Chapter 216: A Dance Of Demons? Tell Old Zhu, You Need To Pay More! Seeking Monthly Tickets
Inside Huagai Hall, the candlelight burned brightly, casting the weathered face of Old Zhu into an uncertain play of light and shadow.
Song Zhong stood with his hands respectfully at his sides.
He reported to Old Zhu, in full and meticulous detail, the night’s dangers in Zhang Biao’s small courtyard, Old Zhou’s injury, the ‘Bi An waist token’ and ‘Scar-faced Man’ portrait discovered by Loach, as well as Zhang Biao’s subsequent arrangements.
Old Zhu listened quietly, his face unreadable, only the rhythmic and dull tapping of his fingers on the armrest of the dragon throne betraying the turmoil within him.
Upon hearing ‘Bi An waist token’, his tapping paused almost imperceptibly, and his gaze suddenly sharpened like a falcon’s.
“Bi’an…”
Old Zhu repeated the word in a low voice, a chilling coldness in his tone: “Governing punishment and justice, discerning right from wrong… Hmph, they certainly know how to flatter themselves!”
A myriad of thoughts flashed through his mind.
This waist token was by no means official; it seemed more like a token of some clandestine organization.
An organization capable of infiltrating the Grain Transport, possibly involving multiple princes, and even linked to the leakage of the ‘Red Lead Immortal Pill’, using Bi’an, a symbol of judicial fairness, as its emblem, was a profound irony and an act of brazenness.
“And the portrait of the scar-faced man?” Old Zhu asked calmly.
Song Zhong immediately presented the copy of the portrait drawn by Zhang Biao.
Old Zhu scrutinized the fierce-faced man with the scar in the portrait, his eyes as cold as knives.
He seared this face into his memory.
“Issue an order!”
Old Zhu said sternly: “Deploy all our hidden agents, and investigate the origins of this scar-faced man and the Bi An waist token!”
“Prioritize investigations within the Ministry of Justice, the Supreme Court, the Censorate, and the residences of various princes, for anyone with a similar appearance or suspicious identity!”
“Also, keep a close eye on those clerks who have nominally retired but remain in close contact with various factions!”
“Yes!”
Song Zhong received the order with solemnity.
He knew that His Majesty intended to follow Zhang Biao’s lead and expand the scope of the investigation to the entire bureaucratic system and within the imperial clan; this net was being cast very wide.
Then, Old Zhu spoke calmly again: “Li Mo had an accident in Zhou territory. We sent those five to the fiefdoms with the hope they would bear fruit.”
“Now, Li Mo has shown some promise as an Investigating Censor. What about the other four? Have they yielded any results?”
Hearing this, Song Zhong carefully recalled, then respectfully reported: “Replying to Your Majesty, in the Prince of Qin’s fiefdom, Shen Lang assisted Duke Ying Fu Youde in rectifying governance and investigated several old cases of garrison officers misappropriating farmland and withholding military pay.”
“His methods were decisive, and with Duke Ying presiding, Prince Qin’s Heir Apparent and others dared not utter a single word of complaint, and the fiefdom remains relatively stable.”
Old Zhu nodded slightly. Fu Youde was a general he trusted; with him in charge, the Prince of Qin’s fiefdom would not fall into chaos.
That young man Shen Lang, a capable subordinate of Zhang Biao, would naturally not be incompetent.
However, this was not what he wanted.
He needed Shen Lang to secretly investigate whether those around the Prince of Qin were involved with the mastermind.
This was because the Prince of Qin’s favored concubine, Consort Wang, was the main culprit in misleading the Prince of Qin, and Consort Wang was undoubtedly connected to the mastermind.
Yet, he had not stated this explicitly, as he believed Shen Lang would investigate such clues covertly.
“What about the Prince of Jin’s fiefdom?”
Old Zhu asked again.
