“The former owner of the Ran Mo Gallery?”
Yan Chi’s brows furrowed tightly. Six months ago, the words “Ran Mo Gallery” would have been a significant matter, but now, when Yan Chi heard them, he felt somewhat dazed. Yet after that moment of confusion came a surge of chilling surprise.
Ran Mo Gallery – how could it be connected to the Ran Mo Gallery again?!
Ning Bu Yi bought the Ran Mo Gallery seven years ago, and Wei Qin happened to be its previous owner. Could this just be a coincidence?!
An eerie feeling rose in Yan Chi’s heart. Ning Bu Yi’s words at his death still lingered in Yan Chi’s mind. At the time, he hadn’t admitted why he killed so many people, and when everyone learned he was fatally poisoned, they instinctively assumed he killed all those people simply to save himself. But what if that wasn’t the case?
The case had passed for nearly half a year – could it be just a coincidence?
As soon as this thought emerged, Yan Chi instinctively shook his head. No, he didn’t quite believe in coincidences.
“Has Wei Qin truly not returned these past few years?”
Bai Feng nodded, “Yes, he hasn’t returned. This point is certain. He’s now a wealthy merchant in Lan Zhou and Yi Zhou. Although he still has some business in the capital, our people asked around, and all the shop managers say the owner hasn’t returned to the capital for many years, apparently treating the South as his ancestral home.”
“What about that residence?”
As soon as Yan Chi asked, Bai Feng immediately replied, “Our people visited the government office once and found the most recent record was from eight years ago. Wei Qin bought many residences in that area at the time, later selling them all. This residence was kept, though it’s been vacant for many years. The Ran Mo Gallery was something Wei Qin acquired casually, but later his family business focused mainly on silk, letting go of cultural relics and paintings, which is why it was sold to Ning Bu Yi.”
The residence was Wei Qin’s, and the Ran Mo Gallery was Wei Qin’s – could Ning Bu Yi have bought the residence when he bought the gallery?!
Property transactions require going to government offices to transfer deeds and write documents. Since the government office had no record, this procedure likely wasn’t followed. Could Wei Qin have casually given it to Ning Bu Yi?
With this thought, Yan Chi’s suspicions grew wildly. If the residence truly belonged to Ning Bu Yi and Li Mu Yun had visited multiple times, that would be very strange. How many coincidences would it take for things to circle back and connect to Ning Bu Yi’s case after half a year?!
“Continue investigating, see if this residence has any connection to Ning Bu Yi.”
Bai Feng immediately nodded, seeing Yan Chi’s solemn expression, and said, “If the residence truly has a connection to Ning Bu Yi, could Ning Bu Yi’s case be related to Li Mu Yun? Could Ning Bu Yi have given this unnamed residence to Li Mu Yun as a bribe?”
Yan Chi shook his head. When the serial temple case emerged, the main investigation was handled by the Lin’an Prefecture office. Li Mu Yun didn’t play a major role – if Ning Bu Yi wanted to bribe someone, he should have bribed Zheng Bai Shi, not Li Mu Yun. This could only mean there was likely some unknown relationship between Ning Bu Yi and Li Mu Yun.
Yan Chi pondered briefly, “Go to the Marquis of Loyalty and Valor’s residence—”
Bai Feng knew Yan Chi wanted to find Qin Wan and immediately knocked on the carriage to give instructions.
When the carriage arrived at the Marquis’s residence, Bai Feng went forward to inquire but learned that Qin Wan hadn’t returned yet. At the same time, Qin Shu in his study also learned of Yan Chi’s visit. Yan Chi had no regular interactions with the Marquis’s household, so this visit must be to find Qin Wan. However, Qin Wan wasn’t home at the moment… After some thought, Qin Shu instructed, “Quickly invite the Prince in…”
Wu Yang received the order and went personally to invite him. Seeing this, Yan Chi couldn’t well refuse and had to follow Wu Yang inside. Halfway there, they saw Qin Shu coming to welcome them. Qin Shu quickly cupped his hands, “Greetings, Your Highness—”
Yan Chi waved his hand, “The Marquis has invited me, but I don’t know for what purpose…”
Qin Shu wasn’t in a hurry to speak, only stepping aside slightly, “Please, Your Highness, let’s talk privately. Qin Wan isn’t at home now, and probably won’t return for half an hour. I invite Your Highness for tea and some casual conversation.”
