Chapter 6, Xiao He initially demonstrates his authority and invites the scholars to confess.

The little person, the little person leads him away. Another one, who is also cunning, escapes swiftly.

Xiao He, I have shouldered all the pressure. If you achieve nothing, I fear these few will petition the Emperor and thoroughly report on me

I said, I am willing to do so! After saying these few words, Han Fu seemed to have exhausted all his strength.

No! Everyone responded in unison, yet their hearts trembled. The punishment of eighty strikes would come down. Even if one survived, they would be half crippled; if not dealt with thoroughly, one could not expect to get out of bed for three months. The ruthless methods instilled a sense of dread in their hearts

If Yan Sheng accuses you, while Shang Cheng insists on his innocence, then you will be released without charge, and Shang Cheng will be executed publicly; conversely, the same applies!

Han Fu had a piece of rag stuffed in his mouth, standing in the shadows. He watched as each Confucian scholar was interrogated, and what was even more distressing was that every time Xiao He successfully extracted a piece of information from a Confucian scholar, Han Fu received it continuously. Han Fu watched helplessly as one disciple after another was forced to betray the Confucian school, driven by the oppressive Qin regime, turning against their former brothers and sisters.

It turned out that Xiao He had set up two traps for his subordinates in succession. Using the testimony of Han Fu's disciples, he crushed Han Fu's fragile psyche. Witnessing the betrayal of former colleagues, Zhao Zijian and another, one a descendant of the Han royal family and the other a descendant of the Zhao royal family, both felt their hearts collapse.

"So, did my second brother really break any rules in doing things?" The other Qianhe spoke more steadily. However, the provocative undertone was unmistakable

With a rustle, a curtain was drawn open. Han Fu widened his eyes: "This, this, Brother Ziqian?" At the other end of the curtain stood another significant figure of Confucianism, Zhao Ziqian, witnessing Han Fu's betrayal with his own eyes

I can grant you freedom! Fusu said slowly and unhurriedly

Xiao He, having gained the support of Fu Su, understood implicitly: this is the young master's support for him, suggesting that he can proceed with a thorough investigation. He must not disappoint the young master's intentions

Remember, if two individuals report each other, both will be guilty, and the Great Wall will await you for ten years

Xiao He looked at Qian Qi and Qian He, unable to suppress the anger boiling within him

"No harm, within the heavenly prison. It is not without its pests; today I shall help you eliminate a few." Fusu snorted coldly and continued, "For such a major case that His Majesty has ordered to be investigated, there are actually those who collude with the thieves. It is no wonder that the law is merciless!"

"Hmm, very good. How is the progress of those sorcerers?" Fusu inquired after reading the testimonies of Han Fu and Zhao Zijian, casting a somewhat playful glance at Xiao He.

These peripheral individuals from the Confucian and Daoist schools are often unaware of the core secrets. However, Xiao He firmly believes that even the useless can have their value.

With the final stroke completed, Xiao He ordered the cessation of operations

As the achievements from various sectors rapidly converged, the list in Xiao He's hands gradually became complete, and the lines connecting the names began to multiply.

As the crown prince of the empire, Fusu's words, once spoken, are as difficult to retract as a team of four horses in pursuit. Fusu laughed heartily

A disheveled person, with unkempt hair and vacant eyes. They seem to lack any strength, as if they would fall over with a gust of wind. Yet, this individual remains silent, no matter the means employed, their lips cannot be pried open.

Han Fu gazed at the confession on the bamboo slip, his eyes growing increasingly dim. Years of hard work turned to sandcastles overnight; no one could bear such a loss

If one believes that Fusu is incompetent and weak, fearing wolves in front and tigers behind, then that is a grave mistake

Is it true?

My elderly mother needs to take her medicine, so I will return home to care for her This is a plausible excuse

Indeed, both sorcerers raised their heads. It was evident that they recognized Fusu as well

Hmph! With a cold snort, Xiao He had a constable bring a table into the courtyard, covered with a layer of black cloth. "Now I must ask you two, do you know what lies beneath this black cloth?"