Song Zhong respectfully replied: “Replying to Your Majesty, in the Prince of Jin’s fiefdom, Sun Gui assisted Duke Song Feng Sheng. He investigated cases without regard for convention, delving into the marketplace to right the wrongs of the people, and solved several cases of local magnates colluding with clerks to oppress the populace.”
“He is known as ‘Sun Divine Lamp’ by the people of Jin. It is said… when he presides over trials, he often carries a chamber pot lamp, claiming it illuminates the darkness of the world.”
Hearing ‘Sun Divine Lamp’ and ‘chamber pot lamp’, Old Zhu’s lips twitched almost imperceptibly, and he then snorted coldly:
“Nonsense! Utterly improper!”
His tone was displeased, but deep within his eyes, there was not much anger, but rather a hint of imperceptible approval.
To be so embraced by the populace indicated that Sun Gui was genuinely working, albeit in an absurd manner.
He just didn’t know if this rough soldier could grasp his deeper meaning.
Immediately after, without Old Zhu having to speak, Song Zhong continued his report:
“In the Prince of Yan’s fiefdom, Wu Nai Da acted with steadiness, just as he did during his tenure in the Ministry of Personnel. The cases he investigated were mostly related to oversights in money and grain accounts, and breaches of protocol.”
“His Highness the Prince of Yan treated him with great respect and did not hinder his supervisory authority.”
Old Zhu grunted, offering no comment.
If the mastermind was Fourth Brother, with Fourth Brother’s intelligence, Wu Nai Da would likely not be his match, even with his deep understanding of official conduct.
Therefore, Wu Nai Da’s adherence to rules naturally led to a peaceful situation.
【 It’s a pity! The one who went was not that madman. 】
Old Zhu sighed with a hint of regret.
Finally, he spoke of the Prince of Qi.
“As for the Prince of Qi’s fiefdom…”
Song Zhong’s tone became slightly hesitant: “Censor Zhao Fengman and His Highness the Prince of Qi seem… not to be on good terms.”
“According to informants, during private banquets at his residence, His Highness the Prince of Qi repeatedly insulted Censor Zhao, calling him ‘meddlesome’ and ‘unappreciative’. Censor Zhao, however, has continued his work as usual, investigating matters of Grain Transport and Mining Tax in Qi territory.”
“However, in the last fortnight, there have been no unusual movements from either side; the Prince of Qi’s mansion and Censor Zhao’s office have been quite peaceful.”
“Peaceful?”
Old Zhu’s brow furrowed instantly, and the speed of his finger-tapping clearly increased:
“That bastard Zhu Fu, don’t I know him? He’s vindictive and narrow-minded!”
“If Zhao Fengman has poked into his sore spots, how could he let it go? How could it suddenly become ‘peaceful’?”
Old Zhu’s intuition told him that beneath this abnormal ‘calm’, a greater storm was brewing.
Zhu Fu was certainly not one to suffer in silence.
He rapidly connected the information from various sources in his mind:
Zhang Biao’s leads in the Capital City and the Prince of Zhou’s fiefdom pointed to a major Grain Transport case, and a potential clandestine organization…
Zhao Fengman investigating Grain Transport and Mining Tax in the Prince of Qi’s fiefdom, with a strained relationship with the Prince of Qi, and now suddenly ‘peaceful’…
Prince Qi Zhu Fu, known for his brutality and greed, and his fiefdom Qingzhou being a crucial node in the Grain Transport…
A terrible conjecture surfaced in Old Zhu’s mind:
【 Prince Qi Zhu Fu is likely deeply involved in this Grain Transport corruption network, possibly even a key link within it! 】
【 And Zhao Fengman’s investigation has already encroached upon his core interests! 】
【 The so-called ‘peace’ is very likely Zhu Fu plotting a poisonous scheme to silence him! 】
“Song Zhong!”
Old Zhu suddenly looked up, his eyes shooting out a cold glint: “Immediately dispatch capable personnel to infiltrate Qingzhou!”
