In the Imperial Garden of the palace, inside a pavilion with hanging golden curtains, sat two figures at an octagonal table made of huanghuali wood – one in yellow robes, the other in blue.

Wei Yuan and Emperor Yuanjing were of similar age, but one had a ruddy complexion with a full head of black hair, while the other’s temples had long since grayed, his eyes holding the vicissitudes accumulated over the years.

If men were to be compared to wine, Emperor Yuanjing would be the most dazzling and noble bottle, but in terms of flavor, Wei Yuan would be the most mellow and fragrant.

The two were engaged in a game of Go.

Emperor Yuanjing watched as Wei Yuan captured his white stones and sighed:

“After Prince Huai’s fall, the northern border has lost its pillar. The barbarian tribes won’t be able to stir up trouble for now, but if the Witchcraft Cult from the northeast bypasses the northern border and enters through Chu Prefecture, they’ll be heading straight for the capital. The dragon-slaying moment will come!”

As he spoke, Emperor Yuanjing placed a stone. With the crisp sound of the piece hitting the board, the situation suddenly changed, with the white stones forming a sharp sword, directly threatening the large dragon formation.

“Tsk, Lord Wei seems a bit distracted in his game today.”

Wei Yuan’s gaze was gentle as he picked up a black stone and said, “A pillar too tall and grand is difficult to control. When it collapses, it hurts others and oneself even more.”

He placed the stone lightly.

As they chatted casually while playing, after four or five more moves, Emperor Yuanjing said calmly:

“A few days ago, the Crown Prince was assassinated. Everyone in the palace is on edge, and the Empress has been quite shaken. She hasn’t been eating or sleeping well these days and has become quite haggard. Lord Wei, please catch the assassin soon so this matter can be put to rest, and the Empress won’t have to worry anymore.”

Wei Yuan glanced at the board, conceded defeat by placing his stone, and slowly exhaled: “Your Majesty’s Go skills have become even more exquisite.”

Then, he stood up, took a few steps back, and bowed: “It was this humble servant’s failure. I will do my utmost to catch the assassin as soon as possible.”

Emperor Yuanjing burst into laughter.

……

At the same time, in the Inner Cabinet.

A middle-aged eunuch wearing a python robe, accompanied by two other eunuchs, arrived at the Wenyuan Hall to pay respects to Prime Minister Wang Zhenwen.

They didn’t stay long, only about a quarter of an hour, before the chief eunuch led the two others away.

Prime Minister Wang Zhenwen sat expressionlessly behind his desk, not moving for a long time, like a silent statue.

……

The next day, during the court session, Emperor Yuanjing was still arguing with the officials about the Chu Prefecture case, but it was not as intense as yesterday, with the entire hall filled with a tense atmosphere.

Although today’s court session still didn’t conclude, it adjourned in a relatively peaceful manner.

Zheng Xinghuai, seasoned in officialdom, sensed a hint of unease. He knew that the problem he had worried about yesterday had finally emerged.

In court, although the officials still refused to give in, they were not as insistent as yesterday on convicting Prince Zhenbei.

Even when the noble clans proposed how to dispel the rumors in the capital and change the views of the twenty thousand soldiers from Chu Prefecture on this matter, some civil officials participated in the discussion under the guise of reprimanding.

What pained Zheng Xinghuai the most was that Wei Yuan and Wang Zhenwen remained silent throughout.

After the court session, Zheng Xinghuai walked silently, when suddenly he heard someone calling from behind: “Chief Administrative Officer Zheng, please wait.”

He turned around woodenly to see Duke Cao, wearing his ducal robes, catching up with him, a clear smile on his face.

To Zheng Xinghuai, this was the smile of a victor.

“Chief Administrative Officer Zheng, when you left Chu Prefecture on your own to come to the capital and make accusations, thinking you had the upper hand, did you ever imagine it would come to this?” Duke Cao said calmly, his manner composed:

“I’ll give you a straightforward path. Chu Prefecture is in ruins and needs rebuilding, and you are its Chief Administrative Officer. At this time, you should be in Chu Prefecture, rebuilding the city. As for the matters in the capital, it’s best not to get involved.”

He turned his head to glance at the Hall of Supreme Harmony behind him and advised, “This is also His Majesty’s wish.”

His Majesty’s meaning was clear: if you know what’s good for you, you’ll remain as the Chief Administrative Officer of Chu Prefecture. Go back to where you came from. After all, Chu Prefecture is tens of thousands of miles away from the capital, and I’d rather not see you.

“Pah!”

The response was Zheng Xinghuai’s spit.

“Ungrateful fool.”

Duke Cao watched Zheng Xinghuai’s retreating figure and sneered.

……

At the Constabulary Office, in the Tower of Righteous Qi.

Wei Yuan was the first person Zheng Xinghuai visited after the court session.

Xu Qi’an had been keeping an eye on today’s court proceedings and was about to go to the courier station to ask Zheng Xinghuai about the situation when he heard that he was visiting Wei Yuan. He immediately went to the Tower of Righteous Qi.

