It must have been Si Lanfeng’s bad luck – he had just walked in when he encountered this situation and was struck squarely by a piece of broken porcelain. His forehead immediately began bleeding. Seeing things were not going well, he naturally didn’t dare discuss work injury compensation with Lian Yu. He bowed his head and stood to one side, looking at Lian Jie. Lian Jie shook his head, signaling him not to speak yet.
Since being with Lian Yu, who had ever seen him in such rage? Thus no one dared to advise him, quietly observing his expression, fearing to bring disaster upon themselves. Those inclined to persuade decided to save their breath – Lian Yu’s face clearly read “whoever advises dies.”
Li Huaisu would also be finished when she returned from relieving herself. Everyone had different thoughts, but all were somewhat speculating about Lian Yu’s intentions – how would he deal with this despicable creature?
“Your Majesty, forgive Shuangcheng’s boldness in saying – it’s getting late… should we perhaps…”
After a long while, Shuangcheng gently stepped forward and softly reminded him.
Lian Yu’s eyes were heavy as the tight lines around his temples slightly relaxed, and he sat back in his chair.
“Lanfeng, speak first. How did things go?”
Joy appeared in Si Lanfeng’s eyes: “Reporting to Your Majesty, I have not failed in my mission.”
Except for Lian Jie’s group, the rest had some doubts and all looked at Si Lanfeng. Lian Yu nodded to Si Lanfeng, who turned with a smile to face everyone and explain: “The death row prisoners have almost all loosened up and are requesting case reversal.”
Everyone was naturally surprised and delighted to hear this. Lian Yue immediately asked: “Your Majesty, what’s this about? How were those people persuaded?”
“Originally, they refused to cooperate at all. This time it’s Minister Si’s achievement.” Clearly, Lian Yu was quite satisfied with Si Lanfeng’s performance, his eyes showing some appreciation. “Lanfeng, tell everyone about it.”
Everyone was even more curious. They knew the prisoners’ families had likely been secretly confined by Huang Tianba long ago. Even after learning the Son of Heaven would overturn the case, they dared not say much, still bowing their heads in confession. Even if Lian Yu promised rescue, such direct persuasion probably couldn’t move these people who had already resigned themselves to death…
Si Lanfeng was much more reserved than usual, quickly saying: “Your Majesty overpraises me.”
“This time, Lanfeng’s approach was essentially to force them into a corner first, then offer hope. I had him investigate the physical characteristics of the death row prisoners’ families, then found people to impersonate them – naturally appearing before the prisoners as vaguely unclear corpses. When they discovered Huang Tianba had ‘deceived’ them, in their grief, except for Old Man He whose daughter is still in her husband’s hands, the others all requested case reversal.”
Hearing this, everyone thought it was indeed a good method. If even the prisoners themselves wouldn’t request case reversal, the retrial would be half lost before it began! They also heard Lian Yu instruct Lian Jie and Lian Qin: “You two must keep close watch on Quan Feitong and his group. They don’t yet know we’ve taken this risky move – we absolutely cannot let them find out. This matter is extremely serious. Everyone present must also keep it secret for now, otherwise if they tell the death row prisoners, it will be big trouble!”
“Yes.” The two agreed. Lian Jie patted Si Lanfeng’s shoulder encouragingly.
Yan Da was quite anxious, looking at Lian Yue: “Princess Imperial, how did your investigation go?”
Lian Yue frowned slightly: “I’m ashamed to say – the first case is confusing and most troublesome, the second and third cases seem simpler but aren’t much better. The real culprits are extremely cunning and difficult to deal with.”
She glanced at Miao Yin, who walked before Lian Yu, curtsied, and carefully described everything they had seen that day. Lian Yu and everyone else who hadn’t been to the scene today all looked worried.
Lian Qin angrily said: “Outrageous! These villains are so arrogant, even more detestable than Xin’er. I say if we can’t deal with them openly, let’s quietly go kill them!”
Lian Xin glared at him fiercely. Lian Jie scolded: “Killing them won’t implicate Huang Tianba in the crime – that man would still get away with it. Besides, these people aren’t so easily killed. They must be punished by law.”
Yan Da frowned at Lian Yu: “Your Majesty, what should we do now? The Empress Dowager’s urgent letters recalling you have already arrived once. There will surely be more urgent messages…”
Hearing this, everyone couldn’t help feeling anxious – Lian Yu would probably have to return to the capital!
But Lian Yu waved his hand, stopping Yan Da, and had Miao Yin repeat the situation once more. Wu Yan and Shuangcheng occasionally added omissions. Lian Yu asked very detailed questions, including peripheral matters like Cheng Qizhu’s shop operations, He Jie’s demeanor and memorial offerings, and the jealous quarrels among Gu De’s wives and concubines. Finally, after thinking for a moment, he spoke: “These cases are all difficult to handle. At this point, I’ve decided to divide the work.”
