Chapter 72: Taking Action

With evening approaching, Zheng Xi dared not delay. Seeing the emperor's demeanor, he knew suggesting to "start in the morning" might provoke his uncle to personally reprimand him on the spot.

He accepted the emperor's mission, requesting additional support much like Zhu Ying had: "Your Majesty, the Ministry of Justice's manpower may suffice for interrogation but not for arrests. Perhaps, as before, mobilize a part of the Imperial Guard and coordinate with the Capital Prefecture?"

This approach was initially used in the Gong case. For major cases, sealing the principal offender's residence and making arrests was the basic starting point. After a preliminary interrogation, the next step was raiding homes. A few households could be managed, but beyond that, the Ministry of Justice would be overwhelmed. Hidden assets were the lesser issue; suicides, sending family away, or destroying evidence could complicate future trials.

Speed and timing were crucial, acting swiftly before they could react.

Ideally, the Capital Prefecture, Imperial Guard, and Ministry of Justice should coordinate, securing manpower before acting simultaneously to capture key suspects and vital evidence, then proceed with a detailed investigation. This being a matter of state, it wasn't suitable to rely on Lord Zheng's private guards or the Prince of Gaoyang's security.

The emperor, finding his plan sound, approved, "Granted! You will lead."

Zheng Xi requested an official document, and the emperor also wrote him a note. While writing, he scolded, "The Gong case was handed to you long ago. Following leads should be straightforward, no need for fuss."

Zheng Xi replied, "They are key national officials, guarding the capital and the palace. How could I mobilize them for a case without proper authorization? Such a precedent should not be set."

The emperor scolded him for a lack of decisiveness but carefully wrote the note. Zheng Xi, with the note in hand, withdrew.

Though appointed as the lead investigator, Zheng Xi remained cautious, neither aggressive nor arrogant. Returning to the Ministry of Justice, he first sent for Wang Yunhe and the duty general of the Imperial Guard to meet and discuss the plan. General Ye was stationed in the palace overnight, while Wang Yunhe would take longer to arrive.

While waiting for the two, Zheng Xi asked Zhu Ying, "Do you know how to seal off a property and conduct a raid?"

Zhu Ying replied, "I've heard about it, but never done it."

Zheng Xi asked, "Do you know how to proceed?"

Zhu Ying answered, "First, seal off the entrance, ignore the bystanders, and head straight in to arrest the main suspects. Then seal their study and accounting rooms, search the bedrooms and study for evidence. Place guards at the gate, allowing entry but no exit, and wait for further orders."

Zheng Xi added, "Also, separate the men and women for supervision, preventing harassment. They must not communicate with the outside."

Zhu Ying learned the essentials of conducting a raid from Zheng Xi just as General Ye and Wang Yunhe arrived.

It was late at night by then, and Wang Yunhe had been dragged out of bed, causing the elderly man quite the disturbance. Zheng Xi showed them the emperor's handwritten note, and both were shocked, "Such a thing has happened?" Quickly becoming angry, General Ye cursed, "Rebellious subjects and traitors! The emperor has been good to them, yet they dare to destabilize the state!" Wang Yunhe, with a stern face, said, "Such utter disregard for their sovereign and father!"

After venting their anger, General Ye told Zheng Xi, "The Gong case was originally under your supervision, and now that you've uncovered this, you should lead. Just tell us what needs to be done!"

Wang Yunhe said, "You can mobilize all officials, clerks, and servants from the Capital Prefecture as needed."

Zheng Xi hurriedly responded, "I wouldn't dare."

General Ye declared, "At this hour, if we don't act now, are we supposed to wait for them to attend court tomorrow and arrest them in front of His Majesty?!"

Zheng Xi responded, "Given that, I request some manpower. I have their oath here, involving four major and ten minor households. Some have already been exiled due to the previous Gong Jie case, leaving seven households to be dealt with tonight."

For those of higher official rank, Zheng Xi knew their residences, and surprisingly, Wang Yunhe was familiar with the lower-ranking ones, naming a few, "I know these, they reside in a certain district." General Ye asked how many men were needed.

Quickly decided, ten teams were formed for the ten households, with manpower divided among three groups. Wang Yunhe assigned knowledgeable Capital Prefecture clerks to guide the way, with the Imperial Guard mainly responsible for raiding and sealing properties. The Ministry of Justice officials were to lead because they knew who to arrest and what evidence to seize. After arrests, officials were taken to the Ministry of Justice prison, related offenders to the Capital Prefecture prison, while women, servants, etc., were initially detained at their homes, awaiting further judgment.