“Keep a close watch on the Prince of Qi’s mansion and Zhao Fengman for us! We need to know their every move! Especially any troop movements by the Prince of Qi’s mansion, and whether any unfamiliar skilled individuals are entering or leaving!”
“Inform our people that if they discover any adverse actions by the Prince of Qi’s mansion against Zhao Fengman, or if Zhao Fengman is in danger, they are to protect him at all costs! If necessary, they may reveal their identities!”
Old Zhu’s tone was one of unquestionable decisiveness.
Zhao Fengman might hold crucial evidence, and he could not afford for him to be endangered, or even harmed, like Li Mo.
“Yes! Your subordinate will attend to it immediately!”
Song Zhong, sensing the gravity of the situation and the Emperor’s resolve, dared not delay and immediately turned to make arrangements.
In the empty Main Hall, Old Zhu stood up alone and walked to the massive Great Ming Territory Map, his sharp gaze sweeping across Kaifeng, Qingzhou, and the Grain Transport route.
Zhang Biao, like a sharp blade, had already torn open a gap from the Capital City and the Prince of Zhou’s fiefdom.
Zhao Fengman, in the Prince of Qi’s fiefdom, might be in mortal danger, but he could also hold another key.
Shen Lang, Sun Gui, and Wu Nai Da were in their respective positions, seemingly stable, yet they also kept the other princes in check.
And all these clues seemed to vaguely point to a massive conspiracy hidden behind the Grain Transport corruption, possibly involving multiple princes, possessing a mysterious organization, and even inextricably linked to the Crown Prince’s death.
“Good… a truly chaotic dance of demons!”
Old Zhu’s voice was icy, filled with immense killing intent: “I’d like to see how long you can keep hiding!”
He decided not only to let Zhang Biao, that ‘mad blade’, continue his rampage but also to provide secret protection to Zhao Fengman.
And even… if necessary, to push Zhang Biao’s blade to more swiftly target the Prince of Qi.
He intended to use this Grain Transport corruption case to thoroughly purge the accumulated filth of recent years, to cleanse those demons and monsters who dared to challenge imperial authority, corrode the foundation of the nation, and even possibly plot against the Crown Prince!
“Yun Ming!”
Old Zhu called out unexpectedly.
“Your servant is here!”
Yun Ming immediately bowed and stepped forward.
A glint flashed in Old Zhu’s eyes, then he calmly said: “How has Consort Lü been behaving recently?”
“Replying to Your Majesty, it’s the same as before, no unusual activity.”
Yun Ming said cautiously: “Besides tending to her flowers and plants in the palace, and regularly paying respects to His Highness the Crown Prince, she teaches His Highness the Second Imperial Grandson in his studies and etiquette, visits the two Princesses, and sends snacks and pig’s head meat to His Highness the Third Imperial Grandson.”
“Heh!”
Old Zhu chuckled indifferently: “She certainly knows how to remain composed!”
“However.”
Yun Ming hesitated for a moment, then continued:
“His Highness the Second Imperial Grandson seems very interested in the ‘Literary Grand Ceremony’. He often questions Scholar Huang about its contents.”
“Oh?”
Old Zhu raised an eyebrow, then pressed: “Does Yunwen wish to participate in the ‘Literary Grand Ceremony’?”
“This… Your servant does not know. His Highness the Second Imperial Grandson did not state it clearly.”
“Hmm, I understand.”
Old Zhu nodded, then thoughtfully said: “Go and summon Yunwen. It has been a while since I tested his scholarship. Have him come to Huagai Hall.”
“Yes!”
Yun Ming bowed, just about to leave.
Then Old Zhu said again: “Also, summon Jiang Huan. I have something to ask him too!”
“Your servant obeys.”
Yun Ming nodded in acknowledgment, his heart suddenly solemn.
