Chapter 65 - Mercy Or ?

Mei turned over in bed as her stomach let out a low growl. She opened her eyes briefly, then closed them again, too weak to get up. Images from the meeting with the emperor slowly began rushing back to her. Her body felt sluggish, every limb weighed down with exhaustion, but she forced her eyes open again, trying to understand where she was.

Nothing looked familiar. The room was dim, with simple, old and dusty furnishings. While Mei was busy trying to figure out where she was, she heard the sound of approaching footsteps and her Instinct kicked in, she pushed herself up, prepared to face whoever was coming.

But a sharp, blinding headache sent her collapsing back onto the bed. Dizzy and disoriented, she pressed a hand to her temple as the figure approached.

"You need to rest," said a voice she knew well.

She blinked until her vision cleared, and there stood Cheng beside the bed. His expression was calm, but his eyes watched her closely. Seeing him eased some of her tension, and she slowly propped herself up on one elbow.

"How do you feel?" he asked.

Mei let out a low sigh. "Tired."

Cheng stepped closer, his fingers brushing gently across her forehead. His touch was warm against her skin. "Sit up and eat something," he said softly.

Mei stayed that way for a while then slowly sat up. A tray of warm food rested beside the bed. She reached for a bowl of rice and ate quietly, her eyes drifting toward a distant spot on the wall. After a few bites, she glanced at Cheng.

"I'm sorry," she said softly.

Cheng frowned a little. "Sorry for what?"

"For making things worse between you and your father," she said. "I didn't know you hadn't told him about Xiao."

Cheng let out a slow breath and leaned back slightly. "You didn't ruin anything," he replied. "There was never much of a relationship to ruin."

Mei studied his face, searching for any trace of bitterness, but he looked calm.. maybe too calm. Either he truly didn't blame her, or he had given up on his father a long time ago.

She glanced around the unfamiliar room. "Where are we?"

Cheng gave a faint smile as he stood. "Don't worry about that,"

"Just focus on getting better."

Mei didn't argue, continuing to eat while watching Cheng as he moved to a nearby table, unrolling a scroll. His brow creased in concentration, as he read, the candlelight casting a golden hue over his face.

A short while later, the door opened. Yize stepped inside and bowed to Cheng. He was about to speak when his eyes flicked toward Mei, surprised to see her already awake.

Cheng gave a small nod, signaling him to continue.

"Minister Lang is preparing to leave with his family," Yize reported. "Our sources say he plans to depart in the next few days."

Cheng dropped the scroll. "That means he's trying to flee the state. It confirms what we suspected, he's one of Minister Zhang's allies."

Mei paused, her spoon halfway to her mouth. "Are you sure the information is reliable?" she asked, turning to Yize.

He gave a brief nod.

Cheng glanced at her. "Why does that matter to you?"

Mei lowered her bowl. "Just curious,"

Cheng didn't press her, though he watched her for a moment before returning his focus to Yize. Mei listened as Yize continued his report, her mind turning over the new information.

Minister Zhang's faction was falling apart, and if Minister Lang fled, it would only confirm it. Mei wondered how much more proof Cheng needed before taking action.

She set the tray aside, her mind already made up. Swinging her legs over the edge of the bed, she prepared to stand.

Cheng's attention snapped back to her. "Where do you think you're going?"

"I'm feeling better," she said. "It's time for me to leave."

"Stay and rest a little longer," Cheng started walking towards her.

"I've rested enough," Mei replied firmly. "There's something I need to take care of."

Cheng studied her for a moment, then resigned in frustration. "Fine. But Yize will escort you back."

Mei frowned. "That's not necessary."

"If you're leaving," Cheng said, "he's going with you."

Mei stared at him quietly. She didn't want an escort, but it was clear Cheng wasn't going to back down. Reluctantly, she agreed.

"Fine," she muttered.

Yize stepped forward, ready to follow her.

As Mei walked toward the door, she glanced back. Cheng was already focused on his scrolls again, leaning against the desk.

