Chapter 76

Xu Hao, although a guard, held a low rank and had limited access to information. Despite his anxiety, he dared not privately inquire about anything. The only thing he could do was to run to the side of the officer with a sword from time to time, hoping to hear some useful information.

Although he felt deep sympathy for Lan Yu's family, what he was most worried about was his own family. Who knew what misfortune might befall them? Xu Hao was most afraid that Lan Yu and his "cohorts" would implicate his uncle, which would be disastrous.

At first, the guards were moved by the cries from the courtyard, as they were all young. However, as time passed, they gradually became impatient. The cries became increasingly annoying, and the guards would often shout loudly, ordering the women inside to stop crying.

As the sky grew darker and the weather turned colder, there was sudden movement inside. A woman spoke from behind the door, "My lady wishes to see the officer in charge. Please be kind enough to allow it."

The officer with the sword thought for a moment and then instructed Xu Hao, "I can't show my face. You go and deal with it. Try to be as respectful and courteous as possible. The Lady of Liang is the younger sister of the late Duke of Kaiping, so we can't be rude to her."

Xu Hao accepted the order and walked to the door. He had paid attention to all aspects of Lan Yu's life, so he knew that the Lady of the Duke's family name was Chang. Who didn't know about Chang Yuchun, the great general of the Ming Dynasty? He held him in high regard.

Lady Chang had become a prisoner, facing either death by hanging or a fate worse than death. The power of the emperor was truly terrifying, regardless of one's status the day before, one could be implicated the next moment.

Xu Hao, besides feeling sympathy, also felt a sense of sorrow, as if the fall of one person was like the death of a rabbit to a fox. He followed the guards as they slowly opened the door and walked into the courtyard.

The women in the courtyard had cried until they had no strength left, now sitting on the cold ground, leaning against each other. Under their desperate gazes, Xu Hao straightened his clothes and slowly entered the house.

The room was in a mess, but Lady Chang, despite being in a prison, maintained her dignity. She was neatly dressed and sat on a chair, nodding slightly and looking straight at the young guard in front of her.

"The wife of a criminal dares not ask for much, but I hope the officers can be kind enough to provide some blankets for my family to keep warm through this long night. I also beg for some porridge for the children. The officers were kind enough to provide charcoal and food earlier, for which I am deeply grateful. Alas, the Lan family has no hope left, and we cannot repay the officers. I can only hope to repay the great kindness in the next life."

These words made the women around her sob softly, and more than a dozen women knelt and kowtowed to Xu Hao.

Faced with this scene, Xu Hao felt a lump in his throat and could not speak. He nodded lightly and finally managed to say, "I understand. Please wait a moment."

Xu Hao did not want to stay any longer and was about to leave when he heard Lady Chang's low voice, "Sir, I have one more request, I hope you will agree."

Xu Hao stopped, his blood rushing to his head. Without hesitation, he said, "Please speak. Whatever I can do, I will do for you."

Lady Chang was surprised by this young guard's reaction and said incredulously, "We are not related, and you really dare to agree? Are you not afraid of being implicated and punished in the future?"

Xu Hao replied calmly, "I am afraid, which is why I said I would do what I can. If there are any consequences, please forgive me."

"Why did you agree so readily?" Lady Chang stared at Xu Hao.

Xu Hao understood her confusion and fear in this desperate situation. He did not have time to waste, and said seriously, "To be honest, I am a distant relative of the Duke of Wei. I have grandparents and elders above me, and brothers and sisters below me. Our family is harmonious and has some property, so we are not in need. I am now a guard in the emperor's presence. I swear by my ancestors that I have no evil intentions. Lady, you can entrust your worries to me. If you do not trust me, then there is nothing more to say."

Lady Chang looked at him in surprise, a hint of joy in her expression. She said, "Thank heaven and earth. Since you are a descendant of an old friend, I am relieved. Let's get to the point. I will call you nephew. Auntie begs you to find a way to protect my daughter's innocence. If you cannot, it is her fate. After some time, secretly send them to the Duke of Kaiping's mansion. I know their slave status cannot be easily changed, but I do not ask for much. If they can survive in their own home, that is enough. As a reward for your great kindness, you can choose one or two of them as concubines, and I hope you will treat them well."

