Chapter 91: The Conscience of the Great Song (400 Votes for an Extra Chapter)

Chen Ke's words were merciless, making even the audacious Song Duanping unable to hold back a light cough, hinting that he should know his limits.

But Chen Ke was the type of person who, if he did something, he would do it thoroughly. He slammed his fist heavily on the wall, causing dust to fall: "Everyone has a set of grand principles, and no one can outdo the other. I only believe in one thing: the decline of eight generations began with the hearts of the people. If the common folk start to side with the 'rebels,' then there must be a serious problem with this dynasty. We can't always think of covering it up! If there's a festering sore on the body, it must be cut out immediately. Don't always be attached to the splendid robe of 'peace and prosperity.' Little do people know, the tighter it's wrapped, the more likely the sore will become incurable!"

Seeing the other side remain silent, Chen Ke sighed, "I am a insignificant person. Now, by saying these out-of-place words, I have caused displeasure to your family, the Zhao clan." He smiled bitterly, "Anyway, I just wanted to speak my mind. I hope you treat me as kindly as you treat the literati and military officials in Lingnan..."

"..." Zhao Zongji, who usually had a calm and unflappable face, now showed signs of agitation, clearly stung by Chen Ke's words. After a long time, he sighed heavily, "You underestimate us, the Zhao clan..." It was no wonder, after Zhao Kuangyin, the three generations of Song emperors were a disgrace, losing the heroic spirit of the Chinese nation at the beginning of the dynasty. How could anyone look up to them?

"I hope you prove me wrong..." Chen Ke said expressionlessly.

"I..." Zhao Zongji was speechless for a moment, then shook his head bitterly, "I am powerless..."

"Is the person outside your father?" Chen Ke said calmly, "Even as a commoner, I know that the Duke of Beihai, Zhao Yunbi, is a close friend of the current emperor." Who didn't know that the Duke of Beihai, Zhao Yunbi, was the playmate of the current emperor when he was still the crown prince, and their relationship was deeper than that of a typical ruler and subject? Back then, before the emperor's crown prince was born, he even had one of his sons raised in the palace along with the son of another prince.

In Chen Ke's view, if the Duke of Beihai could help them reach the emperor, it would be much better than that useless Yu Wenshuai.

"My father cannot speak on this matter," Zhao Zongji said dejectedly, "He cannot get too involved in local affairs, let alone in such a... case that shakes the heavens."

"Consider it unsaid." Chen Ke crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, feeling frustrated.

"..." Seeing his expression, Zhao Zongji felt a burning sensation on his face, and he exhaled a long, heavy breath, "I will send you out first."

"Have everyone step back a hundred paces, and I need a two-horse carriage, with enough water and provisions... preferably showcasing the skills of the ducal kitchen." Since it was a matter of the duke, the demands should be high. Chen Ke thought for a moment and added, "And a driver, as we don't know how to drive."

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Everyone, including the Duke of Beihai, stepped back, and the carriage was brought downstairs with only one driver.

Of course, as part of the deal, Chen Ke also released the two young girls.

"Brother..." As she was being released, the girl, who was likely a princess, finally shed tears, pulling at Zhao Zongji, "Let me go with you."

"Fool!" Zhao Zongji shook off her hand and said in a tone that brooked no argument, "Go down immediately!"

He pushed the princess away, and Song Duanping couldn't help but shake his head, "Is there anyone like you, who can be so harsh to such a beautiful sister?"

"..." Zhao Zongji gave him a cold look, making Song Duanping involuntarily shrink. With the sister gone, he had nothing to hold back, and his cold and stern nature was revealed.

Chen Ke ignored the prince's expression and said to Song Duanping, "Go check the carriage."

"Okay." Song Duanping went down first to inspect it, confirmed there were no issues, and whistled.

Chen Ke and Wu Lang then flanked Zhao Zongji and went downstairs, with two bright sabers at his neck. The monk Xuan Yu, who had torn a piece of his robe to use as a headband, followed closely behind.

Once everyone was in the carriage, Chen Ke was about to close the door when he heard a stern voice, "Please wait a moment!"

A middle-aged man who bore a striking resemblance to Zhao Zongji walked over with a few guards, undoubtedly the Duke of Beihai.

"Young friend," the Duke of Beihai looked at Chen Ke and bowed, "Thank you for not harming my daughter."

Chen Ke didn't speak, just stared coldly at him, clearly still upset from earlier.

"I heard from my daughter about your predicament," the Duke of Beihai sighed, "And I know about my son's response, but there are some things he doesn't understand."

"Ah..." Chen Ke finally reacted.

"I promise you three things," the Duke of Beihai held up three fingers, "First, I will not publicize this matter, nor will I pursue it, and I will not seek revenge in the future. Second, regarding your father's case and the other matter, although I cannot mention it in official documents, I can inform the emperor through a private letter. Third, even if I cannot change the outcome, I will do my best to ensure that you are not implicated and that your future is not affected."

