183The Tragic Condition of the Beauty Queen

ly admire his line, ";Fine rain awakens dreams far from frontier posts, while cold jade flutes sound on a small tower.;", showing how truly perceptive critics are rare.Note:(1) Li Jing's [Washing Stre...183. The Miserable State of the First Beauty

183. Su Zuodie's Suffering

Ruyang City

In Ruyang City, there is an inconspicuous courtyard in the most remote corner to the west. From the outside, this small yard looks like any other in the city and does not attract attention. Every day, the owner of the courtyard goes out to buy groceries, go shopping, and take a walk just like neighbors do. But once you enter the inner part of this courtyard, you will find that it is completely different from the outside world. This place is where the most mysterious and elite Qilin warriors of Prince Dinhui's residence stay. Anyone who casually enters the yard will fall into the hands of the resting and training Qilin warriors here, and they will suffer enough to regret ever living in this world.

Deep into the night, a shadow quietly slipped over the wall. The excellent lightness kung fu made no sound when the figure landed. The black-clad person cautiously glanced around the whole courtyard before stepping towards their destination.

"Don't move." A low voice sounded behind him. The black-clad person was stunned, lowered his head obediently and stood still. "The Qilin warriors are indeed a force that even Western Liang views with great caution, impressive."

As soon as he spoke, someone silently approached beside him, casually patted him, and all the weapons he carried were searched out. The black-clad person did not resist; he knew there was definitely more than one person watching him in the courtyard. "You managed to get this far, sir. You are commendable. Come with me to see the leader. Mr. Han." The black-clad man, Han Mingyue, was stunned and finally shook his head with a bitter smile, "You all knew about me…" The man beside him sneered, "If you didn't know, do you think you could find this place" Han Mingyue said nothing and obediently followed the man inside.

Under candlelight, Qin Feng was still sitting in his study reviewing thick files. Over a month ago, he had selected more than three hundred elites from the army and secret guards for initial training outside the city. With his own training experience and Princess's extensive materials, it finally got on track勉強上了軌道 should be translated as "finally got underway" or simply "got underway". However, in context, it seems to mean Qin Feng managed to make things work despite challenges. Thus, I will translate it as "managed to get underway". and started training them. As the leader of the Qilin warriors, Qin Feng insisted on reviewing the files of these trainees every day, assessing their potential for development. At the same time, he had to further train himself and the original members based on the materials left by Princess. Therefore, Qin Feng was extremely busy every day, leaving him no time to think about those infuriating matters. Of course, whether this busyness was inevitable or deliberate, Qin Feng did not intend to figure out. So when Han Mingyue was brought in, Qin Feng's mood immediately turned sour. He was already very busy, and Han Mingyue's arrival would only make him more so. More importantly, Han Mingyue's appearance reminded Qin Feng of some unpleasant things.

"Mr. Han, visiting here at this hour must be important" Stretching a bit in his chair to loosen his stiff neck, Qin Feng narrowed his eyes lazily, but the half-opened eyes revealed an undisguised danger.

Known to always be disliked by anyone related to Ye Li, Han Mingyue was not surprised. Bowing respectfully to Qin Feng, he said with a faint smile: "Sorry for disturbing you, Commander Qin."

Qin Feng glanced at him sideways, implying that if he knew it would disturb him, why did he come

"I wish to see Su Zuodie. Please help me, Commander Qin." Knowing that Qin Feng wouldn't bring this up unless mentioned, Han Mingyue went straight to the point. Since two months ago when Su Zuodie was taken away by Mo Xiuyao and handed over to Qin Feng, she had been moved out of Taishou Mansion. After all, it wasn't big enough for everyone from Prince Dinhui's residence. So secret guards, Qilin warriors, and most officials and military officers left the mansion for other accommodations. Now only Mo Xiuyao himself, his close confidants like Feng Zhirao and Xu Qingze, and Han Mingyue who had nowhere else to go were still in Taishou Mansion. Since Su Zuodie was taken away, Han Mingyue hadn't seen her again. This made him worry. Without Tianyi Pavilion, it wasn't easy for Han Mingyue to find out where she was, even within this relatively small Ruyang City. Looking at the situation now, he realized that such a feat could only be possible because of leniency from someone else. Han Mingyue couldn't help but smile bitterly and felt a sense of powerlessness. Without Tianyi Pavilion or his family support, Mr. Mingyue was just an ordinary person after all.

