Chapter 8: Solving Injustice with Wealth, Rescuing a Fallen Maiden?

Outside Qujiang Pavilion.

Ye Xun stood atop the arena, arms crossed, exuding a calm and untroubled demeanor.

By his side lay Wangcai, panting lazily, completely relaxed, no longer displaying the fierce, life-or-death intensity from moments before.

Below the platform, the spectators gazed at Ye Xun with a hint of fear in their eyes.

Of course, this fear was entirely because of Wangcai.

A fierce dog like Wangcai demanded respect.

At the same time, some envied Ye Xun—a reckless scion—who had a young eunuch skilled in dog training by his side. Truly, fortune smiled upon him.

After a short while, an official from the Ministry of Rites emerged from Qujiang Pavilion, carrying the prize money, and ascended the platform, proclaiming loudly:

“By imperial decree, the literary contest rewards are to be distributed immediately.”

“To His Highness the Prince of Qin, five hundred taels of silver.”

“To His Highness the Prince of Wu, four hundred taels of silver.”

“To the gifted scholar Su Jin, three hundred taels of silver.”

Hearing the announcement, the crowd below showed expressions of disappointment. They had hoped for some father-son conflict or dramatic confrontation to gossip about.

Instead, Emperor Xia simply settled matters by handing out money.

However, Ye Xun showed some self-awareness; had he insisted on marrying Shangguan Yunqing, he would likely have suffered another harsh beating.

Nearby, Ye Tao clenched his fists, his face cold and grim. He had expected Emperor Xia to be enraged by the matter, reprimanding Ye Xun and driving him away.

But unexpectedly, the Emperor compromised with this prodigal prince, paying the reward.

He couldn’t understand it and felt a deep unwillingness.

Ye Xun had finally fallen from grace.

He would never allow Ye Xun even the slightest chance to rise again.

“Just you wait, Ye Xun.”

“One day, I will make you kneel before me.”

Though reluctant, Ye Tao still accepted the prize money with a composed expression.

At times like these, he needed to remain calm and must not leave a bad impression on Emperor Xia.

He had coveted the position of Crown Prince for a long time.

Once he sat in that seat, he would no longer have to endure others’ whims.

With no conflict, the crowd gradually dispersed.

Yet today, Ye Xun’s four poems had forced the literary contest to halt, providing ample food for thought.

All were eager to see whether this disgraced prince had truly awakened with unparalleled talent or if some masterful guidance had enabled him to cheat.

Either way, it was thoroughly entertaining.

The literati and poets were delighted.

Though they did not receive prize money or win a beauty’s hand, witnessing the birth of four timeless masterpieces was worth the trip.

Ye Xun collected the silver without lingering and, with Wangcai, descended from the arena to join Cao An.

“Xiao Anzi, let’s go. What are you waiting for?” Ye Xun called to the stunned, dazed Cao An.

“Ah!?” Cao An startled, raising his brows in disbelief. “Your Highness… you’ve already won? And took first place!?”

Even now, he found it hard to believe.

The disgraced prince Ye Xun had claimed the top spot in the literary contest!?

It was too unbelievable, too exaggerated!

Yet Ye Xun remained as carefree as ever.

“First place? I haven’t even gotten my wife yet, and they accuse me of cheating.”

“But since they’ve handed over the money, I’m too lazy to argue.”

Hearing this, Cao An forced a bitter smile. Not only did Emperor Xia suspect cheating, but even he found it hard to believe.

He had served Ye Xun for years and knew well his talent.

But now that the matter was settled, he said nothing more; after all, the money was in hand and Wangcai’s meals were secured.

Cao An would rather starve himself than let Wangcai go hungry.

Soon after, Cao An asked, “Your Highness, where shall we go now?”

After a moment’s thought, Ye Xun replied, “First, some shopping; then back to the mansion to study some business.”

Cao An frowned, puzzled. “Business? What kind of business?”

Ye Xun handed him the silver pouch, smiling, “Of course, money-making business. Do you think we’ll just sit idle and let this money vanish?”

“Come on, let’s spend first; the rest we’ll discuss back at the mansion.”

With that, Ye Xun strode toward the city.

“Yes, Your Highness,” Cao An said, carrying the silver with a contented heart, leading Wangcai closely behind.

With Wangcai around, there was no fear of robbery.

In the capital city, in the East Market, the bustling market was at its peak.

Shops lined both sides of the street, densely packed, with vendors shouting their wares ceaselessly.

The main street was crowded with carriages and pedestrians, a constant flow of comings and goings.

Within the capital, Wangcai’s recognition far surpassed that of Ye Xun, the disgraced prince.

At the sight of this enormous mastiff, resembling a tiger in size, passersby instantly knew the prince was near.

The surrounding crowd whispered and pointed at Ye Xun.

Though he disliked the attention, he had to bear it quietly.

After some time, Cao An purchased a secondhand cart.

He led Wangcai to pull it, as they had many items but horses were expensive, so Wangcai had to serve as the beast of burden for now.

Ye Xun walked beside them, eyes dazzled by the street vendors, searching for opportunities.

Cao An was in charge of buying; Ye Xun focused on preparing to make money.

Half an hour later, they finished shopping and, with the cart laden full, headed back to the Qin Prince’s mansion.

Along the main street, Ye Xun walked beside the cart, tearing into a golden roasted chicken leg with abandon.

Rarely able to enjoy meat, he savored every bite.

Suddenly, he stopped and looked toward the roadside, where a young woman selling herself to bury her father caught his eye.

Looking at her, he felt… a stirring of compassion.

“Your Highness, what’s wrong?” Cao An asked, puzzled at Ye Xun’s sudden pause.

Ye Xun tossed half-eaten chicken leg to Wangcai and pointed at the woman. “Xiao Anzi, see that poor girl? How pitiful.”

At his words, Cao An looked toward the woman.

Seeing her delicate face, he instantly understood Ye Xun’s meaning.

Pitiful?

Is that really your reason? I’m almost embarrassed to expose you.

“Your Highness, we’ve already spent over a hundred taels of the five hundred silver. This money… it’s not abundant.”

Cao An covered the pouch of silver, reluctant. “If you have special needs, I’m not—”

Before he could finish, Ye Xun snatched the pouch from him.

“Tsk… don’t be so petty.”

“Do you think I’m after her beauty? I’m saving a girl about to lose her way.”

“And don’t keep mentioning ‘special needs.’ How could I do such a thing to you?”

Without waiting for Cao An’s reply, Ye Xun rubbed his hands and approached the woman selling herself.

He was eager to rescue this poor girl from the crowd of lechers.

Cao An watched Ye Xun’s retreating figure, deeply moved.

He knew well, in their eunuch circles, some princes and powerful officials had peculiar tastes; many young eunuchs served as male favorites.

Cao An believed Ye Xun’s insistence came from genuine concern.

The Prince of Qin was too good to me…

Quickly, Cao An hurried to catch up, leading Wangcai. “Prince, please wait for me…”