Once roles were assigned and teams gathered, the Ministry of Justice's personnel were conveniently available. Zhu Ying was fortunate to be assigned as a team leader, alongside an Imperial Guard officer on night duty, Captain Bao, leading a squad with a Capital Prefecture head and several bailiffs. Su Kuang and others also received their assignments.

Zheng Xi valued Zhu Ying, assigning her an important general with a respectable status and some connection to Lord Zheng, prompting Zheng Xi to address him respectfully as "Uncle of the World."

The motivated officials from the Ministry of Justice were eager, but General Ye commented, "This division seems overly complicated! Like last year—oh, you might not know—last year, our three families divided up a few locations..."

Zheng Xi whispered, "This year is different from last. His Majesty is truly angered, and the investigation and raids must be swift and accurate!" Last year dealt with old cases, events from twenty years ago, where the emperor was already the victor, allowing for some leniency. Now, the offenses were direct against him, and his temper was notably flared.

Wang Yunhe solemnly instructed, "Do not harass the women! Do not disturb the neighbors! No arson! No looting!" His four prohibitions instilled a sense of gravity in the officers about to depart.

Zheng Xi added, "Exactly, even though they are accused officials, their families must be treated with courtesy until guilt is established!"

Wang Yunhe continued, "Your mission is to arrest suspects, gather evidence, and seize illicit goods. Do not be swayed by wealth and neglect your duties!"

General Ye, growing impatient, said, "Let's get moving! We'll wait here!"

Zheng Xi asked Wang Yunhe if there was anything else to say, to which Wang Yunhe replied, "The Ministry of Justice is in charge."

Zheng Xi then commanded, "Act swiftly!" He also invited Wang Yunhe and others to sit in the Ministry of Justice's main hall to await news, while General Ye became increasingly impatient, "How long are we supposed to wait?"

Zheng Xi, empathetically, said, "If Uncle is tired, I have bedding here; I've been staying here these past few days." General Ye replied irritably, "I'm on palace duty; do you think I have nowhere to stay?!"

Wang Yunhe glanced at him and mused, "A storm is brewing in the court again. I wonder whom His Majesty will appoint to fill these vacancies?"

General Ye ceased his complaints, pondering. Zheng Xi had snacks and tea served, and the three of them ate while waiting for the results of the raids and arrests.

………………

Meanwhile, Zhu Ying, accompanied by several clerks from the Ministry of Justice and riding alongside Captain Bao and a Capital Prefecture leader named Li, set off. Zhang Xian Gu's "big brother" couldn't join Zhu Ying's team. Zhu Ying rode a horse while the clerks had to jog alongside the Imperial Guard soldiers, carrying the Ministry of Justice's official seals and other items.

Zhu Ying knew approximately where the general's residence was located. Despite the numerous influential figures in the capital, she had never visited this person's home. Li, familiar with the city's layout, led the way on horseback, quickly arriving at the destination.

With a hint of anger, Captain Bao commanded, "Take action!"

His contingent, comprising the majority of the force, undertook the primary task. Zhu Ying, noticing his anger, thought it was due to being woken up in the middle of the night and suggested, "Let's finish quickly so we can return. Shall we split into two teams to also cover the back door?"

Captain Bao glanced at her, then ordered with a raised hand, "Split up! Go!"

The soldiers sprang into action.

Leader Li, finding Zhu Ying somewhat familiar but unable to recall who she was, still approached her to whisper, "This lord..."

"Hmm?"

Li spoke even more humbly, "Although it's not an official raid on a convicted traitor's property right now, however..."

Typically, raiding a house is a lucrative opportunity! Even though it's not an officially sanctioned raid following a conviction, it's clear this household can't be saved and will eventually be raided! Who will conduct the raid may vary; the Ministry of Justice will surely be involved, but it's uncertain if the Imperial Guard will assist, and even if they do, Captain Bao might not be in charge.

Now, though not officially a raid, the situation is quite similar, and it could have been a good opportunity to benefit from the chaos!

However, with Wang Yunhe's warning, Captain Bao hesitated to act, hence his frustration.

A clerk from the Ministry of Justice seized the moment, "If they don't get a share, they might sabotage our efforts. Besides... Lord Zheng has put so much effort into this case; he shouldn't have to go unrewarded."

Both men eagerly looked at Zhu Ying, and even Captain Bao glanced her way. Zhu Ying, cursing Zheng Xi in her mind, returned his look. Captain Bao dismounted with a stern face and strode through the gate, commanding, "Seal this door! Let no one escape!" Inside, shouts and cries erupted.

This residence, unlike others, belonged to a general with servants skilled in martial arts, narrowly avoiding a clash with the Imperial Guard. Amidst the chaos, Zhu Ying quickly approached Captain Bao, "This won't do."

