Tang Dynasty: A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls for Li Er at the Start

Chapter 377 There is a Wen Qingtian in Chang'an

"How dare you! How insolent!"

A furious shout suddenly rang out from inside the Cui family mansion in Qinghe. An elderly man dressed in a brocade robe, accompanied by dozens of guards wielding steel knives, rushed out from the side corridors.

The old man had gray hair, but his back was straight. His eyes were wide open as he stared intently at the hundred riders who had stormed into the mansion, his tone full of anger.

"You villains, who gave you the audacity to trespass into the Cui family mansion so brazenly!"

Su Dingfang stepped forward, revealing the gilded waist token with his left hand and placing his right hand on the hilt of his sword. His voice boomed like a bell: "The Hundred Cavalry are ordered to capture the wanted criminal! If you obstruct us, you will be disobeying the imperial decree!"

“General, this old fellow is the steward of the Cui family, named Cui Sangu. He is from a collateral branch of the Cui family and has quite a bit of influence in the household.”

Dugu Chen leaned close to Su Dingfang's ear and whispered the introduction. Su Dingfang's hearing wasn't exactly top-notch to begin with, and the noise from the mansion further distracted him, causing him to mishear the words.

"Cui Sangu? How could a perfectly healthy man choose such a girlish name?"

Dugu Chen raised an eyebrow, pursed his lips, thought for a moment and decided not to explain further.

"My name is Sangu! This name was bestowed upon me by Lord Cui himself. How dare you, a mere brat, insult me ​​like this!"

Cui Sangu was already furious, and when he heard Su Dingfang misinterpret his name, he became even more enraged, trembling with anger, and pointed at Su Dingfang while cursing loudly.

"How dare they cause trouble at the Cui residence! They truly don't know their own limitations!"

"presumptuous!"

Su Dingfang suddenly shouted, his eyes revealing a murderous aura.

"I am a General of the Imperial Guard appointed by the court, acting on imperial orders! How dare you, a mere servant, question me?"

He suddenly drew his sword, the blade gleaming coldly in the torchlight.

"All cavalry, heed my command!"

"Yes!" Hundreds of riders rushed into the mansion and responded in unison. Their voices shook the lanterns under the eaves, and the swishing sounds of swords being drawn filled the air as they instantly surrounded Cui Sangu and his guards.

"Take down all of these people who are obstructing official duties!"

At Su Dingfang's command, the hundred riders immediately prepared to advance.

"I'll see who dares!"

Just then, a loud but powerful shout came from the backyard.

Following the sound, everyone looked and saw an elderly man in a dark scholar's robe leading a dozen clansmen in long robes, hurrying towards the front yard.

The old man had a gaunt face and a long, white beard; he was none other than Cui Yushu, the current head of the Cui family of Qinghe.

Behind him, Cui Wei hung his head, his face full of anger.

Cui Yushu glared angrily at the Hundred Riders, but not a single one of them stopped after he finished speaking.

Having given the order, the cavalry knew only to obey and would not back down because of the obstruction of a gentry family head. Several cavalrymen charged forward, brandishing their swords and directly attacking Cui Sangu and his guards.

Seeing this, the guards also became enraged. They immediately drew their steel knives and shouted, "Anyone who dares to touch the Cui family will have to get past us first!"

Most of these guards were Cui's servants, true assassins.

These men were truly willing to fight to the death against the Hundred Riders.

"Great! It's really great!"

A cold laugh suddenly came from the doorway, and Li Daozong and Wen He led the remaining hundred riders in.

The newly arrived hundred riders quickly dispersed, surrounding the entire front yard. The torchlight illuminated the courtyard as if it were daytime, making even the blue bricks on the ground clearly visible.

Li Daozong reined in his horse, his gaze sweeping over the guards wielding steel knives, his tone full of mockery.

"How dare the Cui family's guards confront a hundred cavalrymen with swords? Are they plotting a rebellion?"

When Cui Yushu and his grandson Cui Wei looked up and saw Li Daozong and Wen He, their expressions changed drastically.

"Li Daozong, Wen He!"

Cui Yushu suppressed her panic and shouted through gritted teeth, her tone still carrying a hint of defiance.

"Insolence!" Li Daozong immediately snorted coldly, and lashed his riding whip at the ground with a crisp "crack," startling everyone in the Cui family.

