Chapter 111

Chapter 111

At a family banquet, when Ying Fusheng raised the matter of corruption in Jiangnan, the atmosphere suddenly turned icy and tense. Second Prince clenched his wine goblet. Ying Fusheng did not speak again after finishing his statement, but everyone present knew that the amount of embezzled money in the Jiangnan canal transport was enormous—not only did the factions care about it, but even the Emperor could not let go of this sum of money.

To embezzle under the noses of so many Dayuan officials was something no single Jiangnan gentry could accomplish.

Was it a prince at court, or a local prince or marquis? Ying Fusheng’s tactic of diverting the blame redirected the factions’ attention away from himself and onto potential rivals.

Second Prince had originally intended to stir up enough enmity from the factions against Ying Fusheng at today’s banquet, but if Ying Fusheng succeeded in launching a full investigation, the situation would no longer be a mere factional struggle.

Ying Fusheng remained calm, waiting for the Emperor’s response.

After a long moment, the Emperor set down the memorial and nodded, saying, “The corruption in the canal transport is a grave matter and cannot go uninvestigated. This matter, together with the affairs of the Ministry of Works, will be entirely entrusted to you.”

“Your son accepts the command.” Ying Fusheng had been waiting for this very statement from the Emperor.

Seeing the Emperor's reaction, Seventh Prince involuntarily looked toward Consort Yun.

Consort Yun was already too preoccupied to think about anything else; her face was heavy with worry.

Her child’s accident had thrown most of the Yun family’s arrangements into chaos.

The “accident” that had befallen the First Prince while he was on a mission in Western Shu was recognized by the Yun family and the officials standing behind the First Prince as no accident at all, but a deliberate act. There were only a handful of possible suspects in the court who could target the First Prince. But now Ying Fusheng’s mention of the Jiangnan corruption case set her mind racing.

The First Prince had met with his incident on the way back from his assignment. The Jiangnan corruption case had nothing to do with the Yun family. So into whose hands had that money fallen? Did the Lu family have a foothold in Jiangnan? Or was it someone else?

By the end of the family banquet, everyone was lost in their own thoughts.

Finally, the Emperor rose and left, and the others could not wait to depart.

Second Prince stood up and looked over at Ying Fusheng.

When their eyes met, he offered a distant smile.

Then, without lingering, he turned and left.

Watching Second Prince retreat, Ying Fusheng gave a low-voiced instruction to a eunuch beside him—one of Song An’s agents placed in the palace: “Pay close attention to the palace attendant who left the banquet just now.”

The eunuch said, “This servant understands.”

Tonight’s affair had implicated the forces behind Second Prince. The fact that he hadn’t tried to stir up more trouble during the banquet meant he still had other plans in reserve—something to guard against.

Ying Fusheng did not leave immediately. He stood outside the hall for a while until a figure appeared beside him.

Eighth Prince walked over. “Sixth Brother.”

Ying Fusheng looked at his younger brother, who now stood taller than him. “What’s wrong?”

Eighth Prince had remained silent throughout the banquet. Now assigned to the Ministry of Rites by the Emperor’s own decree, he—once the most mischievous and playful of them all—had been placed in the most rigid and ritualistic department. His entire temperament had quieted, as if he were a different person. He said in a low voice: “Recently, some people have been sending messages to the Ministry of Rites. Sixth Brother must be careful.”

Ying Fusheng was surprised that his younger brother would warn him at such a time. “I will. You take care too.”

Eighth Prince nodded. He seemed to have more to say but knew that being seen too close to each other now would only give others ammunition to attack them. He simply bowed politely and quickly left.

Ying Fusheng stood outside the hall for a while longer until he saw the Empress Dowager coming out.

Seeing him standing in the snow, she knew he was waiting for her. She approached slowly: “Why didn’t you talk more with Xiao Ba?”

“If I talk with him now, the court officials might associate him with me,” Ying Fusheng said with a faint smile. “I’ve brought some things for you from Jiangnan. Song An has already sent someone to deliver them to Cining Palace.”

The Empress Dowager looked at him quietly. Six years ago, he was still a little boy; now he was taller than her, having grown up healthy and strong. She walked side by side with Ying Fusheng: “What you wrote in your memorial to your father wasn’t just about Jiangnan, was it?”

