Dream of the Red Chamber: Starting with a Chronicle of Tragic Love

A demonic monk? A prophecy?

The Yellow Dragon's Mandate Talisman?

The actions of the talisman holder cannot be governed by ordinary laws?

This...this sounds like something out of a myth or supernatural tale!

Cao Shaoqin's expression shifted between light and dark.

Xin Li Ke's reputation was widely praised throughout the Great Yi Dynasty.

He was notorious for being a con artist and a liar.

But if what Xin Li Ke said is true, then this kid might be untouchable...

But Qian Chou's eyes were filled with madness and his voice was shrill.

"Absurd! Utterly absurd! You murdered someone, and now you're fabricating this nonsense to escape punishment!"

"What wicked monk! What destiny talisman! You've clearly forged these tokens and are spreading heresy!"

"Eunuch Cao, seize him quickly! Don't listen to his nonsense!"

Cao Shaoqin did not respond.

He was observing the anxious expression on his face.

Jiao Si remained calm and composed, with clear eyes, showing no sign of bluffing or panic.

More importantly, the jade talisman itself, its texture, its carving, and especially its vast and mysterious aura, are unlike any ordinary counterfeit.

As a commander of the Eastern Depot, he dealt with all sorts of rare treasures and secret intelligence year-round.

His intuition told him that this thing... must be something extraordinary.

But this matter was of great importance, involving royal secrets and the founding of the dynasty, and even more so, the "model scholar" who had just been executed. He dared not act on his own initiative.

After a moment of contemplation, Cao Shaoqin spoke slowly, his voice still cold, but with less of the killing intent.

"Jiao Si, do you think you can escape the crime of killing a model scholar with just a jade pendant and a few words? That's ridiculous."

Anxious responded with indifference.

"How could Jiao dare to fabricate the authenticity of this talisman and the hidden story behind it?"

"If you don't believe me, Eunuch Cao can send someone to report to the palace immediately to check the royal archives, or ask the old palace servants around His Majesty who know the past, or even the elders of the imperial family. You will then know the truth."

Cao Shaoqin's eyes flickered.

Jiao Si's words were tantamount to passing the buck to the imperial palace.

If this "Yellow Dragon Mandate Talisman" is indeed real, and he forcibly takes people or even kills them now, he will not be able to bear the consequences if he is investigated in the future.

But if Jiao Si is let off the hook, what face will the Eastern Depot have left?

After all, Qian Qianyi's uncle, Qian Chou, was related to his own boss...

After weighing the pros and cons, Cao Shaoqin made up his mind.

"Even so, it is true that you killed Qian Qianyi. Until we receive a clear decree from the palace, you remain a suspect whom our Eastern Depot needs to interrogate. This talisman... I need to take it back for verification."

Jiao Si seemed to have anticipated this.

"The talisman can be temporarily kept by the eunuch for the Emperor's perusal. However, until a decision is made in the palace, Jiao is not a prisoner."

"If Your Excellency is still concerned, I, Jiao, may accompany you to the Eastern Depot for a few days to await news. However..."

He changed the subject, his gaze sweeping over Feng Ziying and the others.

"It must be made clear that this is for the purpose of cooperating with an inspection, not for arrest and imprisonment. Jiao's personal safety must be guaranteed. If anything 'accidents' happen to Jiao during this period, the consequences represented by this Yellow Dragon Mandate Talisman will be beyond what the Eastern Depot can bear."

These words were both soft and firm, giving Cao Shaoqin a way out while also highlighting the stakes involved.

Cao Shaoqin gave Jiao Si a deep look.

"Very well! As you say! I'll accept this talisman for now and immediately send someone to the palace to request instructions."

"Until your claims are verified, you must return to the Eastern Depot's headquarters with me and remain there temporarily. You are not permitted to leave even for a moment! Any unusual behavior will be met with death!"

He specifically emphasized the word "temporary stay," which can be considered a statement of his position.

"Okay." Jiao Si nodded crisply and handed over the Yellow Dragon Jade Talisman.

Cao Shaoqin picked up the jade talisman, its surface warm and smooth to the touch, the strange sensation intensifying. He examined it carefully for a moment before solemnly putting it away.

