Fish Meat – Chapter 81
by Little PandaThe Ninth Year of Shenchu
Runing’s Winds and Clouds (Part 7)
The hour of the rabbit was about to arrive when Guan Xun emerged from the imperial study, his face as hard as iron.
Outside the door, Jiang Wang had been waiting all along, holding the thin robe Guan Xun had worn when he came. Guan Xun walked with his head down, not pausing, and Jiang Wang followed behind him, accurately placing the robe over his shoulders as they made their way to the carriage outside the palace gate.
Guan Xun’s expression was not very pleasant, and Jiang Wang could mostly guess what Li Ju might have said to him.
Before coming to report to the emperor, Guan Xun had specifically inquired with the jailer and learned that on the eve of Hong Ai’s suicide, Xie Zhongcheng had visited with the emperor’s token and his official seal, allowing him to interrogate Hong Ai. The two talked for less than half an hour before Xie Zhongcheng left. After his departure, the jailer did not visit Hong Ai’s cell again. It is unknown when he committed suicide, but the autopsy results showed he died from poisoning. The poison was □□, and after ingesting it, one would vomit blood for two days before dying.
“The poison was certainly brought to him by Xie Fuchen,” Jiang Wang said, touching the jade ring on his finger and sighing dramatically. “What kind of mood would Guanglu Qing have, stained with his own vomited blood, writing letters in blood on his prison clothes? To protect his entire clan’s lives and the emperor’s interests, he endured for so long, only to be given poison in the end—what must he have felt? However, this time he saved the national father-in-law but left our Ministry of Justice Office in a terrible state. The criminal charges were not determined, the relationships behind the scenes were not investigated clearly, and without signatures, he suddenly died. This incident makes it hard for our Ministry of Justice Office to escape responsibility. Feng Dian, the emperor has long been displeased with us and may seize this opportunity with Hong Ai’s case to take drastic actions against the Ministry of Justice Office, possibly even uprooting us entirely.”
Jiang Wang’s words are still unpleasant to hear; he is not someone who pleases people, and it is precisely for this reason that Guan Xun promoted him to the position of Tingwei Shi. This time, his words were still difficult for people to swallow, but Guan Xun had to admit he was right.
After 46 days of torture, Hong Ai committed suicide. Guan Xun had been in charge of the Ministry of Justice Office for many years, and this person was considered a rare hard case, having endured almost all forms of punishment in the imperial prison without revealing a single word. Not to mention the full range of torture, Guan Xun had seen many battlefield generals, muscular and strong, who couldn’t endure even two rounds of punishment tools before crying out and begging for mercy. Regardless of Hong Ai’s character, his unyielding nature earned Guan Xun’s admiration.
Based on the dark lines now uncovered, a mysterious person unwilling to reveal their identity said that thirty thousand taels of stolen silver were given by a handsome young man who admired Hong’s Ah Yi. However, before the incident, this lady Ah Yi had already disappeared, and after many days of investigation by Guan Xun’s people, not a single clue was found. This lady Ah Yi seemed to have vanished from the world, and no one had heard of the female Hu merchant Hong Ai mentioned. It was obvious that the emperor was eager to clear Hong Ai’s name, wanting the court to search Hong’s mansion again, believing evidence to exonerate Hong Ai might be hidden. Unexpectedly, the evidence the emperor wanted was not found; instead, many pieces of evidence of collusion with enemy rebellion were discovered in the sealed private house. Previously claiming to be framed, Hong Ai suddenly confessed and committed suicide after Xie Zhongcheng left, leaving behind a confession identifying the plot leader.
Guan Xun has always been a man of few words, focused on action, but that doesn’t mean he was unaware. Putting all these clear clues together, if he couldn’t perceive the hidden turbulence, then his years in the Ministry of Justice Office would have been in vain. However, even if he understood, he couldn’t pursue it, just like how his official seal ended up in Xie Fuchen’s hands—he has an idea but cannot speak of it.
