Chapter 119: Huo Ling’s Incognito Travels: …

**Chapter 119: *Huo Ling's Incognito Travels* – ...**

Ten thousand taels, take it or leave it.

Zhou Chenghong, who had been sitting in the carriage and had no intention of stooping to get involved, could no longer hold back.

He had always been the one oppressing others—never had he been extorted by some hotheaded punk who appeared out of nowhere. If word got out, wouldn’t the other noble families laugh at him?

"Where did this lowlife come from?"

Zhou Chenghong flung open the carriage curtain and glared at Wu Feng. "You’ve got some nerve, trying to swindle money out of me, old man!"

Wu Feng sneered. "Whether I’m swindling you or not, we’ll know once we go to the Prefect’s office."

Zhou Chenghong’s face twisted in confusion. "The Prefect’s office?"

The young father Wu Feng had saved was also shocked and tugged at his sleeve. "Good sir, you mustn’t go to the Prefect’s office!"

Wu Feng feigned ignorance. "Why not? Surely the Prefect wouldn’t shield him?"

The young father urged anxiously, "You must not be from Cangzhou City, are you? The Cui and Zhou families have been close for generations. The man in the carriage is Zhou Chenghong, the Zhou family's young master. He’s used to throwing his power around—you won’t gain anything by confronting him."

Wu Feng, however, snorted coldly, putting on the part of hotheaded anger. "Is there no law in Cangzhou City, then?"

Zhou Chenghong barked a laugh as if he had heard a joke. "Law? In Cangzhou City, offending me is the same as offending the law!"

Wu Feng secretly scoffed but outwardly wore an expression of fury and shouted, "I just came from the Prefect’s office! I heard that Lord Ding Jinghuan, Capital Prefect, has arrived in Cangzhou City and is currently at the office. In the capital, the common folk call him *Justice Ding*—he’ll surely uphold justice for me!"

Zhou Chenghong flinched slightly.

He had spent the night at his lover’s place and hadn’t risen until noon, so he hadn’t yet heard about what had happened at the Prefect’s office.

But then again, his carriage hadn’t actually hit anyone.

And what kind of piece-of-junk sword dared demand ten thousand taels? This was clearly extortion!

How dare this man try to extort him—did he think he’d get away with it?

A cold smile curled at Zhou Chenghong’s lips as he looked at Wu Feng as if he were a dead man. "Fine, I’ll go with you to the Prefect’s office. *He thought.*"

The young father let out a hopeless sigh, and the bystanders couldn’t help but shake their heads—this man was surely doomed.

Song Xu stood quietly to the side, watching. Just as Wu Feng knew him well, he also understood Wu Feng’s temperament.

Wu Feng was methodical in his actions, not one to act rashly or recklessly.

Moreover, with the Empress and Emperor present, Wu Feng, as the Shadow Guard Chief, would always prioritize their safety above all else—he would never cause trouble without reason.

Yet, when facing this Zhou family young master, Wu Feng had played the part of hotheaded anger...

Song Xu was certain that Wu Feng’s behavior must have been sanctioned by Her Majesty.

The Zhou family...

What was so special about the Zhou family of Cangzhou City...

Wu Feng glanced back at Huo Ling and Ji Xianshan, his voice softening. "Madam, Young Master, will you come with me to the Prefect’s office, or would you prefer to return to the estate to rest?"

Ji Xianshan immediately said, "To the magistrate’s office."

He had long been curious about how Magistrate Ding conducted court sessions, but he had never found the opportunity to observe. Now that the chance was right before him, there was no way he would miss it.

Huo Ling nodded. "Then let's go to the magistrate’s office."

Earlier, to stop the carriage, Wu Feng had deliberately run ahead, putting some distance between himself and Huo Ling and Ji Xianshan. As a result, Zhou Chenghong hadn’t realized Wu Feng and Huo Ling were together.

It wasn't until Wu Feng spoke up to ask for instructions that Zhou Chenghong followed the sound and looked over—his eyes lighting up.

Though the lady wore a veil, obscuring her face, her figure and voice made it clear she was a great beauty.

Unlike the shyness of unmarried maidens, Zhou Chenghong had a particular fondness for women like her.

He cleared his throat, and if one ignored the dark circles under his eyes—clear signs of overindulgence—he managed to appear somewhat gentlemanly.