He pointed at Cui Yushu and questioned him sternly: "You are just a commoner, without official rank or title, yet you dare to address me and the Count of Gaoyang by our given names! Such disrespect for hierarchy and contempt for the royal family, the Cui family is indeed audacious and plotting a rebellion!"

These words struck Cui Yushu like a heavy hammer blow.

Cui Yushu's wrinkled face trembled violently a few times. His withered fingers gripped his cane tightly, and he slammed the cane head down heavily on the bluestone slab with a dull thud that made everyone around him tense up.

"Go back!"

His voice was hoarse like sandpaper, yet it carried an undeniable authority, and his cold shout pierced through the noise in the courtyard.

Upon hearing this, the guards who were confronting the 100 riders with their swords drawn were stunned for a moment. Then they exchanged glances, slowly sheathed their steel swords, lowered their heads, and retreated to the side corridors. However, their eyes were still full of resentment and vigilance as they looked at the 100 riders.

Cui Yushu slowly raised his head, his cloudy eyes seemingly spitting fire as he stared intently at Li Daozong and Wen He.

“The Cui family has been loyal to the emperor and loved the country since our ancestors, and has never had the slightest disloyalty! Prince Rencheng keeps talking about treason and slanders my Qinghe Cui family like this. Do you think that my Cui family has no one to bully us at will?”

Since the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the Cui family of Qinghe has been the most prominent aristocratic family in the country. Even during the change of dynasties, no one has ever dared to storm the mansion with weapons, and no one has ever dared to pin the charge of treason on them.

What happened today is not only a humiliation to the Cui family, but also a trampling on the dignity of the entire Five Clans and Seven Families.

His chest heaved violently, and his white beard trembled slightly, clearly indicating that he was extremely angry.

"Tonight, a hundred riders have come in such great force to break into my Cui residence and arrest people. Could it be that His Majesty intends to use this incident to eliminate the Five Clans and Seven Noble Families and make an enemy of all the gentry in the world?"

Cui Yushu asked in a low voice, almost word by word.

His gaze passed over Wen He and Li Daozong, as if piercing through the night, and looked directly at the emperor in the Taiji Hall.

Rather than questioning the two men before him, it would be more accurate to say that he was testing Li Shimin's true intentions.

If the emperor were to truly take action against the aristocratic families, it would not be a matter for the Cui family alone, but a catastrophe for all the aristocratic families in the world.

Upon hearing this, Li Daozong was about to retort when Wen He raised her hand to stop him.

The boy rode his pony forward a step, a faint smile on his face. He waved his hand, signaling the hundred riders in the front row to step back, and his tone softened.

"Why is Lord Cui so angry? We have come here tonight not to offend the century-old reputation of the Cui family of Qinghe, but because there are corrupt officials within the Cui family who have committed acts that violate the law. His Majesty is worried that if this matter is spread, it will ruin the Cui family's thousand-year-old reputation. That is why he ordered me to lead a hundred cavalrymen to arrest the criminal and clear the Cui family's name."

These words sounded rather grand, but they also made it difficult for Cui to refute them later.

Upon hearing this, Cui Yushu glanced at Cui Wei behind him out of the corner of his eye without making a sound, then a cold smile appeared on his lips, his tone tinged with disdain.

"The Cui family has a thousand-year-old tradition, and its members have always upheld the values ​​of farming and scholarship, adhering to the rules of propriety. How could there be any corrupt officials among them? Nor would there be any criminals! The magistrate of Gaoyang County is probably in the wrong place and has arrested the wrong person for his claim."

He was certain that Wen He had no solid evidence, and as long as he stubbornly refused to admit it, even if the hundred cavalrymen were numerous and powerful, they would not dare to actually take action against the direct descendants of the Cui family.

After all, the Cui family was involved with the entire aristocratic community, and the court had to consider public opinion.

"Oh? Are you sure that no one in the Cui family has committed any crimes?"

Wen He raised an eyebrow, her tone playful, before abruptly changing the subject.

"Does Master Cui know this man, Mo Anshan?"

Mo'an Mountain

The moment the three words left his mouth, Cui Yushu's eyes narrowed sharply, his pupils constricted instantly, and his grip on his cane tightened involuntarily, his knuckles turning white.

