we still have our lives then? It truly was unavoidable!”

At this time, even the always benevolent Li father and son felt hatred rise.

Shaoshang said hatefully: “Hmph, that General Zhang Sui encountered chaotic times and only then took to banditry. I imagine if there had been any second path to walk, he absolutely would not have wanted to be a bandit. But you lot are good—at the slightest trouble you couldn’t wait to plunder the common people! What ‘unavoidable’? Couldn’t you find a mountain cave to avoid the storm? Couldn’t you hide your identities and be ordinary common people? Would His Majesty really post wanted notices to catch you few stinking bugs and grasshoppers?!” Feeling she had performed a bit excessively, she quickly turned her head with an apologetic smile: “Lord Ling, right?”

Ling Buyi couldn’t hold back and laughed lightly: “Couldn’t be more right.”

Li Wulang turned to look at his father: Father, aren’t they really flirting?

Elder Li was very irritated and ignored his son. He stepped forward: “Such despicable petty thieves—death isn’t enough punishment. Why not slaughter these several leaders and sentence the rest to hard labor? Lord Ling, since ancient times, killing those who surrender brings ill fortune.”

Ling Buyi’s tone remained gentle, but his words weren’t very polite: “Elder, these words come too late. These past days I’ve killed bandits several times—has the Elder seen me carrying prisoners?”

Elder Li wrung his hands in difficulty: “But, but this killing surrendered soldiers… ultimately, ultimately…”

Ling Buyi’s expression was bland: “Bai Qi at Changping buried alive nearly five hundred thousand Zhao soldiers—that’s called killing surrendered soldiers bringing ill fortune. The King of Chu at Xin’an took advantage of night to kill two hundred thousand Qin soldiers—that’s called killing surrendered soldiers bringing ill fortune. Because those soldiers could have fought to the death, breaking the net along with the fish. But these ones…” He pointed at those five bandit chiefs, his eyes revealing mockery, “only laid down their weapons and surrendered when blades were at their necks. Even if they didn’t surrender, what could they have done?” After reading books for a few years, this is how pedantic you become.

At this time, Shaoshang suddenly spoke: “Lord Ling, how about you hand these captured bandits over to me? I’ll kill them.”

At these words, everyone without exception was astonished. Elder Li nearly pulled out his entire beard, and Li Wulang nearly choked to death on his own saliva—what had this world come to?!

The scar-faced guard and the older guard exchanged glances. Their own Young Master was already strange enough—who expected such a delicate little young lady would also be this strange?

“Killing surrendered soldiers brings ill fortune, but they didn’t surrender to me, right?” Shaoshang said to Elder Li. “If I kill them, it doesn’t matter, right?”

Elder Li stood there gaping, speechless. Now it was his turn to look at his son Li Wulang.

Ling Buyi was about to speak when he saw Shaoshang turn back and ask: “Is there anything more severe than burying alive?” She didn’t really understand the punishments popular in this era.

The one being asked was precisely Liangqiu Fei. Seeing his own Young Master also looking at him, he stuttered: “…Dismemberment by five horses?”

Shaoshang seemed very satisfied and nodded, then stood up very imposingly and took two steps forward. Those several guards who were about to drag the five bandit chiefs outside saw Ling Buyi’s eye signal and very nimbly pushed the people back into the room, pressing them down to kneel properly.

Shaoshang asked: “Last night, you captured several maidservants from my household. Where are they now?”

The five bandit chiefs looked at each other, quickly denying it, saying it wasn’t their doing but other leaders who were already dead.

Shaoshang pointed at that “one-eared one” and sneered coldly: “Stop pretending. Among the people who jumped over the barrier fence stakes that night was you! I remember very clearly—when you escaped back, you also grabbed a maidservant, didn’t you?”

That “one-eared one,” seeing he couldn’t deny it, repeatedly begged for mercy, also saying he hadn’t mistreated those maidservants.

Shaoshang’s eyes faintly revealed a blood-red color. Word by word she said: “I sent retainers to investigate clearly. Eight were captured, and now only two remain.” Fortunately those two women were plump and voluptuous—the bandits wanted to keep them for continued violation, so they hadn’t been killed. Though the state was unbearable to witness, at least they survived. In the future she must make thorough arrangements for them.

Hearing these words, those five bandit chiefs knew it was over. If they had killed everyone leaving no survivors they could still deny it, but now with two survivors left, what couldn’t be questioned clearly?!

