The wind had blown all day, but at sunset, the sun peeked out above the walls, its warm evening rays warming Yang Wan’s back.
When Yang Wan saw Deng Ying at Donghua Gate, he was still talking with Qin Wende.
Shackles bound his wrists and ankles, making it difficult to walk. He had to stop every few steps. Qin Wende tried several times to support him, but he waved him off each time.
“Send someone down to Hangzhou.”
“What’s there to investigate in Yangzhou at this time?”
Deng Ying carefully avoided a stone on the ground. “Investigate the Yang family’s cotton cloth business in Hangzhou. Whatever issues you find, don’t arrest anyone yet. Report back to me when you’re done. If I’m in the Ministry of Justice prison then, report directly to Yang Lun.”
Qin Wende asked: “What if the local Hangzhou authorities are also investigating the Yang family?”
Deng Ying gently gripped one of his wrists. “Then counter-investigate the Hangzhou Prefect. Remember, don’t start with financial crimes like private fields or salt—only investigate his administrative record. Stop when he’s forced to back off.”
Qin Wende responded with a “Yes,” and then looked at Deng Ying’s wrists.
“Director, seeing you like this pains us. We want to tear down the Ministry of Justice hall.”
Deng Ying lowered his hand. “I rely on you to handle matters. You must not act on impulse.”
Qin Wende said dejectedly: “Your subordinate understands. But in your current state, how will you manage daily activities?”
He felt awkward asking such a question as a man, and Deng Ying didn’t answer.
“You have me.”
Qin Wende raised his head at the voice and saw Yang Wan standing alone before him, smiling.
“Miss Wan…”
“Don’t worry about leaving your Director with me. I’ll make sure he’s neither hungry nor cold.”
Upon seeing Yang Wan, Deng Ying instinctively pulled at his sleeves, trying to hide the shackles on his wrists, his expression somewhat shy.
Yang Wan didn’t look at the things that embarrassed Deng Ying, instead raising her head to look at his face and asking: “Why did it take so long to return?”
“Filling out the interrogation records took longer than expected.”
As he spoke, he turned and called: “Qin Wende.”
“Your subordinate is here.”
“You may go now.”
“Yes.”
Yang Wan stood behind Deng Ying, peering at Qin Wende who kept looking back as he left. “You’ve led these people well. They can work effectively across different regions, yet remain gentle and approachable, not intimidating at all.”
She straightened up and finally looked down at the shackles on his hands. “What’s most remarkable is that they genuinely care about you.”
Deng Ying gripped his sleeve, trying to hide his wrist further inside.
Yang Wan grabbed his hand. “Stop hiding. Now that you’re back, you have to let me know how to care for someone with limited mobility.”
Deng Ying looked at Yang Wan’s downcast eyes and said softly: “I’m not much different from before. I can take care of my daily needs. Wanwan, don’t worry about it.”
“Mm.”
Yang Wan sniffed. “If you don’t mind, I won’t either.”
As she spoke, she gently held Deng Ying’s hand, her gaze softening. “Deng Ying, before I came, I was quite upset. But seeing you talk with Qin Wende just now, I realized I was being too shallow.”
While speaking, she tucked back her wind-blown hair. “What are these things anyway? Just pieces of iron meant to discipline people. But even wearing them, you can still do what you need to do, little Deng Ying.”
Yang Wan lifted her head and smiled at him. “You’re amazing.”
After hearing her words, Deng Ying tentatively raised his hand.
The chain of the shackles slid out from his sleeve, falling against his arm. He carefully pressed it with his other hand to avoid hitting Yang Wan and gently stroked her cheek. Only then did she see the swollen bruise on his face.
“My brother did this?”
“How did you know?”
“Because that’s exactly the kind of thing he’d do. Don’t be angry. Next time I’ll drag him before you and hold him down so you can hit him back.”
Deng Ying couldn’t help but laugh.
Yang Wan pressed her lips together and continued softly: “Deng Ying, I’m not joking. He already owes you more than he could repay in his next life, but for my sake, don’t hold too much against him.”
Deng Ying stroked Yang Wan’s temple hair and smiled, responding with an “Alright.”
Only then did Yang Wan smile broadly. “Let’s walk back slowly.”
“Mm.”
Yang Wan accompanied Deng Ying as they slowly walked toward the city moat. Along the way, Deng Ying briefly told Yang Wan about what had happened at today’s Imperial Gate court session. Yang Wan unconsciously hugged her arms. “His Majesty letting you handle affairs while awaiting punishment is giving time and room for the Directorate of Ceremonial to react.”
“Yes.”
“So, you’re having the Eastern Depot investigate my family’s cotton business in Hangzhou because you’re worried the Directorate of Ceremonial might use local officials to counter-impeach my brother?”
Deng Ying’s steps grew slower, but his voice remained clear.
“The Ministry of Revenue and the Cabinet are doing everything they can to protect Yang Lun. I can’t do much, but I’ll help where I can. Zixi is still young, and he’s straightforward. He doesn’t have many connections in officialdom. As long as we cover up the clan’s mistakes, the Directorate of Ceremonial can’t touch him, but…”
Yang Wan finished his thought.