"So this brash nobody who appeared from nowhere is your guard, madam. Where are you from? What brings you to Cangzhou City, and where are you staying? This encounter must be fate. Since it’s still some distance to the magistrate’s office, if you don’t mind, I’d be honored to offer you a ride in my carriage."

Wu Feng’s gaze toward Zhou Chenghong shifted from viewing him as a mark to seeing him as a dead man walking.

Zhou Chenghong ignored Wu Feng entirely, keeping his eyes fixed on Huo Ling. "This guard of yours can’t protect you, madam. Out of respect for you, once we reach the magistrate’s office, I’ll spare his life—just give him enough punishment to learn what’s forbidden to say in Cangzhou City, and who should never be offended."

Ji Xianshan’s brows furrowed in anger. "How dare you!"

Even Huo Ling hadn’t expected this. When she went out without a veil, no one dared approach her with flirtatious advances. Yet today, the one time she chose to wear it, she encountered such a bold degenerate.

She gently patted Ji Xianshan’s head, signaling him to stay calm, then spoke. "My man and I are strangers here, so we truly don’t know which words shouldn’t be spoken or which people shouldn’t be offended in Cangzhou City."

Zhou Chenghong smiled faintly, his words laced with suggestion. "You’ll learn soon enough, madam. When you encounter trouble you can’t resolve, don’t hesitate to ask for my help. As long as you offer me proper compensation, I’ll certainly step in—"

Wu Feng sharply interrupted, "Madam, our carriage has arrived."

Zhou Chenghong’s words faltered, but he didn’t stop Huo Ling from boarding. Once he dealt with that reckless fool, a few careful arrangements would surely make this lady come willingly to his bed.

Huo Ling took Wu Feng’s hand and stepped into the carriage. As the curtain fell, her voice came from within, cold and final.

"No need to wait any longer. Spring the trap."

Wu Feng dipped his head in silent assent and made a gesture toward a certain direction.

---

***

Cangzhou Prefectural Office, Rear Courtyard

Ding Jinghuan nursed his wine while skillfully parrying the probes from Clan Leader Cui and Cui Zhao.

Though he spoke continuously, not a word held substance—none of it what Clan Leader Cui and Cui Zhao wanted to hear.

Clan Leader Cui hadn’t expected Ding Jinghuan to be such an eel.

Seeing that nothing useful could be gleaned from him, Clan Leader Cui left first, instructing Cui Zhao to keep Magistrate Ding company.

As Cui Zhao saw off Clan Leader Cui and turned back to urge Ding Jinghuan to drink more, Secretary Feng hurried in, bending to whisper in Cui Zhao’s ear.

Ding Jinghuan glanced at Secretary Feng and remarked pointedly, "Does our Prefect Cui require private counsel?"

Secretary Feng managed a strained smile. "It concerns official matters."

Secretary Feng looked at Cui Zhao, hesitating before answering, "...Yes."

Ding Jinghuan's eyes lit up. "Did someone really file a complaint this quickly after my announcement?"

Cui Zhao, inwardly frustrated, said to Secretary Feng, "Since Lord Ding is curious, just speak plainly."

Secretary Feng had no choice but to explain directly.

"Young Master Zhou has filed a complaint. He had an unlucky encounter—his carriage was traveling peacefully on the road when someone suddenly rushed out and slashed at it with a sword. The sword, being less sturdy than the carriage, got chipped, and that person then demanded 10,000 taels in damages from Young Master Zhou."

Cui Zhao slammed the table in anger. "That's completely outrageous!"

Ding Jinghuan's interest was piqued, and he insisted on going with Cui Zhao to see what was happening.

When they reached the courtroom, Ding Jinghuan quickened his pace and indeed spotted several familiar figures.

His face showed surprise as he pondered how to react, only to see Wu Mo point at Huo Ling and then shake her head at him.

Ji Xianshan stood beside Huo Ling, looking around eagerly, fascinated by everything, and even gave him a discreet wave.

Well, if neither leader was in a rush, then neither was he.

Cui Zhao entered the courtroom a few steps behind Ding Jinghuan.

Seeing Zhou Chenghong standing below, Cui Zhao asked, "Lord Ding, what do you think of this case...?"

