TPATTHU Chapter 56
by VolareXiao Zhinian’s eyes narrowed.
So Zhao Jianji was involved as well. He will surely punish these traitorous scoundrels!
Brother Zhou slapped the head of another servant: “Shhh! Keep your voice down! It’s agreed, I’m only telling this to you alone. If it gets out, both our heads will roll!”
The servant quickly covered his mouth, nodding frantically, “A top secret! I guarantee I won’t breathe a word of it. But if that’s the case, then isn’t Mr. Shen being framed? Everyone in the city is denouncing Mr. Shen as a heartless ingrate. If Governor Yang throws him in jail, won’t he be subjected to torture to extract a confession?”
Brother Zhou sighed, “Mr. Shen is a good man. I’m afraid he’s offended some bigwig. Can’t worry about that now. What business is it of us servants to meddle in our masters’ affairs? Let’s go, let’s go, just finish loading the wine and get out of here. Any later and we’ll get a scolding.”
The two men’s voices faded away with the closing of the door.
At that same moment, in the darkness, a wine jar instantly shattered into pieces, porcelain shards scattering all over the ground, the wine spreading to Xiao Zhinian’s feet.
Shen Zhejiang was actually in jail!
An uncontrollable rage surged in Xiao Zhinian’s chest. He took a deep breath, raising a palm to smash the wine jar beside him, but changed direction in mid-air, instead slapping himself hard across the face.
It was all his fault!
If he hadn’t insisted on leaving Shen Zhejiang behind that day, Yang Shihui wouldn’t have had the opportunity to exploit the situation.
But if he had taken Shen Zhejiang with him, they would have faced assassination, a one-in-ten chance of survival.
No matter how he looked at it, it was a dead end.
Xiao Zhinian gritted his teeth and finally cursed, “Damn it!”
—
The damned Zhao Warden and Yang Shihui were currently raising their cups at the wine table, exchanging toasts, with a full house of guests in an uproar, a scene of the rich indulging in wine and meat.
“Everyone, please listen to me! I’m overjoyed today, thanks to Governor Yang’s brilliant planning and keen insight, who helped me find my only son. I’ve specially prepared these tables of fine wine and delicacies to express my gratitude to Governor Yang for saving my life!”
Warden Zhao, already slightly drunk, swayed as he raised his wine cup, loudly cheering.
The guests all said, “Governor Yang punishes evil and promotes good, acting on behalf of Heaven. He truly deserves to be called the upright and honest official of Luo City! We’re all benefiting from Governor Yang’s benevolence!”
Some people echoed the sentiment, cursing Shen Zhejiang: “Pah! It’s true what they say, ‘You can know a person’s face but not their heart.’ Shen Zhejiang is worse than a beast! He could even harm such a small child!”
Praises rang out, curses followed in succession, creating a scene like a human hell, with whispering devils.
Governor Yang had no choice but to say a few words. He gestured to quiet the increasingly excited voices, and when the commotion gradually subsided, he smiled and said, “Eliminating harm for the people is what this governor should do. You all praise me too much. In a couple of days, once that villain Shen Zhejiang is beheaded, everyone can rest assured and no longer worry about their children going missing! This governor really didn’t expect Warden Zhao to prepare so much food. You’re too kind. Everyone, please don’t be restrained, eat and drink!”
Just then, Daughter Red wine was brought to the table.
Zi Yun, sitting next to Governor Yang, lifted the sleeves of her thin gauze purple dress, revealing a section of slender, white, and tender wrist that seemed to drip with water. Warden Zhao inadvertently glanced over and was immediately captivated, staring intently at those jade hands with fingers like scallions as she picked up the wine pot and poured three cups of wine.
Governor Yang glared at him coldly before averting his gaze.
Zi Yun picked up the first cup and offered it to Governor Yang, sweetly saying, “This cup is to thank Governor Yang. I was rescued by you when I was young, and all that I am today is thanks to your benevolence.”
Governor Yang took the cup, drank it in one gulp, and said, “It’s all your fate and good fortune.”
Just as he was enjoying his drink, they heard the sound of horses’ hooves outside the gate. A brightly dressed child jumped down from the carriage and skipped into the house, looking very cheerful.
“Father! I’m back!”
Zhao Xiao Si shouted as he ran, but when he entered, he was stunned to see so many people inside.
Warden Zhao raised his voice, “Come over here, quickly come and greet Governor Yang.”
Zhao Xiao Si walked over in confusion, bowing to Governor Yang as his father instructed. Then, his eyes shining, he wanted to tell his father about his experiences traveling these days.
“Father! You know what I encountered…”
“A Zhou, the young master is exhausted from these past few days. Take him down to wash off the dust.”
“But I…”
Warden Zhao abruptly interrupted him, “Go now!”
Zhao Xiao Si was led away from the banquet with a bewildered expression.
Back in his room, the servants immediately became lively, some heating water, some bringing clothes, in short, the bustle of the old days returned.
“Young Master has suffered, you must have been very scared these days. Get a good night’s sleep tonight, it’s all over.”
The servant who was pouring water into the bath tub babbled on, looking very distressed.
Zhao Xiao Si gave a cry of surprise. He had only gone out to play for a few days, what suffering had he endured?
After bathing, Zhao Xiao Si returned to his bed. After all, traveling for so many days was tiring, and he soon fell asleep.
In a daze, he was awakened by a strange noise. He opened his eyes and saw a figure standing at the head of his bed.
Zhao Xiao Si was scared half to death, his face terrified. However, before he could even utter a scream, his throat was instantly choked.
“Shut up.”
The uninvited guest was none other than Xiao Zhinian.
Zhao Xiao Si recognized Xiao Zhinian, nodding repeatedly, then pointed at Xiao Zhinian’s hand, signaling him to let go quickly.
Xiao Zhinian’s eyes were fierce as he threatened, “If you dare make a sound, I’ll strangle you.”
To be honest, Xiao Zhinian really wanted to strangle him.
As the saying goes, the son must repay the father’s debts. If it weren’t for Zhao Jianji, Shen Zhejiang wouldn’t have fallen into his current situation.
He still didn’t know Shen Zhejiang’s condition in prison, but Yang Shihui was ruthless and cruel. Shen Zhejiang must be suffering abuse at his hands.
The urgent task was to rescue Shen Zhejiang.
Xiao Zhinian’s eyes grew even deeper, and the strength in his hand unconsciously increased. Zhao Xiao Si felt that he was about to suffocate, like a fish just pulled from the water, constantly thrashing and hitting Xiao Zhinian.
“……”
Forget it, he wouldn’t bother with him for now.
With this thought, Xiao Zhinian suddenly released his grip.