Chapter 35: The Red Dragon Guard

Before the echo of the words had even faded, a dozen figures arrived.

At their waists hung short, straight, and narrow blades. The scabbards were carved with distinctive patterns, and the hilts bore a small, fiery-red character: "Chi."

Their footsteps were light and swift. Clad in black like a gathering storm cloud, they moved in silent, overwhelming unison, an oppressive aura radiating from them instantly. Even the wind in the surrounding garden seemed to hold its breath.

The onlookers felt a tightness constrict their chests; their hearts and bodies grew taut as they lowered their gazes, desperate to minimize their own presence.

The Red Dragon Guard!

It was the Emperor’s personal elite unit. Beyond protecting the throne, they possessed the authority to surveil all civil and military officials. There was no one they dared not investigate, and no case they dared not pursue. Significant cases could be delivered directly to the Emperor’s writing desk. As for trivial matters involving minor officials, in the words of their Commander, Fu Qingyin: "Kill them if you must."

As for who qualified as a "major official" in Fu Qingyin’s eyes, that was entirely up to him.

At the mere thought of that iron-blooded demon, a chill crept up everyone’s necks. Even the Crown Prince’s gaze darkened, the ambition in his eyes quietly receding.

The dozen Red Dragon Guards parted, and the crowd held their breath once more. From the center stepped a man in similar black robes, though his collar, cuffs, and hem were embroidered with gold—faint glimmers of light beneath a dark cloud. He wore a gauze cap, his skin was bronze-toned, his brows thick and dark, and his eyes were as sharp and piercing as an eagle’s.

It was the Grand Commander, Hao Mengye.

Fortunately, it was not Fu Qingyin. However, this man was Fu Qingyin’s trusted confidant and a capable enforcer—someone who was equally not to be trifled with.

The Red Dragon Guard never made an appearance for anything good, especially not when the Grand Commander himself arrived. The guests secretly regretted coming to the Su estate today; who could have known the Su family would provoke the Red Dragon Guard?

As for the Su family members, they were already stunned. The Matriarch, who had just been furious, ordering Su Dingqin to continue beating Yu Sheng-sheng and demanding the tongue of Jin Baobao, now found her face frozen. She wanted to squeeze out a smile, but she didn't even know which wrinkle to start with.

Hao Mengye walked up to them and stood with his hands behind his back. "Well? Is this the etiquette of the Su household? Not even a word of greeting when seeing an official?"

Su Yanshu was the first to recover. He stepped forward, cupping his hands with a faint smile. "Commander Hao, my apologies for the lack of a proper welcome. Today, Su was simply hosting some friends in the estate to enjoy tea and admire the lotus flowers..."

Hao Mengye’s gaze was indifferent, sweeping across his face like the thin, sharp edge of a blade.

"Tell me, is it you who runs the Su household now?"

Su Yanshu had thought he was performing well—neither humble nor arrogant, maintaining the grace of a scholar, and ensuring he didn't lose face before the Red Dragon Guard. Little did he expect that before he could even finish his sentence, Hao Mengye would tear his facade away, trampling his dignity into the dust with a single question.

Hao Mengye extended two fingers and flicked them slightly—a gesture for him to step aside.

Su Yanshu’s face flushed red. "Commander Hao, this is the Su estate. Behind me stands..."

It was the Crown Prince.

Hao Mengye let out a scoffing laugh. "This official is well aware that this is the Su estate. Do you think a member of the Red Dragon Guard would not know where he has stepped foot?"

"As for you, Su Yanshu, you hold no official rank and have achieved no merit. If your father were here, he might not even dare to speak to me in such a manner."

Hao Mengye glanced at Yu Sheng-sheng on the ground, his gaze shifting away calmly before he tilted his head, as if only just noticing the Crown Prince. He walked a few steps toward the Prince and bowed. "Greetings, Your Highness. I was unaware of your presence here. My intrusion is inexcusable; I beg for your forgiveness."

The Crown Prince’s eyes were deep and guarded as he curled his lips. "Commander Hao, there is no need for such formalities."