He subconsciously turned around to look at Cui Wei behind him, and happened to see the undisguised shock on Cui Wei's face.

The boy's mouth was slightly open, and his eyes were filled with panic. He had clearly not expected Wen He to suddenly mention this name.

Seeing this, Cui Yushu's heart skipped a beat, and he instantly understood a few things. He suppressed his panic, tried his best to remain calm, and slowly spoke.

"A few years ago, this man did indeed serve as a guest advisor in the Cui family, helping to manage some of the family's land accounts. But that is all in the past. Since he left the Cui family, the old man and the Cui family have had no further dealings with him."

He deliberately emphasized "old matters" and "no connection" in order to completely sever ties between the Cui family and Mo Anshan, so as to avoid being implicated.

"That's weird."

Wen He frowned, feigning confusion, then suddenly seemed to remember something and exclaimed in realization.

"When I captured Mo Anshan at the gambling den outside the city, this Mr. Mo himself said that he was instructed by a man named Cui Wei to run the gambling den and traffic women and children. If I remember correctly, Cui Wei should be the grandson of Lord Cui, right?"

At the end, he emphasized the words "direct grandson," staring intently at Cui Wei with a tone full of sarcasm.

"I never expected that the son of the family who was supposed to be a scholar and farmer would do such a heinous thing. It seems that this grandson sometimes really does things that are not human."

"you!"

Cui Wei could no longer hold back. He suddenly stood up from behind Cui Yushu, pointed at Wen He, his face flushed red, and was about to retort angrily.

But before he could finish speaking, Cui Yushu stopped him. The old man held his arm firmly and scolded him in a low voice.

"Zitai, don't act rashly!"

He knew that Cui Wei was impatient, and if he were to speak now, he might say more things he shouldn't, which would only give others something to criticize.

"Father! This Wen He is going too far! He is clearly slandering me on purpose!"

Cui Wei gritted his teeth, glaring angrily at Wen He, his eyes filled with resentment.

He never expected that Mo Anshan would betray him, and he certainly didn't expect Wen He to arrive so quickly, without giving him any time to prepare.

Seeing Cui Wei's exasperated expression, Wen He's smile deepened.

"This must be Cui Dalang, Cui Wei, right? Since you're here too, why don't you come with us back to the Hundred Cavalry Camp and clarify what Mo Anshan said? If there's any misunderstanding, I will naturally clear your name, so as to avoid any unnecessary trouble and damage to the Cui family's reputation."

He spoke politely, but the coercive intent in his tone was unmistakable.

No matter what, we must take Cui Wei away today.

Li Daozong, who had been unable to contain himself any longer, was even more furious when he recalled how Li Daoxing had been lured to the gambling den and almost gotten involved in a human trafficking case. He immediately started cursing loudly.

"You fool who doesn't know what's good for you! A hundred cavalrymen are ordered to arrest people, and you still dare to argue! Did you send Mo Anshan to lure my brother to the gambling den? Did you ask him to hide those abducted women and children? If you hadn't instigated him, how could my brother have done such a foolish thing!"

Finally, he added, "My brother is such a good person; it's all people like you who have corrupted him."

amount……

Seeing his expression, Wen He was speechless.

That Li Daoxing isn't a good person either.

He grew angrier as he spoke, and with a sharp crack, he lashed his riding whip into the ground, startling everyone in the Cui household.

Cui Wei trembled as Li Daozong scolded him, but he still stubbornly continued to refute him.

"Nonsense! I don't know Mo Anshan at all, let alone any gambling dens or human trafficking! Mo Anshan must be trying to escape punishment by deliberately framing my Cui family!"

"do not know?"

Wen He shook her head with feigned regret, her tone full of remorse.

"This Mr. Mo is quite loyal to you. When I interrogated him, he was very stubborn at first, but he couldn't hold back and confessed to you until I used some tricks. But you, on the other hand, turned around and said you didn't know him. That's too heartless."

He paused, then added casually.

"To be honest, I never expected that you, a member of a noble family, would dare to traffic women and children. The youngest of those trafficked children was only three years old. When they were crying for their parents, didn't you feel even a little bit guilty?"

"nonsense!"

Startled by what he was said, Cui Wei blurted out the answer in a moment of panic.

"This was clearly something Mo Anshan did himself; I just let him use it as an excuse..."

