Chapter 59

Chapter 57: Conclusion

"On that cold day, the sky was overcast with dark clouds, and the wind howled fiercely. As I delivered New Year's blessings to the concubines in each palace, I came out of Caiwei Palace just as Empress Concubine Mu was about to leave. To avoid her, I hid in a corner. That's when I heard someone scolding and saw Eunuch in Charge of Caiwei Palace and Aunt Fuling arguing inside."

"Why didn't you mention this during the initial interrogation?"

The hall fell silent except for the sound of the recorder jotting down notes. Kong Qiu, who had been reviewing the case through the night with several lanterns illuminating his work, held his hands together and asked Yinzhu, who knelt before him.

Yinzhu's lips quivered. "In response to your honor, I believed it was an insignificant matter, and besides, due to the strong winds that day, I couldn't hear their argument clearly. I was afraid of giving the wrong information."

"Then why did you suddenly decide to reveal this now?" Fu Linye demanded.

Yinzhu twisted the fabric of her clothes nervously, swallowing hard before she managed to whisper, "I was frightened by the jailor... Ever since I was imprisoned, I've heard the sounds of whipping every night. My adoptive father was also beaten half to death, forcing him to confess everything in detail. I'm truly terrified..."

"Flogging is a serious matter in criminal investigations! You can't be so inconsistent!" Fu Linye reprimanded sternly.

Yinzhu trembled from his rebuke and stammered, "This...this servant...also didn't know she would do such despicable things!"

"Under torture, one may confess to anything. This person's words cannot be trusted," Fu Linye informed Kong Qiu. "How can such a confession be presented before the emperor?"

"Every detail from the three interrogations has been meticulously recorded. The Emperor will make the judgment himself on whether it's true or false," Kong Qiu said. "The transcripts should be copied and sent to the Grand Secretariat as well."

Fu Linye never expected that there would be an unexpected twist in the case. He was confident that he could step on Xiao Er's toes since Xiao Er wouldn't be able to retaliate. With Yuan Liu already implicated, Xiao Er would be stained as well. However, now that Caiwei Palace was involved, everyone was in a mess. Could the investigation still proceed?

Fu Linye sensed that this Yinzhu matter might not be straightforward. For someone to wait until the third round of questioning to reveal such information, they were likely planted there for a purpose!

Anxiety gripped Fu Linye. Unlike Wei Huaixing, who had the Wei family as his support, with connections to other families that complicated matters, he had no noble clan to rely upon. What was he supposed to do?

Noticing the changes in Fu Linye's expression, Kong Qiu said, "After all, Caiwei Palace is part of the imperial harem. It wouldn't be proper for officials to investigate. This issue must be discussed before the Emperor. Minister Fu, take some rest and let's meet in the imperial audience chamber later."

Fu Linye rose to his feet, managing a smile despite his inner turmoil. He bowed to Kong Qiu and hastily left.

It was still dark, and the cold was biting. Fu Linye urged the coachman to hurry through the crunching snow to Lotus Pavilion. He lifted his robe and hurried upstairs.

Xiao Hongxuan was proficient in theatrical arts and was currently discussing his latest work with Shen Zechuan. Shen Zechuan, tired of the attire of the Imperial Guards, leaned back in his chair wearing a wide-sleeved shirt, fanning himself with a folding fan.

When Fu Linye burst in, he didn't expect to see Shen Zechuan there.

Shen Zechuan gently closed his fan, ignoring Fu Linye's disheveled state. He didn't rise to pay respect but simply smiled, saying, "Censor, you're late. The perfect moment has already passed."

Xi Hongxuan appeared displeased, dismissing the madam who had chased after him and instructing someone to close the door. He didn't rise from his seat but told Fu Linye, "Why are you here, Linye? You should have sent word beforehand! It's just a short walk, yet you had to rush over in such a hurry, losing all decorum."

Not only was Fu Linye older than Xi Hongxuan, but he also held a higher rank. Yet now, he was being scolded like a junior by Xi Hongxuan. This made him feel uneasy and resentful of Xi Hongxuan's superior attitude.

"An urgent matter!" Fu Linye seemed not to have taken the criticism to heart as he laughed and pulled up his robe before sitting down. "I've just left the Ministry of Justice and hurried straight here to see Young Master. Tell me, isn't that urgent?"

Only then did Xi Hongxuan inquire, "What's the matter?"

Fu Linye glanced at Shen Zechuan.

