Chapter 43: Chapter 43: Flinching Before the Scheme

"Exile," Zhou Yun realized, turning to Liang Wan. "That’s right. After Wang Su and the other key criminals were publicly beheaded, their remaining family members were sentenced to exile. They’re departing today."

Liang Wan was startled and hurriedly ducked out of the long-eaved carriage to peer anxiously at the scene. A large crowd had gathered on the rain-slicked street. Down the center of the road, two squads of soldiers were escorting a line of prisoners south.

Liang Wan’s gaze swept back and forth through the procession several times, but she couldn’t find Wang Tingyue, and she couldn’t help but grow anxious.

"Are you looking for Wang Tingyue?"

From behind her, Zhou Yun emerged as well, holding an umbrella over her head.

Liang Wan turned her head to look at him. ’That night, I followed Wang Tingyue’s instructions and fled, and just so happened to run into Zhou Yun. I don’t know how they know each other, but this must have been planned in advance. Otherwise, my escape wouldn’t have gone so smoothly.’

Zhou Yun said, "He’s not among those being exiled."

The color returned to Liang Wan’s face slightly. ’His punishment must be lighter, then,’ she thought.

But Zhou Yun’s brow furrowed, his expression grave. "Conscription."

Conscription?!

A chill ran down Liang Wan’s spine. Wasn’t that even worse than exile?!

’His injuries are so severe, and it’s only been a few days. How can he possibly serve in some remote frontier?’

"Why?"

Liang Wan couldn’t understand. Where had things gone wrong?

Zhou Yun shook his head and sighed. "Actually, he didn’t have to suffer this punishment. He requested it himself."

’He requested it himself?’ Liang Wan slowly lowered her gaze. Her nails dug into her palm, bit by bit, but she felt no pain.

’Even though Wang Su treated him poorly, half of her blood still flows in his veins. He might not blame her, but he can’t help but blame himself.’

’No matter what, he is her son...’

"There he is."

As her thoughts drifted, she heard Zhou Yun sigh beside her.

Liang Wan turned to look where he was pointing. Wang Tingyue was leaning on a crutch, stumbling and lurching forward. His steps were so heavy he could barely lift his feet, looking as if he might collapse at any moment.

’To see such a resolute and upright man ground down into this state is utterly heartbreaking. I thought the counterfeiting affair had nothing to do with him, and that with Chancellor Cao’s lenient policy as a guarantee, he wouldn’t end up like this. In the end, I still dragged him down with me—’

’In this new life, if there’s anyone I’ve truly wronged, it’s Wang Tingyue.’

Liang Wan’s eyes stung, and a raw pain bloomed in her heart.

But even if she could do it all over again, she would still choose to take her revenge and bring down Wang Su without a moment’s hesitation.

Liang Wan turned around, raised her hands to her brow, and bowed.

Startled by her sudden gesture, Zhou Yun glanced at the reddened corners of her eyes. "Are you asking me to plead with His Highness for him?"

"No," Liang Wan quickly shook her head. "I only wish to ask, Young Master Zhou, could you lend me some money?"

"Money?" Zhou Yun’s brows knitted in surprise.

Liang Wan said, "He’s in such a state, he needs someone to look after him as it is. The journey to the frontier for conscription is long, and I’m afraid he won’t survive it. Money isn’t everything, but bribing the guards along the way can at least make things a little easier for him for now. I don’t have any money on me at the moment, but I’ll find a way to repay you once I get back."

Zhou Yun understood. He handed the umbrella to a nearby attendant, bent down to enter the carriage, and re-emerged with a heavy pouch of coins in his hand.

Liang Wan quickly thanked him and took it. She turned and handed it to Zhou Yun’s attendant, giving him a few instructions before sending him off with it.

The attendant jogged through the crowd and called out to several men. He didn’t hand the pouch directly to Wang Tingyue, but to the constables escorting him.

As they spoke, the men turned to look in their direction. Wang Tingyue turned his head as well. Zhou Yun was just about to speak when he realized the spot beside him was empty. Liang Wan had slipped back into the carriage at some point. He could only give a slight nod in acknowledgment.

After a brief pause, the group started on their way again. Once the attendant returned, the street cleared, and the long-eaved carriage continued forward.

