Not long after, the food on the table was gone without a trace. Ho Chen and Yue Qi then stood and walked over to Yu Lao, who was sitting with two men built like warriors.Noticing their arrival, Yu Lao’s two bodyguards immediately stood and offered their seats to the young warrior pair.Their courtesy toward Ho Chen and Yue Qi was not without reason. Aside from Yu Lao, the two bodyguards had also witnessed Ho Chen and Yue Qi’s skill back at the tavern—especially Yue Qi, whose graceful appearance belied her ruthless strikes.“Have you finished eating?” Yu Lao asked.“Yes, Uncle. Are we leaving for the capital now?” Ho Chen replied, returning the question.“Have you come up with a plan?”Ho Chen chuckled softly and shook his head. “Not yet, Uncle. I actually have one, but it would mean going back to Gansu Province, and that’s not possible.”Yu Lao looked puzzled. “I don’t understand, Ho Chen. What does this have to do with

The sight of two ordinary townsfolk stepping into the carriage of a high-ranking official naturally stirred questions among those who witnessed it—especially since the carriage was parked along the roadside of the capital.Unbeknownst to Ho Chen and Yue Qi, a few soldiers who had been extorting money in the market earlier recognized them. They whispered among themselves, wondering who the young man and woman could be, for not just anyone was allowed inside an official’s carriage.“Could that young man be Duke Li Hong’s son? But as far as I know, the Duke has no son,” muttered a medium-built soldier, watching closely until Ho Chen and Yue Qi stepped out of the carriage.The Duke’s personal guards smiled and gave a slight bow as the young warrior pair bid farewell. This, too, drew the curiosity of the soldiers who had been watching.Once out of the carriage, Ho Chen and Yue Qi walked briskly back toward the tea shop. They needed to inform

Duke Li Hong seemed to run out of words to convince Emperor Liao Jun. Every rebuttal from Qiang San sounded reasonable and left him cornered. But he still had one trump card in Ho Chen.However, where was the young man? Why had he not appeared inside the palace yet?“Why are you silent, Li Hong? Can’t you come up with another excuse to make your lies sound real?” mocked Qiang San.Duke Li Hong only smiled, then stood up and walked three meters forward, stopping in front of Emperor Liao Jun.“I ask permission to bring Qiang Mo and my wife here, Your Majesty.”Emperor Liao Jun nodded. “Go. Bring stronger evidence. Prove that your accusations against Qiang Mo are not mere fabrications.”“Yes, Your Majesty. I assure you, Lord Qiang San will have no room to deny it anymore,” replied Duke Li Hong, bowing respectfully. He then walked toward the door of the hall.“I believe Qiang Mo is not as he accuses, Your Majesty. My son would never commit such a vile act!” Qiang San spoke after Duke Li H

All eyes in the hall turned toward the door.“Soldier, open it and see who dares to disturb this trial!” Emperor Liao Jun commanded the guard stationed inside the hall.“Yes, Your Majesty.” One of the two guards quickly opened the door.A soldier entered and reported the arrival of several people, three of whom wore military uniforms. He also explained that two of the soldiers had their hands tied.Emperor Liao Jun raised his eyebrows, curiosity immediately filling his mind. The same expression was shared by Duke Li Hong, Qiang San, and Prime Minister Peng Ki.“Bring them in!” Emperor Liao Jun ordered.The soldier bowed in respect and walked back toward the entrance.The two bound soldiers entered first, followed by Ho Chen and Yue Qi, then Yu Lao with his five companions.Duke Li Hong smiled broadly at Ho Chen’s arrival. A smile of victory was directed at the young man. With Ho Chen present, he was certain that Qiang San would be silenced, and Emperor Liao Jun could deliver a fitting

Emperor Liao Jun glared at Qiang San with fury. The trust he had placed in him as the official in charge of the palace treasury and finances had been betrayed by the old man who had served for decades within the dynasty.“Prime Minister! Arrest Qiang San and throw him into prison. I am certain his vile deeds were meant only to enrich himself. Conduct a thorough investigation, both on the officials and soldiers involved! Arrest everyone implicated without exception.”Prime Minister Peng Ki immediately rose upon receiving the Emperor’s command. “I shall carry out Your Majesty’s order!” he declared with a bow.“Soldiers! Seize Qiang San and take him to prison!” the Emperor ordered to the guards within the hall.Two soldiers rushed forward and bound Qiang San, who was still kneeling. The senior court official of the Deng Yu Dynasty struggled, but his strength was no match for the two soldiers who dragged him toward the hall’s doors.“Just wait, boy! You will pay for this!” Qiang San shout