Then she stepped into the corridor, Yize falling into step beside her without a word.

....

Mei walked straight to Minister Lang's manor, her mind set on the task ahead. After hearing from Yize about Lang's ties to the corrupt network, she knew this was her next lead. If anyone had answers about Yú jin's disappearance after her abduction, it would be him.

She passed through the gates of the estate without slowing down, ignoring the guards who called after her.

At the entrance to the main hall, a servant stood waiting.

"I need to speak with Minister Lang immediately," Mei said firmly.

The servant bowed, his hands twisting nervously. "Forgive me, miss, but the minister is unwell. He's unable to receive visitors."

Mei raised an eyebrow. "Unwell? How convenient, considering the news going through town about his forthcoming trip."

The servant shifted from foot to foot. "I assure you, his illness is genuine—"

Mei didn't wait for him to finish. She stepped past him into the foyer. "Then take me to him," she said. "Unless you'd rather I wander the manor myself. Who knows what I might discover along the way?"

Mei watched the servant carefully, noting the panic in his eyes before he quickly masked it. Good. Her words had struck exactly where she wanted.

"Very well. Follow me," the servant said stiffly, turning to lead her deeper into the manor.

Mei smiled to herself. Minister Lang wouldn't slip away so easily, she began preparing questions in her head.

When they reached the door, she didn't wait for permission. She pushed it open and strode inside.

Lang looked up, startled, papers scattered across his desk.

"You!" he barked, his face twisting in outrage. "How dare you enter without permission?"

Mei didn't flinch. "We need to talk," her voice was flat and cold. "It's about the trafficking ring you've been running. I have questions... and you're going to answer them."

Her eyes locked onto his, daring him to deny it.

Lang's eyes never left Mei as he eased away from the desk. Then, in a sudden burst of movement, he grabbed a knife and flung it at her without warning. Mei reacted instantly, pivoting out of its path with a sharp spin. The blade sliced harmlessly past her neck.

Lang bolted for the door, but Mei was faster. She twisted toward him, her hand snapping up to hover dangerously close to his throat, a silent threat that froze him in place. Lang's hands shot up instantly, his breath shaky with fear.

Just then, a commotion broke out near the entrance.

The servants turned pale, one of them stammering before scurrying away. Mei's frown deepened as she heard the greetings. She hadn't expected company, especially not him. If Cheng was here, it would make getting the answers she needed from Lang much harder.

She quickened her steps, just in time to see Lang sweeping into the foyer to greet his unexpected guest.

"Your Highness, what an honor," Lang's voice rang out. Mei peered through the open doorway.

Lang bowed deeply before cheng. "You grace us with your presence. Please, come in." But as he straightened, his eyes flickered nervously toward Mei.

Cheng stepped over the threshold and froze when he saw her. "Mei? What is she doing here?" His confusion was plain.

Lang lowered his head again. "My apologies, Your Highness, but I'm afraid this may not be the best time for a visit. Could we perhaps take our discussion elsewhere? There are...pressing matters here that I must tend to."

The pointed glance Lang cast toward Mei said everything. But she wasn't about to back down, not when this was the only lead she had gotten in months.

As Lang led Cheng inside, he leaned toward her and whispered, "Why are you here?"

Mei met his gaze without flinching. "I could ask you the same."

Cheng's frown deepened, clearly unimpressed with her evasiveness. "Stay close," he muttered, before following Lang down the hall. Mei pretended not to hear, deliberately lagging behind.

Lang led them into an opulent sitting room and poured wine with slightly trembling hands. "Please, Your Highness, make yourself comfortable."

Cheng accepted the cup with a polite smile. "Thank you for your hospitality, Minister. Though I imagine some would question how such luxury is funded."

Lang's hand froze briefly before setting down the wine jug. "I'm not sure I understand."

A sharp glint crossed Cheng's eyes. "Don't you? Word has reached me about certain... activities tied to your ministry. Trafficking, for example. A serious crime, wouldn't you say?"

Lang's face went pale, his composed mask starting to slip. "Your Highness, I assure you... those are nothing but rumors."