But he was stopped by the guards at the bottom of the tower.

“Lord Wei said that during his meeting, no one is to disturb him. Besides, Lord Wei hasn’t planned to see you for a while now. Hasn’t he turned you away several times already?”

The guard and Xu Qi’an were old acquaintances, so he spoke without much restraint.

Xu Qi’an had no restraint in hitting people either, slapping the guard’s head repeatedly while scolding, “You talk too much, you talk too much…”

On the seventh floor.

Wei Yuan, dressed in blue robes with graying temples, sat cross-legged in front of his desk.

Across from him was Zheng Xinghuai, his back gradually hunching, his hair also graying, with an unresolvable knot between his brows.

“When the imperial inspection ended and Chief Administrative Officer Zheng returned to the capital to report, I met with you once. At that time, although your hair was white, your spirit was still very good,” Wei Yuan said gently, his gaze compassionate.

Seeing him again now, the man seemed to have lost his soul. The heavy bags under his eyes and the bloodshot eyes indicated sleepless nights.

The slightly drooping corners of his mouth and the knot between his brows showed that he harbored deep resentment and unresolved grievances.

“Is Lord Wei planning to give up as well?” Zheng Xinghuai asked in a deep voice.

“I admire Xu Qi’an very much, believing him to be a born warrior, but sometimes I also find his temperament troublesome,” Wei Yuan answered indirectly. “I told him that in navigating officialdom, one must consider three things: think of danger, think of retreat, and think of change.”

“Before taking action, one must consider the consequences, understand the stakes involved, and then weigh whether to act or not.”

“If the overwhelming tide cannot be stopped, one must think of retreat, avoiding its sharp edge. Our Emperor does this very well. Only after retreating and ensuring safety can one think about how to change the situation.”

“That boy Xu Qi’an replied to me saying: ‘I understand all these principles, but I don’t care’… Heh, such an uncouth warrior.”

Zheng Xinghuai remembered what Constable Xu had said in the cave, knowing that Prince Zhenbei was powerful but still wanting to investigate Chu Prefecture. A smile involuntarily appeared on his stern face.

“The fact that Lord Wei used the word ‘uncouth’ precisely shows that you are also at a loss with him.”

Zheng Xinghuai understood the meaning behind Wei Yuan’s words, but like Xu Qi’an, he had his principles to uphold, a bottom line from which he would not retreat.

He went downstairs alone and saw Xu Qi’an waiting at the bottom.

“Chief Administrative Officer Zheng, let me escort you back to the courier station,” Xu Qi’an approached.

“I’m not going back to the courier station,” Zheng Xinghuai shook his head, looking at him with a complex expression. “I’m sorry to have disappointed Constable Xu.”

Xu Qi’an’s heart sank.

The two left the office in silence, got into a carriage, and Bailishentu, acting as the driver, drove away.

On the way, Zheng Xinghuai described the events of today’s court session, pointing out that the officials’ attitudes were ambiguous and their positions had subtly changed.

“Lord Wei shouldn’t be like this. In his position, if he wants something, he can plan for it himself without needing to go against his conscience to cater to His Majesty,” Xu Qi’an frowned deeply, not understanding.

“Lord Wei has his difficulties,” Zheng Xinghuai explained to Wei Yuan, his tone conveying helplessness:

“There’s a distinction between ruler and subject. As long as His Majesty doesn’t touch the interests of the vast majority, no one in court is his match.”

“The three considerations Lord Wei mentioned… why doesn’t Chief Administrative Officer Zheng consider them? Avoid the sharp edge for now. Prince Huai is dead, and the revenge for the people of Chu Prefecture has been taken,” Xu Qi’an advised.

Chief Administrative Officer Zheng was a good official, and he didn’t want such a person to end up with a miserable fate, just as he had once stood alone against the rebel army for Governor Zhang in Yun Prefecture.

This time there was no rebel army. This battle was in the court, and Xu Qi’an couldn’t just charge into the palace with a sword and start a massacre, so he had no role to play.

He could only advise Chief Administrative Officer Zheng to reconsider.

Zheng Xinghuai looked at him and asked, “Are you content with this? Are you content to see an executioner like Prince Huai become a hero, honored in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and go down in history?”

Xu Qi’an didn’t answer, but Zheng Xinghuai saw discontent in the young man’s eyes.

So he smiled with satisfaction.

“I am a second-rank Chief Administrative Officer, but more importantly, I am a scholar. Scholars seek to be without guilt in their hearts, to be true to themselves, and even more so to be worthy of the parents who raised them with such hardship.”

They rode in silence for a long while.

After some time, the carriage stopped by the street, and Shentu Baili said softly, “Sir, we’ve arrived.”

Xu Qi’an lifted the curtain. The carriage had stopped in front of an extremely grand courtyard, with a plaque over the gate that read: Wenyuan Hall.

The Inner Cabinet!

