Chapter 91

Chapter 89: Thunderclap

It had been half a month since Ge Qingqing left the capital. The Xiao family's vaults were now empty one after another, but fortunately, the shops in different regions could still be managed by Xi Dan, coupled with the previous four million silver taels, Shen Zechuan had not completely lost his investment.

The two million silver taels transported through the northeastern grain and horse route in April had already arrived in Ci Prefecture. When the letter was sent back to Qudu, it was directly delivered to Shen Zechuan by Ding Tao.

Wiping his sweat, Shen Zechuan opened the letter and waved it at Xiao Chiye, who was also drenched in perspiration. Xiao Chiye took off his clothes and went to bathe, speaking from behind the screen, "Just read it out loud for me."

Shen Zechuan read the letter aloud. Xiao Jiming's writing was concise, stating that the silver had safely reached Ci Prefecture, and the rations for the Northern Iron Cavalry's summer and autumn campaigns were already in storage.

"Jiang Qingshan has been transferred to Zhongbo as the provincial governor. Does that mean someone else is in charge of preparing this batch of military rations?"

Xiao Chiye, having finished his bath, wiped himself while saying, "It's being jointly planned and coordinated by Yang Cheng, an advisor to the Juexi provincial government, together with its subordinates and the magistrates of various counties in Juexi. They're all veterans under Jiang Qingshan; in the past, they were the fastest in preparing military rations."

Shen Zechuan placed the letter on the table. He wanted to say that since the rations were not supervised by Jiang Qingshan, they should be inspected thoroughly before distribution. However, he then thought about how Xiao Chiye no longer handled the affairs of the Northern Army. Xiao Jiming would surely know the details, so there was no need for an outsider like him to intervene. Thus, he decided not to mention it.

Xiao Chiye put on a dark, wide-sleeved robe over his inner clothing. The heavy color suited him, and even when worn loosely, it exuded a commanding presence. After coming out, he drank some iced tea and said, "Gu Jin went to investigate at the Xue residence last night. Master and Teacher are likely being held captive in some pavilion or other."

"My teacher isn't someone who can be easily trapped," Shen Zechuan said, stroking his pen. "I want to go take a look myself."

"So cautious he is. If he senses anything and relocates Master and Teacher, we'll be searching for needles in a haystack," Xiao Chiye removed Shen Zechuan's crown, "The Xue family's vicinity is already under constant surveillance. We need to devise a more secure plan."

"I still haven't figured something out," Shen Zechuan allowed Xiao Chiye to comb his hair, the clumsy back-and-forth motion not at all resembling the Second Young Master's finesse, "How did he manage to empty the Xi family's treasury? Ge Qingqing didn't gather any intel in Qinzhou either."

Xiao Chiye gazed into the mirror at Shen Zechuan and said, "Can't figure it out? I have."

Shen Zechuan looked back at him.

"You obtained those four million taels of silver and know that whether by land or sea, any commercial route would be subject to inspections at various checkpoints. He must've had the same concern. Thus, investigating the merchant routes would be pointless," As Xiao Chiye spoke, his hands remained busy, braiding a thin strand of Shen Zechuan's hair. He continued slowly, "Xue Xiuzhuo has held significant positions, overseeing accounts across the territories. Close to the Hundred Officials Banquet, he would certainly interact with the Transport Office. The Transport Office manages tribute supplies. If he concealed the silver within these shipments, entering and exiting Qudu would be effortless."

Shen Zechuan's mind was suddenly enlightened. He asked further, "Then where could he have hidden it? Although the Xue residence is larger than the Xi estate, it doesn't possess the genuine wealth of the Yao family. Even if one were to dig underground, there wouldn't be enough space to conceal such a fortune."

"It depends on how he intends to utilize it." Xiao Chiye released his grip, and Shen Zechuan's raven-black hair cascaded like water, its soft texture non-threatening. He pressed against Shen Zechuan's shoulder from behind, so that both of them appeared in the mirror. He said, "He hails from Jin City, and to the south lies Hezhou, where water transport is prosperous. The Yan family holds a monopoly there, and they have business dealings with the Xi shipping clan from Juexi Port. By kicking Xi Hongxuan out, if he wants to revive these funds, he needs to find someone as adept at handling money as Xi Hongxuan. That person can only be from the Yan family of Hezhou. Hence, I speculate that he has likely entrusted these silver coins to the Yan family of Hezhou."

