"'A life for a life?' The eunuch's words reached his ears, and the Emperor first chuckled with a click of his tongue. 'This principle probably doesn't hold up in Great Wei.'
In Great Wei, everyone admired heroic spirit—even scholars carried blades and wore swords when traveling. Everyone had a heart full of passion; such was the prevailing ethos from top to bottom throughout society.
Even knowing that killers must pay with their lives, there were still constant instances of wandering knights and chivalrous heroes killing within ten steps, earning the admiration of all under heaven. What that young man at Danyang Princess' residence did might bring him some trouble, but it precisely aligned with the character traits revered by the entire society.
Under such circumstances, the likelihood of paying with his life wasn't great.
The Emperor said leisurely: 'Do you believe that even if the Ministry of Justice goes to arrest him, they wouldn't dare treat him as a prisoner? They'd have to respectfully invite him into prison and provide him with good food and drink.'
'This matter is quite thorny. On one hand, there's the legal code; on the other, there's popular sentiment. That young man who dared to kill in public certainly has courage—I just wonder if the Ministry of Justice has the nerve to withstand the pressure, whether to execute or release him.'
The eunuch thought for a moment and said: 'The Ministry of Justice falls under Prince Qin's jurisdiction. Now whether that person should pay with his life will probably give Prince Qin a headache.'
The Emperor sighed: 'That's what I mean by impressive courage.
'By killing just one person, he dragged everyone hidden beneath the surface into trouble. With the matter blown up and brought into the open, under public scrutiny, those pulling strings behind the scenes find it hard to operate.
'He even directly killed the head of the Zheng family. Carrying the Zheng family head's skull to apologize to Prince Jin—does Prince Jin have any reason not to accept the apology? And with the Zheng family head dead, even if someone truly had some conspiracy regarding this matter, this move of extracting the firewood from under the cauldron directly cut off the path, making it impossible for any hidden schemes to continue.
'Then there's the princess' own person killing her own person... Danyang Princess' courage will also have to bow to public opinion. Quietly, even Yaoyao's reputation will get a boost.
'Everyone dislikes local despots; everyone knows they oppress the common people. But these despots attach themselves to powerful families, after all they're influential... To make such a decisive move in an instant—this kind of courage and breadth of mind is beyond ordinary people.
'Such a person—it would be fine if he didn't become an official. As long as he survives this prison ordeal, once he enters court service, he'll undoubtedly have popular support. His starting position in court is so favorable—far better than others who've struggled for half a lifetime.'
The more the Emperor analyzed, the more impressed he became, finally sitting up straight.
There were plenty of clever people—none of the court ministers were fools. But being clever was one thing; everyone knew acting this way would earn good reputation... whether one had the courage to do it was another matter entirely.
After all, no one could guarantee that a killer wouldn't pay with their life. No one could control public opinion or the central judiciary's judgment.
Since it couldn't be controlled, those who dared to act naturally earned admiration.
Over the years, the Emperor had delegated court affairs, paying little attention. This was the first time he'd developed interest in someone.
The Emperor asked: 'Who is this person? How did he become Yaoyao's advisor? Why hasn't anyone recruited him for court service? With such talent left unused by the court, how has the Crown Prince been overseeing state affairs?'
The eunuch quickly bowed with an apologetic smile: 'Your Majesty, his name is Yan Shang, just eighteen this year, courtesy name Suchen.'
The Emperor wondered: 'Yan Shang? The name sounds somewhat familiar.'"The eunuch forced a smile as he reminded him: "It's this year's Tanhua, Your Majesty. You previously wanted to arrange a marriage between him and the Danyang Princess, but the princess rejected the proposal."
The Emperor: "..."
His expression instantly turned peculiar.
The eunuch also found it strange.
The eunuch said awkwardly: "Perhaps it was precisely because Your Majesty's marriage arrangement failed that it instead created a connection between him and the Danyang Princess? He went to serve as an advisor to the Danyang Princess?"
The Emperor's expression grew even more peculiar, as if he had much to say but forcibly suppressed it.
After a long while, the Emperor finally said: "So this Yan Suchen is now serving as an advisor to Yaoyao?"