The words were on the tip of his tongue when he suddenly realized he had let something slip. He abruptly shut his mouth, his face turning deathly pale. He looked at Cui Yushu in a panic, his eyes filled with pleading for help.

A glint flashed in Wen He's eyes, and she immediately pressed for an answer.

"Borrow what? You'd better explain clearly, what do you want him to borrow?"

He took a step closer, his voice suddenly turning cold, each word clear and distinct.

"Could it be that you're using those privately run gambling dens and the beautiful women you've lured from the south to win over the imperial family and nobles in Chang'an, paving the way for your Cui family and consolidating your status as an aristocratic clan?"

"Tsk, tsk."

Wen He shook her head, deliberately showing a disdainful expression.

"I never imagined that the Cui family of Qinghe, which has a thousand-year-old tradition and prides itself on 'passing down virtue,' would resort to such despicable means of currying favor with the powerful and trampling on the law. If this gets out, how will the world view the Cui family's 'thousand-year-old reputation'?"

These words were like a sharp blade, piercing Cui Yushu's heart.

The old man's face grew increasingly pale, his hands clenched into fists, his knuckles turning white.

He wasn't angry that Cui Wei had done something shady.

Such unsavory practices are not uncommon among wealthy and powerful families.

He was angry at Wen He's aggressive attitude, but even more angry at Cui Wei's stupidity. He had been caught with such a big handle and had let it slip in public, making the Cui family lose face completely.

Cui Yushu took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, knowing that arguing was useless at this moment and that she could only compromise.

“There must be a misunderstanding. Cui is willing to cooperate with the investigation and will give His Majesty an explanation in the future. I ask that the County Magistrate of Gaoyang and the Prince of Rencheng leave today so that I may interrogate Cui Wei and, after finding out the truth, report to the court.”

He thought that such a compromise had already given the court enough face and preserved the Cui family's dignity, but he did not expect Wen He to shake her head directly and refuse decisively.

"No! Cui Wei must come back to the Hundred Cavalry Camp with me today! We have both witnesses and physical evidence. Only by having him confront Mo Anshan can we find out the truth. If we leave him at the Cui residence today, what if someone colludes to give a false testimony or destroys evidence? How can I explain this to His Majesty? How can I explain this to the families of those abducted women and children?"

Cui Yushu's face darkened completely, and her tone became threatening.

"Is the magistrate of Gaoyang County determined to slap the face of the Cui family of Qinghe and break ties with my Cui family? You should think carefully. Forcibly taking Cui Wei away would be to make an enemy of all the gentry in the world!"

He knew that his biggest bargaining chip was the power of the aristocratic families. As long as Wen He still cared about the reaction of the aristocratic families, he wouldn't dare to really do anything to Cui Wei.

Upon hearing this, Wen He suddenly laughed, her laughter filled with disdain.

"To make enemies of all the gentry in the world? Lord Cui thinks too highly of himself. The world now belongs to His Majesty, not to your gentry, much less to your Qinghe Cui clan."

He raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the Cui clan members in the courtyard, his voice suddenly rising, carrying the sharpness and determination unique to a young man.

"I am here today to arrest people by imperial decree. I will only consider the law, not family background. Let alone the Cui family of Qinghe, even if they are imperial relatives, they will be arrested if they break the law! So what if we slap the Cui family in the face? Does the Cui family dare to defy the imperial decree and rebel?"

These words were powerful and resounding, instantly plunging the courtyard into a deathly silence.

It would be perfect if there were background music playing at this moment.

In Chang'an, there lived a wise and upright official named Wen, who was impartial and incorruptible in distinguishing between loyalty and treachery. (Clang, clang, clang...)

Su Lie Daozong is by my side!
Unfortunately, he didn't have a dark face, nor did he have a crescent moon on his forehead.

There were no three guillotines either.

Fortunately, he had hundreds of riders with him.

Cui Yushu was speechless, her face turning pale and then red.

He hadn't expected Wen He to be so tough, showing no fear of escalating the conflict.

Li Daozong listened from the side and nodded to himself, his appreciation for Wen He growing even stronger.

This little kid is not only courageous, but also shrewd; with just a few words, he put Cui Yushu in a dilemma.

He does have some of the charisma I had back in the day.

It's just that Wen He doesn't know what he's thinking right now, otherwise she would definitely scold him for being shameless.

