Chapter 5

When he returned secretly to his room. Dongfang Qingyuan found a pile of documents to read. Dongfang Qingyuan read them until morning. In the morning, Qiu Ruiwen took all the documents to hide. In case someone came.

Dongfang Qingyuan went to bed but he had only fallen asleep for a short while. The door was opened roughly. "I want to sleep." Dongfang Qingyuan muttered. But Dongfang Qingyuan's body was lifted and placed on shoulder. "Put me down." Dongfang Qingyuan grumbled angrily.

"You need to go to morning court. You should have woken up a long time ago." Xue Zhengming said then threw Dongfang Qingyuan's body into the carriage along with his clothes. "Put on your clothes." Xue Zhengming said getting into the carriage.

Dongfang Qingyuan staring angrily at Xue Zhengming and put on his clothes obediently. "Royal uncle, you can be more polite to General Dongfang. In rank, he is your royal uncle." Xue Xingrui said, Lord Hua calmly.

"Like I care." Xue Zhengming grumbled. Xue Xingrui shook his head. Dongfang Qingyuan fell asleep again in the carriage. "Uncle, what are you guys talking about that he can't sleep?" Xue Xingrui asked. "Li Tao's affairs and also the bad condition of the Light Army." Xue Zhengming explained.

"It seems that General Dongfang misses his home." Xue Xingrui said smilingly. "Missing home to the point of not sleeping. I don't believe it." Xue Zhengming said coldly. Because of the shaking of the carriage, Dongfang Qingyuan's head almost fell and was held by Xue Zhengming's hand.

Xue Zhengming sat beside Dongfang Qingyuan before placing Dongfang Qingyuan's head on his shoulder. "What's wrong?" Xue Xingrui asked. "Your Highness, there's a woman who fell in front of the carriage." Huang Yi, Xue Xingrui's guard, said.

A scream was heard not long after. "Bitch, do you think your fiancé still wants you? If he wanted you, he should have met you when he returned to the capital." Xu Meihua said angrily.

"He won't leave me. He promised." Ruan Shuye said confidently. "He's been having fun in Autumn Pavilion since he arrived until now. That General Dongfang came back but didn't find you at all. It means he abandoned you to get..." Xu Meihua's words were cut off because a slap hit Xu Meihua's cheek making her fall.

"Bitch, who told you to say nonsense about this General?! Autumn Pavilion? This General has never been to that place!" Dongfang Qingyuan said angrily.

Meanwhile in the carriage, Xue Zhengming and Xue Xingrui were shocked by Dongfang Qingyuan's inhuman speed. Back to the scene. "Ruo Cheng?" Ruan Shuye muttered. Dongfang Qingyuan stared at Ruan Shuye coldly. 'This woman hasn't changed.' thought Dongfang Qingyuan.

"Are you Ruan Shuye?" Dongfang Qingyuan asked coldly. Ruan Shuye looked confused but nodded. Dongfang Qingyuan patted his clothes looking for something. "Tch, I forgot to bring it." Dongfang Qingyuan grumbled in annoyance.

"I'll give it to you but I'll take this jade back." Dongfang Qingyuan said pulling the jade that was tightly held by Ruan Shuye. It was the thing left by Dongfang Ruo Cheng to Ruan Shuye. "Give it back to me." Ruan Shuye stood up angrily.

"This is mine. Why should I give it to you?" Dongfang Qingyuan said flatly. His killing aura was emanating. "Give it back, Ruo Cheng who gave me as a sign of engagement." Ruan Shuye said stubbornly. "Stop scaring the little girl." Xue Zhengming said from the carriage. "It's your fault because of you that I forgot to bring the thing Ruo Cheng left me with!" Dongfang Qingyuan shouted angrily.

"You know Ruo Cheng?" Ruan Shuye asked in surprise. "A colleague." Dongfang Qingyuan said coldly. "If you trust me, then wait for me. I'll bring it to you." Dongfang Qingyuan said coldly.

Xu Meihua brought her guards out. "Do you know who I am?! My husband is Minister Ruan of the Ministry of Work. How dare you hit me." Xu Meihua said angrily. "Attack him." Xu Meihua added.

The guards attacked Dongfang Qingyuan together. "Troublesome!" Dongfang Qingyuan said before attacking them brutally. The guards fell down in an instant and were badly bruised. "Tch, bugs." Dongfang Qingyuan said kicking the guards aside. Xu Meihua looked scared.

Huang Yi looked surprised by Dongfang Qingyuan's speed. "I've gotten rid of the bugs for you. Now we can leave before it's too late." Dongfang Qingyuan said jumping into the carriage.

