Chapter 37: Demanding Benefits

As Yang Zhan stepped out, he saw Yang Xing waiting for him, accompanied by a woman who was fair-skinned and beautiful. Though she appeared delicate and soft as water, the arrogance between her brows was unmistakable.

Seeing this woman, Yang Zhan suddenly cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness the Crown Prince, I shall take my leave now!"

"Wait, let's go back together!"

"You? No need to go back."

"What?"

"The imperial decree will arrive shortly. Just stay here and wait."

Yang Zhan, blessed with exceptional hearing, had long since overheard the instructions Yang Wu gave to Han Zhong regarding the drafting of the decree. Having said this, Yang Zhan walked away, not wanting to linger for even a moment.

Suddenly, the woman issued a command: "Guards, stop him for me!"

Immediately, several imperial guards blocked Yang Zhan’s path. Yang Zhan turned back, looking somewhat helpless. "Your Highness the Princess, I am still under imperial orders; it is not convenient for me to stay long."

By now, the Fifth Princess, Yang Fu, had hurried over, lifting the hem of her long gown. "It’s been years, and you haven't come to see me even once."

"And didn't you also fail to visit me in the Celestial Prison?"

"I... that place is..."

"Exactly. I am a person of that place, so it is not fitting for me to be too close to a Princess."

"You!"

Her anger flared at his words. "It’s been so many years; can’t you speak more kindly?"

"I have always been this way. If Your Highness dislikes it, I shall keep my distance in the future."

"You scoundrel! Kneel and beg for my forgiveness at once!"

Yang Zhan raised an eyebrow and looked at Yang Xing. "Has your sister never been disciplined?"

Yang Xing swallowed hard and gave a dry laugh. "Well, I shall not involve myself in your affairs. I am going to wait at the entrance of the Wende Hall!" With that, he took off running.

The Fifth Princess grew emboldened. "Oh? Are you actually thinking of hitting me? Let me tell you, even my Imperial Father has never laid a hand on me!" She leaned in, thrusting her face forward with a provocative expression that practically begged for a slap. "Go on, hit me! Just try it! Yang Zhan, I’m telling you, they might be afraid of you, but I..."

*Slap!*

A crisp sound echoed abruptly, causing Yang Xing, who was already far away, to shudder. Even the guards and palace maids present stood frozen, staring in disbelief. It seemed they had never imagined that anyone would truly dare to strike a Princess.

Yang Fu was stunned, seemingly unable to process what had just happened. Yang Zhan withdrew his hand and said calmly, "That is the first time I have heard such a request; I simply had to fulfill it."

Yang Fu finally snapped back to reality, clutching her cheek as her eyes welled up with tears.

*Clang, clang...*

All around, blades were drawn from their scabbards. A murderous aura surged through the air. Yang Zhan remained indifferent, looking at Yang Fu. "Don't make such requests next time. Unless, of course, you really do want a beating."

"Yang Zhan, you... you actually dared to hit me!!" Yang Fu shrieked in outrage.

"Insolence!" "Protect the Princess!"

Several figures lunged forward instantly. Yang Zhan didn't even shift his stance; the figures arrived quickly, but were sent flying back even faster. By then, Yang Zhan had already left, leaving behind a tearful, red-eyed Yang Fu.

She turned and sprinted toward Wende Hall. "Father! Father! Yang Zhan hit me..."

A short while later, she emerged again, crying even more bitterly. Seeing his sister’s aggrieved state, Yang Xing couldn't help but chuckle. "Fifth Sister, of all people, why did you have to provoke Yang Zhan?"

"You're still laughing? What kind of older brother are you? Your sister was hit, and you're still smiling!"

Yang Xing’s expression turned serious. "Very well, I shall go and get justice for you in a moment!"

"Really? How will you get justice?"

"I shall go and have a heavy meal at his expense! That will satisfy your grudge!"

Yang Fu paused, then burst into tears again. "None of you care! I’m going to find my mother!"

Yang Xing coughed. "Fifth Sister, take a brother's advice: stop this. It’s useless."

"I don't believe it. He, Yang Zhan, is just being arrogant."

"He has never been anything but arrogant."

Yang Fu paused again, as if realizing something. Tears rolled down her cheeks, and she wept more sorrowfully than ever. Yet, she remained adamant. "I will make him pay the price for hitting me!" With that, she ran off.

Yang Xing watched the direction in which Yang Zhan had departed, feeling puzzled. "Why would the Second Master bother with a girl like her? The Empress will likely be furious again." But then, he began to laugh. "It had to be the Second Master. Otherwise, this girl would truly think no one could keep her in check. She deserves to suffer a bit."

...

Back at the Celestial Prison, everything was normal. The Northern Imperial Guards had left, and the prison instantly returned to its usual tranquility. Yang Zhan waited until the afternoon, but the woman who ruled the inner palace had not even sent anyone to hold him accountable.

Yang Fu was the Empress’s biological daughter, born of the same mother as the Third Prince. This led Yang Zhan to feel that the situation did not match her temperament.

It was only when the envoys from the Fenglin Kingdom arrived to meet Chen Lin'er and the others that Yang Zhan’s eyes flashed; something felt wrong. The envoy was a man named Tian Li, and his attendant was surprisingly Qin Yin.

Qin Yin pretended not to recognize Yang Zhan, and naturally, Yang Zhan had no intention of acknowledging her. Tian Li produced an official document from the Ministry of Justice, granting him permission to visit. Yang Zhan allowed Tian Li to go and visit the three prisoners. Following protocol, Yang Zhan should have sent someone to monitor them, but Tian Li quietly slipped him a gold ingot. "Sir, if you could grant me a convenience, I would like to speak to them alone. I guarantee there will be no trouble."

Yang Zhan smiled. "Easy enough. Old Liu, take Magistrate Tian over, then come right back."

"Yes, Second Master!"

Old Liu led Tian Li away. Qin Yin was kept outside by Tian Li, who did not allow her to enter. Yang Zhan looked at Qin Yin, and she looked back at him. Suddenly, Qin Yin said helplessly, "Had I known General Yang was also fond of worldly wealth, I would have taken a different path earlier."

Yang Zhan chuckled. "It's not too late now."

"There is no need for that now, is there?"

"Give me a gold ingot as well—one just like that—and I will tell you some secrets."

Watching Yang Zhan’s smile, Qin Yin felt a bit bewildered. Was this truly the formidable, invincible General Yang she had seen just days ago? How had he become so much like a petty official?

Yang Zhan added, "These are no small secrets."

Qin Yin felt even more helpless. "Is General Yang short of money?"

"Indeed, I am truly short of money. The monthly salary for guarding this prison isn't enough to live on. You know, it’s been three years since we've had any prisoners; there has been nowhere to collect any 'tribute'."

"..."

Qin Yin was speechless. Could the great War God of the Great Xia Dynasty really be living in such misery? Suddenly, her eyes flickered. "General, if things are not to your liking here, perhaps you might find better fortune elsewhere. With a talent like General Yang..."

She could not finish, for Yang Zhan had extended his hand, flashing a wily, greedy grin as he waited for his reward.