After My Heart Turned Cold and I Divorced My Wife, I Rose as the Strongest Prince of Great Feng Empire - Chapter 18:

Chapter 18: My Father and Brothers Must Not Die in Vain!

Jingyang, Prince Ning’s Mansion.

Housekeeper Fu quietly finished his report, finally letting out a long breath.

“The Lin family is almost done for.”

Ning Que closed the account book with a half-smile. He was only reclaiming what rightfully belonged to him. From the moment he decided to divorce Lin Xianhong, he had already let go completely. The Lin family’s fate had nothing more to do with him.

“Your Highness, the Gu family has sent an invitation.”

“What day is it scheduled for?”

“Two days from now.”

“Two days?”

“Yes.”

Uncle Fu’s fists clenched with rage, teeth grinding in frustration. The Gu family was clearly provoking them on purpose. Two days from now was the death anniversary of Prince Ning and Ning Que’s three elder brothers. And the Gu family had deliberately chosen that day to host a banquet. How could this not be an open provocation?

“Should we refuse?”

“No need,” Ning Que said calmly. “Since they invited me, I’ll attend. But the gift must be well-chosen. Uncle Fu, go prepare a three-meter-long sandalwood coffin.”

“A… coffin?!”

“Perfect.”

Uncle Fu nodded repeatedly. This was the Ning family spirit! Resolute, vengeful, and ruthless when necessary. Prince Ning had secured his title through an iron will, purging countless political enemies. The four Great Lords of different surnames had all been forced into submission by him, quietly paying their tributes each year without delay. And Ning Que? He would surpass even his father. Even after three lost years, he would still become Prince Ning!

“One more thing. My father and brothers died in battle at Yumenguan. This matter cannot be left unresolved. They were soldiers—dying on the battlefield is one thing. But I need to know who leaked the marching route to the enemy. They cannot have died in vain.”

“You wish to—”

“Deliver this letter to my Senior Sister.”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Uncle Fu accepted the letter immediately. Ning Que had never forgotten their blood feud. The Xiliang were enemies—but traitors to the nation were worse. He had written to his sect long ago, asking his senior disciples to investigate. Sadly, the matter had been completely buried. Both Great Feng and Xiliang remained silent. Those who knew the truth had all disappeared.

Fortunately, his Senior Sister was the best spy in the land—highly skilled and a master of disguise. Her last letter said she was now in Xiliang territory and had been investigating the case for years.

“Your Highness, anything you need me to handle in Jingyang?”

“Not at the moment,” Ning Que said with a smile. “You’ve been working hard running back and forth these past few days. Today, it seems Prince Qi’s men tried to stir up trouble, probably sent saboteurs. But Jingyang is famed for its martial spirit. Before I even knew, those fools got beaten up and started yelling about reporting to the authorities. Funny thing is—I am the authority.”

Uncle Fu chuckled. Prince Qi had a reputation for being a cunning old fox. He had been deeply entrenched in court for decades. After Prince Ning’s death, the Emperor had assigned Jingyang to him as a proxy. But all taxes and rents still belonged to Prince Ning’s Mansion. And the profits from Jingyang were far more than that. Located near Chang’an, it was prime fertile land. Stationing merchants and collecting bribes from appointed officials meant a steady flow of wealth.

Take the Jingyang county constable—he was one of Prince Qi’s men. When he learned that Ning Que was leading disaster relief, he tried to obstruct it. Ning Que didn’t bother arguing. He simply presented the imperial edict. The constable fled in terror. People like that tried to please both sides, but couldn’t afford to offend someone like Ning Que.

Ning Que had also tightened security around the granaries. They had to thank the Lin family for supplying 100,000 shi of grain. The four major grain merchants in Jingyang were stomping their feet in panic. After the Gu family started selling, the rest followed suit. Grain prices plummeted again. Ning Que took the opportunity to stockpile. They would need it later.

The Emperor had been clear—he could issue edicts, but he wouldn’t give out grain. The Chang’an granaries were reserved for military use. Even if civilians starved, they couldn’t touch them. If war broke out, what would the soldiers eat?

“Your Highness!”

“We caught a criminal! This bastard tried to set fire to the granary!”

“Oh?”

Tie Niu burst in, huffing and puffing. He was one of Prince Ning’s personal guards. Originally a Xiliang man, he had been captured during war and enslaved by the Ning family. At first, he resisted, even tried to assassinate Prince Ning. But he soon realized the Ning family treated him well—gave him meat every day. So he happily pledged allegiance.

As a Xiliang native, skilled in horsemanship and archery, he naturally became one of the Ning family’s elite guards. He had even fought alongside Prince Ning against Xiliang. His ferocity outmatched any Great Feng soldier.

The Xiliang branded him a traitor, placing a high bounty on his head—higher than most generals. He survived the battle at Yumenguan only because he had stayed behind as a support unit.

Now, Tie Niu was furious. Someone dared try to burn their relief grain?! Thank heavens Ning Que had ordered increased security in advance.

“Bring him in.”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Moments later, Tie Niu dragged the man in. When the prisoner lifted his head, Ning Que’s smile turned cold.

“You?”

“Ning Que!” Lin Chao roared, humiliated and furious. “Let me go now! Don’t think this will end well for you! If you hurt me, Xianhong will never forgive you!”

“Deal. Perfect timing.”

Ning Que raised a foot and kicked Lin Chao to the ground.

“You’re too dumb to come up with this on your own. Who ordered you?”

“No one!”

Still defiant, Lin Chao stared him down.

Ning Que wasn’t fazed. “Very well. You tried to burn the granary and disrupt relief efforts. That’s a capital offense. Your military merits won’t save you—at the very least, you’ll be flayed.”

“You… what are you going to do?”

“Just follow the law,” Ning Que replied with a shrug. “They say if you confess, your punishment is lighter. Resist, and it’s worse. Since you won’t talk, I’ll send you to the Ministry of Justice. You’ve been sold out, and you’re still counting their money.”

“You can’t do this! Ning Que, you’ll regret this! Xianhong will never speak to you again!”

Tie Niu had heard enough. He smacked Lin Chao across the face, then stuffed a foul-smelling sock in his mouth.

For people like him, there was no need to waste words.

Once Lin Chao was dragged away, Ning Que turned to Uncle Fu with a smile.

“Looks like tomorrow’s gift can be even bigger.”