Mo Sang – CH 111

Chapter 111. Actions vs. Words

Gu Xi stormed into the side hall of Ming’an Palace, slamming a thick stack of confessions in front of Gu Jin, slapping them angrily.

“How can there be such a fool in the world! Look at this, look at this!”

Gu Jin reached for the confessions, flipping through them rapidly.

After reading them, Gu Jin pressed one hand firmly on the confessions, his grip trembling slightly.

Gu Xi looked at Gu Jin’s trembling hand, then turned and sat down opposite him.

“Lady Li knows everything?” Gu Jin finally spoke after a long pause.

“She watched as the body was unearthed, then took it away for burial.

She was the first to find the estate outside Dailou Gate; she just did not know these details.” Gu Xi finished speaking, slamming his fist on the low table.

He had only interrogated half of this massacre case when he felt an urge to kill, a frustration so intense he felt like vomiting blood and screaming.

Shen He and his son Shen Mingshu were convinced that Li Sangrou was a spy for the Southern Liang. Taking advantage of Li Sangrou’s absence from Jianle City, they planned to capture Jin Mao’s family, threaten Jin Mao, and extract a confession. This would provide them with irrefutable evidence against the Southern Liang spies.

This was a highly confidential matter, and naturally, Shen He and his son could not trust anyone else; they would rely on their most trusted confidants.

These most trusted confidants were, of course, the servants and attendants who served them closely every day.

These servants and attendants were skilled at serving others, adept at guessing the Emperor’s intentions, and skilled at intimidating others, but they had never actually arrested criminals.

Being arrested in the dead of night terrified them even more than the bewildered Liu family members. They feared the Liu family would scream, break free, and escape. If they ruined the Marquis’s important plans, these servants and attendants would all be doomed.

When they stormed into the Liu family’s house in the dead of night, three to five men grabbed each member, binding and tying them tightly, as if afraid it would not be secure enough. They bound the entire Liu family of five into five human sticks, dragging them all the way to the mansion outside Dailou Gate. By the time they reached the mansion, all five had suffocated to death.

The men who had split to the second group to lure Jin Mao were unaware that the Liu family had already suffocated. They waited until after lunchtime, when they saw Jin Mao emerge. Seizing the opportunity, they used the lives of the five members of the Liu family to lure and capture Jin Mao. Bound and taken to the mansion, when they pushed him into the granary, Jin Mao saw five stiff corpses lying on the ground.

Jin Mao went berserk, snatching a knife from a servant and slashing wildly. Twenty or thirty servants, in terror, beat Jin Mao to death with clubs.

Shen He and his son Shen Mingshu arrived at the mansion excitedly.

Thinking they could finally extract confessions, they were determined to interrogate thoroughly. This time, they were determined to prove the Southern Liang spies’ guilt!

But upon entering the granary, they found a row of dead bodies:

The Liu family of five, Jin Mao with his head split open, four servants stabbed to death by Jin Mao, and seven or eight wounded.

“Six innocent lives; there must be an explanation!” Gu Xi glanced at the stack of confessions and felt a sudden rush of breathlessness and dizziness.

“Anyone in the Marquis of Yongping’s residence involved in this matter will be executed immediately!” Gu Jin gritted his teeth.

“And what about Shen He and his son, who were involved in this matter?” Gu Xi glanced sideways at Gu Jin.

“If I could kill those two idiots, I would have chopped them to pieces ten years ago!” Gu Jin’s hands gripped the kang table so tightly they were almost deformed.

Gu Xi turned his head away.

“Go find Lady Li and explain things to her properly. Also, please say on my behalf: I am sorry for what happened,” Gu Jin continued.

Gu Xi stood up, hummed in agreement, and went straight out of the side hall.

Gu Jin watched Gu Xi leave the hall, then turned his gaze back to the stack of confessions on the kang table. Suddenly, he raised his hand and hurled the table and the stack of confessions away. The table flew and smashed into a plum vase taller than a person.

Gu Xi had just stepped down from the side hall when he heard the sound of the kang table and plum vase shattering. He stopped, stunned for a moment, a wave of bitterness and helplessness washing over him. He dragged his feet and walked forward with his head down.

The five members of the Liu family, along with Jin Mao, and six coffins were all placed in the Liu family courtyard near Baihu Bridge.

Li Sangrou sat on the threshold of the gate, looking at the row of coffins in the courtyard.

Hei Ma squatted before the coffin, tossing handfuls of paper money into the burning basin.

Xiao Lu and Datou, heads bowed, took turns carrying the paper money, untying it, and placing stacks beside Hei Ma.

From the moment Hei Ma saw Jin Mao’s corpse, his eyes were bloodshot, as if he wanted to devour someone.

He squatted there, burning paper money, while Xiao Lu and Datou dared not utter a sound, nor did they want to. Ru-Yi and Bai-Cheng, who had come to help, kept their lips tightly pressed together, remaining silent. If they saw that the paper money was running out, they immediately sent someone to buy more.

Since the two of them did not speak, none of the other servants and attendants who had come with them dared to utter a sound.