Zheng Xinghuai jumped down from the carriage and said to the guard at the door, “I am Zheng Xinghuai, Chief Administrative Officer of Chu Prefecture, requesting an audience with Prime Minister Wang.”

Seeing this, Xu Qi’an understood Zheng Xinghuai’s plan. He wanted to be a persuader, to lobby the officials and bring them back to their camp.

The guard went into the Inner Cabinet to report. Shortly after, he returned quickly and said solemnly:

“The Prime Minister says that Chief Administrative Officer Zheng is the Chief Administrative Officer of Chu Prefecture. Whether during working hours or after, he should not come looking for him, lest someone use it as a reason to impeach him for forming factions.”

Zheng Xinghuai left disappointed.

Over the next day, Xu Qi’an watched him run around lobbying, only to be rebuffed everywhere… At dusk, he returned to the courier station dejected.

……

When Xu Xinnian returned home after his shift, he didn’t see his elder brother. After walking around the courtyard, he finally heard someone call from the roof: “Your elder brother is here.”

It was the melodious voice of a young woman.

Looking up, he saw it was Li Miaozhen, the Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Sect. She stood on the eaves, looking down at him expressionlessly. Just from her face, one could sense that something was amiss with her mood.

When Second Young Master Xu brought over a ladder, he found that Li Miaozhen was already gone. His elder brother was lying on the roof, chewing on a grass root, hands behind his head, with one leg crossed over the other.

The exceptionally handsome Xu Xinnian lifted the hem of his official robes and climbed up the ladder onto the roof.

“What are you coming up here for?” Xu Qi’an said irritably. “One annoying woman just left, and now you come to bother me.”

“Daoist Li seemed unhappy,” Second Young Master Xu said calmly, sitting down beside his elder brother.

“Of course she’s unhappy. If she had the power, she’d want to charge into the palace at dawn to kill everyone,” Xu Qi’an said grumpily.

“Why wait until dawn?”

“Because she thinks the court is full of beasts that all deserve to die, so she wants to wait until dawn when they’re all at court to kill the whole nest,” Xu Qi’an said irritably.

Hearing this, Second Young Master Xu shrank his neck: “Fortunately, I’m just a Hanlin Academy scholar.”

Xu Qi’an couldn’t help but laugh, then sighed:

“The Heavenly Sect cultivates the Tao of Supreme Detachment. Perhaps when she truly has that power in the future, she will no longer be the Flying Swallow Chivalrous Lady of her youth. This is life, nine out of ten things don’t go as one wishes.”

“Elder brother seems to have become calmer,” Second Young Master Xu said approvingly.

“It’s not calmness, it’s that I’m a bit tired, a bit disappointed,” Xu Qi’an said, hands behind his head, looking at the fading dusk sky, murmuring:

“Is it so hard to admit a mistake and apologize?”

Second Young Master Xu turned his head, glanced at him, then cast his gaze towards the deep blue sky and said:

“I understand the court matters now, and I came up to talk to Elder Brother about it. Although the court hasn’t made a final decision on Prince Zhenbei’s massacre case, the matter has caused such an uproar in the capital that it’s already set in stone. It won’t be easy to turn the situation around.”

“Even if the court forcibly portrays Prince Zhenbei as a hero, this matter will leave hidden dangers. When people speak of this in the future, they will never forget the initial shock of Prince Zhenbei’s massacre. This will be the key to overturning the case in the future.”

Overturning the case… Xu Qi’an’s eyebrows raised, instantly recalling many cases from history in his previous life.

Many innocent loyal ministers and brave generals who died unjustly were eventually vindicated, while treacherous officials who once basked in glory met their due fates.

The most famous among them was Qin Hui.

The bronze statues of this infamous traitor and his wife still stand in a famous scenic spot, despised by later generations.

To what extent are they despised? — Qin Hui’s wife’s breasts are shiny from being rubbed by visitors.

Is this also what Lord Wei meant when he told Chief Administrative Officer Zheng to reconsider?… Chief Administrative Officer Zheng is blinded by anger and hatred, his emotions inevitably extreme, and he might not understand Lord Wei’s meaning. Hmm, I’ll remind him tomorrow.

A gentleman’s revenge can wait ten years. Since the situation is stronger than people, we might as well endure for now.

“My Second Brother truly has the potential to be Prime Minister, his intelligence not inferior to Lord Wei’s…” Xu Qi’an sat up contentedly, putting his arm around Xu Xinnian’s shoulders.

Xu Xinnian pushed him away in disgust.

……

In the Imperial Palace.

In the luxuriously furnished bedchamber, Emperor Yuanjing reclined on a soft couch, studying Daoist scriptures. He casually asked, “Any recent activity from the Inner Cabinet?”

The old eunuch replied softly, “The Prime Minister hasn’t been receiving visitors lately.”

Emperor Yuanjing nodded with satisfaction: “What about Wei Yuan?”

“The day before yesterday after court, Chief Administrative Officer Zheng visited the Constabulary Office once. Lord Wei met with him, but they haven’t had any interaction since,” the old eunuch reported truthfully.