The eunuch had naturally already investigated this person: "Both Yan Suchen and the top scholar, Young Master Wei the Seventh, have registered for the Erudite and Eloquent Examination this October. If this young gentleman can survive this imprisonment, he will surely achieve a good ranking in this year's Erudite and Eloquent Examination. No one would dare to obstruct this young gentleman here."
The Emperor said: "If he can succeed, his official position won't be too low from the start."
The Emperor suddenly asked: "Does Yan Suchen have no connections in Chang'an? No one behind the scenes guiding him on how to act?"
The eunuch replied: "He merely has many friends, but they were all met after coming to Chang'an. As for connections in Chang'an... he only has one teacher, Master Dou, who is a Taixue erudite. Besides teaching scholarly knowledge, he probably has no connections to offer this young gentleman."
The Emperor pondered: "Then the noble families will surely be watching such a figure, competing to use him."
The noble families that remain in Chang'an, even if they have some petty schemes, none of them are fools.
Observing the Emperor's expression and seeing him with lowered eyes, his countenance shifting between light and shadow, the eunuch suggested: "If Your Majesty doesn't want this young gentleman to be snatched by the noble families, why not take direct action, personally summon this young gentleman, and have him serve Your Majesty directly."
The Emperor contemplated for a moment but still shook his head.
The Emperor lay back again, leisurely saying: "No need. It's merely having the courage to kill in public... I still need to watch how this play unfolds."——
In the countryside governed by the Zheng clan in Wannian County, the fields were emerald green, with winds stirring and clouds surging.
Lord Zheng had been killed publicly, lying on the ground.
Everyone looked up to see Yan Shang still holding the murderous crossbow, aimed at the Zheng clan members.
Everyone was stunned.
The Zheng family guards behind Lord Zheng were blank-minded, panicking as they thought about the clan head being killed right before their eyes... it's over, everything is over.
Impulsively, they wanted to rush forward to capture this murderer, bind him, and take him to the Zheng family ancestral hall to give an account to the Zheng family. But these guards looked up, meeting Yan Shang's calm gaze, then seeing the iron crossbow resting on his arm... and then seeing the princess's guards behind Yan Erlang drawing their swords one by one.
Yan Shang still aimed the crossbow at them, speaking slowly: "Lord Zheng was someone I had to kill, otherwise I couldn't give an account. If you resist, having already killed, I wouldn't hesitate to kill a few more."
The Zheng family guards grew even more bewildered.
One of them gritted his teeth, eyes wide with fury, trembling as he roared: "You dare kill Lord Zheng! The Zheng family are local magnates and won't let you get away with this!"
Yan Shang smiled: "I'll wait to see the might of these magnates!"
He turned his head, looked at the guards following behind him, and calmly ordered: "Cut off Lord Zheng's head, wrap it up, and bring it with me."He then looked at the Zheng family guards and said, "I, Shang, am here today, carrying Duke Zheng's head to seek atonement from Prince Jin. If you wish to kill me today, then come and do it."
With that, he turned and left.
The commoners in the surrounding fields watched with admiration in their eyes, repeatedly asking who that person was and why he carried such imposing presence, daring even to kill Duke Zheng.
The Zheng family had operated in Wannian County for so many years, relying on the Li clan and the imperial family above. None of the commoners dared to resist. Those who truly dared to resist had all fled Wannian County, becoming bandits or refugees. After all, the Zheng family did not leave people without a way to survive, so the commoners endured... Yet this young lord had spoken a few words and killed someone!
Yan Shang turned and left, showing no intention of going to the Zheng family residence. Judging by his demeanor, he was prepared to take Duke Zheng's head and directly visit Prince Jin.
The advisors trembled in fear, wisely following behind him. They observed this young man’s face, still elegant and refined, with not a single drop of blood staining his jade-like complexion, his gaze still bright and clear... Yet Yan Shang had just killed someone!
They were terrified, both admiring the young man’s courage and fearing his decisive actions.
They chased after Yan Shang: "The Zheng family will not let you go, my lord. They may not dare to act against the princess, but they might cause trouble for you."
Yan Shang remained silent.
The advisors trembled again: "Erlang, with actions like these... you will end up in prison! Even Her Highness the Princess will not be able to protect you!"
Yan Shang glanced at them and nodded slightly: "I know."
Looking back at the commoners gathered in the fields behind him and the Zheng family guards hurriedly running off to report to the Zheng family, Yan Shang’s gaze grew profound.