“Nothing escapes Grandmother’s notice,” Ying Fusheng replied without surprise, continuing: “There are hidden circumstances in the Jiangnan affair. It involves more than one prince. Father is aware of this as well. I am merely reminding him that the current upheaval in the court is unusual and informing him of the findings from my investigation.”

The Empress Dowager asked again: “And your health? Has it improved?”

“I met an elderly physician in the southern border. Under his care, I am much better,” Ying Fusheng said, his gaze fixed on her. “Another day, I will bring him into the palace to examine you as well.”

The Empress Dowager snorted. “I’m still quite strong. As for you, don’t get reckless just because your health has improved. You must still take care during winter. I noticed you weren’t even carrying a hand warmer today.” She called over Lady Yu and ordered her to go back ahead and prepare a hand warmer for him.

Ying Fusheng did not refuse: “I’ll listen to you.”

Over the years, Ying Fusheng seemed to have changed, yet also remained the same.

On the walk, he only chatted idly, mentioning trivial matters from Jiangnan, never once bringing up court conflicts or the ambushes on his journey. It reminded the Empress Dowager of the old days in Cining Palace, when they would stroll and chat about trivial matters. But compared to before, the boy was a bit more talkative, as if he had gained some new experiences in Jiangnan.

When they reached Cining Palace, Ying Fusheng prepared to take his leave.

He could not stay long in the palace now, and the Empress Dowager did not keep him. She sat down in her armchair. Xiaoqing scampered over to her side, and she reached out to draw her beloved pet into her arms. “He has changed a bit.”

Lady Yu said: “His Highness has grown up.”

The Empress Dowager thought: he doesn’t want to involve me, but the Xiao family is not incapable of contending.

She watched Ying Fusheng disappear into the distance. Many years ago, she and the Xiao family had helped the current Emperor ascend the throne. If need be, she could also help this child secure the position of Crown Prince.

“Your Highness?” Lady Yu lowered her head. The Empress Dowager put down Xiaoqing and gazed into the deep, long night of Cining Palace.

The young man’s figure had already vanished from Cining Palace, leaving only the distant lamplight of eunuchs passing by.

Word of the southern border affairs had reached the capital. The Empress Dowager knew full well that this child had chosen to return despite the dangers in the capital, giving up the chance to be a carefree prince in Jiangnan. She said softly: “Send a letter to the Xiao mansion. Xiao Yan will know what to do.”

Outside the palace, Prince Yan’s carriage had been waiting for a long time.

Back at the residence, just as Ying Fusheng entered his chamber, he found the lights extinguished.

He instinctively turned back, but suddenly someone grabbed his hand.

“It’s me.”

Hearing the voice, Ying Fusheng froze for a moment.

The snow was heavy that night; there was no moonlight outside. Ying Fusheng could only feel the person in the darkness. Recognizing the voice, he instinctively reached upward, touching Qi Hanzhou’s neck. His fingertips slid for a moment before he heard the other say hoarsely, “Don’t touch.”

Ying Fusheng confirmed who it was. His brows lifted slightly as he heard the sound of a fire striker.

The room still faintly smelled of blood. An assassin had been here.

Qi Hanzhou lit the lamp. He seemed to have just returned from duty, still in his uniform. As the light came on, it illuminated both their faces. Qi Hanzhou wore his hair up in a high crown, his appearance eerily reminiscent of how he had looked in his previous life. Ying Fusheng’s expression momentarily froze. Over half a year of correspondence, he had not truly felt the distance between them. But seeing Qi Hanzhou again now, he felt a change: he realized that they had been apart for some time.

This strange feeling suddenly brought back a memory.

In the past, there had been times when he had waited for Qi Hanzhou to push open the door and come in—the feeling then had been just like this.

After lighting the lamp, Qi Hanzhou turned around to find the person still standing there, his gaze fixed unwaveringly upon him. Meeting Ying Fusheng’s almost audaciously direct stare, Qi Hanzhou lowered his eyes slightly. Ying Fusheng’s appearance came into view. Up close, his palace robes fit him perfectly, making his face appear even more refined. As he moved, the jade ornaments on his clothes clinked together with a crisp sound.

