Chapter 23: The Imperial Envoy

Listening intently, Zheng Qi and the others are captivated. Acknowledging Zhu San's insight, despite her unclear origins, Zheng Qi shows patience and eagerness to hear more.

He probes, "What's your theory? Speak freely. Right or wrong, I'll have it verified. Given your curiosity, why merely speculate here without seeking the truth?"

Zhu San believes she's close to the truth; the hairpin and bell were found near a grave robbery site. She argues that someone else, not Chen Er, is the grave robber. Describing Chen Er as a pawn manipulated by others, she suggests that his intent was solely to curse his brother, while his accomplices aimed at the ancestral tomb's treasures, deliberately recruiting local priests to mislead investigations towards curse rituals.

She carefully excludes local priests from suspicion, hinting that the mastermind could be a charlatan from the capital, using locals merely as a front.

Carefully, she avoids any mention of Chen Da, wanting no part in his long-endured vendettas.

Zheng Qi nods in agreement, promising to investigate further. Then, he turns his attention to Zhu San.

"Hmm?"

"Do you plan to be a peddler forever, or... pursue another livelihood? Ever thought about a more respectable profession?"

Surprised, Zhu San looks at Zheng Qi, "What do you mean? Is there something wrong with being a peddler?"

With a smile, Zheng Qi offers, "How about coming with me?"

"What?"

Jin Liang says, "Qi Lang intends to take you on as an attendant. This is a great opportunity, one that others might not even dare dream of."

Zhu San's gaze turns icy, giving Zheng Qi a firsthand understanding of what Jin Liang meant by "those who have taken lives look at others differently." If this was the look of someone who had committed murder, then Zheng Qi felt he had witnessed it. Unperturbed, he inquires, "You're not interested?"

Zhu San enunciates clearly, "Even in death, I refuse to be anyone's human beast of burden!"

With a clang, Jin Liang's sword is drawn. Zheng Qi, momentarily taken aback, gestures for Jin Liang to sheathe his sword and calmly addresses Zhu San, "Such temper at a young age. It's a waste for you to remain a peddler when better prospects await. Why would I need another servant? I have plenty. How about this: after settling matters here, come back to the capital with me for a proper position."

Pointing towards a side room in the courtyard, Zheng Qi suggests, "Though it starts with clerical work, unlike those minor clerks scraping by in the yamen, you could advance to officialdom with good performance. How is your mother? Earning a commendation for her, how does that sound?"

Zhu San, with a cold demeanor, challenges, "Do you really see yourself as the imperial envoy? I've never heard of an official randomly conscripting a peddler for service! I'm not sharing this out of fear, and don't try to fool me!"

She remains utterly unyielding.

Jin Liang, losing his patience, remarks, "How can someone so young be so scheming?"

Zhu San retorts icily, "Had I been any less cautious, I'd have been deceived to death long ago. How could I afford not to be vigilant?"

Jin Liang questions, "Would engaging in honest work kill you?"

"What counts as honest work? I'd like to farm, but do I have the land for it?" After speaking, she closes her eyes and remains silent.

Zheng Qi, ever patient, suggests, "Let's not argue. Let's all take a rest. Prepare a room for him."

Zhu San states, "Either kill me now or let me go..."

Without a word, Zheng Qi walks away, and as Zhu San attempts to follow, Jin Liang grabs her: "Come here!" He hurries Zhu San into a room, sends in some water, locks the door, and tells her to "think it over."

……………………

The click of the lock signals Jin Liang's improved mood. He quickly finds Zheng Qi and quietly inquires, "Qi Lang, I don't understand..."

"Don't understand why I'm dealing with this unknown youngster this way?"

"Yes." Jin Liang knows Zheng Qi's true temperament is far from gentle. His smile might mislead one to think he's easygoing, but crossing him would have consequences.

Zheng Qi explains, "He's young, well-mannered, and his travel with his mother shows filial piety. He's observant, knowledgeable about unconventional matters, straightforward, and not greedy. His behavior suggests education, he refuses to be subjugated, showing backbone. His skepticism isn't entirely bad. He's exactly who I need."

Jin Liang advises, "There are plenty of well-behaved, loyal children at home. Qi Lang, you could pick some of those. There are educated ones, or we could easily teach them to read and write in a few years. Plus, they are already our servants, with their families within our household…"

Zheng Qi states, "His Majesty was furious about the prisoner substitution. This time, Zhong Yi is spared due to some residual affection from former court officials. He was allowed to come down and conduct investigations. Once he returns, he won't be in charge of the Ministry of Punishments anymore. Cases from all regions first go through the Dali Temple and then to the Ministry of Punishments. Both places are to have new heads. It's still uncertain who will lead the Ministry, but Dali Temple is mine."

Jin Liang is overjoyed: "Congratulations, Qi Lang! To achieve such a position before the age of thirty is..."

