In ancient times, the powerful and wealthy seized power step by step.

Zhu Qingyu had heard bits and pieces of rumors about Shen Xu before, mostly about how he was cruel, cold-blooded, and enjoyed torturing and killing prisoners for fun. She had never heard of such a tragic past.

Now she understood why he had inexplicably come to kill her today. Shen Xu was probably traumatized in the past and had some psychological issues. In modern medical terms, he was mentally ill.

A mentally ill person is capable of anything.

A mentally ill person granted the power of life and death by the imperial authority, a mentally ill person with the legal right to kill—in the past, Zhu Qingyu would have turned and run away at the mere sight of him, and would never have had anything to do with him.

But now, Zhang Shen is in his hands, and she has to deal with him.

Zhu Qingyu then said to Xie Ze:

"Thank you, young marquis. I will remember what you said today. I will pretend I didn't hear it and will never ask Shen Chongshu about it. But my husband, even if there is only a one in ten thousand chance, even if I have to give up all my wealth, I will definitely save him."

Although he didn't agree with Zhu Qingyu wasting money on these futile efforts, seeing her insistence, Xie Ze didn't try to persuade her further and agreed:

"Alright, I'll go find someone. At least I can have peace of mind. Rescuing them is difficult, and visiting them in prison probably won't be easy either, since the people in the imperial prison are afraid of taking responsibility. But if it's just delivering some things, and you're willing to spend money, then it shouldn't be a big problem. Who doesn't like money? Even the people working in the imperial prison have families to support. I'll be going now. Wait for my news."

Before leaving, Zhu Qingyu asked Xie Ze to wait a moment, went to the main house, took out the spare key she always carried, opened the money box in the secret room, and took out a small box.

Inside is a rare and priceless piece of jade. Zhang Shen had specially collected it to keep as a treasure, instructing him to use it in a critical moment.

Given Xie Ze's family background and temperament, Zhu Qingyu worried that if she directly offered him silver, he would not only refuse but might also offend her. Therefore, she brought out a box containing beautiful jade and said:

"Young Marquis, I couldn't let you come empty-handed. This is a token of my appreciation, please accept it."

Xie Ze was startled. Without even opening the box, he waved his hand and ran out.

"Don't do this! Given our relationship, I was just helping out with a small favor. I only spent a few words with you, and you're giving me money? Take it back! If you keep using money to insult our friendship, I won't come next time."

Zhu Qingyu chased after him with the box in her arms, but before she could explain what was inside, Xie Ze had already ridden away on his little donkey.

Xie Ze, as if he had eyes in the back of his head, waved to her from his little donkey with his back turned.

"Go back! Wait for my news!"

After Xie Ze left, Zhu Qingyu asked Uncle Lü to summon all the shopkeepers from the capital. Once everyone was present, without further ado, she instructed each shopkeeper:

"Please check your accounts, managers. The shops need to be sold within the next few days."

The shopkeepers looked at each other in bewilderment:

"Madam, is this all happening so suddenly? Are all the shops selling off?"

Zhu Qingyu nodded and affirmed:

"Sell everything. All of you managers have worked hard for many years. After settling the accounts, in addition to your regular salaries, you will each receive an extra three months' salary. If there is an opportunity in the future, we will hire you managers again to make a fortune together."

After meeting the shopkeeper, not even a day later, Uncle Lü helped to invite the broker he knew before to come over that evening.

Zhu Qingyu didn't waste any words and directly wrote a list for the broker:

"Among all the brokers in the capital, you are the most capable. That's why we invited you here so late. We want you to help us see if there are any suitable clients in the capital, preferably those with the financial resources to take over the entire operation and who can come up with cash. We need to act quickly."

Even after years of brokering, Guan Ya's eyes widened in surprise when he saw the shops on the list, and he clicked his tongue in amazement.

"Madam, I used to do business with Master Zhang, we're acquaintances. Let me tell you the truth, if you're in a hurry to sell, want to sell in bulk, want to be quick, and want cash, you won't get a good price."

Zhu Qingyu understood this principle, of course, but now every day Zhang Shen stayed in the imperial prison, the risk increased.

Even if the emperor didn't issue an order to kill him, Zhu Qingyu was worried that Zhang Shen's health would be such that he wouldn't survive the conditions in the imperial prison.

Therefore, she had to raise as much silver as possible in the shortest amount of time. After all, there are only a few people in this world who don't like silver. With enough silver, even if there is no way in the world, you can use silver to make a way.

Zhu Qingyu said:

"It's alright, I need it urgently."

By the time the official was seen off, the city lights were already on. Zhu Qingyu had been in the capital for so long and was only now able to eat.

Gu Zhao, who had just left the palace at this hour, hadn't even had a meal.

After returning from Zhu Qingyu's house, Xiong Kun first sent the nanny back to the Duke's mansion, and then went to the palace gate to wait for Gu Zhao.

Upon seeing Gu Zhao emerge, Xiong Kun hurriedly went to greet him:

"My lord, I have followed your instructions and escorted Madam Zhu back to Qingyi Lane, but..."

Gu Zhao had just been given ten strokes of the cane by the Imperial Guards today. Although Eunuch Qiu was good at discerning the Emperor's intentions and gave the Imperial Guards a signal, the canes were not struck hard enough to injure his bones, but he could not avoid the pain. Even though Gu Zhao was strong and healthy, he was already in unbearable pain when he was on duty in the palace in the afternoon after being beaten, and now he could hardly walk.

When one thing goes wrong, everything goes wrong. Not only does he suffer physical pain, but even the people around him who are usually good at reading the room seem to be blind to his feelings. They keep bringing up her in front of him, even though he doesn't want to hear anything.

He had just told his attendant that morning that he didn't need to tell him about Zhu Qingyu anymore, but he didn't expect Xiong Kun to immediately mention her whereabouts.

Why should she tell him where she lives? She insulted him so much. How could he possibly turn back to this heartless woman? Would he even care about her affairs again?

no way!

Gu Zhao looked at Xiong Kun, hoping that this clueless man would understand his meaning and never mention that name in front of him again.

As it turned out, Xiong Kun's blindness was particularly obvious today. Seeing him looking over, he assumed that Lord Gu was concerned about Lady Zhu's condition and quickly said:

"It's just that Lord Shen was about to assassinate Lady Zhu, but fortunately the young marquis stopped him. I've come to report this."

Gu Zhao's expression changed immediately:

"Go to the Shen residence."

Upon arriving at the Shen residence and meeting Shen Xu, Gu Zhao's face was as cold as frost.

"Shen Chongshu, have you forgotten who got you out of prison? Have you forgotten that you owe me your life? I clearly told you not to touch her, is this how you repay the debt of saving my life?"