“I told you not to come, but the Junior General still came secretly,” Ying Fusheng suddenly smiled.

Qi Hanzhou set down the fire starter; out of the corner of his eye, he spotted bloodstains in the distance—still uncleaned. “There are three informants inside and outside the residence, and Xuan Qi has already dealt with them.”

“For now, this is a hardship for Lord Shen. The Embroidered Uniform Guard cannot release him,” Qi Hanzhou said.

Ying Fusheng nodded. “The Court of Judicial Review has already informed me. Remaining at the Court of Judicial Review is actually safer.”

In truth, much more remained unsaid between them. Ying Fusheng knew Qi Hanzhou had come because of what had transpired at the family banquet. The Emperor had likely summoned the Embroidered Uniform Guard before departing—the unchanged clothes were proof enough. But such matters needed no elaboration between them. Once begun, there was no turning back.

Ying Fusheng suddenly felt a pang of nostalgia for the days spent in the Jiangling courtyard, untouched by the outside world. “Since you’re here tonight, how about a cup of tea?”

“I’ll be leaving shortly,” Qi Hanzhou shook his head. He was only stopping briefly tonight. Once he finished eliminating the hidden informants around Prince Yan’s residence, he would depart. With Ji Wuming still in the capital, lingering was inconvenient. Seeing Ying Fusheng standing there, he stepped closer and murmured softly, “Your hand.”

Ying Fusheng instinctively raised his hand—and into his palm was placed a signal whistle, still warm.

He closed his fingers around it. Outside, a falcon’s wings rustled as it soared past; a soft knock sounded at the door.

“Rest early,” Qi Hanzhou said.

Ying Fusheng clutched the signal whistle.

It would be a sleepless night.

…

That night, no one in the capital slept soundly. At the family banquet, Prince Yan had raised the corruption case involving waterways and grain transport. News had already reached every faction. That night, peace shattered: Liu Yunshi, Minister of Works, was summoned to the palace. Calm lasted barely half the night. The next morning, before all civil and military officials, the Emperor openly raised the Jiangnan corruption case.

Censor Xiao Yan submitted secret dossiers from Jiangnan censors, accusing the former Jiangnan Censor, Censor Ruan, of involvement in the Jiangnan corruption case—and revealing that someone had been colluding behind the scenes.

Suspicion and jealousy instantly flared among court factions.

The seasoned veterans grasped the significance of the Jiangnan case—not only recognizing the suspicious circumstances surrounding the First Prince’s affair in Lulin County, but also sensing a hidden hand operating within the court itself. Uncharacteristically, the Minister of Revenue refrained from launching direct attacks against the Lu family and instead proposed a thorough investigation into Lulin County.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard had already begun a covert investigation in Lulin County. Previously, the First Prince’s faction had focused solely on framing the Third Prince.

But with the emergence of the Jiangnan corruption case, they realized someone might be reaping the benefits. The Yun family, in particular, had lost a key ally with the First Prince’s removal—and now faced not only rival factions but also threats from unseen adversaries.

Once the Minister of Revenue declared his position, civil and military officials alike voiced unanimous agreement.

Yet on the third day of the investigation, Liu Yunshi rushed to Prince Yan’s residence. This usually diplomatic, smooth-talking minister wore, for the first time, an expression of deep anxiety. Upon seeing Ying Fusheng, he dispensed with formalities and said, “Your Highness, we’ve uncovered something alarming.”

Liu Yunshi brought the Ministry of Works’ official register—specifically the section under the Department of Waterways and Grain Transport. Reviewing past records, they discovered that around the same time as the Jiangnan corruption case, river bandits had also appeared in a county town near the capital.

“At the time, those river bandits were suppressed by garrison forces stationed on the capital’s outskirts,” Liu Yunshi explained.

Among suburban garrisons—aside from the Imperial Guard—the largest was commanded by General Lu. The register implied the suppression of river bandits was tied directly to garrison operations: whether the bandits had truly been eradicated depended entirely on the garrison’s actions.

Weng Yanqing, who had been at the Court of Judicial Review, burst in urgently: “Something’s happened at the Court of Judicial Review.”

“On the waterways and grain transport front, someone has filed a complaint alleging the Ministry of Revenue once interfered with the capital’s grain transport taxes,” Weng Yanqing reported.