What Qin Shu wanted to discuss certainly wasn’t a casual conversation. Yan Chi understood this and followed Qin Shu in the study.
After being seated, Qin Shu first ordered good tea to be served before speaking, “Your Highness must have heard the news?”
Yan Chi was drinking tea and responded, “Is the Marquis referring to the news about the Shuo Xi army’s provisions case?”
Qin Shu gave a bitter smile, “Yes, word from there says those involved include an old general from the Shuo Xi army named Chu Fei Sheng, and someone surnamed Huang from the Transport Commissioner’s office.”
“And the former Western Route Military Commissioner Zhang Qi De.”
Yan Chi added a sentence, and Qin Shu’s smile immediately became somewhat interesting, “Heh, yes, and Zhang Qi De…”
Yan Chi listened with an indifferent expression, appearing unconcerned. Qin Shu asked, “Now that Your Highness knows, don’t you have anything to say?”
Yan Chi raised an eyebrow, “The current Shuo Xi army is no longer the original Shuo Xi army. I’m not in that position anymore, so I don’t concern myself with those affairs. These matters will certainly be decided by His Majesty.”
Qin Shu put down his teacup and sighed, “Your Highness may not know, but the Shuo Xi army provisions case has extensive implications. Even His Highness the Crown Prince can’t escape responsibility. Zhang Qi De… ah, I originally thought he was a good person, but who knew that after becoming a regional governor, he would regress so much. Although Your Highness no longer commands the Shuo Xi army, everyone knows it was built by the old Prince, representing both his and your life’s work. At this point, it’s naturally better to quickly clean up the corruption. His Highness the Crown Prince is also anxious about this matter. Upon learning that Zhang Qi De was involved, he wanted me to investigate others as well. Other matters can be discussed, but corruption in military provisions cannot be tolerated.”
After Qin Shu’s righteous speech, Yan Chi also put down his teacup and said, “I’m quite comforted that His Highness the Crown Prince has such intentions. I believe His Majesty will be pleased when he learns of this. Zhang Qi De is Zhang Qi De, and His Highness the Crown Prince is His Highness the Crown Prince – they are different after all.”
Hearing this, Qin Shu felt somewhat relieved, “Your Highness truly understands righteousness. You don’t know, but when Zhang Qi De got into trouble, many people thought the Crown Prince was plotting behind the scenes. But how could that be? Those people trying to smear His Highness the Crown Prince are delusional.”
Yan Chi merely smiled without speaking, seeming to agree yet also appearing indifferent. Qin Shu’s eyes darted about as he said, “Speaking of which, it’s almost the eleventh month. These days, the Marquis’s household is preparing Wan’er’s dowry. Has the Prince’s household started preparations?”
At the mention of marriage, Yan Chi’s gaze notably softened, “Yes, the internal household has already started according to the ceremonial regulations.”
Qin Shu nodded, “Wan’er has a gentle nature but has her principles in handling matters. Her parents passed away early, and although we’ve looked after her, there’s still a layer of distance. Now that we can see her matched with a good partner, we haven’t failed her parents. Regarding wedding preparations, if Your Highness has any requirements, feel free to discuss them with the Marquis’s household.”
Qin Shu wanted to say more, but considering Yan Lin’s mourning period had just passed, he didn’t continue. His words were full of warmth, as if he and Yan Chi were already family, “Your Highness now holds the position of Vice Minister of Justice, which aligns with Wan’er’s interests. You will surely be in harmony in the future.”
Everyone knew Qin Wan liked performing autopsies. In this respect, Yan Chi’s position in the Ministry of Justice truly matched Qin Wan’s interests.
Yan Chi maintained a thin smile, and although his manners were perfect, Qin Shu somehow felt uncertain looking at him. Moreover, Yan Chi previously commanded the Shuo Xi army and wasn’t much involved in other court matters. Now in the Ministry of Justice, he remained aloof from other court affairs. Qin Shu, skilled at social maneuvering, always felt that no matter how much he conversed with Yan Chi, there remained a barrier between them.
Yan Chi then asked, “With Zhang Qi De imprisoned, what are the Crown Prince’s plans?”