Captain Bao, in his thirties and more than twice Zhu Ying's age, didn't hold her in high regard, assuring, "Don't worry, the brothers know what to do!" He also ordered not to molest the women or conceal any valuables.

Yet, both knew that even if they were just to seal the house, pocketing a few items would be hard to detect. Even if they refrained, others might bribe for information. Captain Bao wasn't keen on supervising closely, and Zhu Ying, even if willing, lacked the manpower to monitor everyone.

With the Ministry of Justice and Capital Prefecture officials expectantly looking at her, Zhu Ying scorned, "Show some integrity! Go on, get those seals in place!"

The Ministry of Justice officials were resigned to it, as they were the main investigators of this case and had many opportunities ahead. The Capital Prefecture officials could only sigh in frustration.

Zhu Ying ordered the Ministry of Justice's officials to follow and affix the seals.

Captain Bao, though resentful and with a bad attitude, had no choice but to comply, thinking: If this weren't a case decreed by the emperor, I would...

He hadn't finished his grumbling when General Ren emerged. Wearing only a cloak against the early winter chill and shuffling in his shoes, he approached and, pointing at Captain Bao's nose, scolded, "You little vermin, dare to run wild in my house!"

Captain Bao retorted, "Old thief! You've caused trouble and still dare to curse me?"

Zhu Ying observed General Ren: his hair half gray, robust physique, voice booming like a bell, intimidating Captain Bao into muttering his second curse more quietly. General Ren's gaze then fell on Zhu Ying, making her tense momentarily, feeling a bit of his "electrifying" presence, yet thinking he was somewhat less imposing than Lord Zheng.

She became less nervous.

Stepping forward, she declared, "By order!"

"Whose order? Lord Zheng?"

Following his gaze to the golden saber at her waist, Zhu Ying realized this item could identify her.

She explained, "His Majesty is already aware of your oath with Gong the traitor. Please, let's maintain some dignity here. We will only seal your residence without interference, and your family may temporarily remain at home. Please."

Upon hearing "oath," General Ren's complexion changed. Captain Bao, knowing what needed to be done, decisively ordered, "Arrest him! Don't let him commit suicide!"

The initial confrontation with General Ren made Captain Bao act more decisively in his subsequent tasks. He sealed the treasury, arrested people, and even took General Ren's children and grandchildren. Zhu Ying supervised alongside him, but he largely ignored her. Zhu Ying searched for specific items, collecting correspondences and accounts. She couldn't understand much of the ledgers but collected them nonetheless.

When almost done, Zhu Ying said, "Captain, follow me."

"Hmm?"

Zhu Ying gestured invitingly, and Captain Bao reluctantly followed. She led him to the main house, searching slowly until she opened a small chest filled with gold and silver ingots. Zhu Ying said, "After all this hard work tonight, it's time for some supper. The Emperor doesn't starve his soldiers." She picked up a small gold bar, deliberately scratching off a mark on it before placing it back in the chest and handing it to Captain Bao.

Captain Bao was surprised and asked, "How did you know this was here?"

Zhu Ying didn’t answer him directly, only saying, "Lord Zheng has just taken charge of the Ministry of Justice, and with a case as big as Gong’s, it's always good to be thorough. In such households, everything is marked and traceable, which could cause issues if discovered. Gold and silver are easy; they can be clipped and recast to erase traces—just not recorded in the accounts."

Captain Bao complimented, "You’re quite something!" then quickly corrected himself, "No offense meant."

Zhu Ying replied, "I haven’t slept in two days and am quite irritable. This case is under close watch, and we can’t afford any negligence. Please have your men hand over any hidden items. If any of them have questionable origins, and someone figures it out, it wouldn’t be fun for anyone, would it?"

Pointing at the chest, Captain Bao inquired, "What about these?"

Zhu Ying chuckled lightly, "The treasury is sealed, and as for private stashes, even if the house were to be officially raided, they couldn’t take them away. Take this gold and silver, melt it down, and no one can trace it. Jewels and treasures are different, though. Even if stored with the gold and silver, knowing who crafted them or who gifted them, what if they turn out to be evidence? Should I go looking for their origin, or not? Even if I don’t, will others?"

Captain Bao, looking at Zhu Ying's youthful face and remembering General Ren's glance at the golden saber, thought: Could she really have some significant background?

It wasn’t officially a raid, so the loot wasn’t significant. Zhu Ying led him to several "small treasuries," and with the Ministry of Justice clerks and Capital Prefecture bailiffs getting a bit of "supper money," everyone ended up fairly pleased.

