Chapter 692: Ye Shengyuan Panics (Part 2)

Chapter 692: Chapter 507: Ye Shengyuan Panics (Part 2)

Even though he was in death row, Ye Shengyuan was still aware of events outside. A “pox epidemic” had broken out, killing many people. The Imperial Envoy sent to investigate the case was also trapped in Dongshan, unable to return to the capital to report.

Moreover, the Imperial Envoy and Pei Jian had differing opinions on his case. Pei Jian even came to see him in the death row several times, attempting to extract evidence from him that Marquis Lingyang was directly involved and leading the Xue Family Manor case.

But he refused all of this.

He knew Pei Jian was a man of the Crown Prince. Toppling Marquis Lingyang would cut off one of King Qi’s key supports, and as the Ye Family had placed their bets on Prince Qi, how could they change allegiance midway? The Crown Prince had no heir, and the position of Crown Prince was precarious.

In contrast, King Qi was younger and already had a reputation for wisdom. Having just come of age, besides his mother Consort Xue’s favor, he also had support from many senior ministers at court. Particularly, the current Chief Minister, Tang Jing, had once been King Qi’s enlightenment teacher.

With this relationship, King Qi had a strong chance of claiming the position of Crown Prince.

Actually, he wanted to delay, as someone had sent him a message. With his charges, they would definitely be publicly announced, and he would be executed properly.

That is to say, if he were killed in private or suddenly died in prison, the situation might be something else entirely.

With the Emperor’s suspicion, what would he think then was uncertain.

But at least he wouldn’t suspect the Crown Prince. The case itself was favorable to the Crown Prince, even if he confessed, it wouldn’t harm the Crown Prince’s faction. Therefore, the Crown Prince wouldn’t want him dead, and might even wish for him to stay alive and provide more favorable testimony.

If the Crown Prince wouldn’t kill him, and he confessed, who would benefit the most if he died before the case was concluded?

Marquis Lingyang!

Yes, precisely Marquis Lingyang.

With his death, Marquis Lingyang would land safely. Even if he suffered some punishment, it wouldn’t be too severe.

Therefore, before the case was settled, neither the Crown Prince nor Marquis Lingyang’s people would allow him to die.

Besides, he wasn’t without backup plans.

Ye Shengyuan was not a fool to pin the fate of his son and family on the whims of a woman…

Those who wanted him dead without paying a price, he wouldn’t let them off easily either.

“Open the door.”

“Yes, sir.”

The heavy iron door of the cell was opened, and a fresh scent wafted in from outside. The smell inside the death cell was unbearable.

Although there was air, the circulation was very slow.

Ye Shengyuan’s Dantian had been destroyed, and his limbs were shackled in chains. Staying here, escape was impossible. His son and daughter-in-law, along with other family members like his wife and concubines, were held elsewhere. As the main culprit, based on his confession, he would likely face a death sentence.

As for the others, it was hard to say. Some might survive, but not many.

Pei Jian, dressed in plain clothes, walked in, followed by two people, one carrying a food box and the other bearing a table, while he himself carried a jar of wine.

The food and wine were set out.

Pei Jian gestured for his two subordinates to leave, staying behind alone.

Ye Shengyuan naturally recognized Pei Jian. Sitting cross-legged on the ground, he remained silent. He did not know Pei Jian’s intentions for visiting him at this time.

“Mr. Ye, shall we have a chat?”

“Mr. Pei, what is there for us to talk about?” Ye Shengyuan’s reply was very stiff.

“At this moment, I am neither the Prefect of Dongshan Prefecture nor a follower of the Crown Prince. You, simply, are just the Patriarch of the Ye Family. Can’t we just have a conversation?”

Ye Shengyuan frowned slightly. Were they both dropping their identities and standing without positions?

What on earth was Pei Jian trying to play?

“Mr. Ye, even though we haven’t known each other long, we understand each other a bit. Your talent in medicine is undeniable, but your mind wasn’t used on the right path. Would you agree with my assessment?” Pei Jian personally poured a cup of wine for Ye Shengyuan and offered it to him, “Here.”

Ye Shengyuan did not reach out to take it.

“What, afraid I poisoned it? Your crime warrants public execution. Why would I dirty my hands and invite trouble?”

Faced with Pei Jian’s spring breeze-like smile, if their positions were not at odds, Ye Shengyuan would have admired Pei Jian, who came alone to take office at Dongshan. This guy had courage and capability, decisive and unlike the usual bureaucratic mediocrity.

He took the cup and drank it in one gulp.

It had been a long time since he tasted alcohol. The fiery burn of the spirit almost brought tears to his eyes, but the refreshing sensation after swallowing was immensely satisfying.

“Su Family’s wine?”

“Yes, a new strong spirit from the Su Family, made for real men!”

“Mr. Pei, speak plainly. I don’t want to hear you beat around the bush.” Ye Shengyuan placed the cup heavily on the table, producing a dull sound.

“Mr. Ye, you’ve taken all the blame, but in the end, only your family will die. Is it worth it?” Pei Jian poured Ye Shengyuan another cup of wine.

“It was my crime alone. How could others be implicated?”

“We both know that over the years, your operations in this smuggling line have profited over ten million taels of silver. How much did you actually receive? Even a tenth?”

“Mr. Pei, smuggling carries the risk of beheading. While the profits are high, there are many expenses, and the actual gain is not much from those millions…”