Yan Chi saw what Qin Shu wanted to say. Since he wanted to discuss Zhang Qi De’s matter, Yan Chi naturally wouldn’t avoid it.
Sure enough, Qin Shu’s face showed bitterness at the question, “What else can be done? Naturally, he won’t interfere anymore. But Zhang Qi De came from the Northern Garrison Army after all. His Highness doesn’t know what the old general thinks, and then there’s Prince Cheng…”
Qin Shu sighed, “Prince Cheng had been leading the investigation of the corpse case at Prince Jin’s residence, which led to the Empress’s confinement. Now with Zhang Qi De’s disgrace, who knows how Prince Cheng will use this against the Crown Prince.” After a pause, Qin Shu said, “With Your Highness’s marriage to Wan’er approaching, we’ll soon be family. Regarding Zhang Qi De’s matter, we hope Your Highness can speak up for the Crown Prince before His Majesty when the opportunity arises…”
Yan Chi’s face revealed nothing, only raising his lips to say, “I’ll naturally speak up when there’s an opportunity. There has been much turmoil at court this year and last, which isn’t good for Great Zhou.”
Qin Shu quickly nodded, “Indeed, last year’s case of Prince Jin, the southern salt transport case, none of them give peace of mind.”
Yan Chi smiled, “In last year’s salt transport case, quite a few people from the Crown Prince’s faction were implicated, showing His Highness’s failure in choosing people.”
Qin Shu’s smile froze, never expecting Yan Chi would criticize the Crown Prince to his face. Such words might be fine in a private conversation between him and Qin Yan, but for Yan Chi to say this – was it because he felt close to him, or did he simply hold the Crown Prince in contempt?
Qin Shu carefully looked at Yan Chi but saw him speaking as calmly as if discussing what he had for breakfast. Uncertain of Yan Chi’s true attitude, Qin Shu could only hedge his response, “There are many officials at court, and His Highness can’t oversee everything, especially those outer officials…”
As Qin Shu spoke with difficulty, Yan Chi changed the subject, “Does the Marquis know about Yu Wen Xian, the Vice Minister of Revenue?”
Qin Shu was startled, “Yu Wen Xian?”
Yan Chi nodded, and Qin Shu thought for a moment before saying, “I haven’t paid much attention to this person before. He was promoted to Vice Minister of Revenue six years ago and usually doesn’t draw attention. However, this time… this time he became an Imperial Commissioner for the military provisions case. I hadn’t expected him to gain His Majesty’s trust.”
The military provisions case had evolved into a matter of control over the Shuo Xi army and Northwestern garrison. While Minister of War Ge Yang was recalled, Lin Xu Gui and Yu Wen Xian remained in the Northwest, showing these two were His Majesty’s trusted ministers. Recently, while Bai Feng was investigating Li Mu Yun and the Fu family matters, they also reviewed the backgrounds of these people, and among them, Yan Chi found Yu Wen Xian’s background interesting.
“Yes, this person came from a humble background and has always been quiet and unassuming. Unexpected that he would gain the Emperor’s trust.”
Qin Shu frowned slightly, studying Yan Chi for a moment, not understanding why he suddenly brought up such a person. Even though Yu Wen Xian now had the Emperor’s trust, in his mission to the Northwest, he had made many enemies. At the very least, the Crown Prince now viewed Lin Xu Gui and Yu Wen Xian as opponents.
As they say, new emperor, new ministers – when the Crown Prince ascends the throne, the court will surely see new changes.
Qin Shu heaved a deep sigh. The sooner that day came, the better it would be for the Marquis’s household.
“Speaking of Yu Wen Xian, I recall something. He served in Xu Zhou for many years and almost got involved in a case of selling official positions, nearly losing his post. Because of his humble origins and lack of connections at court, he wasn’t given important roles. But ten years ago he entered the capital, and although he hasn’t been promoted since becoming Vice Minister, that position, while not the highest, still holds considerable power yet doesn’t draw attention.”
The Emperor sending two deputy officials to the Northwest showed his approach to appointing officials. After contemplating Qin Shu’s words and speaking for a moment longer, Wu Yang came from outside to knock on the door, “Marquis, Your Highness, the Princess has returned…”
Qin Shu’s lips curved upward, “Wan’er is back, I’ll have her come over!”
