Court officials, armed with the emperor’s decree, set out to arrest Zheng Xinghuai. Wei Yuan had strategically placed numerous golden gongs to offer protection. Upon hearing that the emperor had issued an order of “no mercy,” Zheng Xinghuai sought to prevent more innocent people from being implicated. He urged them not to act rashly and voluntarily accompanied them.
Once imprisoned, Zheng Xinghuai endured severe torture, yet he never confessed under the unbearable pain. Que Yongxiu cruelly severed his tendons and ligaments, breaking both his legs. Zheng Xinghuai condemned their despicable actions, but the judge nearby reminded him that he was delusional. Previously, the emperor had spared his life despite his actions, suggesting he return to Chuzhou to recuperate. However, at that moment, Zheng Xinghuai not only refused to stop but also continued to lobby the court, constantly engaging in minor acts of defiance, which had become increasingly annoying. Now, the emperor had lost his patience. As Zheng Xinghuai faced death, the judge revealed the harsh truth and decided to let him die in a clear manner.
Xu Qian An and Jin Luo rushed to rescue Zheng Xinghuai from the prison. However, upon arrival, they found Zheng Xinghuai already hanged, his hands and feet bound with iron chains, his body covered in wounds with blood flowing from his legs, staining the ground below. Xiao Rou and Xu Qian An were moved to tears. “A righteous man dies unjustly. Today, where is the rule of law?” As Zheng Xinghuai lay on the brink of death, he seemed to relive his time in Chuzhou, where the people were kind-hearted and the markets bustling. Everyone greeted him warmly, and when he knocked on his door, he even saw his elderly mother, creating a heartwarming scene.
Xu Qian An took a white cloth from beside him, removed the shackles from Zheng Xinghuai’s body, and carefully wiped away the blood stains. He then walked out of the prison, scrutinizing each person escorting Zheng Xinghuai, before confidently striding away.
That evening, Xu Qian An did not return home. Xu Pingzhi heard that Xu Qian An had risked his life to protect Lord Zheng, who had died, and worried that his nephew might be contemplating suicide. He instructed the family to urgently search for him. All of Xu Qian An’s friends were frantically searching throughout the night. Finally, Chu Yuanchen found Xu Qian An at a ring-tossing place. Surprisingly calm, Xu Qian An explained that he had spent the night thinking and had finally decided on his course of action.
Xu Qian An returned home and enjoyed a hearty meal. Afterwards, he told his family he needed to rest. Seeing his uncle and aunt concerned, Xu Qian An smiled and reminded Xu Pingzhi to quickly gather their belongings and leave the area after eating.
Resolute, Xu Qian An grabbed his sword and headed towards the palace gates. Palace guards stopped him, reminding him that entry was forbidden without a summons. Sparks flew from the blade he wielded, prompting Wei Yuan to appear and caution him against acting recklessly.
Xu Qian An chuckled as he handed Wei Yuan the note Zheng Xinghuai had left him. The note bore the words “Gradual Strategy,” which suited Wei Yuan perfectly. However, Xu Qian An was determined to uphold justice. He sought out the former Duke of Cao and the Protector of the Nation who had wrongfully punished Zheng Xinghuai, meting out the same punishments they had inflicted. He then tied both men to the back of his horse and paraded them through the streets as a public display.
Upon reaching the East Gate, Xu Qian An dragged the two grievously wicked men to a high platform, forcing them to confess the truth. The crowd had already realized that Zheng Xinghuai had died falsely accused. Just as Xu Qian An was about to deliver justice, Emperor Jing ordered the arrest team to capture him, and they had already arrived.
