Chapter 224: Your presence brings light to my humble dwelling at the justice courts (1/2)
Chapter 224: Your presence brings light to my humble dwelling at the justice courts
Since when had His Highness Duke of Qin ever gone to the justice courts, much less visit someone in jail? The news of Qin Wangfei being imprisoned had already caused a stir. The crown prince was still being treated for his illness, while the emperor had yet to set a crime on the criminals. Everyone was paying close attention to the Duke of Qin’s movements. Unexpectedly, this duke didn’t even bother with the palace, but went straight for the prisons instead.
Official Ouyang of the justice courts was naturally one of Emperor Tianhui’s men, but he didn’t dare slight His Highness Duke of Qin. That man’s tricks and schemes were fine enough to cut his official’s hat into nothing. Between Emperor Tianhui and His Highness Duke of Qin, even a third-rank official like him had to tread carefully as if walking on thin ice. Originally, Han Yunxi and Gu Beiyue had been given common prison cells and treated as ordinary prisoners. Official Ouyang had even prepared the torture chambers and was simply waiting for Emperor Tianhui’s command to start the inquest. But as soon as he heard His Highness Duke of Qin was coming, Official Ouyang firmly relocated each of the pair to clean, comfortable adjacent cells and waited upon them with the best service.
The reason why Long Feiye’s visit to the prison cells was such public news was because he had ordered people to spread the word before his visit. This meant that the justice courts…had to formally receive him.
A carriage bearing the insignia of the Duke of Qin stopped before the gates of the justice courts. Dressed in magnificent robes, Long Feiye stepped on the back of a prostrate servant to descend elegantly from the carriage. His handsome, solitary figure emanated an untouchable aura of nobility. All the doors of the justice courts had been flung open to receive him, while Official Ouyang and the rest were all prostrating themselves before the steps in respect. The grand sight made it impossible for the capital to be ignorant of Long Feiye’s visit to the prisons. What kind of a visit was this? Those who didn’t know any better might assume the Duke of Qin was here to inspect the prisons instead!
Meanwhile, Long Feiye didn’t pay any attention to the display spread out before him. He walked right past Official Ouyang and said coldly, “Still not leading the way?”
“Yes, yes!” Official Ouyang got up immediately to personally lead the way. This was his first time seeing His Highness Duke of Qin up close and personal, but he was too frightened and awestruck to even raise his head. Long Feiye didn’t ask any questions during their trip. But once they reached the prisoners’ cells, he had the misfortune of seeing Han Yunxi plastered to the prison bars as she spoke to Gu Beiyue in low tones. The two looked very intimate. His steps stopped as he wordlessly took in the sight.
Was His Highness Duke of Qin eating vinegar? Did a man whose very existence sent countless women into frenzy need to eat vinegar at all?
Neither Official Ouyang or any of the men by his side grasped the full situation, so none of them dared to speak up. Official Ouyang worked up the courage to lift his head and steal a glance at Long Feiye, but the sight was enough to make him break out in cold sweat. After that, he didn’t dare to lift his head again!
Heaven knows how utterly frigid his face was!
Official Ouyang was beginning to wonder whether his choice of prison cells was the right one after all. In the silence, even the air grew taut with tension. It was only when Han Yunxi inadvertently looked over and noticed them that everyone collectively exhaled. Things might’ve turned serious if she hadn’t. Han Yunxi was surprised. She’d only been moved into this cell this morning, but Long Feiye had shown up in just half a day’s time. She knew that this fellow would take care of the situation quickly even without Zhao mama speaking up, but she never thought he’d make an appearance in person. Just then, she’d been discussing the situation with Gu Beiyue. Short of people from Medicine City showing up to help them out, aid would be difficult.
Long Feiye should know this as well, right?
He was good friends with Medicine City’s Wang Family. It’d be easy for Wang Gong to step forward and seek out Medicine City’s Council of Elders. Naturally, Han Yunxi didn’t tell this part to Gu Beiyue. Currently she was puzzling over why Long Feiye had come here instead of going to the Wangs. Whatever the case, she’d be safe now that he’d arrived. Han Yunxi didn’t manage to hide the pleasant surprise in her eyes as her pupils shone.
“Greetings to Your Highness Duke of Qin,” Gu Beiyue paid his respects with a bow as Han Yunxi murmured in turn.
“Your Highness…”
Long Feiye walked closer wordlessly. Official Ouyang hurried forward to unlock the cell, but Long Feiye had no intentions of going inside. Coldly he asked, “Official Ouyang, who allowed you to unlock the cells of the emperor’s personally convicted criminals without His Majesty’s orders?”
Urk…
Everyone gave a start at these words, even Han Yunxi. She had no idea what he meant. Gu Beiyue stood in the shadows, his expression hidden. But Long Feiye refused to let him rise, so he had to keep his half-bent stance. Official Ouyang couldn’t make heads or tails of the situation, but dutifully retreated.
“Yes, yes, Your Highness’s instruction is apt. This official has neglected his duties.”
Even if Long Feiye wasn’t going inside the jail cells, he couldn’t simply be left standing. Official Ouyang hurriedly ordered someone to bring over a chair so he could sit outside the cells, along with ample tea, snacks, and burning incense. Long Feiye sat down lazily, but he was in no rush to speak. Because of this, Han Yunxi kept quiet too since she had yet to grasp the full picture. This left Official Ouyang extremely anxious.
He was stuck between them!
Just what did His Highness Duke of Qin mean by his actions? Should he tactfully retreat so His Highness Duke of Qin and Qin Wangfei were left to talk alone? Or should he stand by and hear what they had to say?
“Official Ouyang, now that the emperor’s imprisoned the people here, are you the one overseeing their case?” Long Feiye finally spoke up.
“Yes.” Official Ouyang was afraid to reveal too much as he silently cried for help. The Duke of Qin wasn’t here to visit any prisoners, but to interrogate him.
“When will the trial began?” Long Feiye asked next.
This official is waiting for His Majesty’s orders as well.” Official Ouyang really had no idea.
“According to law, is it possible to bail out Qin Wangfei until the trail begins?” Long Feiye asked once more.
So Long Feiye was here to bail her out. This fellow at least possessed some semblance of human warmth. Han Yunxi’s heart eased.