Chapter 6: Even a Princess Becomes Compliant After Two Days of Hunger

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Shiba cast a deep glance at Yang Zhan, then opened the door. Outside, no one was around. Shiba pushed her tofu cart, staggering out of the dungeon gate. The two guards at the entrance did not stop her. At that moment, Shiba felt as if she were dreaming, as if she had been given a new lease on life!

Sanzi and Sier watched the tofu seller sway away. Sanzi sighed, “Second Master is really ruthless. Look at her—she’s clearly injured, yet he won’t even see her off.” Sier nodded sympathetically, “Yeah, it’s heartbreaking to watch. She must be swollen up.” “I think she won’t be able to sell tofu for at least half a month.” “Yeah!”

Bang! Bang!

Two dull thuds sounded as Sanzi and Sier each took a kick, landing face down in the snow.

“Damn it! What’re you two whispering about behind my back?”

Yang Zhan glared. These two brats were really asking for a beating! They picked themselves up, brushing snow off their clothes.

Grinning, Sanzi quickly changed the subject. “Second Master, our monthly pay hasn’t come for three months.”

“Really?”

Sier nodded. “Yeah, we’re barely scraping by.”

Yang Zhan was stunned. “Wait, so I haven’t received my salary for three months either?”

“Exactly! You’re only just realizing that?”

Sier’s exaggerated expression looked at Yang Zhan.

Yang Zhan slapped his forehead. “I never thought about it. Those bastards haven’t sent us anything in three months!”

Generally, officials collected their monthly pay at the Taicang Treasury, but the dungeon was specially established by the emperor, and no prisoners were ever held there year-round. Staff were few. At present, only Yang Zhan, four guards, and a cook remained. Their pay did not come from the Ministry of Revenue but was directly disbursed by the Imperial Household Department.

Since the emperor likely distrusted those guarding the prison, each month the Household Department sent the salaries personally, while keeping an eye on things.

“Sanzi, go to the Household Department later and make sure they deliver our pay!”

Sanzi smiled bitterly. “Second Master, if I go there, I’ll probably just get thrown out. The eunuchs at that place are incredibly arrogant.”

“Try anyway. If they refuse, I’ll go myself. I can’t leave at such a critical time.”

“All right.”

Sanzi left. Now, only Yang Zhan and Sier remained in the dungeon. Plus the cook Yang Danniu and a maid named Luyang sent by the Crown Prince.

Thinking of Luyang, Yang Zhan’s eyes brightened.

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“Sier, keep a close watch. Sound the alarm if anything happens!”

“Yes, Second Master!”

Yang Zhan entered his living quarters. Inside, Luyang had rolled up her sleeves, revealing arms as white and smooth as jade, busily cleaning his room and courtyard. Outside, bamboo poles held up Yang Zhan’s drying clothes.

Yang Zhan was taken aback. Suddenly having a woman to clean and do laundry felt... somewhat delicate.

Luyang, holding a cloth, turned and smiled upon seeing Yang Zhan. “Second Master, greetings.”

Yang Zhan approached, watching her bustle about like a dutiful little wife.

Curious, he asked, “Luyang, you didn’t have to do this kind of menial work at the Crown Prince’s residence, did you?”

While busy, Luyang replied, “I served the Crown Princess there. These chores were done by other maids.”

Yang Zhan chuckled. “Well, I appreciate your hard work.”

“It’s nothing. These tasks are simple—just need strength. Second Master handles important matters; you shouldn’t waste your mind on trivial things.”

This girl, trained at the Crown Prince’s mansion, spoke so sweetly. Yang Zhan’s gaze flickered. “I suddenly remembered—four years ago, did you come to Beiji with the Crown Prince and Princess?”

Luyang looked up, surprised. “Second Master just recalled? If you hadn’t saved me, I might be dead by now.”

She smiled softly. “That’s why the Crown Prince sent me here—I’m very happy.”

Yang Zhan studied her. She’d changed a lot since then—once dry and plain, now fully grown.

“Before you came, did the Crown Prince give you any instructions?”

“Yes.”

“What were they?”

“To take good care of Second Master.”

Yang Zhan sighed. “I’ve fallen so low as to be the dungeon chief. If you follow me, your duties will be menial.”

“Not at all. The Crown Prince and Princess both said you are a hero of the realm, a pillar of Great Xia. You won’t stay here long.”

Yang Zhan shook his head. “You’re overthinking it. I don’t want to leave here. It’s good—food and drink, freedom, no need to risk my head on the battlefield. Living quietly like this isn’t so bad.”

Luyang tilted her head, looking at him. “Second Master, you like whatever kind of life you want, and I’ll follow that.”

Yang Zhan was taken aback by how sweetly this girl spoke.

At that moment, he walked to the adjacent courtyard. “Old Five, get up and watch the gate!”

Old Five was resting but immediately got up and joined Sier on watch.

There were too few of them now; with prisoners, the shortage was more apparent.

Yang Zhan knew no new arrivals were coming. Some were still counting on Fengling Kingdom’s blades to come chopping.

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The day grew colder, and so did Yang Zhan’s heart.

He entered Li Zhizhu’s room and tossed her a bottle of medicine.

Li Zhizhu looked at him puzzled.

Yang Zhan smiled, “You need to treat the wound properly to heal quickly.”

Li Zhizhu’s eyes widened, then her cheeks flushed deeply. Pointing at Yang Zhan, her voice trembled, “You... were spying on me!”

Yang Zhan said seriously, “Who was spying? The documents say you need it. If you don’t want it, fine. But if you leave a scar, that’s not my problem.”

Li Zhizhu paused, then picked up the bottle without returning it—actually even said thank you.

Three women, each with a distinct nature.

Li Yu was willful and rebellious; Li Zhizhu gentle as flowing water; Chen Lin’er inscrutable.

Yang Zhan glanced at Li Yu’s door.

Li Yu immediately charged forward, chains clattering loudly.

She looked ready to pounce and bite him.

“Ah, I’ve been hungry for two days, still got energy to come at me.”

Hearing this, Li Yu grew angrier. “You’re tormenting this princess! I’ll sue you!”

Yang Zhan shrugged. “There needs to be someone to sue. By the way, keep it up and you’ll only get hungrier!”

At those words, Li Yu immediately shut up, but her eyes and panting breath made it seem like she wanted to devour him.

Yang Zhan smiled. “Good girl. This is my domain after all.”

“Hmph!”

Li Yu seemed to give in, storming back to sit on her straw mat.

Yang Zhan laughed. Even a hungry princess can be tamed!

He then approached Chen Lin’er’s cell.

Chen Lin’er opened her eyes calmly, looking at Yang Zhan silently, as if waiting for him to speak.

Yang Zhan smiled. “How did you all get caught?”

“What’s the point of talking about that now?”

“There is. It matters to me.”

“Then why should I talk?”

“Don’t you want to return to Fengling Kingdom?”