But Yan Chi stood up, “No need, I’ll go see her.”
Before Qin Shu could speak, Yan Chi had already turned and strode out. The faint smile on Qin Shu’s face dimmed somewhat.
It was clear that Yan Chi truly cared for Qin Wan. If so, could he be persuaded to help the Crown Prince?
As Qin Shu was thinking this, Yan Chi had already spotted Qin Wan walking from the flower garden toward the main gate.
Qin Wan had just left the palace and hadn’t expected Yan Chi to be at the Marquis’s residence. Seeing Yan Chi approach, she quickly curtsied. Yan Chi smiled, stepping forward to help her up, “This isn’t the place to talk. Let’s go out.”
Qin Wan responded with an “Mm,” “Where to?”
Yan Chi released her hand, saying, “To Xun Niang’s place.”
Hearing this, Qin Wan knew Yan Chi had important matters to discuss and hurriedly walked toward the exit. After a few steps, footsteps sounded behind them. Qin Wan looked back to see Qin Shu seeing them off, “Wan’er, you’re going out? His Highness has been waiting for you for quite a while!”
Qin Wan nodded, calling out “Uncle,” while Yan Chi turned to say, “No need to see us off, Marquis. I’m taking her out for a while.”
Qin Shu looked at the two of them and smiled, “In that case, I won’t see you further. I had hoped to have Your Highness stay for a meal—”
“No need for formalities, Marquis. I’ll visit another day.”
Yan Chi was decisive and straightforward. Qin Shu watched the two leave with a smile.
After they left, Qin Shu frowned briefly before saying, “Someone come, call Zhou Huai!”
In the study, Qin Shu waited for Zhou Huai’s arrival before instructing, “Keep watching Minister Yang’s side, and also investigate Yu Wen Xian, the Left Vice Minister of Revenue.”
Zhou Huai left with his orders, while Qin Shu narrowed his eyes in deep thought. He was certain that anyone who caught Yan Chi’s attention couldn’t be ordinary. He wanted to see what was so remarkable about this Yu Wen Xian…
After leaving the Marquis’s main gate, Yan Chi helped Qin Wan into his carriage. While previously Qin Wan might have been concerned about being alone with him in public, now she had no time for such thoughts. As soon as she entered the carriage, she asked, “What’s happened?”
Yan Chi sat beside her, holding her hand, “Nothing too serious, just that we’ve found something interesting about the residence Li Mu Yun visited.”
Qin Wan stared at Yan Chi without blinking. Yan Chi continued, “The previous owner of that residence was named Wei Qin, a merchant whose business is now mainly in the South. He hasn’t returned to the capital for many years. He was the former owner of the Ran Mo Gallery.”
Qin Wan’s pupils trembled as her eyes widened!
“The former owner of the Ran Mo Gallery?!”
Qin Wan’s reaction was identical to Yan Chi’s, clearly not expecting to hear these words again after half a year.
After Ning Bu Yi’s exclusive ownership, the new Ran Mo Gallery continued for several days. Later, when news of Ning Bu Yi’s crimes somehow spread, the new owner changed its name. Qin Wan had forgotten what it was changed to, but Yue Ning had mentioned it to her later.
The Ran Mo Gallery – it was connected to the Ran Mo Gallery again!
Qin Wan gathered her thoughts, “When investigating Ning Bu Yi’s case, Li Mu Yun wasn’t much involved, there’s no reason for him to bend the rules…”
Yan Chi raised his hand to draw Qin Wan to his side, “Do you think this is a coincidence?”
Is it a coincidence? Qin Wan shook her head, “If someone else had happened to buy that residence, that would be one thing, but it’s specifically Li Mu Yun. He went to that residence to avoid attention, acting so strangely, and now it’s connected to a previous case – it’s too coincidental.”
Yan Chi nodded, “I think the same.”
“Also,” Qin Wan grabbed Yan Chi’s arm, “We never really determined why Ning Bu Yi set up that temple array, and after the case was closed, besides a few servants and one old servant, there was no one else around him. It’s too strange – he acted alone yet was able to commit so many evil acts!”
Yan Chi nodded, “I’ll have people continue investigating, don’t worry. I’m telling you this today just so you’re aware.”
With such a lead suddenly appearing, how could Qin Wan contain herself? After a moment she said, “Tomorrow I’ll go to the Lin’an Prefecture office to look at Ning Bu Yi’s case files again.”