“Wei Yuan and Prime Minister Wang are both too clever, but Wei Yuan especially doesn’t take me seriously,” Emperor Yuanjing didn’t seem angry. He turned a page, focused for a while, then suddenly his expression turned cold:

“What about Zheng Xinghuai?”

“Chief Administrative Officer Zheng has been running around these past few days, trying to lobby officials, but not many are willing to see him. The officials are all waiting to see how things develop. Later, he changed his mind and went to the Imperial Academy to incite the students,” the old eunuch said softly.

Emperor Yuanjing smiled, but his eyes held no mirth, only a cold gleam.

……

On the morning of May 12th, eight days had passed since Prince Zhenbei’s body was returned to the capital.

The court’s announcement on how to convict Prince Zhenbei had still not been posted.

The common people of the capital weren’t in a hurry. As residents under the Son of Heaven’s feet, they had even seen cases drag on for several years, and policies to reduce taxes that had been circulating for years and would probably continue to circulate.

Though not urgent, the topic was still hot and hadn’t cooled down.

During their leisure time, the capital’s residents would habitually bring up Prince Zhenbei for discussion…

On this clear morning, a group of unexpected visitors arrived in the capital.

Thirty riders charged through the city gates, passed through the outer city, and stopped at the inner city gate.

The leader had a decent face but was blind in one eye. It was Que Yongxiu, the Commander-in-Chief of Chu Prefecture.

This Marquis of Protecting the Nation wore tattered armor, his hair disheveled, looking travel-worn.

His companions were in a similar state.

At the city gate, Que Yongxiu dismounted and entered the city on foot. He took out a blood letter from his bosom, held it in his hands, and shouted:

“I am Que Yongxiu, Commander-in-Chief of Chu Prefecture and Marquis of Protecting the Nation. I accuse Zheng Xinghuai, Chief Administrative Officer of Chu Prefecture, of colluding with demons and barbarians, causing the death of Prince Zhenbei and 380,000 citizens of Chu Prefecture.”

“Afterwards, Zheng Xinghuai deceived the diplomatic mission, pursued and tried to kill me to cover up his collusion with demons and barbarians, and falsely accused Prince Zhenbei of massacring the city. His crimes are heinous and unforgivable.”

As he walked, he continued speaking, attracting the attention of passersby who gathered to watch and discuss.

“Marquis of Protecting the Nation? Is that the one from Chu Prefecture? The one who aided evil in Prince Zhenbei’s massacre case?”

“It’s good he’s back, walking into the trap himself. Keep an eye on them, don’t let them escape. Let’s report to the magistrate’s office.”

“Don’t be hasty, listen to what he’s saying. Chief Administrative Officer Zheng Xinghuai colluded with demons and barbarians, caused Prince Zhenbei’s death, deceived the diplomatic mission… What’s going on here?”

“Could it be that the Chief Administrative Officer of Chu Prefecture is the real culprit behind the destruction of Chu Prefecture?”

The common people were used to such plot twists, like the oft-told stories of loyal ministers being framed and then vindicated.

They were most familiar with this kind of drama.

“It must be false. Chu Prefecture was destroyed by Prince Zhenbei, don’t you remember? Constable Xu was in the diplomatic mission. Would Constable Xu wrong a good person? If that Chief Administrative Officer was a traitor, wouldn’t Lord Xu have seen through it?”

“That makes sense.”

The surrounding people nodded in agreement.

During the year of the Imperial Inspection, a series of major cases occurred in the capital, and Xu Qi’an was the main official in charge each time. At that time, he gradually became known to the people, evolving from a small constable to a topic of conversation.

After returning from Yun Prefecture, his reputation rose another level, from a topic of conversation to a martyr. He truly exploded in popularity after the Buddhist confrontation. After defeating the Buddhist sect, he became a hero of the capital. As the court’s official reports spread to various regions, he became a hot topic among the common people and martial artists across Great Tang.

He had accumulated massive prestige.

The Human-Deity Conflict further solidified his image and reputation. He existed deep in the minds of the common people, in their dreams, in their hearts, and in their calls.

Therefore, compared to Que Yongxiu’s blood letter, the surrounding onlookers were more inclined to believe in the Chief Administrative Officer of Chu Prefecture who was brought back by Constable Xu.

Soon, the news of Que Yongxiu, Commander-in-Chief of Chu Prefecture and Marquis of Protecting the Nation, returning to the capital with a blood letter and accusing Chief Administrative Officer Zheng Xinghuai along the streets, spread rapidly through the watching crowds.

For a time, the case of Prince Zhenbei’s massacre became even more confusing and mysterious.

……

After the incident, Que Yongxiu was immediately taken to the palace by the imperial guards to meet the emperor alone.

Shortly after, the emperor summoned the officials for a small court session in the Imperial Study.

Emperor Yuanjing sat behind his desk, with civil officials on the left and noble clans and imperial relatives on the right. Que Yongxiu knelt in front of the desk, holding the blood letter.