Ding Jinghuan displayed utmost deference. "I have no interest in this case. Since Young Master Zhou is Prefect Cui's nephew (of sorts), it's best for you to preside over it."

Cui Zhao grew uneasy at Ding Jinghuan's sudden shift in attitude.

Once bitten, twice shy—he instinctively tried to stall. "It's already quite late today. Perhaps we should postpone the hearing until tomorrow."

Before Ding Jinghuan could respond, Zhou Chenghong spoke up urgently. "Uncle, the evidence is clear—there's no need to wait until tomorrow."

Cui Zhao couldn't help but glance at Ding Jinghuan.

Ding Jinghuan stood with arms crossed, completely relaxed, showing no urgency.

Feeling somewhat reassured, Cui Zhao said, "Lord Ding, may I first speak privately with my nephew?"

This time, he was determined to fully understand the case's details and not make the same mistake twice.

Ding Jinghuan smiled faintly. "Prefect Cui, go right ahead."

...

Cui Zhao knew exactly what kind of person Zhou Chenghong was.

So even though Zhou Chenghong kept insisting that Wu Feng had extorted him, Cui Zhao remained skeptical.

It wasn’t until Secretary Feng returned from gathering information and corroborated Zhou Chenghong's account that Cui Zhao finally began to relax.

This time, Zhou Chenghong was in the right!

What kind of cheap sword could possibly be worth ten thousand taels?

And if that idiot hadn't tried to hack at the carriage with it, would the sword have broken?

It was obvious they'd targeted the carriage's occupant, knowing he was someone important, just to extort money.

However, before returning to the courtroom, Prefect Cui suddenly remembered something else.

"That hotheaded youth and his master—what are they really?"

Secretary Feng thumped his chest confidently. "Your Honor needn’t worry. When they came to report the case, they presented their identification papers. I examined them carefully—they’re merchants from Yanxi here in Cangzhou to trade in fabrics."

Prefect Cui was now fully reassured.

Such a simple case truly didn’t need to be delayed until tomorrow.

He’d bungled things today, so he needed to redeem himself in front of Ding Jinghuan. And if he sent a generous sum of money along with a cart of fine wine—currying favor—he could ensure that Ding would put in a good word for him before Her Majesty the Empress Dowager.

...

Prefect Cui reappeared in the courtroom.

He adjusted his official robes, cleared his throat, and slammed the gavel. His gaze swept from Zhou Chenghong to Wu Feng before finally settling on Huo Ling, who wore a wide-brimmed hat with a veil. His brow furrowed.

"You—"

Prefect Cui raised his hand, pointing at Huo Ling.

Ding Jinghuan, who had been lounging lazily and preparing to quietly observe the proceedings, instinctively straightened in his seat.

Prefect Cui snapped, "This is a courtroom—you foolish woman! Remove that veil at once!"

Ding Jinghuan: "..."

Huo Ling touched her veiled hat and replied calmly, "Prefect Cui’s handling of this case is quite interesting. After opening the session, instead of questioning the plaintiff or the defendant, you turn your ire toward this 'foolish woman.'"

She emphasized the last four words.

Ding Jinghuan: "..."

Ding Jinghuan cut in hastily, "Prefect Cui, this person is a witness. Perhaps we should first hear the plaintiff’s account."

Wu Feng also stepped forward at the right moment, but before he could speak, Zhou Chenghong’s coachman beat him to it.

Wu Feng’s mouth twisted wryly.

Well, now he, the plaintiff, had inexplicably become the defendant.

The coachman’s account echoed Secretary Feng’s word for word, though with more detail.

Prefect Cui demanded, "Defendant, the plaintiff accuses you of extortion. What do you have to say in your defense?"

Wu Feng replied, "The value of this sword cannot be measured in money."

Prefect Cui sneered, "Even the finest sword couldn’t possibly be worth ten thousand taels. The plaintiff could claim his carriage is priceless too. You struck it with your sword and damaged it—shouldn’t you compensate him ten thousand taels as well?"

Zhou Chenghong smirked and raised his brows smugly, then cupped his hands toward Prefect Cui. "Spoken like a true sage, Your Honor."

Wu Feng paused as he went to draw his sword.

Though he and Her Majesty had indeed intended to set a trap for Zhou Chenghong and Prefect Cui, the fact that Prefect Cui ruled without even glancing at the sword was downright incompetent.

