Upon arriving in the capital, they took up residence in the Prince Yang’s mansion. Yang Han Ye immediately became busy, first seeking an audience with the Emperor and then attending to building relationships with various officials.
Meanwhile, Wu Cai Wei, with nothing pressing to do, would take her son and daughter-in-law out to stroll through the streets. Having finally made it to the capital, she wasn’t sure when she would have the chance to see such sights again, so naturally, she wanted to explore.
He Shen had never imagined that Yu Xia He would one day make it to the capital, nor that they would now be living in a prince’s mansion, complete with maids, servants, and bodyguards. Everything felt like a dream. Naturally, both cherished their current life, understanding their mother’s intention to nurture their efforts, and they studied diligently with humble hearts.
Wu Cai Wei was quite satisfied with his attitude. From the memories of Yuan Zu, she knew that He Sheng had always harbored ambitions and was also very filial. If he hadn’t been pushed to the brink by Zhang Da Shan, he wouldn’t have met such a tragic end. She felt he was teachable and unconsciously invested more energy in him.
As they walked, the two suddenly noticed a large crowd gathered in the middle of the street, with people hurrying to move aside. The elder quickly pulled his son and daughter-in-law to the side of the road to watch the commotion.
In the distance, numerous coffins were being carried, with men wielding large sabers marching at the front. Pedestrians, upon seeing them, instinctively made way, fearing they might obstruct their path. One man drew his sword and directly dealt with someone, followed by a middle-aged man being brought in a prisoner cart. Cai Wei, having just arrived in the capital, was unfamiliar with the place and didn’t know who these people were. She only heard the onlookers on both sides of the road say that this was Minister of War, Lord Chen.
The reason they were apprehended was related to the recent events on the southern battlefield. Upon investigation, the Emperor discovered that the Minister of Works had colluded with Prince Ping, secretly altering the grain and cotton provisions supplied to Zhang Shi in Gan County, embedding hidden dangers within them. The Emperor was furious and dispatched the Imperial Guards to surround their manor. The person in the prisoner cart was a male member of the Chen family, while the sorrowful women following behind were their family members and household servants.
Wu Cai Wei secretly lamented that this Lord Chen was too imprudent. Such matters could be uncovered with even a cursory investigation; wasn’t this seeking his own demise? Did he truly believe that because the Emperor was engrossed in Taoism, the court would soon collapse? Since ancient times, the victor is king and the vanquished is a bandit. If his choices led to failure, he had no one to blame but himself. Su Dan Novel Network.
However, as she sighed, her eyes widened uncontrollably. Her gaze fixated on the last prisoner cart. The person inside, as if sensing her, looked up at her. Both were left speechless. They had searched for so long, only to meet in such a manner. Crucially, their entire family had committed such a grave offense, and saving him would not be easy.
After watching them enter the imperial prison, Wu Cai Wei hurried to Yang Han Ye. “To be direct, I wish to know what offense Minister of War, Lord Chen, has committed.”
“You know him?” Yang Han Ye looked at her with suspicion. Wasn’t she just an ordinary villager? How could she know the Minister of War?
“I don’t know him, but I know a male member of the Chen family. While I realize this is asking too much, I still wish to trouble you to save him.” After much deliberation, Wu Cai Wei decided to tell him. After all, he was the only person she knew in this world who could help her.
Yang Han Ye couldn’t help but feel pleased. Since she had helped him, and he had encountered many difficulties, he felt he should help her with her current predicament. However, this was a difficult situation. He had heard that the Minister of War had not only stolen the weapons being transported to the front lines but had also quietly supplied them to Prince Ping, replacing them with scrap iron. As a result, the soldiers had no defense when they went to battle, and the southern campaign was a complete failure. The Emperor would absolutely not forgive him.
The information he received was that the Chen family members had been thrown into the death row prison, indicating the Emperor had no intention of letting them go. He looked troubled. “Who knows who this acquaintance of yours is? If it’s the eldest son of the Chen family, though I wish to help, I am powerless. But if it’s a collateral branch or an illegitimate son of the Chen family, perhaps some maneuvering might turn things around.”
Wu Cai Wei was also troubled. As of now, she didn’t know the person’s current identity. However, judging by the order in which they were brought, perhaps she could still ask Yang Han Ye to save him. While her martial arts were not weak, and with her mastery of the 'Hand of Heaven' extending from her palm, she might be able to retreat safely alone, but with another person, her confidence was not as high. If absolutely necessary, she would not resort to breaking out of prison.
As for Yang Han Ye, being the heir of Prince Yang, and with various feudal lords making their moves lately, he was a person of particular interest to the Emperor. It was inconvenient for him to enter the prison himself. Thus, he secretly mobilized his resources and arranged for her to sneak in after dark.
Wu Cai Wei knew he had done his best and expressed her deep gratitude. Upon seeing him, Chen Ren Jie was still somewhat disbelieving.
He had thought he would never have the chance to be with her, though he knew she would try her best to save him. However, she had arrived too late, and he hadn't even had time to understand his surroundings before the Emperor surrounded the Chen family. Furthermore, his body in this life was not strong, and he had no ability to resist or escape, so he could only be captured by the Imperial Guards.
He mentioned that in the beginning, he was unaccustomed to being unable to practice martial arts and being defenseless. At times, when he was alone, he felt depressed. But after so many events, he had become accustomed to it. Nevertheless, it was still inconvenient at this moment. If it were in the past, this prison could not have held him; now, walking out felt so difficult.
He was locked up with the male members of the Chen family. Seeing someone come to find him, they all stared intently, their eyes shining with hope. Although they knew the Emperor would not spare the Chen family, perhaps this person had a way to get them out. In their despair, people always clung to a sliver of hope, praying for divine favor.
Wu Cai Wei knew time was of the essence and wasted no words, directly inquiring about his identity. Chen Ren Jie quickly whispered in a voice only they could hear a very important matter. It was then that Wu Cai Wei learned his name was Chen Ren Jie, an illegitimate son of the Chen family. He had no involvement in this matter. He had been suppressed by his stepmother multiple times, and even being able to study was a luxury. Coupled with his poor health, he rarely left his room. If not specifically mentioned, outsiders had never even heard of him.
Before they could finish speaking, Yu Zhu, who was waiting outside, waved for her to leave quickly. Bringing her in was because Yang Han Ye had once saved his life, and he was now risking his life to repay that kindness. If it were anyone else, he would never agree. If the Emperor found out, his entire family would suffer dire consequences.
Cai Wei quickly handed him the pastries she was holding. Not eating or sleeping well in prison, and to avoid causing trouble for Yu Zhu, she hadn't brought him clothes or a blanket. All she had was these pastries, which could be hidden in her embrace or sleeves to fill his stomach when hungry.