Xiangzhou Chapter: Soul Transmigration to Another World Chapter 17: The Breath of a Dying Man

Upon hearing this, Shen Jianzhou’s usually stern and composed face revealed a faint smile.

Ye Qiaoqiao felt somewhat helpless. After all, she had been the third-place scholar in the Nanli palace examination! Was it really fitting for him to jeopardize his life and reputation for her modest inheritance, simply because of his status as the top scholar?

Unable to resist, she taunted, “Chen Bailai, as the third-place scholar at the Nanli palace examination, you could have mountains of gold and silver in the future. Yet now, for such a small inheritance of mine, is it really necessary for you to sacrifice your entire life and suffer grievances on my behalf?”

Chen Bailai’s face shifted between red and white, unable to utter a word.

Seeing matters had reached this point, Shen Jianzhou knew the true nature of everyone involved had basically been revealed. Judging by Ye Qiaoqiao’s attitude, it was clear she intended to separate from Chen Bailai.

For the first time, he picked up the gavel and struck it heavily, announcing, “Chen, the top scholar, now that things have come to this, do you still intend to monopolize Ye Qiaoqiao’s property?”

Chen Bailai’s face turned deathly pale. The Crown Prince had spoken personally on the matter.

This marriage was not only to be dissolved, but all property was to be returned in full.

Trembling, Chen Bailai finally spoke, “I am willing to separate from Ye Qiaoqiao and return all property in full.”

“Let’s hope you mean what you say,” Ye Qiaoqiao smiled faintly upon hearing his words.

Han Xiang was even more delighted, nearly jumping for joy.

With both parties having reached an agreement, Shen Jianzhou issued the final ruling: “Chen, the top scholar, must fulfill his promise. Within ten days, he shall return all property to Ye Qiaoqiao and formally separate from her without fail.”

The verdict felt like a heavy weight lifted from Ye Qiaoqiao’s heart.

She knew from now on she would no longer be under anyone’s control, no longer have to bear the stain of the Chen family estate’s name, and no longer let the world think her dowry belonged to Chen Bailai. At last, she could replace the Chen family’s plaque with one bearing her own surname!

Upon hearing the ruling, Chen Bailai’s face was ashen.

He realized he had lost not only a vast fortune but also his standing in Xiangzhou.

Well, he was still the third-place scholar from the palace examination and would naturally develop his career in the capital. As for the gold and silver, he would just return it. Besides, Xiang Ling’er was already pregnant.

In the future, he would rely on his official salary to support the child yet to be born.

“I obey the order,” Chen Bailai finally lowered his expensive head.

Seeing the Crown Prince personally pronounce the judgment, Magistrate Dong made the final announcement: “Today’s matter concludes here. I wish both parties well, though the road ahead is long and difficult.”

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Upon hearing this, Ye Qiaoqiao knew the matter was settled and turned to leave the courtroom.

Dong Feiguang, having finished speaking, cast a pleading glance toward the Crown Prince.

Shen Jianzhou, seeing Dong’s closing words, said, “Everyone may withdraw.”

Then, looking toward Ye Qiaoqiao who had just stepped outside the courtroom door, a trace of overlooked discomfort flickered across his brow as he added, “Ye Qiaoqiao, you stay.”

Ye Qiaoqiao was about to leave but stopped upon hearing the order.

What? Could it be that he intended to settle accounts now? To silence her?

Countless suspicions flooded her mind. She had no idea what the Crown Prince wanted.

She tried to pretend not to hear and moved forward, but as she did, Shen Jianzhou’s figure shifted, and in an instant, he stood before her.

Caught off guard, Ye Qiaoqiao’s nose collided painfully with his solid chest, causing her to cry out in pain.

“Ouch—”

Rubbing her reddened nose, she looked up angrily to see who had bumped into her. Just as she was about to scold, she found the Crown Prince, who had been seated on the left side of the courtroom, now standing right before her.

His face was grave, his narrow eyes like bottomless pools, instantly captivating.

His low voice came: “Did I tell you to leave?”

Ye Qiaoqiao, still marveling at how he had appeared so suddenly, quickly composed herself and replied, “Didn’t Magistrate Dong just say we should each cherish ourselves and part ways? Didn’t you also announce the verdict that Chen Bailai must return the property within ten days? I wonder, Your Highness, what do you mean by this? If I don’t leave now, am I just an eyesore here?”

She had long known this woman was quick-witted, but she hadn’t expected her to be so clever and evasive even in speaking to him.

Truly astounding.

“I didn’t tell you to leave,” Shen Jianzhou said, as if baffled whether she hadn’t heard or was pretending not to hear. His deep eyes scrutinized her, missing no subtle expression.

Faced with the Crown Prince’s direct question, Ye Qiaoqiao forced a brilliant smile and feigned surprise, retorting, “Your Highness, I honestly only want to leave! I truly didn’t hear you speak!”

“Oh? Is that so?” Shen Jianzhou regarded her suspiciously, then asked, “Then how was it that on that day in the mountains of Xiangzhou City, from so far away, you heard me speak?”

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Ye Qiaoqiao sighed inwardly; the Crown Prince had a remarkably good memory and had recognized her in the crowd at once.

After all, he had personally witnessed her burial and appearance in the pit that day.

Seeing that feigning ignorance before the Crown Prince was futile, Ye Qiaoqiao decided to lay her cards on the table: “Your Highness, you tell me. What exactly is the matter that makes you block my way?”

Seeing how straightforward, even somewhat disrespectful, she was, a flicker of surprise mixed with strong curiosity crossed Shen Jianzhou’s eyes.

Who had given her the audacity to speak so freely?

Turning to glance at the onlookers—the constables, Chen Bailai, Dong Feiguang, and others—he ordered, “Everyone, withdraw.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

One by one, they left the courtroom, with Chen Bailai casting a complex glance at Ye Qiaoqiao.

Soon, the vast courtroom was left with only the Crown Prince and Ye Qiaoqiao.

At this moment, Shen Jianzhou’s gaze grew deeper as he asked, “How did you know I was in pain on the night of the full moon?”

Ye Qiaoqiao was startled—this was the matter at hand.

She looked at the dark aura swirling around the Crown Prince and softly said, “Your Highness, you clearly bear the countenance of a sovereign, yet you are surrounded by a dark aura. This aura is invisible to most but not to me. That is why I, Ye Qiaoqiao, know why you suffer so on the night of the full moon.”

Shen Jianzhou was taken aback.

He had never expected this woman to see the dark aura behind him.

“Can you really see the dark aura behind me?” he asked, doubt shading his voice as he stared deeply at her, as if trying to see through her very soul.

Ye Qiaoqiao’s nose no longer hurt much.

Hearing the question, she lifted her chin slightly, meeting his gaze with unwavering determination, and said, “Your Highness, since I’ve spoken it, I will not lie. This dark aura resembles the hatred and resentment of the underworld, clinging to you for a long time. It seems the breath of someone on the verge of death.”