Chapter 123: Big Brother's Just Joking

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Shen Siyian sneered coldly, “It’s laughable that the Crown Prince’s own son would commit such heinous acts behind everyone’s back, and yet the Prince of Rui remains completely unaware.”

“The Crown Prince ordered the killing of refugees and impoverished villagers, but I have already rescued them and arranged for their safe shelter.”

“Hm,” Xiao Yan nodded, a faint glint of coldness gradually flashing in his dark, lustrous eyes—an unsettling chill. After a moment, he slightly restrained it. “Captain Shen, you may return to rest. Tomorrow, we shall report this to His Majesty.”

—

Shen Nanyuan leisurely ate her breakfast. After finishing, she stretched and strolled through the courtyard to aid digestion. Suddenly, she saw Shen Siyian entering from outside the Shaohua Manor, looking relaxed and somewhat different from a few days ago.

She lazily asked, “Is the case solved?”

Shen Siyian nodded and, without waiting for a reply, sat down and poured himself a cup of tea, his expression light.

Shen Nanyuan sat opposite him. “Tell me about it.”

“...” Shen Siyian seemed to be dragging it out deliberately. Shen Nanyuan grew impatient before he finally spoke. “The mastermind behind this was Prince Rui’s son, Gu Qingfei, but he wasn’t acting alone. There were several other young nobles from prominent families who frequently gambled together. Gu Qingfei wanted to raise the stakes.”

“After some discussion with the four other noble sons, they sent people to poor villages and refugee camps seeking those desperate for money. When approached, the villagers were promised wealth if they followed them. If out of a group of five, someone survived to the end, they would receive unimaginable riches for life. Naturally, those in dire need clung to this last hope.”

“Each of the five, including Gu Qingfei, would select someone, betting on who would be the last survivor. The recruited villagers were each given a bow and arrow and sent into the woods where they either killed or were killed, and the last one standing would get the prize money.”

“So the wounds on the bodies were all arrow wounds, but—” Shen Siyian’s relaxed expression faded and a shadow of gloom covered his face, “Gu Qingfei feared the survivor might report them to the authorities, so in the end, he killed that person too. The bodies were buried together by his men at the site where you found the corpses.”

“This deadly game was held three times. The fourth was about to start when the discovery of the bodies disrupted all their plans, forcing them to suspend the operation.”

“They targeted those whose families were suffering from severe illness or had no one else, especially refugees, so it had remained undetected until now.”

Shen Nanyuan listened in shock, slightly parting her lips.

Such depravity and utter lack of human morality truly opened her eyes. Even in the outside world beyond the book, amid the information age where news spreads fast, she had never encountered such a cruel and inhumane act, especially so close to home.

Goosebumps prickled her skin; a chill ran through her. Compassion for the dead and fury at the culprits surged within her, her fists clenched tightly. “What has become of Gu Qingfei now?”

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“His Majesty has ordered that he and the four noble sons be imprisoned and tried at a later date.”

“What’s the point of another trial?” Shen Nanyuan was incredulous. “Hasn’t everything been concluded?”

Shen Siyian shook his head gently. “Gu Qingfei is the legitimate son of Prince Rui. Though the Prince holds no real power, he is still His Majesty’s brother. This matter won’t be handled lightly. They must reinterrogate the surviving villagers and Gu Qingfei’s servants before His Majesty makes a final decision.”

Shen Nanyuan asked, “...Will there ever be justice for this?”

“I believe His Majesty will ensure justice for the souls of the dead.”

Shen Siyian paused before continuing, “The Third Prince and I will also work hard toward that end.”

After all, dozens of lives were lost.

Prince Rui must be frantic now, likely desperate to seek refuge with the Second Prince to save at least his son’s life. But today, everything was plainly laid before His Majesty. The deaths have enraged the emperor. Though the trial is postponed, the ministers are watching closely. This incident has caused widespread panic in the capital, and if no explanation is given to the public, dissent will not easily be silenced.

His Majesty will not allow such atrocities to occur.

Therefore, Gu Qingfei’s fate is likely sealed.

If that is truly the case, he will be the first among the royal kin to suffer such a downfall.

Shen Nanyuan pursed her lips slightly, suddenly recalling something. She looked up sharply at Shen Siyian, concern flickering in her eyes. “Prince Rui must hate Xiao Yan with a passion now.”

If Gu Qingfei dies in the end, Prince Rui will surely be irreconcilably opposed to Xiao Yan.

Even without power, he is still a prince.

“Indeed,” Shen Siyian said.

Not in the future—he already hates Xiao Yan deeply.

Yet judging from Xiao Yan’s demeanor, he seems rather indifferent to the matter.

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Shen Nanyuan sighed softly.

Just as they finished discussing the matter, a maid entered, kneeling respectfully and speaking softly, “Young Master, Young Lady, Cousin Miss wishes to visit the Duke of Zhen Guo’s residence.”

Shen Nanyuan nodded. “We’ll go immediately.”

Shen Siyian rose promptly. “I’ll go with you since I have no affairs today.”

Shen Nanyuan nodded.

Wu Miaofu’s new clothes were not yet ready; she still wore the outfit she had brought from home. However, she now donned the vermilion hairpin and earrings bought yesterday at the jade shop. She looked somewhat surprised at Shen Siyian following behind and bowed her head to greet, “Cousin Brother, Cousin Sister.”

Wu Miaofu rose, still lowering her head. “Have I disturbed you?”

Shen Nanyuan shook her head. “Not at all. Brother happened to be free today and was in my courtyard, so we came together.”

“Yes,” Shen Siyian said, “Mother asked us to help you get familiar with the Duke of Zhen Guo’s estate. I was busy before, so I hadn’t spent much time with you. Nanyuan stays mostly in Shaohua Manor and rarely goes out. I’m the one who knows the Duke’s estate best, so I’m here to make sure you don’t miss anything.”

“...” Shen Nanyuan rolled her eyes. “Alright, alright, you lead Miaofu around. I don’t feel like walking right now. I’m off.”

“Hey, hey, Nanyuan,” Shen Siyian blocked her way, wearing a coaxing smile, “Brother’s just joking with you. Our Nanyuan is excellent in every way. Brother’s only teasing.”

“Really?”

“Yes, yes.”

Wu Miaofu’s gaze fell on Shen Nanyuan, who was being looked at with adoration. A trace of envy flickered in her eyes.