Chapter 54: Palace Intrigues and Amorous Connections

Chapter 52: Accusations

Amidst the blanket of pristine snow, night had settled in.

Shen Zechuan could no longer stay. As he prepared to leave, Xiao Chiye rose from his seat and fetched an overcoat from the rack, handing it to him.

"You've got a new dagger," Xiao Chiye observed as he picked up Yangshan Snow. The blade felt light in his hand. "Recently acquired?"

Shen Zechuan nodded, donning the coat with his back facing the door.

Xiao Chiye pressed his thumb against the cold steel, remarking, "Fine craftsmanship. What's its name?"

"It's called Yangshan Snow," Shen Zechuan replied.

"Ascending to spray snow on three mountains, spanning to devour waters from a hundred rivers." Xiao Chiye sheathed the blade and stepped forward, pressing himself against Shen Zechuan's back. His fingers expertly returned Yangshan Snow to its place at Shen Zechuan's waist. Lowering his head slightly, he said, "Beautiful appearance, fitting name."

Shen Zechuan turned abruptly, but Xiao Chiye had already taken hold of his waist, pulling him into an embrace.

"After today, how will you look at me?"

"One's gaze reveals one's thoughts," Shen Zechuan turned his head hastily, as if brushing against Xiao Chiye's earlobe.

"If you can't hold it in, feel free to seek help from your Second Young Master anytime," Xiao Chiye measured with his fingers and chuckled.

"Second Young Master has his hands full," Shen Zechuan replied, "It's more likely that you'll be the one seeking my aid."

Xiao Chiye released him and said, "You've lost weight since the last time. If I'm not mistaken, you're still taking medicine to conceal your physique."

Shen Zechuan finished tying his cloak and remained silent.

"I advise you," Xiao Chiye continued, "that excessive consumption of such medicine will harm your body. In a few years, it'll be your own flesh and blood that withers away."

Shen Zechuan sighed softly by the door and said, "Your master has sharp eyes. He could tell just by a glance."

Xiao Chiye replied, "Are you willing to go this far for these matters?"

"My life and death lie in the whims of others, so naturally, I must be cautious and meticulous in everything I do," Shen Zechuan's hands were cold as he spoke. "I've practiced Ji Lei's martial arts for a long time. If I don't use these tricks, I won't be able to deceive Ji Lei's eyes."

Xiao Chiye said, "Ji Lei is already dead."

With the scent of alcohol still lingering on him, Shen Zechuan said, "The medicine has been stopped."

After Shen Zechuan left, Xiao Chiye stood in the snowy wind, recalling Zuo Qianqiu's words.

"This medicine came from the east. It can be used to feign illness and deceive others, but it's harmful in the long run. The poison accumulates in the body, causing no immediate harm, but it will eventually manifest itself."

"Manifest itself?"

Zuo Qianqiu gazed intently at the teacup in his hand and replied, "When the poison builds up and festers, it becomes difficult to heal. When the time comes, the person might become incapacitated."

Xiao Chiye raised his hand, the residual warmth from his palm dissipating in the icy winds. He remembered that night when he felt as if he could dissolve Shen Zechuan with his touch, yet it seemed to have only temporarily ignited a flame within him.

Beautiful people often gave the illusion of fragility.

* * *

Qiao Tianya wore a hooded cape and drove the carriage to Shen Zechuan's old house on East Dragon Street. Shen Zechuan leaned against the carriage wall, pretending to sleep with his eyes closed.

Upon arriving at the door, Qiao Tianya reined in the horse and lifted the carriage curtain for Shen Zechuan. Shen Zechuan stepped down from the carriage, preparing to bathe and change clothes in his old residence.

According to the request, Shen Zechuan had ascended in one leap, becoming a fifth-rank Jin Yiwei Zhenfu. However, there were two positions for Zhenfu, one for the south and another for the north. The Southern Zhenfu oversaw military artisans' affairs, while the Northern Zhenfu was in charge of the Jin Yiwei's imperial prison. Li Jianheng intended to give Shen Zechuan an important role, but the cabinet officials had their own considerations due to Shen Zechuan's background. They were reluctant to let him take charge of the prison, so after deliberation, they rejected his appointment as Northern Zhenfu and instead assigned him to the Southern Zhenfu.

