MLIAM Chapter 53
by VolareChapter 53: I Must Take Responsibility. You Don’t Want Me Anymore, Do You?
Wei Yan revealed a shallow smile, having tasted the sweetness, but shook his head and said, “Not entirely satisfied, but acceptable.”
Yu Shuli glared at him while washing his hands, “Then Prime Minister, please find another charming person.”
Seeing the man angry, Wei Yan hurriedly pulled him over to coax him, and took a cloth to dry the water stains bit by bit. After wiping, he gently placed a kiss on his lips, “Thank you for your hard work, Little General.”
Yu Shuli pushed his face away, “So, can you tell me now? How exactly did Chou Shuchun die?”
Wei Yan chuckled, “Are you so persistent about this matter?”
Yu Shuli shook his hand, “Hurry up and tell me! Don’t force me to beat you up!”
Wei Yan changed his posture, wrapping his arms around Yu Shuli’s waist, “I’ll tell you now.”
“Chou Shuchun died from drunkenness. The coroner found a large amount of food residue and alcohol in his body, and determined that the food blocked his trachea after drinking, leading to suffocation.”
Yu Shuli frowned, “That’s not right, it was said earlier that he was assassinated.”
Wei Yan said, “Local trials can’t bear the responsibility, so it’s normal to exaggerate with false reports. Moreover, alcohol is a sharp weapon, killing without a trace, so why doesn’t it count as assassination?”
Using alcohol to kill… this method was indeed too clever.
Yu Shuli still felt that something was wrong, “But… if he was drinking, according to Chou Shuchun’s status, many people should have been accompanying him, right? Didn’t the others notice anything?”
“Everyone was drunk that day, and in the end, after the banquet, everyone fell asleep, including that Chou Dongshuo whom you hate the most.”
“What did they all say?”
“The scene was a mess, with everyone disheveled. We investigated those women and found traces of multiple sexual acts, but Chou Dongshuo and the others all claimed ignorance, insisting that they were drunk after drinking that day, and perhaps outsiders broke in and violated those women.”
Yu Shuli slammed the table, “How is that possible! Are they dead? They didn’t even know their women were being taken away and humiliated?” He sneered, “They must have knowingly broken the law, engaging in mass promiscuity.”
Wei Yan said, “The bad thing is that among those women… there were also the Emperor’s chosen beauties from this year’s selection for the palace. Apart from those, many girls were still virgins.”
Yu Shuli’s forehead veins popped out. “These bastards!”
Wei Yan asked, “Do you know how those girls went to the theater?”
Yu Shuli was stunned, “How?”
“It is said that the Second Prince invited them, for the purpose of choosing a princess consort.”
With a “crack,” a corner of the table was broken off by Yu Shuli, who gritted his teeth with hatred, “They don’t want to frame the Second Prince, they want him dead.”
“Not only that.” Wei Yan said, “After my investigation, I found that Chou Shuchun had been taking illegal drugs—Five Stone Powder—all these years. A lot of stock was also found in the theater at the time.”
“Five Stone Powder?!” Yu Shuli was shocked, “Isn’t this thing strictly controlled in pharmacies? If they take this stuff, become addicted, they will inevitably kill and set fires in the future, not distinguishing between humans and animals!”
Wei Yan’s face paled, “Yes. But I checked the pharmacies and there were no records of excess sales. So they didn’t go through regular channels.”
“As aristocratic children, they actually did such a thing, truly deserving death.” Yu Shuli cursed, “According to me, he probably died from an overdose of Five Stone Powder! Good riddance!”
Wei Yan slowly leaned against Yu Shuli’s side, echoing in a low voice.
Yu Shuli continued to mutter, “But… it’s so far away, where can we find out where he got so much Five Stone Powder from?”
“Among the nobles in The Capital City, Five Stone Powder has long been popular in private.” Wei Yan pursed his lips, “If you want to trace it, you need to check not only the region, but also the years.”
“But if Chou Shuchun has been taking Five Stone Powder for many years, shouldn’t he have already estimated the dosage?” Yu Shuli thought thoughtfully, “Logically, there shouldn’t be a case of overdose.”
“The coroner opened his stomach at the time and found most of the alcohol. A reasonable guess is that he was induced to take it while drunk from drinking too much. Or, it was mixed in the wine for fun.”
“Who were the people drinking with him that day? Did you check if they all took Five Stone Powder?”
Wei Yan nodded, “I checked. Except for Chou Dongshuo, everyone else present took it.”
