2025-08-18 15:00:17
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A Servant’s Clue
“Stop at once!” said Ho Chen.The executioner, still shaken, could only nod slowly before pulling back his sword.Ho Chen removed the hood covering Duke Li Hong’s wife. Her eyes were swollen and red from endless weeping. “You will not be executed,” he said.“Truly?” the woman looked at Ho Chen with disbelief.“Yes. But you will still be imprisoned so that you may reflect on your sins,” Ho Chen replied.“But what about my husband and daughter? Will they ever forgive me?”“As for that, I cannot answer.” Ho Chen let out a deep sigh. After a long discussion with Yue Qi, both agreed that the death penalty for Duke Li Hong’s wife was too severe. They believed she had merely fallen victim to Qiang Mo’s deceit and could still be given a chance for redemption.“If they cannot forgive me, then what is the point of living? Better you kill me here than leave me to wander this world alone,” the woman said.“Reflect on your mistakes first. A week from now, your husband will return here. Ask his for
Death Sentence
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
False Report
As much as possible, Qiang San did not show the worry etched across his face. Instead, he displayed a wide smile, as if he were not afraid that Ho Chen might be able to heal Emperor Liao Jun.“I fear nothing, young man. If you can do it, then go ahead. I only tried to stop you because of my experience as an imperial official. After all, His Majesty’s safety is what matters most to me.”Ho Chen gave a faint smile. Then he stepped closer to Emperor Liao Jun.“Forgive me, Your Majesty. I wish to examine your left wrist.”Emperor Liao Jun extended his left hand toward Ho Chen, his sharp eyes fixed on the young man’s focused gaze.Ho Chen grasped the Emperor’s left wrist and immediately felt the pulse of the ruler of Deng Yu Dynasty.“Does Your Majesty often feel restless and struggle to fall asleep at night?”The Emperor nodded slowly. In truth, he was surprised that Ho Chen could so quickly assess his private difficulty in sleeping.“Your pulse is irregular. There is a blockage in a majo
Proof
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
The Trial
Yue Qi grabbed Ho Chen’s arm, making the young man stop in his tracks.“What now?” Ho Chen asked.“Wait. These two soldiers—how did they end up beaten so badly?”Ho Chen smiled. “Turns out there are many soldiers extorting merchants. One leaves, another comes. These two were just unlucky this time,” he replied while glancing at the soldiers, who could only bow their heads helplessly.“Oooh…” Yue Qi nodded. At least now she understood why Ho Chen had said those two soldiers were the key to solving all the problems in the Capital and Duke Li Hong’s troubles.“Stand up, both of you! Don’t make me lose my patience and take your lives!” Ho Chen barked.With their hands tied behind their backs and their bodies battered after being beaten by the young man in soldier’s uniform, the two struggled to get to their feet.“If you twist the truth before His Majesty, I swear I’ll kill you both right then and there. I don’t care if we’re inside the palace!” threatened Ho Chen. His sharp gaze intimida
Answer Key
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
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