CHAPTER 703: CHAPTER 266 - EMPRESS: I SHALL ENGAGE IN BATTLE IN CAT LADY FORM!

Sky Scale Guard, Imperial Prison.

In the dark and cramped cell, Yan Linghu leaned against the corner, looking much better than before.

Ever since Qin Shu visited, the prison guards stopped torturing him. They provided good food and drink every day, and his injuries began to heal.

At first, he was anxious, fearing it was his last meal. But as days passed, there was no sign of execution, as if Chen Mo had truly forgotten him.

"Since mother visited that day, Chen Mo’s attitude has drastically changed."

"From what I know about him, he never lets go without gaining something more significant... What could mother possibly offer him?"

Yan Linghu couldn’t fathom it.

While he was pondering, sudden footsteps echoed outside the cell.

The key was inserted into the lock, and the cell door was pushed open. Chen Mo, donned in his dark-scaled official robe, stepped inside.

Yan Linghu’s pupils contracted, and he hurriedly got up from the floor, standing straight against the wall, "Mr. Chen, what brings you here?"

Could it be that he wants to use me for human experiments again?

He already has a psychological shadow from Chen Mo’s twisted punishments...

"Don’t be nervous."

Chen Mo waved his hand, "I came today to prepare for your release."

?

Yan Linghu was taken aback, "Release me? Truly?"

"Of course, I’m a man of my word. I said I’d release you in a few days, so naturally, it’s no lie." Chen Mo raised an eyebrow, "Why, hasn’t Young Master Yan had enough of staying in the cell?"

"Enough! More than enough!"

Seeing Chen Mo didn’t appear to be teasing him, Yan Linghu’s joy was evident.

You know, stepping into the Imperial Prison is a life-and-death situation, and only a few make it out alive... He had prepared for the worst, never expecting joy to come so abruptly!

"Someone, release Young Master Yan." Chen Mo ordered.

A prison guard entered, untied the shackles from Yan Linghu’s hands and feet, and removed the steel nails from his shoulder blades.

Yan Linghu moved his shoulders, still feeling somewhat unreal.

After hesitating for a moment, he cautiously asked, "Mr. Chen, may I ask why? Why are you willing to release me?"

Chen Mo replied calmly, "Young Master Yan is implicated in the Barbarian Slave case, but has shown good remorse and provided key evidence, contributing to crime on a greater scale... Besides, the Imperial Prison has limited cells, mostly holding major criminals. You need to clear the way for the brothers at the back."

What key evidence did I provide?

Yan Linghu scratched his head, looking bewildered.

Just then, the sound of iron chains dragging across the floor echoed from the corridor, approaching the cell.

Two prison guards escorted a man inside; he wore a prison uniform, handcuffed, and shackled, his loose hair covering his face.

"Oh, a newcomer?"

Yan Linghu’s lips curled up into a gloating smile, "Let me see who’s the unlucky fellow?"

He reached out to brush aside the prisoner’s hair, revealing a pale face with delicately sharp features, eyes as cold as a venomous snake.

?!

"Princely Heir?!"

"How... how could it be you?!"

Yan Linghu’s smile froze, filled with disbelief.

He never imagined Chen Mo would actually capture Chu Heng!

This is the Heir of Prince Yu!

How did he manage this? Just with his statements?

Those were merely excuses to evade crime, lacking actual evidence. By logic, they shouldn’t affect the Heir at all.

Chu Heng narrowed his eyes, his voice carrying a bone-chilling tone, "With Young Master Yan’s help. Tell your father, this isn’t over; I will settle with him eventually..."

Bam!

Chen Mo landed a heavy punch on Chu Heng’s abdomen, making him groan and kneel on the ground.

"Mumbling away, go crouch in the corner." Chen Mo glanced at Yan Linghu, "Young Master Yan, aren’t you leaving? Or would you prefer staying as his roommate?"

"..."

Watching the princely heir bent like a shrimp, Yan Linghu swallowed hard, dared not linger, and hurriedly left the cell.

He was taken to an empty room, changing out of his prison uniform into a set of regular clothes prepared in advance, then proceeded towards the dungeon’s exit accompanied by prison guards.

Passing through strict security, stepping out of the Black Government, the moment the bright sunlight kissed his face, breathing in the fresh air, he felt an almost surreal sensation.

A young maid was already waiting at the door, bowing, "Young Master, please follow me. Madam is waiting for you."

"Hmm."

Yan Linghu followed her to a nearby soft sedan chair, lifted the curtain, and stepped inside.

There sat Qin Shu, leaning by the window, resting her chin on her hand, staring in a daze at the grey bricks and black tiles of the government office, unaware even when someone entered.

"Mother?"

"Hu’er?"

Qin Shu snapped out of her thoughts, looked at Yan Linghu, examined him carefully, ensuring he wasn’t missing any limbs. A trace of a smile flickered in her eyes, "It’s good you’re out, you’ve lost weight these few days. I’ll nourish you back home."

Yan Linghu hesitated, "Mother, how did you know I’d be released today?"

Qin Shu frowned slightly, "Mr. Chen sent me word to come to the government office and pick you up. What’s wrong?"

Yan Linghu shook his head, "Do you know who I saw in prison? Heir Chu Heng! Chen Mo actually captured Heir Chu and brought him to the Imperial Prison! Even if he’s reckless, without an imperial decree, he wouldn’t dare do this."

"There’s another possibility, gaining support from the Three Departments."

"Leaving the Imperial Examination Hall and Ministry of Justice aside, based on what I know about father, unless forced, he wouldn’t easily compromise."

Saying this, he paused, asking softly, "Mother, what exactly did you do?"