Yan Chi knew Qin Wan couldn’t wait and naturally had no objections. The two rode in the carriage to Xun Niang’s place, where they saw Fan Xin could now walk normally. If one didn’t fight him, one wouldn’t know he had recently been seriously injured.
“Your Highness, Princess!” Fan Xin had stayed at Xun Niang’s place for many days and was always excited when Yan Chi and Qin Wan visited.
Xun Niang was also very happy to see them and went with Master Yuan to prepare food. Fan Xin rubbed his hands together and said, “Your Highness, my injuries have healed now. When can I return to Shuo Xi?”
Yan Chi looked at him with an ambiguous smile, “Return to Shuo Xi for what?”
Fan Xin looked at Yan Chi eagerly, “Your Highness, the old Prince’s matter hasn’t been cleared up, right? I can do anything when I return. With the old Prince gone, who knows what chaos the main camp is in? There’s plenty I could do if I return. I’ll do whatever Your Highness asks.”
Fan Xin’s tone carried pleading, and Qin Wan sighed upon hearing this.
But Yan Chi waved his hand, firmly rejecting Fan Xin’s request, “Stay in the capital peacefully. There will be other tasks for you.”
Fan Xin’s eyes lit up, “What instructions does Your Highness have? I can do anything, just don’t let me stay here like an invalid anymore.”
Yan Chi looked Fan Xin up and down, “Are your injuries truly healed?”
Fan Xin immediately nodded, “Yes, yes, all healed…”
Glancing at Qin Wan, Fan Xin quickly said to her, “Princess doesn’t know, but when we were in Shuo Xi, we often got injured. Generally, once we didn’t need bandages anymore, we considered ourselves healed and ready for battle at any time…”
As he spoke, Fan Xin winked at Qin Wan pleadingly. Qin Wan had wanted to speak but seeing this, she remained silent.
Yan Chi naturally hadn’t missed these little gestures but merely raised his chin to signal Bai Feng, “Spar with him a few rounds.”
Fan Xin frowned but showed no fear. Bai Feng also smiled slightly, and the two walked out to the open space outside the waterside pavilion to spar. With the hall doors wide open, Qin Wan and Yan Chi could see the two fighting outside.
Although Bai Feng was Yan Chi’s close attendant, Qin Wan had never seen him fight others before. His moves were swift, each strike so fast Qin Wan couldn’t follow. Fan Xin, as one of the old Prince’s twelve guards, was even more fierce in his attacks. The two had exchanged dozens of moves when suddenly Fan Xin let out a muffled grunt and retreated several steps. His expression changed but he wanted to continue fighting, yet Bai Feng had already stopped. Fan Xin bit his lip and walked back in with a bitter, unwilling expression.
Yan Chi was pouring tea for Qin Wan and spoke calmly when he entered, “Embarrassed?”
Fan Xin mumbled something in his throat, his head hanging low, while Qin Wan watched with a light laugh.
Yan Chi continued, “Why were your moves slow just now?”
Fan Xin pressed his lips together, his voice as quiet as a mosquito, “Because…”
He didn’t finish explaining why, but it was obviously because his previous injuries hadn’t fully healed, affecting his speed. Plus, Bai Feng was naturally as fast as a ghost shadow – how could he be Bai Feng’s match? He had thought he could last a hundred moves or so, but he had overestimated himself.
“I’ll give you another half month to recover. After half a month, you’ll naturally have work to do.”
Fan Xin suddenly raised his head, now not daring to appear too eager, and properly acknowledged the order.
Yan Chi waved his hand, not wanting them to disturb his time with Qin Wan. After Fan Xin and Bai Feng withdrew, Qin Wan quickly asked, “What’s happening in half a month?”
Yan Chi replied, “There’s no point in leaving Wang Han in Yan Qi’s hands anymore. We need to get him out.”
Qin Wan understood but sighed, “The Empress is still confined, and there are no new leads in the Prince of Jin’s corpse case. Now the Shuo Xi military provisions case suddenly has progressed. The whole court is discussing the case of the provision, so the corpse case can only be set aside for now.”
