Volume 1, Chapter 8: The Emperor of Qian Is Enraged

Santai Inn.

Ever since leaving the laundry house, Song Chenfei had brought Li Hao to stay at the Santai Inn. This was one of the finest inns in the capital, exceptionally luxurious. The interior was exquisitely decorated with carved beams and painted pillars, shining with gold and jade. The rooms were spacious and bright, elegantly furnished with top-quality timber, featuring soft, comfortable beds and bedding made of fine silk and satin.

At this moment, the Ministry of Works had already delivered the official robes for the Junior Deputy Minister.

"Chenfei, hurry up and put it on. Let me have a look."

Song Chenfei gave a helpless smile. How was it that Li Hao was even more excited than he was? Still, he was curious to see what the official attire of this world looked like. Song Chenfei took off his outer coat and donned the robes. They were quite different from the official garments of his homeland's ancient history, yet the style was uniform, distinguished only by the patterns and inscriptions. The higher the rank, the more majestic the designs—a detail that was exactly the same as in his world's history.

"This is absolutely magnificent." Li Hao could not hide his envy.

"Why don't you try it on?" Song Chenfei suggested with a smile.

"Can I really?" Li Hao was thrilled but then shook his head. "No, no, this belongs to you, Chenfei."

"It's just a set of clothes, nothing to make a fuss about," Song Chenfei said dismissively, taking off the robe.

Just then, the door was violently kicked open. *Bang!* A group of servants from the Li family barged in without permission, swaggering inside.

"Song Chenfei, oh, Song Chenfei. It seems that beating you last time didn't teach you a lesson. Instead of returning obediently to the Prince’s estate, you actually dared to run away." The lead servant pointed at Song Chenfei, his expression arrogant and overbearing.

Song Chenfei’s face darkened. "It’s you lot again!"

Li Hao stepped forward. "What do you want? Let me tell you, Chenfei is an official now. Assaulting a court official is a grave crime; you’ll be thrown into prison or even lose your heads!"

"Oh, Song Chenfei, you’ve got some nerve, masquerading as a court official. That is a capital offense punishable by the execution of your entire clan." The lead servant stepped aside as a youth with a face like polished jade walked in. He wore a purple-gold crown, a brocade robe embroidered with cloud patterns, a jade belt, and deer-skin boots. He held a folding fan, appearing suave yet haughty.

Song Qianshan! The current heir to the Prince of Pingyang.

Seeing him, Song Chenfei’s expression turned cold. "Hmm, why is there such a strong stench of pork in the air?"

A single sentence caused the condescending smile on Song Qianshan’s face to stiffen, his eyes filling with rage.

"Song Chenfei, say that again if you dare?" Song Qianshan’s face was deathly dark. People like him, who rose from humble beginnings, were always sensitive about their past. Clearly, his history as a pork butcher was his greatest shame, and he loathed anyone mentioning it.

"Since you asked so nicely, I’ll oblige. I happen to love pork. Shopkeeper Song, give me two pounds, and make sure you trim the bones clean," Song Chenfei said, staring at him.

Song Qianshan’s expression twisted. "Song Chenfei, you’ve got guts. I was supposed to be the true heir. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have ended up selling pork in the market. This is all your fault. Beat him!"

At his command, the servants swarmed forward.

"Li Hao, run!" Song Chenfei shouted, preparing to jump out the window. However, the experienced guards from the estate had already blocked the way. As soon as he reached the window, a guard kicked him back, sending him crashing to the floor.

He tried to stand, but the lead servant punched him in the stomach, causing cold sweat to pour down his face. Before he could recover, another guard’s fist smashed toward his back. Song Chenfei rolled to dodge, knowing that if the blow landed, it would be devastating.

He was losing. "Damn it, this body is truly pathetic. If it were just a matter of lack of skill, I’d accept it, but this body is dragging me down!"

Two fists were no match for four hands, especially when he couldn't win against even one of them. Another punch landed on his chest. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth as he stumbled backward. Just as he tried to retaliate, someone grabbed his neck, and two guards pinned his arms behind his back, rendering him immobile.

He was completely subdued. Glancing at Li Hao, he saw that his friend was already beaten black and blue, with wounds far more severe than his own.

"You dare fight me? I am the true heir!" Song Qianshan walked over and kicked Song Chenfei hard in the chest.

