Since the goal was to save people, they couldn't let their hearts grow cold; they had to save everyone. It was an impossible task, as anyone could tell. Although Prince Ping had made grand promises in front of them, he immediately dispatched his most trusted aide to the capital. The primary purpose was to gather information, but if they could be rescued without any effort, he wouldn't mind. However, such a thing was highly unlikely. Sending his subordinate was merely a show of concern, to let people know he took the matter seriously. Whether the captives could actually be saved was another story entirely.
After searching for several days without any trace of Chen Renjie, the Emperor felt a twinge of unease. But he reminded himself that Chen Renjie was merely a member of the Chen family, whom he had never heard of before this incident. He likely wasn't involved. Besides, the possibility that the charred body *was* him was high. He didn't want to waste more manpower, finances, or resources. There were more pressing matters, such as suppressing Prince Ping's rebellion. He believed the sickly prince wouldn't be able to stir up much trouble, so he ordered the search parties to withdraw.
Meanwhile, those imprisoned in the jail waited with bated breath. They received the Emperor's decree ordering their execution, but not a single person from Prince Ping's side appeared. Young Master Chen Er realized he had been tricked by his father and fell into despair. His world collapsed, leaving him without the strength to even harbor resentment or blame.
A few days before their execution, Wu Caiwei specifically visited the small courtyard on the outskirts of the capital to see Chen Renjie.
"How have you been living here lately?" Wu Caiwei asked, her expression filled with concern.
"Yang Hanye still wants to use me, so why wouldn't they arrange for my good treatment? Don't worry, I'm not someone who suffers in silence. If they make my life difficult, even without martial arts, I have plenty of ways to deal with them." He looked at Wu Caiwei with confidence, assuring her.
Wu Caiwei had already anticipated this outcome, but hearing it from his own lips still brought her a sense of relief. Then, as if remembering something, she cautiously added, "In two days, the Chen family will be executed. If there's anyone you wish to save, please don't hesitate to ask me."
Chen Renjie's hand, which had been fiddling with a chess piece, paused involuntarily. While he himself harbored no affection for the Chen family, the original owner of this body did. He hadn't been here long, and remnants of the original owner's consciousness still lingered within him. Learning that the Chen family was to be executed filled him with an overwhelming sense of sadness.
After a long moment, he came back to himself amidst Wu Caiwei's worried gaze. "Forget the masters of the Chen family. After so many years, not only did I receive no benefit from them, but they were fortunate if they didn't bully me. If my deceased mother hadn't been a servant of the Chen family, my life might have been even more miserable. Therefore, what I want you to redeem are the servants of the Chen family. I have a list here detailing their information. Go and find out how many can be redeemed. These people are either my relatives or those who have shown me great kindness in the past. A drop of kindness should be repaid with a gushing spring. Now that they are implicated, if we have the ability to help, we should help."
Zhu Caiwei nodded and quickly folded the paper in front of him, tucking it into her pocket. Any kindness shown to Chen Renjie was kindness shown to her. Wu Caiwei knew what she needed to do next.
On the day of the executions, a fine drizzle fell. Wu Caiwei arrived early and deliberately chose a seat by the window in a teahouse, watching the execution ground below.
Unseen by her, Chen Renjie, accompanied by Da Li, also appeared in the crowd. Two hidden guards followed him, ensuring his safety. He had to witness this crucial moment. Prince Ping's men were also present.
Everyone expected something to happen during the execution, but it was as calm as still water. By the time the heads of the Chen family members rolled on the ground, there was still no sign of any disturbance. This left the Emperor's confidantes, who had already stationed their men nearby, feeling a sense of defeat.
During the execution, Chen family's second young master's mouth was wide open, struggling incessantly, as if trying to convey something to the crowd. But no one paid him any mind. After all, who wouldn't want to live? They had seen many such people and were used to it.
As he watched the blade descend, a tear fell from the corner of Chen family's second young master's eye. That day, he went mad. A few days later, after eating his meal, he suddenly found himself unable to speak. He frantically gestured to everyone, indicating that someone wanted to harm him, but Master Chen simply ignored him.
As he died, he thought it was his father who had done it. But later, he remembered that meal was personally served by Yu Zu to everyone. The steamed bun in his hand seemed larger than others. He had even secretly resented this at the time, quickly covering the bun and stealthily eating it all. Others seemed fine, but as soon as he ate it, his throat became hoarse. It was clear that something had been added to that steamed bun, something he hadn't detected. Su Dan Novel Network
Master Chen had long since understood the crux of the matter, but he also agreed with Yu Zu's view that only a mute wouldn't speak out of turn. At the same time, he gave his other sons a warning look. They were all resentful, but fearing they might die at their father's hands before even reaching the age of seventeen, they all became more obedient and well-behaved.
Generations had flourished in the imperial court, and many of their clansmen had been killed this time. The ground was covered in bloodstains, resembling a carpet of red as far as the eye could see. In three days, those who were to be punished would be paraded out and sold.
On the morning of the auction, Wu Caiwei arrived with a large contingent of elites and troops. Regardless, she was determined to rescue the people Chen Renjie wanted saved.
The Chen family had many members, so they were brought to the auction block in groups of five. Before this, Wu Caiwei had made extensive preparations and even visited those people in prison herself, so she could identify them during the auction and bring them home. However, sometimes people liked to cause trouble.
"Two hundred taels of silver. I want that girl," he said, then looked provocatively at Wu Caiwei. Wu Caiwei was speechless. She had never seen a man bicker with a woman like this. This time, she was determined to take that person with her.
But he had long passed the age of arguing fiercely with others. He spoke in a conciliatory tone, "She is related to a good friend of mine. Today, no matter what, I must take her back, even if it costs tens of thousands of taels. I beg you, sir, not to argue with me."
"I say, Madam, it's not that I want to argue with you, but rather that you refuse to let me be. You said today, this morning alone, how many maids have I taken a fancy to, only to have you intercept them? Each time, you claim they are relatives of your friends. How is it that all the information about your friends is with the Chen family? Don't you find it too coincidental? I reasonably suspect you are targeting me." Seeing her polite demeanor, the man's tone softened somewhat, but the humiliation he felt after encountering her that morning couldn't help but stir his resentment.