Chapter 122: Huo Ling’s Incognito Travels: …

Chapter 122: “Huo Ling’s Incognito Travels” – …

After leaving the annex, Zhu Wan devoted herself entirely to the affairs of the Charitable Children Bureau.

But she knew what came first.

The Empress had given her six months, so there was no need to rush with the bureau. For now, the most important task was returning to the yamen to assist Lord Ding.

Zhu Wan took a deep breath and walked back to the yamen with a spring in her step.

Ding Jinghuan, fresh from concluding a case, happened to run into Zhu Wan as he left the courtroom.

Noticing the barely contained joy in her expression, he smiled and said, “Looks like we’ll be working together from now on.”

Zhu Wan lit up at being called a “colleague,” though she still offered an explanation.

Ding Jinghuan was equally surprised by her choice.

No wonder the Empress took notice of her—such decisiveness was indeed extraordinary.

After working nonstop for days, they finally completed the retrials of all the cases filed during this period.

Clan members from the Zhou and Cui families, as well as other prominent clans in Cangzhou, had been imprisoned.

The Cangzhou Prefect, the Cangzhou Tongpan, the Cangzhou Education Commissioner, the Cangzhou Garrison Commander…

Apart from the Cangzhou Vice Prefect, who remained in his post due to lack of incriminating evidence, the entire Cangzhou bureaucracy was overhauled.

The upheaval in the officialdom had little to do with Ding Jinghuan. He holed up in the yamen, catching up on sleep for two days before he finally felt like touring the prison.

There, he discovered that many of the condemned prisoners were held in solitary confinement.

Moreover, their cells were clean and tidy, with fresh straw and bedding spread on the floor.

In the waste buckets, there were half-eaten roast chickens.

Ding Jinghuan shook his head to himself.

Though he had purged a large number of corrupt officials after taking over the Cangzhou office, he had retained many low-ranking officers who had committed no major offenses.

Now it seemed these men, though not guilty of grave crimes, were already corrupt at heart—taking bribes from anyone willing to pay.

After finishing his rounds, he then went to see Huo Ling.

“Your Ladyship, before we leave Cangzhou, let’s execute all the condemned prisoners at the market square.”

Executing them now would stop any underhanded plots by the noble families after their departure.

Huo Ling didn’t ask for reasons. “Agreed.”

Ever the pragmatist, Ding Jinghuan posted the notices that very day. By noon the next day, all the condemned were dragged to the square and beheaded.

Ji Xianshan wanted to tag along to watch, but Huo Ling stopped him. “What’s the appeal in that? Tell me instead—what have you been doing at the office? What have you learned?”

Distracted, Ji Xianshan obediently sat beside Huo Ling, enjoying the freshly made lotus seed soup, and excitedly told her about his time at the prefectural office.

Huo Ling listened attentively, occasionally responding.

Ji Xianshan said, “Mother, traveling incognito is so much fun! Not only do I learn real skills, but I also get to uphold justice for the common people.”

Hearing the reluctance in his voice, Huo Ling said, "It was fun, but if we don’t return soon, Minister Lu will start worrying."

Ji Xianshan sighed. "Then I guess we’ll only get to go incognito in the capital from now on."

Huo Ling was amused by his words. "Alright, I’ll show you around properly these next two days. We’ve been here so long, yet I haven’t shown you much of Cangzhou City."

Every place has its own way of life.

Though Huo Ling disliked some of Cangzhou’s backward customs, she had to admit the city had its merits. It was where most of the prefecture’s hustle and bustle thrived. Especially recently, with various cases spreading like wildfire among the people—from storytellers in taverns to opera troupes in the pleasure districts—all had quickly adapted these cases into artistic performances.

Storybooks popped up left and right, and Ji Xianshan couldn’t resist picking some to pass the time on the road.

As he went to pay, he snuck a glance at Huo Ling.

Huo Ling smiled. For all his maturity, he was still just a kid. "After buying them, I’ll read them with you. It’ll help pass the time on the journey."

"Then I’ll grab extras for Eldest Sister, Second Sister, and Azhuo."

Ji Xianshan bought a large stack of books and even bargained with the shopkeeper like a pro. "Since we’re buying so many, can you deliver them for us?"