The Crown Prince dared to scheme against the Lu family and face the incoming Kong Dezhao, but he could not afford to offend the Red Dragon Guard. The reason was simple: their Commander, Fu Qingyin, was the Emperor’s most trusted blade—a sharp, lethal weapon that ignored everyone but the Emperor, cutting anyone who dared to touch it. Furthermore, Fu Qingyin was a master of intelligence; every case he handled resulted in ironclad evidence. No one knew how he managed to unearth such secrets.

The Crown Prince knew exactly what he had done and how he had ascended to his position. Who knew if, once provoked, Fu Qingyin might dig until he found the very bottom of his secrets?

"Commander Hao, you have led your team to the Su estate in person today. Is it for..."

Hao Mengye’s voice carried a hint of a smile, light and airy. "The son of Prince Nanshun was attacked and wounded in the leg while passing through Shunchang Prefecture on his way to the capital. This matter is of great importance, and I had no choice but to investigate it myself."

These words fell like a giant boulder into water, shocking everyone present. Yet, their reactions varied.

Jin Baobao felt a surge of joy. She broke free from those holding her and rushed to Yu Sheng-sheng’s side. "Young Miss, let me help you up."

Enduring the pain racking her body, Yu Sheng-sheng leaned on her and struggled to stand. Jin Baobao whispered in her ear, "Young Miss, did you hear? The son of Prince Nanshun won't be coming for the time being."

Yu Sheng-sheng felt like weeping; she nodded slowly and squeezed Jin Baobao’s hand.

She had struggled so hard, fought with all her might, hoping to refuse being managed and to reject this marriage. Now, her goal had finally been achieved.

The Crown Prince exclaimed in shock and anger, "The son of Prince Nanshun was attacked? Who could be so bold?"

Hao Mengye turned to look at Su Dingqin. "For that, we must ask the young General Su."

Su Dingqin, still holding his blood-stained whip, blinked in confusion. "Me?"

The Matriarch chimed in urgently, "Commander Hao, this matter surely has nothing to do with Dingqin!"

"Whether it does or does not is not for you to decide, old lady," Hao Mengye said, his gaze flicking to the prayer beads hanging from her wrist. "You believe in Buddha, but the dungeons of the Red Dragon Guard see blood every single day."

"You would do well to stand aside, lest you be caught in the crossfire."

The Matriarch choked on her words. Su Zhiyi asked, "May I ask why you say it involves my eldest brother? My brother has been in the capital; he hasn't stepped one foot outside the city. How could he possibly have reached Shunchang?"

Hao Mengye lightly stroked the hilt of his sword, his tone turning cold. "Princess Rongyang, are you questioning me?"

Su Zhiyi bit her lip, her expression both aggrieved and stubborn. "I only seek justice."

"Justice," Hao Mengye’s laugh rumbled from his throat. "There is a notorious bandit in Shunchang Prefecture named Zou Zhiliang. If I recall correctly, young General Su, you have crossed swords with him before."

Su Dingqin said hurriedly, "That is true. When I was returning to the capital, I passed his stronghold and considered eradicating him to rid the people of a scourge. However, I lacked the manpower and was in a hurry to return, so I set the matter aside."

Hao Mengye chuckled softly and looked toward Shen Zhiyuan and Rujian on the water corridor.

"When Zou Zhiliang learned that the young Prince Kong was coming to the capital, he invited the Prince to his stronghold. The Prince replied that he was coming to the capital to align with the Su family and refused to enter the stronghold. Yet, within two days, he was attacked and wounded."

Su Dingqin was baffled. "In that case, the suspicion falls on Zou Zhiliang. What does this have to do with me?"

"What does it have to do with you? You heard that Zou Zhiliang intended to befriend the young Prince and assumed the Prince would agree to join forces with him against you. And so, you struck a ruthless blow to harm the Prince."

Su Dingqin was stunned. "This... where is this coming from? I haven't left the capital for even a single step."

"And so what? Does not leaving the capital mean you cannot order someone else to do it?"

Su Dingqin was livid. What kind of bandit logic was this?

Hao Mengye fixed his gaze on Su Zhiyi. "Princess Rongyang, would you not agree?"