"Is there any oversight in your interrogation of the two?" Xiao He is now a subordinate of Fusu, and naturally must consider Fusu's reputation. While it would not be a problem to forcibly strip the skin from these two jailers, doing so without evidence would clearly be detrimental to Fusu's reputation

Come here! shouted Xiao He

Amidst the piecemeal assembly of information, Xiao He integrated this portion of data. A preliminary understanding of the interpersonal relationships within Confucianism was achieved, along with some insights into the grievances and enmities of the captured suspects.

Is it true?

Although these individuals cannot be privy to confidential matters, they have the opportunity to meet some key figures, and it is precisely because they are not central to the core that they may be more inclined to betray.

After much contemplation, Yan Sheng finally bowed his head and asked, "May I inquire, sir, what are the rules?"

Xiao He, with a grim expression, picked up a whip from the torture instruments, its surface lined with barbs. A single lash would turn flesh inside out.

A few individuals who were still following Qian Qi and Qian He in their arrogance also began to sense that something was amiss, after all, they were not staunch supporters of Hu Hai's faction

How is that even possible? Qian Qi, unable to contain himself, suddenly thought of something and grabbed the clothing of a constable: "You, didn't I tell you to take care of this long ago? How could you!"

A great uproar ensued

"Do you believe in the credibility of the solitary?" Without waiting for a response from the two, Fusu abruptly asked.

What is inside? What does it have to do with my two brothers? I said, Xiao He, don't think you can amuse us like this! As soon as Xiao He finished speaking, Qian Qi joined in the mockery, showing extreme disdain, while Qian He, still having some sense, felt a slight unease in his heart.

Another person was also dressed in a disheveled manner, with an unkempt appearance. Their gaze was not particularly sharp, yet it seemed to carry a certain obsession, remaining silent despite all of Xiao He’s efforts. This left Xiao He extremely frustrated, and he cast a worried glance at Fu Su. Fu Su seemed to notice this look and turned his head to smile slightly. Upon seeing this, Xiao He felt a sense of self-mockery: The young master is so composed, surely he has everything under control; how ridiculous of me to be lost in my thoughts.

Lord Xiao, I am experiencing severe abdominal pain. Oh dear, where is the restroom?" After saying this, I stumbled slightly on my feet

I can grant you a reduction of your charges, or even release you. However, it must be according to my rules! Fu Su smiled at the two of them and then fell silent.

Indeed, after a thorough interrogation by Xiao He, those who were tempted were released without charges and granted a return of their monetary rewards. Soon, these individuals divulged all the information they possessed.

You two actually abandoned your posts within the prison. A grand banquet, with an abundance of food and drink! Xiao He spoke in a calm and measured tone, yet it inexplicably conveyed a sense of pressure.

"What do you mean by this, my lord?" As soon as Fusu spoke, whispers erupted around him. Fusu frowned slightly and waved his hand, and the murmurs quickly subsided.

Fusu nodded, yet he did not express any intention of blame

Both individuals were taken aback, initially believing that Fusu intended to tempt them with a reduced sentence for their release. However, it became clear from Fusu's tone that he had never considered directly letting them go.

The two, Qian Qi and Qian He, precisely seized upon this point, believing that on one hand, Fusu would not directly take action against them, and on the other hand, they mistakenly thought they had grasped Fusu's weakness. With this confidence, they felt no fear and completely disregarded Xiao He.

Xiao He conjectured that the prisoners in the jail should not all be held accountable by the First Emperor. After eliminating the principal offenders, some minor participants might only face slight punishment before being released. In light of this, Xiao He took out a roster and selected these individuals.

Xiao He issued a clear order to conduct interrogations in the prison, starting from the less significant matters and gradually moving to more important ones. Information was isolated from the stubborn elements, while concentrated efforts were made to break down those who were indecisive

Naturally, he has gone for interrogation. Could it be that there are still courtesans to be seen in this dungeon? The speaker, with an oiled hairstyle and a painted face, had a waxy yellow complexion. His words were frivolous, clearly indicating that he was a debauched individual

The three soldiers quickly arrived.

The person being interrogated here is not an ordinary individual, but rather Han Fu, an important leader of Confucianism in Xianyang

Solitude is merely a support for oneself. You must have heard of it! Fu Su began with a self-introduction.

Fusu used a color, and several soldiers held Qin halberds, standing behind Xiao He

Everyone can feel Fusu's pride and also see the extraordinary demeanor of this crown prince

Young master, within the prison. Are you going to take action against the guards? This... the head of the prison has already been frightened into a faint by this situation, and quietly asked.

