Chapter Seventy-Three: Visiting the Prison (2)

Wei Zhuang remained silent, for he knew that what Ye Yuandao said was true. If it were merely a matter of deceiving the emperor, then after his anger subsided, and with a few well-placed words from a trusted courtier, at worst they would be exiled. But now that Zhang Jing had fled, the crime of treason fell squarely on Ye Yuandao’s shoulders. Coupled with the court’s continual defeats in the southwest, the ministers were restless, the people unsettled, and the emperor, fearing disloyalty, was already inclined to make an example of someone. Now, Ye Yuandao had walked straight into the snare. Unless the emperor had a sudden change of heart, there was no one who could save the Ye family.

Wei Zhuang lowered his gaze to the damp floor. “I heard the young mistress is with child; is that true?”

Ye An raised his head. “How did you know, sir?”

“I can rescue the young mistress and preserve the Ye family’s bloodline,” Wei Zhuang replied calmly.

Ye An gripped the bars tightly. “Is what you say true, sir?”

Wei Zhuang looked at Ye An, then drew a prepared document and a pen from his sleeve. “As long as you sign this letter of divorce, and the Minister pleads earnestly before His Majesty, there may yet be mercy for the young mistress.”

Ye An exchanged a glance with his father, then took the paper and pen without hesitation.

A rare smile appeared on Ye Yuandao’s face. In that moment, he made an important decision. “Master Wei, there is something I wish to entrust to you. Will you accept it?”

Wei Zhuang put away the pen and paper. “I will look after Miss Ye. You may rest assured, Master Ye.”

Ye Yuandao waved his hand, declining, “I know that even if I said nothing, you would care for Qianran. Others may not see it, but I have long known your feelings for her. What I have to say today is another matter.”

Wei Zhuang remained silent.

“Remember the name Xia Nan. Aside from myself and An’er, he controls the largest share of the Ye family’s assets. You’re a businessman; you know that besides wealth, connections are what matter most in our trade. I was able to dominate the country because I have people everywhere. Money can run out, but as long as these people remain, I can always rise again. They owe me old debts and have sworn lifelong loyalty to me. The Sixth Prince has always sought to win me over, only for these connections. Now, I give them all to you. As for what you do with them—that is up to you.”

“Master Ye, this is…?” Wei Zhuang asked hesitantly.

“There is no one left I can trust but you. If you will not accept, I truly have no one left.”

Wei Zhuang considered briefly. “Since you trust me so, I will not refuse. Once the young mistress has given birth, I will see these returned to the Ye family.”

Ye Yuandao stroked his beard. That had not been his original intent, but hearing Wei Zhuang’s words, he was all the more certain he’d chosen the right man. “As for what comes after, that is up to you. I pass them to you—do with them as you see fit.”

He leaned in and whispered secrets about these people into Wei Zhuang’s ear.

When it was time to leave, Ye Yuandao warned Ye Qianran again and again, “Do not act rashly. Things are as they are and cannot be undone. Do not let your thoughts run wild. What remains of the Ye family are you and the child your sister-in-law carries. If you both are well, that is blessing enough for the Ye family.”

Ye Qianran and Wei Zhuang left the prison of the Ministry of Justice. Outside, the sky was clear and boundless. Though it was late autumn, the capital showed not a trace of desolation; it was as prosperous as ever.

They did not return directly. At Ye Qianran’s insistence, Wei Zhuang took her to Shuanglin Temple.

Ye Qianran knew well there was little hope left, but she still wanted to try. Nothing was more important than the lives of her family.

Yan Qing stood beneath the bodhi tree outside the meditation hall. A masked figure was reporting to him. Yan Qing gave brief instructions, and the masked man vanished into the air.

As Wei Zhuang and Ye Qianran approached, Yan Qing bowed slightly. “Miss Ye.”

Ye Qianran looked at him. “May I speak with you alone, Young Master Yan?”

Puzzled, Yan Qing glanced at Wei Zhuang, then gestured for her to enter. They went into the meditation hall.

Wei Zhuang remained under the bodhi tree, his expression calm as water.

Yan Qing turned to her. “What brings you here, Miss Ye?”

