The magistrate of Zixian County instantly felt as though he had fallen into an ice cellar.
Although everything that had happened earlier had already given him a bad feeling, he had still harbored a sliver of hope. Now that he had been stopped, his last hope shattered. Immediately he began kowtowing and begging. “Please forgive me, Your Excellency! Please forgive me!”
The bailiffs dragged him back into the courtroom. The moment they released him, his body went limp, and he collapsed onto the floor, repeatedly knocking his head against the ground before Ye Jinghua.
Hearing the commotion, the others who had reached the entrance could not help stopping and turning back. Zhao Baozhu turned as well, watching the magistrate of Zixian County with a mocking expression. He had known the young master would never let this old b*stard off so easily.
Ye Jinghua sat upright at the head of the hall. The first words out of his mouth were: “Criminal Li.”
The magistrate froze mid-kowtow. Slowly and stiffly, he raised his head. All color drained from his face.
Ye Jinghua lifted his eyes. His voice was icy. “You abused your authority for personal gain, intercepted and destroyed correspondence belonging to an imperial official, harbored malicious intent, obstructed government investigations, shielded the criminal Chen, and therefore acted as his accomplice. Do you admit your guilt?”
The magistrate’s mouth fell open. He stared at Ye Jinghua in utter disbelief. The blood completely drained from his face. After a long pause, he finally forced words out of his throat. “Y-Your Excellency, I’ve been wronged! I never had such intentions…”
It was true that he had intercepted Zhao Baozhu’s letter but it had nothing to do with the You family. The order had come from the previous Prefect, who had instructed him to keep an eye on Zhao Baozhu and pay attention to any correspondence he sent or received. The magistrate had obeyed. Yet because he looked down on Zhao Baozhu, he never took the matter seriously. When his subordinates reported a letter from Zhao Baozhu, he did not even bother reading it before having it intercepted. Afterward, he simply forgot about it.
Only after Chen Si was imprisoned and news arrived that Ye Jinghua, the Emperor’s brother-in-law and second son of the Ye family, had been appointed Prefect of Qingzhou did he suddenly remember the letter. By then, however, when he rushed to the postal station to retrieve it, nobody even knew where it had been placed.
“Please investigate thoroughly, Your Excellency! I truly had no intention of protecting criminals! I… I never destroyed the letter either! I’ve never even met anyone from the You clan. How… how could I possibly be considered an accomplice?”
Knowing disaster was imminent, he desperately searched for excuses but he had already lost all composure. His words came out disjointed and confused, his explanations weak and unconvincing.
Ye Jinghua listened from above. After the man finished, he lowered his eyes and spoke only one sentence. “You need not argue. That letter was written by Lord Zhao to me.”
The magistrate froze. It was as though he heard the sound of the earth collapsing around him. Intercepting correspondence belonging to an imperial official was already a serious crime punishable by exile. In practice, if the letter had merely been a private one from Zhao Baozhu to family or friends, there might have been room for excuses. But if it had been addressed to Ye Jinghua,
The magistrate’s face immediately turned deathly gray. He collapsed limply to the floor.
The onlookers behind him all sucked in sharp breaths. The way they looked at Zhao Baozhu instantly changed.
Sure enough, their suspicions had been correct. The relationship between Zhao Baozhu and Second Young Master Ye was anything but ordinary. That explained why Zhao Baozhu had chopped down You Jiang and You Qian so effortlessly. So he had already been coordinating with Ye Jinghua all along.
After years in officialdom, everyone’s imagination was highly developed. Without needing further explanation from Ye Jinghua, they had already constructed an entire story in their minds: Zhao Baozhu must have discovered the crimes of the You family and informed his fellow examination graduate, Ye Jinghua. The Ye family then informed the Emperor. That was why the Emperor had personally dispatched his brother-in-law to Qingzhou to eliminate the threat posed by the powerful local gentry.
Having “figured it all out,” they now looked at the magistrate of Zixian County as if he were already a dead man.