With a thud, a roll of bamboo slips fell before Han Fu. Xiao He smiled and said, "Han Fu, this is the confession of your proud disciple. What do you think of it?"

After Fusu finished speaking, the room fell into silence. However, the gaze that Xiao He directed towards Fusu became even more radiant.

"Come on, I want to see what kind of person has such a tough backbone!" Fusu is about to take action himself! In an instant, various expressions appeared on everyone's faces

Xiao He’s move was very successful, as the unstable elements were expelled from the heavenly prison, resulting in a breakdown of internal communication among the prisoners. The higher-ups were unable to control the lower levels, leading to a situation where various factions acted independently.

With a crack, before Qian Qi could finish speaking, the wrist gripping the constable's clothing was struck solidly by a whip. In an instant, it was a bloody mess

Xiao He let out a sigh of relief, then secretly smiled: the information presented to Han Fu was merely some rough intelligence, which only increased as the number of rebels grew. Han Fu could not withstand it, and Xiao He pressed down on the last straw, leading to his subsequent collapse

Everyone must perform their respective duties. Anyone caught colluding with thieves will not get off so easily! It is important to understand that this is a major case of utmost significance! Xiao He’s expression was cold, and everyone put away their hidden thoughts.

Fusu announced the punishment, and as both felt a sense of relief, they unconsciously took a step back. Looking at each other, they suddenly felt a bit unfamiliar.

Once again, a loud noise erupted, and in the blink of an eye, Xiao He swung his whip in a circle. The black cloth vanished, revealing jars and containers filled with an abundance of food and wine, clearly indicating a banquet that had just been served.

Several individuals, why must you be in such a hurry? Even if you are anxious, it is better to finish the official business first! At that moment, Xiao He performed a grand dance, and with a loud clap, several people were immediately silenced.

Fusu nodded and began to state his rules: "Do you have any guilt?"

Xiao He was of medium build and his appearance was not particularly remarkable. However, his pair of eyes was exceptionally expressive, as if they could see through a person's innermost thoughts. Holding a bamboo slip, Xiao He arrived at the place of interrogation

Bang

Soon, Xiao He excitedly organized the gathered testimonies. Standing at the lower position beside Fu Su, he was met with the admiring gazes of those around him

Wherever there are people, there exists a world of rivalry. The various schools of thought are not a monolithic entity. On the contrary, among them are those who are inclined towards the Qin Dynasty, eager to hold power in the court, as well as those who aspire to lead armies across thousands of miles to achieve the glory of overthrowing a nation. There are also those who oppose the Qin Dynasty, influenced by the remnants of the six kingdoms' royal families, hoping for the restoration of the six states. Furthermore, there are neutral parties who do not wish to participate, fence-sitters who are torn between both sides, and those who wish to engage with both, capable of betraying either side.

"So, you have betrayed as well," Zhao Ziqian said, lowering his gaze. "It seems that even you have lost faith in Korea. My homeland of Zhao, alas. Very well, Mr. Xiao, you have won"

"Just now, the group was reviewing the crimes of several individuals. Where did the two of you go?" Xiao He questioned the two.

The name of the benevolent young master is known throughout the world, and his reputation is naturally beyond doubt. The first to respond was the frail old man, named Yan Sheng

After reorganizing these officials, Xiao He began the second step: bribery

The two individuals asked in unison

"Young Master Shang, may I ask what your intentions are?" Another person raised his head, looking at Fusu with a hint of provocation. His name was Shang Cheng.

Indeed, upon hearing this, Xiao He quickly became embarrassed and said: "Young Master, I am incompetent in atoning for my sins"

Upon hearing such words from Fusu, several jail officials were rendered as silent as cicadas in winter. After exchanging a few glances, the astute ones chose to remain silent

"Yan Sheng and Shang Cheng, if both of you insist on your innocence, and we do not have concrete evidence against you, then you may be acquitted. If both of you are indeed innocent, you will only be fined 3,000 coins"

The young master has entrusted me with full authority to handle this matter, to take down these two individuals and strip them of their official garments. Throw them out with eighty strokes of the board

"Xiao He, I want to see Young Master Fusu. You are not yet qualified to control me!" Suddenly, Qian He said to Xiao He in a deep voice.