Yu Shuli gritted his teeth, “Chou Dongshuo… he must know something!” He tugged at Wei Yan’s collar, “Didn’t you arrest him and investigate?”
“Ji’an.” Wei Yan patted his shoulder reassuringly, “Of course I investigated, but after the interrogation that day, Marquis Xunyang visited and took him away. And…” He hesitated, “According to the patrol officers, your friend… Dong Siwen… was also present that day.”
Yu Shuli was stunned, blinking his eyes as if he didn’t understand Wei Yan’s words.
Wei Yan repeated it again, “Dong Siwen was brought there by someone, introduced by Chou Dongshuo, and also drank with them that day. After examination, he also… had sex with someone that day.”
“Most importantly, he also took Five Stone Powder.”
Yu Shuli was struck by lightning, his eyes fixed on Wei Yan’s lips. “You said… Dong Siwen also had dealings with Chou Dongshuo and Chou Shuchun?”
Wei Yan nodded.
“I don’t believe it…” The shock in Yu Shuli’s heart was constantly surging, his eyes dazed, “Dong Siwen has always been on good terms with me, he is an upright, enthusiastic, and honorable person, and would never participate in such villainous acts.”
“Perhaps… he was forced.” Wei Yan closed his eyes, “Do you know anything about his father?”
Yu Shuli heard him suddenly change the subject to ask about Dong Lingqing, and couldn’t help but feel a little confused, “Is it related to Lord Dong?”
“Just asking.”
Yu Shuli said “Oh,” recalling, “I know a little. When the Northwest army was stationed in Quzhou, Lord Dong took good care of us. Plus, I have a good relationship with Dong Siwen, and Lord Dong often invited me to his residence, teaching me military tactics, strategies, and some principles of dealing with people. He…” Yu Shuli hesitated for a moment, commenting, “Although he has too many concubines, and is somewhat doting on his concubines and neglecting his wife in this regard, which is reprehensible. But in terms of his other actions, he can be considered a good person.”
“Besides Dong Siwen, how many sons does he have, and what are they doing? Are you clear about that?”
“…Dong Lingqing’s other sons… I don’t know them, I’ve only seen them occasionally in Dong’s residence. But they shouldn’t be officials.”
“Not officials… does that mean they are merchants?”
“Probably.” Yu Shuli tilted his head, looking at Wei Yan somewhat speechlessly, “Why are you asking them in such detail? It’s unlikely that Dong Lingqing’s sons killed their own father, right?”
“The second case is not… but the first case…” Wei Yan narrowed his eyes slightly, “They can’t get away with it.”
Yu Shuli was about to say something when Wei Yan continued, “Even your uncle, who you think is quite good, can’t get away with it.”
Yu Shuli’s eyes widened suddenly, “How is that possible!”
“Isn’t Dong Siwen the most favored child of that lord?”
Yu Shuli thought for a while, “Lord Dong is usually busy with government affairs, and has never been very strict with Dong Siwen…” He said dully, “I wouldn’t have thought of it if you didn’t say it, but now that I think about it, it does seem like he doesn’t value him very much…”
He thought for a while, and retorted, “But it shouldn’t be to that extent…” No father would harm his own son…
Wei Yan sneered, “You said he dotes on his concubines and neglects his wife, so it’s only natural to hate the children of the first wife, right?”
“But when he was at home, he treated me fairly normally, and I didn’t see him treat Siwen harshly.”
Seeing that Yu Shuli still looked incredulous, Wei Yan said calmly, “Dong Lingqing is a member of the Third Prince’s party.”
As soon as he said this, Yu Shuli was struck like a club to the head.
He carefully considered what Wei Yan had said earlier and asked, “So… Dong Lingqing’s sons…”
Seeing Yu Shuli’s body trembling slightly, Wei Yan helped him complete the sentence, “They should be doing the business of reselling Five Stone Powder.”
“So… Dong Siwen was framed and deceived into going to the theater because he was on good terms with me?”
Wei Yan nodded, “Killing two birds with one stone, it can both harm the Second Prince and drag you down.”
“Then Dong Siwen was detained to suppress me?”
“Yes.”
No wonder… no wonder the Third Prince was so calm and collected, hiding safely, it turned out that he was prepared long ago.
He had planted such a terrifying insider by his side long ago.
If Wei Yan hadn’t discovered it, Yu Shuli would never have known it himself.
If he was careless, he could die without a burial place.
Yu Shuli was frightened for a while.
“But if that’s the case, then why did Dong Lingqing die? Wasn’t he one of the schemers?”
Wei Yan’s pupils flickered, his voice a little apprehensive, “This is what I want to tell you.”
