Suddenly, the main gate slammed shut, startling the crowd. The second gate then creaked open, but no one greeted them. They glanced at each other, thinking Yi Wang wanted them to enter unaided. Some ventured in, followed by others. Passing through the hall and descending steps, they found only the middle door of the five main halls opened, revealing a throne made of carved huanghuali wood.
Sitting cross-legged on the throne was a jade-like man in a white fox fur coat and a small jade crown. His long blue-black hair hung casually as he warmed his delicate hands over a silver charcoal brazier.
The man’s temperament was ethereal, marked by an elegant laziness and a sharp, sickly demeanor. Unknowingly, everyone gathered in the center of the courtyard.
“Ha! Everyone’s here, perfect,” Si Zhan coldly laughed, his handsome features revealing a hint of evil.
As he spoke, soldiers in armor, wielding knives and crossbows, surged in from the corner gates, surrounding them in layers.
The local governor recognized him and hurriedly led the others in respect: “This official pays respects to Your Highness Yi Wang.”
He thought, “Indeed, he’s sickly, already wearing fur and warming himself by the fire before winter. The rumors must be true—Yi Wang won’t live long.”
He wondered about the fierce soldiers in the mansion, as if they had just emerged from battle.
The others knelt and noticed the ground felt soft. Someone touched the “soil” and found it was white lime. Observing the water-filled jars in the courtyard, they quickly understood Si Zhan’s intentions, causing the officials and wealthy gentlemen to break into a cold sweat.
Si Zhan remained silent, observing the uncomfortable kneeling officials. After some time, he called out, “Governor Jiang.”
Governor Jiang crawled forward, extremely respectful. “This official is here.”
“Who am I?” Si Zhan asked with a smile.
“Y-you are Your Highness Yi Wang,” Governor Jiang stammered.
“Who is Your Highness Yi Wang?” Si Zhan continued smiling.
Governor Jiang shivered, wiping sweat from his forehead and replied, “… Yi Wang is the master of Qian Nan.”
Si Zhan’s smile vanished as he said expressionlessly, “Since you know this wang is the master of Qian Nan, you should know best what should and should not be done.”
Governor Jiang knelt down, pleading, “Your Highness, my wife and children are still in the mansion. Please spare my life.”