"Miss Ruan, I'll see you once morning court is over. See you later." Dongfang Qingyuan said getting into the carriage. Ruan Shuye was not sure but she would wait. "Your mouth is injured." Xue Xingrui said. Dongfang Qingyuan held the corner of his mouth which was slightly scratched. "A small wound." Dongfang Qingyuan said flatly.

---palace---

@courtroom

Dongfang Qingyuan was sleepy again until eunuch Hong announced that Emperor Xue Feng Ning had arrived.

"Your Majesty, please punish Dongfang Ruo Cheng for wasting money on having fun." Minister Leng Yan from the Ministry of War said. Everyone seemed to agree.

"Having fun?" Emperor Xue Feng Ning said with a smirk. A book was thrown out. "This is proof that the Light Army did not receive the money you sent them. But your account book has so much written on it. Did all of it go into your pocket, Minister Leng?" Emperor Xue Feng Ning asked angrily.

Minister Leng took the account book and was shocked. "Impossible, we sent the money as requested, Your Majesty." Minister Leng said denying the accusation. "Dongfang Ruo Cheng, what tactics did you use?" Minister Leng asked angrily, staring at Dongfang Qingyuan.

Dongfang Qingyuan still looked sleepy and unfocused. "Don't pretend to be asleep!" Minister Leng said angrily. "Your Majesty, I feel that Dongfang Ruo Cheng forged the bookkeeping. If he didn't have money, he wouldn't have gone to the Autumn Pavilion to have fun in there." Minister Ruan Zimo of the Ministry of Work said.

"This seems strange, as far as I can see. He was in a coma for a few days before waking up and moving into a simple inn. Where did you hear that he went to the Autumn Pavilion? The clothes he was wearing and the medicine he took were from my wallet!" Minister Lan Zhi Xuan of the Ministry of Justice said.

"You are his friend, of course you defend him." Minister Ruan said in disbelief. "If I say what Minister Lan said is true. Will you also say that I am his friend, Minister Ruan?" Xue Zhengming asked coldly.

Ruan Zimo was silent. Who didn't know that Dongfang Ruo Cheng and Xue Zhengming had an eternal grudge. "Bring that person." Emperor Xue Feng Ning ordered. Lu Ming dragged Li Tao inside.

"Ruo Cheng, you have to help me. I was slandered." Li Tao said, pulling Dongfang Qingyuan's leg. Dongfang Qingyuan kicked Li Tao's hand in annoyance. "Stop dirtying my clothes! And I already said I am Dongfang Qingyuan not Dongfang Ruo Cheng." Dongfang Qingyuan said irritatedly.

Everyone was silent. "How dare you deceive His Majesty!" Ruan Zimo shouted the loudest. "Deceive His Majesty? When? I have already told His Majesty. You accuse a member of the Imperial family without evidence, isn't that a violation of the law?" Dongfang Qingyuan said coldly.

Emperor Xue Feng Ning held back his laughter. Before the morning court, Eunuch Hong pulled Dongfang Qingyuan to see Emperor Xue Feng Ning. Emperor Xue Feng Ning taught Dongfang Qingyuan how to speak. According to Emperor Xue Feng Ning, a person who never studied would not be good at speaking plus the report by the guard who watched Xue Zhengming and Dongfang Qingyuan quarrel. Emperor Xue Feng Ning concluded that Dongfang Qingyuan was not good at speaking.

"Imperial uncle said the right thing. The report was written by Li Tao so Li Tao wrote the fake report. The one who deceived this Emperor was Li Tao." Emperor Xue Feng Ning said. "Such an important report should be written by a general not a subordinate." Leng Yan protested.

"If you are someone who has never even learned to write or read. But you need to write a report for it, what will you do?" Xue Zhengming asked. "Of course, get someone who is good at it.." Leng Yan said as if he understood.

"Your position is also because you can read and write otherwise you think you can win over Vice Minister Hong Jingyi." Xue Lingyuan quipped. Leng Yan's face turned red with anger. Those words were like slapping him in the face and saying that he was no better than Hong Jingyi.

"I wrote what Dongfang Qingyuan told me to write. He told me to fake this." Li Tao said defensively. "Your Majesty, this servant has something to report regarding the death of Dongfang Ruo Cheng." Dongfang Qingyuan said flatly.

Everyone fell silent. Dongfang Qingyuan took out a scroll that looked like an imperial decree. Li Tao was shocked and was about to grab the object but Lu Ming kicked him and Li Tao fell to his knees. Eunuch Hong got down and took the scroll.