The shopkeeper grinned. "Don’t worry, young master. As long as you’re staying within the city, we’ll deliver them to your doorstep."

Ji Xianshan left the address of their residence and had just stepped out of the bookstore when he saw crowds of people rushing excitedly in one direction.

"They’re really executing them?"

"Yes, yes! The notices are up, and they’ve already hauled the prisoners to the execution grounds. Their kin are giving them their last meals."

"I heard Lord Ding is there too."

"Let’s go catch the show! Hurry, or we’ll miss it..."

After listening for a while, Ji Xianshan realized they were heading to watch the executions.

Since his mother had banned him from gawking, he said nothing and followed Huo Ling to a tavern for lunch and storytelling.

Only when Ding Jinghuan reported that evening did Ji Xianshan happen to hear the details of the executions.

Ding Jinghuan said, "Some folks bringing last meals glared at me like I was their worst enemy. Good thing I got ahead of them."

Ji Xianshan was puzzled. "Teacher Ding, they were already sentenced to death. What difference does it make whether they die a few days earlier or later?"

Ding Jinghuan replied, "A world of difference. While we’re here, they wouldn’t dare make a move. But once we leave, with the new Cangzhou Prefect and Cangzhou Tongpan still on their way, who knows what tricks they’d pull in the meantime?"

Seeing Ji Xianshan still didn’t fully grasp it, Huo Ling explained, "Your Teacher Ding is worried someone might secretly swap out the condemned prisoners."

Ji Xianshan was shocked. "Swapping prisoners is a capital offense! How could they dare?"

Ding Jinghuan tossed an orange in his hand. "Not everyone would have the guts, but you never know if one or two might be reckless. Noble families, well..."

He gave a knowing smile. "Better than wasting time babysitting them, just execute and be done with it."

After two days of soaking up Cangzhou City, on the morning of the third day, Huo Ling and her party prepared to depart.

They had entered the city quietly, but their departure was anything but low-key. From bigwigs to street vendors, plenty turned out to see them off.

Fortunately, Wu Feng had arranged ample security, making sure the crowds didn’t bother Huo Ling and Ji Xianshan.

Zhu Wan arrived to see them off, accompanied by her maid Xiao Tao.

As the imperial procession faded into the distance, Zhu Wan blinked back tears, her expression hardening with determination.

She said, "Let's go too."

Xiao Tao followed Zhu Wan as they walked away, glancing back toward the city gate. "Miss, where are we going?"

Zhu Wan touched the token hidden in her bosom.

It was the covert guard token personally delivered by Commander Wu Feng before the imperial departure. An official title would make things easier for Zhu Wan—no matter what.

In addition to giving her the covert guard token, Wu Feng had left her with a message: "Miss Zhu, until we meet again in the capital."

Zhu Wan said, "We’re going to shake things up."

...

Guarded by imperial soldiers, Huo Ling and her party finally returned to the retreat several days later.

Once she'd sent away the nobles and courtiers who had come to pay their respects, Huo Ling only kept Princess Yang'an and Xu Shidu, mother and daughter.

Xu Shidu pouted, "A Ling, you went undercover without me!"

Princess Yang'an added, "We heard all about the chaos in Cangzhou. What a shame we missed the excitement!"

Huo Ling laughed. "Bringing a crowd would’ve ruined the whole ‘incognito’ part."

Xu Shidu and Princess Yang'an weren't really upset—just disappointed not to have joined in. Fortunately, they received the storybooks Ji Xianshan had bought and the local specialties Huo Ling had brought from Cangzhou. Huo Ling’s tales of their journey soon lifted their spirits.

Following a short stay at the retreat, in early September, taking advantage of the crisp autumn weather, the imperial retinue began its journey back to the capital.

The capital’s maple trees burned crimson, while persimmon branches drooped, heavy with fruit.

The following day, Huo Ling summoned her key advisors in the newly rebuilt Xingtai Hall.

Xingtai Hall still smelled of fresh lacquer, though a few aged antiques whispered of history.

The ministers took their seats according to rank, quietly awaiting the Empress Dowager and Emperor.

The air hung thick with tension.

A herald’s voice cut through the silence: "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager and His Imperial Majesty!"

Everyone rose to greet them.