Xu Hao did not look at the pitiful girls hugging each other and sighed, "I can help others, but I cannot help the young lady of your family. The crime of treason means certain death. I will keep this in mind. If any of your blood relatives survive, I will not stand idly by. Goodbye."

Without giving Lady Chang a chance to speak further, Xu Hao turned and left. He would do his best to fulfill his promise, but there was no need to prove anything to her, as she and the others would not live much longer.

Just as he reached the courtyard gate, he was caught up by two beautiful women holding their skirts. One of them, with a pale face and a voluptuous figure, whispered urgently, "Sir, we are just lowly dancers in the mansion. We should not be executed. Please take us in, and we will serve you with all our might."

The other, more seductive, said more openly, "If you take us in, we will do whatever you want. I am skilled in oral pleasure, and her anal skills are the best in the capital. We have many other bedroom skills that will surely satisfy you."

Opportunities are for those who dare to seize them. Xu Hao did not look down on these two women. Perhaps they were Lan Yu's favorite playthings, or perhaps they were willing to do anything to survive. Even ants have a desire to live.

Xu Hao said hurriedly, "Give me your names."

The two women were overjoyed and quickly said, "I am called Chan Chan in the mansion, and she is called Juan Juan. Our real names are Wang Chan'er and Li Juan'er."

Xu Hao understood immediately. Most women in the Ming Dynasty with names ending in 'er' were from the entertainment industry. For those who are about to travel through time, remember that in ancient times, especially in the Ming Dynasty, women with names like Chan'er or Juan'er were not from respectable families and were born into prostitution. Of course, we should not judge a person by their background. If they have good character and you are willing to marry them, that's fine, but as a main wife, it's not recommended.

Xu Hao did not plan to save everyone from their plight. There were many pitiful people in the world, but if he encountered someone with a connection, he would not hesitate to help. He nodded lightly to show that he understood.

Under the eager anticipation of the two women, Xu Hao walked out of the door.

After leaving, Xu Hao thought that since these two were no longer virgins, there was no need to rush. When the time was right, he would buy them out and send them to the Qinhuai River, where they could find someone to entrust their lives to.

By the way, Xu Hao had an idea: why not train them and use them as spies?

But he quickly dismissed the thought. It was better not to do such inhumane things. It was better to be honest and straightforward.

The women in the courtyard felt as if each day was a year, and Xu Hao outside the courtyard felt the same. After reporting to his superior, the officer with the sword was understanding and ordered the guards to find over a hundred sets of blankets and other items, which were then delivered inside.

Xu Hao personally cooked porridge in a large iron pot. After it was ready, he had the women carry it in themselves to prevent anyone from committing suicide with a porcelain bowl. Xu Hao and his men stood nearby to watch.

The women silently shared the sticky porridge, in an orderly manner. However, Lady Chang and the other family members had no appetite and returned the trays untouched. Many people could not help but wonder if this was their last dinner.

At night, the officer with the sword went out and returned, saying to Xu Hao, "Lan Yu has been executed. The emperor has ordered his skin to be flayed and stuffed with straw, and his body to be displayed in various places. All three generations of his family will be executed, and his servants will be sent to the labor camps to be slaves forever."

Xu Hao sighed, feeling both relieved and surprised. He did not expect Lan Yu to be executed so quickly, and in such a short time, his uncle would not be implicated.

All three generations of the family would be beheaded, and the cruelty of Zhu Yuanzhang was shocking. How many people would be killed, men and women alike? Lady Chang's last wish was completely shattered.

Xu Hao smiled bitterly, "Sir, will we have to execute them ourselves?"

The torches burned with a hissing sound, and the officer with the sword's face was not pleasant. He shook his head, "No, this is a sentence from the Ministry of Justice and an imperial decree. The executioners will do it."

Xu Hao could not help but say, "For Lady Chang's status, it is too undignified. Even a cup of poison would be better."

The officer with the sword glanced at him and said, "You have experienced too little. Do you really think those blankets are for warmth? Wait and see. By tonight, there will be many more souls in that room."

Xu Hao looked at the dark courtyard wall, feeling a chill and a sense of horror.