Chapter Forty-Nine: Seizing the Young Lord?!

After dealing with Zhang Shen, Song Yongnian feigned panic and shouted angrily at Master Pan, “Hurry up and release His Lordship the Heir!”

“Yes, I will go at once,” Master Pan replied, accepting the order and hurrying out.

Song Yongnian then turned to Lin Mao, putting on a show of concern. “Brother, I hope you won’t take offense. The yamen is plagued with countless cases, and it’s inevitable that mistakes occasionally happen.”

“Besides, yesterday His Lordship did indeed have contact with the deceased, as many witnesses on the street can attest.”

“That’s why I had no choice but to invite His Lordship to the yamen to assist with the investigation.”

Though it was an attempt to shirk responsibility, it was nonetheless reasonable.

Lin Mao did not press further and simply saluted. “Your Excellency is burdened with official duties; I understand.”

Song Yongnian smiled, then continued, “Speaking of which, I must thank you, Brother, for apprehending the true culprit for me.”

“May I ask, what made you interested in this case?”

Taihu Academy rarely involves itself in government affairs; Lin Mao’s intervention was indeed rather irregular.

Lin Mao pondered for a moment, then answered calmly, “Our teacher always instructs us to stand up for what is right.”

“Yesterday, I happened to witness the incident at the restaurant and found it curious.”

“So I conducted a discreet investigation.”

“I hadn’t expected the case to be so straightforward.”

“And so, I simply handed Zhang Shen over to you, Your Excellency.”

Song Yongnian’s face darkened; he could sense the implicit criticism.

He forced a laugh and changed the subject to their days in Qiong Prefecture.

“Back in the day, I too studied under the Academy Head.”

“My appointment as Prefect of Jiangnan is largely thanks to his tireless guidance.”

“At that time, I believe you had not yet enrolled, Brother Lin?”

The meaning between the lines was clear:

In terms of seniority, I am your elder.

In terms of rank, I am the official, you are the commoner.

Mind your words.

Lin Mao remained unruffled, smiling lightly. “Your Excellency is absolutely right.”

“Though I enrolled late, I have often heard the Headmaster speak of you.”

A glint flickered in Song Yongnian’s eyes, and a smile gradually appeared on his face.

“He said you are ambitious, like trumpet vines clinging to a tall tree to grow.”

Was that a veiled insult, accusing me of currying favor with the powerful?

Song Yongnian’s expression instantly turned grim.

He shot Lin Mao a resentful glance and said no more.

The hall fell into a long silence before Master Pan finally stumbled in, disheveled.

“Your Excellency, the Heir...”

Song Yongnian’s brow furrowed as he asked in a low voice, “What about His Lordship?”

Master Pan stammered, “No matter what, His Lordship refuses to leave his cell.”

“Did you not tell him the case has been solved?”

“I did,” Master Pan replied, aggrieved. “But he insists you must explain it to him in person.”

Song Yongnian stood there for a long while, then sighed heavily.

He certainly had no wish to see Li Yunjie again.

That kick from last time still left a bruise.

It’s easy to invite a god, hard to send him away.

There was no choice—Song Yongnian gritted his teeth and went himself.

In the dungeon, Li Yunjie sat cross-legged, carefully studying the crisscrossing marks on the mud wall before him.

Suddenly, he heard movement behind him and snorted coldly. “Your Excellency, such a rare opportunity—aren’t you going to keep me locked up a few more days?”

Song Yongnian coughed lightly to cover his embarrassment. “Your Lordship misunderstands. I was only performing my duty impartially.”

“Impartially?” Li Yunjie sneered, rising slowly. “Even an amateur from Taihu Academy could see through the clues.”

“But you couldn’t. How did you become Prefect of Jiangnan?”

Li Yunjie’s words were sharp as knives, catching Song Yongnian off guard.

He had sent people to watch Zhang Shen in secret that morning, never expecting that Lin Mao would steal the march.