He said: "That is why we must hurry and complete the task Her Highness has entrusted to us."—
In the Zheng family residence, the Zheng clan members were anxiously waiting for the envoy sent by the princess to come and settle accounts with them.
In their minds, they were the princess’s people. Even if she was furious, at most she would execute a few individuals... They had already planned to hand over the Zheng family members who had seized Chunhua’s brother’s fields and the one who had shot and wounded Prince Jin. Even if these individuals were killed, they would endure and accept it.
They hid in the ancestral hall, discussing how to beg for mercy from Her Highness the Princess.
Suddenly, a guard rushed in, his face pale, trembling as he knelt: "Duke Zheng... Duke Zheng has been killed by that Yan Erlang sent by the princess!"
For a moment, the Zheng family in the ancestral hall thought the guard was joking. The head of the family killed... How was it possible?
How could Her Highness treat them like this?
The guard was on the verge of tears: "That Yan Erlang stood six zhang away, confirmed the Zheng family’s actions, and upon learning that the one leading them was the head of the family, immediately drew his crossbow and killed him. The commoners nearby were even cheering. Now they have mounted their horses and are probably leaving..."
"What?!" The Zheng family erupted in fury.
Trembling with anger: "He’s just a lowly advisor, yet so audacious! Are the officials not intervening? Is there no law in this land? Justice is clear—how dare he openly defy the law... The Zheng family will never let him go!"
Several hot-blooded young men, upon hearing of Duke Zheng’s death, immediately rushed out with swords to seek revenge, but were stopped by the elders, who insisted on bringing in the officials and letting the authorities handle it.
If a prince kills, he is guilty the same as a commoner!
How could there be such wanton killing in this world!—
In Prince Jin’s residence, Prince Jin was recuperating from his injuries, his face pale as he welcomed Yan Shang and the others into his chamber.In the unfolded bundle, fresh blood flowed like a sea, and the Duke of Zheng's wide-open bronze-bell eyes stared fixedly at Prince Jin.
Prince Jin hadn't been frightened to death by the previous arrow wound, but he was nearly scared to death by this severed head.
Prince Jin's face turned ashen: "What is the meaning of this, Yan Erlang?"
Yan Shang replied gently: "This is Her Highness's explanation to Your Highness. The Duke of Zheng was the head of the Zheng family. Since the family head has been executed, if Your Highness has any other demands, please inform us. Our Princess and Your Highness share a deep sibling bond and absolutely have no intention of harming you. We hope Your Highness will consider this carefully."
After a long while, Prince Jin forced a smile: "I accept Yao Yao's gesture... I never meant to blame Yao Yao... This was all... all caused by the servants..."
Putting on such a submissive appearance, Prince Jin watched as Yan Shang and the others departed. Furious, he ordered someone to dispose of the severed head. But even with his eyes closed, he could still see the Duke of Zheng staring at him... Prince Jin trembled uncontrollably in fear.
With Mu Wan Yao offering such an apology, what more could he say?
She had even severed her own arm... If Prince Jin refused to accept the apology, it would only make him appear heartless—
As Yan Shang exited Prince Jin's residence, officials from the Ministry of Justice were already waiting at the entrance.
The guards from the Princess Residence who accompanied Yan Shang rested their hands on their sword hilts, eyeing the other side warily. Yan Shang's advisors exchanged glances and sighed deeply, knowing that what was bound to come had arrived.
A formidable official from the Ministry of Justice stood imposingly outside Prince Jin's residence, his expression stern as he observed the murals on the walls with his hands clasped behind his back.
Yan Shang emerged, his robes billowing.
The Ministry of Justice official turned and scrutinized him from head to toe: "Are you Yan Erlang? The one who killed someone in public?"
A man beside him, likely a member of the Zheng family, jumped up and down excitedly, pointing at Yan Shang: "Sir, it's him! He's the one who killed our family head!"
The Ministry of Justice official showed a flicker of disgust.
Although he had some ties with the Zheng family and had been asked to handle this case, after hearing the details on the way, he realized he had been tricked by the Zhengs... This kind of case was far from straightforward.
Ignoring the clamor of the Zheng family member, the official fixed his tiger-like gaze on the slender young man who had just emerged from Prince Jin's residence.
Yan Shang bowed with cupped hands, his sleeves fluttering, and said calmly: "It is indeed I."