"You may rise."

At Huo Ling’s command, the ministers resumed their seats.

"While the Emperor and I were absent from the capital, Ministers Wen, Chen, and Cui kept order in our stead."

Wen Shengan replied, "You honor us, Your Majesty." He then summarized the capital’s affairs during their absence.

Most urgent matters had already been relayed immediately—this was mere protocol.

Fifteen minutes later, Minister Wen concluded.

Huo Ling praised, "Minister Wen has always been prudent and reliable. With you overseeing the capital, I have nothing to worry about."

She bestowed upon him many fine gifts.

Huo Ling then addressed Zhou Ji, the Minister of Works, praising his steady work in rebuilding Xing Tai Palace and several surrounding palaces within just a few months.

She similarly rewarded him with many treasures.

"This humble official thanks Your Majesty for your generosity."

As Zhou Ji's voice faded, the atmosphere grew tense again.

The officials averted their eyes, knowing the pleasantries were done and the real matter was at hand.

Indeed—

Huo Ling said, "Imperial Censor Chen appears rather weary."

Chen Haoyan let out an almost imperceptible sigh.

He and his wife had been married for decades, and their bond was deep.

His wife was from the main branch of the Zhou family, with Patriarch Zhou being her younger brother and Zhou Chenghong her nephew. Even if her brother and nephew had indeed deserved death, upon hearing of their demise, his wife had wept bitterly.

When she learned that he had been implicated by her family and submitted a memorial of self-reproach, her sorrow was deepened by guilt.

Yet Chen Haoyan himself was relatively composed.

The ups and downs of an official’s career were common—it was just that the Empress Dowager had outplayed him.

"To dishonor the sovereign is death for the subject. The distress Your Majesty and His Majesty suffered in Cangzhou was due to the crimes of my wife’s nephew. My brother-in-law, abusing my authority, acted arrogantly and tyrannically in Cangzhou, bringing suffering upon an entire village. I, too, am guilty of negligence in oversight and tolerance."

Zhou Chenghong was not only Chen Haoyan's nephew by marriage—he was also Cui Ming's nephew by marriage.

Now Cui Ming could no longer stay seated. He rose and stood beside Chen Haoyan, joining him in admitting guilt and awaiting the Empress Dowager’s verdict.

Huo Ling had already decided their fates.

Chen Haoyan, only implicated through his wife's family, was transferred from Left Imperial Censor to Right Imperial Censor.

Unlike the Left Imperial Censor, who remained stationed in the capital, the Right Imperial Censor was primarily responsible for inspecting the provinces, returning only at year’s end to submit his report.

Outwardly, Chen Haoyan’s rank changed little, but this move effectively stripped him of his title as Regent.

How could a minister who had submitted a memorial of self-reproach and spent most of the year away from the capital still bear the responsibilities of regency?

Cui Ming, implicated by both his in-laws and his own family, was demoted from Minister of Justice to the impoverished coastal prefecture of Pingzhou as its governor.

Huo Ling asked, "Do you both accept this judgment?"

Neither Chen Haoyan nor Cui Ming protested, silently accepting her decision.

Alas, with their brothers-in-law, nephews, and cousins committing such acts, they truly had no face left to defend themselves.

The Empress Dowager's punishment was neither too lenient nor too harsh—it preserved their dignity in light of their years of service, sparing them undue humiliation.

The other ministers watched silently, each lost in thought.

"I am weary," said the Empress Dowager. "You may all withdraw."

As if recalling something, Huo Ling smiled and said to Wen Shengan, who had yet to rise: "By the way, Minister Wen, remain behind for a moment."

Zhou Ji, the Minister of Works, who had been leading the procession, checked his pace.

Before exiting the Xingtai Hall, he and the others who had tacitly slowed their steps finally heard the Dowager’s concluding remark—

"Minister Wen, in your message of formal greetings to Us, you mentioned the persimmon tree at your home. Now that it is harvest season, remember to bring some for Us and His Majesty when you next enter the palace."

Hmph—

Satisfied, Zhou Ji folded his arms behind him and stepped over the threshold.

***

Inside the carriage, Wen Shengan closed his eyes, his face as inscrutable as always.

