25 – Rivals Meet, Extra Jealousy
Zhao Xinzhi struggled continuously, receiving a punch to the head from a servant.
“How dare you! I am the Emperor’s brother-in-law!”
“Pah!” The plump woman spat on his face. “Who cares about the Emperor’s brother-in-law? Today, I only care about money. If you don’t pay, I’ll beat you even if the King of Heaven himself shows up. Pay up! You owe a total of two hundred eighty taels at our Flower-Filled Tower. If you don’t settle it today, I’ll send you to the authorities!”
Zhao Xinzhi scurried away like a rat, while the servants kept attacking him. With no money on him, he looked pleadingly at Jiang Lige.
“He is the current Emperor! He has money—ask him!”
Jiang Lige, already with her hands tied, felt like crying but had no tears. Where would she have any money? This damned Zhao Xinzhi was nothing but bad luck!
“The Emperor? Ha ha ha ha! If he’s the Emperor, then I’m the Queen Mother of the West!” The madam of Flower-Filled Tower laughed. “Enough nonsense! Take him to the authorities!!”
Jiang Lige panicked.
If the Emperor was caught not paying and sent to the authorities, how could she ever show her face again if word got out?
It was too embarrassing!
Heavens, please send someone to save her!
She would never go near Zhao Xinzhi again—it was too unlucky!
As if the heavens had heard her plea and didn’t want her to face public humiliation on the spot, a clear male voice rang out of nowhere, sounding like celestial music to Jiang Lige’s ears.
She looked up to see which deity had descended to save her, and her eyes fell upon an elegant figure dressed in a blue scholar’s robe.
“Xie Shu!” Jiang Lige exclaimed excitedly.
Xie Shu smiled at her, signaling for her to stay calm.
Seeing his gentle gaze, Jiang Lige inexplicably felt reassured.
Accompanying Xie Shu were Han Jianyun and Guo You.
Xie Shu extended his hand toward Guo You, who reluctantly took out a money pouch.
Xie Shu handed the money to the madam, who counted it on the spot before quickly leaving with her people.
“Jianyun, escort His Majesty’s brother-in-law back to his residence first,” Xie Shu instructed.
Han Jianyun nodded in agreement and then led the bruised and battered Zhao Xinzhi out of the Star-Gazing Tower.
Jiang Lige returned to the private room, where Xie Shu apologized, “This humble subject arrived late to rescue Your Majesty. Please forgive this offense.”
Jiang Lige was too grateful to even think of blaming him.
“Please rise quickly. It was my own fault,” Jiang Lige said, reaching out to help him up.
Bang—
The door swung open from the outside, and Shang Guanqi stood at the entrance. His gaze moved from Jiang Lige, following her hand, to rest on Xie Shu’s head.
Guo You, who was in the room, instinctively took a step back upon seeing Shang Guanqi.
Xie Shu, however, straightened up and met Shang Guanqi’s gaze directly.
As their eyes locked, the atmosphere around them seemed to freeze, growing unusually tense.
“Nine Thousand Years, it has been many years. I trust you have been well,” Xie Shu broke the silence first.
Shang Guanqi, expressionless, took a few steps forward. With a flick of his wrist, his white jade fan brushed aside Jiang Lige’s hand supporting Xie Shu. He then passed between them and took a seat in the room’s main position.
Xie Shu observed all his movements and stepped forward to shield Jiang Lige behind him. “May I ask why Nine Thousand Years has suddenly graced us with a visit?”
Shang Guanqi curled his lips slightly. “To arrest someone.”
Guards responded by rushing in from outside, swiftly pinning Guo You and Xie Shu’s hands behind their backs.
Jiang Lige stepped forward to intervene. “Why are you arresting them? What gives you the right to arrest people arbitrarily?”
Seeing her shielding Xie Shu behind her and angrily questioning him, a crack formed in the wound that had long since healed in Shang Guanqi’s heart.At that moment, the door was pushed open again, and the madam who had already left was shoved back inside.
“Nine Thousand Years, spare my life! Zhao Xinzhi owes two hundred eighty taels at the Flower-Filled Tower. I heard he was drinking here, so I brought people to collect. Every word I said is true. Please investigate thoroughly, Nine Thousand Years.”
“If it was Zhao Xinzhi who owed the debt, why were the others tied up as well?” Shang Guanqi asked calmly.
The madam glanced at Guo You, hesitating to speak: “It was…”
“Guards, burn down the Flower-Filled Tower…”
“I’ll speak, I’ll speak! It was Young Master Guo You who tipped me off, saying Zhao Xinzhi was drinking here. He specifically instructed me to tie up everyone in the room and make sure they were taken to the authorities. Nine Thousand Years, I was wrong. I beg for your mercy…”
Shang Guanqi waved his hand, and the guards dragged her out.
“Does Young Master Guo have anything to say in his defense?” Shang Guanqi asked, glancing at Guo You.
Guo You stiffened his neck: “I did it. I take full responsibility. It has nothing to do with Xie Shu. Just arrest me.”
Xie Shu stared at Guo You in shock.
Jiang Lige was also puzzled.
Why was Guo You targeting her?
She had barely spoken a few words to Guo You and had no conflict with him. Why did he want to humiliate her?
“Guo You intentionally harmed the Emperor. The evidence is conclusive, and his crime is unforgivable. Take him to prison.”
Since Guo You had confessed, Shang Guanqi showed no leniency and immediately ordered the guards to take him away. Once in prison, he would not come out unscathed.
“Wait. Since he offended me, shouldn’t I decide how to deal with him?” Jiang Lige looked at Shang Guanqi.
Shang Guanqi thought for a moment and granted her request.
“What does the Emperor think should be done?”
Seeing Shang Guanqi relent, Jiang Lige immediately walked up to him and said sweetly, “Since he’s so familiar with the Flower-Filled Tower, let him dress as a woman and stand at the entrance to solicit customers. He can leave only after attracting a hundred customers.”
“I refuse! Just kill me instead! Give me a quick death!” Guo You exploded in rage upon hearing this.
Xie Shu stopped him and pleaded, “I beg Your Majesty for mercy. Young Master Guo offended Your Majesty, and I bear undeniable responsibility. I am willing to share the punishment.”
“Fine, then each of you will attract fifty customers. It’s settled.”
Jiang Lige quickly finalized the decision, afraid Shang Guanqi might change his mind.
“Prepare the carriage! Nine Thousand Years is returning to the palace!”
She imitated a eunuch, shouting loudly as she pulled Shang Guanqi all the way to the carriage back to the palace.
Shang Guanqi remained silent. The carriage was dimly lit, and Jiang Lige couldn’t see his expression. The atmosphere was utterly awkward.
After half the journey in silence, Jiang Lige suddenly remembered something.
“Oh no!”
“Stop the carriage! Stop!”
Jiang Lige shouted, trying to jump out before the carriage had even come to a complete stop.
“Are you trying to get yourself killed?” Shang Guanqi pulled her back.
“I left Dahuang under the table…” Jiang Lige said with a crestfallen face.