Li Jianheng was undoubtedly displeased. As a result, the cabinet promoted Shen Zechuan from a military rank to a fifth-rank Jin Yiwei Qiuhou. Furthermore, Li Jianheng granted him an additional honor of a dragon robe and phoenix sash, which was already a great distinction.

Shen Zechuan had anticipated the cabinet's objections.

This time, he had climbed up by stepping on Han Cheng. Xue Xiuzhuo had fulfilled his promise to promote him but had also given him a blow at a crucial moment. This was to remind Shen Zechuan that despite his heroic act of saving the emperor, he was still far from being able to compete with them.

Dressed properly, Shen Zechuan emerged to find Qiao Tianya holding an umbrella. "With your elevation, this house is now too humble. It will soon be inadequate for entertaining guests," Qiao Tianya said.

"There's no rush," Shen Zechuan replied, lifting his robe to enter the carriage. As the curtains fell, he added, "It's not too late to change houses when I ascend to the position of Commandant."

The curtains closed, and he continued to compose himself.

The weather was unpleasant that day, and as the officials waited outside the hall, snow clung to their shoulders. They couldn't roam freely, make arbitrary gestures, or even talk or cough loudly.

Shen Zechuan stood with Han Cheng, both armed, his bright red dragon robe accentuating his fair complexion like snow. A smile lingered at the corners of his eyes, lending him an enchanting charm that also exuded a dangerous aura.

Xiao Chiye was also dressed in red, adorned with the emblem of a second-rank lion, making him stand out even more. He seemed unenthusiastic, casting only a fleeting glance at Shen Zechuan.

The two men stood apart, yet their presence created an atmosphere of tension that even Hai Liangyi couldn't help but glance at them.

The civil officials exchanged subtle glances, each understanding the unspoken implications.

In a moment, Han Cheng whispered, "Let's go."

The palace doors opened, and the eunuchs of the Office of Ceremonial, followed by the most senior cabinet ministers, entered first. With the current vacancy in the Office of Ceremonial, only Hai Liangyi, the leader of the cabinet, took the lead. Han Cheng followed behind, bringing Shen Zechuan up the steps to stand on the left side of the dragon throne.

Li Jianheng, seated on the dragon throne, supported his knees and asked, "It's been two nights since the assassination attempt. Has the Ministry of Justice made any progress?"

Kong Qiu, the Minister of Justice, stepped forward and bowed. "Your Majesty, the evidence is conclusive that the lady officer Fengling from the Palace Kitchen incited the noble student to commit the assassination. Today, I should present the case for further review by the Supreme Court."

Li Jianheng, for some reason, glanced at Xiao Chiye before continuing, "Have you discovered why she did it?"

Kong Qiu replied, "Upon investigation, Fengling had once broken a royal plate from the Board of Rites within the palace and was recorded in the files. Her prospects of leaving the palace seemed distant. She often mentioned that her mother was old and that she wished to serve her outside the palace walls, but was constrained by the palace rules. She repeatedly bribed the former chief eunuch of the Office of Ceremonial, only to be deceived and lose all her life savings. This led to her desperation and desire for revenge."

"I have a matter to report," said Wei Huaixing, the Vice-Minister of the Supreme Court. As the second legitimate son of the Wei family, one of the Eight Great Houses, he was also the elder brother of Empress Wei from the Xiande Emperor's reign. He stepped out of the ranks and bowed.

Li Jianheng responded, "Please proceed, Lord Wei."

"Your servant has uncovered that the female official of the Imperial Kitchen Bureau, Fuling, had engaged in a power-for-favor transaction with Yuan Liu from the Military Affairs Bureau for the Imperial Guards. The house her mother resides in was negotiated by Yuan Liu on credit," Wei Huaixing declared, not looking at anyone. "This case is to be handled by the Ministry of Justice, as it concerns the Emperor's safety. It cannot be considered unimportant. Yet, Minister Kong only presented half of the confession before the Emperor. Was there something he couldn't say, or someone he couldn't mention?"