The Ministry of Justice official showed a trace of admiration, marveling at how the young man remained unperturbed in the face of their authority. His expression softened slightly as he said: "Yan Erlang, we are here on official business. We've heard that you killed someone publicly and must ask for your cooperation to accompany us to the Ministry of Justice."
As if worried the other might refuse, he added: "If you are innocent, we will naturally release you after verifying the facts."
Yan Shang replied: "As it should be. I would not dare to obstruct your work, sir."
Seeing how cooperative he was, the Ministry of Justice official breathed a sigh of relief and quickly signaled his subordinates to escort him away.
However, on the way back to the Ministry of Justice, the bold and gossip-loving citizens of Chang'an, having heard the news, gathered along the streets to watch. The Ministry of Justice officials didn't dare to bind Yan Shang, allowing him to ride on horseback instead. Even so, the crowd angrily accused:
"Wasn't the Zheng family deserving of death? Yan Erlang is a hero, yet you demand a life for a life? How do you officials do your jobs?"
"Are you colluding with the Zheng family?""The audacity of these powerful bullies! Even noble families wouldn't dare act this way!"
The ferocity of Chang'an's citizens, the boldness of those dwelling in the imperial capital, far surpassed what could be found elsewhere... The Ministry of Justice officials had come to make arrests following standard procedure, yet on their return they wore ashen expressions, as if they were the villains, boiling with indignation.
Zheng family members hiding among the crowd grew panicked seeing the public outrage, hastily scrambling away to inform their own people.
The senior Ministry of Justice official maintained a grim expression, irritably ordering his men to depart quickly before more onlookers gathered.
Meanwhile, some meddlesome scions of noble families watched from tavern upper floors, looking down at the Ministry of Justice officers being blocked by the commoners, unable to suppress their mocking laughter.
"Justice Ministry faces quite the predicament this time," one remarked.
Yet another spoke with trepidation: "Who would have thought the populace despises powerful bullies to this extent. It seems the Zheng family's reputation has been truly wretched all these years."
"The Zheng family is finished this time."
The group fell silent.
Someone else asked: "Are any noble families considering intervening to save the Zhengs?"
The companions exchanged glances before bursting into derisive laughter. "Aren't the Zhengs under Danyang Princess' protection? What noble family would want to salvage them?"
"Moreover, even if reluctant to lose such powerful allies... we noble families exist in this world not as enemies of the people. Seeing such public fury, we know the Zhengs must have gone too far. None of us wish to see the common folk suffer such hardships either."
The group drank in silence, quickly finishing two rounds of wine before each returning home to report to their family heads—
In the Eastern Palace.
The Crown Prince only learned about Yan Erlang's public killing when Ministry of Justice officials took him away.
Yang Si had been drowsily enduring another tedious political discussion between the Crown Prince and his ministers when he heard the full account of Yan Shang's actions. He suddenly shouted approval, startling the contemplative assembly.
The Crown Prince frowned at Yang Si. "...Has Third Lang just awoken?"
This was his sarcastic way of noting how Yang Sanlang had been sleeping through political discussions, only to suddenly awaken upon hearing news of Yan Shang.
Having been friends with the Crown Prince for years, Yang Sanlang had developed thick skin, completely unfazed by such mild reproaches.
Yang Si rose and began pacing the council hall in his white socks.
Being of unrestrained temperament, he particularly admired such heroic spirit. Yan Erlang's usual scheming ways had always displeased him. Only this kind of youthful valor could win his admiration.
Clapping his hands, Yang Si exclaimed: "That Zheng Family Head deserved killing! Oppressing commoners to such extent, seizing their lands and homes, showing no remorse, even expecting the princess to cover for them... Such people deserve execution! Yan Suchen's action exemplifies true manhood!"
The Crown Prince looked at him. "You seem to forget the Zhengs seized lands to collect rents and money. And they collected rents to fill the Ministry of Revenue's financial shortfalls. By praising Yan Erlang like this, are you implying I was wrong?"
Yang Si retorted: "Your Highness failed to exercise proper discernment in employing people, creating this mess in the first place! That was indeed wrong!"
Gasps filled the room.
Everyone marveled at Yang Sanlang's audacity to speak so bluntly before the Crown Prince.