Surely Chen Si, driven into a corner, had ordered him to intercept the correspondence between Ye Jinghua and Zhao Baozhu and this fool had actually listened, dragging himself into the mess.
The magistrate of Zixian County was finished. He lay collapsed on the floor, unable to utter a single word.
Ye Jinghua turned to the bailiffs. “Throw him into prison.”
As the magistrates outside watched the man being carried away like a dead dog by two burly bailiffs, they naturally understood the message. This was a warning to them. Cold sweat immediately drenched their backs. Fortunately, they had maintained no obvious ties to Chen Si. Otherwise, if Ye Jinghua had managed to seize evidence against them and label them accomplices of the You family, whether they could keep their official hats would be another matter entirely.
In an instant, whatever resentment they had felt was replaced by fear. With the magistrate of Zixian County serving as an example, they were simply grateful to have escaped disaster themselves. No one had the energy left to argue with Zhao Baozhu. After offering him a much more sincere farewell, they boarded their carriages and departed one by one.
After everyone had left, Zhao Baozhu turned and walked back into the yamen. Watching Ye Jinghua step down from the magistrate’s seat, he seemed as though he wanted to say something but hesitated.
Ye Jinghua’s gaze landed on his face, and his expression immediately softened. “Come here,” he said, beckoning to him. “What’s wrong?”
Zhao Baozhu obediently walked over. Looking back toward the doorway, he lowered his voice and said: “Young Master, that letter of mine… actually didn’t mention the You family at all.”
Zhao Baozhu knew perfectly well that he had not written a single word about Qingzhou’s affairs in that letter. Strictly speaking, it was only a private letter. But since the magistrate of Zixian County had supposedly destroyed it, there was no way to verify the contents.
To his surprise, Ye Jinghua lowered his eyes and said: “I already knew you wouldn’t mention it.”
After saying that, he raised a hand and somehow produced a letter from who knew where. Zhao Baozhu looked carefully. It was unmistakably the very letter he had entrusted to the You family for delivery.
His eyes widened. “Th-this… how did it end up with Young Master?”
Hadn’t the letter been destroyed? How could it be in Ye Jinghua’s possession? Then that meant Ye Jinghua knew all along that the letter contained nothing about the You family…
While Zhao Baozhu was still shocked, Ye Jinghua spoke softly beside him. “This is what I wanted to teach you. As an official, never place a weapon in someone else’s hands.”
Zhao Baozhu trembled slightly. A realization dawned on him, and he looked up at Ye Jinghua. Ye Jinghua’s eyes were lowered. His thick lashes shaded his dark pupils as he spoke gently: “You see, he himself knew that he had not destroyed the letter. Yet because the letter reached me first, he could not defend himself no matter what he said. He allowed Chen Si to manipulate him into intercepting your correspondence. In the end, he did not even know what was written inside. That alone shows how careless and negligent he was. For him, the benefit was merely avoiding one or two portions of silk taxes. Yet he ended up entangling himself in crimes as serious as corruption and bribery.”
Ye Jinghua paused. Seeing Zhao Baozhu listening attentively without any sign of disagreement or resistance, he continued: “To reverse one’s weapon and hand another person the hilt; to give others a handle to use against you. Some officials conduct themselves cautiously for decades. Yet the moment something goes wrong, they can still be framed and ruined. If you leave a handle in someone else’s hands, the only outcome is to stretch out your neck and await execution.”
Zhao Baozhu understood immediately. Ye Jinghua was referring to the matter of the You family. Though Zhao Baozhu had won a great victory this time, that was not solely because Ye Jinghua had arrived at the perfect moment. It also depended heavily on the fact that the Governor of Liaodong was an upright and principled official. He had executed You Er and You San before reporting to his superiors. Had the governor been a more calculating man, would that not have been exactly what Ye Jinghua meant by “giving others a handle”?
Understanding the lesson, Zhao Baozhu lowered his head in shame.
