Chapter 26: Arrest Him

Though everyone was furious in their hearts, as soon as they grasped Master Song’s meaning and understood that this matter had come about through the threats of Young Master Zhangsun, they all fell silent as one. In the Tang Dynasty, anyone who could be addressed as "Young Master" was no ordinary son of an official or noble family. It wasn’t just that Master Song couldn’t afford to offend such a person—none of them dared to cross him either. If this problem was to be resolved, only Li Yi himself could intervene.

Now, however, Master Song had actually dared to strike back at their Young Master. It seemed there was little hope for him. With this in mind, many couldn’t help but feel a measure of sympathy for him.

A long sigh escaped one of the kitchen masters, who threw a glance at Master Song and shook his head. “Master Song, since things were thus, why did you not tell our Young Master sooner?”

“Indeed, Master Song. Our Young Master has always been kind and generous. Had you spoken earlier, I’m certain he would have stood up for you!”

“Young Master, though Master Song allowed himself to be swayed by slander, he meant you no real harm. Please, spare his life…” All the kitchen staff fell to their knees, pleading on his behalf. Even Yue’er, her cheeks puffed with anger, was clearly upset—though she said nothing, her expression spoke volumes.

It was only because Li Yi had changed so much of late, shedding his former waywardness, that they dared to speak so boldly. In the past, none would have risked opening their mouths and inviting disaster.

“Get up, all of you…” Seeing them thus, Li Yi frowned slightly, pondering for a moment before he asked, “Master Song, this Young Master Zhangsun you spoke of—is it Zhangsun Chong?”

Master Song paused, his heart seething with resentment as he gritted his teeth and nodded sullenly, “Yes, Young Master. That despicable man.”

Still, guilt weighed on him so that he dared not meet Li Yi’s eyes, keeping his head bowed low. Yue’er, however, was greatly surprised by this answer, her brows drawing together in a delicate frown.

“So it really was Zhangsun Chong?” Li Yi hadn’t expected that it would indeed be this man. How little time had passed, and yet Zhangsun Chong dared threaten his own household and try to poison him. Such a debt could not go unpaid.

“Master Song, you sought to poison me. Though you escape the death penalty, you cannot avoid punishment. Today, you are forbidden to eat.” Li Yi’s tone was cool as he cast a glance at Master Song.

“Young Master, my life is worth nothing, but I beg you—please, save my family!”

Upon hearing Li Yi’s verdict, Master Song bowed his head in terror, but once he had processed the words, he looked up in disbelief. “Young Master, you—you’re not going to kill me?”

The others in the kitchen breathed a collective sigh of relief, having feared that Li Yi might kill Master Song in a fit of rage. Yet none expected that his punishment would be so light—simply denying him a meal!

Everyone’s faces bloomed with joy. Yue’er huffed, her large eyes glaring at Master Song. “Master Song, aren’t you going to thank Young Master for his mercy?”

Stunned, Master Song knelt deeply. “Young Master, my crime deserves a thousand deaths, but I beg you, save my family! Even if I must climb mountains of blades or descend into seas of fire, I will never flinch!”

Li Yi shook his head, half-amused, half-exasperated. “Are you sure your body could survive such hardships?”

Master Song was at a loss for words, thoroughly abashed. The others in the kitchen, hearing Li Yi joke so, couldn’t help but smile wryly as well.

“Enough. Master Song, lead me at once to Zhangsun Chong. Saving your family is urgent!” Li Yi cast him a glance, then leaned in to whisper a few words to Yue’er, who immediately slipped away.

“Yes, Young Master.” Master Song rose quickly and, leading Li Yi from the mansion, headed straight for the place where Zhangsun Chong had arranged to meet.

…

In the eastern market of Chang’an, within the private Heavenly Room at the Drunken Immortal Tavern—

Zhangsun Chong was all smiles, occasionally teasing the courtesan beside him with brazen hands, drawing coquettish laughter from her lips.

He laughed heartily, growing bolder with each touch. Although these singers and courtesans were not as stunning as the famed Lady Shangguan of Pingkang Lane, just thinking of Li Yi filled Zhangsun Chong with smoldering resentment.

“Hmph! Li Yi, just wait—soon you’ll be writhing with stomach cramps!” he scoffed inwardly, comforted by the thought of Li Yi’s impending misery.

Just then, a servant hurried in from outside.

“You may all go and collect your rewards,” Zhangsun Chong told the women, who promptly filed out, leaving only himself and the servant. Once they were alone, he asked quietly, “How did it go?”

“It’s done, Young Master!” the servant replied eagerly, leaning in to whisper, “Master Song from the Li household has arrived.”

“Excellent. Bring him in,” Zhangsun Chong said, a satisfied grin spreading across his face.

“Yes, Young Master.” The servant hurried out.

Before long, Master Song was brought before Zhangsun Chong. After Master Song had bowed, Zhangsun Chong sipped his tea with an air of self-importance, eyes narrowed as he asked, “Master Song, how did the task I entrusted to you proceed?”

“It is done, Young Master. The Li household is in utter chaos—even now they are searching for doctors to save Young Master Li,” Master Song reported respectfully. “I beg you, please release my family!”

“Well done!” Zhangsun Chong’s spirits soared at the news, but he paid no heed to Master Song’s plea.

He shot a look at his servant, who instantly understood. Glaring fiercely at Master Song, the servant barked, “You wretched, treacherous man! How dare you plot against your own Young Master? Men, seize him and deliver him to the authorities!”

At once, another servant rushed in from outside. The pair grabbed Master Song, readying their fists to beat him.

“Enough!” Suddenly, a stern voice rang out from the doorway. The raised fists froze in mid-air.

Zhangsun Chong’s expression darkened with rage as he glared at the newcomer, intent on seeing who dared interfere in his affairs.

It was none other than Li Yi.

Behind him stood two robust men in blue hats—clearly skilled fighters from the military.

“You—” Seeing Li Yi standing unscathed before him, Zhangsun Chong was utterly dumbfounded, unable to believe his eyes. Even his servants could only look on in disbelief.

An oppressive tension filled the air.

“Men, arrest these people at once! How dare you lay hands on a member of the Li household!” Li Yi narrowed his eyes, his voice cold with authority.