He had expected the matter to be settled quickly, allowing him to return to a normal life. However, two days before the King of Qin's execution, an unexpected guest appeared before Huangfu Yunkun.
"Who are you?" If he remembered correctly, the visitor was a eunuch from the Emperor's side. He often accompanied others to the palace and had never heard of anyone seeking him out, so why send a mere eunuch?
"This servant is a eunuch from the Emperor's side. Please follow this servant, Young Master Qin." With that, he led the way. Huangfu Yunkun, completely bewildered, hurried to follow.
As they walked, they arrived at the imperial prison. He quickly defended himself, "Esteemed Eunuch, have we taken a wrong turn? I have been staying quietly in my rooms recently and have done nothing harmful. Surely the Emperor doesn't intend to imprison me?"
"Rest assured, the Emperor wishes for you to meet someone." The eunuch was practically saying it outright.
Huangfu Yunkun thanked him and remained silent. He knew without a doubt that it must be someone from the King of Qin's mansion who wanted to see him. In the original host's life, he had never received such consideration. Those people were all alive and well when she died, and he never saw their comeuppance.
Though his mind wandered, his legs instinctively followed the eunuch into the imperial prison.
Standing outside the prison cell, he gazed at the unfamiliar faces. Huangfu Yunkun remained silent, his head lowered. He could feel envious gazes from all directions, tinged with a hidden resentment.
"You are Yunkun, aren't you?" a surprised voice called out. He followed the sound and saw a middle-aged man, who, despite wearing prison attire, was still spirited. Without a doubt, this must be his nominal father.
He slowly nodded and approached, attempting to play on emotions. "When you left your fiefdom, you were so small. Now, after more than a decade, you've grown so big."
Huangfu Yunkun knew what the other man was trying to achieve. The more so, the less he wanted to engage. Did this old fox not know his current predicament? Yet, he had gone to great lengths to see him, even through official channels. Had he ever considered his well-being? Likely not. Anyone pulled from this group of people was probably more important to him than himself.
Seeing that his son offered no response, the King of Qin's brow furrowed slightly. He then composed himself and sighed, "Are you still resentful that we sent you to the capital, forcing you to live in this man-eating place? We had no choice. All feudal lords had to send their children as hostages. You were the first child of your mother and me, our treasure. How could we bear to part with you?"
"I harbor no resentment. I simply wish not to be involved in your affairs and to live a stable life." At this moment, he slowly raised his head. The King of Qin then saw his clear eyes, which seemed to pierce the soul, as if seeing through him. Instinctively, he drew back slightly.
"Let's be frank. I've called you here today to ask you to plead with the Emperor on behalf of your younger siblings. I know I deserve my punishment, but they are young and have promising futures. They shouldn't have to die with us." The King of Qin had lived more than half his life, had met many people, and seen many things. On his first meeting with his eldest son, he regretted it. He had a premonition that if he hadn't abandoned him in the capital and neglected him, the King of Qin's mansion would not have reached this state.
"From the moment I was born, I was a tool for your schemes. So you *did* know about the hardships I faced in the capital, yet did you ever speak a word for me? Now you come begging for help, when has that ever happened? I can tell you clearly, I cannot help you." It wasn't worth jeopardizing himself for this family. Moreover, they were like strangers to each other; he wouldn't kick them when they were down, nor would he offer them help.
"They are your brothers and sisters, how can you be so heartless?" The eldest son was their only hope. When the King of Qin's Consort saw he refused to help, she couldn't help but scold him loudly.
"I am your son too, how can you be so heartless, ignoring me for so many years, and now you question me?" Some people's favoritism knew no bounds, but he had long grown accustomed to it and felt no sadness, only a disinclination to be further involved with them.
After speaking, he turned to leave. If it weren't for the Emperor's man escorting him, he would never have entered such a place. He couldn't imagine how much he had bribed that person.
"Stop, you unfilial son, stop right there..." As soon as he spoke, a wailing cry erupted from a corner.
He glanced at the King of Qin's Consort sitting beside the child and understood everything. They were trying to evoke his sympathy. Unfortunately, they were mistaken. The child looked cute and shared a blood relation with him, but he didn't particularly like other people's children, as caring for them was too time-consuming.
"Brother, can you save me? I heard we're going to die, and I still want to see the outside world. Can you take me away?" A fifteen-year-old child slowly walked over, looking at him with expectant eyes, even pleading.
To be honest, even after witnessing so many schemes and tricks, his heart couldn't help but soften at this moment. But his reason told him he couldn't do it. If he were to plead on their behalf, it would surely incur the Emperor's displeasure and disrupt all the plans he had painstakingly laid. It was best to treat them as strangers; he had no obligation to involve himself with them.
Seeing that he was unmoved, the King of Qin's Consort slowly turned away, unable to help but curse, "How could we have given birth to a son like you? Other people's children are strong and healthy, but you are sickly, as if you might collapse at any moment. We have to worry about the future of the King of Qin's mansion. You, no matter what, are still part of the King of Qin's mansion. It's a pity you trample on us to climb higher. Otherwise, do you think the Emperor would still use you in this way?" The King of Qin's Consort's eyes were red. Her only hope was dashed, and holding her grandson, she wept bitterly.
He never looked back. As his footsteps receded, the King of Qin's Consort's curses became increasingly vulgar.
The Emperor had initially expected him to plead for his parents. Regardless, they were rebels, and sparing his life was already an act of grace. In that case, either he had no feelings for the King of Qin's mansion, or he was afraid of being held accountable by the Emperor. Regardless, the Emperor was pleased; his years of affection for him had not been in vain.
The day of the King of Qin's mansion's execution arrived. Crowds lined the streets, eager to witness the spectacle. Wu Caiwei and her husband had no intention of joining the throng. They were there because they predicted that the King of Qin would not surrender so easily and would still have a hidden move. Their only opportunity lay on the road connecting the imperial prison and the execution grounds.