“Dong Lingqing… was killed by me.”
Yu Shuli froze on the spot.
In fact, he had already guessed it. But now that Wei Yan said it himself, it was inevitably difficult to accept.
His throat was dry, “Kill him… why?”
“Ji’an… were you very close to Dong Siwen in Quzhou?” A dim light flashed in Wei Yan’s eyes, the corners of his mouth moved, revealing a trace of bitterness and helplessness, “Do you know that Dong Siwen has a secret?”
“What secret?” Yu Shuli sighed, “After all, no matter what, Dong Lingqing shouldn’t have been killed before everything was investigated clearly… With Dong Lingqing dead, wouldn’t this case become a mystery? Could it be that the Second Prince really takes the blame?”
“Listen to me… I had to kill him, because…” Wei Yan grabbed Yu Shuli’s wrist, his body a little tense, “Because… Dong Siwen… is a woman…”
Yu Shuli’s eyes widened suddenly, his hands trembling. “A woman… a woman…” He suddenly raised his voice.
Wei Yan said earlier… there were also traces of sex on her body… then how much humiliation did she suffer…
Yu Shuli didn’t dare to think about how sad she must be…
But even so, Dong Siwen didn’t mention this in her letters to him… until she completely lost contact a few days ago…
Yu Shuli closed his eyes.
Dong Siwen sincerely regarded him as a friend, she went for him. Those people must have used his affairs as an excuse, or found some reasons, to deceive her!
Dong Lingqing! Even wild beasts don’t devour their own offspring, but he could actually harm his own daughter like this for the sake of power?!
Yu Shuli looked at Wei Yan in a panic and helplessness, “Then… then what should we do? Wei Yan, is Dong Siwen still suffering in their hands?”
Wei Yan just watched him worry about another person, his throat bitter, “Did you know her identity before… at all?”
Yu Shuli nodded in a panic, “Yes… I really didn’t know before… We are food buddies, always eating, drinking, and having fun together in Quzhou. Dong Siwen is easygoing and forthright, and we get along very well, so we became friends after frequent interactions. I never knew she was a woman…”
Wei Yan gave a low “hmm,” not knowing whether he believed it or not.
Yu Shuli couldn’t care about Wei Yan, his heart was very chaotic. “Can we think of a way to rescue Dong Siwen as soon as possible? She will definitely suffer a lot in the hands of those people who eat people without spitting out bones.”
“Ji’an.” Wei Yan’s voice was hoarse, “I… have tried my best to save her.” He was even detained in the Prime Minister’s Residence to save Dong Siwen, and fed so many days of poison. If this body hadn’t been poisoned to the bone long ago, and the drug’s impact hadn’t been that great, he wouldn’t have been able to withstand the poison’s onset these past few days.
The doctor in Quzhou diagnosed him and prescribed medicine every day, continuing his life while waiting for Imperial Physician Yang’s letter to come, but even so, it became more and more unbearable every day.
He did this just because he didn’t want Yu Shuli to be embarrassed and in pain.
He wanted to rescue Dong Siwen earlier than Yu Shuli.
He knew very well that kindness and hatred were the most torturous things. If something happened to Dong Siwen, Yu Shuli could be tormented by remorse and sadness for a lifetime.
Dong Siwen had previously approached him, providing a series of Dong Lingqing’s criminal evidence, and asked him to help her kill her father.
After he heard Dong Lingqing’s evil deeds, he was silent for a long time.
It was only after Dong Siwen revealed her identity that Wei Yan agreed.
He killed Dong Lingqing because he was afraid that Dong Lingqing would use this matter to threaten Yu Shuli in the future, morally kidnap him, and ask him to take responsibility for Dong Siwen. Then, getting involved in a marriage alliance would only make the situation more and more chaotic.
Dong Siwen couldn’t become bait, and Yu Shuli must never bite this hook.
But now, Yu Shuli still knew everything.
According to his personality, it was not difficult to imagine how he would choose.
Wei Yan stopped him in his arms, burying half of his head in Yu Shuli’s neck, almost deceiving himself, “Ji’an, knowing she is a woman, would you like her?”
Yu Shuli pursed his lips tightly, not saying a word, his eyelashes trembling non-stop.
Wei Yan didn’t get an answer, his fingers trembled slightly, and then climbed onto Yu Shuli’s back. “Ji’an, she did this for you. If she also admires you, would you fall in love with her?”
“Wei Yan.” Yu Shuli’s gaze couldn’t fall on anything real, he took a long breath, was silent for a long time, and seemed to make a decision, “I don’t like her.”