Ying Fusheng paused briefly, then glanced back at the register.

These were old registers. At that time, Zhou Bingjun served as Minister of Works—and the ministry was rife with corruption.

This register could easily have been tampered with. Even then, blame could have been shifted onto the Lu family. The only one capable of orchestrating such a move now was the Second Prince.

The Second Prince had struck. Ying Fusheng’s plan had been to redirect the succession dispute into a full-scale investigation of the Jiangnan case. Seizing the opportunity, the Second Prince launched a direct assault—splashing mud indiscriminately onto both factions. Everyone knew this case had been entrusted to Prince Yan and the Ministry of Works for investigation; whoever he implicated would face ruin. He was sowing panic across court factions, attempting to refocus attention onto factional strife.

To anyone unaware of the truth, this evidence would point squarely at the Yun and Lu families.

“Your Highness, if both sides turn on each other, the final conclusion will inevitably circle back to the Ministry of Works,” Weng Yanqing pointed to the “evidence”—some traceable, some not. Unfortunately, these emerging fragments would confuse the investigation and buy time. If no conclusion emerged after prolonged delay, blame would fall squarely on the Ministry of Works—the very body responsible for the investigation.

At that point, Ying Fusheng would once again stand alone against the entire court—and hatred would run even deeper.

The Second Prince acted swiftly. The moment he sensed things veering off course, he adapted—redirecting suspicion onto others. Ying Fusheng looked at Weng Yanqing and Liu Yunshi. “Is there any way to distinguish genuine evidence from forged?”

“Yes—through cross-referencing accounts. The old accounts cannot be altered. But ever since Lord Shen assumed leadership of the Court of the Imperial Stud, the Ministry of War’s military registers have remained authentic,” Weng Yanqing replied, having sorted through everything. “Comparing the Ministry of Works’ and Ministry of War’s accounts will expose the discrepancy.”

Liu Yunshi sighed. “But we lack authority to access those accounts. The current Minister of the Imperial Stud belongs to the Lu family. Lord Shen could have accessed them—but he remains detained at the Court of Judicial Review due to unresolved cases. Can we obtain the registers we need?”

As Liu Yunshi spoke, he suddenly noticed a strange expression flicker across Weng Yanqing’s face as he looked at him.

Ying Fusheng smiled. At that moment, someone arrived at the door.

“Your Highness, a minister from the Ministry of War seeks audience outside the residence. He says he was entrusted by Lord Hu to deliver key documents related to the corruption case,” Song An reported.

Liu Yunshi recoiled in shock—and immediately turned to Ying Fusheng.

The Second Prince could mobilize factions against Shen Changcun—but he could not neutralize Hu Buyu.

Within the First Prince’s faction, Hu Buyu held an unshakable position. Court officials widely believed his influence over the Ministry of War stemmed from Shen Changcun. Yet Hu Buyu had long been a pivotal piece in Ying Fusheng’s strategy of mutual benefit. Over the years, this fox—thriving in Anlong—had taken firm root in both court and country.

He possessed his own tactics when dealing with the Emperor—and with his peers.

“Your Highness, Your Servant has just recalled urgent matters requiring attention at the office. I—” Liu Yunshi sensed a massive secret unfolding. He wanted the register—but dared not take it. If the sender truly was Minister Hu, then hadn’t the entire Ministry of War long been…?

“Lord Liu, the Ministry of Works is now aboard my ship. Do you truly believe that once you leave Prince Yan’s residence, anyone in court still considers you neutral?” Ying Fusheng asked, fixing him with a steady gaze.

Liu Yunshi wailed, “Your Highness!”

“Lord Liu, you brought this register to my residence because you sought to investigate that river—devouring lives and swallowing mountains of silver—to uncover how the people’s hard-earned money ended up lining corrupt officials’ pockets,” Ying Fusheng continued, eyes locked on him. “Now that you stand within my residence, why hesitate? In your decades of service, you’ve seen the ghosts of the wrongfully accused haunting the Court of Judicial Review’s prison. The entire court watches Prince Yan’s residence. You chose not to discuss this in your ministry offices—but came straight to my home. I trust your intentions run deeper than mere procedure.”

