After Being Mistakenly Taken for a Fellow Traveler by Emperor Long Aotian - Chapter 71

“Of course, I’m happy,” the tall girl said with a smile, “Oh, I’m thrilled whenever the Zhou family is unlucky. If Zhou Cai is unlucky, I’d be even happier. Although I can’t catch Zhou Cai now, catching his younger brother is enough to make me happy.”

 

On the other side, He Liang, who had been smiling, said, “A girl like you shouldn’t say such things. Be careful not to leave yourself open to criticism.”

 

Lu Xiandao coolly remarked, “She’s already said plenty of things that could be criticized. A few more won’t matter.”

 

He paused and added, “Forget it. The Commander-in-Chief isn’t here today. I’ll take you there later. Remember to keep your mouth shut on the way. You know the Commander-in-Chief doesn’t like the idea of a girl going to such places.”

 

Shangguan Mingjing immediately smiled and said, “Got it. I promise not to let my father know—”

 

“Mission accomplished.” Seeing Zhang Lingsu’s carriage leave with the imperial physicians, the Emperor said to Zhou Xun, “Shall we return to the palace, or would you like to stroll around a bit more?”

 

“I have an appointment with Mr. Shen this evening,” Zhou Xun said, “so…”

 

“Mr. Shen… Shen Haijun?” The Emperor’s face wrinkled into a frown upon recalling the name. He glanced around and whispered to Zhou Xun, “Well… be careful of him.”

 

Zhou Xun: ?

 

The Emperor continued, “He used to be a spy chief, quite difficult to deal with!”

 

Zhou Xun: ?

 

Seeing that Zhou Xun seemed to take his warning lightly, the Emperor grew anxious and said urgently, “Oh, don’t ignore me. I’m telling you, such spies often seem friendly but can strip you bare with just a few words. In any novel, they’re the enemies of transmigrators… Well, you probably don’t understand that. Anyway, if he takes you to some remote place, a dark place, a library, or gives you a code name, or asks you to find a book called ‘Rongzhai Liu Bi,’ don’t go with him!”

 

Seeing the Emperor’s serious demeanor, Zhou Xun couldn’t help but smile wryly. “Your Majesty, Mr. Shen is a good person.”

 

Emperor: “I’m a good person too! Why do you trust him and not me?”

 

The Emperor’s protective attitude made it seem like he was guarding a precious plant. Zhou Xun said, “Rest assured, Your Majesty. Mr. Shen is just teaching me about reading and proper conduct. He is a principled person.”

 

“Just remember, when you become an official, you can take up roles like the Imperial Academy’s Registrar or the Minister of Rites, but you mustn’t get involved in shady matters,” the Emperor said in a commanding tone. Seeing that Zhou Xun still wanted to speak, he immediately frowned and said, “No more discussion.”

 

Zhou Xun: “Your Majesty…”

 

Emperor: “I’m not listening.”

 

…Well, now isn’t the best time to argue. Zhou Xun thought.

 

He vaguely felt that the Emperor’s attitude towards him was overly protective. Perhaps it was because the Emperor had picked him up during his most desperate times, or maybe because the Emperor had guided him out of dire situations to become who he was now. It seemed the Emperor wanted to keep him within his sight, almost as if he was overly protective and…

 

Controlling?

 

It might be a bit excessive to call it controlling. Zhou Xun thought. But there’s plenty of time in the future. For now, he had yet to pass the imperial examinations and didn’t need to rush into discussing this matter.

 

“Since that’s the case, I’ll accompany you a bit longer…”

 

“Your Majesty.”

 

A palace guard hurried over and whispered to the Emperor. The Emperor, feeling a bit awkward, said to Zhou Xun, “Something has come up in the court. I need to go deal with it…”

 

Zhou Xun, understanding the situation, nodded and did not press further. The Emperor then said with relief, “Have a good time. I’m leaving now. By the way, make sure the guard stays close to Young Master Zhou. If anything happens to him, I’ll hold you responsible!”

 

“Yes!” The guard answered.

 

The Emperor then left in his carriage. Zhou Xun watched the carriage depart.

 

Suddenly, at the end of the road, the carriage stopped. A guard got off, carrying something that seemed to be for him.

 

Zhou Xun blinked, unsure of what the Emperor was giving him now.

 

“Love token?”