Emperor Xue Feng Ning examined the scroll as Eunuch Hong gave it to him. Then read the written imperial decree. "This is not a royal seal. This is just an ordinary seal. Where did you get this from, Imperial uncle?" Emperor Xue Feng Ning asked.

"Answering Your Majesty, this decree was given to this servant by Li Tao. After arriving there, Plumeria Village seemed fine. But there was a massacre at the Light Army barracks. Half of the elite troops were wiped out. Li Tao said this was a direct order from His Majesty." Dongfang Qingyuan replied.

"You are slandering me! I did not do it!" Li Tao said defensively. "Half of the Light Army's elite troops, how much hard work did it take to build half of the elite troops." Xue Yanzhong's face was unsightly. He didn't know anything and suffered such a big loss.

"Father, if this is true. You must punish the traitor Li Tao, he probably sold the kingdom's information so that the Light Army lost half of its troops." Xue Yanzhong said immediately giving his opinion. Li Tao looked at Xue Yanzhong in disbelief.

"Minister Lan will investigate this further. The court is dismissed." Emperor Xue Feng Ning said. "The court is dismissed." Eunuch Hong said. Everyone dispersed. Lu Ming dragged the desperate Li Tao away.

"General Dongfang, His Majesty wants to see you." Eunuch Hong said. Dongfang Qingyuan nodded.

@royal garden

"Xue Xingrui is about to get married. Who do you think I should marry him to?" Emperor Xue Feng Ning asked. "Ruan Shuye" said Dongfang Qingyuan. "Why do you feel that she is a good choice?" Emperor Xue Feng Ning asked.

"In the capital, the only person I know the name of and have met is Ruan Shuye. I also think she looks pitiful. If she gets married, maybe she won't be tortured by her own mother again." Dongfang Qingyuan explained.

"Where did you meet her? How do you know she is pitiful?" Xue Feng Ning asked. "Answering.." Dongfang Qingyuan's words were cut off. "Speak casually to me." Emperor Xue Feng Ning said annoyed.

"I was forcibly picked up by Lord Yue. On the way, we saw how Madam Ruan beat her daughter and forced her daughter. Then I don't know why suddenly my name was mentioned so I hit her. She didn't accept it and brought her guards to hit me." Dongfang Qingyuan explained. "And your mouth is injured." Emperor Xue Feng Ning said laughing.

"I will write an imperial decree for that." Emperor Xue Feng Ning said. Emperor Xue Feng Ning explained the workings of the capital so that Dongfang Qingyuan would not forget. Dongfang Qingyuan nodded.

"As for the residence, I will choose a place for you." Emperor Xue Feng Ning said. "I already have a house. My uncle gave it to me." Dongfang Qingyuan explained. "Alright. You must stay in the capital while the case is ongoing. I hope you don't mind." Emperor Xue Feng Ning said.

"As long as you can reveal the case. I don't mind." Dongfang Qingyuan said smiling. Emperor Xue Feng Ning smiled. Dongfang Qingyuan took his leave. "Is what he said true?" Emperor Xue Feng Ning asked. "The informant said that General Dongfang does have a house not far from White Mountain. His uncle from Jianghu gave it to him. His meeting with Ruan Shuye is also true." Eunuch Hong said. Emperor Xue Feng Ning nodded in satisfaction.

---Ruan residence---

Ruan Shuye was hit by Xu Meihua. "I should have killed you." Xu Meihua said angrily. Ruan Zimo seemed satisfied seeing it. Dongfang Qingyuan came in and caught the stick that almost hit Ruan Shuye and then broke it.

"Dongfang Qingyuan, you can't just come into my house to make a mess!" Ruan Zimo said angrily. "I only have business with your daughter." Dongfang Qingyuan said staring at Ruan Zimo with a murderous aura.

Ruan Zimo was silent. "This is Ruo Cheng's relic for you." Dongfang Qingyuan said handing over a black wooden box. "Your hand is injured. I'll treat you." Ruan Shuye said standing up slowly with a grimace.

Dongfang Qingyuan lifted Ruan Shuye's body and sat her on the chair there. The box was placed on Ruan Shuye's lap. Dongfang Qingyuan squatted down and examined Ruan Shuye's palm. "How dare you!" Xu Meihua said angrily. "Ruiwen, break her hand." Dongfang Qingyuan said coldly.