Kong Qiu turned his head and replied, "…All matters are detailed in my report. Where does the notion of deception come from?"

"In the morning court, politics is discussed openly. When the Emperor asked if you had investigated thoroughly, you dodged the question before all the officials," Wei Huaixing lifted his gaze. "As a servant of the state, one must be loyal. The imperial halls should never be a haven for corruption. What are you afraid of? If you dare not speak it, then I will. Your Majesty, this matter not only implicates various departments within the palace but also the Imperial Guards!"

Xiao Chiye's expression darkened, as if he were sneering.

Li Jianheng initially wanted to suppress the situation, but now he could no longer avoid it. After much hesitation, he said, "…What did Cezhen say?"

Xiao Chiye responded, "The Imperial Guards have two thousand registered soldiers. While I can verify their backgrounds, I cannot investigate every personal relationship. I bear responsibility for this oversight and await the Emperor's punishment."

Li Jianheng opened his mouth to speak.

Wei Huaixing knelt first and said, "Governor Xiao, why don't you tell the truth before the Emperor? It's true that it's difficult to investigate private affairs among two thousand Imperial Guards, but your connection with Yuan Liu is far from ordinary. How can you pretend to be ignorant?"

Jin Zechuan looked over.

"There are many who have an extraordinary relationship with me," Xiao Chiye glanced at Shen Zechuan and laughed indifferently. "But with a beauty in my arms, only a blind man would sleep with an old man. Yuan Liu could be your father, Lord Wei. Without any evidence, why go so far as to frame me, Xiao Cezhen?"

"On the imperial court," Hai Liangyi coughed softly and said, "Viceroy, choose your words carefully."

"I am what I am, and the Emperor knows me well. There's no need for pretense here." Xiao Chiye was a tyrant through and through; he did not even spare Hai Liangyi any regard. "Investigating the Imperial Guards is acceptable. I will avoid any conflict of interest by surrendering my badge and allowing all officials to conduct their inquiries. But if you try to pin a groundless crime on me, I must refute that charge."

"Rude language and defiance before the Emperor — the Xiao family has raised a fine son!" Wei Huaixing took out a scroll from his sleeve. "The Viceroy accuses me of having no evidence, but as an official of the Supreme Court, how dare I make such claims without proof?"

Xiao Jiming, who had been listening silently, lifted his head slightly and looked at Wei Huaixing, eager to see what evidence he possessed.

Wei Huaixing continued, "Yuan Liu was once a low-ranking officer in the Imperial Guards. The Viceroy personally promoted him to Deputy Investigator, and within less than two years, he promoted him again to Investigator. I would like to ask the Viceroy: in these past few years, with no pressing matters for the Imperial Guards, what justified his repeated promotions?"

Xiao Chiye sneered. "He has reached an age where he has served long enough, with neither commendations nor transgressions. In recent years, the Imperial Guards have welcomed many new recruits. Out of consideration for old loyalties, I have promoted more than just Yuan Liu. Why doesn't Lord Wei list them all and attribute each promotion to my personal favoritism?"

"The Imperial Guards have been nothing but a one-man show under the Viceroy's rule!" Wei Huaixing spoke calmly. "Their allegiance is to the Xiao family, not the Emperor, isn't it?"

His words held a double meaning, implicating both Xiao Chiye and Xiao Jiming.

True to form, Xiao Chiye's expression soured. "Stick to the matter at hand and stop throwing around the Xiao family name! I, Xiao Ce'an, have earned my position by serving the Emperor, unlike Lord Wei, who was born into a high-ranking family with a clear path to success."

Seeing Xiao Chiye's anger, Wei Huaixing opened the scroll and asked, "Did the Viceroy receive a substantial gift from Yuan Liu during a drinking session late last year? Will you acknowledge this?"

Upon hearing this, Li Jianheng was taken aback. He clenched his fists and didn't speak further.