"Su Zuodie" Qin Feng paused in surprise as if just recalling her existence. His face darkened slightly, "If you wish to see Su Zuodie, please speak directly to the Prince."

Han Mingyue smiled bitterly; if he could convince Mo Xiuyao himself, why would he sneak into this place at night Qin Feng understood his meaning from his expression and said calmly: "Without the Prince's permission… Mr. Han, whether you come alone or with an army of ten thousand soldiers, you will not see Su Zuodie." Han Mingyue raised his eyebrows slightly; he knew how powerful Qin Feng’s people were. Though there was no detailed information, their half-year performance spoke for their strength. However, to say they could defeat an army was too confident. But… He couldn't bring an army anyway.

Qin Feng observed him with interest and leaned back in his chair, smiling. "Sir Han has misunderstood. Qilin will do anything to achieve their goals but they would never meet force with force and choose a path leading to certain death. What I meant is... If she enters without the King's permission, even if Sir Han breaks in and sees her, before you can say anything to her, I will kill her. If Sir Han wishes to see Su Zuodie take her last breath, feel free to try."

Kan Mingyue remained silent. He knew Qin Feng was not joking. Although Ye Li had not been killed by Su Zuodie herself, it would have never fallen off the cliff if she hadn’t shot at them with a hidden weapon. If Mo Xiuyao did not wish to see her alive, nobody in the Ding Wang’s manor would have hesitated to tear her limb from limb. Sighing, Kan Mingyue said, "I only want to see her once. I don't need to speak."

Qin Feng had already picked up his file again; it was obvious that he was dismissing him.

"Sir Qin, let me meet Zuodie once and I will give you a secret piece of information," said Kan Mingyue solemnly.

Without even looking at him, Qin Feng replied indifferently, "Qilin is not busy now. We are also not collecting any more information. If Sir Han has something to say to the King, he can find the King."

Kan Mingyue smiled bitterly; because of Su Zuodie, he had already been to Mo Xiuyao twice and Mo Xiuyao had made it clear that if Kan Mingyue showed up again, either he would be thrown to the Western Capital’s Southern Wang or put in a cell with Su Zuodie. He truly wanted to see Su Zuodie, but only so she could live. If he really were to go into solitary confinement with her, then all was lost… "General Qin," said Kan Mingyue bitterly, “this piece of information will definitely interest your King, and it is also related to the incident involving Lady Ding Wang.”

Qin Feng paused in his file reading, as though considering before he continued. "Tell me."

"I must see Zuodie first," Kan Mingyue did not forget what Qin Feng had just said about Qilin doing whatever it took to achieve their goals, and so breaking a promise was clearly included. Qin Feng raised his eyebrows, stood up, and said, “No problem, you can meet her but she won’t be able to see or hear you.” After saying that, he smiled at Kan Mingyue and added, "I don’t worry about Sir Han breaking your word, but likewise, if the information you give me is not satisfactory, then very soon you will know what kind of punishment Zuodie has to endure because of you."

Kan Mingyue stiffened; staring at Qin Feng in silence for a long time before sighing. "The means Lady Ding Wang uses are truly formidable…"

Qin Feng shrugged and said coldly, “They could have been worse.” He then invited Kan Mingyue to proceed, "Sir Han."

Kan Mingyue was a mix of emotions as he watched the scene before him; it was hard for him to figure out whether or not he regretted using so many means and methods just to see Su Zuodie once.

They were standing in an extremely plain room that would never attract any suspicion. However, when the wall mechanism was opened, they could clearly see a spacious secret room behind it. They were high up above the room and could survey everything inside. At first glance, Kan Mingyue saw Su Zuodie; she was alone in this room but he seriously doubted whether the person lying on the ground was indeed her.