The struggle between the emperor and the Eldest Princess was long no secret in the court, and it has now reached the point of open confrontation. The case of Hong Ai embezzling disaster relief funds, which involved treason, is a crime punishable by the extermination of nine clans. Originally, this matter made Guan Xun somewhat uneasy, and now Hong Ai’s blood letter, written with his life, has once again completely reversed the situation. After today’s meeting with the emperor, Guan Xun realized that the direction of the entire court and Da Yu was beyond the control of the Ministry of Justice Office. Following Yao Wei, a wave of retirement swept through the court, with ministers unwilling to be involved in the struggle for power resigning to return home, seeking stability to protect their families. Those remaining, apart from the pro-emperor Xie faction and the ambitious Wei faction, like Guan Xun, who wished to remain neutral and work solely for Da Yu and its people, found their space increasingly narrow. Even Guan Xun, who has always prided himself on his integrity and wished to be a backbone minister, couldn’t help but feel the desire to retreat to the countryside.
Hong Ai’s confession is sure to stir up a new round of bloody turmoil in today’s early court session. In the end, how many innocent people will be implicated and wrongfully die? It is unknown.
Guan Xun looked at the crescent moon about to set in the sky and sighed softly in the clear, cold air.
In the waiting hall outside the Tai Ji Hall, the ministers gathered in groups of three or five, waiting for the hall doors to open. Most of their discussions were about the troubles of the Suichuan refugees and the northern front’s war affairs. Wei Lun and Xie Fuchen entered one after the other and saw each other among the people. Xie Fuchen immediately smiled warmly, cupped his hands, and saluted Wei Lun, saying: “Master Wei is usually the most diligent, but today you arrived late. Could something have delayed you?”
Without showing any expression, Wei Lun returned the salute and said: “Not as much as Master Xie’s hard work. Just returned to Runing and before even entering the mansion door, you first went to the imperial prison. The title of diligence should belong to Master Xie.”
Xie Fuchen’s smile remained unchanged, seemingly not catching Wei Lun’s underlying meaning, and his expression overflowed with gratitude: “Wei Situ is truly considerate to this official, truly making one grateful to tears.”
Wei Lun said in a deep voice, “Courteous.”
The young eunuch who announced court attendance came in to invite all ministers: “Gentlemen, it is time to attend court.”
Xie Fuchen modestly said, “Wei Situ, please go ahead.”
Wei Lun said, “Master Xie, you please go first.”
Xie Fuchen no longer stood on ceremony, taking the first step out of the waiting pavilion and proceeding toward the Tai Ji Hall.
The early court session began, and after some praises were sung, Li Ju looked at the ministers standing below the court and asked, “Hong Ai committed suicide in prison, leaving behind a blood letter. What are your views, gentlemen?”
The Censorate’s supervising censor, Wang Zheng, was the first to step forward and said, “Your Majesty, I heard that some days ago the Ministry of Justice Office found evidence of collusion with the enemy and treason at Hong’s residence. It seems Hong Ai wanted to commit suicide out of fear of punishment to preserve his clan’s life. This person had already committed the grave crime of embezzling disaster relief funds, and now he has colluded with the Hu tribe to plot against our Da Yu. Such a villain must not be treated leniently by Your Majesty! If we do not pursue this thoroughly, how can we prevent others from following suit? What national law could stand?”
Jinwu General Guo Qi also stood up in agreement, saying, “Your Majesty! The late emperor deeply loathed and abhorred corrupt individuals during his reign, and former Guanglu Qing and Suichuan governor Hong Ai also stands accused of collusion with the enemy and treason, which cannot go unpunished! Even if those behind Hong Ai hold high positions and power, Your Majesty must not let them go; otherwise, how can the soldiers of our Da Yu, who died unjustly at the frontier, rest in peace?”
Subsequently, more people stood up in agreement, insisting on a thorough investigation of those colluding with the enemy, to eliminate Da Yu’s internal threats and repel external ones.
Zhangsun Yao and Wei Lun exchanged a glance, and the ministers standing behind them also wore puzzled expressions, seemingly unable to understand why the Qingliu faction suddenly wanted to thoroughly investigate the Hong Ai matter. After all, Hong Ai was already dead; if pursued further, it would inevitably lead to Feng Kun. Could it be that Xie Fuchen wants to sacrifice Feng Kun as well?
Impossible. Wei Lun quietly lifted his head to look at Li Ju, seeing him sitting on the high platform with a usual expression, seemingly deep in thought.
Recalling the poisoning incident, the sudden change in the court’s atmosphere is surely part of Xie Fuchen’s strategy. Zhangsun Yao stepped forward, saluted Li Ju, and said: “Your Majesty, I believe this matter should not be further investigated at this moment.”