“My beloved ministers, take a look at this blood letter,” Emperor Yuanjing handed the letter to the old eunuch.

The latter respectfully accepted it and passed it to the imperial relatives, then to the civil officials.

Duke Cao stepped forward, indignantly saying, “Your Majesty, Zheng Xinghuai colluded with demons and barbarians, causing Prince Zhenbei’s death. His crimes are heinous and he should be executed along with his entire clan.”

The Vice Minister of Rites stepped forward with a frown, “Duke Cao’s words are too hasty. Zheng Xinghuai colluded with demons and barbarians, and then caused the death of his entire family?”

A prince retorted, “Who can be certain that Zheng Xinghuai’s entire family died in Chu Prefecture?”

Grand Secretary Zhao Tingfang became furious and spoke harshly:

“If Zheng Xinghuai colluded with demons and barbarians, then what about the mysterious expert who killed Prince Zhenbei? He specifically named Prince Zhenbei as the one who massacred the city. The diplomatic mission saw and heard this with their own eyes and ears.”

Duke Cao sneered, “Who is this mysterious expert? Let him come out and testify for Zheng Xinghuai. How can we believe the words of an unidentified evil cultivator?”

Right Censor-in-Chief Liu Hong became angry, “It was this so-called evil cultivator who beheaded the barbarian leader. Duke Cao is submissive before the barbarians but aggressive in court, how impressive.”

Before Duke Cao could rebut, Left Censor-in-Chief Yuan Xiong jumped out to argue with his political enemy: “As the saying goes, those not of our kind must be of a different heart. Lord Liu, don’t forget your identity.”

Liu Hong sneered: “Those not of our kind, could they wield the Sword of Guarding the Nation?”

“Enough!”

Suddenly, Emperor Yuanjing slammed the table, his eyes filled with anger.

Seeing this, Marquis Que Yongxiu immediately prostrated himself and cried, “I beg Your Majesty to do justice for me, for Prince Zhenbei, and for the people of Chu Prefecture.”

Emperor Yuanjing nodded slowly: “This case is of great importance. Naturally, I will investigate it thoroughly. This matter will be jointly investigated by the Three Judicial Offices. Duke Cao, you will also participate.”

After speaking, he glanced at his chief attendant and said, “Grant Duke Cao the golden tablet. Go to the courier station immediately to arrest Zheng Xinghuai. Anyone who resists, execute first and report later.”

Duke Cao said excitedly, “Yes, Your Majesty is wise.”

……

After leaving the palace, Wei Yuan hurried to catch up with Prime Minister Wang. The two powerful ministers didn’t take carriages but walked side by side.

This scene, in the eyes of the officials, was a sight to behold. A sight worth savoring even years later.

“I advised Zheng Xinghuai, but unfortunately, he’s stubborn,” Wei Yuan said gently, his expression unchanged.

“If he weren’t stubborn, he wouldn’t have been sent to the northern frontier by the old Prime Minister back then,” Prime Minister Wang sneered. “What a fool.”

It wasn’t clear if he was cursing Zheng Xinghuai or himself.

Wei Yuan said calmly, “Last time we almost caught Que Yongxiu in the palace, but he escaped. The next day we searched the entire city but still couldn’t find him. That’s when I knew this matter couldn’t be opposed.”

Prime Minister Wang said calmly, “It’s not all bad. The officials agreed with His Majesty’s opinion because Prince Zhenbei was already dead. Now that Que Yongxiu has returned alive, some people won’t agree. This is our opportunity.”

Wei Yuan shook his head: “It’s precisely because Que Yongxiu has returned that those people see hope for ‘overturning the case’. As long as they cooperate with His Majesty, this case can be settled. And once it’s settled, Que Yongxiu is a first-rank duke, a founding meritorious official. It will be difficult to deal with him then.”

After a moment of silence, both men asked simultaneously: “Did he threaten you?”

……

At the courier station.

A cough came from the room. Zheng Xinghuai, wearing blue casual clothes, sat by the table, his right hand spread flat on the tabletop.

A white-robed physician was taking his pulse.

After a while, the white-robed physician withdrew his hand and shook his head:

“Illness caused by accumulated melancholy. It’s not a major problem. Take some medicine and rest for a few days, and you’ll be fine. However, Chief Administrative Officer Zheng, you should ease your mind sooner rather than later. Otherwise, this illness will come back to find you.”

Chen Xian and his wife sighed in relief, then sighed again.

The illness was minor and not difficult to treat. What was difficult to treat was Chief Administrative Officer Zheng’s mental anguish.

Zheng Xinghuai didn’t respond to the white-robed physician, but cupped his hands: “Thank you, doctor.”

“Don’t act like it’s nothing,” the white-robed physician from the Astronomical Bureau was proud by nature and always spoke his mind unless under violent pressure:

“You’re not too old yet. If you live carefree, you can live a few more years. Otherwise, in three to five years, you’ll have another serious illness. In at most ten years, I’ll be able to offer incense at your grave.”

Chen Xian and his wife looked displeased.