【 It seems His Majesty is still not entirely at ease about His Highness the Second Imperial Grandson! 】
【 Is he going to admonish him? By using Commander Jiang’s investigation? 】
Thinking this, Yun Ming suddenly remembered that Imperial Grandson Zhu Youjian, but dared not delay, quickly bowed and left the hall.
At the same time.
In Zhang Biao’s dilapidated small courtyard, the atmosphere was somewhat peculiar.
Old Zhou, Old Li, Old Sun, and Old Qian sat around the table, their faces showing a hint of the joy of a good harvest, as they reported to Zhang Biao the new leads they had easily obtained.
“Lord Zhang, look at this!”
Old Li presented a tattered page from an old-looking account book as if it were a treasure:
“I was just loitering near the Ministry of Revenue today, and an old man I didn’t recognize handed it to me, saying he couldn’t stand corrupt officials! It records the location of a secret warehouse of the Prince of Qi’s mansion and several large transactions!”
“Heh, coincidentally!”
Old Sun laughed and quickly chimed in:
“At the teahouse, I also overheard some merchants with foreign accents complaining that people from the Prince of Chu’s mansion were holding up grain boats, demanding twice the usual ‘tribute’!”
“They also implied that due to insufficient arrangements with the Prince of Yan’s and Prince of Shu’s mansions, their goods were being held up.”
“Cough cough…”
Old Qian coughed twice and produced several papers:
“I have someone here who claims to be a former servant of the Prince of Zhou’s mansion. He found my subordinate and said Zhu Youjian and a manager from the Prince of Qi’s mansion had met privately, and they seemed to mention some ‘Marquis’ in the Capital City.”
Loach nodded in agreement nearby:
“Uncle Zhou, someone on my end also reported seeing the Scar-faced Man in the West of the City, interacting with someone wearing official boots…”
These leads were clear, the evidence seemed conclusive, and the process of obtaining them was unbelievably easy, as if people were lining up to deliver secrets into their hands.
Zhang Biao listened, his expression gradually shifting from initial surprise to solemnity, and finally to utter gloom.
He didn’t look at the ‘evidence’ but swept his sharp gaze over each old soldier.
“Old Zhou, you’ve looked at that account book? Are you sure it’s genuine?”
Old Zhou affirmed: “I’ve seen it. The handwriting and seals match. I’ve cross-referenced some past records, and some of the hidden accounts also match.”
“Old Sun, have you ever seen those merchants before? How did you happen to overhear their complaints?”
“Never seen them, they looked very unfamiliar…”
Old Sun also sensed something was amiss: “It’s like they just appeared out of nowhere.”
Zhang Biao continued to press: “Old Qian, how did that former servant specifically find your subordinate? And why did he provide such detailed information?”
“This…”
Old Qian was at a loss for words.
Zhang Biao slammed the table, his voice laced with suppressed anger: “Don’t you think this is too damn smooth?! Too unnaturally smooth!”
“Just a few days ago we were being hunted like rats, and today, intelligence just grew legs and walked over to us? And it was delivered for free?!”
After speaking, he stood up abruptly and paced agitatedly in the small room: “Prince Zhou, Prince Qi, Prince Chu, Prince Shu, and now even the Prince of Yan is involved!”
“This water is so deep, it could drown all of our current manpower ten times over!”
“Knock knock—!”
Just then, the courtyard gate was knocked, and Song Zhong’s voice suddenly came: “Lord Zhang.”
Zhang Biao’s eyes flashed, his face instantly changing to one of exasperation and a ‘I’m done with this’ attitude. He flung open the courtyard gate and roared at Song Zhong outside:
“Investigator Song! You’ve come at the perfect time! I can’t do this job anymore!”
Song Zhong was startled by his sudden outburst: “Lord Zhang, what makes you say that?”
“What makes me say that?”
Zhang Biao pointed at the pile of ‘leads’ on the table inside, his voice exaggeratedly cursing:
“Look for yourself! In such a short time, Prince Zhou, Prince Shu, Prince Qi, Prince Chu, Prince Yan! Damn it, we’ve almost gathered all the princes from the 【 Imperial Ming Ancestral Teachings 》! “
“They’re all implicated in Grain Transport corruption! What’s there to investigate further!”