Li Ju raised an eyebrow: “Oh? Why?”
Zhangsun Yao replied: “Currently, as the Hu tribe’s spring grazing is underway, it should also be a time for our Da Yu to recuperate; the most important matter now is the summer planting. After the autumn harvest, when the soldiers are strong and the horses are well-fed, we can resume the conquest of the four great Hu tribes. This is the first reason. Second, since the beginning of summer, Da Yu has experienced three consecutive years of severe drought, followed by sudden torrential rains and floods. Since the Cold Food Festival, it’s been raining heavily for over a month in Nanya. If we do not quickly reinforce the dikes, the downstream villages in Jingji, Pingcang, and other counties will be completely submerged. Most of the men from these counties are on the northern front battlefield, so we need to quickly mobilize manpower from neighboring counties to repair the dikes. Otherwise, if the flood submerges the villages and people suffer, it will chill the hearts of the soldiers fighting to defend their homeland! Your Majesty, putting manpower and resources into a case of uncertain truth now is surely putting the cart before the horse?”
Wang Zheng took a step forward to refute: “Zhangsun Shaofu, this view is mistaken! What if those letters are genuine? They aren’t just one or two insignificant letters; they are piles of treasonous documents conspiring with Chongjin leaders to betray Da Yu! Tolerating such negligence is what would chill the hearts of the soldiers who have fallen on the battlefield! Strengthening the dikes is certainly important, but shouldn’t treasonous villains also be eradicated in a timely manner?! Moreover, the investigation is fully handled by the Ministry of Justice and our Censorate. How does it conflict with dike repair? Zhangsun Shaofu, do you mean to say that court officials and Xie Zhongcheng should also go repair the dikes?”
Zhangsun Yao and Wang Zheng are the two most eloquent tongues in the central court of Da Yu, belonging to two different factions. When they directly oppose each other, they can argue without pause for an entire hour.
In the court, the ministers went back and forth, neither side giving way. The national father-in-law, Feng Kun, who was at the center of the storm, still did not attend the early court session, while both Wei Lun and Xie Fuchen remained silent, observing calmly.
Wei Lun found it slightly amusing that they initially wanted to quickly convict Hong Ai, but now, due to Xie Fuchen’s sudden shift in position, their minds were unsettled. Wei Lun looked at Xie Fuchen’s profile, pondering the unfathomable meaning behind that confession blood letter. Speaking of which, he still had not seen that blood letter…
While Wei Lun was still contemplating, Xie Fuchen suddenly stepped forward: “Your Majesty, I am heartbroken and fearful about the Guanglu Qing matter. And today, with Wei Situ present, this old minister wishes to ask Wei Situ a few questions.”
Li Ju said: “Ask.”
When Xie Fuchen turned his head to look at Wei Lun, Wei Lun suddenly understood everything.
Xie Fuchen’s hands, holding the tablet, trembled as he lamented deeply: “I have served in the court with Wei Situ for over thirty years, and our relationship has been like that of brothers, yet I did not realize that Wei Situ’s heart has long since changed! Wei Situ, what exactly has happened over these years that caused your commitment to support Da Yu to waver? Is it power or money? What could possibly lead you to secretly instruct your disciple Hong Ai to collude with Hu traitors and betray the country for glory? I cannot understand! Please, Wei Situ, explain!”
After Xie Fuchen finished these decisive words, Zhangsun Yao and his allies suddenly turned pale. Wei Lun’s heart also sank — Xie Fuchen indeed turned against him, and did so with harsh intent.
In Hong Ai’s confession blood letter, he not only took all the blame upon himself but also explicitly stated that he was coerced and bribed by his former mentor to commit this grave mistake, with Wei Lun being the mastermind behind it. The so-called close person and prominent minister did not refer to his uncle Feng Kun, but to Wei Lun, one of the three dukes.
Hong Ai was indeed a disciple of Wei Lun, having studied Confucian classics diligently under him from a young age. At that time, Feng Xiyi had not yet married Li Ju, and Feng Kun was not yet the national father-in-law, while Hong Ai was merely a small scholar who admired his mentor. Little did anyone know that over the next decade, political fortunes would shift dramatically. Since Wei Lun openly supported Li Yanyi in seizing power, even though it was never publicly stated, Hong Ai, who disdained associating with treacherous officials, had long severed ties with Wei Lun. Even when meeting in court, Hong Ai never glanced at Wei Lun, and Wei Lun, in turn, ignored him.