Zheng Qi interjects, "You're celebrating too early. It's not guaranteed that the minor officials in Dali Temple will align with me, nor can we rule out the possibility of someone attempting to deceive and oppress others, engaging in acts like the prisoner substitution. I need a few sharp and discerning individuals, someone without connections in the capital, hence not easily swayed, and being young is fine, better for guidance from a young age. I know the benefits of employing our own, but they are not what I need right now."

Jin Liang comments, "Qi Lang's thinking is clear, but this one seems unsettled. And you plan to elevate an unknown to an official?"

Zheng Qi smiles, "You're mistaken. Unsettled? His resolve is strong! If he truly has the ability, why shouldn't I promote him to an official? Even if his skills are limited, having subdued him these past days and bringing him to the capital to stir up Dali Temple could be beneficial."

Zheng Qi is confident in his method of nurturing talent. Zhu San seems to be hiding much, but Zheng Qi isn't rushed. He values Zhu San's curiosity and potential for uncovering truths, unconcerned with the rest, confident in his ability to manage.

Jin Liang remains hesitant, "Stirring trouble, any ruffian in the capital could do."

"Ruffians? Why would I employ ruffians? Wouldn't that be unsightly? It's just a matter of these few days. If he can't be fully persuaded, so be it. It'll just be a contest back in the capital. Keep an eye on him these next few days. And prepare some essentials for him, doesn't he have a mother?"

"Yes."

………………——

They stroll leisurely in the courtyard, discussing in the serene surroundings. Finishing, Zheng Qi instructs, "Make another trip to check on that tomb raiding site."

"Yes."

Zheng Qi inquires, "Where is Shen Ying?"

Jin Liang replies, "Vice Minister Shen should arrive by the day after tomorrow at the latest. He can't delay any further; any slower and we'd be accused of dragging our feet."

Zheng Qi responds, "That's good."

Jin Liang bows and hurries off to verify the tomb raiding incident.

Upon his return in the evening, he reports to Zheng Qi, "You were right, it's confirmed. I also went back to the city to inquire if the local spiritual mediums had visited the cemetery, only to hear about a conflict between the local Prefect and Zhong Qincha..."

"Oh?"

"The Prefect has the people but refuses to hand them over to Zhong Qincha. However, a few days ago, there was a fire at the Prefecture, and the Prefect got injured while fleeing. His home is in disarray. Zhong Qincha, originally planning to leave in a few days, decided to stay upon seeing this, wanting to take the prisoners himself. The Prefect, lying on his bed, had himself carried to the prison gate to personally guard it..."

Zheng Qi declares, "Once Shen Ying arrives, we'll enter the city!" The ceremonial guard is still with Shen Ying. Vice Minister Shen and he had split ways; he came ahead to scout, while Shen Ying followed slowly with his entourage. It's time to regroup!

Zheng Qi says, "Let's have a meal. And that child, what's his name? I forgot to ask."

Jin Liang offers, "I'll fetch him right now! Just ask. Qi Lang, that kid is quite troublesome!"

Zheng Qi smiles, "It's precisely because he's troublesome that once he's willing to side with me, he'll undoubtedly be devoted."

Jin Liang adds, "Qi Lang has never misjudged someone. Hopefully, he won't keep Qi Lang waiting too long."

He strides over to unlock the door, then roars in anger, "Where is he?!!!"

The door, personally locked, now opens to an empty room, not even a hair left behind. The kid has vanished!

Hearing the commotion, Zheng Qi comes over. Jin Liang, having locked the person in himself, now faces an escapee, his pride slightly wounded, grumbles, “Truly a wild cub! Hard to tame indeed! And who knows what kind of bloodshed he’s been involved in!”

Zheng Qi, with a relaxed smile, takes his time before saying, “He’s a good kid, quite interesting.”

Jin Liang remains irked throughout dinner, plotting, once the boy joins Qi Lang’s service, to straighten him out, ensuring his loyalty. He decides to retrieve the peddler’s goods left behind for any clues but discovers even those have disappeared, leaving him sleepless with frustration.

Meanwhile, Zheng Qi enjoys a peaceful meal and sleep. The next morning, the prefectural officials, restless as ants on a hot pan, disturb the sleep of Zheng Qi’s party.

Early in the morning, a messenger announces, “The imperial envoy has arrived! Make ready! Just ten miles away!”

The clerks from the prefecture, overjoyed, hurry to change their clothes and respectfully gather at the inn’s entrance to await the envoy.

By noon, the envoy’s procession arrives. The clerks, unable to outmaneuver the innkeeper and his party, watch as a pale-faced man is welcomed inside. Instead of heading to the main room, he inquires, “Where is Jin Liang?”

The plan was for Zheng Qi to wait for him at the inn outside the city, under Jin Liang’s name.

Jin Liang steps forward, “Jin Liang is here, at your service.”

They lead Shen Ying to Zheng Qi’s courtyard, where Zheng Qi reverts to his usual attire, and with Jin Liang and others as escorts, they proceed to the main room.

Regretting his oversight, a clerk from the prefecture rushes over, exclaiming, “My lord, save me!”