The first reason was that since the main branch was now in trouble, there was no need for him to restrain his emotions anymore.
The second reason was naturally the youngest son of the Ren family’s second branch, named Ren Yilin—his most beloved treasure.
Even though he had an older illegitimate son, he had never taken him seriously at all. Together with Ren Ershensao, he and his wife had only eyes for this precious little son.
And indeed, that “precious little son” had not been spoiled for nothing.
Later, when the Ren sisters were burned to death, it was this very boy who had done it.
Now that she had found the original host’s enemy, Ren Jingshu felt a surge of excitement.
Without hesitation, she drew the short blade and stepped forward with a cold, twisted smile.
“You… what are you going to do?”
Ren Second Uncle was startled and quickly stepped back.
Seeing that Ren Yinuo was still standing at the doorway in a daze, he immediately shouted at him:
“Second nephew! Quickly pull your sister away! What kind of situation is this, and she’s still acting crazy here!”
While scolding, he kept retreating and used his body to shield Ren Yilin behind him.
Ren Yinuo ignored him completely and only said to Ren Jingshu:
“Sister, I’ll go release the others first.”
After the recent imperial decree and amnesty upon the new emperor’s ascension, there weren’t many prisoners in the dungeon.
All along this row were officials who had been framed, had their families confiscated, and were sentenced to exile.
Old and young alike, they all sat or leaned lifelessly, faces numb and hollow.
Even when they heard movement, they only lazily lifted their eyelids, glanced over, and then closed their eyes again.
Ren Yinuo used the keys to open each cell one by one. Only then did faint suspicion appear on the prisoners’ faces.
Are the Ren family trying to break out of prison?
Some felt hope. Others wanted to cry.
Even an ant struggles to survive—how much more so for living humans?
Beside them were their children or grandchildren—entire families—now all waiting for tomorrow’s uncertain fate because of a single imperial decree.
“Young man of the Ren family, listen to me,” said a thin, middle-aged man with tears in his eyes. A three-year-old boy clung tightly to his arm.
“Don’t run. Go back quickly.”
“The prison is heavily guarded, and even if we escape, it’s a capital offense. Worse, it will implicate the entire nine clans.”
Others also tried to persuade him.
“Go back, go back. We saw nothing today.”
“Maybe His Majesty will release us tomorrow.”
Not all of them were unwilling to escape—they were simply constrained by their families and fear of collective punishment.
Ren Yinuo opened his mouth but didn’t know what to say.
At that moment, Ren Jingshu walked over after leaving the second branch behind.
“Why are you afraid?” she said lightly.
“Everyone, just leave. We have arrangements outside. They will think you are all dead.”
She pointed at a small boy and asked:
“Child, tell me—do you want to live or die?”
The boy, already terrified these past days, clung tightly to his grandfather’s arm. His eyes were full of fear.
Hearing the question, he finally broke down and cried loudly.
“I want to live! Big sister, Wen’er wants to live! I don’t want to die! Waaaah…”
His cry triggered the other children as well, who all began sobbing.
“We want to live… we don’t want to die…”
The adults were not truly willing to die either. Seeing their children cry, their eyes also reddened.
Yes… if one can cling to life, who would willingly die?
“Let’s go. Leave the rest to me. I guarantee the emperor will not trace this back to you.”
Ren Jingshu took the child’s hand and walked out.
After exchanging glances, the others followed.
At that moment, Ren Second Uncle became anxious.
“Stop! You can’t leave! His Majesty already said that as long as we confess, we won’t be executed—just exile! At least we can keep our lives!”
He panicked as more and more prisoners walked out.
“This is a prison break! How dare you do this?!”
“All of this is the fault of your main branch—you’re dragging everyone to their deaths!”
“Relax,” Ren Jingshu said coldly.
“If Second Uncle doesn’t want to leave, then stay here forever. No one is forcing you.”
“You!”
Ren Second Uncle’s face flushed red with rage.
“You make it sound so simple!”
“Someone! Guards! Someone is escaping prison!”
His eyes turned wild. He only had one thought—stop them all.
Maybe then he could claim credit and save himself.
“Shout louder,” Ren Jingshu said with a mocking smile. “Should I help you shout?”
Seeing everyone leave, she no longer held back.
Normally, she would have ended them immediately upon entering.
But there were too many witnesses, and she had already ruined the original host’s reputation enough—better to restrain herself for now.
“Second Brother, take them to the other room. Eat something first, treat the wounds. I’ll deal with Second Uncle and catch up with you.”
She pushed her brother away and stood at the doorway, watching them leave.
“Heh… didn’t you say you didn’t want to leave?”
She toyed with the dagger in her hand, smiling darkly.
Ren Second Uncle suddenly felt an ominous chill run through him.
“You… what are you doing? We’ll leave, we’ll leave!”
He thought she was angry because he refused to leave, and tried to back down.
But it was already too late.
Ren Jingshu lunged forward and drove the blade straight into his chest.
“Ah! You… you… I am your real uncle!”