Yan Chi suddenly said, “The appearance of the corpse – someone wanted to reopen the Prince of Jin’s case as we did. Unfortunately, others don’t want us to investigate the Prince’s case. The Empress was confined, then immediately came Zhang Qi De’s matter. This time the Eastern Palace will likely be severely weakened. This is too coincidental.”
Qin Wan had always known that both the Prince of Jin’s case and the corpse case were weapons in court politics, but if what Yan Chi said was true, this time there was indeed a feeling of being suppressed. When they needed a case as a catalyst, they investigated; when the goal was achieved, no one cared about the truth.
“If what you’re saying is true, who wanted to reopen the case? And who didn’t want us investigating?”
Yan Chi looked at Qin Wan, “I don’t know who wanted to reopen the case, but there’s only one person who didn’t want us to continue investigating.”
Qin Wan’s heart trembled, her voice unconsciously lowering, “You mean His Majesty?”
Yan Chi stood up and walked to the window overlooking the water. Outside, the lotus pond was already withered. This season would be perfect for digging lotus roots. After thinking, he said, “When the corpse case appeared, I was somewhat surprised that His Majesty had the Lin’an Prefecture office, the Court of Judicial Review, and the Ministry of Justice conduct a joint investigation. Last year, the Prince of Jin’s case certainly damaged the imperial family’s reputation, and given His Majesty’s attitude toward the Prince’s case last year, he shouldn’t have let it become the focus of public attention again, yet he agreed.”
“When things implicated the Empress, His Majesty didn’t intervene, until after several twists and turns, the Empress was confined.”
Yan Chi turned to look at Qin Wan, “The Empress’s confinement, if looking only at the corpse case, seems like His Majesty was protecting her, which is why Prince Cheng was quite dissatisfied. But with the Empress imprisoned, the Crown Prince lost his support. At first, the Crown Prince still had hope, but as time went on longer and longer, he must have panicked, and sure enough, his faction got into trouble.”
Qin Wan stood up, her heart surging with shock, “You mean, His Majesty initially allowed the investigation of this case just to see who it would point to? Seeing it point to the Empress, he didn’t stop it, but rather used this case to legitimately confine the Empress, and then move against the Crown Prince’s faction?”
Hearing this, Qin Wan drew in a sharp breath, “His Majesty wants to deal with the Crown Prince?”
Qin Wan’s voice dropped even lower. She could hardly believe her own words. Yan Che had only been appointed Crown Prince a year ago. Since His Majesty had appointed Yan Che, he must have been satisfied with him. In less than a year, why would he want to deal with the Crown Prince?
“Is His Majesty worried about the Crown Prince becoming too powerful, or…”
Qin Wan thought of an even worse possibility, though she couldn’t understand the reason.
Yan Chi shook his head, “This Shuo Xi military provisions case is indeed serious. In the better scenario, His Majesty had received wind of it early, since the case broke several months ago. However, His Majesty knew that with the Empress and Crown Prince’s influence, they wouldn’t allow important ministers like Zhang Qi De, whom the Crown Prince valued, to fall. So His Majesty held back, waiting for an opportunity. The Prince of Jin’s corpse case provided that opportunity. After the Empress was confined, His Majesty saw the time was ripe and only then exposed it. Without the Empress controlling the situation, the Crown Prince’s faction reacted a step too slowly. I think not only Zhang Qi De, but other military commanders the Crown Prince relies on, and even the Northern Garrison Army will be implicated.”
Qin Wan held her breath, feeling a chill run down her spine.
If Yan Chi’s deduction was true, then this Great Zhou Emperor’s thoughts were deeper than the ocean!
The military provisions case had been exposed for months, and Yu Wen Xian had arrived in Shuo Xi early on, yet hadn’t sent back any useful information. If the Emperor had privately received secret reports early on, he should have been furiously angry, but he had hidden all his emotions, waiting until the corpse case entangled the Empress and caused the Crown Prince’s faction to lose focus, thus losing their initiative!
What incredible patience and calculation. Yan Huai had been Emperor for twenty years. When someone holds a high position and wields great power for long, “patience” becomes an optional skill, yet Yan Huai could still be like this. Qin Wan pressed her lips together, “You said this is the better scenario, what’s the worst one?”