 

The girl’s voice sounded in Zhou Xun’s ear. He turned to see Shangguan Mingjing smiling at him, her expression full of interest.

 

The guard, panting, ran up and handed him a heavy silk pouch. “The Emperor remembered he forgot to give Young Master Zhou something before he left…”

 

Zhou Xun asked, “What is it?”

 

Shangguan Mingjing also leaned in curiously.

 

The guard held up the heavy silk pouch and said, “Money.”

 

Zhou Xun: …

 

Shangguan Mingjing: …

 

The guard added, “The Emperor said Young Master Zhou shouldn’t be short of money while out, so spend as you please.”

 

The guard left. Zhou Xun took the pouch. It was heavy, as if he were lifting weights, so he handed it to a guard behind him for safekeeping.

 

“I’m sorry for mistaking you earlier,” Shangguan Mingjing said with a wink and an apologetic gesture. “By the way, as compensation…”

 

“I’m going to a place to watch some fun today. Do you want to come?” She said with a cheerful smile.

 

Zhou Xun looked back at her. Before he could say anything, He Liang said, “Miss Mingjing, you can go see the commotion yourself. There’s no need to drag someone along.”

 

“I know you’re definitely interested, so I’m taking this as compensation for the mistake,” Shangguan Mingjing said, ignoring He Liang and addressing Zhou Xun directly. “So, do you want to go? If you do, I’ll take you with me. That way, when Zhou Cai’s younger brother sees you, he’ll surely be even more furious…”

 

Lu Xiandao said, “Miss Mingjing, if you want to provoke people, don’t drag others into it. Young Master Zhou is easygoing, unlike you…”

 

“No,” Zhou Xun said, “I want to go.”

 

Lu Xiandao: …

 

He Liang chuckled. Shangguan Mingjing, looking pleased, said, “What’s temperament got to do with it? Everyone kicks a dog when it’s down—let’s go!”

 

She said with a grin, “I’ll take you there!”

 

This time, Zhou Xun’s visit to the prison felt like a return to a familiar place, but with a very different mindset.

 

Previously, he had come here as a prisoner, filled with cold, desperate despair. The prison was dark, reeking of blood, and echoing with the screams of prisoners. He had sat in the interrogation room, indifferent to the flickering candlelight and the stern-faced guards.

 

But this time, he entered as a visitor, accompanied by two people chattering away along the way.

 

He Liang said, “Miss Mingjing, if you keep this up, there won’t be a man in the entire capital who dares to marry you.”

 

Shangguan Mingjing replied, “Who needs a man to marry me? Isn’t it quite nice to be like Princess Chang, with her own fief and salary, and no one pushing her to marry? She can roam freely and even ride horses in the northern frontier. Besides, men who are afraid of my temper are spineless and incapable. Why should I care if they dare to marry me or not?”

 

They were having a lively conversation as they led the way. Shangguan Mingjing said, “I know a shortcut. Let’s go this way.”

 

Indeed, there was a shortcut, and the four of them took the detour. Zhou Xun saw a solitary peach tree and found it somewhat familiar. Just as he was about to take a closer look, Lu Xiandao’s voice came, “Do you find that tree familiar?”

 

Zhou Xun was a bit surprised and paused, “How did you know, sir?”

 

He thought Lu Xiandao’s observation was truly sharp.

 

Lu Xiandao said, “It’s normal. See that ventilation window next to it?”

 

Zhou Xun replied, “I see it.”

 

Lu Xiandao continued, “You were imprisoned here before. With nothing else to do, you must have spent time looking at the view through that ventilation window. That’s why it looks familiar.”

 

Zhou Xun: …

 

This was a rather dreadful conversation. Zhou Xun still remembered his first encounter with Lu Xiandao, and after all these years, Lu Xiandao still had a way of provoking frustration.

 

Lu Xiandao didn’t seem to mind his way of speaking. With Shangguan Mingjing and He Liang still arguing up ahead, he said, “Honestly, I didn’t expect you to survive.”

 

Zhou Xun lowered his head and smiled, “I didn’t expect it either.”

 

He meant this sincerely.

 

If not for the current Emperor… Brother Hao Yu’s arrival and this amusing turn of events, he might have been executed in a brutal manner and become a skeleton in the chaotic burial grounds of the capital.

