Chapter Twenty: Dispelling Doubts

Fei Youchen cupped his hands once more, indicating he had finished speaking.

This time, not only Lei Bin and the Painted Troupe Master, but even Xi Yu looked at Fei Youchen with newfound respect. What had come over him today? He seemed every inch the righteous hero; where was the Fei Youchen who haggled over every copper and thought only of money? Had he been swapped out for someone else?

"Splendid—excellent eloquence. You almost have me convinced," Zhu Yu couldn't help but applaud, but then his tone shifted as he continued.

"But you are mistaken! Ever since I left the thatched cottage, the Four Great Constables of the Six Doors have been following in secret, protecting me. As for why you didn't notice, perhaps one of them, who used to lag behind, made a breakthrough yesterday. Four top-tier experts of the first rank—it's no wonder you failed to detect them.

"As for being held hostage in the cottage, I had my own countermeasures." As he spoke, Zhu Yu produced a small, sealed white bottle from his wide sleeve and held it aloft for all to see.

"This is called Celestial Net Veil. It's a gas—colorless and odorless. Inhaling it brings poisoning: within three breaths, the body goes numb; within a quarter hour, the blood vessels throughout the body burst, bringing death. I'd already taken the antidote before entering the cottage.

"And I wouldn't be so foolish as to wait for you to act before releasing the poison. The moment I invited you to the palace—no matter what you said—if it wasn't to agree, I would have released the poison instantly.

"One more thing: this substance is extinct. Only three vials exist in the world, all kept here in the imperial palace. Which means, I alone possess the antidote."

When Zhu Yu finished, the others swallowed nervously, shaken. Only the Painted Troupe Master turned pale, the hand that had once gripped Zhu Yu trembling within his sleeve.

Observing their expressions, Zhu Yu smiled and asked, "Well? Did I take undue risks? Am I not a wise sovereign?

"Rest assured, the followers I have painstakingly won over—I would never send them to their deaths."

"Your Majesty is truly wise; it was my own foolishness, I was wrong," Fei Youchen conceded at once, his attitude changing instantly upon hearing Zhu Yu's words.

Now Zhu Yu had organized his thoughts and began to refute the points Fei Youchen had used to decline.

"And as for your other two points—first, this supposed clear division between the imperial court and the martial world: where did this rule come from? I've never heard of it! Even if such a rule existed, it wasn't you who made it. How many martial sects in the world have secretly pledged themselves to the court? More than you can imagine.

"Besides, under heaven, all lands belong to the king; to the borders of the land, all are his subjects. The martial world—by whose leave do you claim a separation from the court?

"Even the so-called leaders of the martial world, the bald monks of Shaolin, wouldn't dare claim separation from the imperial court!

"Buddhism and Daoism have vied for the title of state religion for over a hundred years, and still no conclusion has been reached. Are not Shaolin and Wudang temples of Buddhism and Daoism?"

As for your third point—it's even more laughable. The Wheel King? Even a eunuch in the palace could be your master and leader; but if I, the emperor, were your leader, you would object? Or do you find the emperor less worthy than a eunuch?"

At the first part, the three—Fei Youchen included—looked ashamed, but at his final words, even Xi Yu was stunned, as were all the others.

A eunuch? The Wheel King is a eunuch? Impossible! That’s an absurd joke.

This was the thought shared by everyone, even Xi Yu.

Seeing their disbelief, Zhu Yu could only sigh. He had no way to prove it; after all, he lacked evidence.

Just then, there was a knock outside the imperial study. Before anyone could speak, Zhu Yu's temper flared.

"Who dares? Are you deaf? I gave strict orders—no one is to approach the imperial study! Do you take my command as nothing?"

After his outburst, Old Wu's cautious voice answered from outside, "Forgive me, Your Majesty. It's just that Lord Zhuge Zhengwo has an urgent matter—he says the man has been found and apprehended. He's waiting outside."

Still simmering with anger, Zhu Yu's eyes flashed with delight. What perfect timing! Just as he was lamenting the lack of evidence, it had arrived of its own accord.

Ignoring those outside, Zhu Yu turned to the four before him. "Find a place to hide. When I call for you, you may come out."

At his command, the Painted Troupe Master, Xi Yu, and the others swiftly concealed themselves within the study.

Once they were hidden, Zhu Yu finally addressed Old Wu outside. "Let Zhuge Zhengwo bring him in."

"As you command, Your Majesty." Old Wu withdrew.

Moments later, Zhuge Zhengwo entered, leading the Wheel King, his hands and feet shackled with iron chains.

After performing the formalities, Zhuge Zhengwo handed over the records of the Wheel King’s registration in the palace to Zhu Yu.

As Zhu Yu examined the records, Zhuge Zhengwo frowned, glancing around the hall—precisely where the four were hiding!

When Zhu Yu finished reading, Zhuge Zhengwo subtly signaled with his hand that there was something amiss. Zhu Yu, catching his meaning, gestured for patience.

Satisfied that the emperor grasped the situation, Zhuge Zhengwo relaxed, assuming the four hidden figures were imperial bodyguards.

Zhu Yu looked down at the kneeling Wheel King, then at the records, and asked, "Cao Feng, is it?"

"Your Majesty, this humble servant is Cao Feng. But I know not what crime I have committed. As soon as Lord Zhuge met me, he had me seized, without hearing my explanation. I am wronged, Your Majesty, I beg you to investigate."

Zhu Yu found Cao Feng’s act amusing and replied with a hint of mockery, "Zhuge Zhengwo arrested you, and you didn't resist? Why not fight back?"

Cao Feng looked up in surprise, but promptly explained, "I wouldn’t dare, Your Majesty. Lord Zhuge must have had his reasons. Besides, everyone knows Lord Zhuge is a grandmaster of martial arts. I am old and frail, without strength to truss a chicken—how could I hope to win even if I tried?"

"Do you know martial arts?" Zhu Yu suddenly asked.

"I do not, Your Majesty."

"Still pretending? Your true identity is exposed, Wheel King!" Zhu Yu dropped all pretense, coming straight to the point.

At this, Cao Feng's face changed instantly, though he continued to feign ignorance. "Wheel King? Your Majesty, I do not know this person."

Seeing the Wheel King still trying to deny it, Zhu Yu lost interest and called out loudly, "Come out, all of you! See for yourselves if your leader is as I claimed."

No sooner had he spoken than Xi Yu and the others emerged from their hiding places, stepping before the Wheel King and scrutinizing him in shock.

The Wheel King’s face turned ashen at the sight of Xi Yu and Fei Youchen.

"Your Majesty, forgive me! Spare me, I beg you! I am willing to surrender all my possessions, and even Blackstone itself, if only Your Majesty will spare my life!" Seeing Xi Yu and the others, Cao Feng yielded at once and pleaded desperately for mercy.