Zheng Xinghuai seemed to have experienced the physician’s manner before and didn’t blame or get angry. Instead, he asked, “I heard Constable Xu is on very good terms with the Astronomical Bureau.”

The white-robed physician snorted: “I know what you’re thinking. Young Master Xu is our Astronomical Bureau’s benefactor. However, if you’re thinking of seeing the Director through him, forget it. The Astronomical Bureau doesn’t interfere in court matters. That’s the rule.”

As Zheng Xinghuai was about to speak again, the white-robed physician added, “Constable Xu has already been to the Astronomical Bureau to plead. If this path were open, would you need to say anything?”

He, he has already been to the Astronomical Bureau… Zheng Xinghuai’s expression became complex. Among the returning diplomatic mission, only Constable Xu was still working on this matter.

Others had chosen to remain silent due to the situation.

As they were speaking, urgent footsteps came from downstairs, followed by Zhao Jin’s angry roar: “Which office are you from? How dare you barge into the courier station where Chief Administrative Officer Zheng is staying…”

Zheng Xinghuai and others rushed out of the room, just in time to see Duke Cao, in full military attire, swinging his scabbard and striking Zhao Jin’s face hard, shattering half the teeth in his mouth.

A silver constable from the Constabulary Office, leading several bronze constables, rushed out of the room and shouted, “Stop!”

After instructing the bronze constables to restrain the enraged Zhao Jin, the silver constable glared a warning: “These are imperial guards from the palace.”

Zhao Jin’s face stiffened.

The silver constable took a deep breath and cupped his hands, saying, “Duke Cao, what is this about…”

Duke Cao looked towards Zheng Xinghuai, who had rushed out of the room, with a cold smile, and said, “By His Majesty’s order, Zheng Xinghuai is to be arrested and taken to the Court of Judicial Review for questioning. Anyone who resists will be killed without mercy.”

“What?!”

The constables and Zhao Jin and others changed color.

Zheng Xinghuai stood firm, with a clear conscience, and asked, “What crime has this official committed?”

Duke Cao was taken aback, his smile becoming playful and mocking: “It seems Chief Administrative Officer Zheng hasn’t gone out today. Well, Que Yongxiu, Commander-in-Chief of Chu Prefecture and Marquis of Protecting the Nation, has returned to the capital. He has accused you before His Majesty of colluding with demons and barbarians, causing the death of Prince Zhenbei and 380,000 citizens of Chu Prefecture.”

Zheng Xinghuai staggered, his face drained of color.

……

At Princess Huaiqing’s residence.

The head guard knocked on the door of Princess Huaiqing’s study, strode in, and presented a note:

“Your Highness, the intelligence you requested is all here. Chief Administrative Officer Zheng has been imprisoned. Also, many people in the capital are spreading rumors that ‘Chief Administrative Officer Zheng is the one who colluded with demons and barbarians’. Duke Cao’s people are behind this…”

Huaiqing listened while unfolding the note, reading it silently.

“I knew Father still had tricks up his sleeve. Que Yongxiu had already returned to the capital and was lurking, waiting for an opportunity. Father ignored the rumors in the capital, waiting for this moment. Impressive.”

She waved her hand.

The head guard withdrew.

As the study door closed, Huaiqing, dressed in a plain white gown, walked to the window and quietly gazed at the spring scenery outside.

A soft sigh echoed in the study.

……

In the Eastern Palace.

Linan ran, lifting her skirt, like a bright flame, her skirt, waist jade, and ribbons fluttering.

Six palace maids chased after her, shouting loudly: “Slow down, Your Highness, slow down!”

“Crown Prince brother, Crown Prince brother…”

The melodious voice, like silver bells, echoed from outside into the hall.

The Crown Prince was in his bedchamber, enjoying the company of a coquettish palace maid when he heard his sister’s call. His face changed dramatically. He scrambled off the bed, picked up his clothes from the floor, and quickly dressed.

Fortunately, the eunuchs of the Eastern Palace were thoughtful. Knowing their master was striving to expand the imperial family tree, they firmly blocked Linan from entering the bedchamber and invited her to the reception hall instead.

The Crown Prince entered the reception hall while adjusting his clothes. When he saw his sister, his expression softened, and he said gently, “What’s so urgent?”

Linan frowned her delicate brows, her enchanting peach blossom eyes flashing with anxiety and worry. She said hurriedly, “Crown Prince brother, I heard that Chief Administrative Officer Zheng has been arrested by Father Emperor’s men.”

The Crown Prince was silent for a moment, then nodded: “I know.”

Having been Crown Prince for so many years, he naturally had a deep understanding of court matters.

Linan said furtively, “Father Emperor, he, he wants to frame Chief Administrative Officer Zheng, doesn’t he?”

The Crown Prince dismissed the eunuchs and palace maids. When only the siblings remained in the hall, he nodded, giving an affirmative answer.

The lively peach blossom eyes dimmed. Linan said softly, “Prince Huai massacred the city, killing 380,000 innocent people. Why does Father Emperor still want to cover for him, even at the cost of framing Chief Administrative Officer Zheng?”

