Chapter 1190 - 1026: Unyielding Integrity

Chapter 1190: Chapter 1026: Unyielding Integrity

The Crown Prince turned his head to glance at Gu Chengyu, only to see that the other’s jade-like countenance remained calm and composed under the reflection of the firelight.

Watching the scarlet branding iron leave a deep mark on Zhou Yuancong’s chest, a burnt smell wafted through the cell, making the Crown Prince’s throat itch.

Seeing that Gu Chengyu still remained unmoved, the Crown Prince couldn’t help but secretly criticize him in his mind, surprised that such a graceful person could remain indifferent in the face of such brutal punishment, showing the extent of his ruthlessness.

It seems Father was absolutely right to appoint him to the Dali Temple. Father’s judgment in selecting people is still accurate, as Gu Chengyu is indeed resolute and full of strategy.

Suppressing the nausea in his heart, he chose to avert his eyes from Zhou Yuancong and instead directed them towards the pleasing sight of Gu Chengyu.

"Your Highness, are you feeling unwell?" Gu Chengyu, noticing the Crown Prince’s gaze, turned his head to ask.

Actually, he wanted to say that the Crown Prince might feel uneasy looking at this scene. But to preserve the other’s dignity, he chose a different way to express it.

Last time during interrogation, the Crown Prince left halfway. Therefore, watching the punishment this time might be his first.

The Crown Prince felt a bit ashamed upon hearing this. In truth, with his status, he need not personally supervise. If he weren’t so eager for answers, he could well wait for the interrogation result in the palace.

But given the gravity of the matters at hand, how could he stay put in the palace?

Looking at the red-lipped and white-toothed, tall and elegant Gu Chengyu, the Crown Prince couldn’t help but marvel—someone who appears so harmless is actually as ruthless as slaughtering chickens. Such viciousness, one wonders how it was honed.

"Not really. Mr. Gu, do you think we might get results from today’s interrogation?"

The Crown Prince still held some admiration for Zhou Yuancong. Regardless of who his master was, such a stalwart man deserved respect.

"It’s hard to say for sure. From what I see, Lord Zhou’s determination is strong. If we want to pry open his mouth, we’ll likely need to put in some effort. We might not get a result today."

The Crown Prince nodded, as this was indeed his own view. But since Zhou Yuancong refused to speak, they couldn’t think of any other method besides torture for the moment.

Another half hour passed, and Zhou Yuancong finally couldn’t help but let out a few muffled groans. Even the most determined person becomes exhausted after such ordeal.

Seeing the scarred Zhou Yuancong, Gu Chengyu waved his hand, as further punishment might be overwhelming.

"Lord Zhou! Why do you insist on enduring this? A wise bird chooses a good tree to roost. The Crown Prince’s succession to the throne is legitimate. If you could forsake the dark path and reveal the mastermind, His Highness, known for his benevolent treatment of the court ministers, surely won’t be overly harsh on you."

Gu Chengyu routinely offered persuasion, using the chance to halt the torture.

The Crown Prince nodded upon hearing this, "Indeed! Lord Zhou, those who know the times are wise. If you assist me this time, I will not neglect you. Although the Zhou Family may not regain their past glory, you can preserve the lives of your descendants. Additionally, for three generations the Zhou Family won’t be allowed to hold office, but beyond that, they may re-enter the court. I stand by my words and won’t go back on them."

Assassinating the Crown Prince and court officials is a serious crime, making it impossible for him to return to court. But preserving the lives of his descendants without further pursuit is the Crown Prince’s greatest concession.

He believes this offer will surely sway Zhou Yuancong.

After all, if Zhou Yuancong doesn’t confess, his descendants will lead a life shrouded in fear, having to erase their surname—such days are hard to endure.

Moreover, after three generations, the Zhou Family can still pursue official status through examinations, providing a glimmer of hope.

Indeed, upon hearing the promise, Zhou Yuancong laboriously raised his head. His weary eyes turned towards the seated Crown Prince with a hint of self-mockery in his heart.

The Crown Prince’s offer was indeed tempting, but after he pledged allegiance to that person, there was no longer any choice for him.

Preserving his descendants’ safety? Ha! He doesn’t even know where they are, making the Crown Prince’s words meaningless to him.

If there were a way, who would willingly endure so much? At this stage, what difference does it make to change allegiances?

But the current circumstances forced him to act this way. He would inevitably die, but his descendants still need to live.

He shook his head with difficulty, "You’re all wasting your efforts; I won’t speak."

Zhou Yuancong found even speaking a struggle; his words came in fragmented whispers.

Gu Chengyu leaned in a bit closer, hearing Zhou Yuancong’s strained utterance, "Even if you cut me into pieces, I won’t talk—just give me a swift ending!"

At this moment, he had no desire to live; he only wanted to end his life swiftly to escape the brutal torment.

Gu Chengyu pondered for a while. Although Zhou Yuancong seemed fiercely unyielding, prepared to face death, who knows if he might betray later?

After all, with continuous daily torture, breaking a person’s spirit might not be through physical pain, but mental degradation.

Gu Chengyu turned to the Crown Prince, "Your Highness! If this interrogation continues, I’m afraid he won’t endure. Shall we continue tomorrow or proceed?"

Initially, the Crown Prince was a bit pleased hearing Zhou Yuancong speak, but his expression quickly darkened.

Why would Zhou Yuancong be so committed to this mastermind? As the rightful heir to the Eastern Palace, could he really be inferior to that person?

"Hmph! Starting today, administer punishment at this hour every day. I refuse to believe how long you can endure."

"After each punishment, bring an Imperial Physician to apply healing ointments."

Furious, the Crown Prince stormed out of the cell. Zhou Yuancong’s refusal to confess left him troubled, so he intended to prolong Zhou Yuancong’s life, ensuring he can neither live nor die.

Gu Chengyu saw the Crown Prince’s extreme anger, recognizing the Crown Prince’s great anxiety regarding the mastermind behind Zhou Congyuan. No! Or perhaps it should be said—anyone who poses a threat to the Crown Prince is seen with great trepidation.

"Your Highness! Should the other assassins be interrogated today?" Seeing the Crown Prince had left the western cell, he quickly raised his voice to inquire.

The Crown Prince halted his steps upon hearing this, realizing he had been blinded by anger earlier, now remembering there were still Da Xing’s perpetrators lurking.

Thinking that before his ascent, he was surrounded by wolves; Father left too many latent dangers at his end.

The Crown Prince sighed, "Please, Mr. Gu, report the results to me after the interrogation."

"Yes! Farewell, Your Highness!"

After the Crown Prince departed, Gu Chengyu focused his gaze on Zhou Congyuan, then glanced at the two attendants beside him, planning how to speak privately with Zhou Congyuan.

"Sir! Should we continue with this man’s interrogation now?" the prison chief asked Gu Chengyu timidly.

Gu Chengyu ignored the prison chief and said to Zhou Congyuan, "Lord Zhou truly is a stalwart man, worthy of admiration!"