The past entanglement between these two and their current state of being like strangers is known throughout the court, but the teacher-student identity cannot be erased no matter what. Just like Hong Ai, who for many years diligently avoided mentioning it, wanting to remove Wei Lun’s mark from himself, but unfortunately never succeeded.
“Yuan Bin, if you wish to die for righteousness, why not drag Wei Lun down with you?” On that damp and cold night in the imperial prison, Xie Fuchen caressed Hong Ai’s face, his hand somewhat trembling, and said with great reluctance, “In the future, when Li Yanyi’s faction perishes, you will be a hero, and your name will forever be recorded in the history books, admired by future generations.”
The attendant yellow gate aide threw the blood letter in front of Wei Lun, and every word reflected in his eyes.
Wei Lun did not know with what kind of mindset his student recognized him as “teacher” again before dying, having always wanted to remove the stigma, yet in death actively took it back, just to falsely accuse others.
Wei Lun raised his head and looked at the red-eyed Xie Fuchen. At this moment, he admired Xie Fuchen, whose manipulation of people’s hearts increasingly made one shiver.
Xie Fuchen did not take out the blood letter to confront Wei Lun at the beginning of the court session, but instead, with a tone confirming the blood letter’s authenticity, he questioned, as if Wei Lun’s treason was already a settled matter.
“Wei Situ, do you have anything to say about this matter?” Li Ju raised his voice and said.
Wei Lun prostrated himself on the ground: “This minister never instructed Hong Ai to collude with the enemy! I hope Your Majesty will investigate clearly!”
“An investigation will certainly be conducted; first, imprison him in the imperial prison, and then we will speak further! Come! Take him away!”
“Yes!”
It was clearly a false accusation, and if Wei Lun were really thrown into the imperial prison, everyone present knew exactly what awaited him.
As the guards were about to seize him, Zhangsun Yao shouted, “This cannot be,” and a group of allies immediately knelt, crying out, “Your Majesty,” trying to seek justice for Wei Lun. Li Ju was waiting for this moment; he pointed at Zhangsun Yao and the others and said:
“Bold! Let me see who else is Wei Lun’s accomplice?! Come! Take these who plead for Wei Lun as accomplices into the imperial prison!”
“Yes!”
Li Ju finally seized this opportunity, finally witnessing Li Yanyi’s followers being cut down one by one. Just a few days ago, he was in the depths of despair, thinking he had no chance of victory, that his imperial power would be handed over. Who could have imagined that in an instant, Xie Fuchen would turn the tide and transform danger into safety? Now, the one being treated like a drenched dog is Wei Lun! It is Li Yanyi!
Li Ju could barely control the muscles at the corners of his mouth, about to burst into laughter.
Come on, Wei Lun, Zhangsun Yao, however many of you come, I will take that many. This is the price for being accomplices to the tiger!
Just as Zhangsun Yao and the others were about to be taken away, Li Ju suddenly saw Li Yanyi appear in the court.
He thought he was seeing things, as he had already issued orders the previous night when Guan Xun came that no palace gates should allow Li Yanyi to enter the palace. But in the blink of an eye, looking again, it was indeed Li Yanyi. When did she enter the palace without anyone knowing?
Li Yanyi had specifically worn her Grand Princess attire, which she always found troublesome, and the five-colored peacock behind her surprisingly added a touch of majesty. She walked straight in from outside, and the eunuchs guarding the door were dumbfounded, wanting to stop her, but were instead blocked by the Huben Guard following behind her.
Li Yanyi did not pay any attention to who blocked her path, already confident in her heart that her guards would clear all obstacles. Her steps never slowed as she strode into the Tai Ji Hall. The previously chaotic hall suddenly quieted down; no one, including Xie Fuchen, could have imagined Li Yanyi would appear here so boldly!
“Greetings to Your Majesty.” Li Yanyi slightly bent her waist, not performing a formal salute. Her voice was calm, neither humble nor arrogant, “May I ask Your Majesty, according to Da Yu’s law, who should review the suspicions against the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers and other important officials?”