“Princess Imperial, and all you ladies – consider your current understanding of the situations. Each person choose one case, then take full responsibility for investigating it. Afterward, provide evidence and what you believe are the most effective methods for trial questioning to Prime Minister Yan, who will serve as chief judge with Minister Gao assisting. I will personally observe alongside Marquis Huo and Prime Minister Quan. In seven days, we’ll hold court for retrial of all three cases, announced publicly.”
“Regardless of trial results, after the proceedings I will immediately depart for the capital. If we cannot overturn these cases this time, I can only send other provincial officials to handle them, but the difficulties will be even greater then. Therefore, I place great hopes in all of you and hope you will carefully choose cases according to your abilities!”
These few short sentences were decisive.
Everyone responded “Yes.”
Lian Yue considered briefly and was first to speak: “Your Majesty, Lian Yue chooses the drowning case. This Gu De is arrogant and presumptuous. Whether or not Lian Yue can humble his arrogance, she must try.”
Murong Xin didn’t hesitate: “I’ll follow Princess Imperial.”
Everyone knew Murong Xin was just playing around – Lian Yue was the capable one.
Lian Yue glanced at Wu Yan. Facing this challenge from an opponent, Wu Yan thought for a moment and said to Lian Yu: “Your Majesty, of the three cases, the land enclosure case with its numerous criminals is most troublesome. Every case needs someone to handle it. Since Princess Imperial has chosen the first case, Wu Yan lacks ability to handle the land case and can only choose the fake medicine case to try her best.”
Wu Yan spoke quite honestly. Lian Yue choosing first did indeed gain an advantage.
Lian Yu looked at Huo Chang’an, who stood with arms crossed, looking relaxed as if watching a play. He patted Wu Yan’s shoulder and nodded gently: “Good, as you wish. I await the results.”
This left Miao Yin, Lian Xin, and Shuangcheng. Lian Xin was staring at the door, lost in thought. Seeing everyone looking at her, Miao Yin’s eyes sparkled as she looked at Lian Yu and sighed with a smile: “I wanted to share Your Majesty’s worries, but my talents are limited. Miao Yin would like to assist Sister Consort Wei.”
This Wei Kingdom noble minister’s daughter was generous, humble, clever, and cunning. Not only did she place herself in a supporting role – if they had strategies to solve the case, it would be surprising; if they temporarily lacked inspiration, the pressure wouldn’t be as heavy as Wu Yan’s.
Lian Yu naturally agreed readily. However, at this moment, only Shuangcheng and Lian Xin remained.
Lian Xin, like Murong Xin, could be ignored. In other words, only the silent Shuangcheng remained. Everyone noticed that this young lady had become increasingly composed and quiet these days. Her eyes seemed always to hold an indescribable mistiness, making her thoughts impossible to fathom.
Seeing herself become the center of attention after Wu Yan and Miao Yin, Shuangcheng nodded and said softly: “Since everyone has chosen their cases, let Shuangcheng handle what remains.”
Neither Lian Yue nor Wu Yan had easily attempted the land enclosure case – clever women always know when to advance or retreat. Gu Shuangcheng seemed to have no choice because others had selected the other cases – following others would be less praiseworthy. But actually, she could have chosen first. She didn’t.
She wanted to tackle the hardest bone to crack.
This woman, nodding lightly, gave people a sense of exhausting every effort. According to reports from following agents, she had worked very hard these days. Even Lian Jie’s group, who had always been wary of her due to her status as Quan Feitong’s fiancée, now felt some respect.
More and more, no one could fathom her calculations.
Even Lian Yu seemed somewhat surprised, his gaze deepening as he stared at her for quite a while before saying: “Then it depends on you, Miss.”
For the first time, she saw quite complex emotions in his eyes, along with what seemed like pained recognition. Shuangcheng’s heart also ached – this path hadn’t been easy for her.
But she knew she and he were getting closer and closer. She took a deep breath, not letting that trace of joy show, fearing it would slip away.
Murong Xin was secretly furious – how could she not see the undercurrents between those two? But she couldn’t say much, since whatever Lian Yu cared about, she couldn’t show too much on the surface.
Everyone present was sharp – they could see hints of the subtle dynamics between Lian and Gu.
Of course, there were also the obtuse Lian brothers.
“Xin sister, only you’re left.”
Lian Qin’s loud voice broke the somewhat quiet, awkward atmosphere.
Hearing this, Lian Xin turned back: “Oh, I’m teaming with Li Huaisu. I’ll see which one she chooses first.”
This statement left everyone stunned. Previously Lian Xin and Li Huaisu had been like fire and water – now from Lian Xin’s tone, there seemed to be some alliance?
Wu Qing also looked at Lian Xin several times. Lian Xin glanced at him from the corner of her eye, her lips slightly curving up. Little Zhou cried out and patted Leng Xue and Wu Qing, laughing: “We seem to have a bit of hope again.”
But Wu Qing seemed not to hear her words, his brow furrowed. Little Zhou suddenly lowered her head with a self-mocking smile.
Of course, the Ministry trio’s affairs weren’t enough to draw everyone’s attention, because Lian Xin’s words successfully reminded people of someone nearly forgotten: Li Huaisu.
The Minister Li who had gone out to relieve herself had never returned.