The force was immense, sending Song Chenfei sprawling. Already weak and injured, he coughed up a mouthful of blood. "Pfft!" His face turned deathly pale.

"Chenfei!" Li Hao cried out in grief, trying to help, but a guard stepped on him, preventing him from rising.

"Song Qianshan, what exactly do you want?" Song Chenfei gritted his teeth, his eyes bloodshot.

"I told you to go back, so go back. You ungrateful wretch! Father even went to the laundry house himself to fetch you, yet you refuse to listen to reason." Song Qianshan looked at him with utter contempt.

"To hell with that! Why should I go back? You were the ones who kicked me out of the estate, and now you want me back? I’d rather crawl into a dog kennel than return to that house." Song Chenfei struggled in vain to stand.

As he moved, the silver banknotes tucked in his robes spilled out—over two thousand taels.

"So much silver!" Song Qianshan’s eyes gleamed with greed. He snatched the money away.

"My money! Song Qianshan, how dare you steal my money!" Song Chenfei roared.

"What do you mean, *your* money? This was stolen from the Prince’s estate; it was mine to begin with. I’m just reclaiming what is rightfully mine." Song Qianshan held the notes, looking smug.

"Young Master, this fellow has another five hundred taels on him." The servant snatched the remaining note from Li Hao. Li Hao’s eyes turned crimson; that money was more precious to him than his own life. He tried to fight back, but against the guards, it was like a mantis trying to stop a carriage.

"This is a profitable trip," Song Qianshan laughed heartily. "And this official robe—why should a piece of trash like you wear it? It belongs to me. A Prince like me should hold an official post." He signaled his men to strip the robes off Song Chenfei and put them on himself.

"How do I look?" Song Qianshan asked.

"Perfect!" the servants fawned. "It’s a match made in heaven. On Song Chenfei, it’s like a crow wrapped in brocade, but on you, it’s like a phoenix wearing royal robes. Only you, Young Master, are worthy of such grandeur."

The flattery pleased him immensely. "Indeed, only I am worthy."

Song Qianshan looked down at Song Chenfei. "For my father’s sake, I’ll give you one more chance. Go back this afternoon. If not, next time, you won’t get off with just a few bruises. Let’s go!"

"Young Master, why not just drag this trash back now?"

"He’s not worth it. Letting him return is already a great mercy. I won't lower myself to bring him back personally."

Once they were gone, Li Hao crawled over. "Chenfei, are you alright?"

"Cough... I’m not dead yet. Don’t get up. Just lie there. Make yourself look as miserable as possible. Give me some of your blood and smear it all over your face. Make it look like you’re on your last breath," Song Chenfei ordered.

Li Hao blinked. "Why?"

"You'll see." Song Chenfei flashed a faint, unnoticeable smile. Trusting him, Li Hao followed his instructions. After some staging, they looked like they had been stabbed eighteen times. With tea mixed with blood to supplement the scene, the room looked like a crime scene.

The Ministry of Works officials arrived shortly after. They had been sent to escort Song Chenfei to his new post, and they dared not delay, as this was the Grand Preceptor’s own request. When they arrived, they were horrified to find Song Chenfei lying in a pool of blood, looking utterly wretched.

"Save him! Hurry!" They were in a panic. Song Chenfei was the Emperor’s hand-picked talent, hailed as the "Young Craftsman King of Great Qian," and highly valued by the throne.

The news reached the Emperor quickly. He was so enraged that he smashed his teacup.

"Unacceptable!" the Qian Emperor bellowed. The surrounding eunuchs and maids knelt, shivering.

"Prince of Pingyang, you have treated my words as wind. I told you to keep your house in order, and you gave me your word, only to have them act even more brazenly! Your people have the audacity to rob the silver I bestowed, and now they have stolen my official robes and assaulted a court official! Do you truly hold me in such low regard? It seems I haven't seen blood in a long time, leading you to believe I am weak and easily bullied!"

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"

The servants were terrified. They knew the Emperor was truly furious.

"I cannot be calmed. Eunuch Liu, summon the Prince of Pingyang to the palace immediately!"

"Yes, Your Majesty." Eunuch Liu knelt trembling. He knew the Prince of Pingyang was in grave danger. By repeatedly seizing the Emperor's gifts, he hadn't just been arrogant—he had openly defied the Emperor's dignity. This provocation could only be washed away with blood.