Shen Zechuan, holding his fan, said, "I apologize for my abruptness."

With that, he made to stand up.

Xi Hongxuan quickly interjected, "Lanzhou, what are you doing? Sit down. We're in this together, so there's nothing you can't hear. Linye, speak up! Don't you know this Shen Lanzhou? He's the esteemed scholar of our Xi family!"

Until now, Fu Linye had only viewed Shen Zechuan as a mere servant struggling to survive under the Xi family. He hadn't expected Xi Hongxuan to hold him in such high regard.

However, Fu Linye's visit truly wasn't timely tonight. Had he come earlier or later, Xi Hongxuan wouldn't have praised Shen Zechuan so much. But with their plan to suppress the Yao family finalized tonight, they were now bound together like threads on a rope. Xi Hongxuan intended to give Shen Zechuan some face and elevate his status, as they could no longer address each other casually as brothers.

Shen Zechuan smiled at Fu Linye, who promptly responded, "Minister Zhen, please be seated."

Xi Hongxuan shifted his leg and stepped on the tiger skin, asking, "Well, what's the urgency? Speak up."

Fu Linye replied, "Just now, while I was assisting in the Ministry of Justice, I heard a piece of news. It seems that the Fuling who instigated the assassination attempt has ties to the Caiwei Palace. Xiao Er, the one who resides there is none other than Concubine Mu. This matter must be reported first thing in the morning, and then it won't just be about pursuing Xiao Er!"

Xi Hongxuan leaned on his leg, fell silent for a moment, and said to Shen Zechuan, "I forgot to mention this earlier, but Mu Ru is connected to our people."

It was likely that he had deliberately omitted the information rather than simply forgetting, having been cautious not to speak of it.

Shen Zechuan understood the unspoken words and merely commented, "Wasn't Mu Ru originally affiliated with Pan Rugui? I recall her brother."

"Yes," Xi Hongxuan wasn't willing to divulge the full truth, only offering half of it, "Pan Rugui is dead, so where else would she go? At that time, when they were seizing her family's assets, they planned to send her into official prostitution, but the Emperor couldn't bear to part with her. So, I asked Yanqing for a favor, swapped her out, and found a residence to hide both her and her brother. Later, the Emperor couldn't resist and insisted on bringing her into the palace, causing quite a stir with Minister Hai. You're aware of that incident."

Shen Zechuan appeared unconcerned as he nodded, "I've heard some rumors. But now, this complicates things. The case should have been closed; why did new developments arise?"

As he spoke, he glanced at Fu Linye, his smile carrying a hint of reprimand for Fu Linye's oversight.

Xi Hongxuan also furrowed his brow, saying, "You're the supervising inspector, can't you think of a way to suppress this information? Bringing it to light will only stir trouble."

Fu Linye was also full of grievances. He could only say, "Young Master, I hold little influence and my words carry no weight. As for Kong Qiu! He's impervious to persuasion, being a loyal follower of Lord Hai. Why would he listen to me? The pressing matter now is how to proceed. If Concubine Mu gets involved, who would dare continue the investigation? Even the Emperor might lose interest!"

Xi Hongxuan pondered irritably and asked, "Where is Yin Zhu?"

Understanding his meaning, Fu Linye immediately waved his hand, saying, "We can't kill him! Young Master, Lord Hai is already suspicious. Attempting to silence someone at this point would confirm our guilt."

"Why did Caiwei Palace suddenly appear in the picture?" Xi Hongxuan set down his teacup. "No, we can't continue the investigation. Tomorrow morning, we must find a way to convince the Emperor to abandon any thoughts of digging deeper."

Mu Ru was too valuable to be taken out at this crucial time.

Restless, Fu Linye said, "Yes, it's best to put the blame on Fuling! We should wrap things up quickly so everyone can breathe easier. But from Kong Qiu's demeanor, he seems determined to get to the bottom of this!"

"The key still lies with Lord Hai," Shen Zechuan remarked, his fingers grazing the rim of his teacup for warmth. "Kong Qiu's examination paper was marked by Hai Liangyi. He considers himself half a disciple of Lord Hai and always shows him great respect."

"Hai Liangyi wanted to promote him to the cabinet. His cases have been well-handled, his age is suitable, and he comes from a humble background in Red County – everything fits Lord Hai's criteria." Xi Hongxuan sighed. "What bad luck! When we dealt with Xiao Er, they secretly rejoiced, waiting to see him suffer in silence. Now that something has happened, they want to have their cake and eat it too."