Yan Chi replied, “If what I just said is true, then His Majesty is only trying to eliminate corrupt officials from the Crown Prince’s faction. After all, corruption is a serious crime that harms the country and its people. And Zhang Qi De is connected to the Northern Garrison Army, the Empress, and the Crown Prince – ordinarily untouchable. But if the situation is worse, then His Majesty isn’t targeting the corrupt officials, but the Empress and Crown Prince. The Crown Prince previously had the Grand General’s support, and over this past year has revealed many signs of forming factions. Even Zheng Bai Shi became part of the Crown Prince’s party, and even the Marquis of Loyalty and Valor’s household. His Majesty is in his prime now, healthy – if he wants to sit securely on the throne for another ten years, then the current Crown Prince controls too much power.”
“One hundred thousand Northern Garrison troops, equal to one hundred thousand Shuo Xi troops, plus Zhang Qi De as Western Route Military Commissioner…”
Qin Wan murmured, and Yan Chi nodded, “This is just the Northwest. The Crown Prince also controls many officials in the South. Last year’s salt transport incident implicated many of his people, but the Empress and Crown Prince were both very decisive then, which prevented it from affecting the Crown Prince’s power in the capital.”
Qin Wan thought of the Yu Zhou gold robbery case, where Liu Ren Li, the Salt Transport Commissioner of the Two Lakes, was affected by the salt transport corruption case and then tried to enter the capital through the Marquis of Loyalty and Valor’s connections to seek the Crown Prince’s protection! Great Zhou’s territory was vast, with millions of subjects – it was impossible to maintain perfect peace everywhere in such a huge empire. However, salt transport and the military were crucial to the state. Such rampant corruption in these two areas threatened Great Zhou’s foundations.
“So does His Majesty just want to suppress the Crown Prince, or…”
Yan Chi pondered briefly, “Should just be suppression. After all, arbitrarily deposing the Crown Prince would be taboo, especially with one hundred thousand Northern Garrison troops behind him.”
Qin Wan nodded, agreeing that Yan Che still seemed the best choice for Crown Prince.
“If that’s the case, then His Majesty still doesn’t want the Prince of Jin’s case to see the light of day.”
Qin Wan felt deeply worried. The corpse case was an opportunity but became the Emperor’s weapon to rectify the court. The imperial tactics Yan Chi analyzed made Qin Wan feel waves of fear. If His Majesty was so unfathomable, how could they request a reopening of the Prince of Jin’s case?
Yan Chi stepped forward and gently embraced Qin Wan, “Don’t worry, even if the last path is blocked, we still have other ways.”
Qin Wan looked up at Yan Chi, seeing a sharp gleam in his eyes.
Her pupils trembled, but she didn’t ask what the last path was, only leaning against Yan Chi’s chest.
“If His Majesty truly knew months ago that Zhang Qi De was involved in the military provisions corruption case but held back, then what are his plans for you? Also, wasn’t there a General Chu from the Shuo Xi army who was also implicated?”
Qin Wan asked softly, and Yan Chi gave a cold laugh, “Whatever he plans to do to me, he won’t turn his attention to me in the short term. The Crown Prince’s faction hasn’t been fully pruned yet, and the Northern Garrison Army will likely be implicated. The Eastern Palace and Empress won’t just sit and wait for death.”
“That General Chu… is Chu Fei Sheng. He’s already left the main camp and should be with Yu Qi now. Chu Fei Sheng was one of my father’s most valued veteran generals. He has a fiery temper and fights bravely, with considerable prestige in the Shuo Xi army. After my father’s death, if Chu Fei Sheng had stayed, at least half the veteran generals would have followed his lead. But if Chu Fei Sheng is implicated in the corruption case, everyone’s trust in him will be eroded. Except for those closest to him, others will have varying degrees of doubt.”
Qin Wan frowned, “So this is a false charge, just to disrupt the Shuo Xi army’s morale for better control?”
Yan Chi made an affirming sound, “Of all people in the Shuo Xi army who might be corrupt, he’s the least likely. He married early in life, but later his wife died in childbirth, and the child didn’t survive either. He was on the Shuo Xi battlefield then, and by the time he received the news, his wife had been buried for three months. He only had an elderly father at home who was very dissatisfied and ordered him to resign and return home. But he wouldn’t, and his father fell ill from anger. He only returned home just before his father died. After the funeral, he went back to Shuo Xi, never remarried, and only used his salary to support some uncles and nephews in his hometown.”