Li Ju clenched his fist and did not answer her question, instead angrily said: “Absurd! The harem cannot govern, why are you here!”
Li Yanyi responded swiftly: “The harem refers to Your Majesty’s concubines; they do not have the surname Li, and naturally have no right to govern. But this palace does have the surname Li, I am your imperial elder sister! The affairs in this court are family matters of the Li family, I ask who in this court is more qualified to speak than this palace?”
Li Ju angrily changed his expression, almost jumping up: “Insolence! Someone! Take Li Yanyi out for me!”
The sound of “Yes” and the voice of the always-silent Empress Dowager Geng from behind the curtain sounded together:
“Who dares to touch my Huaichen?”
This voice of the Empress Dowager, neither loud nor soft, caused the entire court to fall silent. Li Ju almost instinctively trembled, his heartbeat seemingly audible throughout the entire hall.
The Empress Dowager Geng, who had not spoken for two years, spoke again in the court, causing the ministers below to feel somewhat apprehensive. The gentle sound of the beaded curtain was heard, and Wang Gugu, who had been with the Empress Dowager for thirty years, supported her as she walked out.
Nearly fifty years old, Empress Dowager Geng was well-maintained, with not many wrinkles on her face and no white hair visible in her tied-up hair. However, a serious illness two years ago had left her body much weaker than before, her complexion slightly pale due to blood deficiency. Her eyes were still relatively clear and bright, and she glanced at those below the hall, coldly laughing: “I am still alive, and you are all so impatient. If I were dead, I fear not even the bones of my Huaichen would be left!”
Li Ju hurriedly said, “This son does not dare.”
The ministers also echoed, “We ministers do not dare.”
“The Empress Dowager sees that there is nothing you do not dare to do! Over just a small matter, you all quarrel endlessly. My son, if you cannot keep your composure, how can the Empress Dowager dare to truly entrust the country to you? Each of you often says behind my back that the Empress Dowager usurps power, but do not forget, back then, the late emperor entrusted me to look after the emperor. Now, the late emperor has been gone for not even ten years, and you all are impatiently wanting to force us, the widowed mother and orphan, out onto the road?”
Li Ju’s heart surged with anger, but he did not dare to truly defy the Empress Dowager’s words. Although the Empress Dowager was not his birth mother, she was his rightful legal mother and was deeply loved by the late emperor. If not for this, the late emperor would not have entrusted the country of Da Yu to her on his deathbed. Li Ju tried hard to control his emotions and admitted his fault to the Empress Dowager: “Mother Empress’s lesson is right; it is the son who is lacking.”
Once the Empress Dowager came out, no one dared to touch Li Yanyi, but Xie Fuchen, standing to the side, spoke:
“Empress Dowager, Grand Princess, throughout history there has never been a princess who has run to the court to discuss politics. Moreover, although the princess is born into the imperial family, Your Highness will sooner or later marry, and once married, you will belong to your future husband’s family. Logically speaking, this should not happen, and emotionally, could Your Highness still want to plead for this traitor?”
“Xie Zhongcheng.” Li Yanyi raised her chin, looking at Xie Fuchen from the corner of her eye, “Inspecting officials and impeaching according to regulations is Xie Zhongcheng’s responsibility, and you should not be unfamiliar with Da Yu’s law. Can Xie Zhongcheng answer my earlier question: who should review the suspicions against the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers and other important officials? Could it be decided merely on Xie Zhongcheng’s word?”
Xie Fuchen originally did not want to pay attention to her, but according to etiquette, he had to respond when the Grand Princess spoke, so he said, “I do not dare.”
“Does Xie Zhongcheng still have things he does not dare to do?” Thinking of him actually poisoning, causing the death of Lin Quan and many of her strategists, Li Yanyi hated him with gritted teeth. Now he actually wants to extend his claws towards Wei Lun, intending to reverse the accusation with treason, simply wishful thinking!
Li Ju saw that it was inconvenient for Xie Fuchen to directly confront Li Yanyi, so he, as the emperor, naturally had the right to speak: “Imperial sister, this is Tai Ji Hall, a place for discussing national affairs. It is inappropriate for you, a woman, to appear here. Please step down first.”
