Chapter 61: Another Person?
Translated by algoo | Proofread by algoo
For the latest updates, visit: ProNovels.com
Join our Discord for release updates: https://discord.gg/Eh2ayfR4FB
Today, the Clear Sky Department imprisoned an important criminal.
Yang Xuan, the eldest son of the Yongping Marquis.
The Yongping Marquis held a prominent rank among the Capital’s nobility, wielding power comparable to some declining dukes. As the eldest son and heir to the marquisate, Yang Xuan practically enjoyed impunity in the Capital.
Forget minor offenses; even if he murdered someone in broad daylight, the Clear Sky Department officials wouldn’t dare bat an eye.
Qin Cong, previously implicated in a murder case, was treated with deference by the Department Head despite his father being merely a first-rank earl. Yet today, this first-rank marquis’s eldest son was thrown straight into the Heavenly Prison upon arrival.
It’s worth noting that inmates in the Heavenly Prison typically faced exile at minimum, with most receiving death sentences.
Imprisoning the eldest son of a current first-rank marquis in such a place was truly baffling.
Even more perplexing was the Yongping Marquis Household’s complete inaction, seemingly accepting the situation. In short, everything about the Clear Sky Department today felt odd. Officials and constables dared not ask questions, quietly continuing their work as usual.
When Lin Xiu arrived, Yang Xuan was already incarcerated.
In the archives, Clerk Xu was drafting case files, chewing on his pen as he muttered, “I wonder which powerful figure Young Master Yang Xuan offended. His crimes are classified, and he’s sentenced to exile three thousand miles away, departing tomorrow…”
Lin Xiu had anticipated that Yang Xuan wouldn’t receive a death sentence.
While the Great Xia nominally adhered to absolute monarchy, the nobles held considerable power. For a third or second-rank earl, Yang Xuan’s actions would warrant execution and confiscation of family assets. However, such measures wouldn’t shake the Yongping Marquis Household.
A first-rank marquis represented the pinnacle of nobility, a figure even the Emperor couldn’t readily touch.
Many noble offspring in the Capital acted with reckless abandon, disregarding the law entirely, partially due to this very reason.
This wasn’t ancient China. The existence of arcane arts allowed for the amplification of individual power. High-ranking arcane masters could single-handedly match an army. The stability of the powerful noble families stemmed not solely from imperial favor, but also from their own strength.
The Zhao family’s meteoric rise from third-rank earl to first-rank marquis within a mere decade and a half resulted from the potential, and future power, of their two daughters.
Earldoms aside, within the Great Xia, those attaining marquis and duke status all possessed deep foundations and formidable power. The most elite among these families commanded even the Emperor’s respect.
Ultimately, this was a world governed by strength.
The Great Xia belonged to the nobles.
And the Imperial Family was the greatest noble of all.
While Yang Xuan avoided death, exile was barely preferable.
Lin Xiu, arriving at the high-security cell, smiled at the jailer. “Old Qian, I’m going down to see a prisoner.”
After some time spent building relationships, Lin Xiu was now the Clear Sky Department’s social butterfly, enjoying unmatched popularity. The jailer, without hesitation, opened the cell door. “Go ahead, Master Lin. Just be mindful of the time, don’t stay too long…”
Lin Xiu smiled. “Understood. I won’t cause you any trouble.”
Enjoying the translation? Stay updated with the latest chapters at ProNovels.com.
Descending into the Heavenly Prison, a stench of decay and mildew assaulted his senses. Lin Xiu waved a hand before him and walked to the innermost cell. Standing at the entrance, he remarked, “This place smells even worse than the East City jail.”
Yang Xuan slowly turned. His shackles were removed, and despite his somewhat disheveled hair, he maintained an air of distinction.
This aura, cultivated within the highest echelons of nobility, persisted even in the depths of prison.
He gazed at Lin Xiu, devoid of anger or despair, calmly inquiring, “Was it coincidence, or were you plotting against me?”
Lin Xiu replied, “Does it matter?”
Yang Xuan met his gaze, then spoke again. “It seems you orchestrated everything. That night, you deliberately provoked me, forcing me to act prematurely. Then, by remaining at home, you provided ample preparation time, fueling my anxiety. The moment you stepped out, I impatiently attacked. And before all this, you somehow persuaded the Noble Consort to leave the palace, just waiting for my move…”
At this moment, Yang Xuan looked at Lin Xiu with a hint of admiration. “Lin Xiu, you’re truly insidious. I have to admire you…”
Lin Xiu responded modestly, “Likewise.”