Shen Zechuan had never been to Hezhou but was aware of the remarkable capabilities of the Yan family there. Unlike the Xi family, which was ruled by the legitimate lineage, the Yans relied on their skills and talents, disregarding the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate offspring. In the first year of Xiande, the Yan family prospered in Hezhou through the tea trade, and aside from their tributary offerings, they generally kept their distance from Qudu. As a result, Shen Zechuan knew little about them.

"Second Young Master's braid is styled so elegantly," Shen Zechuan mused, not forgetting to cast a sidelong glance and tease, "Truly, you are a man of versatile talents."

"Second Young Master weaves quite the tales," Xiao Chiye teased him. "Did you like the braids in Raging Tide Snow Robe's hair? I was the one who did them."

Shen Zechuan said, "I've been working tirelessly to gather your dowry, yet you treat me like a fleeting love affair?"

Xiao Chiye leaned in, jesting at his own reflection in the mirror, "A horse, huh?"

In Xiao Chiye's eyes, there was a myriad of emotions. Pressing against Shen Zechuan like this reminded Shen Zechuan of their licentious horseback ride on that rainy night. The marks of their kisses were no longer on his smooth neck, but he had already learned to flush under Xiao Chiye's whispers.

Shen Zechuan slightly lifted his chin, revealing the graceful curve of his jade-like neck, like a crescent moon in the dim light, not sharp but exuding luster. He whispered, "Is that so?"

Xiao Chiye fell into the trap, kissing the corner of Shen Zechuan's eye, and looking at their reflection in the mirror, he chuckled, "Would I be willing? You're my lord; all I want is to take you riding."

Shen Zechuan's recent anxieties subsided slightly, and his smile carried an allure that even he himself was unaware of.

* * *

In May, the capital city abruptly grew scorching hot, leaving no time for the spring breeze to bring any relief. Civil servants, unable to ride in palanquins, fanned themselves with their robes as they darted between official compounds, drenched in sweat with sunburnt lips and flushed cheeks.

Liang Caishan had finally found some leisure time. He had been repeatedly promoted due to his auditing of the imperial guards' accounts and now worked under Vice Minister Pan Lin of the Ministry of Revenue, overseeing the verification of local taxes.

Pan Lin was now deeply grateful to Xiao Chiye, for upon his return home, Li Jianheng had indeed pardoned Pan Xiangjie, Pan Lin's father, sparing him from exile and instead placing him on probation without pay, excluding him from this year's inspections by the Board of Censors.

Xiao Chiye had never publicly endorsed Liang Cai Shan, but they were all sharp individuals who knew that Liang Cai Shan was Xiao Chiye’s recommendation to the Emperor. Thus, even without Xiao Chiye’s prior notice, Pan Lin took good care of Liang Cai Shan, sparing him from Wei Huaigu’s criticism.

"Next month, there will be the grand weddings of Hua and Qi. You must memorize the rituals and calculations for the expenses to avoid any embarrassment when the Empress Dowager asks about them later," Pan Lin said, his back drenched in sweat after drinking the mung bean soup.

Despite being much younger than Liang Cai Shan, Pan Lin had entered officialdom earlier and held a higher rank. Therefore, Liang Cai Shan had to address him as "student" instead of "lowly officer."

Liang Cai Shan was also hot, but they were in the office compound, so they had to maintain decorum and not strip casually. Otherwise, if they were seen by the censors from the Board of Censors, they would receive another scolding. He wiped his forehead gently with a handkerchief and nodded. "Lowly officer will follow your instructions carefully and not forget a single detail in the accounts."

Pan Lin gave a few more reminders before heading out to the Board of Rites to check on some details.

Grateful for Shen Zechuan and Xiao Chiye’s favor, Liang Cai Shan never slackened in his duties and immediately began checking the accounts. Before he could settle down, someone suddenly barged in.

It was noon, and there was no one in the office compound. Liang Cai Shan hurried down the steps to greet the stranger. Upon seeing an unfamiliar face, he asked, "Brother, who are you looking for?"

The man was drenched in sweat as he shoved the documents into Liang Cai Shan’s hands. "I’m an official at the Northeastern Grain and Horse Road! Your Excellency, this is an urgent report sent from Juexi Bai Ma Prefecture last night, bearing the seal of the Juexi Province. It’s an urgent matter!"