Liu Yunshi fell silent. His usual smooth, affable demeanor faded, replaced by sharp scrutiny and quiet assessment—his true self surfacing at last. It was as if Ying Fusheng’s words had struck home. “If this case proceeds, Your Highness must see it through to the end.”

“I will not only see it through—I have something for you,” Ying Fusheng said, gesturing lightly. Weng Yanqing stepped forward, bearing a brocade box.

Liu Yunshi accepted it. Upon opening it and seeing its contents, his expression shifted subtly. He carefully closed the box—and in that instant, made his decision. “Rest assured, Your Highness. I will uncover this account buried beneath the capital.”

He took what he needed—and for the first time, bowed deeply to Ying Fusheng.

Ying Fusheng did not detain him. Watching him depart, he summoned the Light Garment Guard. “You two—henceforth, protect Lord Liu in secret.”

The Light Garment Guard obeyed instantly. Seeing Weng Yanqing standing nearby, Ying Fusheng suddenly asked, “Do you not wonder why I handed over Wang Guanzhi’s compiled accounts to him?”

Weng Yanqing replied calmly, “Because Your Highness knows Lord Liu can uncover the truth.”

Ying Fusheng smiled—and looked deeply at Weng Yanqing, who understood everything.

How had Liu Yunshi been transferred from Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review to Minister of Works? In terms of familiarity with the Ministry of Works’ departments, far more qualified candidates existed. Yet the Emperor had selected him from among all civil and military officials. During his tenure at the Court of Judicial Review, even the Vice Minister—who bowed to no one—willingly obeyed Liu Yunshi’s orders and endured serving a young prince while reviewing case files.

Only Liu Yunshi—a former Chief Minister of the Court of Judicial Review—could untangle the mess left behind by the Xu and Zhou families in the Ministry of Works. An official who had once withstood pressure from the entire court while jointly investigating imperial examination fraud with the Embroidered Uniform Guard was no weakling.

Every official in court possessed strengths. Just as Hu Buyu navigated multiple factions with ease, Liu Yunshi had entrenched himself in court for years without being displaced—because he understood the tangled web of factional ties beneath the surface. Only by first securing his footing could he pursue investigations.

The Second Prince dared provoke factional strife because he stood on confident ground.

Through the Jiangnan case, Ying Fusheng had gained authority—and this authority must be wielded to its fullest. In this case, Hu Buyu and Liu Yunshi were the easiest to spot anomalies beyond factional lines.

“Your Highness, in court today—whether secret or open factions—they have all marked you as a thorn in their side,” Weng Yanqing continued. “But you stand in the light—while others dwell in shadows.”

Ying Fusheng looked out the window, where heavy snow flurried, while the other person should have arrived in Western Shu by now.

Outside Lulin County in Western Shu, Qi Hanzhou stopped at a cliff edge, as Ye Xuanjiu had already brought the list of martial arts factions in the surrounding area.

The characteristics of the death warriors from the former dynasty were too obvious; if they were to act, the hidden agent Song Yu stationed beside the Great Prince was one of them, and the only other people they could mobilize were from the Jianghu.

“This is the list given by Chen Xuqiu. Among the martial arts factions active in Western Shu and not under the court’s surveillance, only this one fits,” Ye Xuanjiu said. “But when you investigate people from the Jianghu, in the end it’s hard to determine who their employer is.”

“And there’s this—the list sent by Lord Ji. He said that in Western Shu, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has already been deployed.”

The Censorate serves as the emperor’s eyes. This list was given to Ying Fusheng, but a copy also went to the emperor’s Embroidered Uniform Guard.

What was written on it was the names of censors and officials who had traveled to Western Shu over the years.

Qi Hanzhou put away the list. “The terrain in Western Shu is complex. In a place like this, where would you hide troops?”

“Do you mean, Junior General, that they might be bandits?!” Ye Xuanjiu startled, looking at the martial arts faction on the list.

Since the mastermind dared to harm the Great Prince, they certainly wouldn’t leave behind evidence for them to trace. But their goal was never to find evidence; when Ying Fusheng diverted all attention to the court and to Jiangnan, the mastermind’s focus would naturally shift to him. To find out who was behind the Great Prince’s case, they only needed to find the private troops hidden in Western Shu.