Yang Xuan stated, “I’m not as insidious as you.”
Lin Xiu countered, “Don’t be so humble. I admire your methods as well. If not for my luck, I might have been eliminated by you.”
They exchanged glances, and strangely, these once-bitter rivals harbored little animosity now.
Victory and defeat – these were the rules.
Lin Xiu continued, “Did you instruct Qin Cong to harass me?”
With the situation clear, Yang Xuan no longer feigned ignorance. “Yes. Initially, I lacked an opportunity. But when you clashed with Qin Cong, I simply took advantage of it, having him cripple you. At that time, you wouldn’t have suspected me.”
A flicker of curiosity crossed his face. “Actually, there’s something I’ve never understood. You used to be timid. How did you dare stand up for that woman in the Clear Sky Department courtroom? That wasn’t the Lin Xiu I knew…”
Lin Xiu was taken aback. No one had ever asked him this question. Surprisingly, the person who understood him best wasn’t family or friend, but Yang Xuan…
The old Lin Xiu wouldn’t have intervened, but unbeknownst to anyone, a new soul resided within his body.
Lin Xiu didn’t explain, and Yang Xuan didn’t press further. He then asked, “Another thing, whether it was Qin Cong, the Fragrant Sky Pavilion, or Wang Wei, I believed my arrangements were flawless. How did you know I was behind them?”
Lin Xiu smiled. “Speaking of which, your arrangements were indeed decent. Each attempt against me had a plausible motive. The issue arose with Wang Wei. Ning’er told me he hadn’t pursued her before. This made his sudden challenge highly suspicious…”
Yang Xuan sighed. “A single oversight can ruin everything. I was careless. Wang Wei liked Qin Wan. I should have chosen a true admirer of Ning’er…”
Lin Xiu remarked, “Despite his incompetence, Wang Wei had good taste.”
Yang Xuan agreed. “Right? You also think Qin Wan is better than Xue Ning’er?”
Lin Xiu concurred. “Definitely. While Xue Ning’er isn’t bad, Wan’er is the ultimate goddess…”
A brief silence followed as they realized they’d digressed.
Lin Xiu, surprised, asked, “You don’t seem angry at all?”
Yang Xuan countered, “Angry about what? Skill falls short, and I concede defeat. In my own area of expertise, being beaten at my own game, what’s there to be angry about?”
Simply put, in a clash of two cunning strategists, he was outmaneuvered. Anger was merely a display of impotence.
Lin Xiu wore a puzzled expression, asking again, “I investigated you later. You’re different from Qin Cong and his ilk. You don’t bully the innocent or force yourself on women. While not a good person, you’re not entirely bad either. Why did you constantly target me?”
Yang Xuan replied frankly, “Because you’re unworthy.”
He added, “You’re unworthy of Miss Zhao. She won’t be happy with you.”
Enjoying the translation? Stay updated with the latest chapters at ProNovels.com.
This statement irked Lin Xiu. “I’m unworthy, but you are?”
Yang Xuan replied, “I’m not worthy either.”
Lin Xiu was speechless. This self-sabotaging remark left him frustrated. He had intended to unsettle his enemy, but his own composure was faltering. This was a die-hard fan of Zhao Lingjun, and such fans were irrational. Lin Xiu decided against further conversation, posing his final question: “Did you also hire the assassins who attacked me?”
Yang Xuan instantly shook his head. “Not me. I only wanted to cripple you, not kill you. You should be able to tell.”
Lin Xiu scrutinized Yang Xuan, finding no deception in his eyes.
At this point, there was no reason for him to lie.
Could it be that someone else truly wanted him dead that night?
Just then, Yang Xuan chuckled.
Lin Xiu snapped, “What’s so funny?”
Yang Xuan replied, “You. It’s pathetic. You don’t even know who wants you dead. Or perhaps it’s more accurate to say, so many people in the Capital want you dead, you can’t even count them all?”
Lin Xiu ignored him, turning to leave. This guy’s words were too hurtful.
So many people in the Capital want you dead, you can’t even count them all – who says something like that?
He glanced back at Yang Xuan. “If you can’t speak properly, say less. Be careful of getting beaten to death on your way to exile…”
For the latest updates, visit ProNovels.com. Join our Discord for release updates: https://discord.gg/Eh2ayfR4FB.