Xiao Chiye said, "I did not drink with Yuan Liu."

"Every courtesan in Xiang Yun's establishment on Donglong Street can attest to it. That night, Yuan Liu spent a fortune entertaining the Governor-General, who got drunk during the banquet. Yuan Liu then presented you with a basket of golden peaches," Wei Huaixing recounted. "Does the Governor-General still deny it?"

Xiao Chiye replied, "I'll ask you this: where did a lowly sixth-rank official like Yuan Liu get those golden peaches to give away?"

"That's something you should ask the Governor-General," Wei Huaixing finally unleashed his trump card. "When Yuan Liu mortgaged his residence to Fuling, he also mortgaged three storefronts on Donglong Street. I've verified that he used the Governor-General's personal edict at the time! In recent years, the Imperial Guards have been repairing their barracks and expanding the Fengshan Training Ground. Where did all that money come from? Didn't the Governor-General take advantage of his position in the Imperial Guards to embezzle the funds through the real estate agency, and Yuan Liu was the one who carried out the task for him? Now that Yuan Liu has instigated Fuling to attempt to assassinate His Majesty, do you dare say that it has nothing to do with you?"

Xiao Chiye remained silent.

Right censor-in-chief Fu Linye stepped forward and said, "This official also has a matter to report."

For some reason, Li Jianheng's fingers trembled violently as he said, "Speak!"

Fu Linye continued, "This official wishes to impeach the Governor-General of the Imperial Guards today. According to the law, no one is allowed to visit a prisoner before the joint trial by the three judicial departments concludes, unless there is an imperial edict. Yesterday, the Governor-General entered the prison without an edict and failed to report the matter promptly after the fact."

Xiao Chiye's expression grew increasingly dark.

"The moment the Viceroy left the prison, Fuling's mother passed away," Fu Linye bowed and said. "Please, Viceroy, clarify what happened in front of His Majesty."

Xiao Chiye replied, "It seems you're all on the same page, how convenient!"

"Viceroy, don't try to divert the topic," Wei Huaixing said coldly. "Better confess now!"

"There's always an excuse for those who wish to accuse," Xiao Chiye found himself surrounded. After a moment of silence, he turned to Li Jianheng and said, "I did not do what you all accused me of. Tonight, I leave everything up to Your Majesty's judgment!"

In the tense atmosphere, Li Jianheng nervously dampened his knee. He also looked at Xiao Chiye and suddenly asked, "What's your explanation for that imperial edict?"

Xiao Chiye lowered his gaze with a hint of a smile. "This minister has never written such a thing."

Li Jianheng abruptly stood up, pacing agitatedly. "Show it to me!"

Wei Huaixing passed the item over. Li Jianheng flipped through it for a while before suddenly trembling. His lips moved. "Isn't this your handwriting… Cai… Cai An!"

Xiao Chiye declared firmly, "This minister has never written it!"

Li Jianheng was terrified. He placed the document on his palm, then threw it away as if it burned him. He almost lost control as he said, "Then, is Yuan Liu really one of your men?!"

Xiao Chiye lifted his gaze.

Seeing this, Li Jianheng actually leaned on the armrests, somewhat fearful. In that instant of fear, he recalled Xiao Chiye's indifference when he abandoned him. A boundless loathing surged within him, as if he were brandishing some terrifying object, and he said with all his might, "Strip him of his badge first!"

Xiao Chiye replied, "This minister—"

Wei Huaixing stood up straight and bellowed, "If he dares to defy, he can be apprehended on the spot according to law!"

Xiao Chiye glared fiercely at Wei Huaixing before turning to Li Jianheng. He said in a cold voice, "You can take me, Xiao Ce'an, but you'll have to give me a believable charge first."

Li Jianheng felt that his trust had been misplaced. He had already leaned towards others under this siege. Seeing Xiao Chiye's demeanor now, his anger flared, and he shouted, "Kneel down! I'm taking your badge away today!"

Xiao Chiye still didn't move.

Li Jianheng was already furious. "I, I order you to kneel!"