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The current situation with Pan Xueliang's case was no different. Although it wasn't explicitly stated, Inspector Lu's attitude made it abundantly clear that the Ministry of Justice would continue to support him as always.

Gu Changjin bowed deeply and said, "This official thanks Inspector Lu for your kind words."

Lu Zhuo replied with a hearty laugh, "Come on, this official will take you to the Supreme Court."

Procurator Li Meng was much younger than Meng Zong and Lu Zhuo. He had been in charge of the Supreme Court for six years and was only in his early forties at present.

To become the Procurator of the Supreme Court at such a young age, Li Meng was undoubtedly an exceptional figure with remarkable talents.

Hearing that Minister of Justice Gu Changjin and the Secretary of State Lu Zhuo had arrived, he promptly guessed the purpose of their visit.

"Fetch two cups of Dragon Ball tea," he instructed, straightening his official robe before personally going to greet Lu Zhuo and Gu Changjin. "Are both of you here regarding the former Secretary of State's case?"

Lu Zhuo replied, "Minister Li is straightforward. Indeed, Lord Gu and I have come on account of the former Secretary and Pan Xueliang. This case is of great significance, so we hope that Minister Li will cooperate fully to ensure its proper handling."

Li Meng had only mentioned the former Secretary by name earlier, but Lu Zhuo included both him and Pan Xueliang. Now, Li Meng was certain of their intentions.

They were here for Pan Xueliang.

According to common knowledge, the Inspectorate's official, who had navigated the political waters alongside Lu Zhuo for so long, should be well aware of the Emperor's stance on this case and the old Minister's situation.

Li Meng subtly glanced at Gu Changjin, knowing that it was this fearless young man causing trouble once again.

After the Jiayou Eighteenth Year's Imperial Hall announcement of the top scholars, his mentor had specifically instructed him to secure this young man for the Ministry of Justice. Li Meng was a smooth operator, disliking those who stirred up trouble like a stick in a cesspool.

At this moment, Gu Changjin was that very stick in his eyes.

A bitter taste tingled at the back of Li Meng's teeth, aware that if he refused today, the irascible Minister Lu would likely smash his office to pieces.

Thus, he replied, "What does the Chief Justice mean? It is an honor for me to work alongside you on this case. I wonder what procedure the Chief Justice desires? Just tell me, and I will follow through."

His words were carefully chosen, neither offending Lu Zhuo nor leaving himself vulnerable to the Emperor's anger in the future. He could always claim he was coerced by Lu Zhuo into agreeing.

Lu Zhuo saw through Li Meng's ulterior motives and didn't bother playing diplomatic games with him. He nodded and said, "Both I and Minister Meng of the Board of Censors agree on the joint investigation by the three judicial departments regarding the old Minister's case. Now, we only await your approval, Lord Li."

Li Meng hurriedly responded, "If both esteemed officials have already consented, how could I possibly disagree?"

Lu Zhuo replied, "Excellent. In that case, I wish to visit the Grand Prison of Justice to meet with the old Minister. I won't keep Lord Li any longer."

He bowed and bid farewell, addressing Gu Changjin, "Come on, follow this official."

The clerk who had been instructed by Li Meng to fetch tea emerged from the teahouse. Seeing Lu Zhuo leading Gu Changjin in a hurry to the Dali Temple Prison, he was momentarily stunned.

In the office, he said, "Sir, about the tea—"

Li Meng waved his hand. "Leave it there. I'll drink it later. Go monitor the situation at the Dali Temple Prison and report back to me if there's any news."

The clerk quickly set down the tray and obeyed the order.

Li Meng walked with his hands behind his back to the long corridor outside the office. Soon, his trusted attendant galloped back hastily.

Li Meng's expression turned serious as he hurried back to the office. Closing the door as soon as the attendant entered, he asked, "How did it go? What did our teacher say?"

By "teacher," Li Meng referred to Wenquan Pavilion's chief prime minister, Xing Shicong, who was also the emperor's eldest son's maternal grandfather.

The attendant whispered, "Prime Minister Xing instructed you to cooperate fully with Lord Gu."

Relieved, Li Meng's furrowed brows eased up, and he felt a sense of relief.

Given Teacher's words, it seems that the trial by the Three Judicial Bureaus will be advantageous for Prince Firstborn.

In that case, there's no need to keep anyone watching over the prison at the Supreme Court. After pondering, he said to his attendant, "Tell those guarding the Supreme Court prison to return. Although Lu Zhuo has a fiery temper, he is meticulous. There's no point in keeping a close watch on him."

...

At the Supreme Court Prison.

"Since the former Minister wishes to see you, I've brought you here. If you have any questions, seize this opportunity to ask them." Lu Zhuo sighed. The former Minister's health was uncertain, and he might not even survive until the day of the trial by the Three Judicial Bureaus.

From the moment Gu Changjin arrived at the Supreme Court with Lu Zhuo, he knew that the person Lu Zhuo wanted to talk about was the former Minister.

The former Minister was a highly respected statesman who had served three consecutive emperors in the capital. Even though he was imprisoned, others dared not mistreat him. Someone as cunning as Li Meng would have preferred to treat him with the utmost respect.

Thus, Fan Zhi's cell was exceptionally comfortable, equipped with soft cushions, thick blankets, a writing desk with a bright lamp, and a small table for tea. Anyone unfamiliar with the situation might mistake the elder official as a visitor inspecting the prison conditions.

The jailer unlocked the door respectfully and quickly left after handing the key to Gu Changjin.

Lu Zhuo strode in and greeted, "Elder Minister, I've brought Yunzhi to you."

Fan Zhi sat on a cushion, and upon hearing this, he lifted his gaze to look at Gu Changjin.

Gu Changjin stepped forward respectfully and said solemnly, "This official has come to pay respects to Minister Fan."

Fan Zhi chuckled. "There's no Minister Fan here, only the guilty official, Fan Zhi."

He waved his hand at Lu Zhuo and said, "You may leave. This old man wishes to have a casual chat with Young Master Gu."

This elder statesman was almost in his nineties and had likely suffered from various illnesses in recent years. He was now skin and bones, his hair and beard completely white, and an air of decay emanated from his forehead.

Yet, his eyes, which seemed to have seen through the world, remained bright and clear, untouched by the murkiness of age.

If not for those eyes, Gu Changjin would not have sensed any signs of life in him.

Suddenly, he understood why the Supreme Censor had told him to ask his questions today.

If he didn't ask now, it might be too late.

Fan Zhi pointed to the cushion beside him and said, "Sit down and keep this old man company for a chat."

Only then did Gu Changjin notice the two cushioned mats placed on the soft couch where the old Secretary was seated. A small chicken-wing wood table was nestled between them, upon which rested a chessboard.