Chapter 39: Sent to the Magistrate’s Office

"I know I was wrong! I truly know I was wrong! Please, spare me, I promise I will never dare to do this again!"

Han Yu, tears streaming down his face, crawled on his knees toward Shen Xuan, kowtowing repeatedly while sobbing. After hearing Tang Wu's words, Han Yu's mind had finally cleared to some extent. Though he did not truly feel he had done anything wrong, he knew that besides Shen Xuan, no one present could save him.

Seeing Han Yu’s desperate display of repentance, everyone in the room turned their gaze toward Shen Xuan. They were all eager to see how he would deal with this traitor who had bitten the hand that fed him.

Shen Xuan’s expression remained unchanged as he issued a direct command: "Lin Gui, tie this man up. Later, you and Mr. Gu take him to the magistrate’s office. Let his crimes be dealt with according to the laws of the Great Qian."

"Yes, Young Master!"

Lin Gui responded immediately. Without a moment's hesitation, he grabbed a length of hemp rope and bound Han Yu tightly.

"No, Boss! I beg you, let me go! I don't want to go to the magistrate! Give me another chance, Boss!"

Upon hearing that Shen Xuan intended to hand him over to the authorities, Han Yu turned pale with fear. His wailing grew louder, and somehow, a wet stain appeared on the front of his trousers. Han Yu knew full well that his actions amounted to murder; even if he avoided the executioner's blade, a life sentence was all but certain. If he were thrown into prison, his life would be over, and rather than a life of comfort, he would likely end up worse than a beggar.

Shen Xuan ignored the wailing entirely. He turned and headed toward the kitchen, calling for An Miaoyu as he went; he hadn't forgotten his promise to make the restorative porridge for the young lady. After taking only a few steps, he suddenly stopped.

Just as Han Yu began to hope that Shen Xuan had changed his mind, a cold voice shattered his illusion.

"Oh, and by the way, when you reach the magistrate's office, be sure to mention Ruifeng's name. Isn't he the son of the Vice Minister of Justice?"

"Since the connection is there, we might as well use it. Who knows, perhaps out of respect for Young Master Liu, they might even decide to increase your sentence!"

With that, Shen Xuan left, leaving the others behind to exchange bewildered glances.

"He is truly ruthless! I must never offend the Boss... the Young Master!" they all thought in unison.

All except for one.

An Miaoyu’s eyes were practically sparkling; to her, Shen Xuan had never looked more charming. The people she had encountered previously were either doddering old men or apprentices who only knew how to study by rote and lacked any real backbone.

When had she ever seen someone like Shen Xuan—capable, talented, possessed of his own moral bottom line, and yet flexible enough to enforce it?

"And looking closely, Young Master Shen is actually quite handsome too," An Miaoyu mused to herself. By the time she snapped out of her trance, Shen Xuan was already some distance away. She hurried to catch up, calling out anxiously, "Young Master Shen! Wait for me!"

Seeing Shen Xuan leave, Han Yu knew his fate was sealed. His face twisted into a mask of ferocity, and he began spewing profanities in the direction of Shen Xuan’s departure.

"You ungrateful apprentice, you still refuse to repent!" Master Chen, unable to bear the vile language any longer, pointed at Han Yu and shouted in fury.

Lin Gui, however, had little patience. With a sharp "slap," he struck Han Yu across the face and issued a threat: "Listen here, you surname-Han, if I hear you curse my Young Master one more time, I will beat you to death right now!"

But Han Yu was acting like a madman. Even with his right cheek swollen high, he continued his tirade. Lin Gui did not hold back, delivering blow after blow until Han Yu lost consciousness.

"Alright, it's getting late. Lin Gui and I will head to the magistrate's office. You all should go back and rest," Gu An said, patting Lin Gui’s shoulder to calm him before turning to the master and apprentice.

"Mr. Gu, let Little Wu go with you as well. After all, Han Yu did kowtow and acknowledge him as a master. To put it bluntly, this is a family disgrace, and having Little Wu go will bring some sense of closure," Master Chen sighed, his tone heavy with resignation.

Gu An considered this and, seeing no harm in it, nodded in agreement. "Very well, Little Wu, come with us."

Watching the group carry Han Yu away from Jun You Lai, Master Chen sighed once more and walked slowly toward his quarters, his figure appearing somewhat hunched.

*Creak.*

Late at night, outside an elegant and quiet residence, the gate was slowly opened by An Miaoyu. She peeked out, and seeing no one, the young lady let out a sigh of relief, a beautiful smile gracing her pretty face.

Just as she turned to close the gate and head to her room, an aged voice sounded from behind her.

"Back already?"

An Miaoyu jumped, nearly screaming. She turned to see the old man standing there and, deciding to strike first, complained, "Grandfather, why do you walk without making a sound? Don't you know that scaring people like that can be dangerous?"

"Stop playing the fool with me, girl," Dr. An said sternly, casting a sidelong glance at his granddaughter.

"Grandfather, I know I was wrong," An Miaoyu said, realizing she couldn't trick him. She offered an embarrassed smile, hurried forward, and clung to his arm, looking pitiful.

"Where did you sneak off to today?" Dr. An asked, his expression unmoved and his voice as stern as ever.

"I... I went to Jun You Lai," An Miaoyu murmured, pouting.

Dr. An furrowed his brows, his voice filled with reproach. "You are an unmarried young lady. What does it look like for you to be running around in men's clothing every day?"

An Miaoyu kept her head down, feigning obedience, though she knew all too well that her grandfather's words were merely going in one ear and out the other.

"Sigh!" Dr. An exhaled, knowing she hadn't taken it to heart. Shaking his head, he lacked the resolve to truly punish her. He waved his hand helplessly. "Enough. The Imperial Medical Academy examinations are coming up soon. Stay home and study; no more running around causing trouble."

"Pfft! It’s just an exam, Grandfather. Is it really worth being so serious about?" the young lady said dismissively.