Thinking of Li Daoxing's matter, his gaze toward Cui Wei grew even colder. If Wen He hadn't stopped him, he would have really wanted to go up and give the kid a few lashes himself.

Standing behind Cui Yushu, Cui Wei watched Wen He's fearless demeanor, and his fear grew deeper and deeper.

He knew that if he were taken away today, he would never leave the Hundred Riders again.

He instinctively stepped back, trying to hide behind his clansmen, but Wen He's gaze was fixed on him, and he didn't dare to move.

"What? Cui Dalang wants to escape?" Wen He sneered and gave an order to the hundred riders behind him.

"Guards! Seize Cui Wei! Anyone who obstructs him will be punished for disobeying an imperial order!"

"Yes!"

The hundred riders responded in unison and were about to advance. Seeing this, Cui Yushu panicked and suddenly stepped in front of Cui Wei, saying to Wen He.

"Young Master Gaoyang! Always leave room for maneuver, so you can meet again in the future! If you give the Cui family face today, they will surely repay you handsomely in the future!"

"Face?" Wen He scoffed.

"The Cui family's reputation was completely ruined when you allowed your sons to deceive members of the imperial family and abduct women and children! I'm giving you face today, but who will give face to those abducted women and children who suffered injustice? Where will the dignity of the Tang Dynasty's laws be placed?"

He gave Cui Yushu no further chance to explain and ordered the 100 riders again: "Attack!"

The guards of the Cui family tried to step forward, but Wen He shouted angrily.

"Archers, step forward! Anyone who dares to resist today will be punished for treason!"

"Shh!"

A hundred riders carrying crossbows suddenly stepped forward, drawing their bows and nocking arrows. Upon seeing this, Cui Yushu's eyes widened in astonishment.

She's gone mad! Wen He is absolutely insane!
He didn't believe Wen He would actually dare to order the arrows to be fired.

"How dare you!" Cui Yushu shouted.

Wen He looked at him with a resolute expression.

"You see if I dare!"

If you're so capable, then go ahead and gamble.

Anyway, even if they are killed, they will only be exiled.

It's just going to the sandbar.

It would be good to wait for Tang Sanzang for three years and then go to India with him.

"Go back!"

Cui Yushu ultimately dared not gamble.

Wen He had previously broken into the Zheng family mansion and killed people.

This boy is an incomprehensible madman.

He was unwilling to risk his own life and that of his people.

As for the grandson...

He has five sons and more than a dozen grandsons.

"Father, Father!"

Cui Wei was surprised that his father would dismiss the guards so easily.

Two riders immediately stepped forward, bypassed Cui Yushu, and grabbed Cui Wei's arm.

Cui Wei struggled desperately, shouting, "Father! Save me! I don't want to go with them!"

Cui Yushu looked at her grandson being dragged along, her heart filled with anxiety and anger, yet she was helpless.

He knew that what had happened today was irreversible, and any further obstruction would only put the Cui family in an even more dangerous situation.

He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and when he opened them again, all that remained in his eyes was exhaustion and resentment.

"Wen He,"

He looked at the boy's retreating figure and said in a hoarse voice.

"Everything you have done to the Cui family today, the Cui family will definitely take back in the future!"

Wen He paused, turned back to look at him, and smiled faintly: "I'll wait, but Lord Cui should first take care of his grandson and think about how to explain today's events to His Majesty."

"By the way, I remember that Lord Cui has quite a few grandsons, and it seems that a few of them will be participating in the imperial examinations this year. What a coincidence, I am the deputy examiner for this year's imperial examinations."

Wen He didn't say anything, but it was as if she said everything.

Cui Yushu looked at him, her face ashen.

Having said that, he did not linger and led a hundred riders to escort Cui Wei out of the mansion.

Li Daozong followed closely behind, and when he passed by Cui Yushu, he deliberately stopped, patted him on the shoulder, and spoke with a tone full of sarcasm.

"Master Cui, is this what they call passing down the family tradition of farming and studying? It seems that even the gentry are nothing more than this."

Cui Yushu stared at him, her facial muscles twitching uncontrollably.

at this time.

As Wen He walked to the door, he looked up at the plaque above his head that read "Qinghe Cui Family".

Suddenly, a cold laugh rang out.