 

Lu Xiandao wasn’t much of a talker. After saying that, he fell silent again. Zhou Xun thought that perhaps Lu Xiandao was trying to make him feel less awkward in their company by saying something.

 

But considering Lu Xiandao’s knack for causing irritation, Zhou Xun thought his assumption might be unrealistic.

 

Lu Xiandao was likely just reflecting.

 

“You were imprisoned here under the direct supervision of the Chief Commander. It was a serious matter, known only to a few,” Lu Xiandao suddenly said, “The guards who watched you at the time reported to the Chief Commander that you were a tough nut to crack.”

 

Zhou Xun smiled at this, “A tough nut?”

 

“When you were thrown into the prison, you neither cried nor laughed, and even your steps were steady. When others opened your cell, you even said thank you. Anyone who saw it would know you were resigned to death,” Lu Xiandao said, “Do you know who’s hardest to interrogate?”

 

Zhou Xun asked, “Who?”

 

“Those who are resigned to death and have no hope for the future. Because they are fearless,” Lu Xiandao explained, “But no one expected that when you entered the interrogation room, you talked as freely as pouring beans from a bamboo tube. They had prepared many torture instruments for you, but none were used.”

 

Zhou Xun replied, “Oh.”

 

Lu Xiandao added, “So today, when you visit the prison again, you can take the opportunity to have another look at them.”

 

Zhou Xun: …

 

He was increasingly convinced of why Zhou Cai hated him so much. Lu Xiandao truly had a knack for being tactless.

 

“Xiao Lu, stop scaring people from behind,” Shangguan Mingjing said as she turned around from the front, “Let’s talk about something pleasant, shall we?”

 

Lu Xiandao shrugged. Zhou Xun smiled and said, “Miss Shangguan already knows my identity?”

 

Shangguan Mingjing replied, “Yes, otherwise why would I bring you to the prison? If you’re doing well, Zhou Cai’s younger brother will be even more upset.”

 

Her words were clearly indicating that Zhou Cai’s younger brother, Zhou Hong, had wronged her. Zhou Xun smiled and said, “Miss Shangguan seems to have a strong dislike for the Zhou family.”

 

Shangguan Mingjing said, “Are you curious about how this family wronged me? If you want to ask, just go ahead. No need for social niceties.”

 

“He’s not being mean. He’s just straightforward,” He Liang, who had been quarreling with Shangguan Mingjing, explained to Zhou Xun, “Don’t take it personally; she actually likes you.”

 

Zhou Xun responded, “In that case, I’ll gladly accept. Miss Shangguan, could you kindly share some gossip?”

 

These people spoke plainly, which was actually a relief for Zhou Xun.

 

Shangguan Mingjing snorted and said, “Well…”

 

The grudge between Zhou Cai and Jiang Wei had to be traced back to his vain younger sister, Zhou Wanwan.

 

When Zhou Wanwan came to the capital to visit her brother, she heard about the charm of the Duke of Chu’s heir and begged her brother to take her to the heir’s peony viewing banquet. At the banquet, she saw a particularly rare and beautiful peony and, wanting to pick it discreetly, was caught by Shangguan Mingjing. The two of them fell into the flowerbed during the struggle.

 

When people arrived, Zhou Wanwan, with Zhou Cai’s help, falsely accused Shangguan Mingjing of framing her as a thief, claiming the flower branch was broken accidentally during their fall. To make matters worse, not only did the young masters and misses at the banquet believe Zhou Cai, but even the Duke of Chu’s heir, who had a good impression of Shangguan Mingjing, said, “What Zhou Cai said makes sense. His sister would never do such a thing. Mingjing, you are too sensitive.”

 

As the only daughter of the Jiangwei Commander, Shangguan Mingjing was not accustomed to such treatment. From then on, the Jiangwei and Zhou Cai became enemies, making them some of the rare people in the capital who disliked the Zhou family.

 

As several heavy iron doors were opened before them, a chilling, bloody smell wafted towards Zhou Xun, and faint sounds of screaming could be heard in the cold breeze. The others remained calm, but Shangguan Mingjing said to Zhou Xun, “Don’t be afraid.”

 

Zhou Xun shook his head with a smile, “I’ve lived here before, so I’m not afraid.”

 

Shangguan Mingjing replied, “Yes, you’ll get used to it after a few visits. Familiarity breeds comfort.”

