“My opinion is to release him first.”
Bai Yuyang suddenly raised his voice, “My opinion is to continue questioning in a different location. We don’t need to ask about anything else, just this Shandong matter. Let’s examine it thoroughly, scrutinize every detail until we get to the truth.”
After hearing this, Yang Lun stood up abruptly, “Then let Minister Bai question him. The Ministry of Revenue has monthly settlements, and the officials below are still waiting for last year’s silver deficit. Yang Lun truly cannot spare more time. I have reviewed today’s testimony, if Minister Bai has further questions, simply send someone to summon Yang Lun.”
“Wait.”
Qi Huaiyang also stood up, trying to mediate: “Official Yang, there’s no need for this. We all hope to investigate this matter thoroughly, as it concerns the nation’s livelihood. Minister Bai’s earnest intention, even if it hurts your fellowship with a fellow scholar, shouldn’t let him suffer unjust accusations here.”
This was both a warning and a reminder.
However, Yang Lun merely glanced at him before turning to leave.
“Official Yang.”
Deng Ying’s voice suddenly came from behind.
Yang Lun turned back to see him bowing deeply, “Deng Ying has a few words to say to Official Yang.”
He then added, “Minister Bai, may Deng Ying speak privately with Official Yang?”
Bai Yuyang and Qi Huaiyang exchanged glances.
“You may. Accompany Official Yang for a few steps.”
“Yes.”
Outside, the rain continued. Yang Lun walked ahead with his hands behind his back, while Deng Ying followed a step behind.
Neither held umbrellas, and they walked in silence for quite a distance until they reached the main entrance of the Ministry of Justice, where Yang Lun finally stopped.
“What did you want to tell me?”
Deng Ying stood in the rain, his thin gray robe now clinging to his skin.
Yang Lun had heard that men who underwent castration would change in appearance, but Deng Ying hadn’t – he had only grown paler, his former humility now tinged with a hint of submission that came from accepting his status.
“They want you to torture me.”
“Hmph.”
“You should listen to them.”
Yang Lun turned around, “Let me ask you if I torture you, will you tell the truth?”
“No.”
The answer came almost instantly.
“So, the Imperial Household Department people did embezzle quite a bit, didn’t they?”
Deng Ying raised his head in the rain, “Yes.”
“Why are you protecting them?”
Deng Ying suddenly coughed several times, “It’s not Deng Ying’s wish.”
“What nonsense is this?”
“Sir, you need to understand something. The Imperial Household Department has indeed embezzled much of the court’s silver these past ten years, but most of these funds went to the imperial clan. His Majesty won’t move against He Yixian for now. If you and your teacher…” He suddenly remembered what Bai Huan had told him and quickly corrected himself, “If you and Grand Secretary Bai try to use the deficits from the Liuli Factory and the Three Great Halls to contend with the Imperial Household Department, at best it will damage the imperial family’s face, at worst both your and Grand Secretary Bai’s political futures will be cut short.”
After listening quietly to this speech, Yang Lun suddenly asked, “Did you teach these things to Yang Wan in the palace?”
“What?”
Yang Lun crossed his arms, “Yang Wan said similar things to me today.”
“Yang Wan…”
“Silence!”
Yang Lun suddenly shouted, “Who gave you permission to speak her name?”
Deng Ying closed his mouth and bowed with lowered eyes, “Yes, Deng Ying knows his fault.”
Yang Lun stared at him silently, gradually clenching his fists.
“Let me ask you when Yang Wan was at home before, was there anything between you two?”
Hearing this question, Deng Ying looked at the noisy water flowing in the rain and smiled bitterly, “I didn’t even know her name.”
“What about now?”
Yang Lun stepped closer to him, “Now in the palace, is there anything between you two?”
Deng Ying raised his head, a self-mocking smile on his face, “How would I dare?”
After speaking, he gently gripped his wrist, “I know what my status is in this dynasty. I swear, if I have even a hint of disrespectful thoughts toward her, may I die by lingchi.”
“I don’t want to hear these things.”
Yang Lun turned his back, “I just want to tell you, she is my sister. I can’t scold her for following you. But she will eventually leave the palace and marry into a good family. My sister, Yang Lun’s sister, can take her time choosing in this vast capital.”
These words fell into the rain, startling several small birds hiding in the leaves. Soaked by the rain, they couldn’t fly and tumbled trembling to Deng Ying’s feet.
Yang Lun and Deng Ying both looked down, temporarily silent.
After a long while, Yang Lun finally spoke, “You know? Hearing you just now, considering things for me and my teacher, I feel sick. I don’t know what’s wrong with Yang Wan, that she knows how you think. She just…”
Yang Lun shook his head, grinding his teeth.
“Doesn’t she feel hurt?”
After receiving these words, Deng Ying said softly, “Why say such things to me?”
“No reason! Just wanted to say it!”
Yang Lun suddenly raised his voice, “Deng Fuling, I truly hate that you’ve become like this. How are my teacher and I supposed to face this!”
His voice echoed in the rain.
The response that came back sounded desperate but still retained a trace of warmth.
“Then you should consider Fuling dead.”