At night, a sudden strong wind rose over the once calm Jinling River, and waves surged across the river. Shortly after, the quiet Jinling River was filled with screams, startling the birds resting on the trees by the shore, causing them to fluster and fly away. Before they took flight, they glanced at the large ship on the river.
The piercing screams continued, emanating from the large ship. Then, the sound of sothing being thrown into the river was heard.
The horrific screams suddenly ceased, followed by the sound of music and laughter coming from within the ship.
Inside the large ship, several people sat together, drinking wine and enjoying the song and dance.
While the dancers perford, a few people were committing acts of violence against three individuals, and chilling screams echoed once more.
The musicians and dancers, as well as the guests drinking and reveling, seed not to hear the harsh screams. Instead, the terrifying cries heightened their excitent, and the music and dances beca more spirited in harmony with the screams. The guests laughed heartily, raising their glasses in rrint.
The sharp screams ceased; the individuals were now silent. Beneath them lay bloodstains, and they were rcilessly dragged away and tossed into the all-consuming Jinling River like dead dogs.
Soon, several more individuals were brought up, much like those who were thrown into the Jinling River earlier, to entertain the guests for the night.
The deck was stained red with blood, and the ship’s cabin was filled with the strong sll of blood, yet the guests appeared unfazed, their spirits unquenchingly high. The musicians and dancers had seen such brutal and bloody scenes before, but they could not remain indifferent, much less share in the guests’ exhilaration. Stomach churning from the stench of blood, they composed themselves and continued to play and dance, knowing full well that if they dampened the guests’ mood, they would end up like those people.
The guests in the cabin were the most distinguished people of Jinling City. Among them were mbers of the Cao Group, the Salt Gang, and representatives from Jinling City’s four major families.
Sitting in the highest position was a very young lord with exceptionally striking features, clothed in black that made his skin resemble white jade. He was resting his right leg, his right hand placed on his knee, idly toying with a wine cup.
The screams at the cabin entrance ceased once more, and the young man in black seed sowhat uninterested, waving dismissively at the musicians and dancers. They imdiately stopped and withdrew without hesitation.
The other guests paused and turned their attention to the young man in black.
The young man in black stood up, adjusted his sleeves, and looked at the others, speaking indifferently, "I shall return now; feel free to enjoy the evening."
The others hurried to their feet to escort the young man in black, but he waved them off, prompting them to stop in their tracks and watch him leave.
After leaving the cabin, the young man in black boarded a small boat moored at the side of the large ship. Soon, the small boat reached the shore.
On the shore stood a carriage, and the young man in black climbed aboard.
In Great Zhou, horses were a rare commodity. Most ordinary families, and even so official households, did not own carriages and traveled by ox cart. It was uncommon even in the capital to see people travel by horse carriage.
After boarding the carriage, the young man in black closed his eyes to rest. The person beside him hesitated briefly and then reported softly, "Young master, Mr. ng only has a few days left to live."
Hearing this, the young man in black opened his eyes, a ripple passing through eyes like the waters of the Jinling River at night.
The guard, seeing the young lord remain silent, cautiously asked, "Young master, should we do sothing?"
The usually cold eyes of the young man in black showed a hint of sadness, though no expression appeared on his face.
"Prepare so tonics; we will visit Mr. ng tomorrow."
The guard responded respectfully, "Yes, young master."
The young man in black closed his eyes once more, and the guard quieted his breathing. When they reached ho, the guard gently called to wake him.
Upon returning ho, the young man in black asked the guard, "What did the Tenth Prince do today?"
The guard dutifully replied, "The Tenth Prince and his n did not go out today; they stayed at Mr. ng’s residence all day." He quickly added, "The past few days, the Tenth Prince and his n have not gone out."
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