"Here's what we'll do," Shen Zechuan suggested. "In your report to the Emperor tomorrow, don't mention Caiwei Palace, just say that the Imperial Guards haven't finished their investigation. Has Yuan Liu not confessed yet? This is our chance. As long as Yuan Liu remains, Xiao Er will still be implicated in bribery, regardless of his claims."

Rubbing his leg, Fu Linye replied, "But if I don't bring it up, Kong Qiu surely will! We can't hide it."

"Better late than never," Shen Zechuan slowly opened his fan, then closed it again, saying, "Your Excellency's previous plea before the Emperor was full of righteousness, all for the sake of 'the kingdom and its people.' If you were to change your stance now due to an unverified confession, His Majesty might question your loyalty. It would be better to stick to Xiao Er and appear 'unyielding and impartial.'"

"Exactly!" Xi Hongxuan agreed. "We can't afford chaos at this moment. Since you've already stepped forward, it wouldn't look good if you tried to back out now. Just continue with this plan. As for other matters, I'll handle them. Dawn is approaching, so don't stay here long. Go freshen up and change your clothes first. When you're in front of the Emperor, observe the situation and adapt accordingly."

Fu Linye had arrived hastily and left without even sipping his tea. As soon as he left, Xi Hongxuan followed suit, muttering under his breath.

"If it weren't for his eagerness for quick success, he wouldn't have quietly reported the Xiao Er-Qiancheng Silk incident, and Hai Liangyi might not have caught on!" Xi Hongxuan grumbled in annoyance. "People from humble backgrounds are often shallow-minded! For the sake of a little fame and fortune, he didn't even bother to inform anyone. Look where that got him? He wasted the chess move Yanqing left behind! After this, Xiao Er will undoubtedly guard the account books tightly, making it much harder to exploit them in the future."

"Obsession with rank, wealth, and luxury is a disease," Shen Zechuan commented. "For now, we need to keep him steady. How are things progressing with the Eight Banners?"

"Brother Han has taken up his position," said Xi Hongxuan, "and Xiao Er has woven the Eight Great Garrisons into an impregnable network of relations, rendering them all but immovable. In so short a time, he has managed to secure these key posts with such tenacity that they cannot be easily dismantled."

"Even so," Shen Zechuan said with a smile, "there are still offspring from the Eight Great Families among the military personnel he has chosen and appointed. Opportunities do exist."

Shen Zechuan stepped into the carriage and noticed an ancient zither inside.

Qiao Tianya lifted the curtain, his face disguised as a robust man, and said, "That lute is mine, my lord. Please don't discard it. It took great effort to obtain it through deception."

"It looks expensive," Shen Zechuan didn't touch it. "Where did you get the money for this?"

Qiao Tianya chuckled. "It's something the ladies have bestowed upon him."

The zither was obviously not something that could be bought with money. Since Qiao Tianya didn't want to elaborate, and it likely had something to do with his family, Shen Zechuan didn't press further.

The carriage transported Shen Zechuan back to his residence as usual, allowing him to change his clothes before entering the palace once more.

* * *

After dismissing court, Li Jianheng gathered the ministers in the Mingli Hall and read the confession on his own, remaining silent for a long while.

As Hai Liangyi had just recovered, Li Jianheng instructed someone to bring him a bowl of warm sheep's milk. He sipped it, and no one dared to speak in the hall.

Li Jianheng asked, "Why is it happening near Caiwei Palace again? Yuan Liu hasn't figured out what's going on yet."

Kong Qiu replied, "Since it concerns the harem, only Your Majesty can make the decision."

Li Jianheng immediately grew anxious. "Decide what? Even if she went to Caiwei Palace, she couldn't possibly be... involved with Concubine Mu. Who knows if what he's saying is true or false?"

Hai Liangyi spoke calmly, "Of course, it's false."

"Yes, it's fake!" With Hai Liangyi on his side, Li Jianheng's voice grew louder. "Eunuchs are the most cunning. They'll weave any tale to save their lives. They think they can survive by clinging onto Concubine Mu, but I'll have their heads for even daring to scheme!"

"Indeed," Xiao Jiming, who had remained silent throughout, lifted his gaze. "When it concerns the emperor's safety, we cannot afford to be careless."

His words struck at the heart of the matter.