Captain Bao, finding it easy to manage his subordinates, gathered them to jump fifty times on the spot, shaking out all hidden items. He cursed loudly while ordering a large tray to collect the items and sternly commanded them to hand over everything, implying, "When have I ever treated you poorly? You’re embarrassing me! Hand it all over!"

Before dawn, Zhu Ying's team concluded their mission.

Since General Ren's residence was the highest profile and richest, located closest to the imperial palace, Zhu Ying and Captain Bao acted swiftly and returned early. Before the morning court session began, she reported to Zheng Xi and others, "The suspects have been captured and are awaiting below. Numerous letters were found. General Ren’s residence has been sealed, the women temporarily remain inside, and guards have been assigned. In two or three days, supplies of rice, vegetables, and other necessities will be sent to prevent starvation."

Zheng Xi was very satisfied, as was General Ye, who had received a hint from Captain Bao: the haul was modest but not insignificant.

Wang Yunhe was also relatively pleased since the accounts were secured. Zhu Ying, not adept at reading ledgers, would surely have noticed any discrepancies.

As the night's operatives gradually returned, General Ye departed with his men, and Wang Yunhe went to tally the prisoners. The Ministry of Justice became bustling with activity.

…………——

Before heading to court, Zheng Xi instructed, "Keep the prisoners separated to prevent collusion. Register all confiscated items, each with its own record detailing who seized and documented them. Do not disperse yet."

Once he left, those remaining slumped into chairs, exhausted from a night's tense activities. Zhu Ying, having been busy for several days and nights, was particularly worn out, taking a moment to drink tea and yawn deeply.

Yet, everyone was elated. Solving such a major case was an achievement. With the Gong case concluded, it was time to clear out the deity-like figure from the prison to avoid any further distress. Plus, processing the newly captured individuals meant a small financial gain.

Following their respective responsibilities, everyone remained busy until Zheng Xi returned from court, barely managing to organize the initial outcomes.

Zhu Ying, overseeing General Ren's household for the first time, learned quickly by observing others. She also ordered food preparations.

Hu Lian, rubbing his stomach, complimented, "Zhu really pays attention to details. I haven't even had breakfast yet!"

After a night of door-breaking and sealing properties, everyone was tired, sleepy, and hungry. Hu Lian suggested, "Hey, let's get some food!" Each department has its own catering arrangements, with the quality depending on its income. The Ministry of Justice, not poor, typically only provided lunch, not breakfast, except for prisoners and duty officers.

After a hurried breakfast, Zheng Xi arrived.

Including Pei Qing and Leng Yun, excitement was palpable. Unable to contain his excitement, Leng Yun exclaimed, "Now we're set! We can finally turn things around! The Gong case was just a carryover from before, but now we've made our own discovery!"

A smile also appeared on Pei Qing's face: "Exactly."

Zheng Xi acknowledged their hard work, "I know everyone has worked hard. I will commend you all for your efforts in solving this case!"

Cheers erupted from the Ministry of Justice staff, and Zhu Ying's eyes sparkled with ambition. She aspired for a promotion to earn a proper salary, save for her own house faster, and improve her family's living conditions—from replacing her parents' old clothes to improving their meals, even dreaming of meat-filled buns for them.

It had been some time since she last visited Hua Jie, whose money hadn't run out yet, but Zhu Ying wished to support her further if she decided to pursue other endeavors.

There was also Jin Liang's family to consider, especially since Jin Da Niang was a kind-hearted person; Zhu Ying felt it was important to show her appreciation.

Social obligations also require attention; one cannot feign ignorance.

Zheng Xi glanced at Pei and Leng, asking, "Shall we begin?"

Taking advantage of his familiarity with Zheng Xi, Leng Yun suggested, "You seem extremely tired, and the prisoners were brought in overnight. Perhaps we should rest a bit and start the interrogation in the afternoon. With such a treasonous case, and the oath already secured, the minor details are no longer crucial."

While Zheng Xi verbally insisted, "How can I shirk my duties to alleviate the emperor's worries?" he internally agreed with Leng Yun's suggestion, then added, "However, since the criminals are both vile and cunning, we must be fully prepared. They will endure torture and resist. Let's all prepare, and we'll begin questioning in the latter half of the afternoon."

Preparation involves reviewing documents and evidence, which offers plenty of opportunities for taking it easy.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Zheng Xi announced, "After the case is concluded, you'll all have a holiday."

This news was met with another round of cheers.

Leng Yun then declared, "I'll also review the case files." Pei Qing took a copy as well. The documents collected from Ren's household by Zhu Ying were left untouched, clearly reserved for Zheng Xi.

Without refusing, the three went their separate ways. Before delving into the evidence, Zheng Xi called Zhu Ying for a discussion, asking, "How are things?"

