The reinforcements from the Suzhou Garrison arrived swiftly, led by a captain accompanied by over fifty soldiers clad in armor and wielding sabers, who quickly surrounded the Suzhou Prefecture Yamen.
Zhan Feiyu watched coldly as the leading captain reported to Prefect Chu, then glanced at the menacing soldiers. "No wonder Prefect Chu dared to make a sudden move; he was well-prepared."
"Miss need not worry," He Sheng said in a low voice, his hand resting on his long sword. His ordinary face remained vigilant but showed no fear or anxiety.
Prefect Chu sought to curry favor with the Second Prince and Consort Min in the palace. However, this was the Suzhou Prefecture Yamen. Even if these constables remained neutral, there were still members of the Imperial Dragon Guard lurking in the shadows. Furthermore, the other four individuals protecting Zhan Feiyu were already mingling in the crowd.
Moreover, according to the intelligence He Sheng had previously received, Yang Shoucheng had also dispatched people to Suzhou. With such a commotion, the General's mansion would surely make an appearance. A mere fifty to sixty soldiers from the garrison were nothing to fear!
"My Lord, what should we do?" Magistrate Ma and the others were flustered. They had initially thought that even if Prefect Chu targeted Miss Zhan and even resorted to violence, he wouldn't gain the upper hand.
But who would have thought Prefect Chu had a backup plan? Magistrate Ma recognized this Captain Sun. His cousin was a concubine in Prefect Chu's household, rumored to be quite favored, and Captain Sun acted exceptionally arrogantly within the garrison.
Previously, to purchase a shop, he had brought several soldiers to beat the shopkeeper and his employees. When the yamen runners arrived, Captain Sun was incredibly arrogant, repeatedly referring to Prefect Chu as his cousin's husband.
Although Prefect Zhang was unwilling to offend Prefect Chu, he could not tolerate Captain Sun's rampant behavior in Suzhou. In the end, Captain Sun produced a thousand taels of silver, and the shopkeeper sold the shop. Fortunately, with Prefect Zhang's intervention, the sale wasn't at a rock-bottom price, as Captain Sun had initially only offered two hundred taels.
Vice Prefect Zhao's expression was grave. He had intended to remain neutral. Although Zhan Feiyu studied under Scholar Gu, she was merely touring the Longyou Circuit and would soon depart. Prefect Chu was far more influential than a local strongman; a fourth-rank official appointed by the court, whom Vice Prefect Zhao was unwilling and afraid to offend.
However, seeing Prefect Chu's actions, it seemed someone might actually lose their life today. Vice Prefect Zhao hesitated, then finally spoke after a long pause, "Regardless, we cannot let Prefect Chu disregard human life!"
Magistrate Ma and the others exchanged glances, showing some hesitation. After all, no one wanted to offend the rabid Prefect Chu, who dared to attempt murder on Zhan Feiyu, let alone them, minor officials.
But if they stood by and did nothing, and Scholar Gu sought retribution later, they would likely face dire consequences. Caught between a rock and a hard place! Since Vice Prefect Zhao had spoken, they finally nodded.
On the other side, Captain Sun looked at Prefect Chu, whose lips were stained with blood and whose official robe bore a clear footprint, and immediately became enraged. "Cousin, rest assured, today I will make sure these people lose their heads to avenge you!"
Having been kicked by He Sheng, Prefect Chu felt a sharp pain in his chest whenever he spoke. His eyes, filled with malice, fixed on Zhan Feiyu, who was being protected by He Sheng and the others. He gritted out each word, "Execute the others without mercy. As for that little girl, do not kill her; just cripple her right hand!"
Ultimately, even while serving the Second Prince, Prefect Chu still feared Scholar Gu. If Zhan Feiyu died, Scholar Gu would likely demand his life. But if her right hand were merely crippled, even if Scholar Gu retaliated, the Second Prince could still protect him. And without her right hand, how would Zhan Feiyu continue her studies for the imperial examinations?
"Understood," Captain Sun nodded, then strode towards Zhan Feiyu. He drew his saber with a swish, its gleaming blade reflecting the bright sunlight, causing the onlookers in the distance to cry out in surprise.
"Who gave you the audacity to attack an official of the court!" a furious roar rang out. Captain Sun's face was filled with brutality, his fierce and menacing demeanor revealing him to be a true brute. "Guards, apprehend these criminals immediately! Those who refuse to surrender will be killed!"
"Wait!" Vice Prefect Zhao suddenly spoke, meeting Captain Sun's violent and sinister gaze. He stepped forward, blocking the way. "According to the law, the garrison is not permitted to interfere in cases within the Suzhou Prefecture Yamen!"