"Brother Jiao!" Xue Pan exclaimed anxiously, "Are you really going to that treacherous place, the Eastern Depot? Who knows what they're up to!"

Feng Ziying also whispered, "Brother Jiao, think it over!"

Jiao Si gave him a reassuring look.

"It's alright, the innocent will clear themselves. I believe His Majesty and the court will investigate the authenticity of this talisman and make a fair judgment." He said this to everyone, but even more so to Cao Shaoqin.

Liu Ting gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, let out a muffled groan, and ultimately said nothing more.

Wang Xifeng watched from upstairs, feeling somewhat relieved, but her worries remained.

Even if it was just a "temporary stay," the Eastern Depot was still a den of dragons and tigers. She secretly gave Ni Er a wink, signaling him to continue preparing, just in case.

The girl breathed a sigh of relief, but then her heart sank again.

She looked at Xin Like, who shook his head slightly at her, indicating that she should remain calm and observe the situation.

Upon seeing this, Qian Chou cried out in frustration, "Eunuch Cao! We can't let this go! He killed someone!"

Cao Shaoqin gave him a cold glance: "Lord Qian, this matter involves old royal secrets, and is no small matter. I must consult the Emperor. Rest assured, if this talisman is fake, or if the palace does not recognize it, I will certainly give your Qian family justice!"

Cao Shaoqin's words carried a hint of sternness, and even though Qian Chou was deeply grieving the loss of his son, he dared not say more.

Qian Chou opened his mouth, but ultimately remained silent.

There was only a long sigh.

Cao Shaoqin stopped paying attention to the Qian family.

"Jiao Si, let's go. Come with me back to the Eastern Depot's office."

Jiao Si nodded and cupped his hands in greeting to Feng Ziying, Liu Ting, Xue Pan, and the others.

"Brothers, County Princess, Prince, Miss Liu, Steward Feng, Miss Qin, Headmaster Xin, I, Jiao, will be leaving for a few days. Please don't worry."

After saying that, he looked at Liu Rushi again.

He nodded gently, reassuring her.

Liu Rushi bit her lower lip tightly, forcing herself not to make a sound.

Jiao Si turned around and walked calmly toward Cao Shaoqin.

"Jiao Lang!"

Liu Rushi ultimately couldn't hold back.

Jiao Si turned around and saw Liu Rushi giving him a graceful bow.

"Jiao Lang, be careful in everything you do on your journey. You stood atop Plum Blossom Mountain, risking your life for righteousness, for the common people, and for the right path in your heart, just as you did before."

"At the summit of Plum Blossom Mountain, I once said: 'If I die today, I will be your concubine in the Yellow Springs; if I do not die today, I will await you at the Cloud Tower on the Huai River.'"

"This statement still stands. The fourth floor of the Huai River Cloud Tower is open exclusively for you."

Even with his heart full of righteous indignation, Jiao Si's emotions were now softened by the gentle touch of this water.

He nodded emphatically.

"I, Jiao, am unlucky, but also resilient. The Japanese pirates failed to take my life atop Plum Blossom Mountain; now, the Eastern Depot can no longer hold me. As for your Huai River Cloud Tower, I, Jiao... will certainly visit you again."

Liu Ru nodded vigorously, and tears finally streamed down her face.

"I... will wait for you."

Jiao Si stepped forward and gave him a gentle hug, then turned and left with Cao Shaoqin without looking back.

Ping'er silently followed, staying close behind.

After disembarking and stepping onto the riverbank, one can see the Qinhuai River shimmering in the night.

Just as the group was about to head towards Jinling City, they suddenly heard several splashing sounds from the shore.

Following the sound, one could see a golden carp leaping out of a small pond connected to the riverbank, seemingly trying to jump into the Qinhuai River.

However, due to limitations in his own circumstances, he was never able to succeed.

"A parrot can speak, but it cannot compare to a phoenix. It is, after all, a wild creature, unable to break free from its own constraints."

Just as Cao Shaoqin uttered these words, a splashing sound of water was heard.

The carp traced an arc and plunged straight into the rushing river ahead, disappearing in an instant.

Jiao Si smiled slightly and continued walking.