Had he taken even one look, even if he couldn’t recognize it as an imperial gift, he would have seen it was a treasure beyond price.

Wu Feng quietly slid the sword back into its sheath. "His carriage almost ran someone down first. After nearly causing harm, instead of stopping to apologize, he wheeled around and fled as if it were nothing. That’s why I stepped in to halt his carriage."

The coachman immediately retorted that he had driven for the Zhou family for over a decade and would never make such a mistake.

Cui Zhao asked, "Aside from your master’s family, do you have any other witnesses?"

Wu Feng replied, "You can send someone to ask nearby vendors."

The young father and daughter he had protected, unwilling to invite trouble, had not followed them to the prefectural office.

Zhou Chenghong said, "My carriage didn’t hit anyone. On the contrary, it was your sword that struck the carriage. If not for my coachman stabilizing it in time, who knows what might have happened?"

Cui Zhao nodded slightly and began delivering his verdict: "I’ve grasped the full picture of this case.

"The carriage indeed did not collide with any pedestrians, and the damage to the defendant’s sword occurred when it struck the carriage. Your sword has a notch,

and his carriage bears a sword mark. Call it even.

"As for the plaintiff’s accusation that the defendant made an exorbitant demand, extorting ten thousand taels—this charge is valid. To make an example of him, the defendant is sentenced to five years in prison and a fine of one thousand taels."

Zhou Chenghong stretched with a smirk, hoping to relish Wu Feng’s despair, but found no trace of dismay on his face.

Frowning, he caught sight of Huo Ling from the corner of his eye and smiled again, his tone cheerful: "The charge of extortion can be severe or lenient. If the lady is open to a private settlement, I might show mercy."

Huo Ling, who had seen enough of this farce, suddenly spoke up: "This sword was bestowed by my late husband. Lord Ding, do you think it is worth ten thousand taels?"

Ding Jinghuan straightened up: "Absolutely. Anyone who possesses this sword could pass it down as a family heirloom."

Huo Ling pressed further: "When the carriage nearly collided with my child and a father-daughter pair, do you believe my guard was justified in stopping it?"

Ding Jinghuan: "Yes."

Huo Ling asked again: "Then, what punishment does the Zhou heir deserve for repeatedly insulting me?"

Ding Jinghuan’s voice dripped with menace: "For insolence toward a superior, death would be too light."

A chill of dread shot through Cui Zhao.

He stared at the veiled woman below the dais and the child beside her. A bizarre suspicion surged in his mind, making his entire body tremble.

Huo Ling raised her hand and removed her veil, revealing her true face.

Ding Jinghuan dropped into a deep bow: "Your Majesty, Your Highness, you’ve been wronged."

Huo Ling looked up at the plaque hanging above the courtroom, inscribed with the words "Impartial and Upright."

"Originally, I had no intention of revealing myself. I never expected to step into the Cangzhou Prefectural Office in this manner."

Ding Jinghuan said, "This unworthy official has failed you."

Huo Ling continued, "Wu Feng is the Shadow Guard Chief under this Empress Dowager. In rank, he outranks the Cangzhou Prefect by half a grade. Yet even he, when encountering trouble in Cangzhou City, was turned from plaintiff to defendant. If he and I were truly ordinary people, he’d have been cheated today.

"This Empress Dowager was unaware that Cangzhou City of Great Yan has now become the fiefdom of the Cui and Zhou clans?"

Cui Zhao collapsed to his knees, sobbing: "Your Majesty… please forgive this lowly official and the entire Cui family… We would never dare harbor such treasonous thoughts!"

Zhou Chenghong also knelt, his lips quivering, speechless.

The commoners observing the trial murmured in astonishment.

They had assumed this group had offended the Zhou family and would meet a terrible end—never imagining that the Empress Dowager herself had come to Cangzhou City incognito!

Huo Ling looked at Ding Jinghuan: "This case, you shall retry in place of Cui Zhao. Begin by clarifying who is the plaintiff and who is the defendant."

Cui Zhao slumped in defeat, knowing he was done for.

Even his eldest brother—or even his cousin, the esteemed Minister of Justice residing far away in the capital—could not save him now.

Ding Jinghuan bowed again and raised his hand. "Your Majesty and Your Highness, please be seated."