Wearing dirty prison clothes covered with filth and blood stains, Su Zuodie lay limp on a filthy floor. Even from where they stood high above, they could vaguely smell the terrible stench below. Kan Mingyue clearly saw that her fingers were strangely twisted; soft and weak as they lay on the ground. Her other leg was also twisted, even though it had already fallen asleep, her face still showed painful expressions and she kept shaking her head murmuring something. If one looked closely enough, they would hear her say “I am sorry… have mercy… help me…”

"What did you do to her" He finally asked.

Qin Feng replied indifferently, "Don’t tell me Tianyi Pavilion doesn't use torture. Don’t worry; my men are not complete beginners, and even if they occasionally lose control of their emotions, it’s highly unlikely that they would take her life.

Han Mingyue couldn’t help but shiver involuntarily. Of course, he was well aware of the secret torture methods used behind closed doors. Lord Mingyue wasn’t a living Buddha; he had once coldly tortured enemies who fell into his hands without batting an eyelash. However, he never imagined that those cruel methods would be inflicted upon the woman he loved most, “She is just a weak woman, how could she endure such torture” Qin Feng shrugged, nobody cared about whether or not she could endure it, as long as she didn’t die.

“In reality, she’s tougher than ordinary people.” As far as this was concerned, Qin Feng did look at Su Zuidie differently. Interrogation wasn’t something one could just learn by talking; training was required and naturally, someone had to be trained. In fact, when Su Zuidie came in, two male martial artists accompanied her. The two men committed suicide after being unable to endure the torture, but Su Zuidie remained alive and well, “Actually, we can’t be blamed for this. The princess was originally very opposed to such bloody interrogation methods. Moreover, she herself had a lot of experience with it, but unfortunately, before she could teach us everything, she disappeared. Therefore… Miss Su will have to continue enduring the old methods. Also, Lord Han needn’t worry; her injuries aren’t… well, except for her leg, none of them are irreparable. Someone will help her set her broken finger bones by tomorrow morning. The healing medicine provided by Mr. Shen guarantees she’ll recover within ten days.”

Han Mingyue’s face darkened, "Are you going to break them again once they’re healed"

"They are being crushed and not broken; her fingers are too delicate for that kind of thing unless completely smashed beyond repair," Qin Feng corrected.

“So… will her hands be able to recover fully after this” Han Mingyue roared. From the tone of Qin Feng’s voice, it was clear that this wouldn’t be the first or last time; even Shen Yang’s medicine couldn’t ensure there would be no lingering effects.

Qin Feng raised an eyebrow and replied nonchalantly, "Does Lord Han think she has a chance to get out" The Prince hadn’t promised her safe release, and in fact, it was already quite remarkable that Su Zuidie remained unscathed. “Lord Han needn’t worry; we won’t touch her face. If you can satisfy me with your information, you may come over during your spare time and leave two portraits as a keepsake. The Prince said if she’s made too ugly it might scare the princess and young crown prince,” Qin Feng added.

Han Mingyue’s face turned green but he couldn’t say anything more. After giving the woman on the floor, who was barely breathing, one last look, Han Mingyue followed Qin Feng out of the room.

"The man named Tan Jizhi beside Mo Jingqi is a descendant of the previous royal family," Han Mingyue said to Qin Feng coldly when they met eyes.

Qin Feng narrowed his eyes, "Are you trying to fool me, Lord Han" A descendant of the previous royal family If it were before, this might have been an important piece of information. But now that they had become enemies with Mo Jingqi in secret, who had time for such matters as who was a descendant and who wasn’t Even if Mo Jingqi himself turned out to be a descendant, it didn’t concern them.

“Although Tan Jizhi only officially appeared in court this year, he has been around Mo Jingqi for more than ten years. He is the most trusted aide and strategist of Mo Jingqi’s; do you think that isn’t important” Han Mingyue said coldly.

Mohingqi’s trusted aide and strategist

Qin Feng frowned. Having been picked out from numerous Black Cloud Riders by Emperor Moxiuyao to be handed over to Ye Li, and then gaining Ye Li’s approval to become the commander of the Qilin, Qin Feng had at least average ability in every aspect. Therefore, upon hearing Han Mingyue’s words, he immediately sensed what Han Mingyue wanted to express. A descendant of the previous dynasty Even though it had been over two hundred years since its fall, such a person appearing beside the current emperor and being his trusted aide would naturally attract attention and caution. Qin Feng also didn’t forget that when Mo Jingqi attempted to seize power from the princess before the war, Tan Jizhi had tormented her.