Qin Wan felt deeply moved to hear this, “Will people believe the corruption charges against him?”
Yan Chi said, “Some will certainly believe it, but it doesn’t matter. Once I return to Shuo Xi, I’ll clear his name.”
Qin Wan breathed a sigh of relief, “That’s good—”
An old general who abandoned the family for the country was falsely charged with such a crime – how different was it from what happened to her father?!
For control of Shuo Xi, the Emperor would sacrifice an old general’s reputation, and even the lives of thousands of Shuo Xi army soldiers – this was imperial tactics!
Qin Wan’s heart grew cold. She suddenly wondered if her father’s death was also a result of imperial tactics.
But her father was only a third-rank Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. Though he led a ministry, he wasn’t particularly high-ranking or powerful, at least not as sensitive as those controlling military power. Yet he still died, and not just him – the entire Shen household was executed, which was rare even in the capital!
This punishment, almost equivalent to executing nine generations of a family, was similar to what the Fu family received for their treason years ago. But what great crime had her father committed?
There was no confession record of her father’s conversation with the Prince of Jin. What else had her father done in private?
Qin Wan had no clue, and these things, surely only her father himself would know.
Xun Niang and Master Yuan quickly prepared the meal. The food here was always exquisite and delicious. Qin Wan ate quite a bit. After the meal, she examined Fan Xin’s wounds. Although his wounds had healed, injuries to tendons and bones took a hundred days to recover, especially since Fan Xin had nearly lost his life.
After writing new prescriptions for medicine and nutritional supplements, Qin Wan left with Yan Chi. It was getting late, so Yan Chi escorted Qin Wan back to the Marquis’s residence.
Yan Chi’s words today left Qin Wan’s heart heavy. Upon entering the main courtyard, she encountered Qin Yi. This fourth brother’s whereabouts were unpredictable, and his attitude toward her fluctuated between distant and close. However, not having seen him for many days, Qin Wan still stopped to greet him, “Fourth Brother is back so early today?”
Qin Yi looked at Qin Wan with a smile, “Why are you back so late? I heard the Prince of Rui came by?”
Qin Yi’s eyes held some teasing, and Qin Wan lightly coughed, “Yes, we went out for a while.”
Qin Yi let out a long “Oh,” “Not yet married, but your heart’s already left the Marquis’s residence…”
Before finishing, Qin Yi added sincerely, “But that’s good too.”
Then looking toward the study, he said, “Father had instructions, that’s why I came back early.”
Qin Wan raised her eyebrows slightly, “What did Uncle ask Fourth Brother to do?”
Only after asking did Qin Wan feel it was inappropriate – Qin Shu’s instructions were naturally secret, and she had asked too directly.
Sure enough, Qin Yi smiled, “You want to know?”
As Qin Wan was about to speak, Qin Yi stepped forward and said softly, “You must know about the military provisions case. The Empress and Eastern Palace are in a difficult position, Father is very anxious.”
Qin Wan hadn’t expected Qin Yi to say these things. Though he didn’t specify exactly what was to be done, it was clear that Qin Shu was helping the Eastern Palace. Hearing this, she thought of what Yan Chi had said. After some thought, she asked, “Does Fourth Brother think the Eastern Palace can get through this smoothly?”
Qin Yi’s smile faded slightly, and after a moment he shook his head, “I don’t know about that, but Zhao Yu is the Crown Princess, our family is firmly in the Crown Prince’s party now. At this critical moment, we can only help the Eastern Palace. What about you, Ninth Sister, do you have any instructions?”
The word “instructions” made Qin Wan’s heart tighten. Qin Yi seemed certain she knew something else.
Qin Wan shook her head, “No instructions, just that this incident is significant, and His Majesty can’t keep indulging the Crown Prince. Though Eighth Sister married the Crown Prince, the Marquis of Loyalty and Valor’s household isn’t the Crown Prince’s family retainer. At crucial moments, it’s better to prioritize the Marquis’s household.”
Qin Yi’s eyebrows rose high. Though she said there were no instructions, Qin Wan’s meaning was clear.
He nodded thoughtfully, “Don’t worry, I understand.”
Qin Wan said no more, bidding farewell to Qin Yi and returning to Pine Wind Court.