Zhu Ying recounted the events of the previous night in detail, prompting Zheng Xi to tease, "Always so clever, aren’t you!" He understood all too well the unspoken rules and traditions, such as his father, Lord Zheng, profiting from military campaigns through necessities, phantom payrolls, and spoils of war. These were all "customary practices." Zhu Ying might claim ignorance, but she managed to act quite appropriately in the raid, another activity with its own set of unwritten rules.

Zheng Xi, somewhat pleased, asked, "And he still has to pay his respects to Old Ye. What did you take?"

"Pay respects to you?"

"Tsk!"

Zhu Ying, with a smile, produced a small piece of gold, weighing it in her hand, "Around five ounces. I shared some 'supper money' with them and joined in the custom. But while others pay their respects to their superiors, I haven’t, I only took these."

Zheng Xi shook his head with a smile, "I don’t need you to be so petty. You did well, and you haven’t disgraced me."

After their conversation, Zheng Xi suggested, "Take a short nap now; we’ll be busy soon!"

Zhu Ying inquired, "Can I go home tonight? It's been days, and my mother might worry I've been locked up somewhere."

Zheng Xi sternly responded, "Who would dare treat you with such disrespect again?"

"You never know, I also need to get some fresh clothes; mine are all wrinkled, giving people something to talk about."

Zheng Xi advised, "Go home, reassure them, and rest. Return before the key-holding ceremony at the palace gate. In the next few days, we must expedite a report for His Majesty, then we can proceed with a thorough investigation."

Zhu Yi quickly agreed, "Yes!"

"Get Gan Ze to send you home."

"Yes!"

…………——

Upon leaving the palace gate, Gan Ze and Lu Chao, who were anxiously waiting, asked, "How did it go?"

Zhu Yi said, "There's a way, a good turn. But Brother Gan needs to take me home first."

Lu Chao said, "You two go. I'll wait here."

Gan Ze then arranged for a carriage to take Zhu Yi back to her home. Zhu Yi said, "Don't leave yet, I have to return."

At home, Zhang Xian Gu and Zhu Da indeed began to suspect, "Has something happened again?"

Upon her return, Zhang Xian Gu grabbed her hand and slapped her several times, saying, "You actually came back? Where were you?"

Zhu Da added from the side, "There were rumors outside about several households being raided, you..."

"It was me who did the raiding."

Initially fearful of the government, her parents were momentarily stunned before realizing, "Our daughter is now an official who can arrest others, we don't have to worry about being arrested ourselves!" They both broke into relieved smiles.

Zhang Xian Gu then invited Gan Ze inside for tea and snacks, while Zhu Ying said, "Mother, don't fuss; I have to return soon. The case isn't over yet! I need a few clothes packed. It's getting colder, and my blanket is too thin. I need another one."

"Alright, alright! Then…" Zhang Xian Gu glanced at Gan Ze and said, "Mr. Gan, please have a seat inside, I'll get things ready. Old man, keep Mr. Gan company! Third child, come, let's figure out what food to pack for you..."

Zhu Ying interjected, "There's food there, I won't starve. I need clothes," as she followed Zhang Xian Gu into the room.

Zhang Xian Gu, somewhat flustered, said while packing, "I've been tracking your cycle; you're about due for your period, and I've been so worried it might show and give you away. I'll pack extra sanitary cloths for you to change regularly, and more toilet paper… you must be careful!"

Zhu Ying reassured her with a smile, "Don't worry."

She then produced the gold ingot, "Here, for household expenses. Buy new cotton clothes for you and dad, don't wear the old ones. And get two new blankets, thick ones…"

Zhang Xian Gu, not focusing on how to spend the money, simply asked, "Where did this come from?"

Zhu Ying replied, "Earned on the job. It'd look bad not to take it."

Zhang Xian Gu said, "I'll keep it safe. We just renewed the lease the other day, going into the second year, and they wouldn't offer a further discount, so a lot of money went there. We need to save this for the New Year!"

"We'll have more by the New Year."

Impatiently, Zhang Xian Gu said, "Alright, alright, just go." She quickly packed Zhu Ying’s bundle. Zhu Ying, carrying the hefty bundle, looked like an ant lugging a piece of bread.

Gan Ze, surprised by the size of the bundle, exclaimed, "Are you moving? Don't, I'll carry it. You… with your frame…"

After Zhu Ying departed in the carriage, Zhang Xian Gu stared at the gold ingot in her hand, lost in thought. Finally, with a sigh, she firmly grasped the gold and stood up, "Old man! Go buy some fine sandalwood to offer to the Buddha!"