Within an instant, Qin Feng’s mind spun through hundreds of scenarios. Staring at Han Mingyue in front of him, he said expressionlessly, "How do I know what you’re saying is true Also… if even the Prince doesn’t know this information, how could Lord Han possibly know"

Han Mingyue replied calmly, “I was once the master of Tianyi Pavilion.” Tianyi Pavilion had access to the greatest sources of intelligence in the world; wasn’t it normal for them to know something others didn’t

Qin Feng gave a light snort. "If it were any other information, I wouldn’t find it strange, but if it’s in the capital of Chu… Could the Sky One Pavilion really have obtained information that even the Prince Ding王府 didn’t know" Over these years, not only did the emperor keep a close eye on the Prince Ding's Mansion at all times, the Prince Ding's Mansion had never relaxed its guard against Mo Jingqi either. Otherwise, during the period when Crown Prince Ding was bedridden and confined to his residence due to illness, the Prince Ding’s Mansion would have been swallowed up by the royal family long ago.

"If you don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can say. This time, the matter involving Princess Consort Ding definitely had something to do with this person. Think about it; if Mo Xiuyao and Mo Jingqi fell out, who would benefit"

Of course, it would be the surrounding kingdoms and Mo Jinglei who occupied his own territory as a king. Of course, if what Han Mingyue had said was true, Tan Jizhi would also have to count. In any case, whether Qin Feng believed it or not, such information had to be reported to Mo Xiuyao.

However, Mo Xiuyao’s reaction made Han Mingyue pale with fright.

"Cut off Su Zuidie's left arm!"

"You’ve gone mad!" Looking at the calm expression on Mo Xiuyao’s face, Han Mingyue roared. Mo Xiuyao raised his head to look at him and said indifferently, "Tell me where you got this information from, or I’ll cut off a part of Su Zuidie for you every hour."

"I’ve already told you!" Han Mingyue angrily declared.

"I don’t believe you," Mo Xiuyao pushed the ledger in front of him aside. "Don’t forget who has control over the Sky One Pavilion. I know how many people you have in the capital. Or are you trying to tell me that there’s something you’ve been withholding from me about our deal Then, I can still kill Su Zuidie." Han Mingyue looked at him with a complex expression. "Don’t forget; her father and brother died for your Mo family."

Mo Xiuyao leaned back in his chair, looking pale and exhausted. “So what I’ve said it before… If A Li doesn’t come this year, no one can save her.”

Ye Li was already dead! Han Mingyue wanted to roar out these words but staring into Mo Xiuyao’s indifferent eyes made him unable to say them. Or perhaps he dared not; he didn't know what consequences would follow if he shouted it out. "Mo Xiuyao, you crazy man…" Han Mingyue whispered.

Mo Xiuyao gave a low chuckle, unmoved by the insult from Han Mingyue. “I’ve always been more clear-headed than you. I know exactly what I want to do. Do you understand, Han Mingyue” He wanted to wait for A Li and their child to return. If A Li wouldn’t come, he would slowly kill everyone who wanted to harm her or obstruct them until she returned or until he died. "Now, give me an answer, or do you want Su Zuidie’s arm"

Han Mingyue closed his eyes in defeat; he began to doubt whether telling Mo Xiuyao this information was right or wrong. “It was told to me by Zuidie.”

“Heh heh, interesting…” Mo Xiuyao chuckled softly. "Su Zuidie told you A woman far away in Western Ling who is seen as a disposable piece on the Southern Prince’s chessboard… how could she know such secret information" Qin Feng and Zhuo Jing.

"Here," the two men stepped forward to receive their orders.

Mo Xiuyao spoke coldly. "Within one day, I want the answer from Su Zuidie’s mouth; I don’t care what methods you use."

The two exchanged a glance and said in unison, “Understood.”ut…" Helian Huimin frowned. Yelvyi said calmly, "You were originally going to marry into the Duke Ding’s household on a whim, but that only had a 30% chance of success at most. Now it looks like there...