Quick-witted bailiffs brought two ornate official chairs but hesitated over where to place them.

Wu Mo pointed to a spot, and the bailiffs, as if spared punishment, set the chairs down.

After Huo Ling and Ji Xianshan were seated, Ding Jinghuan also sat where Cui Zhao had been. He struck the gavel forcefully, drawing everyone’s attention.

"Plaintiff," he declared, "you may now speak."

Wu Feng, finally restored to his rightful role as plaintiff, recounted the day's events plainly, emphasizing only this: "The mightiest blade needs no sharp edge. This heavy sword in my hand was a gift from the late emperor. Back then, the Ministry of Works forged ten such swords in a single batch, each with a known owner."

Imperial gifts were meticulously recorded, so Wu Feng was not speaking idly.

Ding Jinghuan said calmly, "If the origin of this sword is indeed as you say, your demand for ten thousand taels in compensation from the defendant is reasonable. Defendant Zhou Chenghong, do you have anything to say?"

Zhou Chenghong, showing rare wit, cried out hoarsely, "Lord Ding, Lord Ding! I—this commoner—is willing to pay ten thousand taels. No, no, this sword is worth far more than ten thousand taels. This commoner offers one hundred thousand taels. Please grant your approval, Lord Ding!"

Was one hundred thousand taels the price of a sword?

No—it was clearly the price of his life.

Ding Jinghuan ignored the plea and ruled firmly, "I hereby order you to compensate the plaintiff ten thousand taels, since you raise no objection."

Scattered clapping began among the onlookers.

At first it was hesitant, but after a brief pause and seeing the high-ranking officials seated above, the applause built to thunderous waves.

Some even cheered, "Long live the Empress Dowager! Long live His Majesty!"

"Wonderful! Zhou Chenghong has finally met his fate!"

"At last, someone has come to deal with that incompetent magistrate, Cui Zhao!"

Once the courtroom quieted again, Ding Jinghuan spoke once more, commanding the guards to seize Cui Zhao and Zhou Chenghong and hold them in custody temporarily.

Feng, the scribe who had aided their crimes, did not escape either, and was thrown into the cells alongside his master.

Ding Jinghuan repeated what he had said earlier that afternoon:

"I will be stationed at the prefectural office for the next few days. If any of you have complaints to file, submit your claims without hesitation."

The first time he made this announcement, most had dismissed it.

After all, Ding Jinghuan would remain in Cangzhou only briefly, while these commoners had lived here for generations.

Even if they gained temporary justice, as long as the Zhou and Cui families remained in power, once Ding Jinghuan left, retaliation would surely follow.

But now, whether they had grievances or not, the people took these words to heart.

And the first person to come forward and act upon them appeared faster than anyone expected.

Almost the moment Ding Jinghuan finished speaking, an elderly man with a limp, supported by his grandson, painfully emerged from the crowd and prostrated himself before the bench.

"I, Gao Lifeng of Gao Village, greet Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, His Majesty the Emperor, and Lord Ding."

The old man withdrew from his chest a yellowed petition faintly stained with blood, tears welling in his eyes.

Gao Village was not far from Cangzhou City, and with three rivers flowing through it, its land was very fertile.

Thanks to the bountiful harvests, Gao Village was once known as a wealthy village near and far.

But that was seven or eight years ago.

Because eight years ago, Patriarch Zhou set his sights on Gao Village's land and forcibly bought ninety percent of its good fields for practically nothing.

The remaining tenth remained unsold—not because Patriarch Zhou couldn't buy it, but because it was mostly mountainous terrain, which he considered worthless.

As the village chief, the old man led the young men of the village to ask the Zhou family for justice, only to be brutally beaten by their guards.

It was then that his leg was broken.

With no other choice, the old man limped on his broken leg to the prefectural office.

But Cangzhou Prefect Cui Zhao didn’t give them justice. Instead, because they had gone to the Zhou family asking for fairness, he ordered these young men to compensate the Zhou family for their losses.

How could the villagers of Gao Village afford such a sum?

They had come to the prefectural office seeking justice, yet when they left, they somehow went from being free men to becoming tenant farmers for the Zhou family.

...

Tears ran down the old man’s deeply lined face.

His account of injustice came out broken and choked up.

