Chapter 28

Gu Changjin nodded and drew out an opened letter from his sleeve. "On the day of my wedding, someone secretly delivered this letter among the congratulatory gifts to my residence. It lists that Yang Xu has sold twenty-eight official positions over the past five years, amassing a fortune of 150,000 taels of silver."

Tan Siyuan slowly scanned the ranks, prices, and transaction dates mentioned in the letter. The anger on his face dissipated, replaced by a grave expression.

After all, he had been immersed in the world of politics for over two decades. He immediately sensed something was amiss.

Someone had sent this letter soon after Gu Changjin returned from his secret investigation in Changping Prefecture.

It seemed someone was keeping a close eye on the Ministry of Justice, hoping to use it as a weapon against Yang Xu. But with the powerful figure backing Yang Xu, how easy would it be to bring him down?

The current court was in chaos, with several intricate factions intertwined and undercurrents surging. Today's enemy could become tomorrow's ally, and fellow travelers might diverge at a crossroads, even stabbing you in the back.

No one could be trusted blindly, let alone an anonymous letter.

Tan Siyuan lowered his hand, passing the letter to a gray-robed attendant. "Did you see who delivered the letter?"

Gu Changjin shook his head. "My residence was bustling with people and noise that night. The person who brought the letter was dressed as a servant, bowing their head as they handed over the gift before disappearing into the crowd."

On that day, Tan Siyuan had also sent gifts, so he was well aware of how vigorously the officials from the Ministry of Punishment had teased the newlyweds. Under such circumstances, it would be easy for anyone with ill intentions to slip through unnoticed.

"Never mind. Let me keep this letter for now. If someone truly intends to use the Ministry of Punishment to eliminate Yang Xu, they will surely resurface in the future."

He picked up a rose pastry and shot Gu Changjin a playful smile. "These past few days, you've been busy with Li'er's case and haven't been home much. Has Lady Hong from the House of Cheng'an complained about you?"

Complain?

Gu Changjin's gaze softened as he recalled the previous evening.

In that tranquil and ordinary sunset, a delicate golden glow embraced the maiden's brows and eyes. She stood gracefully beneath the tree, even the slightest lift of her skirt seemed to carry an indescribable tenderness. Then, with utmost obedience and propriety, she said to him, "My lord, go about your duties."

She never complained, nor did she overstep bounds; she consistently maintained a distance that did not breed his disdain.

Gu Changjin's gaze descended fractionally as he said, "My wife is of an upright and gracious nature, with a broad-mindedness that deeply understands my position. She has never uttered a single complaint."

In the honeymoon of their marriage, it is natural for couples to be inseparable and deeply affectionate. It's commendable to understand the hardships of one's husband. Tan Siyuan had never meddled in household affairs, but on that day, when his wife sent gifts through her servants, he couldn't help but express his thoughts to her.

The eldest daughter of Duke Cheng'an was not well reputed. Her grandmother had allegedly commented numerous times during banquets about her spoiled nature, though it was uncertain how much truth there was in those words.

Hence, Tan Siyuan brushed off the crumbs on his hands and nodded, acknowledging, "It must have been tough on her. Once Xu Li'er's case is settled, take some time to rest at home and spend quality time with your wife."

Gu Changjin lowered his gaze and tactfully changed the subject, "I owe my escape yesterday to Obeying Heaven Mansion's timely assistance."

In warfare, speed is crucial.

If not for the swift response of the bailiffs from Obeying Heaven Mansion, he might have survived, but with additional wounds that would have kept him unconscious for longer.

"Zhu E was originally the Deputy Commander of Yun-Gui Province, skilled in military strategy. When the Emperor summoned him back to serve as the Prefectural Magistrate of Obeying Heaven Mansion, one of his first tasks was to rigorously train his subordinates. Seeking help from Obeying Heaven Mansion was indeed a wiser choice than going to the Eastern City Military Commission."

The Eastern City Military Commission was closer to Changan Avenue, but Gu Changjin had chosen the farther option, probably realizing that they would merely pay lip service to the situation.

Unlike the Eastern City Military Commission, Zhu E was the initial investigator of Xu Li'er's case and was already entangled in it. Knowing that Gu Changjin's ambush was related to Xu Li'er's case, he would undoubtedly spare no effort to rescue him.

Otherwise, how could they have arrived so promptly?

"The Emperor must have had a reason for recalling Zhu E from Yun-Gui to Obeying Heaven Mansion. The Chief Eunuch of the Supervisor of Ceremonies was initially trying to forge ties with Zhu E. Now, with Yang Rong's interference, not only has the attempt failed, but a grudge has been incurred."

Tan Siyuan sipped his tea and scoffed, "Yang Xu ruined his godfather's plans, and now, desperate like a cornered dog, he probably panicked and decided to ambush you on Changan Avenue."

Gu Changjin listened silently, not offering a response.

The teacup was scorching hot, with white steam curling upward.

Lost in thought, Tan Siyuan lifted his gaze through the mist and looked at Gu Changjin with an enigmatic expression. "After being ambushed yesterday, do you regret it?"

This case involving Xu Li'er should never have fallen under Gu Changjin's jurisdiction.

The seasoned officials in the Criminal Ministry were afraid to offend the Eastern Depot and the Imperial Guards, so they dared not handle the matter for fear of gaining a reputation for cowardice. Thus, they passed the case onto Gu Changjin.

Gu Changjin could have easily passed this hot potato to someone else.

But he didn't, and it was fortunate that he didn't.

When Tan Siyuan went to the prison to rescue the prisoner, Jin had already been on the brink of death. Now, she clung to life merely hoping for justice, longing for them to save Xu Li'er from Yang Rong's clutches.

The Eastern Depot and the Imperial Guards had colluded and caused untold suffering to countless people over the years.

One of Tan Siyuan's younger kin had died at the hands of those minions. Since his appointment as the Left Vice Minister of the Criminal Ministry, he made it a point to be involved in any cases connected to the Eastern Depot or the Imperial Guards.

He was a legitimate third-rank official in the capital, backed by the entire Tan family and the entire Ministry of Justice. Thus, he had the confidence to defy the Eastern Depot and the Imperial Guards.

But Gu Changjin was different. Despite his boundless prospects and the favor of both the Emperor and the Grand Censor, he was still relatively powerless. For instance, if he hadn't promptly sought help from Obeying Heaven Mansion the day before, how could he be sitting here alive now?

Tan Siyuan's words were vague, but Gu Changjin understood what he was asking.

"I have never regretted my actions," he replied.

After saying this, he covered his mouth with a fist and coughed a few times. When the coughing subsided, he bowed and said, "This humble official is grateful for your guidance, Your Excellency."

Indeed, Tan Siyuan's earlier words were meant as a subtle warning to Gu Changjin.