"Trafficking women and children, running gambling dens—this is what they call the gentry? In my opinion, they are nothing but a bunch of rotten mud that has defiled their ancestors."

“You aristocratic families have no shame.”

These two sounds clearly reached Cui Yushu's ears.

He trembled uncontrollably and suddenly opened his mouth.

With a "pfft," a mouthful of blood spurted from his mouth.

"Manager, manager!"

……

"Wen He! Wen He!"

"Wen He, get over here right now!"

Deep within the Hundred Cavalry Camp, in that dark and damp prison cell.

A series of angry and resentful roars echoed through the cold iron bars of the bars of the cells, resounding in the empty prison corridors like the cries of trapped beasts, breaking the deathly silence of the night.

The hundred guards stationed at the entrance to the prison area were already feeling frustrated and irritated by the long and tedious duty.

The incessant shouting only fueled his growing irritation. He impatiently rubbed his ears, muttering obscene words, and gripped the gleaming water-and-fire stick in his hand. With heavy, hurried steps, he strode toward the cell where the noise was loudest and most intense.

With each step, the soles of the boots struck the cold stone slabs, producing a dull yet clear "thump-thump" sound, adding to the oppressive atmosphere in this silent and gloomy prison area.

"boom!"

In the blink of an eye, the guard arrived in front of the cell, his water-and-fire stick slamming heavily against the iron door with a deafening crash.

The screaming that was taking place inside the cell was abruptly interrupted.

Inside the prison cell, several young men dressed in tattered long gowns were huddled in a corner that reeked of decay.

Their hair was disheveled, like clumps of tangled withered grass, and their faces were covered in grime. Their former glamour and spirit had long since vanished.

The once finely crafted and exquisitely made clothes are now covered in stains and emit a nauseating, sour smell, blending into the filthy environment of the prison cell.

The men who had been shouting just moments before were startled by the sudden loud noise. Like frightened quails, they instinctively curled up even tighter, staring intently at the menacing guards outside the cell with eyes filled with fear yet also with a hint of stubborn defiance.

"Is it over yet?"

The guard yelled, his voice filled with undisguised annoyance and ferocity.

"You've been howling from morning till night, aren't you tired of it? I'm getting sick of it! If you dare to yell again, I'll teach you a lesson and show you what's what!"

"You vile servant! You despicable servant who abuses your power!"

In the corner, a figure suddenly struggled to his feet; it was Chu Suiliang.

His disheveled hair flew wildly, almost obscuring most of his face, leaving only a pair of bloodshot eyes filled with anger and humiliation visible.

With all his might, he pointed his trembling finger through the iron bars at the guards outside the cell. His voice was hoarse with anger and the torment of the past few days, yet he still tried his best to maintain the usual arrogance of a scholar from the Hongwen Academy.

"We are learned scholars from the Hongwen Academy, nurtured by the imperial court, studying classics and history to assist the emperor and educate the people! You are just a lowly jailer, how dare you treat us like this? Quickly summon that brat Wen He! Let him come to me, I want to ask him why he has imprisoned us here without cause!"

Just a few days ago, Chu Suiliang was full of vigor and ambition in the Hongwen Hall.

At that time, as the head of the academy, he was surrounded by a group of talented people. They talked and discussed good strategies for governing the country and practical knowledge. Their demeanor showed the style of a scion of a noble family and the demeanor of a rising star in the court.

But now, just because of that accident at the examination hall, he was captured on the spot by Wen He's hundred cavalry and imprisoned in this dark and sunless cell.

Eating, drinking, and relieving oneself all take place in this cramped, filthy little space.

In just a few days, he was dragged down from the clouds and thrown into the mud, his most basic dignity and self-respect trampled to pieces.

This enormous disparity was more unbearable for him than any form of torture, and the resentment and bitterness in his heart burned like a raging fire.

Upon hearing Chu Suiliang's curses, the guard showed no fear whatsoever. Instead, it was as if he had heard the most ridiculous joke in the world, and a cold, mocking smile appeared on his face.

He raised the fire-and-water stick high again and pounded it forcefully against the iron gate.

"Bang bang bang".

The violent impact echoed in the cell, making everyone's ears ring and almost causing them to lose their hearing.

"What kind of scholar from the Hongwen Academy does he think he is?

