The Jing’an Marquis looked Chu Yunxi up and down, his face full of doubt and suspicion. "Aren't you that guard from before?"Chu Yunxi stretched out his seated posture and drawled lazily, "That's right, a guard on the side. As for my full-time job—" He cast a glance toward the magistrate's bench, dragging out his tone, "I'm Lord Shi's wife.""You're Chu Yunxi?!" The Jing’an Marquis finally caught on, giving Chu Yunxi another look. "Young man, our two families have no quarrel—we stand together in the capital. Didn't your father teach you anything?""Acting so recklessly—do you really think that when your father finds out, he'll let you carry on like this?"Chu Yunxi leaned back against his chair at his leisure, the ambiguous curve at the corner of his lips deepening.He didn't answer, only gazed back at the Jing’an Marquis with a half-smiling, "read between the lines" look in his eyes.Under that gaze, the Jing’an Marquis felt an inexplicable chill.Before long, he suddenly realized something and murmured in shock and doubt, "Could it be… that Chu Ji is behind this?"But he quickly shook his head, muttering to himself, "Impossible. There's no benefit in it for him at all."Shi Wuxie tossed down the flogging tally, and his voice rang out once more: "Proceed with the punishment."The yamen runners on both sides immediately stepped forward to seize him. The Jing’an Marquis, jolted awake from his overwhelming sense of absurdity, struggled with all his might. "Shi Wuxie! If you dare lay a hand on me, aren't you throwing your life away?! You think Chu Ji will really back you up?"Chu Yunxi gave a cold laugh. "There's no need for you to worry about that, my lord. Whatever my husband does, the marquis's household will bear the consequences for him."As if he hadn't heard, Shi Wuxie simply opened the next case file and gave his order without lifting his head. "Bring in the next one—the steward of the earl's inner compound, Zhou Wang."The Jing’an Marquis, being escorted away by the yamen runners, froze slightly at those words.During the wait, Shi Wuxie finally spared a glance at Chu Yunxi. "Why are you here? This is a court of law—no idle persons may come and go as they please.""I'm here to observe the proceedings." Chu Yunxi blinked and shot back, "Does the Great Zhou Code have any explicit provision stating that when a case is being tried in court, concerned citizens aren't allowed to observe?"Without waiting for Shi Wuxie's answer, he suddenly rose to his feet, strode over to the magistrate's bench in a few steps, leaned over with his elbows propped on the desk, and drew close to Shi Wuxie, lowering his voice, his eyes glittering brightly. "Besides, if I hadn't invoked the marquis's household to back you up, would you really have dared to flog the Jing’an Marquis?"Shi Wuxie lifted his eyelids expressionlessly and looked at him. "I would."Chu Yunxi choked.This little madman…"But these charges won't do anything to him—at most he'll suffer a bit of physical pain. Meanwhile, you'll have made a mortal enemy of him, only inviting double the retaliation. If it costs you your official post, is it worth it?"As soon as he asked, Chu Yunxi felt the question was superfluous. Given the little madman's temperament, "worth it or not" probably never entered his mind—only "should it be done or not."But in this society ruled by men, power trumped law.Just like the Jing’an Marquis, who had never once believed himself to be in the wrong, and from beginning to end had done nothing but try to crush others with his influence.Sure enough, Shi Wuxie's voice rang out clearly: "It's worth it.""And this official hat of mine—I won't be losing it today."Chu Yunxi stared at his confident expression, momentarily stunned.A moment later, he gave a soft laugh.What an utterly naive little madman.From outside the hall came the distant sounds of wailing and curses, interspersed with the dull thuds of the bamboo paddle.When the steward was led into the hall by the yamen runners and heard those sounds, the last trace of color drained completely from his already ashen face.Even the Jing’an Marquis, a noble of a hereditary family, had been flogged without hesitation—this man was a living King of Hell!Shi Wuxie seemed oblivious to the commotion outside. He simply produced a stack of confessions. "Zhou Wang, these are the signed confessions of the servants under you. Every single charge points to you. Even I, reading them, cannot help but marvel."You forcibly bought out the Li Family Silk Shop