From where she stood, Mei watched the exchange with interest. Cheng's quiet probing had shaken Lang, and for the first time, it felt like she was making real progress.

Cheng smiled politely, though the warmth didn't reach his eyes. "Let's speak plainly, Minister. I'd hate for any misunderstandings to cloud this conversation."

Lang swallowed hard. "Of course, Your Highness. Please."

Cheng leaned forward slightly. "I have evidence.. documents, witness accounts, you name it, tying your ministry to a trafficking ring."

"That's absurd! I swear, Your Highness, I know nothing about—"

The polite mask slipped from Cheng's face but he didn't say a word.

Lang faltered, his shoulders slumping as the fight drained from him. Then he collapsed to his knees before Cheng, clutching the prince's robes. "Please, Your Highness... have mercy! I'll do whatever you ask."

From her spot in the corner, Mei stepped forward, her voice sharp and clear. "Tell me about Li Wei. What happened to the man who once worked for you?"

"I—I don't know who—"

Mei's expression hardened. "Li Wei," she repeated. "The former Commander. What did you do to him?"

Lang shrank under her glare. "Li Wei… he was arrested. Framed for treason by the Minister of Defense. They accused him of leaking military secrets, but we all knew the truth—"

Cheng's voice cut through his words. "Where is he being held?"

Lang's throat bobbed as he swallowed. "The underground cells beneath the prison ward. But you'll never get past the guards. They're loyal to Minister Zhang, they only take orders from him."

Lang dropped his head on the cold floor, clutching at Cheng's robes. "Please, Your Highness, I've told you everything—"

Mei's voice interrupted him. "And the prisoners? Where are they?"

Lang's face twitched with fear. "As I said, beneath the prison ward. But the cells are guarded day and night. There's no way—"

"Not those prisoners!" Mei's voice rang out sharply. "I'm talking about the woman. Yú Jin. Where is she?"

Lang flinched visibly. "I know nothing about her, I swear!"

Mei stepped closer, her tone icy. "Is that so? Very well. Then I'll personally make sure you visit Minister Zhang soon... in the very same prison you've been using for your dirty work."

Lang crumbled at Mei's words. "I…I only know that she was taken after her husband's arrest and sent far from the city. It was all on Zhang's orders!"

"Where exactly?" Mei pressed.

The minister hesitated, then blurted out the truth. "To one of the remote labor camps in the northern provinces. She discovered documents that implicated him, so he wanted her silenced. But I swear, that's all I know!"

Lang lowered his head in defeat. "Take whatever you want.. my fortune, my estate, please spare me."

As Lang rambled on, Yize stepped quietly beside Cheng and whispered something in his ear. Cheng regarded the trembling minister for a long moment before rising to his feet.

"You will go to the palace," Cheng said calmly, "and surrender your badge of office."

Lang pressed his forehead to the floor. "Thank you, Your Highness, for your mercy. I am unworthy of such kindness, but I will spend the rest of my days making amends... however I can."

Mei cast a sharp look at Cheng, her frustration clear, before turning on her heel and walking out of the room with a stony expression.

Cheng watched her go, then followed, ignoring Lang's endless stream of gratitude behind him. As soon as they stepped outside the estate, Cheng called after her but Mei kept walking, her anger radiating with every step.

He quickened his pace, catching up to her and gently grabbing her arm. Mei jerked away, but Cheng held on firmly, refusing to let go until she finally stopped struggling.

"Why would you let him go just like that?" she demanded, "After all his crimes?!"

Cheng knew right away that her anger wasn't just about Lang, it had everything to do with the woman she had been asking about. Without a word, he pulled her into his arms, holding her close.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "He will face the punishment he deserves. I swear it."

Mei's rigid posture softened slightly, her head resting against his chest as her breathing relaxed.

Yize stepped forward and bowed. "Forgive me, Your Highness, but we should return before anyone realizes you're gone."

Cheng gave a small nod, but his gaze remained on Mei for a moment longer before releasing her.