Chuantiao held a piece of silk cloth, constantly wiping Jin Mao’s coffin.

When Jin Mao’s coffin was brought in, it was covered in ash. He had been wiping it ever since Jin Mao was laid in it, again and again.

The courtyard was quiet.

A shot’s distance from the Liu family’s courtyard gate, Gu Xi dismounted. He walked to the gate, glanced at Li Sangrou, walked past her, and proceeded to the six coffins. He offered incense to each one before turning back to the gate and looking around.

Ru-Yi hurriedly brought over a small stool.

Gu Xi sat down, following Li Sangrou’s gaze, and turned to look at the row of coffins, sighing.

“Except for Jin Mao, they all passed away quickly, without suffering?” Li Sangrou looked at Gu Xi, her expression and tone calm.

“Yes.” A sense of foreboding welled up in Gu Xi’s heart. “A bunch of fools. Afraid they would shout, they were wrapped up too tightly. They were gone in just a few dozen breaths.”

“A few dozen breaths,” Li Sangrou said very slowly.

“The investigation is complete. Of those involved, twenty servants and attendants served Shen He, and sixteen served Shen Mingshu. Four are already dead. The remaining thirty-two will be executed immediately.” Gu Xi met Li Sangrou’s gaze, then turned his head away.

Li Sangrou gave a cold snort.

“When the Emperor was young, it was during the most fierce struggle for the throne among the princes.

The Emperor had four elder brothers, all of whom died in the battle.

Worthy Consort Shen’s father was the commander of the Emperor’s guards at that time. The struggle for the throne had become so ruthless and unscrupulous that Commander Shen could only trust his own sons and nephews.

Worthy Consort Shen’s father, along with his three elder brothers and one younger brother, all died protecting the Emperor. By the time the late Emperor ascended the throne, the Shen family’s elite had been almost entirely wiped out.

The Marquisate of Yongping was established after the late Emperor’s ascension as a reward for the Shen family’s great service.

Worthy Consort Shen’s own father, brothers, sons, and nephews had all perished in the struggle. The branch of the family of Shen He’s father, sharing the same grandfather as Worthy Consort Shen’s father, was the closest to Worthy Consort Shen. They would inherit the title.”

Gu Xi lowered his eyes, his voice low. “Back then, Shen He and King Rui joined forces and almost killed me, yet the Emperor only executed Shen Yun.”

Li Sangrou turned her head to look at Gu Xi.

Gu Xi met her gaze, forcing a bitter smile. “The Shen clan is small, and its talent is dwindling.

Shen He and his two sons are Worthy Consort Shen’s only relatives, the Second Prince’s only maternal family, and the only ones left in the Shen clan who can still hold on.

Ever since the leak of military secrets, my Elder Brother and the Emperor have decided that they will no longer be involved in political affairs but will simply be kept in luxury and privilege.”

Gu Xi paused slightly, then continued, “From now on, the Shen father and sons will be confined to the Marquis of Yongping’s residence, where they will live out their days in comfort.”

“I understand,” Li Sangrou said, her eyelids slightly lowered. “I understand.”

“You…” Gu Xi looked closely at Li Sangrou, his unease deepening.

“I am fine.” Li Sangrou met Gu Xi’s gaze, her eyes narrowing slightly as she smiled. “I am alright.”

“Those thirty-two people…should we behead them during their funeral procession…” Gu Xi racked his brains for a way to make amends.

“No need. It will dirty the funeral procession. Just find any place to behead them,” Li Sangrou said, standing up. “I’ve been traveling all night; I am tired.”

“Alright.” Gu Xi stood up as well.

Li Sangrou walked up behind Hei Ma and patted him. “Do not burn any more money. They cannot use it all. Go back and get some sleep; we have things to do tomorrow. We need to find a good burial plot.” She then gave a final instruction to Xiao Lu and the other two before turning to leave.

Hei Ma, head bowed, followed silently behind Li Sangrou.

Gu Xi took a few steps, stopped at the threshold, and watched Li Sangrou, head held high, and Hei Ma, head bowed, cross the Baihu Bridge. He sighed, then stepped out, mounted his horse, and rode back.

Li Sangrou followed Hei Ma, and by the time they returned to Chaomi Alley from Baihu Bridge, it was completely dark.

Blind Mi sat on the threshold, slowly singing some song he could not understand. Seeing Li Sangrou, he stood up.

Li Sangrou walked past him, stopping him before he could speak, saying, “I do not want to talk; I am tired.”

Blind Mi swallowed his words and followed her into the main courtyard. He watched Li Sangrou and Hei Ma go into the main house and the side room, respectively. He stood there for a while, then sat on the porch, gazing up at the vast starry sky.

Li Sangrou slept all night. When she came out, Blind Mi was eating a mutton bun. Seeing her, he pointed to a large basket of buns on the table.

Li Sangrou boiled a kettle of water, carried it inside, and then carried a bucket of cold water. She took a bath, tied her still-wet hair up, changed her clothes, and came out to sit next to Blind Mi, taking a bun.