This concerns the face of the imperial family, there can be no compromise at all… The Crown Prince wanted to say this, but seeing his sister’s low spirits, he sighed and patted her shoulder:

“You’re a young woman, don’t concern yourself with these matters. Why not learn from Huaiqing? You shouldn’t have returned to the palace.”

Linan hung her head like a dejected little girl.

The Crown Prince still cared deeply for his sister. He held her fragrant shoulders and said solemnly, “Father Emperor likes you because you’re sweet-tongued and never inquire about court matters. Why have you changed now?”

Linan said weakly, “Because Xu Qi’an’s position is getting higher and higher…”

The Crown Prince’s face changed, showing annoyance: “Did he instigate you to enter the palace?”

“No…” Linan’s small mouth pouted, and she said grievously, “I, I dare not see him, I’m too ashamed to face him.”

Prince Huai was her uncle, and he had committed such atrocities in Chu Prefecture. As a member of the imperial family, how could she completely dissociate herself from it?

Her guilt towards the 300,000 wronged souls made her feel unworthy to face Xu Qi’an.

She even thought self-destructively that it would be better never to see him again.

“So, you came to find me today, wanting me to plead with Father Emperor on your behalf?” The Crown Prince led her to sit down again. Seeing his sister nod slightly, he shook his head and smiled wryly:

“Father Emperor won’t even see you, how would he see me? Linan, in officialdom, there’s no right or wrong, only gains and losses of interests. Not to mention whether my intervention would be useful, I am the Crown Prince. I must stand with the imperial clan and noble families.”

“You’re just a young woman, no one cares what you do. If you were a prince, with your recent actions, you would have already lost any chance at the throne.”

Linan said with a sad face: “But, killing so many people, there must be a price to pay, right? Otherwise, who would still believe in our Great Tang’s laws? I heard Huaiqing say that the one who killed for Prince Huai was the Marquis of Protecting the Nation.”

“He killed so many people, yet Father Emperor still wants to protect him. I’m very unhappy about this.”

Foolish sister, beneath Father Emperor’s dragon throne lies a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood.

Such things happened often in the past, are not uncommon now, and will continue in the future. No one can change it.

Including that Xu Qi’an you favor.

The Crown Prince shook his head helplessly.

……

At the Court of Judicial Review, in the prison.

In early summer, the air in the prison was foul and putrid, mixed with the smell of prisoners relieving themselves at will and the stench of rotting food.

The stuffy air was nauseating.

The Deputy Chief Justice of the Court of Judicial Review brought two jugs of wine and a package of beef into the prison. He walked slowly to the cell where Zheng Xinghuai was detained and, not minding the filthy ground, sat down.

“Chief Administrative Officer Zheng, I’ve come to drink with you,” the Deputy Chief Justice smiled.

Zheng Xinghuai, his hands and feet bound by shackles, walked to the bars and scrutinized the Deputy Chief Justice, saying, “You don’t look well.”

“How so? I’m clearly in good spirits and feeling light,” the Deputy Chief Justice replied.

He unwrapped the oiled paper and began sharing the beef with Zheng Xinghuai. As they ate, he suddenly said, “After this matter is over, I’ll retire and return to my hometown.”

Zheng Xinghuai looked at him and nodded: “That’s good.”

After finishing the meat and wine, the Deputy Chief Justice stood up and bowed deeply to Zheng Xinghuai: “Thank you, Chief Administrative Officer Zheng.”

He didn’t explain further and left.

Thank you for helping me find my conscience again.

As soon as he walked out of the dungeon, the Deputy Chief Justice saw a group of people approaching. At the front were Duke Cao and Marquis Que Yongxiu, walking side by side.

What are they doing here? Is the Marquis, as a key figure in the case, also to be detained?

The Deputy Chief Justice’s gaze swept over them, noticing the attendants behind the two… Bringing attendants for detention?

“Deputy Chief Justice, we meet again,” Que Yongxiu smiled and approached, looking him up and down, clicking his tongue:

“So you’re just a sixth-rank official. When I was in Chu Prefecture, I thought you were a grand first-rank official, so imposing that you dared to question even me.”

The Deputy Chief Justice suppressed his anger and said in a deep voice, “What are you doing at the Court of Judicial Review?”

“Of course, to interrogate the prisoner,” Que Yongxiu revealed a mocking smile. “By His Majesty’s verbal order, we are to interrogate the prisoner Zheng Xinghuai. During this time, no one is allowed to enter the dungeon. Anyone who violates this will be treated as an accomplice.”

With that, the two dukes entered the dungeon side by side. The attendants closed the dungeon door and locked it from inside.

They’re going to silence him… This thought flashed through the Deputy Chief Justice’s mind like a thunderbolt.

He instinctively wanted to seek help from the Chief Justice, but the fact that the two dukes dared to come here was enough to indicate that the Chief Justice knew about this and tacitly approved.

Because the two dukes had the Emperor’s authorization.