"Young master is busy, how could he have time to deal with you troublemakers? Once you're in the Hundred Cavalry, shut your mouths and stay put! If you dare to say another word, you can forget about your food today, and see if you still have the energy to shout here!"

The violent collision startled the prisoners, sending shivers down their spines once more.

Chu Suiliang was speechless for a moment, choked by the guard's fierceness. He could only grit his teeth, his cheeks puffed up with anger, his hands clenched into fists, his nails digging deep into his palms, leaving crimson crescent marks, yet he felt no pain at all.

"The owner..."

The scholar could no longer bear the immense psychological pressure. His voice trembled with obvious sobs, and he slumped to the ground, his eyes vacant and filled with despair.

"What should we do? We've been imprisoned here for so long, why haven't the officials in the court come to rescue us? Have they... have they forgotten about us and left us to fend for ourselves here?"

His words, choked with sobs, were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating ripples.

Another scholar couldn't hold back any longer. He covered his face with his hands, his shoulders trembling violently, and he let out a suppressed sob.

"Father, I want to go home..."

Despair and fear spread rapidly like a plague within the small prison cell.

More and more scholars had reddened their eyes, some sobbing softly, tears streaming uncontrollably down their cheeks and dripping onto the dirty ground.

Some screamed at the barred bars of the bars, trying to vent their endless grievances and resentment.

These pampered and self-important scions of noble families had never suffered such hardship. Now, trapped in this dark and sunless prison, with no glimmer of hope in sight, their mental defenses gradually crumbled under the daily torment. Their former composure and integrity had vanished without a trace.

"That's enough! Shut up, everyone!"

Chu Suiliang roared suddenly, his voice sharp and piercing with excitement, echoing throughout the cell. Looking at his distraught colleagues, who were like frightened birds, he felt both angry and anxious, yet deeply powerless.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his turbulent emotions and make his voice sound more composed.

"Today is the grand court assembly. His Majesty will surely learn of our grievances and will surely uphold justice for us! Let's be patient and hold on a little longer. Soon someone will come to rescue us!"

Despite this, Chu Suiliang himself was not confident and was full of doubts.

Three full days have passed since they were arrested. During this time, the area outside the cell has been eerily quiet except for the occasional shouts and footsteps from the guards. There has been no news from the imperial court, nor has a single official come to inquire about their situation.

It was well past midnight, and the grand assembly should have ended long ago, but the area outside the prison remained deathly silent, with no sign of their release.

He dragged his heavy and weary body slowly to the iron window and looked out at the pitch-black night sky through the narrow gap.

"It's quite lively."

Suddenly, a boy's voice, tinged with disdain, came from the end of the prison corridor, piercing the oppressive air and interrupting the desperate whispers within the cells.

Chu Suiliang and the others in the prison were suddenly startled. Before they could react, they heard a piercing creaking sound.

The prison door, which had been locked for many days, was suddenly opened from the outside. In an instant, a glimmer of hope ignited in everyone's eyes. They struggled to their feet and subconsciously straightened their tattered robes, even though their clothes were already covered in filth, trying to maintain a last shred of dignity in front of the newcomer.

"Are you here to save us?"

Some people couldn't help but murmur softly, their voices full of anticipation.

However, the next second they heard a flippant voice, which shattered their illusions completely.

"So this is the Hundred Riders' prison. It doesn't look very nice. There's not even any decent furnishings."

The smile that had just appeared on Chu Suiliang's face instantly froze, like a block of ice.

He suddenly looked up and peered through the crack in the cell door. He saw Wen He standing at the door with his arms crossed, a half-smile playing on his lips, his eyes full of mockery.

Beside Wen He, Cui Wei, who was being carried by two riders, saw the scene in the prison cell and thought about his own situation. His eyes turned red and he roared at Wen He.

"Wen He! You'll die a horrible death!"

He struggled to lunge at Wen He, but was held down by the Hundred Riders, leaving him only able to curse angrily.

"You framed a loyal official and abused your power! I am a direct descendant of the Cui family of Qinghe, and my grandfather was Cui Yushu! How dare you treat me like this? My Cui family will tear you to pieces and make you pay for what you have done today!"

"Snapped!"

A crisp slap suddenly rang out, interrupting Cui Wei's clamor.

He covered his instantly flushed cheeks, staggered back a step, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, and stared at Wen He in disbelief.