 

Miss Shangguan, who disliked Zhou Hong, had made arrangements to place him in the most secluded, grimy cell, right next to the most dangerous criminals.

 

Zhou Xun remembered that Zhou Hong had been spoiled since childhood. As Zhou Madam’s second legitimate son, while she had high hopes for Zhou Cai and was strict with him to restore the family’s fortunes, she had pampered this younger son completely. Zhou Hong had been raised in luxury and dreamed of heroism and righteousness. His first target for heroism was Zhou Xun—the illegitimate son who always seemed gloomy and never spoke.

 

Zhou Hong had always believed that Zhou Xun was scheming against him and had tormented and despised him as a child. Those who had never faced hardship often lacked empathy. Zhou Xun still remembered carefully walking through the Zhou family’s garden while Zhou Hong boasted about his skills in throwing darts, injuring his own arm, and still acting arrogantly without apologizing under Zhou Madam’s dismissive comment of “just a mischievous child.”

 

As they neared the end of the prison, Zhou Xun looked at the cells on either side, puzzled. Shangguan Mingjing voiced his confusion, “Hmm? Where’s that annoying troublemaker?”

 

He Liang, seeing their confusion, pointed with the scabbard of his sword at one of the cells, “In here.”

 

Zhou Xun took a long time to identify a grayish figure among the straw. His eyes widened slightly. He Liang continued, “What, can’t you recognize who this is?”

 

“This… this…”

 

The man huddled in the straw, trembling slightly. Hearing the footsteps of the group, his shivering intensified. After being locked up for over half a month, he was unkempt and his clothes were covered in dust and straw, no longer resembling the imposing figure he once was. Instead, he looked like a vagrant who had been wandering the streets for months. Shangguan Mingjing whispered, “No way, how did he end up like this?”

 

He Lian replied, “Try not bathing for half a month and relieving yourself in this cell, and you’ll look the same.”

 

Zhou Xun studied him for a long time, noting that his body was intact. Shangguan Mingjing, worried, said, “You didn’t use torture on him, did you? Zhou Cai took the case to the Ministry of Punishment. If someone finds signs of torture, Zhou Cai will spread it all over the capital, claiming that our garrison uses severe torture.”

 

He Lian chuckled, “Miss Shangguan, do you take us for fools? Don’t worry, we used methods that can’t be seen from the outside.”

 

“…He was so brave when he came in, shouting that we were wronging him and that he was a hero. But after witnessing a few others being tortured, he was so scared he wet himself.”

 

Zhou Xun watched the man, who was trembling. Upon hearing the voices, he shuddered, looked up, and, without seeing who was there, threw himself at them.

 

“Lord, Lord! I was wrong! Please spare me!” He threw himself on the ground, knocking his head, “I know I was wrong, I have money, a lot of money! If you release me, I’ll give you all the money, and my brother, my brother…”

 

Zhou Xun remained silent, but Shangguan Mingjing couldn’t help but laugh, “Look at him, what a sight…”

 

The man on the ground froze at her words, then gritted his teeth, struggled to stand, and said, “It’s you! It’s you, this wicked woman, who got me locked up! How long do you plan to ruin our Zhou family…”

 

“Wicked woman? I’m clearly a heroic woman. Seeing you harm innocent people, I am the one acting justly, and you are the wicked man!” Shangguan Mingjing was displeased, pinching her nose as she approached, “Ugh, how does it smell so bad?”

 

“You…” Zhou Xun’s half-brother, Zhou Hong, was so enraged he couldn’t speak. Seeing the other two men, he shrank back, his furious demeanor shrinking away. But when he saw the person at the edge, he began to tremble.

 

“You’re here?! Aren’t you supposed to be dead? You’re here… you people…” His eyes darted around the group, suddenly revealing an enlightened expression, then turning to one of resentment, “You’re in cahoots! You’re framing me! A nest of snakes and rats!”

 

“What snakes and rats?” Shangguan Mingjing pointed at the moving clumps in the straw, “You’re the one sharing a nest with rats!”

 

He Lian laughed, “Just a few snakes missing, we’ll put some in tomorrow.”