This was Li Ju’s forced tolerance. In front, Empress Dowager Geng was there to support Li Yanyi, and outside the hall were the Huben Guards obeying Li Yanyi, even holding weapons, appearing very intimidating. The Huben Guards are the palace’s forbidden army, and even holding weapons to enter the Tai Ji Hall is permitted. If there were to be a direct conflict and clash of weapons, he surely would gain no advantage. Previously, Xie Fuchen had sent people to assassinate Li Yanyi’s strategists, which had already greatly harmed her, and at this moment, trying to take Wei Lun would be no different from pouring oil on an extremely blazing coal fire. If Li Yanyi were really provoked to desperate measures, based on his understanding of Li Yanyi, she truly might force the palace. Li Ju worried that his own small military force might not reach in time to protect him before being killed by her on the spot. Seeing her aggressive stance breaking into the morning court was not impossible, Li Ju was greatly concerned and did not dare to speak too absolutely.
“Ultimately, is a woman’s dignity more important or Da Yu’s state more important? If the entire court of civil and military officials could discuss effective measures, why are there corpses along the road? May I ask Your Majesty, I am your imperial elder sister, as long as I am unmarried, I am a person of the Li family and also the emperor’s subject. Your Majesty, you say, is this true or not?”
Li Ju glanced at Xie Fuchen, seeing him slightly shake his head, not knowing if he was being told to deny or to stay silent. But how could he deny this matter? Li Ju had not yet had time to speak when Empress Dowager Geng answered for him: “My child is right, as long as my child is unmarried, she is a member of the imperial family. My child is noble as the Grand Princess; can she not even speak a word of advice to the emperor? You ministers, after years of natural disasters and wars, you cannot offer solutions, but you have plenty of reasons to blame my Huaichen. Not to mention the previous dynasty, just in this dynasty, an Empress Dowager like me attending court is the first time. This is the late emperor’s decree; do you mean the late emperor was also wrong?”
Below the hall, there was again a chorus of “dare not” voices. Li Yanyi’s mouth corner showed a hint of disdainful sneer, and she continued confidently:
“Since as subjects you have the duty to serve the country with all effort! You cannot let a loyal minister suffer injustice!” She looked around at the ministers and said, “You all dare not answer my simplest question, so let me tell you. According to Da Yu’s law, all cases of officials above the fourth rank must be reviewed by the Ministry of Justice Office, and having the criminal sign and seal is for closing the case! Guan Xun!”
Still standing silently to the side, unable to escape questioning, Guan Xun stepped forward. The feeling was truly strange, as Li Yanyi stood in the center of the Tai Ji Hall, speaking as if she were the emperor commanding ministers to perform their duties. Guan Xun found responding or not responding to be equally unsuitable. Li Yanyi naturally understood his predicament and did not expect him to answer: “I will keep a close watch on Wei Situ’s case. If anyone attempts to act selfishly, bend the law, or frame and harm others, this palace will certainly not let them off lightly.”
“You…” Li Ju abruptly stood up, pointing at the overstepping and rude Grand Princess, about to speak when Li Yanyi’s sudden backward glance almost pinned his rising heart back down. The Huben Guards standing outside the hall pressed their hands on their sword hilts, their eyes as fierce as wolves and tigers, staring intently at Li Ju.
In Li Ju’s peripheral vision, Xie Fuchen shook his head again. Sweat slid down Li Ju’s temples as his slightly trembling fingers slowly shifted towards Guan Xun: “You must properly review Wei Situ’s case. You must not act selfishly, bend the law, or harm loyal and good officials, and you must absolutely not be lenient and let treacherous ministers go!”
“Yes.” Guan Xun finally had a reasonable reason to speak.
Li Yanyi endured the itching in her chest and lungs, suppressing the strong desire to cough, as she watched Wei Lun being taken away.
From the beginning, Wei Lun did not say a single word; he knew that Xie Fuchen had long framed everything, and even if he rebutted, it would be futile. Hong Ai was dead, with no testimony from the dead, his entry into the imperial prison was certain.
As he was being taken away, Li Yanyi looked into his eyes, which were full of suppressed tears. She used her gaze to tell him, “I will definitely rescue you!”
But Wei Lun faintly smiled, as if he had already put life and death aside.
Wei Lun was taken away, and Li Yanyi looked at his back yet remained relatively calm. After chatting with Geng Bai yesterday, she already had a premonition that Xie Fuchen’s counterattack this time was extremely vicious. Today, she took the risk of breaking into the Tai Ji Hall not to save Wei Lun, but to protect Zhangsun Yao and other capable ministers.