and drove the old proprietor to his death. You seized a hundred and twenty mu of fine farmland east of the city, reducing tenant farmers to ruin and death. In the name of the Earl's residence, you privately lent money at usurious interest, driving people to hang themselves or jump into wells. You meddled in the appointments of minor canal transport officials and accepted bribes—""All of this," Shi Wuxie said, pushing the confession forward across the desk, "by the Great Zhou Code, hacking off your head ten times over would not be excessive."Though terrified, Zhou Wang's wits were still about him. He flung himself to the ground, crying out, "Your Honor, see the truth! I am wronged! This is all the vindictive slander of those unruly slaves! Groundless accusations without a shred of evidence!"Shi Wuxie looked at him with sharp eyes. "No evidence."He nodded. "Very well." As he spoke, he drew out another confession. "Someone has also reported that you keep a mistress. That woman lives in a small courtyard in Liutiao Lane, west of the city. The courtyard was purchased by you—the deed proves it."Zhou Wang froze, then reacted with lightning speed. "No, that's not me—"The moment he opened his mouth, yamen runners carried two people into the hall.Yan Mingyu's back had been soaked through with blood, the fabric clinging to his torn, lacerated flesh. He had long since passed out, breathing more out than in, occasionally letting out a faint groan.The Jing’an Marquis, having received his beating, bore red welts across his back. Veins bulged on his forehead as he glared viciously at Shi Wuxie."Shi Wuxie… you… well done! When the imperial edict comes down, I'll make you beg for death and be denied it!"Zhou Wang glanced at the Jing’an Marquis, flinched at his glare, then swiftly turned back to Shi Wuxie with an ingratiating smile, changing his tune. "Your Honor—is keeping a mistress against the law?"Shi Wuxie lowered his eyes. "No."Joy spread across Zhou Wang's face—only to hear Shi Wuxie continue, "It's good that you've admitted it."His smile froze, and a sense of foreboding rose in his heart."This official has verified the facts. The 'Madam' you keep in Liutiao Lane is, in truth, a Northern Di spy.""What?!" Zhou Wang recoiled as if struck by lightning, jerking his head up. "Your Honor? What spy? Yaoniang is just a poor woman fallen on hard times—she has nothing to do with spying! You can't fabricate something out of nothing!"Chu Yunxi, seated to one side, raised an eyebrow at those words.So that was it.So this was the dish of vinegar the little madman had wrapped such an enormous plate of dumplings to dip them in.Shi Wuxie must have known about this spy long ago, but since he could not prove her connection to the Jing’an Marquis, he had used the Second Young Master's case to strike.No wonder he'd been so confident all along.Chu Yunxi's gaze settled on Shi Wuxie. The crimson official robes set off his cold, jade-pale skin and his finely drawn features. Yet as he sat there behind the solemn tribunal desk, an aura of authority emanated from him.As he watched him, the light in his eyes flickered faintly.Shi Wuxie said nothing more, only gave a slight nod to the clerk beside him. The clerk understood at once and read aloud in a ringing voice for the whole court to hear:"It has been determined that the woman residing in Liutiao Lane is in fact a Northern Di spy. Using forged household registration in the name of 'Lin Xiaoyao,' a daughter of the Li clan of Longxi, she has been lurking in the capital for twenty-one years. Official correspondence between prefectures can verify the authenticity of her registration…"Shi Wuxie stepped down from the high bench. "This spy has been embedded in the capital for over twenty years. I imagine quite a lot of information has been pried out through that mouth of yours?"At these words, Zhou Wang felt as if he had plunged into an icy abyss. Trembling, he turned his head, looking toward the Jing’an Marquis as if begging for rescue.The Jing’an Marquis, gritting his back teeth, shot Zhou Wang a fierce glare that mingled warning with threat.Shi Wuxie walked step by step until he stood before Zhou Wang, and the sole of his shoe landed squarely on the back of Zhou Wang's right hand, which was braced against the floor."Ah—!" Caught off guard, Zhou Wang let out a cry of pain and instinctively tried to pull his hand back, but it was pinned firmly in place by that foot. He was forced to raise his head.The daylight outlined a