“I also don’t dare demand you be upright gentlemen. Rape and violation aside, you even vented on these innocent weak women the fury of being unable to break through the Cheng household’s defenses, tormenting and beating them throughout the night. Even this morning you cooked and ate several women!” Shaoshang didn’t avoid the topic at all, shaking out everything completely.

Elder Li had witnessed such tragedies before. His heart greatly shook and his whole body turned ice cold. Li Wulang was already frightened stupid.

The guards in the room didn’t know of this matter. Hearing it, all were inexpressibly outraged.

Shaoshang said word by word: “You brutally killed maidservants, raped and then cooked them—was that also unavoidable? Were there no prey in the forest? Didn’t you carry dry rations? It was nothing but bestial nature erupting, dividing human flesh for amusement. Do you even deserve to be human?! Since you don’t want to be human and want to be beasts and livestock, then I’ll treat you as livestock—I’ll slaughter you however I want?!”

That “one-eared one,” knowing he couldn’t escape death, in fierce courage actually charged forward several steps, roaring: “You dare?! We brothers will become malevolent ghosts and tear and gnaw at you throughout the night—!” Before finishing his words, he was gagged by guards, but he still bared his teeth and snarled lowly, his gaze fierce like a wild beast. Even Li Wulang seeing this couldn’t help feeling fear.

Shaoshang was frightened back one step, but thinking of those two girls’ shattered tragic state—if retainers hadn’t desperately blocked her and refused to let her see the cannibalism scene—she imagined she would also have seen the gnawed bones and skulls.

Furious beyond measure, she stepped forward two more steps and sneered coldly: “Don’t give me that act! When you become ghosts, you’ll only be judged by the King of Hell in the underworld for how many grievances you committed! Go down to the eighteenth level of hell to receive punishment! Where would you have the leisure to find me?! Hmph, you have great abilities, so you can treat the weak as fish and meat. Now fallen into my hands, I can also treat you as fish and meat. Right now I want to tear you into however many pieces I want! I’ve already had the surviving women go identify them—those who ate human flesh and those who killed with their own hands, dismember them all by five horses!”

The remaining four bandit chiefs still wanted to curse and struggle. Ling Buyi made a hand gesture, and several guards all exerted force together to drag the people out.

Shaoshang suppressed her weak legs and lingering fear, determined to finish this matter in one go. She cupped her hands toward the Li father and son and Ling Buyi: “I’ll go preside over the execution right now. I temporarily take my leave… ai yo…”

Ling Buyi didn’t know when he had already stood over and gently pressed her back onto the folding stool, saying gently: “Don’t go. Dismemberment by five horses is also too troublesome—use five horses to quarter the body. I’ll preside over the execution.”

Shaoshang refused and stood up again: “No need, I’ll preside over the execution!”

“Don’t go.” Ling Buyi looked at the stubborn-faced girl. “You haven’t seen that scene—you’ll have nightmares.”

“I won’t have nightmares.” Shaoshang raised her head. “I never have nightmares! If you don’t let me preside over the execution, I’ll still go personally watch with my own eyes how these beasts die!”

Ling Buyi closed his eyes. After a moment, he said lightly: “Do you like bridges? My residence also has many arched bridges, not lacking those built with the skill of Master Gongshu Ban.”

These words were spoken without rhyme or reason. In the full room, only one person could understand.

Shaoshang felt dizzy and her vision darkened. As expected, he had still guessed it.

She sat down on the folding stool all at once, her whole body without strength yet still forcing herself to appear calm: “Since Lord Ling’s kind offer is hard to refuse, I will be disrespectfully accept it.” Yield when you should yield—those who understand the times are outstanding. From now on, see this person as little as possible for the best!

Ling Buyi helplessly shook his head and rose to walk toward the door. Just as he reached the entrance, he suddenly turned back and said to Shaoshang: “Those maidservants being captured wasn’t your fault. At such a young age, your actions have already been very remarkable. Also…” He paused. “Before sleeping tonight, drink a bowl of calming medicinal soup. Remember?”

Shaoshang nodded blankly, half-understanding.

She thought: this person is still a good person, just with a somewhat strong desire for control.

Watching Ling Buyi’s party walk out the door, Li Wulang breathed a great sigh of relief and went to support his father: Father, I still think they were flirting.

Elder Li: …No, I must go tell Madam Sang and Young Master Cheng.