“They’re going to silence him and then disguise it as suicide out of guilt, to announce it to the world. This way, the anger towards Prince Huai will be transferred to Zheng Xinghuai.”

“This is much simpler than overturning the previous statement and forcibly exonerating Prince Huai, and it’s easier for the people to accept. His Majesty, he never intended to try the case. He wants to catch the officials off guard, leaving them no choice…”

The Deputy Chief Justice hurried away, his pace getting faster and faster until he broke into a run. He rushed towards the stable of the yamen.

He had only one thought in his mind: Find Xu Qi’an.

Only this stinking rock from the latrine could stop the Marquis and Duke Cao. Only he could act rashly for the sake of his beliefs.

……

Duke Cao covered his nose and mouth, frowning as he walked through the corridor of the dungeon.

“This little stench is nothing. Duke Cao, you’ve been away from the battlefield for too long,” the one-eyed Que Yongxiu sneered.

“Stop wasting time, let’s finish this and leave. Delay breeds change,” Duke Cao waved his hand.

The two stopped in front of Zheng Xinghuai’s cell. Que Yongxiu glanced at the wine jugs and oiled paper on the ground and snorted, “Chief Administrative Officer Zheng, living quite comfortably, aren’t you?”

Zheng Xinghuai’s eyes instantly reddened. He rushed forward, dragging his chains, roaring like a lion: “Que Yongxiu, you beast!”

Que Yongxiu didn’t get angry. He smiled and said, “Yes, I am a beast. The beast who killed your entire family. Zheng Xinghuai, letting you escape that day caused all these subsequent troubles. Today, I’ve come to send you to reunite with your family.”

Zheng Xinghuai roared and bellowed, his mind flashing images of his grandson impaled on a long spear, his son nailed to the ground, his wife and daughter-in-law hacked to death.

The people of Chu Prefecture falling amidst a rain of arrows, lives as worthless as grass.

Scene after scene, vivid and clear, made his soul tremble and wail.

Que Yongxiu laughed heartily, bending over with laughter.

Duke Cao sneered from the side, saying:

“Your running around these past few days has long exhausted His Majesty’s patience. If you weren’t still of some use, you would have died silently long ago. Zheng Xinghuai, you’re still not smart enough. If you had thought carefully about everything that happened in Chu Prefecture, you should have known who you were really facing.”

Zheng Xinghuai suddenly froze, as if struck by a heavy blow.

After a few seconds, the scholar’s body began to tremble, shaking uncontrollably.

“Why did he do this, why did he do this… Those, those were all his subjects…”

He lowered his head and never raised it again.

This scholar’s backbone was broken.

Que Yongxiu snorted, “Thank Duke Cao for letting you die with understanding.”

As he spoke, he stretched out his hand, grinning ferociously, “Give me the white silk. I want to send him off with my own hands.”

An attendant handed over the white silk, while another opened the cell door.

Que Yongxiu strode in, flicked his wrist, and wrapped the white silk around Zheng Xinghuai’s neck. He yanked it hard and said with a laugh:

“Zheng Xinghuai, Chief Administrative Officer of Chu Prefecture, colluded with demons and barbarians, massacred 380,000 citizens, and after being exposed by Marquis Que Yongxiu, hanged himself in prison.”

“How’s this ending, Chief Administrative Officer Zheng? Are you satisfied?”

Zheng Xinghuai could no longer speak. His eyes bulged, his face turned red, and his tongue slowly protruded.

His struggles went from violent to slow, occasionally kicking his legs. His life was rapidly ebbing away, like a candle in the wind.

At this moment, as life was about to reach its end, Zheng Xinghuai’s past flashed before his eyes.

A difficult childhood, a diligent youth, a disappointed young adulthood, a selfless middle age… At the end of his life, he seemed to return to his small mountain village.

He was running on the muddy path in the village, heading towards home. He had walked this path thousands of times, but today, for some reason, he felt particularly urgent.

Bang bang bang!

He anxiously knocked on the courtyard gate.

The gate slowly opened. Inside stood an ordinary woman, weathered by life, with a gentle smile.

He sighed in relief, as if he had found the harbor of his life, shedding all fatigue, and smiled happily.

“Mother, I’m home…”

……

After an unknown amount of time, a loud noise broke the silence of the dungeon.

The iron door leading to the dungeon was violently kicked open, crashing heavily against the opposite wall. The loud sound echoed through the dungeon corridor.

Xu Qi’an, carrying a sword, charged into the dungeon.

The Deputy Chief Justice followed behind him, panting heavily. At his age, even though he usually took good care of his health, the intense running still left his lungs burning.

The Deputy Chief Justice chased after Xu Qi’an into the corridor, seeing him suddenly freeze at the door of one of the cells.

He stood there, like a statue.

The Deputy Chief Justice’s heart sank. He found strength from somewhere and staggered over.

In the gloomy cell, hanging from the bars, was a corpse.

The Deputy Chief Justice collapsed to the ground, covering his face, tears streaming down.