Wen He withdrew her hand, her eyes suddenly turning cold, her tone filled with a chilling coldness.

"If you dare mention the 'Cui family' again, or utter another arrogant word, I will cut your tongue out and leave you speechless forever!"

As soon as he finished speaking, his gaze suddenly swept to the other side of the corridor, and he shouted at the figure standing in the shadows.

"Prince Rencheng, what are you doing standing there? Are you trying to eavesdrop?"

Only then did everyone realize that Li Daozong had also arrived, leaning against a pillar, playing with a riding whip in his hand, looking at them with a half-smile.

Upon hearing Wen He's words, he smiled and stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over Cui Wei and Chu Suiliang and the others in the prison cell before suddenly becoming interested.

"I heard that the top students of Hongwen Academy are all locked up here, so I came to join in the fun."

"So, you're not planning to lock Cui Wei up with them?"

Li Daozong asked in astonishment.

He realized that Wen He had a wicked sense of humor.

The sons of the five prominent families and seven prestigious clans have always been arrogant and thought that the scholars of the Hongwen Academy were merely relying on the influence of their fathers.

The scholars of the Hongwen Academy also looked down on the sons of aristocratic families, believing that they were merely descendants of their ancestors' glory. When the two sides met in Chang'an, they always exchanged sarcastic remarks and refused to give way to each other.

In short, it's just a bunch of rich kids fighting like dogs.

Wen He raised an eyebrow without speaking, but did not object. She pointed to the cell where Chu Suiliang was located and gave orders to the Hundred Riders beside her.

"Send him in."

Cui Wei was terrified by Wen He's slap earlier and dared not shout anymore. He could only grit his teeth and glare at Wen He with resentful eyes as he was dragged into the cell by two riders.

As soon as he entered the prison, he tripped over a stain on the ground and stumbled. When he looked up, he met the complicated gazes of Chu Suiliang and the others.

There was disgust, contempt, and a touch of awkward sympathy.

Only then did Chu Suiliang and the others in the prison fully understand.

The people who came were not there to save them at all, but rather Wen He, that wicked star, and Li Daozong.

Li Daozong followed them into the cell. As soon as he took a step, a stench mixed with sourness and sweat hit him. He frowned sharply, took a step back in disgust, and covered his nose, shouting.

"What's going on in this cell? Who peed or spit in their pants? It stinks so badly, it's practically making my nose fall out!"

These words struck the hearts of the scholars at the Hongwen Academy like a heavy hammer.

Those who had just held onto a sliver of hope felt something shatter in their hearts with a "crack".

Snap! It turned out that their last bit of pitiful dignity had been crushed to pieces.

Some people lowered their heads in shame, while others clenched their fists, but they didn't even have the strength to refute.

Chu Suiliang took a deep breath, suppressing the humiliation in his heart, stepped forward, and bowed to Li Daozong: "I am Chu Suiliang, greetings to the Prince of Rencheng."

The moment he moved, the stench emanating from him became even more pronounced, causing even he to frown.

Li Daozong immediately took two steps back, waved his hand, and said impatiently, "Alright, alright, don't come near me. I came here out of kindness and want to tell you something."

He paused, looked at Chu Suiliang's pale face, and his tone suddenly turned somber.

"Your father, Chu Ximing, suddenly fell ill with a strange wind today and is now paralyzed in bed, unable to even speak. The imperial physician says it's uncertain whether he will wake up. I advise you to honestly confess your guilt and cooperate fully with Young Master Wen's investigation. Perhaps His Majesty will show mercy and allow you to go back and take care of him for a few days, so you won't miss his last moments."

"boom!"

These words struck Chu Suiliang like a bolt from the blue.

His eyes widened suddenly, the color draining from his face instantly. He froze on the spot as if struck by lightning, his ears ringing. He didn't hear a single word Li Daozong said after that.

"Father...is paralyzed?"

He muttered to himself, his voice so faint it was like a mosquito's buzz, his eyes filled with despair and disbelief.

Did Chu Liang suffer a stroke?
Isn't this just giving that old man a free ride?

However, without Chu Liang's support, Chu Suiliang would eventually retire from the Tang Dynasty stage.

Ugh.

His butterfly wings stirred up another gust of wind.

Little did he know that the storm he stirred up tonight would give Li Shimin a headache.

(End of this chapter)