The three scoundrels were dragged away.
Ruan's Father fell apart. Ten years of unpaid labor in a quarry-he had heard how bitter life was there. There was never enough food or warm clothing, the work was endless, and anyone who failed to do it properly was whipped.
Even some strong laborers died within six months of arriving, let alone someone like him.
He had barely exerted himself in all these years. Going there would be no different from going to his death.
Ran Xiaoxue listened to the sentence without crying or making a fuss. Looking at Zuo Fanzheng, she said:
"Zuo Fanzheng, thank you for saving me back then. I'm sorry!"
With that, Ran Xiaoxue scrambled to her feet and charged at a nearby pillar.
By the time everyone realized what she was doing and tried to stop her, it was already too late. Ran Xiaoxue had struck the pillar, and her body slowly slid down it.
Lord Yang hurriedly sent someone to check on her, but Ran Xiaoxue had already stopped breathing.
Lord Yang ordered her body dragged outside and told the bailiffs to find somewhere to bury her.
After the court adjourned, Zuo Fanzheng knelt before the Second Prince again and solemnly kowtowed to him.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"No need for such formalities!" the Second Prince said. "What are your plans from here?"
"I intend to continue my studies."
The Second Prince took out a letter and handed it to him.
"This is a letter of recommendation for Green Mountain Academy. You can study there."
Green Mountain Academy was a renowned academy in the Capital, a place students would practically knock their heads bloody fighting to get into.
Zuo Fanzheng accepted the recommendation letter and thanked him sincerely.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Zuo Fanzheng offered no