Northeastern Grain and Horse Road!

The moment Liang Cai Shan heard the name, he knew it concerned something major in the Northern Frontier. He took the documents and said urgently, "Why did it end up at the Board of Revenue? All matters concerning the Northern Frontier are military reports that should be submitted to the Board of Military Affairs!"

"It's an urgent dispatch from BaiMa Prefecture," the man said, "bearing the seal of the Ministry of Revenue! Your Excellency, it must be delivered to the Minister's desk immediately; neither you nor I can afford the consequences of delaying this express message!"

Without hesitation, Liang Cuishan rushed in with the document, only to find that Wei Huaigu was not there but his attendant was. The servant took the dispatch calmly and instructed Liang Cuishan to return later for further instructions.

Suspecting something amiss, Liang Cuishan knew that such an urgent message could not be handled so nonchalantly – it was clearly a ploy to buy time. His heart pounded as he left the office compound and sprinted towards the Jin Yi Wei headquarters.

The sun beat down fiercely on the way, but Liang Cuishan arrived at the Jin Yi Wei post panting, not daring to even drink water. He hurriedly entered the courtyard, asking to see Shen Zechuan.

"What's going on?" Qiao Tianya led him in. "Why did you come all the way here, Your Excellency?"

"An urgent matter, an urgent matter!" Liang Cuishan had no time to explain to Qiao Tianya. Upon seeing Shen Zechuan, he exclaimed, "Your Excellency, I have a pressing issue to discuss!"

Shen Zechuan asked Qiao Tianya to serve tea while he put aside official business, then focused on Liang Cuishan. "What is it?"

Liang Cuishan remained standing, catching his breath before continuing, "Just now, I received an express dispatch at the Ministry of Revenue office, sent from BaiMa Prefecture in JueXi. It concerns the grain and horse route in the northeast! I delivered the dispatch, but I couldn't meet with Minister Wei. This matter is closely tied to Li Bei, Your Excellency; I fear there might be trouble with the military provisions sent to Li Bei last month!"

Shen Zechuan immediately rose to his feet. "Go to the Imperial Guard's office and inform the Duke! Mount my horse and say it's an urgent Jin Yi Wei mission – gallop straight there!"

The military provisions were crucial for Li Bei's year-long campaign. If Wei Huaigu was indeed delaying the report, it likely meant a serious oversight beyond his capacity to handle. Although the preparations for the supplies originated in JueXi's BaiMa Prefecture, their inspection and overall administration fell under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Revenue.

* * *

The heat that day was unusually intense, feeling more like the peak of summer in early May. While the scorching sun had been blazing at noon, the afternoon brought a sudden gust of wind and dark clouds, signaling an impending downpour.

Wei Huaigu had sat in his chair for a full hour, his back drenched with sweat. He felt dizzy and disoriented, having long finished reading the urgent dispatch. Attempting to speak several times, he found himself unable to utter a word. Finally, with a determined heart, he abruptly stood up and declared, "Prepare the sedan chair! To the palace!"

* * *

Even before Xiao Chiye could dismount, large raindrops began pelting down. As he paused, on the verge of entering the city, he saw Qiao Tianya charging towards him at full speed.

Here, Qiao Tianya has yet to arrive when Ding Tao dashes over on horseback, tumbling off the saddle and stammering in agitation, "My Lord, there's been an incident! Just received military intelligence—yesterday, the Vicious Serpent tribe trespassed our borders and encountered the Heir in the Eastern Mountains. The Heir—"

Ding Tao's voice trembled with sobs.

"The Crown Prince is gravely injured, we have lost!"

Qiao Tianya suddenly pulled on his reins, and a thunderbolt cracked through the sky, detonating amidst the rolling, dark clouds. The rain poured down in a tumultuous rush. Xiao Chiye remained on his horse, wearing an expression of bewilderment for the first time, as if he had not understood Ding Tao's meaning.

Since Xiao Fangxu established the Lianbei Iron Riders nearly three decades ago, they have never tasted defeat. Xiao Jiming once led a light cavalry pursuit of the Han She Tribe for hundreds of miles and managed to withdraw safely from the vast desert.

Xiao Chiye never imagined that his elder brother would lose.

Not once.