But before Wei Yan could breathe a slight sigh of relief, Yu Shuli continued, “But if she needs me to take responsibility for this incident, I will take responsibility.”
Wei Yan’s body trembled violently, his low voice almost squeezed out from between his teeth, “You… how do you want to take responsibility?”
Yu Shuli’s words were light, but sonorous, “I will marry her.”
Wei Yan’s arms tightened, desperately sending his face to him, his eyes red, “Then what about me?”
“You don’t want me anymore, do you?”
“Xianqing,” Yu Shuli knew this was unfair to Wei Yan, but he couldn’t think of a better way, so he could only soften his voice and persuade him, “This is not a simple matter of love. She sacrificed so much for me, and will live in the shadows for most of her life in the future, I’m afraid she can’t live alone. In terms of both sentiment and reason, I can’t be this ungrateful person.”
Wei Yan turned his head, biting the soft flesh in his mouth until it bled.
His voice was a little choked up, but he didn’t look at Yu Shuli, just buried his head heavily behind his shoulder, “Ji’an, I won’t be able to live either.”
Yu Shuli just touched his cheek, a unspeakable helplessness accompanied by guilt turned over in his heart, “Sorry, Xianqing.”
In fact, he couldn’t figure it out himself, when he made the decision to give up Wei Yan, he could be so sad.
The person in his arms was silent. Yu Shuli lowered his eyes to look at him, but he couldn’t see Wei Yan’s face, it was hidden deeply by him, buried in his hair.
In the silent and cold space, even hugs seemed superfluous.
Wei Yan was swallowed by the shadow of grief, unable to extricate himself. He wanted to tell Yu Shuli aggrievedly that he had done no less for him than Dong Siwen, and he had spent half his life, and now he was just hanging on a thread.
Without Yu Shuli, he would have died even faster than Dong Siwen.
But Wei Yan endured it.
He had known long ago that after telling Yu Shuli about Dong Siwen, there would be no end to their relationship.
He would definitely choose Dong Siwen, not himself.
So he had concealed it earlier, endured it, and would rather suffer himself, and wanted to handle this matter silently, and then tell Yu Shuli.
But Yu Shuli was also really stubborn, and Wei Yan also knew that he couldn’t hide it from him.
Thus, it was an up-and-down tumble, struggling to the death, and still got the death sentence warrant.
Wei Yan finally truly lost heart.
His face was as pale as paper, as if all the vitality had been drawn away at this moment. Heavy breathing made the whole air become oppressive and dull.
Yu Shuli hesitated, and couldn’t even say a false word of comfort to coax him.
Wei Yan swallowed the bloody taste in his mouth, and after a long time, finally said in a low voice, “Okay.”
It was… it was giving himself, who had once deceived Yu Shuli’s trust, a fairly decent end.
Having obtained Wei Yan’s approval, Yu Shuli took the opportunity to withdraw from Wei Yan’s arms, stood aside, and kept his distance from him. He didn’t dare to look at Wei Yan, just said, “Since that’s the case, then we… will forget that kind of relationship before, and after going back…”
Yu Shuli couldn’t say any more.
But Wei Yan seemed to have recovered, and said lightly, “After going back, let’s divorce.”
Yu Shuli nodded dully.
The topic returned to the two cases again, Wei Yan told Yu Shuli that he had already made a calculation, laid out for a long time, and set up an ambush beside Chou Dongshuo, and now he could finally lure Chou Dongshuo out of the dark and rescue Dong Siwen along the way.
Yu Shuli breathed a sigh of relief after hearing this, and thanked him before leaving.
He knew that Wei Yan was willing to say so much, and he must have the confidence to solve the case, but thinking of the complexity of this case, he was still lingering in fear, “It’s good that the Second Prince hasn’t arrived yet, so even if they borrowed his name, this matter has nothing to do with him…”
“Ji’an.” Wei Yan called him.
Yu Shuli said “Hmm?”
“The Second Prince arrived long ago.” Wei Yan slowly stood up, sighed, “He came, also to ask me for an answer. Now… everything has been settled.”
He smiled back, “The Second Prince should finally be relieved, after all, someone like me… can’t keep anything.”
That smile fell in Yu Shuli’s eyes, but it was a deep loneliness and desolation.
His chest ached, and he almost subconsciously took a step forward, and held Wei Yan’s fingers tightly and pulled him into his arms, then slightly raised his head, and piously sent his warm lips over.
The initial decision to stay away, after all, couldn’t be cruel.
Not knowing whether it was comforting, or painful compensation.