Blind Mi had already brewed a pot of tea, poured a cup, and pushed it towards Li Sangrou.

Hei Ma also got up. Li Sangrou looked at him and instructed, “Go wash up, change your clothes, and come eat.”

Hei Ma hummed in agreement and went to the kitchen to boil water for a bath.

“Yesterday, that Shizi stormed into the Marquis of Yongping’s residence, arrested quite a few people, and interrogated them?” Blind Mi asked, watching Li Sangrou eat two steamed buns and then take another.

“Yes.”

“And what did they say?” Blind Mi leaned forward.

“Those who laid a hand on them are all convicted. Executed.” Li Sangrou lowered her eyes and ate her bun.

“What about those who did not lay a hand on them but only talked?” Blind Mi pressed.

Li Sangrou glanced at him, only eating her bun without speaking.

“Sigh, what are your plans? I told you, people are different!” Blind Mi sighed deeply.

Li Sangrou finished her bun and took another.

“This is not Linhuan County. You do not only have Jin Mao as a brother; you also have Hei Ma, Da Chang, Datou, Chuantiao, and Zhang Mao. You cannot act impulsively!” Blind Mi leaned forward, his expression serious.

“Yes,” Li Sangrou gave a soft “Mmm.”

Hearing Li Sangrou’s “hmm,” Blind Mi let out an undisguised sigh of relief.

Hei Ma, having finished his bath and changed his clothes, came over, squatted down beside Li Sangrou, and stuffed a steamed bun into his mouth.

“Where is Da Chang?” Li Sangrou poured a cup of tea and handed it to Hei Ma.

“He sent a letter at the beginning of the month; judging by the time, he should arrive in the next couple of days.”

“Eat your meal and go greet him,” Li Sangrou continued.

“Alright,” Hei Ma replied in a muffled voice.

Li Sangrou finished eating, drank another cup of tea, and stood up to leave.

“Where are you going?” Blind Mi, carrying his cane, followed behind.

“To see the Marquis of Yongping’s residence,” Li Sangrou said calmly.

“I will go with you!” Blind Mi followed closely behind Li Sangrou.

Upon hearing that Li Sangrou was going to the Marquis of Yongping’s residence, Hei Ma paused for a moment, then grabbed three or four steamed buns with one hand and two or three more with the other, eating as he ran out.

He had to hurry and bring Da Chang back!

Li Sangrou stood with her hands behind her back, opposite the Marquis of Yongping’s residence gate, looking up at the half-open gate and gazing at the imposing structure.

Blind Mi squatted beside her, looking up, his cane tapping from left to right, then from right to left.

An hour later, the rapid sound of approaching hooves grew louder. Gu Xi led the way, followed closely by Wen Shunzhi.

Gu Xi reached Li Sangrou, dismounted, and stood beside her, looking at the Marquis of Yongping’s residence gate.

Wen Shunzhi, leading the guards, advanced along the Marquis of Yongping’s residence wall.

In the middle of the procession, two long-robed civil officials, their hats askew from running, tumbled off their horses in front of the Marquis of Yongping’s mansion gate and trotted up the steps.

Several guards rushed forward, closed the gate, and vigorously plastered it with glue.

The two officials then affixed the gold-lettered seals they carried to the gate.

Watching the seal being affixed, Gu Xi looked at Li Sangrou and said, “Brother requested to issue the decree. From this moment on, the Marquis of Yongping’s mansion is sealed off, except for one side gate, where daily food and drink will be supplied.”

“With the new Emperor’s ascension to the throne and a general amnesty, are people like this included in the amnesty?” Li Sangrou asked, looking at Gu Xi.

Gu Xi remained silent.

Li Sangrou chuckled softly.

“I almost died in Jiangdu City, and the only one who died was Shen Yun, their despised illegitimate son Shen Yun.” After a long while, Gu Xi looked at Li Sangrou and said softly.

“Yes, I know. No matter what, they are Second Prince’s maternal relatives,” Li Sangrou said softly. “I did not intend to do anything; I just came to take a look. Now, I’ve seen enough; I am leaving.”

Li Sangrou turned and walked slowly forward.

Blind Mi hurriedly stood up, tapping his cane haphazardly, and followed Li Sangrou outside.

“This is considered imprisonment, just without high walls,” Blind Mi said quietly, taking a step closer as they turned onto the bustling street.

“It’s imprisonment, but also protection,” Li Sangrou sneered.

“People are different. To be imprisoned like this is only because you are someone important now. Sigh, you have to be open-minded,” Blind Mi sighed.

Ever since he saw the cartload of corpses, his heart had been in his throat, and it still was.

She certainly did not seem ready to let it go.

“I will not act rashly. Go and have your fortune told,” Li Sangrou said, turning towards the Baihu Bridge.

Blind Mi stopped, stared at Li Sangrou for a long while, then tapped his cane haphazardly and headed towards the Weizhou Gate.

He also wanted to meet with Da Chang; perhaps Da Chang could persuade her. Of course, he had to persuade Da Chang first.