Chapter 26
Zhang Yunhuai listened to that past.
To him, it should have been nothing more than a chapter in history.
He advised me to let it go, saying he would remove me from it completely, that he had the ability to protect me.
I asked him how he would protect me-was he going to have Wei Donghe confess to all the crimes?
He was silent for a moment, then said, “He has suffered every punishment, and to this day has not given you up.”
“So, why does the Second Young Master think I would cling to life in disgrace?”
“Even if you step forward, you cannot save him. It would only mean one more death. This is the truth, Xiao Chun, you must see it clearly and accept it.”
“Is there truly no room for maneuver?”
“None.”
“I refuse.”
“You must accept it.”
The light flickered across his face, weaving mottled shadows.
The Second Young Master’s face was as flawless as jade, his eyes unwavering, dark and calm, like a flowing underground river.
“Your Aunt is right. The Imperial Authority is heaven; no one can fight against heaven.”
“I once thought the Second Young Master was different from others.”
I looked at him quietly, until I saw a flicker of surprise on his face, which quickly returned to normal.
“People are all the same. That’s what you said.”
“To the Imperial Authority, the truth does not matter. Only when the world is somewhat settled do harsh laws restore order. Ritual, law, and justice exist only within the rules, and in times of chaos, there are no rules. The Imperial Authority will not admit it-how could you make him admit it?”
Of course, he would not admit it.
If he were to admit it, he would not have ignored the impeachment of the Loyal and Brave Marquis.
The Guodao Army are butchers, yet they are butchers loyal to him.
Moreover, he has tasted the flesh cut by those butchers.
Times have changed; that past is no longer a blemish. Those in high positions control the rules, so they choose to forget.
Since ascending the throne, the current emperor has governed diligently and bestowed favors upon the people, earning the reputation of a benevolent ruler.
He cherishes his good name so much-how could he allow a stain to remain in the history books for future generations?
As long as he does not admit it, the flesh cut by the butchers is clean and legitimate.
I have long seen this clearly, but now, I still let out a low laugh.
“He does not admit it, and neither do I.”
“To you all, it is a chapter in history, a story. But I am the person within the story.”
“Second Young Master, I understand your words. If it had not happened to me, it would indeed make sense. Everything you say is right-morality blurs outside the rules. But the world needs people like me, doesn’t it? Otherwise, tell me, what is the meaning of morality’s existence?”
“I do not care about life or death, and I know I cannot fight against heaven. But at the very least, I should die with dignity on the road of justice.”
“So, I refuse.”
I looked up at him, my gaze more determined than ever before.
Zhang Yunhuai looked at me for a long time, his expression gradually softening. He reached out and touched my face-
“Xiao Chun, there will be a chance, but not now. Trust me, in the future I will do my utmost to seek justice for you.”
“The future? Wait until the emperor grows old? Until a new ruler ascends? No, Second Young Master, I cannot wait. The meaning of my life is not to watch them die of old age. I cannot do it.”