Captain Sun scoffed, looking disdainfully at the rigid and upright Vice Prefect Zhao. "Prefect Chu is present. Is it your turn, a mere Vice Prefect, to issue orders here? Get out of my way, or don't blame the soldiers if their swords are not discerning!"
Captain Sun had not even shown respect to Prefect Zhang that day, let alone Vice Prefect Zhao. Furthermore, Vice Prefect Zhao's reputation for being rigid and inflexible had long spread. He would likely remain a Vice Prefect his entire life, with no further advancement. With Prefect Chu backing him, Captain Sun saw no reason to respect a mere fifth-rank official.
Vice Prefect Zhao knew that reasoning with Captain Sun was futile, so he could only turn to Prefect Chu and say, "Without evidence, you cannot arrest Zhan Feiyu, especially since she possesses the title of Xiu Cai."
"You ungrateful wretch!" Captain Sun cursed, then kicked Vice Prefect Zhao directly in the chest.
Seeing this, He Sheng moved to intervene, but Zhan Feiyu stopped him. With this obstruction, Vice Prefect Zhao was kicked away, falling to the ground with a thud, causing the surrounding citizens to exclaim in surprise once more.
The officials of the Yamen, as well as the merchants and gentry of Suzhou Prefecture, privately looked down on Vice Prefect Zhao. However, to the common people of Suzhou Prefecture, Vice Prefect Zhao was an upright official who championed their cause.
"Help Lord Zhao down," Zhan Feiyu instructed Constable Hu beside her. Vice Prefect Zhao was injured, which meant that even if Lord Yao investigated, Vice Prefect Zhao had done his best, and the blame would not fall on him.
Constable Hu did not understand the intricacies of the situation but still quickly helped Vice Prefect Zhao up with another constable. Seeing Vice Prefect Zhao's pale face, it was evident how heavily Captain Sun's kick had landed, angering several constables.
He Sheng took out a bottle from his怀 and tossed it over. "One pill is enough."
"Thank you," Constable Hu immediately poured out a pill. The rich medicinal scent wafted over, indicating it was a valuable item.
...
The reinforcements from the Suzhou Garrison arrived swiftly, led by a captain accompanied by over fifty soldiers clad in armor and wielding sabers, who quickly surrounded the Suzhou Prefecture Yamen.
Zhan Feiyu watched coldly as the leading captain reported to Prefect Chu, then glanced at the menacing soldiers. "No wonder Prefect Chu dared to make a sudden move; he was well-prepared."
"Miss need not worry," He Sheng said in a low voice, his hand resting on his long sword. His ordinary face remained vigilant but showed no fear or anxiety.
Prefect Chu sought to curry favor with the Second Prince and Consort Min in the palace. However, this was the Suzhou Prefecture Yamen. Even if these constables remained neutral, there were still members of the Imperial Dragon Guard lurking in the shadows. Furthermore, the other four individuals protecting Zhan Feiyu were already mingling in the crowd.
Moreover, according to the intelligence He Sheng had previously received, Yang Shoucheng had also dispatched people to Suzhou. With such a commotion, the General's mansion would surely make an appearance. A mere fifty to sixty soldiers from the garrison were nothing to fear!
"My Lord, what should we do?" Magistrate Ma and the others were flustered. They had initially thought that even if Prefect Chu targeted Miss Zhan and even resorted to violence, he wouldn't gain the upper hand.
But who would have thought Prefect Chu had a backup plan? Magistrate Ma recognized this Captain Sun. His cousin was a concubine in Prefect Chu's household, rumored to be quite favored, and Captain Sun acted exceptionally arrogantly within the garrison.
Previously, to purchase a shop, he had brought several soldiers to beat the shopkeeper and his employees. When the yamen runners arrived, Captain Sun was incredibly arrogant, repeatedly referring to Prefect Chu as his cousin's husband.
Although Prefect Zhang was unwilling to offend Prefect Chu, he could not tolerate Captain Sun's rampant behavior in Suzhou. In the end, Captain Sun produced a thousand taels of silver, and the shopkeeper sold the shop. Fortunately, with Prefect Zhang's intervention, the sale wasn't at a rock-bottom price, as Captain Sun had initially only offered two hundred taels.
Vice Prefect Zhao's expression was grave. He had intended to remain neutral. Although Zhan Feiyu studied under Scholar Gu, she was merely touring the Longyou Circuit and would soon depart. Prefect Chu was far more influential than a local strongman; a fourth-rank official appointed by the court, whom Vice Prefect Zhao was unwilling and afraid to offend.
