Chapter 124: Conditions

Huang Zequn nearly burst out laughing. The one who had volunteered this time was Jiang Shutang, the deputy director of the Academy of Military Sciences, a man in his fifties. After Wei Boyang led him into the Black Prison, Wei Boyang, unable to bear seeing his misfortune, slipped away. Just after Jiang Shutang arrived at the Black Prison, Wei Xiaoran excitedly approached, calling out, “Uncle Jiang.”

“Ah, Xiaoran,” Jiang Shutang said happily, “It’s been years; you’ve grown so much.”

“Yes, yes, come, come, have a seat,” Wei Xiaoran urged, pulling him toward the kitchen. At that moment, Qin Yang emerged from the kitchen carrying some exquisite dishes. Seeing the visitor, he smiled and said, “We have a guest! Xiaoran, aren’t you going to seat him? Hurry up.”

Jiang Shutang was somewhat dazed as he was guided to a seat. Qin Yang then placed several dishes before him and said warmly, “You look worn out and haven’t had lunch yet, right? Don’t be shy, try these. Xiaoran and I made them ourselves. They’re delicious and quite rare for others to have.”

Wei Xiaoran’s face was full of expectation.

Under such warmth, Jiang Shutang found no reason to refuse, especially with Xiaoran’s pleading eyes. He picked up his chopsticks and took a couple of bites. Instantly, he exclaimed, “Delicious! Exquisite!”

Meanwhile, Qin Yang brought out fruit juice and tea, displaying great hospitality. Jiang Shutang was so overwhelmed that he hardly found words to respond.

“Tasty?”

“Tasty.”

“Good, good. The restroom is over there. Don’t forget to go if you can’t hold it.”

“What do you mean?”

“We noticed some accumulated impurities in your body, so Qin Yang specially prepared medicinal dishes for you. But the way to expel the toxins is a bit… special,” Wei Xiaoran explained hesitantly.

Jiang Shutang’s expression changed instantly. Before he could say anything, a sharp pain twisted his abdomen, forcing him to rush to the restroom.

An hour later.

In the conference room.

“Why hasn’t Major General Jiang come out yet?”

Jiang Shutang’s delay did not stop the appointment of a representative. After four major generals regrettably failed to return and two lieutenant generals had also not appeared for three hours, Old Master Huang volunteered Huang Zequn for the task.

“My son has some acquaintance with Qin Yang,” Old Master Huang said firmly, patting Huang Zequn’s shoulder. “Let him go; maybe he can bring some change.”

Though reluctant at heart, Huang Zequn obediently descended into the Black Prison. The first thing he saw was Qin Yang lounging casually on a chair in the cafeteria, with Wei Xiaoran kindly massaging his shoulders. Huang Zequn gave a thumbs-up: “Old Qin is still Old Qin—charming and carefree everywhere he goes.”

“Damn, it’s you,” Qin Yang cursed. “Why are you down here? Seriously.”

Huang Zequn chuckled as he sat down, surveying the surroundings. “Not bad at all—elegant environment, no weather exposure, and even beauties serving you. You’re here for leisure, huh? Wow, there’s red wine too.”

Without hesitation, Huang Zequn picked up a glass. Before drinking, he asked, “I came down to ask about those three missing generals. Where are they?”

“Oh, they’re in the restroom,” Qin Yang replied.

Huang Zequn immediately spat out the wine, repeatedly clearing his throat. Wei Xiaoran covered her mouth, laughing heartily, while Qin Yang rolled his eyes. “The medicine’s in the food. Look at what you’ve gotten yourself into.”

“Why didn’t you say so earlier?” Huang Zequn lamented, wiping his mouth. “Old Qin, cut me some slack. Don’t let me go out there and get executed by the old man.”

“Simple. It’s about time. Those three old generals should be coming out now.”

Just as Qin Yang finished speaking, three elderly generals in full military dress emerged from the restroom, their faces flushed red. They looked embarrassed. Qin Yang, however, was light on his feet, his previous fatigue wiped away. His body was refreshed and comfortable. Although his behavior was somewhat inappropriate, it was clear he was taking care of himself. It was hard to fault him for that.

At this moment, trying to persuade Qin Yang to save someone seemed awkward. After all, Jiang Nanyan had broken his promise earlier. Each visitor now had to muster thick skin, and after the recent spectacle, their faces were too thick to turn back. Especially with Wei Xiaoran waving her handheld camera: “Four dear uncles, don’t be stingy next time. The stories of your trips to the restroom will have everyone laughing uproariously.”

“Sigh, sigh, sigh.”

The three sighed in succession as Huang Zequn followed behind, struggling to contain his laughter.

Back in the conference room, the three old generals felt ashamed to face anyone and left with this parting remark: “You made this mess yourselves. Figure it out.”

Jiang Feng felt a wave of helplessness. It seemed he had to intervene personally. After ordering Jiang Nanyan to stay behind, he went deep into the Black Prison. Qin Yang appeared to have been expecting him and was already waiting in the library. Jiang Feng took a deep breath and sat down opposite Qin Yang. Before he could speak, Qin Yang interrupted, “No talking in the library. Shut up, or you’ll be staying here tonight to help the Black Prison inmates pass their morality exam.”

Jiang Feng reluctantly nodded.

When under the eaves, one must bow.

No one knew how long passed. The Black Prison had no sunlight, relying entirely on electricity for illumination. For the first time, Jiang Feng felt truly oppressed in this damned place. Looking at the thick book in Qin Yang’s hand, as hefty as a heavy tome, bitterness filled him. Hours passed—four? Five? Jiang Feng had lost count. Only when Qin Yang closed the book did he follow him out of the library to a corner of the dining hall.

“Qin Yang, I will agree to any conditions, even clearing all charges against Ji Liehu,” Jiang Feng said solemnly. “I can guarantee your people will be able to come out openly and honorably.”

“That’s all?” Qin Yang asked coldly.

Jiang Feng knew Qin Yang would save them but expected him to demand many conditions. Perhaps that was why previous pleas had failed, leaving so many disappointed. He sighed. “I’ve negotiated with many, including high-ranking officials and veteran elders. But I must admit, negotiating with you is the hardest. You don’t play by the rules, and your strange behavior leaves me with no clues. Qin Yang, speak.”

“First, when I was locked in the Black Prison, some reckless people targeted my friends. I want them to kneel before me and kowtow three times.”

“Second, Jiang Nanyan broke his promise and almost cost me my life. Simple—he must bear a genuine punishment, a real whipping. No fakes.”

“Third, all the dark deeds of Ji Liehu and his associates must be completely erased. You probably know well what he’s done. I want everything that can be wiped clean.”

“Fourth, keep your son, Jiang Nanyan, away from Liu Yan. Stop him from harassing her.”

“Fifth, cancel the surveillance your people have on those released from the Black Prison.”

“This last point is the most important. I want all the inmates of the Black Prison freed. Originally, I planned to demand Jiang Nanyan’s self-destruction, but for now, your son isn’t worthy of challenging me. That self-righteous fool isn’t worth wasting this chance on.”

Jiang Feng looked at Qin Yang and said gravely, “The last point must be decided by my father. As of now, my influence cannot sway them to dismantle the Black Prison. But I can fulfill the first five points for you. Today is the last day, Qin Yang. Please take action and go to the capital.”