“If we keep investigating, won’t even Old Zhu be implicated?! Is their entire family a nest of thieves?!”
These words were certainly audacious, but Song Zhong was accustomed to Zhang Biao’s recklessness and pretended not to hear, then his gaze fell upon the ‘leads’.
Zhang Biao, meanwhile, subtly observed Song Zhong’s reaction.
Song Zhong looked expressionlessly at the pile of suddenly appearing ‘leads’ on the table, then at Zhang Biao’s ‘I’m not serving anymore’ stance, and for a moment, he was unsure.
【 Is this Zhang Biao truly scared, or is he acting? 】
“Lord Zhang, please calm yourself. Investigations will naturally encounter various complex situations…”
“Complex? This is damn not complex, this is life-threatening!”
Zhang Biao interrupted him, waving his hand: “Go back and tell Old Zhu that this Anti-corruption Bureau job, I can’t do it! Whoever wants it can have it! Unless…”
He changed the subject, rubbed two fingers together, and put on a shrewd expression:
“The price needs to be raised! If the risk is doubled, the funding must also be doubled! Otherwise, I’ll submit my resignation tomorrow, and whoever wants to deal with this mess can deal with it!”
Song Zhong looked at Zhang Biao’s shameless demand for more money, speechless.
He truly couldn’t tell if Zhang Biao genuinely wanted to quit or was using this opportunity to demand more resources.
After a moment of contemplation, he decided to report truthfully: “I will relay Lord Zhang’s words to His Majesty verbatim.”
“Hurry, hurry!”
Zhang Biao waved his hand impatiently, as if shooing away a fly.
Song Zhong gave him a deep look and turned to leave.
After Song Zhong was far away, the angry expression on Zhang Biao’s face instantly vanished, replaced by a foxy cunning.
He closed the door and returned inside.
“Lord Zhang, are we… really not investigating anymore?”
Old Zhou couldn’t help but ask, the others also looking at him expectantly.
“Investigating? Investigate what nonsense!”
Zhang Biao sneered and sat down heavily:
“Clearly, others have dug a pit and are dangling a carrot to lure us foolish mules into it!”
“If we blindly follow these clues, we won’t even know how we died!”
“Then what do we do?” Loach asked blankly.
“What do we do?”
Zhang Biao grinned, patting his belly: “Eat! The sky is big, the earth is big, eating is the biggest!”
“Loach, go find Wang Mazi and order five, no, ten portions of pig’s head meat noodles! Extra meat, less money! I’m treating today, let’s eat until we’re full and then talk!”
“Alright!”
Although Loach didn’t understand, he happily ran out.
Not long after, steaming, fragrant pig’s head meat noodles were delivered to the small courtyard.
The group sat together, slurping their noodles, their mood temporarily relaxed.
As they ate, One-armed Old Zhou seemed to recall something, put down his chopsticks, hesitated for a moment, and said:
“Lord Zhang, speaking of not investigating the docks… I do recall another rather peculiar matter.”
“Oh? What matter?”
Zhang Biao slurped his noodles, asking unclearly.
Old Zhou glanced at Old Li, Old Sun, and Old Qian, who had also stopped eating, instinctively swallowed, and then cautiously said:
“A while ago, didn’t you ask us to investigate our village and my nephew’s affairs?”
As he said this, his voice grew lower: “We discovered… someone in the court is…”
“Did you leave your vocal cords at home?! Speak up if you have something to say!”
Zhang Biao swallowed a mouthful of noodles, impatiently urging him on.
Old Zhou shivered and blurted out: “Someone in court is colluding with enemies and raising bandits for self-importance!”
“Clatter—!”
Zhang Biao’s chopsticks fell to the table without warning.
Seeking monthly tickets~
