Chapter 223: Reporting on Hearsay

Chapter 223: Reporting on Hearsay

The Shun Tian Prefecture Magistrate cleared his throat lightly. "We'll discuss this after a thorough investigation."

Censor He frowned slightly and remained silent.

The Shun Tian Prefecture Magistrate knew this was a thorny issue and had to ask, "What do you think, Censor He?"

"This case is significant. It is appropriate for you, Lord Tian, to conduct a thorough investigation," Censor He replied indifferently. "This official will report to His Majesty."

The Shun Tian Prefecture Magistrate's eye twitched, and his temples throbbed. "Censor He, you just said that one-sided words shouldn't be easily trusted! Even if we are to report to His Majesty, shouldn't we investigate first?"

First, I need to calm this stubborn man, then inform Prince Qing. If things really escalate, at least I’ll have done my best.

"One-sided words should be handled carefully by you, Lord Tian," Censor He said with a slight smile. "But for this official, what issue is there? As a Censor, I have the authority to report on hearsay."

Reporting on hearsay was the special power granted to advisory officials in Great Xia, allowing them to accuse based on rumors.

The Shun Tian Prefecture Magistrate was left speechless and, after a pause, lowered his voice. "Censor He, this commoner is accusing Prince Qing. Aren't you concerned about the consequences?"

Censor He's expression hardened, and he spoke with resolve, "This official only cares about the peace and prosperity of the realm."

Knowing he couldn't persuade him, the Shun Tian Prefecture Magistrate gritted his teeth and said, "Please proceed, Censor He, but this commoner has come to Shun Tian Prefecture. This official intends to question her thoroughly."

"It is your duty, Lord Tian. This official dares not interfere."

Before leaving, Censor He cast a glance at the straight-kneeling young woman, a reminder and a warning, "As the plaintiff, Miss Zhu's safety is entrusted to you, Lord Tian. If His Majesty summons Miss Zhu and anything happens to her, neither of us can explain it away."

The Shun Tian Prefecture Magistrate felt a cold sweat break out, and he replied in a low, tense voice, "This official naturally understands."

After Censor He left, the Shun Tian Prefecture Magistrate's tense nerves relaxed slightly as he looked at Zhu Xiaoyue kneeling on the ground, feeling a headache coming on.

"Miss Zhu, when did you arrive in the capital?"

"This commoner arrived some time ago and learned that the official of Shun Tian Prefecture is responsible for handling cases, so I came to seek your lordship to help me."

The Shun Tian Prefecture Magistrate was speechless.

Anticipating the coming storm, the Shun Tian Prefecture Magistrate ordered someone to watch Zhu Xiaoyue closely and quietly instructed his trusted aide, "Go to Prince Qing’s residence."

As for Lord Pei, he had no intention of sending someone to warn him. It wasn't that he had a strained relationship with Lord Pei, but if Censor He reports this to the emperor and it’s confirmed that disaster relief funds were embezzled, even if Prince Qing remained unscathed, Lord Pei would be in danger.

The Shun Tian Prefecture Magistrate didn’t want to invite further complications.

In a private room of a teahouse, He Qingxiao was listening to a report from his subordinate.

"My lord, Censor He is heading towards the imperial palace, and someone else quietly left the Shun Tian Prefecture office and went to Prince Qing’s residence."

Zhu Xiaoyue had intercepted an official's palanquin to file a complaint, and the person who read the petition was arranged by He Qingxiao. Several skilled Jinlin Guards had been closely monitoring the Shun Tian Prefecture office to observe the situation.

It was as He Qingxiao expected: Censor He would report to the emperor, and the Shun Tian Prefecture Magistrate would inform Prince Qing.

Aside from a few officials like Censor He, most wouldn’t risk betting that the emperor would turn his back on Prince Qing.

"My lord, you’re incredibly resourceful for thinking of such a way to intercept them." The subordinate, looking at He Qingxiao with admiration, said.

He Qingxiao, with his sharp intuition, quickly picked up on what his subordinate was thinking and felt a bit awkward.

The reason for this interception method was tied to Miss Kou. Among the many mishaps he had faced, the incident with the falling flowerpot stood out because of Miss Kou's words.

"Continue to keep an eye on things and report back if there's any news."

The subordinate left to carry out the order, while He Qingxiao's gaze shifted to the window, looking in the direction of the imperial palace.

It had been some time since the morning court ended, and Emperor Xingyuan had summoned several important ministers for a discussion. Upon hearing the report from the eunuch that Censor He requested an audience, the emperor's brows furrowed.

Although the position of Censor was low in rank, they had the privilege of direct access to the emperor, which often signaled unpleasant news.

"Let him in."

Shortly after, Censor He entered, bowing deeply. "Your humble servant greets the Emperor."

Despite his deep bow, Censor He's tall stature made him appear dignified and upright.

Emperor Xingyuan quite liked this stern young official, and his tone was gentler than during court sessions. "Censor He, what is the matter?"

Several ministers also pricked up their ears.

Censor He was known for being a stubborn rock. Who would be unlucky this time?

Unconcerned with the high-ranking officials present, Censor He said in a solemn voice, "I hereby impeach Prince Qing, the imperial envoy for disaster relief, and Pei Zuo, the Left Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, for embezzling disaster relief funds and causing harm to the people."

"What?" Emperor Xingyuan thought he had misheard.

The ministers exchanged uneasy glances, their faces pale with shock.

Among the ministers present was the Minister of the Household Ministry, whose expression was even more complicated than his colleagues upon hearing that the issue involved his own department.

"I hereby impeach Prince Qing and Pei Zuo for embezzling disaster relief funds and causing harm to the people," Censor He repeated loudly.

The ministers fell silent.

Emperor Xingyuan's expression darkened, as if a cold wind had swept through the room. "Where did you hear this from, Censor He? Tell me in detail!"

"On my way to Shun Tian Prefecture, I encountered a woman who blocked the magistrate's carriage to appeal her grievances," Censor He explained, presenting the petition. "Please take a look, Your Majesty."

Emperor Xingyuan glanced at Sun Yan, the grand eunuch.

Sun Yan stepped forward to take the petition and presented it to the emperor.

The elegant handwriting, clearly that of a woman, matched Censor He's account.

As Emperor Xingyuan finished reading, his face darkened, looking as if it could rain at any moment.

The ministers bowed their heads, and the room grew deathly quiet, the tension palpable enough to cut with a knife.

After what seemed like an eternity, as the ministers were nearly unable to breathe in the stifling atmosphere, Emperor Xingyuan finally spoke. "Summon Prince Qing and Left Minister of the Ministry of Revenue Pei Zuo to the palace immediately."

His tone was relatively calm, but the storm beneath the calmness was felt by the ministers who had served this emperor for many years.

Had Prince Qing and Minister Pei really embezzled? Could it be true that they had massacred an entire town?

If this were true, while Prince Qing might escape punishment, Minister Pei could face the harshest penalties, including the execution of his entire family. After all, the emperor detested corruption more than anything. Even an official who embezzled just a hundred taels of silver had been executed.

At King Qing’s residence, King Qing listened as the eunuch relayed the oral decree. A look of joy spread across his face. "Is Father really going to see me?"

It had been days since his uncle's incident, and he hadn’t been able to see Father. Could this mean Father had finally calmed down?

The eunuch, unaware of the situation, replied, "Your Highness, please hurry. His Majesty is waiting for you."

"Alright, alright."

King Qing quickly changed into formal attire, his spirits lifted as he hurried to the palace.

"Your Majesty, King Qing has arrived."

"Let him enter."

As the eunuch announced, King Qing strode into the room, his steps quick and purposeful.