Wei Huaixing responded, "Of course, we cannot be careless. The investigation into Yuan Liu hasn't even—"

"Justice Minister is in charge of this case, with the Censorate and the Imperial Guards as assistants. It's inappropriate for you, Lord Wei, to intervene repeatedly." Xiao Jiming was refined, allowing Wei Huaixing time to speak, but Wei Huaixing did not dare to respond. Xiao Jiming continued, "This case involves the imperial guards and the harem. It should never have been made public. The loss of face isn't yours or ours, but the emperor's. More than ten days have passed since the incident, yet neither the guard's misconduct nor the brothel testimony has been resolved. Instead, they've been dragging on in the hands of the Censors. It seems the main investigator isn't really investigating, and the assistants aren't assisting. Apart from wasting time and effort, the issue lies in overstepping their authority."

Fu Linye recalled Xi Hongxuan's words from the previous night and found himself in a dilemma when faced with Xiao Jiming. However, seeing that Li Jianheng remained silent and Hai Liangyi showed no intention of stepping in, he could only try to maintain his composure. "The prince has lived long in the northern region, but Qidu is not a frontier. Many dealings are different here, and naturally—"

"In the military, any act of overstepping one's authority is considered insubordination and is punishable by death according to law," Zhao Hui, who held a military position, stepped forward to interject. "It's not proper for the prince to comment on this matter, but no one has reminded the emperor about it in all this time. Even the Censor himself seems lost and is handling the case half-heartedly. The Commander of the Imperial Guards has been suspended for over ten days, and what has the Censor found after three searches? There must be an explanation."

Fu Linye said, "Didn't they find the Qingshui silk issue?"

"Now, we're discussing the assassination attempt!" Li Jianheng threw the confession aside. "Why are you still bringing up unrelated matters?"

Fu Linye spoke urgently, "All the problems stem from Xiao Chiye. He's involved in everything. Your Majesty, the assassination attempt must be investigated, but his corruption cannot be swept under the rug!"

"What bribe did he take!" Li Jianheng rose to his feet, pointing at Fu Linye. "Quancheng silk! Quancheng silk! Do you think I'm unaware of this? Back then, I was even wandering the streets with him! I know more about this than you do! With an assassination attempt reaching right before me, you're not worried, but only concerned about trivial matters. It seems the safety of the Son of Heaven holds no significance to you!"

Unprepared for Fu Linye's sudden turn from criticizing Xiao Chiye to scolding himself just days after their previous dispute, the man was seized by fear and crawled forward on his knees. "Your Majesty! You are my sovereign and fatherly figure. Any harm that befalls you pierces my heart with unbearable pain, Your Majesty!"

"There are matters of varying degrees of urgency and importance," Xiao Jiming said. "In light of the assassination plot, Minister Kong has labored through the night without rest. Ce An has also presented his waist plaque, but out of concern for any semblance of impropriety, he dares not inquire about the progress, spending his days at home in self-reflection. Now, would you kindly clarify the current state of affairs? Where have investigations led thus far, and what further steps are to be taken? Such knowledge would allow my household to make the necessary preparations."

Minister of Rites, Jiang Xu stepped forward and stated, "This is an open-and-shut case involving the Imperial Guards, yet it has no connection to the Northern Border Estate. Who was it that saw fit to conduct a search there? Such an act is unbecoming in etiquette, and if word were to spread, it would be perceived as His Majesty investigating the Prince of the Northern Border, thereby straining the amicable relations between our capital and the borderlands."

Li Jianheng was aware of the search at the prince's residence, but he had to pretend ignorance. Even a fool would understand by now that Xiao Jiming had been observing everything these past few days. Continuing to hold Xiao Chiye accountable would provoke trouble.

Li Jianheng promptly delivered several kicks to Fu Linye, his voice laced with fury as he exclaimed, "How dare you! Who gave you permission to investigate the Northern Estate of Li? I explicitly tasked you with probing the Garrison's Official Affairs Compound!"

Fu Linye, having been kicked, hastily explained, "It wasn't this subject, Your Majesty! It was Inspector Shen who carried out the investigation!"

Shen Zechuan was taken aback, responding in bewilderment, "By imperial edict, I was assigned to assist you, sir, in your search. It was you who cautioned me that 'the Imperial Guards are as tight-lipped as a sealed iron bucket; many accounts may be deliberately obfuscated or distorted. Thus, it is crucial to conduct a meticulous search within the Prince's Estate.' Following your instruction, I proceeded accordingly. At the time, there were no shortage of attendants serving tea and water in the hall. Summon any one of them, and they would surely attest to the fact that it was you who explicitly charged me with this task."