Ding Jinghuan personally came down from the high platform, took the blood-stained petition from the old man’s hands, helped him up, and kindly gave him a handkerchief: "When you couldn’t find justice in Cangzhou, didn’t you think of taking your case to the capital?"

The old man replied, "We did think of it. Of course we did. But first, none of us had ever left Cangzhou; second, Prefect Cui said—he said..."

Ding Jinghuan pressed, "What did he say?"

The old man answered, "He said the Minister of Justice was his cousin and also the Zhou family’s son-in-law, and the Left Censor-in-Chief was also the Zhou family’s son-in-law… With those two in power, even if we somehow made it to the capital, we wouldn’t make any difference."

This case not only involved local gentry and the prefect, but also two high-ranking officials in the capital!

One of them was even a Regent appointed by the late emperor!

Ding Jinghuan’s brows knit in anger as he said firmly, "Village Chief Gao, please rest assured—this official accepts your petition. With His Majesty and Her Majesty present, as long as your words are true, I will surely seek justice for you and Gao Village."

The old man’s tears, just barely held back, came flooding back.

Amidst the applause and cheers of the crowd, Song Xu’s gaze slowly shifted from Wu Feng to Ding Jinghuan, finally settling on Huo Ling.

Only now did he fully understand Her Majesty’s whole plan.

Whether it was the case of Lady Liu or the case of Zhu Wan, for Her Majesty, they were merely unexpected events along the way.

Her true plan, her final move, was this lawsuit of the people against the officials!

In March this year, heavy rain fell on the capital. Xing Tai Palace, where Her Majesty handled government affairs, was hit by lightning, and the fire spread all the way to the front of Tai He Palace, where the Emperor lived.

His mentor Wen Shengan and Chen Haoyan, the Chief Censor of the Censorate, insisted that the fire was an act of divine punishment.

The Deputy Chief Censor of the Censorate even filed a petition urging Her Majesty to issue an edict of self-reproach and grant a nationwide pardon.

In the end, neither side came out on top.

Her Majesty did not issue an edict of self-reproach to take responsibility for the fire, but her trusted confidants, Qiu Hongzhen and the Chief of the Imperial Household Department, were both banished from the capital.

In April, Ding Jinghuan petitioned to have the Empress Dowager and the Emperor move to the Cangzhou Palace to celebrate the Emperor’s birthday.

The Empress Dowager approved the request but shockingly left Wen Shengan and Chen Haoyan behind in the capital, taking only the Emperor and a group of court officials to Cangzhou.

In July, shortly after the Emperor’s birthday, the Empress Dowager took the Emperor and a few others and traveled incognito to Cangzhou City.

Cangzhou City was the most prosperous town in Cangzhou and the gathering place of its powerful aristocratic clans.

The Cui clan of Qinghe had longstanding ties with the Zhou family of Cangzhou City, often intermarrying.

Minister of Justice Cui Ming, a descendant of the Qinghe Cui clan, married the youngest sister of Patriarch Zhou and the third aunt of Zhou Chenghong.

Chief Censor Chen Haoyan was Cui Ming’s brother-in-law (through marriage), having married the eldest sister of Patriarch Zhou and the eldest aunt of Zhou Chenghong.

It was precisely because Zhou Chenghong had two such powerful uncles in high positions that he had been able to get away with such bullying behavior in Cangzhou City for so long without facing any real consequences.

As for the matter of Gaojia Village and the actions of the Zhou family, did Cui Ming and Chen Haoyan truly know about them? Were they directly involved?

It made no difference whatsoever.

As Minister of Justice, failing to properly discipline his own clan members while allowing his cousin to hand down corrupt rulings, confuse right and wrong, and shield relatives—how could he still have the face to remain in office?

As Chief Censor, tasked with overseeing all officials, he had accompanied his wife back to Cangzhou City three years earlier and stayed with the Zhou family for a month, yet failed to uncover their crimes. This constituted negligence of duty—how could he continue to lead the Censorate or carry out the responsibilities of assisting governance?

These two men were key political allies of his mentor in court.

The fire in the Xingtai Hall had led to the banishment of two of Her Majesty’s closest aides.

Now, before the reconstruction of the Xingtai Hall was even completed, Her Majesty’s retaliation against his mentor had already arrived!