cold, hard silhouette around Shi Wuxie. Beneath his downcast lashes, a pair of eyes gazed out, deep and unfathomable. He radiated the authority of an official, like the King of Hell emerging from the Underworld, carrying an air of dread solemnity.Chu Yunxi's gaze fixed on the foot Shi Wuxie was using to pin the man down.The ankle was held perfectly straight—clearly exerting considerable force—and under the crushing weight, Zhou Wang's fingers twitched and spasmed uncontrollably, the knuckles turning a bluish white.The grinding pressure of the shoe sole was merciless.Yet there wasn't the slightest ripple on Shi Wuxie's face, so indifferent he seemed like a jade-faced King of Hell looking down upon all living beings.His gaze lowered, long lashes casting two crescents of shadow across his cold, pale skin, his thin lips pressed into a flat, straight line—as if overlooking the futile struggles of an ant beneath his feet."Thump, thump—!"Chu Yunxi's heart, for no reason he could name, beat two pulses faster.His Adam's apple slid unconsciously, and in his eyes was an excitement he himself had not noticed.Kind of… exhilarating, actually…Shi Wuxie's voice sounded once more, pulling Chu Yunxi's drifting thoughts back."The Jing’an Marquis has for years controlled the provisioning of the three great garrisons of the capital region as well as secrets of the city defense rotations. Attending at his side, steeped in what you saw and heard, you must know a great deal.""You leaked the secrets of our dynasty to Northern Di agents—this is the crime of colluding with the enemy, of treason, of leaking military secrets!"Zhou Wang's whole body convulsed violently, and even his groans caught in his throat.The foot pinning him down pressed down harder. Zhou Wang was in unspeakable agony, tears streaming down his aged face. "This humble one… is wronged…""Wronged?" Shi Wuxie sneered. "What a coincidence. Just a few days ago, the Imperial City Surveillance captured a spy who had already been turned. Once we take in that 'mistress' of yours and have her identify you, the truth will be known."Zhou Wang trembled all over and instinctively looked again toward the Jing’an Marquis. "My… my lord."By now the Jing’an Marquis's face had gone bloodless too, but he forcibly suppressed the terror surging within him and shouted first: "Zhou Wang, you wretch! You dared to commit such monstrous evil behind my back! You truly… deserve ten thousand deaths!""However…" His tone shifted. "Rest assured. In consideration of your years of loyal service, I will look after your family."At these words, Zhou Wang collapsed entirely, his face ashen as death.Shi Wuxie cast a cool glance at the Jing’an Marquis but said nothing. Instead, he turned to the clerk: "Bring the confession and have Zhou Wang press his mark."Zhou Wang's eyes held nothing but numb despair. Trembling, he extended his index finger shakily toward the ink paste…Just then, Shi Wuxie's voice drifted down from above him once more: "Oh right, this official forgot to tell you. According to the Great Zhou Code, those who harbor criminals, aid the enemy, collude with traitors, or leak state secrets are guilty of treason, and the principal offender's three clans shall be exterminated.""The Jing’an Marquis's household can barely extricate itself, let alone protect your family."Zhou Wang felt as if struck by five bolts of lightning, his finger freezing in midair above the ink paste. "Extermi… exterminate three clans?!"Then wouldn't his little grandson, barely three years old, also…He jerked his head up, his voice shrill and distorted: "My lord! This is a grave injustice—it wasn't my mistress, it was—"He looked at his own trembling finger, hesitating to change direction, but in the instant before it froze, he met the Jing’an Marquis's murderous gaze.Zhou Wang's whole body convulsed, his finger suspended in midair. The courage he had just mustered was instantly shattered by that look.Seeing him shrink back and hesitate again, Shi Wuxie's brow furrowed tightly.Suddenly, Chu Yunxi's unhurried voice drifted lazily into Zhou Wang's ears. "Three clans, you know.""From white-haired grandparents down to swaddled infants—the men all beheaded, the women confiscated into official servitude. Tsk tsk tsk."Zhou Wang's pupils quaked violently, two streams of tears pouring from his eyes in despair and collapse. "It was the Earl—"But at that moment, a eunuch's shrill voice rang out from outside the door. "By imperial decree!"Shi Wuxie calmly stepped