Seeing this, and not knowing what Zhao Baozhu was thinking, Ye Jinghua reached out and gently touched his forehead. “Do you think my methods were too harsh? In truth, the man was not wronged. This was not the first time he had done such a thing. The postal stations and provincial offices all have records. Other magistrates previously attempted to report the You family as well, and every one of their letters was intercepted by him.”
Zhao Baozhu looked up and shook his head. “No. I understand what Young Master means.”
Ye Jinghua had deliberately dealt with the magistrate of Zixian County in that fashion so that Zhao Baozhu would understand how treacherous officialdom could be. If one acted carelessly, a single wrong step could lead to exactly the same fate.
“I know Young Master means well. You are only willing to teach me because you care.” He bowed deeply. “This subordinate has learned much.”
Ye Jinghua immediately caught hold of him. “Enough. Why be so formal?”
Zhao Baozhu straightened again. Thinking of how Ye Jinghua had taught him to study in the past, and how he was now carefully teaching him the principles of governance at every turn, he felt deeply grateful. His cat-like eyes shone with emotion as he looked up at him. “Young Master is truly my excellent teacher and dear friend. Everything I have today is thanks to your guidance.”
Hearing this, Ye Jinghua’s expression faltered. The look in his eyes darkened slightly.
He knew Zhao Baozhu was open-hearted and honorable, and that he admired him deeply. Therefore, Zhao Baozhu always assumed the best of him. Only Ye Jinghua himself knew how much hatred he felt toward the magistrate of Zixian County. Whenever he thought about the wolves and tigers surrounding Zhao Baozhu, about how even a single letter could not safely leave Qingzhou, he was haunted by fear day and night. If Zhao Baozhu had made a single wrong move…
If he had failed to personally deliver the evidence to the governor…
If some unforeseen mishap had occurred along the way…
Then Zhao Baozhu might not be standing before him alive and unharmed today.
Each time he thought about it, his lingering fear deepened. And with it, his hatred grew.
He had never experienced emotions like these before. But now that this inner demon had taken root, it seemed impossible to calm it without blood.
He was far from the noble, pure-hearted gentleman Zhao Baozhu imagined him to be.
Ye Jinghua closed his eyes briefly, concealing the emotions within then he raised a hand and smoothed the hair beside Zhao Baozhu’s ear.
“These things are nothing. You are intelligent and capable. Even without me, you would still accomplish great things.”
Zhao Baozhu blushed at the praise. His cheeks turned bright red. Pressing his lips together, he asked: “When Young Master looked at me earlier… was it because you thought my temper was bad?” He still remembered the glance Ye Jinghua had given him when he had refused to engage politely with the magistrates. Reflecting on himself, Zhao Baozhu spoke softly: “I know my temper can be impatient at times. If I think of the long term, it would probably be better to correct it.”
Ye Jinghua’s lips curved slightly. His hand slid down Zhao Baozhu’s cheek, brushing lightly beneath his chin.
“Your temper does need some correction.” The words immediately made Zhao Baozhu look a little dejected. Seeing this, Ye Jinghua smiled and gently stroked his lowered brows. “But not for the sake of those people.”
In Ye Jinghua’s view, someone else with Zhao Baozhu’s personality would inevitably become the target of schemes and manipulation. But Zhao Baozhu was different. Ye Jinghua was confident that no matter how large a hole Zhao Baozhu punched through the sky, he could find a way to patch it up.
Above the Ye family stood only the imperial family. And although Zhao Baozhu was quick-tempered, he was unfailingly respectful toward the Emperor. As for everyone else, they could be dealt with.
Zhao Baozhu froze for a moment then he burst into a smile. Unable to help himself, he moved a little closer to Ye Jinghua. His cat-like eyes curved into crescents. Teasingly, he said: “If Young Master keeps indulging me like this, then I fear this temper of mine will never be corrected.”
Seeing him like this, how could Ye Jinghua refuse him anything? Smiles gathered at the corners of his eyes. He reached out and touched Zhao Baozhu’s pointed chin. “Then don’t correct it.”
His voice was low and gentle.