Yang Si pushed open the doors to leave. "Those Justice Ministry officials might give Yan Erlang trouble. His imprisonment seems unavoidable. I must go check on him at the ministry. If they dare harass Yan Suchen, I'll teach them a proper lesson."
No one in the hall could stop him as Yang Sanlang strode away with determined steps.They exchanged glances, then looked back at the Crown Prince, thinking that Yang Si's actions represented the Crown Prince's will. If Yang Si rushed to the Ministry of Justice to cause an uproar, didn't that mean it was under the Crown Prince's orders?
They looked at the Crown Prince and saw him lost in thought, not sending anyone to bring Yang Sanlang back.
The officials said, "Your Highness, this matter might bring trouble to the Eastern Palace..."
But the Crown Prince replied, "Not necessarily. This matter... let's see if anyone else joins in."—
Naturally, someone did join in.
At the Fanchuan summer villa, Mu Wan Yao heard that Yan Shang had killed the Zheng Family Head and immediately felt dizzy, collapsing to the ground.
She was so furious she nearly spat blood.
She hated how Yan Shang had completely twisted her intentions!
She had told him to suppress the matter... but he had magnified it instead.
Magnifying it was one thing, but he had even thrown himself into prison!
Mu Wan Yao was enraged: "Yan Shang, Yan Shang... you bastard!"
As she gnashed her teeth in anger, she also felt a grudging admiration for his audacity. He clearly understood her meaning yet deliberately opposed her... was he retaliating for her indifference toward him?
Mu Wan Yao's head throbbed with rage. If possible, she would have rushed out to berate him harshly. However, clutching her chest, she convinced herself not to be angry, not to be angry... Now that things had reached this point, she had to maximize the benefits. She couldn't afford to be emotional or act impulsively.
Yan Shang had set up this situation for her... No matter how much she hated it or how reluctant she was, she had to sever her own arm to make a statement to the world!
Mu Wan Yao paced back and forth for a long time, desperately thinking about how to turn the situation to her greatest advantage.
After a very long time, gritting her teeth, she straightened her attire and prepared to see the Emperor.
However, the eunuchs stopped her, saying the Emperor would not see anyone.
Mu Wan Yao's expression shifted repeatedly. After failing to reach the Emperor, she simply returned to her quarters, sat at her desk, and began writing a letter to the Eastern Palace:
"I am willing to sever my own arm, punish the Zheng family, and cut all ties with them, never to use this family again.
"I wish to use the calamity of the Zheng family to warn the powerful families of the world! Do not treat the common people as slaves, do not treat them as mere flesh...
"I beg the Eastern Palace to rectify the powerful families across the land and urge the noble clans to self-examine their domineering practices. The harm caused by these powerful families did not happen in a single day. We should seize this opportunity to audit the accounts of these families over the years..."—
Late at night.
The Eastern Palace remained brightly lit throughout the night.
A group of officials sat on either side as the Crown Prince took Danyang Princess's letter, read it, and passed it to his ministers.
The ministers were delighted: "The Princess's virtue and magnanimity should serve as an example for the world!"
The Crown Prince nodded.
A faint smile appeared on his face, for he had been waiting all day to see if Mu Wan Yao would take action.
And she had.
Her political awareness... had finally risen to a new level, finally understanding what was truly best.
The Crown Prince said, "Tomorrow in court, present Danyang Princess's petition to all officials. The domineering practices of the powerful families indeed need to be rectified."
With this rectification, the wealth accumulated by these families over the years would be confiscated for public use, and the Ministry of Revenue would no longer lack funds...
The Crown Prince continued, "Since we are rectifying the powerful families, are their misconducts the only evil practices in the world?One official, speculating on the Crown Prince's thoughts, recalled another matter and said, "Luling Grand Princess has been keeping young male companions for years, seizing fertile land from the people, and allowing her followers to bully and harass civilians.".. The Grand Princess has provoked public anger for many years. Your Highness cannot ignore this."
This was exactly what the Crown Prince had been waiting to hear.
Since they were taking action.
Yan Shang wanted reputation.
Mu Wan Yao wanted reputation.
Didn't the Eastern Palace want it too?
The Crown Prince said, "I hope my aunt has the awareness to cooperate like this."When the Princess Residence of Luling Grand Princess was surrounded by people from the government office, The Eldest Princess nearly went mad, realizing that the Crown Prince intended to make an example of her.
