As the words were spoken, two men had already stepped forward, grasping Mei Qing’s arms—one on each side. Mei Qing slightly furrowed his brows but did not struggle, merely feeling surprised, unable to figure out why he had drawn the attention of these people.
Just then, Old Zhang, the gatekeeper, came rushing from behind in a fluster. Upon hearing that they intended to take Mei Qing away, he angrily shouted, “Where did these audacious ruffians come from? Do they dare to rebel? My young master is a hereditary fifth-grade general!”
Before he could finish speaking, the leader among them let out a cold “Hmph,” and two men immediately rushed out from the ranks, swiftly subduing Old Zhang to the ground.
“We are officers of the Embroidered Uniform Guard conducting an official investigation. Here is our warrant,” the leader coldly declared, raising a piece of paper. “I don’t care if he’s a fifth-grade general or not! Mei Qing, you’d better keep your household in check and refrain from rash actions. Come with us and clarify matters. If there’s nothing to hide, you will naturally be released!”
The crowd present involuntarily inhaled sharply, finally noticing the men’s attire—swords at their waists, waist tablets in hand—undoubtedly the legendary Embroidered Uniform Guard!
During the Ming Dynasty, merely uttering the words “Embroidered Uniform Guard” could silence a room or stop a child’s nighttime crying. Originally, the Embroidered Uniform Guard was simply the emperor’s personal guard with no special significance. However, later on, Emperor Taizu began using them to secretly investigate officials and understand the people’s concerns, turning them into his eyes and ears for covert investigations and case inquiries. Due to their direct accountability to the emperor and lack of external constraints, they wielded immense power, instilling fear wherever they went.
Though terrifying, the Embroidered Uniform Guard primarily focused on investigating officials’ misconduct, rarely involving themselves in ordinary cases. Although the death of Li Mei was a murder case, it shouldn’t have warranted the involvement of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. The reason behind this unusual situation remained puzzling.
“Master!” came a cry from behind. The commotion caused by the Embroidered Uniform Guard had awakened Duoyun, who had been inside. Upon learning that the Embroidered Uniform Guard had come to arrest her master, even though she lived secluded within the inner chambers, she understood the implications of those three words. She rushed out, her voice filled with sorrow and despair that sent chills down the spine.
Mei Qing swiftly turned around and said to Duoyun, “Duoyun, don’t be afraid! Trust your master. Stay home and wait for me to return!”
Leaning weakly against the doorframe, Duoyun seemed to have lost all strength. Wu’er hurried over to support her. Duoyun gazed at Mei Qing, unable to utter a word, only nodding repeatedly, her eyes filled with resoluteness.
At this moment, Zhong Shu also rushed over, hastily dressed, and upon seeing the scene, his eyes flashed with a sharp glint. He stepped forward and asked, “Master, what’s going on?”
Mei Qing replied, “I’m not quite sure myself. These officers from the Embroidered Uniform Guard want me to accompany them.”
“Jin—Yi—Wei—? Master, don’t worry. Just relax. Everything will be fine.” Zhong Shu’s voice carried a calming force. Glancing briefly at the leader, he then turned back and said, “Wu’er, take Miss Duoyun back to her room. Everything will be alright.”
Mei Qing nodded and said to Zhong Shu, “Zhong Shu, I entrust the household affairs to you. As for Duoyun—please comfort her.”
A strangely peculiar smile appeared on Zhong Shu’s honest face as he replied, “Rest assured, Master. There’s nothing wrong with the household, and nothing will happen to you—what I say will be what happens.”
The dark corridor echoed with hollow footsteps. Damp, gloomy air filled Mei Qing’s nostrils and chest, mingling with a stale, moldy stench that made breathing difficult. At the corners, dim lights cast long shadows on the floor, stretching and fading as the figures moved forward.
This was the Imperial Prison.
The prison of the Embroidered Uniform Guard—famous, or rather, infamous.
It was not hell, but worse than hell.
Those imprisoned here were no ordinary individuals—either great villains or loyal heroes.
Behind the tightly shut iron doors lining both sides of the corridor, who knew what secrets and dangers lay hidden?
Mei Qing had never imagined that one day he would find himself inside this mysterious and terrifying prison.
Led by a pale-faced jailer to a filthy small room, the jailer did not speak but merely gestured coldly. Mei Qing, without a word, bent down and entered the small door, immediately hearing the metallic clang of the door locking shut behind him.
Two rats nestled in the moldy straw squeaked but did not flee, merely lifting their heads to curiously observe their new roommate with gleaming eyes.