When Zhao Baozhu heard those words, his heart suddenly trembled. Warmth spread through him until he felt almost boneless. For a moment, he actually wanted to throw himself into Ye Jinghua’s arms and rub against him a little.
But before he could act on the impulse, Ah Long’s voice sounded from the doorway, announcing that visitors had arrived.
Shanyi entered from outside, with someone following behind him. The moment he stepped over the threshold and looked up, he saw Ye Jinghua and Zhao Baozhu standing extremely close together. Ye Jinghua’s hand still rested on Zhao Baozhu’s shoulder. At a glance, anyone could sense the intimacy between them.
Shanyi’s eyebrow twitched sharply.
Hearing footsteps, Zhao Baozhu turned and saw that the newcomer was Shanyi. His heart skipped a beat. Instinctively, he released the corner of Ye Jinghua’s robe he had been holding and stepped backward, increasing the distance between them.
Ye Jinghua glanced at him. Since outsiders had arrived, he smoothly withdrew his hand as well.
With Shanyi’s keen eyesight, none of their little movements escaped his notice. He had seen the attachment on Zhao Baozhu’s face moments earlier. He had also seen the fleeting trace of guilt that flashed through his expression when he noticed him.
A heaviness instantly settled in Shanyi’s heart yet with Ye Jinghua present, he revealed none of it. Lowering his eyes, he stepped aside. “My lord, sir, Scholar Cheng has arrived.”
Only then did Zhao Baozhu notice that the person behind Shanyi was Cheng Wenxiu. He was startled. “Didn’t I tell you to rest at home? You’re still injured, why have you come?”
Cheng Wenxiu stepped out from behind Shanyi. Upon seeing Zhao Baozhu, he smiled shyly but before he could speak, Ye Jinghua said: “I summoned him.” Lowering his head toward Zhao Baozhu, he continued: “Didn’t you want Physician Qi to examine his injuries?”
Zhao Baozhu froze. Only then did he remember saying exactly that. He immediately looked at Ye Jinghua in delight. “Really? Physician Qi is willing to treat Wenxiu as well?”
At the name “Wenxiu,” Ye Jinghua’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. Still, he merely nodded. “Of course.”
Zhao Baozhu was overjoyed. His heart filled with gratitude.
Young Master had always been like this, careful and considerate. No matter how small the matter, once Zhao Baozhu mentioned it, he would remember.
Smiling gratefully at Ye Jinghua, Zhao Baozhu quickly turned around and beckoned. “Wenxiu, come quickly. Ah Long, help remove the bandages.”
Feeling embarrassed, Cheng Wenxiu walked over and sat down. Ah Long stepped forward and carefully removed the bandages wrapped around his ear. Cheng Wenxiu immediately lowered his head and covered the wound with his hand so Zhao Baozhu would not see it. “The wound is unsightly. Sir shouldn’t look.”
Zhao Baozhu frowned. “What’s wrong with looking?” Acting before thinking, he stepped forward, grabbed Cheng Wenxiu’s wrist, and gently pulled his hand away. “Let me see… Ah, it still looks inflamed. Why is it so red? What medicine have you been using?”
Feeling the warmth of Zhao Baozhu’s hand on his wrist, Cheng Wenxiu’s face, and even his ears, turned red. He dared not look directly at Zhao Baozhu. “My mother gathered some herbs from the mountain behind our home…”
“How can that be enough?” Zhao Baozhu looked worried. “We should have Physician Qi examine it properly.”
Though shy, Cheng Wenxiu felt warmth spreading through his heart at Zhao Baozhu’s concern. Looking up at him, his eyes were full of gentleness. “I’ve caused My Lord’s concern. That is my fault.”
Standing to the side, Shanyi remained silent and expressionless yet his long eyelashes trembled slightly. As if sensing something, he slowly raised his eyes toward Ye Jinghua.
He had never known that the famously aloof and noble Second Young Master Ye could wear such an expression.
Watching from the side, Shanyi’s hand twitched faintly where it hung by his side. For a moment, he felt an impulse to rest it upon the hilt of the sword at his waist.
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