She already had no one by her side, and if Zhangsun Yao also died, with whom could she plan? Who could help her rescue Wei Lun and Zuo Xu?
Stepping out of the Tai Ji Hall, being escorted and protected as she left, Li Yanyi had won today. Xie Fuchen indeed intended to eradicate Zhangsun Yao and the Wei clan’s factions completely. He did not expect Li Yanyi to directly break into the court; it seems she does not care about her own reputation or future opinions to achieve her goals.
Xie Fuchen looked at Li Yanyi’s back, his mouth corner revealing an incomprehensible smile.
“Protect Wei Lun, use all your strength to protect him, and see how other things are taken from your side.”
With Wei Lun falsely accused and imprisoned, Li Yanyi did not sleep the whole night; she had already been sleepless for three days. At dawn, Zhen Wenjun’s urgent knocking made her anxious. Zhen Wenjun reported that Zuo Xu had already confessed, and the Ministry of Justice Office executed him for the crime of great disrespect, with his head hung at the gate of Runing City as a warning to others.
After returning from the north, Xie Fuchen became decisive in his actions, seemingly with a long-dormant fierce tiger hidden in his heart, wanting to eradicate his enemies completely with lightning speed.
With an ominous premonition, Li Yanyi rushed to the city gate. After deeply bowing to her teacher’s head, she took a bottle of wine and poured it on the ground: “Teacher, this palace toasts you this last cup, to send you on your way.”
“Has Zizhuo replied yet?”
On a night of heavy rain, Li Yanyi opened all the doors and windows, watching the rainwater form lines on the roof tiles, while the wound on her side still hurt. The wound that should have healed long ago had not, leaving Li Yanyi annoyed and restless.
“Not yet,” Zhen Wenjun replied.
There were also over twenty strategists in the room. Li Yanyi sat in front of them, wanting to pour more wine, only to discover that the wine pot was actually empty.
“How is Zhangsun Jun?” Seeing the wine reminded her of the wine-loving Zhangsun Yao.
“After that day, Zhangsun Shaofu fell ill and has been recuperating at home these past few days,” Lin Yue replied.
“What about the southern flood?”
Counselor Wang said, “The flood has already caused hundreds of deaths in the counties of Nanya and Jingji, and since the river embankment is not repaired, there could be future troubles. But because the drought lasted too long and the canal digging and water diversion were successful, many people in the north say this is an auspicious sign, the omen of a holy emperor and wise king, and thanks to the emperor’s blessing. Surely, this is the work of old thief Xie spreading rumors, aiming to win the people’s hearts for the emperor.”
The advisor was speaking halfway when a messenger ran in and delivered a letter from Wei Tingxu. Li Yanyi eagerly opened it to read, and after reading, her frown deepened.
Counselor Jiang asked Li Yanyi what the letter said. Li Yanyi’s temple throbbed painfully: “Zizhuo said… Xie Fuchen has already stationed eighty thousand troops in the north, and he managed to do so right under Liu Feng’s nose. Now he has left the northern border and not only brought back a top expert who can poison and assassinate, but the northern troop stationing plan is still being implemented. After the autumn harvest, he can recruit over one hundred thousand.”
Hearing the number “one hundred thousand,” the faces of the strategists present became somewhat grim.
The heavy rain is considered an auspicious sign, Wei Lun has been captured, Zuo Xu executed, Lin Quan poisoned to death, and the north has stationed troops again… all these issues press heavily on Li Yanyi, leaving her breathless.
Could it be that her fate has run out? Could it be that she will really be toppled by Xie Fuchen alone?
She is unwilling to accept this.
“Gentlemen, is there still any brilliant plan to resolve the current situation?”
After Li Yanyi asked, the worried expressions of the strategists were within her expectations.
“Your Highness,” Zhen Wenjun suddenly spoke up. She sat behind the simple small desk that always follows her, her lively eyes blinking, and said words that Li Yanyi found extremely unexpected, “Actually, this matter is quite simple to solve.”
Wei Tingxu received the news of Wei Lun’s imprisonment and Li Yanyi’s situation while she was in Guanyang, a thousand miles away from Runing. With time being urgent, she ordered an immediate departure to advance at full speed towards Runing.
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