forward and knelt, lifting the hem of his robe.Everyone in the hall knelt prostrate as well."His Majesty's oral edict." The eunuch raised his hands toward the empty air. "We have learned that Deputy Minister of the Court of Judicial Review Shi Wuxie, without thorough investigation, arrested the Jing’an Marquis's son and more than a dozen members of his household, and further employed corporal punishment in the public courtroom, disturbing noble and important ministers and provoking public criticism, greatly disappointing Us. Shi Wuxie is to halt the trial immediately, release all those detained, and enter the palace to explain himself."Zhou Wang, kneeling on the ground, heard this and collapsed in relief, letting out a long, deep breath.Shi Wuxie calmly bowed once more. "Your servant accepts the decree."Chu Yunxi rose with the others, suddenly clenching his fist.He stared at Shi Wuxie's upright yet solitary figure, cursing viciously in his heart: Damn it! We were so close to convicting that old fossil!Only now did the old eunuch get a clear look at the Jing’an Marquis's condition, and he drew a sharp breath. "Aiya! My lord! Your—your back…" With that, he stepped forward personally to help the man up.Supported by the eunuch, the Jing’an Marquis rose, his gaze fixed on Shi Wuxie like poisoned steel. "Today, this earl misjudged you. I thought you were merely solitary and blunt by nature, and took your son's complaint as a matter of routine.""Never did I imagine you were performing one act while intending another—that you had long since spread your net, waiting for this earl to blunder right into it!"He stepped closer as he spoke, sneering twice. "But so what? I've said it before—you are nothing but an ant! Can a mantis shake a tree?""Just wait for His Majesty's thunderous wrath!"Shi Wuxie seemed not to hear a word, merely turning to the old eunuch and saying flatly, "I must trouble you to lead the way, venerable sir. Please."The old eunuch gave him a look and shook his head helplessly. "Lord Shi, you've truly brought disaster upon yourself!"Shi Wuxie said nothing more, only gave a slight nod and started walking.He had not gone far when a voice called out from behind: "Wait!"Chu Yunxi caught up in a few quick strides, swiftly wrapping an arm around his waist and steering him half a step aside, out of others' sight. He spoke rapidly: "Should I go back to the Marquis residence right now and ask my father to think of something? Right now only the steward has confessed—we haven't managed to convict that old bastard. He's bound to bite back at you. What will you do then?"Shi Wuxie glanced doubtfully at the hand "very naturally" wrapped around his waist.But he said nothing, only asked, puzzled, "Why do you keep helping me?"Chu Yunxi's gaze flickered, but his hand didn't move away. He cleared his throat. "You're my husband. If I don't help you, who do I help?"As he finished, he shot a sidelong glance, watching Shi Wuxie's expression.Be moved, won't you?If you're moved, good.Yet Shi Wuxie's pitch-black eyes remained utterly unmoved. "But I clearly wish you dead. Shouldn't you be drawing a line between us, or even seizing this chance to kick me while I'm down? There's no need at all to drag the Marquis residence into it."Chu Yunxi choked.A vein twitched at his temple.This idiot…He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and threw caution to the wind: "Because I'm blind! There, happy?"He nearly turned on his heel and left, but forced down his temper, telling himself not to quarrel with a madman, and pressed on: "Then what do you plan to do? You have to tell me so I can make arrangements."Shi Wuxie shook his head and stepped back, slipping out of Chu Yunxi's embrace. "No matter. I have my own ways." With that, he turned and hurried off after the old eunuch.Chu Yunxi stared at his suddenly empty embrace and clenched his fist.This stubborn mule!He spun around, seething, and strode off at a furious pace. In no time he was climbing into the carriage."Quick! Back to the Marquis residence!"He sat alone in the swaying carriage, brow tightly furrowed, fuming.Such soft lips, saying such hard words.Hah.Just wait—sooner or later you'll be begging me!Half a quarter-hour later…The carriage stopped before the gates of the Marquis Anping residence.Chu Yunxi leapt down and barged straight through the doors, his footsteps kicking up a gust of wind."Old bastard! Pah—Father! Get to the palace, now!"
Chapter 12
My Cold-Faced Wife Wants to Kill Me Again