Ye Qianran suddenly knelt. Yan Qing instinctively tried to help her up, but she pushed him away. “I know you serve the Sixth Prince and that you came to the capital for important matters. But after much thought, I realized that if anyone can save my family, it is you. If you can help me, whatever your demands, I will repay you even at the cost of my life.”

Yan Qing looked down at her, making no further move to help her up. “You’re right; it’s not impossible to save your family, but for me, the cost is too great. I never make a losing bargain.”

Ye Qianran raised her head. “What would it take for you to help?”

Yan Qing smiled faintly, regarding her with an expression that made her feel as if he were savoring the anticipation of a play about to unfold. What was his condition?

He spoke just one sentence, low and simple, yet it chilled her inexplicably.

“I want you.”

For a moment, Ye Qianran did not know whether to feel fortunate or fearful—fortunate that what he wanted was something she could give; fearful, because she was bargaining herself away.

She bit her lip and answered quietly, “Very well.”

Yan Qing suddenly laughed. “Master Wei told me you are already married. If you promise yourself to me so easily, where does that leave him?”

“He will not blame me,” Ye Qianran replied, her voice calm. “He knows I will do anything to save my family.”

Yan Qing helped her up. “Since you thought to ask me, why did you not think he might have a way as well? He would do anything to make me help.”

Ye Qianran instinctively stepped back. “What do you mean?”

Yan Qing smiled gently. “I mean I have already named my price to Master Wei and promised to help save your father.”

Ye Qianran gripped the table for balance.

“Why don’t you trust him?” Yan Qing looked at her pale face, her body barely upright. “Wei Zhuang’s only weakness is you. But today, you made me see how little you value him. He puts you first in all things, yet you continually disregard his feelings.”

Yan Qing opened the door. “You may go.”

The carriage rolled along the country road. The mountains stood silent, hoofbeats echoed, and a chilling wind swept through the air. Inside, silence reigned, the air slow and heavy; neither spoke a word.

Wei Zhuang gazed out the window, as though he had forgotten there was another person inside.

Ye Qianran, however, kept her eyes on him. He seemed unaware, or perhaps deliberately ignored her. The stalemate stretched on, both mute.

Suddenly, Wei Zhuang called, “Stop,” and leapt down. He told the driver, “See the lady safely home,” his tone indifferent and cold.

“Where are you going?” Ye Qianran asked.

He did not even look back. “Do you still care?” The words drifted to her as he walked away, growing ever more distant.

Ye Qianran bit her lip. “Driver, go.”

The wild clatter of hooves resumed.

Wei Zhuang turned to watch the carriage vanish into the distance, a faint sneer at his lips.

The next evening, Wei Zhuang handed Yan Qing the list from Xia Nan. “I promised to get you the Ye family’s network. I have fulfilled my part. You promised to save Ye Yuandao; I trust you haven’t forgotten.”

Yan Qing glanced at the list indifferently. “As I told you before, I can only guarantee he won’t die. As for his sentence, I can’t make promises.”

Wei Zhuang’s voice was colder still. “That is enough.” He turned to leave.

Yan Qing called after him. “One moment, Master Wei.”

With his back still to Yan Qing, his voice was icy. “What more is there to say?”

“Are you angry because I’ve proven Ye Qianran’s feelings for you mean little? I only wanted to show you she isn’t worth it. You should return to the free-spirited Wei Zhuang of two years ago, not the one now shackled by love.”

Wei Zhuang gave a cold laugh. “But I don’t care how much she feels for me. If I am tormented by love, it is because I am willing. You find your worth in schemes and power, but I do not. My life’s worth is in her. And you did this not to make me see reason, but to prove yourself right. Neither of us is so noble.”

Night fell.

On September twenty-fifth, the imperial decree was issued: Ye Yuandao was convicted only of deceiving the emperor; the charge of treason was not mentioned. All Ye family men were exiled to Bazhou, and the women sent to the Bureau of Instruction.

Before this, Meng Lanyi had already been taken home by Meng Jiang.

When Ye Qianran received the news, the breath she had been holding finally released. This was the best outcome she could have hoped for.

At least their lives were spared.

As long as life remains, there is hope, and with hope, endless possibilities.