Knowing he was in the wrong, Song Yongnian could only force a helpless smile. “Your Lordship’s rebuke is deserved.”

“Am I not here in person to apologize?”

With that, Song Yongnian bowed deeply, nearly ninety degrees.

“Enough with the pretenses,” Li Yunjie waved him off. “Since the case is solved, I won’t pursue the matter.”

“Just compensate me with eighty or a hundred taels of silver, and we’ll call it even.”

“How much?!” Song Yongnian thought he’d misheard.

His annual salary was only a hundred taels!

You were locked up for just one night, and you want a hundred taels?

That’s daylight robbery!

Li Yunjie waved him over.

Song Yongnian obeyed, pressing closely to the cell bars, ears pricked.

“Think about it—what is my status?”

“You are the Heir of Northern Tomb.”

“And?”

“Assistant Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.”

“And?”

Song Yongnian pondered a moment, “A... a son-in-law of the Prime Minister’s family?”

Li Yunjie nodded with satisfaction, his tone meaningful. “Do you think, if I truly wanted to hold you accountable, with these titles, would your superior dare shield you?”

Song Yongnian’s eyes widened as a chill settled over his heart. His mouth felt dry and his tongue thick.

He shot Master Pan a dirty look.

“Your Excellency?” Li Yunjie called several times before Song Yongnian snapped back to himself, stammering,

“Your—Your Lordship must be mistaken, I— I am not the Crown Prince’s retainer.”

Li Yunjie chuckled coldly. “Your Excellency, when did I ever say you were the Crown Prince’s retainer?”

Only then did Song Yongnian realize he’d lost his composure. Panic seized him, and even his breathing grew shallow.

“Rest assured,” Li Yunjie said with a light laugh, “as long as you behave yourself, I won’t make things difficult for you.”

“But if you break the law or commit misdeeds, I will not let you off!”

Li Yunjie’s gaze was piercing, his words edged with menace.

Knowing he was no match, Song Yongnian hurriedly wiped the sweat from his brow, trembling as he fished a few banknotes from his sleeve.

“Your Lordship speaks the truth.”

“I serve the court—I would never dare to take bribes or abuse the law.”

“These, please accept for now; I’ll have the rest sent at once.”

Li Yunjie took the notes, pursing his lips. “Never mind.”

“Seventy taels will have to do.”

He gestured for Song Yongnian to open the door.

Song Yongnian dared not delay. Bowing respectfully, he opened the cell.

Li Yunjie flicked the silver notes in his hand and swaggered out of the dungeon.

In the dim candlelight, Song Yongnian watched Li Yunjie’s departing figure, his face pale as death, and finally let out a long sigh.

“That ancestor has finally left!”

He turned in fury, seized Master Pan by the ear, and cursed him soundly.

“This was all your rotten idea!”

“You said Li Yunjie was just a useless upstart relying on Su Ming!”

“Now it seems you are the real useless one!”

“Spare me, Your Excellency!” Master Pan howled in pain. “I only meant well!”

Song Yongnian snorted, releasing him with a toss.

“Guards!” he barked. “Drag him out and give him fifty strokes!”

...

Outside the cell, the sun was dazzling.

Li Yunjie found it a bit harsh, raising a hand to shade his eyes.

“Lord Li,” came a voice. Lin Mao, dressed in white, was approaching.

“And you are...?” Li Yunjie paused, recalling Master Pan’s earlier words. “Lin Mao from Taihu Academy?”

Lin Mao saluted. “I am indeed.”

Li Yunjie returned the gesture. “Thank you for your assistance, Brother Lin.”

“No need for thanks, Your Lordship,” Lin Mao replied, waving his hand.

Recalling Dean Gong Qingfeng’s words before his departure, he added,

“In fact, Taihu Academy still owes Your Lordship a favor.”

“This time, it was only right for me to help.”

Li Yunjie frowned in puzzlement. “A favor?”