 

“You… you…”

 

Zhou Xun stood by, his expression calm and unchanging, not saying a word. Zhou Hong, not daring to argue with Lu Xiandao and He Lian, turned his ire towards Zhou Xun, “I’ve known from the start that you’re scheming. You want to take our Zhou family’s wealth, right? You think you’re hiding it well, but now you’re satisfied? You think you’ve won for a moment, achieved something? You deserve retribution…”

 

Shangguan Mingjing said, “He’s originally from the Zhou family, he’s entitled to a share of the family’s wealth.”

 

Zhou Xun reached out to stop her.

 

Looking at Zhou Hong, who was contorted with rage, Zhou Xun said calmly, “As your elder brother, I came to see how you’re faring.”

 

Zhou Hong, provoked by this, shouted, “Who asked you to pretend to be kind!”

 

“Seeing you suffer now, I am relieved.”

 

Zhou Hong: …

 

“As for retribution…” Zhou Xun surveyed the cell and looked Zhou Hong up and down, “Isn’t it obvious who the retribution is falling upon now?”

 

“You!”

 

“As for your current state, I’ll inform Zhou Cai and Madam Zhou,” Zhou Xun smiled, “It’s my final duty as an elder brother.”

 

Zhou Hong, who valued his pride above all, was stunned. He Lian added with a grin, “That’s not enough. We should also tell his friends. I’ve heard he made many connections with money, and they should hear about this heroic figure’s courageous appearance in prison.”

 

Zhou Hong cursed loudly, but Zhou Xun ignored him, which only fueled his rage. Zhou Xun seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself now.

 

Zhou Xun looked at the others, “I have nothing more to say to him. Do you have anything else to add?”

 

“Let’s go. This place smells terrible, and talking here is ruining our mood. It’s better to go back and play cards,” Shangguan Mingjing covered her nose.

 

Zhou Xun nodded, and the group turned to leave.

 

“Zhou Xun! Seeing me like this makes you very happy, doesn’t it?” Zhou Hong shouted, grabbing the bars, “I’ve always known you’re scheming. Are you satisfied now? Are you happy?”

 

His shouting echoed through the cell, and other prisoners peered out. Zhou Hong’s outburst filled the corridor with his foul odor. Lu Xiandao frowned, about to have him pushed back in, when Zhou Xun said, “Lord Lu, may I borrow your scabbard?”

 

Lu Xiandao glanced at him and handed over the scabbard.

 

Zhou Xun approached Zhou Hong with the scabbard. Zhou Hong, who had been shouting loudly, fell silent and looked fearful when Zhou Xun arrived, his voice trembling, “W-What do you want to do?”

 

Zhou Xun smiled at him. He had always been handsome, and in the dark, filthy prison, his smile was like a layer of fresh snow on a roof.

 

“Y-You…” Zhou Hong was terrified by the smile, feeling it more frightening than the prison guards. His grip on the bars loosened, stuttering, “W-What are you going to do? I’ll tell you, if I die here, my brother will seek justice for me, he will! If you dare kill me… if you dare…”

 

“Zhou Hong, I was once your elder brother. Unfortunately, as an elder brother, I’ve never taught you the principles of being a good person. Today, I’ll make up for it,” Zhou Xun fixed his gaze on him, his expression calm, “You wanted to be a hero, didn’t you? Yet your skills are lacking, and your greatest achievement was venting frustration on servants. Moreover, you can’t distinguish right from wrong, and have exploited the family’s wealth. Claiming to be righteous, yet causing harm to the city’s people. Do you know how you ended up here? It’s because those who commit evil deeds ultimately suffer.”

 

Zhou Xun’s voice lowered as he stared at Zhou Hong, who had fallen to the ground, speaking with a strange tone, “I’ve been here before, but I’ve never seen anyone as cowardly as you.”

 

Saying this, he suddenly thrust the scabbard and shoved Zhou Hong back into the cell!

 

Zhou Hong fell to the ground with a cry.

 

“For the family, the country, and the people, since you can’t contribute, just do what you can,” Zhou Xun put away the scabbard, “A person covered in filth should stay in here and not pollute the air outside.”

 

“You can wait for your good brother to save you, and I’ll be waiting for him too, to rescue you.”

 

Zhou Hong lay on the ground, shaking uncontrollably. Zhou Xun took out a handkerchief, cleaned the scabbard meticulously, and then handed it back to Lu Xiandao, “Thank you, Lord Lu.”

 

Lord Lu nodded.

 

“By the way,” Zhou Xun looked at the prone Zhou Hong and said softly, “I’m indeed very happy.”