Fu Linye gritted his teeth and said, "I distinctly told you to thoroughly search, not mentioning the word 'imperial estate' at all!"

Shen Zechuan spoke with a serious expression, "I am entrusted with the emperor's mandate, and I would never utter a falsehood in his presence. Without your lordship's command, how could I have ventured to the prince's residence alone, accompanied by an imperial censor?"

Fu Linye noticed the fury in Shen Zechuan's eyes and realized he had bitten the wrong person in his panic. He looked around and said, "Lord Wei, Lord Wei isn't—"

Wei Huaixing immediately barked, "Stop! You dare to falsely accuse others in front of His Majesty after what you've done? Do you have any dignity left? Delaying the case is one thing, but damaging the relationship between His Majesty and Libei is a much more serious matter! You don't know your priorities!"

At this point, Fu Linye knew he had been thrown under the bus. He was expected to take the blame for Li Jianheng, Wei Huaixing, Xi Hongxuan, and everyone else! He couldn't afford to offend any of them. It was like gods fighting, leaving him to clean up the mess.

He immediately bowed and said, "It was a momentary lapse of judgment on my part!"

"Confused and still trying to weasel out of it?" Li Jianheng pointed at him and scolded, "Although Cezhan has been suspended, he remains the commander of the imperial guards until the investigation is concluded! You can investigate him, but you dare to humiliate the imperial guards? I can see that you're not solving the case; you're merely getting rid of your opponents!"

Apart from that day when he scolded Xiao Chiye, Li Jianheng had not lost his temper since. Now, his tirade made Fu Linye tremble with fear. Being a wise man, he knelt there with tears streaming down his face, giving Xiao Jiming the respect he deserved.

When Li Jianheng was done venting, Xiao Jiming spoke up, "You were simply too eager to solve the case. Since it has escalated to this point, let's just remove Cezhan from his post. I believe the impeachments from the Board of Censors these past few days were justified. He can't escape responsibility for his negligence; it's truly inappropriate for him to remain in the emperor's service."

Saying this, he smiled again.

"All the evidence points to him. If he really committed such a monstrous crime, his entire clan should be executed. With all of you here as witnesses, to avoid suspicion, I, Xiao Jiming, will also revoke my Libei military badge. I have already written to my father, asking him to remove his official hat and robe, and come to the capital with my family dressed in white to face the trial!"

The moment Xiao Jiming finished speaking, Li Jianheng panicked. He didn't know how to respond, so he turned to Hai Liangyi.

Hai Liangyi exchanged a brief glance with Xiao Jiming, then suddenly smiled and said, "Your Highness jests. Hasn't this case already been resolved? Why tease an old servant like me further?"

Kong Qiu composed himself and quickly replied, "Indeed, Lord, you're right. Although Yuan Liu did have a mortgage with Donglongya, it was a private matter between him and Fuling. A governor overseeing twenty thousand people can't possibly oversee every detail personally. Furthermore, Yuan Liu has consistently denied the bribery allegations, so we can't rely solely on Xiang Yun's account. I've investigated and found that Xiang Yun likely harbored hatred due to unrequited love. Her testimony cannot be trusted!"

Li Jianheng also stepped forward personally and said, "Since it's resolved, there's no need to dwell on it! Your Highness, please rise!"

Li Jianheng had no intention of pursuing the matter any further. Being close to Caiwei Palace meant being close to Mu Ru. If Fu Linye could be kicked without consequence, then Mu Ru was even more insignificant to these people. If he were to become entangled with them, he, Li Jianheng, would truly be in a precarious position!

Looking at the still jovial group, Li Jianheng felt they were not mere mortals. Behind them stood towering entities that surpassed the throne, like irresistible floods and hurricanes.

Being a monarch was not a life of freedom. Every move he made affected the balance of power. His anger or joy could become fatal vulnerabilities. He was a prisoner confined to the dragon throne, not his own master.

It was terrifying.

Li Jianheng hugged himself inwardly.

Standing among them was akin to standing on thin ice. If he ever slipped and fell, he would meet the same fate as his imperial brother, trampled into a bloody pulp by the competing factions in an instant.

His life and death held little significance; what mattered was that he bore the surname Li.

But what if there was someone else in this world who also bore the surname Li?

Li Jianheng trembled at this thought, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead in an instant.

It couldn't be.

He muttered to himself, his mood darkening.

It just wouldn't happen.