Each of these promises was weighty, and Chen Ke knew how to respond, "Thank you, Your Highness, for your magnanimity. I am ashamed and grateful. If my father is saved, I will come to your door to apologize and beg for forgiveness." He paused, "I also promise you that I will not harm your son in any way."

"Good, we have a deal!" The Duke of Beihai waved his hand, and the guards slowly opened the gate.

Under the escort of the ducal guards, the carriage drove out of the back gate onto the main street.

On the street, it was full of officials from the Censorate, the local militia of Hengzhou, and the imposing and conspicuous imperial guards, searching house by house for 'spies.'

"Damn, my dictionary!" Chen Ke felt a chill through his heart as he saw the situation outside through the gap in the curtain.

"Ha ha..." Wu Lang smiled foolishly, unhooked the shoulder bag, and inside, his dictionary was wrapped tightly in oil paper, lying undamaged.

"Phew..." Chen Ke breathed a sigh of relief, wiping his sweat, "We can't lose this thing."

"Right, it's the token of your affection with your little sister," Song Duanping grinned.

"Go cool off," Chen Ke thought, no wonder the young prince didn't treat him well; his mouth was always putting people in awkward positions. He sighed, "This dictionary can bring comfort..."

This seemingly random statement made even Wu Lang understand. When they left Sichuan, they were all carefree and simple troublemakers, but now they were caught in a desperate struggle. These young people, without power or support, were like leaves in a whirlpool, easily overwhelmed by despair and helplessness.

The only thing that could make them feel relaxed was beautiful memories...

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After a quiet ride, they reached the city gate, where the sky was just beginning to brighten, and the gates had just opened.

The Censorate had increased the number of guards, and all vehicles and travelers had to get out and be inspected.

Chen Ke and the others were a bit nervous, but the lead guard waved a yellow flag, and the officials quickly removed the barriers, letting them out of the city without daring to inspect them.

The carriage drove away, leaving behind a mix of curiosity and anger.

Once out of the city, they finally relaxed. Chen Ke said to the young prince, "Have your guards stop. After thirty miles, I'll let you go."

"You..." Zhao Zongji, who had been deep in thought throughout the journey, asked, "What are your next plans?"

"Do you have any good ideas?" Chen Ke looked at him.

"I have someone in mind," Zhao Zongji said solemnly, "Someone who might be able to help you."

"Who?"

"Lord Luling." Zhao Zongji said slowly, "I heard that he is escorting the coffin of his mother-in-law to Luling County in Jizhou, which is about six hundred miles away, not too far or too close." He spoke more freely to Chen Ke.

"I have thought of Lord Ouyang, but since he is in mourning," Chen Ke shook his head, "How could he get involved in such trouble?"

"That's because you don't understand Lord Luling," Zhao Zongji's face showed a rare smile, "He is the type who seeks out trouble, so how could he be afraid of it?"

"Like you know so much." Song Duanping sneered, "I know he has been in exile for ten years. How old were you ten years ago?"

"You..." Zhao Zongji, a prince, was not used to being spoken to like this.

"Don't be angry. Song's point is that ten years can change a person, especially one in exile," Chen Ke sighed, "Your highly esteemed Yu Wuxi... isn't he also one of the four famous remonstrators... but he has become a corrupt old bureaucrat?"

"..." Zhao Zongji was speechless, taking a deep breath, "People in the capital say, 'Mountains can change, but Ouyang cannot.' My father even calls him 'the conscience of the Great Song!'"

"Then I'll trust you one more time?" In fact, Chen Ke had also thought about asking the 'one who remains sober while all others are drunk' Mr. Ouyang for help, but Yu Jing and Yu Wenshuai had made him lose faith in the famous ministers of the Great Song. Now, he only hoped that this Mr. Six-One had not been turned into a soft banana by the passage of time...

"Hey..." Zhao Zongji said dejectedly, "It's not like I'm begging you."

"This concerns the image of the royal family," Chen Ke and Song Duanping said seriously, "Whether it can be salvaged depends on this."

"..." The young prince was speechless.

The carriage reached thirty miles away, and Chen Ke opened the door, but Zhao Zongji did not get down, "If I leave, won't you be afraid that my guards will come after you?"

"Damn." Chen Ke widened his eyes, "Is your father that shameless?"

"My father certainly wouldn't, but it's hard to guarantee that some guards might act on their own. In short, it's better to be cautious," the young prince said seriously, "So, I'll go with you for a while..."

This made even the little monk and Wu Lang open their mouths wide. Chen Ke thought, could this be the famous Stockholm syndrome? Did he develop feelings during the kidnapping?

If he had known, he would have taken the beautiful princess on the journey...

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400 votes for an extra chapter. I still have three more chapters to update today. Vote as much as you want, don't worry about me getting tired. It's all for weight loss.

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