However, seeing Prefect Chu's actions, it seemed someone might actually lose their life today. Vice Prefect Zhao hesitated, then finally spoke after a long pause, "Regardless, we cannot let Prefect Chu disregard human life!"
Magistrate Ma and the others exchanged glances, showing some hesitation. After all, no one wanted to offend the rabid Prefect Chu, who dared to attempt murder on Zhan Feiyu, let alone them, minor officials.
But if they stood by and did nothing, and Scholar Gu sought retribution later, they would likely face dire consequences. Caught between a rock and a hard place! Since Vice Prefect Zhao had spoken, they finally nodded.
On the other side, Captain Sun looked at Prefect Chu, whose lips were stained with blood and whose official robe bore a clear footprint, and immediately became enraged. "Cousin, rest assured, today I will make sure these people lose their heads to avenge you!"
Having been kicked by He Sheng, Prefect Chu felt a sharp pain in his chest whenever he spoke. His eyes, filled with malice, fixed on Zhan Feiyu, who was being protected by He Sheng and the others. He gritted out each word, "Execute the others without mercy. As for that little girl, do not kill her; just cripple her right hand!"
Ultimately, even while serving the Second Prince, Prefect Chu still feared Scholar Gu. If Zhan Feiyu died, Scholar Gu would likely demand his life. But if her right hand were merely crippled, even if Scholar Gu retaliated, the Second Prince could still protect him. And without her right hand, how would Zhan Feiyu continue her studies for the imperial examinations?
"Understood," Captain Sun nodded, then strode towards Zhan Feiyu. He drew his saber with a swish, its gleaming blade reflecting the bright sunlight, causing the onlookers in the distance to cry out in surprise.
"Who gave you the audacity to attack an official of the court!" a furious roar rang out. Captain Sun's face was filled with brutality, his fierce and menacing demeanor revealing him to be a true brute. "Guards, apprehend these criminals immediately! Those who refuse to surrender will be killed!"
"Wait!" Vice Prefect Zhao suddenly spoke, meeting Captain Sun's violent and sinister gaze. He stepped forward, blocking the way. "According to the law, the garrison is not permitted to interfere in cases within the Suzhou Prefecture Yamen!"
Captain Sun scoffed, looking disdainfully at the rigid and upright Vice Prefect Zhao. "Prefect Chu is present. Is it your turn, a mere Vice Prefect, to issue orders here? Get out of my way, or don't blame the soldiers if their swords are not discerning!"
Captain Sun had not even shown respect to Prefect Zhang that day, let alone Vice Prefect Zhao. Furthermore, Vice Prefect Zhao's reputation for being rigid and inflexible had long spread. He would likely remain a Vice Prefect his entire life, with no further advancement. With Prefect Chu backing him, Captain Sun saw no reason to respect a mere fifth-rank official.
Vice Prefect Zhao knew that reasoning with Captain Sun was futile, so he could only turn to Prefect Chu and say, "Without evidence, you cannot arrest Zhan Feiyu, especially since she possesses the title of Xiu Cai. Seeing this, He Sheng moved to intervene, but Zhan Feiyu stopped him. With this obstruction, Vice Prefect Zhao was kicked away, falling to the ground with a thud, causing the surrounding citizens to exclaim in surprise once more.
The officials of the Yamen, as well as the merchants and gentry of Suzhou Prefecture, privately looked down on Vice Prefect Zhao. However, to the common people of Suzhou Prefecture, Vice Prefect Zhao was an upright official who championed their cause.
"Help Lord Zhao down," Zhan Feiyu instructed Constable Hu beside her. Vice Prefect Zhao was injured, which meant that even if Lord Yao investigated, Vice Prefect Zhao had done his best, and the blame would not fall on him.
"You ungrateful wretch!" Captain Sun cursed, then kicked Vice Prefect Zhao directly in the chest.
Seeing this, He Sheng moved to intervene, but Zhan Feiyu stopped him. With this obstruction, Vice Prefect Zhao was kicked away, falling to the ground with a thud, causing the surrounding citizens to exclaim in surprise once more.
The officials of the Yamen, as well as the merchants and gentry of Suzhou Prefecture, privately looked down on Vice Prefect Zhao. However, to the common people of Suzhou Prefecture, Vice Prefect Zhao was an upright official who championed their cause.
"Help Lord Zhao down," Zhan Feiyu instructed Constable Hu beside her. Vice Prefect Zhao was injured, which meant that even if Lord Yao investigated, Vice Prefect Zhao had done his best, and the blame would not fall on him.