The air inside was even more suffocating, mixed with an indescribable foul odor. Mei Qing gasped for breath for a while before gradually adjusting to it.
Yet his confusion only deepened. He had been brought here without explanation, locked directly into the Imperial Prison without anyone coming to meet or question him. Whenever he had asked what was going on, he received only silence and cold stares.
“What exactly is going on here? Can’t someone at least give me an explanation—?” Mei Qing was still pondering when he suddenly heard a familiar voice. Turning his head, he saw a dark figure being pushed violently into the room. The heavy door clanged shut once more.
A plump figure landed headfirst into the straw pile, disturbing the two rats, who squeaked and scurried away.
Mei Qing hurriedly helped the person up—it was none other than Wang Shigu, the wealthy landowner he had been with earlier that day.
Wang Shigu wiped his face and brushed straw from his head, grumbling, “What in the world is going on? These damned bastards dragged me in without a word—Ah, Mei, you’re here too? Oh dear—”
Indeed, Wang Shigu’s face bore several bruises, evidence of rough treatment.
Mei Qing forced a bitter smile and said, “Don’t even ask. The Embroidered Uniform Guard barged into my home at night and took me away, yet they haven’t interrogated me or said a word. I have no idea what game they’re playing.”
Wang Shigu grimaced, glancing around nervously before lowering his voice, “Mei, do you have any idea what’s going on? This Imperial Prison isn’t a good place—” His voice quivered slightly as he continued, “They say once you enter this place, you never come out—”
Mei Qing tried to reassure him, “Don’t think too much of it, Wang. We’ve done nothing wrong. What’s there to fear?”
Wang Shigu’s face remained pale with fear. “Easier said than done. This isn’t a place for reason. A former classmate of mine was once falsely accused and thrown into this damned place. Before the case could even be investigated, he was tortured to death—”
Mei Qing knew exactly what the Imperial Prison was. But with no choice in the matter, all he could do was resign himself to fate.
As the two sat in uneasy silence, trying to comfort each other, a half-hearted voice suddenly came from outside the cell: “Mei Qing! Come out!”
Mei Qing and Wang Shigu exchanged glances. Wang’s voice trembled as he said, “Mei, look at this—”
Mei Qing gave a bitter smile and said, “Whether it’s life or death, I must go. Let me see what they want.” With that, he stood up and followed the jailer out of the cell.
The interrogation chamber lay at the far end of the row of cells. On the tall, gloomy brick walls, several braziers burned fiercely. Yet the flames brought no warmth, only casting eerie glints off the grotesque torture instruments lining the room, enhancing the atmosphere of dread.
At one end of the chamber stood a few simple tables, behind one of which sat a man, flanked by several burly attendants. The seated man wore casual clothes and had a round, plump face. In the flickering firelight, he wore a gentle smile.
“Ah, Master Mei, please, please, don’t be alarmed. Take a seat,” the man said with a warm chuckle.
Unsure of the situation, Mei Qing steeled himself and sat down at the side seat.
Still smiling, the man continued, “Mei Qing, styled Sanqing, hereditary fifth-grade military general. Ah, Master Mei, you truly have a fortunate fate. Even within these secluded halls, I’ve heard of your reputation. Hehe.”
Mei Qing frowned, silently staring at the man without speaking.
The man’s smile never wavered as he continued, “But perhaps Master Mei isn’t familiar with me. I’m a humble official surnamed Ma. Funny enough, our names are somewhat similar. My name is Shiqing. Ah, just a minor official, unknown to most.”
At the mention of the name, Mei Qing felt as if struck by lightning. Now he understood why this official was so cordial—this must be the infamous “Smiling Tiger,” Ma Shiqing!
Though not involved in court politics, Mei Qing had heard the saying, “Better to meet a Zhongshan Wolf than encounter the Smiling Tiger.” It was said that Ma Shiqing, nicknamed “Tigerzi,” was a thousand-household commander in the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Though his official rank wasn’t high, he was notorious for his ever-smiling face, which masked a heart of cruelty. Anyone who fell into his hands faced merciless torture so severe that even among the Embroidered Uniform Guard, people shuddered at his name.
Thus came his nickname, the Smiling Tiger. While many despised him, he remained favored by his superiors for his efficiency in solving cases. However, his reputation was so bad that despite his abilities, he had never been promoted, remaining at the rank of thousand-household commander for years.
And the longer he remained in that position, the more brutal his methods became. It was said that those who fell into his hands would rather die quickly than endure his torturous interrogations.
Now, this Smiling Tiger, Ma, sat before Mei Qing with a warm smile in his eyes, much like a predator eyeing its prey.
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