Chu Chenyi simply felt that Ling Mohan had lost his mind, or was still dreaming, saying nonsense as if he hadn't woken up yet.
For Chu Chenyi to commit suicide was absolutely impossible. Moreover, if Chu Chenyi truly wanted to die, he would have done so the moment they captured the capital. He wouldn't have continued to flee and then been recaptured by Ling Mohan only to be fine.
It was likely that Chu Yanxi's attempt to commit suicide was purely because his mind was gone, or perhaps he was being controlled.
He had heard that in Miao villages, there were insects that could burrow into a person's brain, causing unbearable pain, and even control a person's thoughts, making them act according to the wishes of the one who raised the insect.
Ling Mohan's confidence... could it be that he possessed such a terrifying insect, or perhaps this insect was raised by Feng Jin...
From his understanding of Feng Jin, this was indeed something Feng Jin could do. If that were the case, then these two were truly terrifying. He should try to offend Feng Jin less in the future, or he might not even know how he died one day.
"You... do you have... have that thing..."
"What are you stuttering about? And what exactly is 'that thing'?"
Ling Mohan watched Chu Chenyi's hesitant demeanor, as if he were constipated, and his displeasure grew. Even his tone of voice deepened slightly.
"I'm saying, do you have those small insects that can control people!"
A few dark lines appeared on Ling Mohan's forehead. He was utterly speechless and extremely disgusted by Chu Chenyi's nonsensical ramblings. He didn't want to bother with Chu Chenyi anymore and directly strode towards the prison where Chu Yanxi was being held.
"Why are you running so fast? You haven't told me whether you have those insects or not. If you have them..."
Suddenly, the once silent prison was filled with Chu Chenyi's incessant chatter. This made Ling Mohan, who was walking ahead, extremely frustrated. He even quickened his pace, just wanting to escape the place quickly and avoid further pointless conversation with Chu Chenyi.
It wasn't until they reached the entrance of the prison where Chu Yanxi was confined that Chu Chenyi finally managed to shut his chattering mouth, his expression turned solemn.
"Your Highness Jing, please."
Ling Mohan stepped back a pace, clearing a path and gesturing for Chu Chenyi to enter first.
Chu Chenyi hesitated for a moment, not stepping forward, but wondering what Ling Mohan was up to and what his intentions were.
"You go in first, and I'll follow behind you."
After careful consideration, Chu Chenyi still felt it would be safer if Ling Mohan entered first.
Ling Mohan did not refuse and directly stepped inside. The initial politeness was just a gesture. Since Chu Chenyi did not want to go in, he would lead the way.
Chu Yanxi, imprisoned inside, heard the footsteps outside and suddenly opened his half-closed eyes. However, he made no move, remaining cross-legged with his back to the cell door.
"Third Prince is quite composed. It seems everything is still under your control."
Ling Mohan's teasing voice rang out, clearly audible to Chu Yanxi. He immediately recognized who it was, but in his current predicament, there was nothing he could do to argue with Ling Mohan. Anything he did would be futile. All he wanted now was to be left alone, but that was clearly not going to happen.
"Third Brother, even now, you still carry yourself with such arrogance. It's true, for so many years you have considered yourself the legitimate son, looking down on everyone. It's a pity times have changed. You are nothing but a prisoner now."
Chu Yanxi's breathing suddenly tensed at Chu Chenyi's voice. After a moment of hesitation, he abruptly stood up, his eyes blazing with anger, and glared at Chu Chenyi.
"Why are you here? Do you want to laugh at me? You've seen how pathetic I am now, so leave. Don't annoy me further!"
He was utterly disheveled, with nothing left to hide. He had no lingering attachments or concerns, only clinging to a thread of life.
Since they wanted to mock him, let them. The victor is king, the loser is a bandit. From the moment he failed, he had foreseen this outcome and was prepared to endure their ridicule.
"You are quite at ease. It's just a pity for Feng Ruoyan and Liu Menghan. Marrying you, they were inexplicably implicated..."
"Ling Mohan, what did you do to them? What did you do!"
Chu Yanxi immediately became agitated, lunging towards them with all his might. However, his hands and feet were bound by chains, and even with all his strength, he could not move them an inch. His efforts were all in vain.
Watching Chu Yanxi's anxious yet helpless expression through the iron bars, Ling Mohan felt an immense satisfaction.
"Of course, I didn't do anything to them. It's just that Liu Menghan, upon learning of your failed rebellion, was eager to escape. She was apprehended at the city gate and her pregnancy was affected. The child was born prematurely. I forgot to tell you, it was a boy, but unfortunately..."
"Ling Mohan, what do you mean? Speak clearly!"
This vague pronouncement made Chu Yanxi even more anxious, pacing like an ant on a hot pan, desperate to learn the truth from Ling Mohan.
Chu Chenyi was also unaware of this matter and was keen to hear what Ling Mohan had to explain.
"Unfortunately, the child died shortly after birth, and Liu Menghan also perished. What a pity for such a woman. After marrying you, she was neglected. She carried your child, only to die so tragically. It's truly lamentable."
To be honest, Ling Mohan felt a certain pity for Liu Menghan. Such a good woman had lost her life at Chu Yanxi's hands.
If she hadn't married Chu Yanxi, her fate might have been different. One wrong step led to a cascade of errors, all predetermined.
Upon hearing of Liu Menghan and her son's deaths, Chu Yanxi felt only a moment of sorrow. He was, in fact, somewhat relieved that Feng Ruoyan and her son were not involved.
As for Liu Menghan, he had no particular feelings for her, and thus could not feel much grief or pain.