What had originally been a matter concerning the powerful local magnates—which she had been observing from a detached position—now appeared to be a scheme in which the Crown Prince meant to implicate her alongside those magnates.
It was only then that Luling Grand Princess realized she had misplaced her trust in Yan Shang from the very beginning.
Yan Shang said the Crown Prince would protect her.
And she believed it.
But the Crown Prince repeatedly... This time he directly came to punish her, intending to arrest the wrongdoers from her residence and investigate the Eldest Princess's long-standing cases!
Luling Grand Princess was furious: "I want to see the Emperor! I will complain to my imperial brother! Mu Lang! You are truly despicable! So heartless... not even sparing your own aunt!"
Mu Lang was the Crown Prince's personal name.
No one dared to use it.
This showed how enraged Luling Grand Princess had become.
The officials searching the Princess Residence dared to move against others but didn't dare stop the Grand Princess. Fuming, she personally drove her carriage to Fanchuan to see the Emperor and lodge her complaint.
She had traveled half a mile when her carriage was stopped.
Thinking the search party wouldn't even spare her, the Grand Princess angrily lashed out with her whip. Jumping from the carriage, she struck the person blocking her way.
It was a handsome young man. Her whip caught him, disheveling his hair against his cheek, leaving a bright red mark.
Feng Xianyu looked at her in astonishment.
Seeing it was him, the Grand Princess first showed surprise, then anger: "What, even you would stop me? Get out of my way!"
Feng Xianyu grabbed the Grand Princess's hand, forcing her back into the carriage to avoid public scrutiny. Inside, he knelt before her, looking up earnestly: "Your Highness, this is a rare opportunity to build your reputation—how can you abandon it? This is the most crucial part of your cooperation with the Crown Prince—how can you give up halfway?"
Luling Grand Princess sneered: "Cooperation? At this point, I see clearly that no one truly wishes to cooperate with me. Everyone has been deceiving and using me..."
As she spoke, her face turned pale and she trembled uncontrollably.
She felt that if the Emperor died, she would likely follow him to the grave...
Feng Xianyu urgently said: "Your Highness must not think this way! I can meet with the Crown Prince privately and seek his clear intentions. If he truly refuses to spare you, then you can still complain to the Emperor. In today's world, the Zheng family is despised—how can you place yourself on their level and lose the people's support?"
Luling Grand Princess looked at him blankly.
After a long pause, she hesitantly nodded: "Feng Lang, I will trust you this once. The Crown Prince doesn't treat me as his aunt... In the end, I must rely on my lover to save me."
She gave a bitter smile, leaning her head against the carriage wall. Her usually radiant and enchanting face now appeared utterly desolate.
Feng Xianyu lowered his head, whispering: "Your Highness need not despair so. Things haven't reached that point... The Crown Prince surely recognizes you as his aunt. His actions against you are merely to avoid favoritism. Only by cooperating fully will you secure a future."
Luling Grand Princess looked down at him, calmly stating: "Then go and do it. I've kept so many male companions, yet none prove useful. When the search party arrived at my residence, they all fled in terror. Only you dared to seek me out, unafraid of being implicated... Feng Lang, thank you."
Feng Xianyu's eyelashes fluttered slightly.
He turned his head away, stiffening his expression to avoid seeing her desolate demeanor.
His actions were also motivated by not wanting her to fall from power. Having attained office through her, he still needed her for future promotions... Yet her desolation darkened his heart, contemplating how swiftly fortune and misfortune could change in these turbulent times—And so, everyone sprang into action.
That night, the eunuch once again reported the latest developments to the Emperor.
He recounted how Yan Erlang had been imprisoned and how the common people had pleaded on his behalf;
He described how Mu Wan Yao had resolutely severed her own support, petitioning for the people and demanding the prosecution of powerful families across the land;
He detailed how the Crown Prince had endorsed Danyang Princess’s petition in court, and how the Crown Prince had moved against Luling Grand Princess…
The Emperor sighed with admiration: "Brilliant.
"Not a single one has fallen behind, not a single one has dragged their feet. The situation has shifted in such a fascinating way—tug one thread and the whole web moves. What began as a minor issue of a maid’s pregnancy has escalated to this extent. I find myself… growing more and more intrigued by them."
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