Qiu Ruiwen moved quickly and Xu Meihua's right hand was broken. A terrible scream was heard. "Don't" Ruan Shuye said in panic but it was too late. "Leave the other one. Get me the medicine box." Dongfang Qingyuan said. Qiu Ruiwen returned to his carriage and brought the medicine box. Ruan Zimo approached Xu Meihua in panic. "He broke my hand." Xu Meihua said angrily while grimacing. "Call the physician," Ruan Zimo shouted. The butler immediately went out to bring the physician over.

"Your body is your own. Just because they are your biological parents doesn't mean they can hurt your body. Remember that." Dongfang Qingyuan said taking the medicine and sprinkling it on Ruan Shuye's palm. "Are you really not Ruo Cheng?" Ruan Shuye asked sadly. Dongfang Qingyuan didn't answer and bandaged Shuye's hand.

---Lord Hua's Residence---

Xue Xingrui received the marriage decree from Eunuch Hong. "I'll see you off." Xue Xingrui said. "No need, Lord Hua." Eunuch Hong said with a smile. Huang Yi came back and whispered something. "Did you see wrong?" Xue Xingrui asked. "No." Huang Yi said.

Xue Xingrui and Huang Yi quickly left. Eunuch Hong and Xue Xingrui's entourage arrived at the same time. "Lord Hua can't wait to meet the bride-to-be." Eunuch Hong said with a smile.

---Ruan's Residence---

Dongfang Qingyuan bandaged Ruan Shuye's hand as Eunuch Hong and Xue Xingrui arrived. "Minister Ruan, receive the imperial decree." Eunuch Hong said. Everyone knelt down. Dongfang Qingyuan helped Ruan Shuye kneel down.

[By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees; Ruan Shuye, Minister Ruan's legitimate daughter, has a talent for music and is compatible with my son, Lord Hua. This Emperor grants the marriage decree to both of them. The wedding will be held in a week. Done.]

"Receive the decree, Miss Ruan." Eunuch Hong said. Ruan Shuye looked confused. "Receive." Dongfang Qingyuan said softly. "This girl accepts the decree." Ruan Shuye said accepting the imperial decree.

"General Dongfang, are you done with your business? This servant must deliver His Majesty's gift to you." Eunuch Hong explained. "Do you need it now?" Dongfang Qingyuan asked helping Ruan Shuye stand up.

"Do you still have business with Miss Ruan?" Eunuch Hong asked calmly. "You see, Miss Ruan's body is full of wounds from being beaten by her biological parents. If I leave her here. It is likely that she will be killed by her cruel parents." Dongfang Qingyuan said honestly.

"Let Miss Ruan stay in my house." Xue Xingrui said. "This servant will report to His Majesty." Eunuch Hong said. "Eunuch Hong, this is a misunderstanding. We.." Ruan Zimo's words were stopped because the short sword was at his throat.

"I saw how you laughed when your wife beat your daughter. If I hadn't come, your daughter would have been in another world. You want to say that misunderstood. Ruan Zimo, in this world, I hate people like you the most. If you dare to tell lies again, I will not hesitate to kill you." Dongfang Qingyuan said cruelly.

Ruan Zimo looked shocked. "If you kill a minister, you will also be sentenced to death." Ruan Zimo said threateningly. "That's good. Then I can chase you again in the afterlife and kill you once more." Dongfang Qingyuan said with a smirk. Cold sweat poured from Ruan Zimo's body.

"Can you walk?" Xue Xingrui asked Ruan Shuye. "It's faster if you carry her to your carriage before I lose my patience and really kill her parents." Dongfang Qingyuan said. Xue Xingrui obeyed and lifted Ruan Shuye's body and left. The physician arrived at that moment.

Dongfang Qingyuan put away his short sword and took the black box that was left behind. Eunuch Hong and Dongfang Qingyuan left the Ruan Residence followed by Qiu Ruiwen. Xu Meihua's face turned pale. Dongfang Qingyuan was a terrifying monster. Ruan Zimo could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

@front of the Ruan residence

"Grand uncle, it's not good to scare them like that. And thank you." Xue Xingrui said sincerely. "I happened to pass by and kept my promise to her." Dongfang Qingyuan said. "Give her this box before she secretly goes back to her house to be beaten." Dongfang Qingyuan explained. Xue Xingrui accepted the box and smiled.

Eunuch Hong and his entourage followed the carriage containing Dongfang Qingyuan and Qiu Ruiwen. The two sat in front of the carriage heading to the inn.

@Lord Hua's carriage

"Grand uncle asked me to give this to you." Xue Xingrui said handing over a black box. Ruan Shuye's face looked happy and accepted the box.

Ruan Shuye hugged the box happily. Not knowing what was in the box would break her heart.

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