"Little Eighth is no fool, having successfully defended Annan City." Xiao Huayong sorted through the submitted evidence, which unexpectedly included a confession from Yu Gong's son admitting to all charges. He turned to Tianyuan and asked, "Was torture used?"
Tianyuan shook his head with a grave expression. "No unauthorized punishment was administered. The man confessed voluntarily."
"Voluntarily confessed?" Shen Xihe expressed surprise, her eyes clouded with confusion. "He can't be an idiot, can he?"
"Your Highness, this man is a scholar. Had it not been for this year's drought in Dengzhou, he might have passed the imperial examinations," Tianyuan replied.
Anyone capable of attempting the imperial exams, even if bookish, should understand that confessing to such crimes would implicate his entire family.
Shen Xihe couldn't comprehend why he would willingly admit to such charges. Even under threat or temptation, it seemed impossible. "Is he in his right mind?"
"Perfectly lucid," Tianyuan confirmed with a nod.
Shen Xihe looked toward Xiao Huayong, who was also deep in thought, clearly taken aback by this development.
The couple fell silent. After a moment, Tianyuan continued, "Your Highness, Crown Princess, Fifth Young Master Yu was apprehended publicly. The citizens are outraged, and someone has spread Your Highness's previous declaration: 'The canal construction is of utmost importance. Anyone who obstructs it shall be executed without mercy.' The people await Your Highness's severe punishment of Fifth Young Master Yu."
"So they're forcing my hand," Shen Xihe chuckled lightly.
Only Shen Xihe, Xiao Changqing, and Xiao Changyan had been present when she made that statement. The source of the leak was obvious. Shen Xihe had originally intended to pit Xiao Changyan against the Yu residence, but with this countermove, Xiao Changyan had shifted all responsibility onto her.
She had given her word and couldn't go back on it without damaging her authority—that was the first concern. More importantly, failing to enforce her decree would invite future disruptions without justification for severe punishment.
Furthermore, Fifth Young Master Yu had been caught red-handed and confessed. Without strict punishment, public sentiment couldn't be appeased.
Once she acted, the Pingyao Marquis residence would blame her entirely, believing this was all her elaborate scheme. Though it was indeed her design, Shen Xihe wasn't afraid of earning the Marquis's hatred. She would bear her own responsibilities but refused to shoulder half of Xiao Changyan's burden.
"Take me to see Fifth Young Master Yu," Shen Xihe ordered.
She intended to shed blood at the Yu residence and warn the Pingyao Marquis not to play petty tricks before her. Naturally, she wouldn't contradict Xiao Changyan by exonerating the Yus. She simply wanted to understand what had possessed Fifth Young Master Yu to confess to such grave charges.
And did the Yu residence truly collude with Xiao Juesong? Shen Xihe knew better.
Since these were fabricated charges, why would Fifth Young Master Yu foolishly sabotage the reservoir without cause?
"I'll go with you," Xiao Huayong said, striding to catch up with Shen Xihe.
Shen Xihe paused. "I'll report everything I see and hear to you upon my return. It's not appropriate for you to appear."
This was her confrontation with Xiao Changyan. Having made his move, Xiao Changyan would undoubtedly have people watching. If Xiao Huayong accompanied her, the highly suspicious Xiao Changyan would grow doubtful of him.
Xiao Huayong reluctantly stopped, his gaze gentle as he watched Shen Xihe offer him a reassuring smile before gliding away.To visit Yu Wu Lang at the county office, Shen Xihe inevitably had to go there. At the entrance, five or six commoners were gathered—not ordinary citizens, but representatives waiting for news.
"Please return for now. Although he was caught red-handed in front of everyone, the Crown Princess has stated that Yu Wu Lang’s motives for acting this way are highly suspicious," Mo Yuan conveyed Shen Xihe’s words to the waiting crowd. Seeing them about to speak, he preempted them, adding, "The Crown Princess needs to interrogate him to determine if there are any accomplices."
This final statement silenced the words on their lips. How could they not worry about the possibility of accomplices?
After dismissing these people and somewhat calming the public’s anger, Shen Xihe entered the prison and saw Yu Wu Lang sitting cross-legged on a wooden bed. He was a decent-looking, clean, and scholarly young man, around seventeen or eighteen years old. Hearing the noise, he opened his eyes, and upon seeing Shen Xihe, he rose unhurriedly and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Your Highness, the Crown Princess."
Shen Xihe stood before him, scrutinizing him from head to toe. He appeared entirely normal—conscious and clear-minded. "Do you know what crime you have committed?"
The young man, poised and composed, replied calmly, "This student attempted to sabotage the reservoir. The crime warrants execution."
Shen Xihe remained expressionless, staring at Yu Wu Lang. He did not seem to be provoking with arrogance; he clearly understood what he had done and the consequences, even prepared to bear them.
"Why did you sabotage the reservoir?" Shen Xihe asked.
Yu Wu Lang lowered his head and remained silent, maintaining a humble posture.
"Your Highness, this official has asked him repeatedly, but he refuses to answer," the county magistrate accompanying Shen Xihe reported.
"Evidence seized from your study shows you have had dealings with the criminal Xiao Juesong. Were you acting under his orders to deliberately destroy the reservoir, causing civilian casualties and destabilizing the region? Do you realize that if this crime is confirmed, not only you but also your parents and siblings will be held accountable?" Shen Xihe pressed sternly.
Yu Wu Lang seemed deaf to Shen Xihe’s words, neither hearing nor responding to them.
"Crown Princess, Prefect Yu has arrived," a bailiff announced at that moment.
"Let him in," Shen Xihe ordered.
Soon, Yu Gong arrived in a disheveled state, looking worn and troubled. Dressed in casual clothes, his lower body was covered in mud and water stains, his hair unkempt. He had rushed over, stumbling slightly as he ran.
"This official pays respects to the Crown Princess," Yu Gong said, tidying his appearance slightly before bowing to Shen Xihe.
"Prefect Yu, you’ve arrived just in time. Question him thoroughly—why your son committed this evil deed and whether there are any accomplices," Shen Xihe said, throwing the evidence seized by the magistrate and the confession letter at Yu Gong before turning and leaving the cell.
The magistrate did not follow Shen Xihe but remained outside the cell, watching the father and son converse. Yet, Yu Wu Lang maintained the same attitude toward his own father as he had with the magistrate and Shen Xihe. When asked if he had committed the crime, he answered clearly; when asked why, he fell silent as if his mouth had been sewn shut. Even when Yu Gong, enraged, resorted to violence, Yu Wu Lang endured the beating without resistance.
"Beichen, do you think Yu Wu Lang holds a grudge against his father, hence his desire to destroy everything, including himself?" Shen Xihe remarked, having never encountered such a bizarre situation before.After hearing Shen Xihe's account of her return, Xiao Huayong twirled the black chess piece in his hand and remained silent for a moment before saying, "Youyou, have you heard of the Soul-seizing Art?"
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