When Zhou Yun re-entered the carriage, he saw Liang Wan staring blankly out the window.

He sat down again and said casually, "You don’t have to worry so much. Actually—"

Liang Wan turned to face him. "Thank you, Young Master Zhou."

Zhou Yun grew thoughtful. ’Actually, it wouldn’t be hard to truly help him. A single word to Lu Xiu would be more effective than this bag of money, wouldn’t it?’

He smiled and suggested, "Next time you see your Grand Commandant, just mention it to him. He’ll have a way."

Liang Wan thought she must be hearing things. ’How could I not know what kind of person Lu Xiu is? It’s already a miracle that Wang Tingyue made it out of the Dali Temple Prison alive. How could I dare ask Lu Xiu for help?’

Seeing Zhou Yun’s earnest, good-natured expression, she couldn’t help but ask, "I’m genuinely curious. How can someone of your character, Young Master Zhou, be friends with the Grand Commandant?"

Zhou Yun blinked, looking a little perplexed. "We grew up together."

Liang Wan fell silent and turned back to the window. ’Don’t be fooled by Zhou Yun’s usual suave and carefree demeanor; he’s actually soft-hearted and kind. Lu Xiu, on the other hand, is truly ruthless, cruel, and devoid of sentiment.’

’Zhou Yun is only helping me like this because he thinks I actually have a relationship with Lu Xiu. But in reality, I’ve deceived him.’

’In this world, truly good people are few and far between. Yet, instead of being cherished as they should be, they are always the ones who end up deceived.’

’And then there’s Wang Tingyue,’ Liang Wan thought quietly. ’Perhaps I can think of another way. After all, I’m not the only one who’s anxious right now...’

At the entrance of the Liang Mansion, upon seeing the carriage of the Crown Prince’s Tutor, Liang Cheng scrambled out with his men to greet them.

He had gained some tangible benefits from cozying up to Wang Su in the past, but he had also made plenty of enemies in the process. With Wang Su’s sudden downfall, Liang Cheng lost his backing. There was no shortage of people at court who would kick a man when he was down. Just as he was moping about his misfortune, he suddenly saw a major favorite of the Crown Prince. How could he not break into a wide, fawning grin and start bowing and scraping?

"Young Master Zhou, you honor my humble abode with your presence! This lowly official has failed to welcome you properly—"

Liang Cheng was grinning shamelessly when he suddenly spotted Liang Wan behind Zhou Yun. His face changed, and he was left speechless.

Liang Wan observed his ashen-faced expression. It seemed he never expected her to return alive.

Liang Wan smiled faintly and bowed to Liang Cheng. "Uncle, circumstances prevented me from reporting my safety to the family these past few days. I’m sorry to have worried everyone!"

She put special emphasis on the word "family," and after speaking, she simply watched Liang Cheng with a placid expression.

Liang Cheng actually hated Liang Wan to the bone and wanted to lash out. But with Zhou Yun present, he could only force a stiff smile and say perfunctorily, "It’s good that you’re back. Good that you’re back."

How could Zhou Yun not see through this? Fanning himself lightly, he said only to Liang Wan, "You’ve been inconvenienced these past few days, having to stay at the villa. However, Chancellor Cao has mentioned this matter to His Highness, saying your contributions were indispensable. The Empress has also heard of it. I imagine an imperial decree will be issued in the next day or two, so you can rest easy and wait!"

Liang Wan understood his meaning and immediately bowed. "Thank you for your care these past days, Young Master Zhou. Liang Wan will never forget this kindness for as long as I live!"

Liang Wan knew he was deliberately saying this to intimidate Liang Cheng, but her gratitude was completely sincere. Without Zhou Yun’s help, things would not have turned out this way.

Liang Cheng invited him inside to talk, but Zhou Yun smilingly declined, saying only that his task was complete and he had to return to make his report. As he spoke, he smiled and winked at her.

Zhou Yun maintained a polite facade, though it was just his usual courteous manner with people. Just as he was about to take his leave, Liang Wan called out to him.

"Young Master Zhou, please wait. There is one more thing I wish to report to you."

Zhou Yun was puzzled. "What is it?"

Liang Wan said, "Regarding the case of Wang Su, my actions were in fact on my uncle’s instructions. Liang Wan would not dare take all the credit for myself!"

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