He had already prepared himself for the banishment of Chen Haoyan and Cui Ming, so he felt no regret now.

However, upon returning to the Wen residence and hearing from his wife that Song Xu had come bearing regional delicacies from Cangzhou to pay his respects, a flicker of disturbance crossed Wen Shengan's usually serene expression.

His voice turned cold, laced with suppressed fury. "Where is he?"

His wife was startled by his reaction. Normally, Wen Shengan would be pleased when Song Xu visited—what was different today?

"Teacher."

Hearing the commotion, Song Xu stepped out of the hall and made his obeisance in the doorway.

Wen Shengan swung his sleeve sharply and strode toward the study. "Follow me."

"Ah-Xu, your teacher..." The lady of the house glanced between her husband's retreating figure and Song Xu.

Song Xu smiled reassuringly. "Don't trouble yourself, Madam. It is my own misstep that has angered Teacher. I’ve left the gifts on the table."

After this brief explanation, he hurried after Wen Shengan.

The door closed behind them, sealing off the room from the outside.

Song Xu was the most prized disciple Wen Shengan had ever mentored.

This was the first time Wen Shengan had ever vented his anger at him: "Why did you not inform me in advance about the Cangzhou matter?"

Song Xu lowered his gaze. "The Cangzhou matter was not disclosed to me beforehand by Her Majesty either. By the time I realized her plans, it was already too late."

"Fine." Wen Shengan laughed coldly, his anger undiminished. "And what of the incognito inspection? The Regent Dowager suddenly decided to take His Majesty on a private visit—surely you must have suspected something. Why did you not write to me?"

"Teacher." Song Xu had no choice but to stand. "I am not a spy planted by you within Her Majesty's confidence. Moreover, for court officials to pry into the movements of the Regent Dowager and the Son of Heaven is a grave taboo. Mind your tongue."

Wen Shengan's eyes widened, stunned by his student's unyielding stance.

As he regarded this student—respectful in demeanor yet unwavering in stance—a faint sense of wariness stirred within him.

When had their once filial bond grown so distant?

How many disagreements had they already had over matters concerning the Dowager?

Could he still trust this student completely?

At this thought, the heat of his anger suddenly cooled.

He would lose his temper with his student, but never lose composure in front of Director of the Ministry of Rites Song Xu.

Wen Shengan closed his eyes briefly, and when he opened them again, his usual calm and detached demeanor had returned. "I acted out of character just now. Never mind—if you don’t wish to speak of it, I won’t force you. Enough of this, quit standing there. Sit down and tell me about your experiences in Cangzhou."

Song Xu smoothly shifted the topic and shared stories from his trip with Wen Shengan.

Both tacitly avoided any mention of the Empress Dowager and His Majesty, conversing until dusk. Wen Shengan even insisted that Song Xu stay for dinner before finally letting him leave.

Upon returning home, Song Xu bathed to ease his weariness and sat in the courtyard pondering the day’s events when he saw the gatekeeper leading Ding Jinghuan over.

Song Xu and Ding Jinghuan lived across from each other. Ever since Song Xu moved in, Ding Jinghuan had frequently dropped by unannounced, and Song Xu had long grown accustomed to his sudden visits.

Not only had Ding Jinghuan come, but he also brought takeout and good wine from Fanlou.

Song Xu asked, "Didn’t you say the trip wore you out and you’d rest at home for a few days? What brings you here so suddenly?"

Ding Jinghuan instructed someone to fetch chopsticks and cups, replying casually, "I knew you must’ve had a rough time at your teacher’s today, so I came to cheer you up."

Song Xu chuckled. "You guessed?"

Ding Jinghuan said, "Given your teacher’s temperament, it was easy to guess. Come, let’s drink first. It’s been a long time since I could drink freely."

Song Xu accompanied Ding Jinghuan until they finished a whole jug of wine. As the wine took effect, he propped his forehead with his hand, letting the night breeze brush his face and blow away the worries in his heart.

Ding Jinghuan suddenly said, "You can’t keep this up forever. Sooner or later, you’ll have to pick a side."

Song Xu looked up.

Moonlight spilled over them, illuminating Ding Jinghuan’s earnest and solemn expression.

"You have your ideals and ambitions. Don’t go down with a sinking ship."